The Key(s) to Victory

by dxvilcj

There was nothing Lucy could do as she stood and watched in pure horror as 10,000 Dragons entered Fiore, destroying everything in their path. She got separated from the others during the initial attack, but the lack of magic and prideful shouts that she knows Fairytail was capable of, confirmed her doubts to be true. Everyone was dead. She had to go back, to save the future.

24. Our Mirrors, Shields, Swords, and Tears

[ Phantom Lord Arc {6} ]

"Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid old man." Polyursica grunted under her breath as she returned from getting additional supplies to help the fallen Makarov Dreyar, only for the man to have disappeared from his patient bed. What was wrong with the haggard gremlin, and his insistent need to get himself in the worst of trouble? He wasn't even fully healed, what use was a man who was half-dead in the midst of battle.

Stupid old man.

He hasn't changed in the slightest.

"I do not care. He'll just get himself killed and good fucking riddance, I say." Polyurisca snarls into the empty air before she throws her hands up as she sets the extra supplies off to the side. Even thought she was rather far in the middle of nowhere, off the side of Magnolia, she closed her eyes as she faintly heard the roars and tell-tale sounds of clashing magic. It was a warzone over there, she reckons, and despite her best wishes, there was a small seed of worry that threatened to sprout within her chest.

As there were questions that raced through her mind.

How had Makarov managed to recover so fast? He wasn't in perfect health yet, but he came into her clinic looking worse for wear with the scarlet haired knight. He shouldn't even be able to move properly, but it looked like he was able to get up relatively okay after a while. She narrowed her eyes as she began to feel around for mana that she didn't recognize, suddenly noticing the man behind her, casually sitting down.

She paused for a moment, because she had not noticed his presence.

Who the hell was this man, and what makes him have the audacity to conceal his presence in her space?

"And you are?" She cut straight to the point.

The mystery man chuckled, "Just a traveller looking for some apples."

"Bullshit." Polyurisca snapped, turning her head to stare at the cloaked man. There was no doubt about it, he was responsible for this mana that was in her home. He was also most likely the source of power that was able to assist with Makarov's healing rate. She furrowed her brow, "So it was you, who helped that fool. You apart of Fairytail?"

"...that's right."

"Then why the hell are you here, sitting on your ass when they're out there fighting." Polyurisca asked lowly. Mystogan just smiled underneath his mask, but his head lifted up for a moment that allowed the healer to see that his eyes were curved. She felt an atypical urge to snap and defend Fairytail in front of the man, which was unnormal considering her typical viewpoints on all humans, especially Fairytail brats. She has no interest in dealing with sinners, the unevitable fate of humanity, and would rather live out the rest of her life with no contact so that she doesn't have to feel such senseless emotions.

But she can never deny that Fairytail didn't try, in a world full of never ending errors. She had been with them for a while, after all.

Which is why it was a miracle that she hadn't fucking snapped and yelled at Mystogan to get out of her home. She was rather close to such a small breaking point in fact, her temperament was something notorious and very true. That was until she followed Mystogan's silent gesture towards the window.

And that's when she saw it.

Floating in the wind, outside of the large window in her clinic was the flag of Phantom Lord. As the gusts grew stronger, more burnt and torn emblems danced across the air, leaving her momentarily speechless. And then came the silence .

Silence from the shouts and cries she had noticed earlier.

She glanced back at Mystogan, who was looking at her with small amusement in his eyes, but it wasn't in a disrespectful way. Curious man, this person was. A man with such power indeed.

"Well then." Polyurisca changed the subject, feeling as if she's already been too mushy and concerned about humanity for her liking. Fairytail seemed to be doing relatively alright from whatever the hell this man just did from miles away, so it's got nothing to do with her anymore. "If you want apples, you're going to have to pick them yourself. Take a basket, grab some, then get the hell off of my property."

"I don't ever want to see you again, so see to making that wish come true."

Mystogan just chuckles lightly as he nods, "Yes ma'am, yes ma'am."

-N-D-

Standstill, for a brief moment.

The two dragon slayers look at each other in the chaos of the room for a moment, the dust slowly trickled down as time froze. Yet another attempt at getting the upper hand, but the two seemed to be relatively evenly matched. Gajeel's eyes narrowed, where was the cold fire from earlier? Where was the spark that he know is inside of Salamander, lying dormant for whatever reason?

Does he not think that he was strong enough to face him in his true form?

The thought alone made the long haired man seethe.

"What the hell are you waiting for, Salamander? The time has finally come to see who is the greatest dragon slayer between the two of us. Isn't it exciting?!" Gajeel was always good at taunts, digging under people's skin with his aloof and apathetic nature. Natsu's nostrils flared in response as he let out another Fire Dragon Slayer's roar, only to be cancelled out by Gajeel's own.

"If you wanted to fight me, all you had to do was ask," Natsu growled, smashing his flames fists together before lunging at Gajeel, "But to drag others into your selfish wishes, that-that's fucking insane! Leave my Fairytail alone ."

He lands a good punch at Gajeel, who crashes through the walls much to Lucy and Happy's shock. Natsu doesn't bother to look back towards them as he stalks forwards to finish what he had started. He called over to them over his shoulder, "Get outta here, Luce, Happy. I'm gonna beat this guy first then join you."

"I-" Lucy opened her mouth to retort, but it was a combination of Happy's face and Rushii's whisper that caused her to change her mind. This was a monumental moment for both the dragon slayers. They had no idea that the other had existed. Rumors are rumors, but what were the odds that another dragon slayer was in such close proximity? There are things that they will be able to relate to only, and sometimes that can only done through fighting. That's what Happy tells Lucy, surprising her with his thoughtfulness about the situation.

It still made her a little upset though.

Boom, bang, crash.

This was madness, they had to get out here. The remains of Phantom Lord's robotic guild building was starting to come undone. Thanks to the defeat of the Element 4, it's main power source had cease to work. Now with Gajeel and Natsu crashing into the different structures inside of the building, it was only a matter of time where it wasn't stable enough and everything comes crashing down. Lucy bit her lip as she looked over at towards the exit and Happy.

She wanted to help, but she had to make sure her and Happy made it out safely. Pursing her lips, she grabbed Happy and began to ran out of the room, heading directly outside for safety thanks to the fighting between the dragon slayers. She won't have to meet Jose directly that way.

"You got this, Natsu!" Lucy shouted as she slid out of the narrow opening. Natsu just grinned at the words as wiped the blood off of his mouth before throwing another punch at Gajeel. His expression soured at the iron dragon slayer, who just smirked at him before shielding his skin with iron in order to mitigate the damage. Natsu swore mentally, because that was a really annoying ability to have.

And when he watches Gajeel pick up a sheet of metal from the ground, eagerly chomping on it to regain his health as the former does with fire, Natsu knew that this wasn't looking good. They were both relatively evenly matched in battle, but Gajeel was regenerating his strength faster than he was. It wasn't looking good at all, and he knew that the longer they fought in this building, the smaller chance he had in winning this fight.

Still, there is a rush of excitement that runs through him. It truly has been a long time that someone has given him a run for his money in a fight that has engaged for a long period of time. Normally, his opponents have been relatively easy or they completely crush him like Erza. It's hard to gauge how stronger he's gotten, and for that he is a bit thankful to Gajeel for being a worthy opponent in a way.

It doesn't change the fact that he doesn't like his methods though, and if he was a true dragon slayer, then where was his honor that was passed down to him by his dragon parent? Igneel had taught him all that he knew from knowing what is good and bad, and while sometimes it is hard to decide which is which, right now it should be clear that what Gajeel Redfox was doing was bad.

And yet here they were.

"How could you do something like this? Igneel wouldn't have allowed you to be okay with this, okay with hunting down others from orders of your guild master. Your dragon should've thought the same, right?!" Natsu shouted at Gajeel as he kicked him towards an area that was weaker that the rest of the wall. He did that on purpose, in order to forcefully make a way out. And the more they hit the spot, the weaker it became as natural light began to seep through the cracks.

"Who the hell is Igneel?" Gajeel coughed out before he dodged Natsu's attack, hardening his fists as he grabbed the fire dragon slayer and switch their positions. He began to pound into the pink haired man, who defended himself as he felt the wall finally break behind him from Gajeel's force. They both abruptly crash outside of the ruined robotoic guild, landing harshly onto the ground as the wind was knocked out of both of them.

"What do you mean, who is Igneel?" Natsu asked Gajeel, thoroughly shocked. Igneel had told him that he was the King of the Dragons, despite not ever meeting another one himself. Surely, Gajeel would know who he is? Just as everyone knows who rules Magnolia?

"I don't know who the fuck that is, I was raised by Metalicana." Gajeel looked at him in cofusion before getting back up to resume the fight. Natsu scrambled up as questions raced through his mind, setting his flames a light.

"Regardless, where was your honor? How could you! We weren't raised like that," Natsu roared as he unleashed a roar against Gajeel who took the hit. Gajeel ran through the flames shielded however, before he jumped and swung an iron clubbed arm at Natsu who wasn't expecting it. Natsu crashed into the wall as he let out a heavy groan, feeling that hit particularly.

Gajeel just walks slowly, menacingly in his shielded form. "I know what this is. Here you are thinking that we are the same just because we are both dragon slayers raised by dragons. Let me make it clear, Salamander, we are not the same. I don't know who Igneel is, and I don't give a flying fuck. It seems to me that we were not raised the same either, as Metalicana was a selfish bastard who taught me how to be one as well. He values strength above all else, just as I do."

He leans in against Natsu, who looked up at him in shock with blood trickling down the side of his face, "Keep your pansy morals to yourself, I don't need 'em."

And he raises a hand to begin a one-sided onslaught against him.

"We have to help him!" Happy urges Lucy who looks on in horror off towards the side. Natsu was struggling, but he hasn't given up yet. It was just the fact that every time he did some damage against Gajeel, the latter would just regenerate his health thanks to eating the abundant source of scraps of metal all around them. Natsu needed fire in order to do the same, but who had the capabilities to generate fire?

None of her spirits did, but she decided to give it a try as her thoughts scrambled together in order to figure out a way to help Gajeel from afar. Thanks to Happy's keen eyes, they had managed to find her keys at Gajeel's negligence since Natsu had captured his attention. She quickly looked around her surroundings, before her eyes widened at an idea that just might work.

"Open the Gate of the Archer: Sagittarius! "

A golden flash later and a centaur was beside the celestial spirit mage and exceed, bow extended and ready to fire. Keeping the position, he looked down towards his newest master. "Greetings, Miss Heartifilia, moshi moshi ."

"Hi," Lucy smiled before pointing towards Natsu. "I need you to create fire, in order to supply the man over there some food."

Sagittarius frowned as he lowered his bow, looking at Lucy in confusion. "I do not have that ability, the one to generate fire. I…am unable to complete your request?"

Lucy shook her head, "No I called you for a reason. You may not be able to conjure up fire, but you can create flames by setting something else aflamed, correct? You just need to create a spark with one of your arrows against something in theory, and wherever the arrow lands should light it on fire, right?!"

Sagittarius looked at the blonde in surprise as he thought about the creative method to generate fire, "...I do believe that it is worth a shot. I shall proceed at once, moshi moshi. "

And it worked.

The moment that Natsu had saw the flames and sucked in a massive gulp of air in order to reach the flames from where he was, he had been able to replenish his energy. The anger of everything and the confusion of Gajeel had been enough to put his all into his Crimson Lotus: Fire Dragon's First attack that had beaten Gajeel in one punch. The man collapsed into the ruins that he was pounded into her, panting in pain as he laid in the crushed debris as everything throbbed and burned.

There was a small sizzling sound, and Natsu looked down as he huffed in exhaustion, at the sight of the burns on Gajeel's body. But he couldn't find it in him to be too sympathetic after everything he and Phantom Lord had done. Getting hurt was something that was unavoidable in battle anyways.

Yet he stands before him for a moment in silence, eyes locking onto the defeated iron dragon slayer who scrunched his eyes in pain as he tried to labor his breathing.

They were both dragon slayers, did that make them related?

Were they some sort of estranged, draconic brothers?

It makes him feel conflicted, because there was a part of him that wants to know more about dragons and how they worked. Especially now that it was clear that not all dragons were the same, and they had taught their respective dragon slayers differently. How many of them were out there? Were they all abandoned like he was too?

Lucy was right, earlier about him being curious.

He..had so many questions to ask Gajeel.

But he was the enemy, was he not?

"Did he disappear too?" Natsu quietly asked.

Gajeel opened his eyes as they were silent for a moment, before Gajeel nodded stiffly. Metalicana was gone, just as Igneel was. Natsu swallowed because now there was someone else out there who understood his pain perfectly too. Someone who also probably had the same questions he had as well.

"You're a piece of shit, Gajeel Redfox." Natsu growled at him, "You're a piece of shit, but dammit, I need you to get your head out of your ass in order for you to see that what you're doing is wrong. That there should be a limit in causing all of this madness. We're going to beat Phantom Lord into the fucking ground, I swear we will. Fairytail will remain victorious."

Gajeel stayed silent as he looked at the fire dragon slayer in confusion. What the fuck is spouting all of this nonsense for? He had won their fight, was this a new form of gloating? He trying to get Gajeel to see something, but what? What more does he want from Gajeel, who has wounded his pride after being beaten by Salamander especially after all those declarations of being able to handle the weight of Phantom Lord and crush all of their opponents just by himself.

"What the fuck do you want from me?"

"...I want us to be in each others lives." Natsu finally admitted which closed fists. "Dragon slayers, the both of us. Abandoned too. I just feel as if we should be working together to figure out what the hell happened, despite our differences. But I can't do that if you still view yourself as Fairytail's sworn enemy."

Gajeel has the potential to relate to Natsu in a way that no other can, not even Laxus. Natsu saw the potential in their relationship and while he was still pissed off at the iron dragon slayer, knowing that in some form of fashion they could be related made him understand that he had to take the step first. At least extend the hand. It won't erase what has happened, but in the future, maybe they could get along?

Meanwhile, Gajeel didn't understand how someone could be raised from vicious draconic beasts themselves, and still have a such a bleeding heart for others. Was Metalicana's methods not the correct way in becoming a true, strong dragon slayer? Because here Natsu was, a stronger dragon slayer than him, and yet he doesn't seem to be nearly as selfish as Gajeel was. That much is obvious, from the fact that Natsu was willing to extend a hand to him, stating that he wanted a truce. That he wanted to work together inside, in order to figure out what happened to their parents.

And it makes Gajeel feel a bit hallow inside, because he couldn't sit here and say he would've done the same thing had their situations been reversed.

Does that make him an evil man?

He thought himself as a little fucked up, but never-never evil .

Surely, not everything Metalicana has taught him was bad, right? And yet, Natsu with Igneel's teachings makes it clear that mean Metalicana and Gajeel were villains, in Gajeel's eyes. It fills him with a bit of sadness at the thought, because in the end, he was just trying to make Jose Porla proud. He was just following orders, he was a loyal man at heart.

So he doesn't say anything to Natsu's words in the meantime, feeling incredibly conflicted. It wasn't a yes to agree with Natsu's suggestion, but it wasn't a no either. So he just stares at Natsu in silence, until he passes out from pain.

Natsu watches as Gajeel eventually loses consciousness, feeling a bit odd after their encounter. While he hadn't out right rejected the fire dragon slayer, he hadn't agreed to his idea either. Was that a good thing or bad thing, Natsu was unsure. But he had tried, and no one could say that he didn't.

A pack, his instincts roared for. He wanted to create a pack for all dragon slayers that were out there, just as lost as he and Gajeel was.

So he'll wait to see what Gajeel says, Natsu thinks, as he turns around to head back to Fairytail after taking a small break as he sits down.

And he watches the rise and fall of Gajeel's chest, feeling a seed of something plant inside of him at the sight of the iron dragon slayer.

He hopes he says yes.

-E-S-

In the end, Makarov had come to save Fairytail from ruin. He had saved Erza's life, especially, as she was standing strong against Jose but wasn't much of a match for him. The difference of an S-Class mage, and a Ten Wizard Saint was large. So large, that it had scared her immensely as she felt helpless.

It had been a long time since someone has made her feel so weak.

But Makarov was healed and came swinging the moment he had returned, and it had been quite the spectacle sight indeed. Two Ten Wizard Saints engaged in such a heated battle, everyone had looked up in awe at the raw power that they both held. Their mana combusted against each other, neither relented as they dealt blow after blow.

That was until Makarov had finally unleashed Fairy Law, which had put an end to the war as the rest of Jose's Shades had disintegrated immediately. That was all what was left really, as a powerful wave of magic had took out the human grunts earlier. Many didn't know where it came from, but Erza had a sneaking suspicion that it was Mystogan's doing, wherever the mysterious man was.

She couldn't complain about the results, though.

And now with Jose finally defeated, they were finally able to regroup and begin the process of starting anew again. It was night time, when everyone rounded them up. People were getting patched up from the war, no one was able to escape this epic battle unscathed. Natsu, Lucy, and Happy had eventually caught up, and Lucy looked as if she was ready to pass out on the spot.

She wasn't the only one though. The adrenaline that was dispersing was wearing everyone out.

They could save the restoration of the Fairytail guild hall and Magnolia for tomorrow, everyone deserved to rest for their hard work tonight. Erza was sure Makarov was going have to meet with the Magic Council sooner rather than later, and he was going have to share the news of Phantom Lord's actions and that for once, Fairytail didn't start the mess. She has a feeling that they will win this argument, however.

No one can look past the treachery Phantom Lord has done today.

There were others that were missing, as Gray stumbled in a little later, looking a little more rested than the others. He had a lost look on his face though, as if he was looking around for someone and when he had failed to find them, he made an expression that Erza didn't know it was relief or disappointment.

However, her attention as quickly gathered by Makarov, who was looking as if he was about to leave to go do something.

"Master," Erza greeted quietly as he walked past where she was seated before pausing, looking on in the distance at the battlefield.

"The battle has been over for about an hour or so now, and yet what I am about to do might not allow those who were particularly hurt by today's events, to heal as fast as they'd like to," Makarov confessed. Erza immediately frowned at his words and opened her mouth to say something, only to close it when Makarov turned to look her in the eye.

"Does everyone have the chance for a second look? Do you ever think that sometimes, people aren't necessarily forced to do things that don't wish to do, but it's because of their upbringing that they turned out this way? Do you, Erza, think that those people can change? That they deserve a chance, or is it safer to get rid of them at once. Better to stop them now, despite not knowing what the future holds of them. Their destiny, so uncertain."

A certain tower flashes through Erza's mind and she knows her answer before she can even finish processing it, "These…people in question's background might have defined their actions up until now, but they deserve a chance to be better. Because no one else probably has, and it will stick with them that you did. That you cared enough to give them that chance. And if it ends up back firing, then that's when you know that they are in that category of "some that can't be saved", in the end."

There were many people in Fairytail that didn't have the best childhood before they joined the guild. By all means, they could've been monsters in another universe, but they aren't here. Because Makarov and Fairytail had given them a hand, and they took it, walking a path that was a lot less lonely and painful than it was before.

Erza was proof, if no one else.

"And if they are people that have caused harm to Fairytail? Would you still show that same compassion?"

Erza pursed her lips, "...if they were genuine in doing better, then they should be given a chance. Everyone makes mistakes in life, but it's rare for those to actual want to make up for them in order to better themselves in the long run. If they express such desires, then I would like to help them on their path as well. We could walk it together even, because lord knows Fairytail isn't full of saints either. Understanding their wrongdoings and working to become better, is there any other form of justice as true and pure as that?"

"Oh such geat answers, you'd make a good guild master one day if I'd say," Makarov sighed as he shot Erza a smile before winking as he walked off into the ruins, leaving Erza to wonder just who they had been talking about and who Makarov was about to go meet in the abyss.

-J-L-

With a gasp, she awakes with alert eyes only to be met with the night sky and darkness. Everything is foggy, her brain is slow to start as she slowly begins to register pain through her body, causing her to hiss in agony. Her body has never felt this tired before, and for a moment she wonders why she feels this terribly.

Only for the memories to rush all at once, and she sits up abruptly, turning her head to look at the ice mage who was fast asleep. Juvia pursed her lips as she looked at Gray Fullbuster, looking as rough as she probably looked and definitely felt. It had been a fierce battle, one that he had reigned as the victor.

And yet…he had saved her.

There is a wave of emotions that threatens to over take the rain woman, as she suddenly swallows and feels incredibly overwhelmed. What did it mean? What did any of this mean? Her hands began to shake as she tried to fight down the sudden anxious feeling of the unknown that threatened her reality. For so long, she was denied having a chance of something more in life. It couldn't possibly be that easy to become friends with the ice man.

No.

Juvia will not fall for such tricks.

But the stars shined brightly in the sky, twinkling as if they knew what Juvia was thinking. Showcasing their beauty extra brightly, for they were dancing for someone new. Someone who's never seen them before. It was beautiful, Juvia thought as she sat up, staring up above. It was something that probably never would have happened if it weren't for her meeting Gray. Even as enemies, the impacts of their interaction has left such an significant mark on her. The proof of the disappearance of her never ending storms was enough of a counter argument.

But what of Phantom Lord?

What of her original home?

Juvia trained her ears but heard nothing but silence. It was rather late, it seemed that the outcome was settled by now. How interesting that they were left alone here, almost isolated as they rested. She wondered if anyone had found them and decided to leave them alone. She wondered how the rest of Phantom Lord was.

How...was Gajeel doing?

Yet another interesting thought.

"Is this what you meant about it being easy to make…friends?" She whispered to Gray's sleeping form. "Now Juvia is plagued with thoughts of her comrades and wondering about their condition. Why…does it feel so heavy? What is this feeling?"

There weren't any answers, not that she was expecting any.

With a small sigh she heaves herself up slowly, groaning in pain as she rose to her feet. A small stumble at the sudden rush of blood leaves Juvia tilting, quietly shocked about her state, before she shakes it off and takes an unbalanced step forwards. Casting a small look behind her at the ice mage, she pushes all of the uncertainty and confusion that revolves around him, and walks back towards the main part of Magnolia.

Back to see what was left of anything .

She doesn't want to admit that she doesn't know what she's actively looking for.

It takes a while, as she slowly walks through the ruin streets. There's blood, broken homes, and residue of Jose's Shades everywhere she looks. It isn't terrible , like a scene of total massacre, but it's evident that there was quite the battle here. Juvia closes her eyes for a moment, controlling her emotions as she sees more and more Phantom Lord grunts in the debris.

'Fuck' , her thoughts betrayed her, 'We probably lost.'

And if they had indeed lost this war, then what was next?

Juvia suddenly felt an incredulous laugh come out of her, at the insanity of it all. If they had lost, then who would want to love a loser? Were they to be thrown in jail at the hands of the Magic Council? They were just following orders, but an accomplice is still an accomplice in the end. Perhaps they wouldn't get severe punishments compared to Jose for being the ring leader-

That's not true.

She was there for Team Shadow Gear's brutal beating.

" Dammit Sol," Juvia hissed suddenly in anger, because she didn't even want to take it that far. They had been rendered into such a state thanks to Sol's stupid sadistic tendencies and if anyone deserved to be thrown into the cell, it was that fucking scum. And when Team Shadow Gear inevitably tells Fairytail what happened between her, Sol, and Gajeel-

Oh god, Gajeel .

'He's-Oh, he's done wrong, but he doesn't truly mean it in the end. Jose just-'

She had to find Gajeel quickly.

Because if Phantom Lord was in ruins, they had to get out of here. There was no hope for them in the face of justice. They had started this war, and they had turned it into something truly nasty. Juvia almost was weirded out that she wasn't panicking harder than she should be. Her life was suddenly in murky waters right now. Phantom Lord would probably get punished and disbanded, hunted down. She was known for having power, she'll be one of the first to be tracked down. Gajeel's famous as well, even moreso than her.

He might even have Salamander himself follow him, for being a dragon slayer and all.

Juvia's pace picked up with urgency, because even if Phantom Lord has fallen, at least there was one person who she knew wouldn't really care if they tagged along together to escape. Even if they split off in the future. Gajeel wouldn't say anything, and she wouldn't have said anything if he had asked either.

They were not close, she thinks, but they respected each other. That had to count for something, in this extreme circumstance. They tolerated each other's presence, they were both loyal to Phantom Lord so they knew that they wouldn't rat each other out or abandon each other, maybe. Gajeel didn't like it when other members bothered him, but Juvia was an exception even if she rarely acted on such privilege.

They-They were not friends, though.

And yet when she finds the iron dragon slayer in the midst of a pile of rocks, body bruised and swollen with burn marks attached to his body, her heart dropped at the sight. She quickly rushed over, tripping ever so slightly over some smaller rocks as she rushed over to Gajeel.

Blood trickled down from his head as his breathing was shallow, his chest rising and falling ever so slightly. Juvia's heart quickly swelled back up in relief at the sight of him being alive, before she inspected his injuries. Burns littered his body, most likely from Salamander. Juvia doesn't doubt that they will heal well, considering that mages have naturally boosted healing thanks to their active mana cores inside of them, but the knowledge doesn't make the sight easier to see. Juvia gently shakes Gajeel, hoping that the apathetic man wakes up.

"Gajeel." Juvia says softly, barely having the strength to speak louder as she shakes him. " Gajeel ."

Red eyes snap open very similar to how Juvia woke up earlier, looking at her with tiredness and pain in his eyes before they closed with a soft grunt. Gajeel was awake now, and he was suffering for it just as Juvia was. The rain woman took a seat next to him in order to rest her body, as they stayed silent.

What was there to say?

Phantom Lord had lost .

"…Dewy."

"Hi." Juvia glanced down at him as she held her side.

Gajeel frowned as he looked at her condition, but he didn't say anything about it. Juvia was secretly grateful for that though. There was too much change that was going on around her right now. If Gajeel had suddenly become, oh she doesn't know, kinder and more openly caring, she wouldn't have known what to do. Normalcy was what she has always desperately craved, and Gajeel has never failed to deliver.

"Mmm," Gajeel hummed in return before letting out a loud curse once it had hit him the reality of what happened. He had lost. He was not strong enough to carry the weight of Phantom Lord. He had failed in too many ways to count.

And it's fucking hilarious, because at first he didn't really care if he was the villain to someone else's story. If they could stop him, then they should've. It was their fault that they weren't strong enough to protect what was theirs. They didn't deserve it.

Selfish to the very core, Gajeel has learned that he was labeled as such when he was young.

And it didn't fucking matter, because that's how Metalicana operated and he didn't take Gajeel in for being some weak bitch who shared everything he had. Metalicana didn't need to share, to have friends, to speak with others, in order to showcase his power. He did whatever the fuck he wanted and that's how Gajeel lived his life too.

He lived just like his father.

But to hear a glimpse of how Natsu was raised by Igneel in their fight. To hear that it was indeed possible to be strong and have all sorts of things, it makes Gajeel pissed off. Why the fuck did Metalicana have to disappear before he could learn more? He was left to try and figure out how his adoptive father had operated, making up things as he went as the memories grew further and further away.

Maybe that's why it pisses him off to see Salamander in his glory. Pissed him off to understand that Natsu Dragneel had beaten him thoroughly.

Because his very existence reminded Gajeel that perhaps he had taken the wrong path. Made all of the incorrect choices that were presented to him. All of the things that he had done hadn't made him strong, but weak, and he had lost because of it. Did he even understand why Metalicana was the way he was?

If his father was watching him right now, would he be proud of his son's conquest of attempting and finding true strength?

Gajeel no longer knows.

But the blonde bunny girl had a point as well in the end. Even if he did obtain it all, who would he show the fruits of his labor too? For his father, the dragon that disappeared years ago? That fucking bastard probably won't show his face ever again.

Fuck.

He was pathetic.

"We have to move, Gajeel." Juvia spoke up after a moment. Both of them were lost in their own swirling thoughts as they thought about the aftermath and what to do next. What being defeated meant, and why it felt so different than before.

Gajeel slowly sat up, exhaling harshly but not allowing himself to make more than a grunt of pain before he raising a small eyebrow at Juvia. " We?"

"I—Well. If.. you want to," Juvia looked away awkwardly. Gajeel just let out a sigh before nodded in agreement at once. He was in pain, his guild had just lost a war, and who the hell knows what Fairytail was going to do in order to finish their revenge. He wouldn't be fucking surprised if they ordered a warrant of his arrest by tomorrow morning. Phantom Lord was about to become history, it was time to move on.

Yet—

" Fuck." Gajeel hisses, sounding a bit choked up. He really didn't want to lose the fight. His pride was taking a harsh blow. And now that he had lost the fight, he was in the process of losing everything. He doesn't want to go back to being abandoned and left alone again.

Juvia swallowed harshly at the sight of Gajeel freaking out silently, feeling tears swell up despite her instance of squashing her emotions. They were so fucked right now. Teenagers on the brink of going on the run because of poor life choices and the consequences of them. And she thinks, is this what will define them forever? Is this all they will ever be?

"C'mon," Juvia helped Gajeel slowly onto his feet. Gajeel let out a pained grunt as he laid on Juvia's side, both of them struggling to walk forwards for a moment before they began to slow process of leaving Magnolia. No one mentioned how they didn't know where they were going next and neither mentioned how hard they were holding onto each other. And if they were in better times, Juvia would've thought that it felt… nice .

"We weren't supposed to lose," Gajeel sighs quietly.

"Juvia knows. She's in shock too." Juvia replied just as softly as she helps Gajeel walk forwards. "You have a lot of blood on you."

"Hmm," Gajeel grunted. "Salamander laid in a good one on me."

"Your head…"

"...it's fine."

Is it?

"It's something you should get looked at." Another voice chimed in, an older, gravelly voice that seemed to belong to an old man. Immediately, Gajeel and Juvia flinched before getting into battle position as they whirled their heads to the side. Gajeel scowled dangerously as he shoved Juvia behind him, extending an arm as it turned into iron. Juvia's eyes darkened as she took a defensive stance behind Gajeel, as if she was ready to support him. They locked eyes with a small old man who was wrapped in bandages, sitting on top of the rocks as he looked down at them with an unidentified expression on his face.

He threw his hands into the air as a sign of surrender. "I'm not here to hurt the two of you."

They didn't move an inch.

'Well, it goes to show that they are well trained at least.' Makarov thought a bit dryly before schooling his mental and let out a soft sigh. He gestured around them, letting them take in the sight of a partially destroyed Magnolia. "Take a good look around us. There's been enough violence for one night, don't you think?"

"The fuck do you want, old man?" Gajeel spat at him.

Makarov pursed his lips before he answered. "To see children succeed."

"We're fucking leaving," Gajeel snorted as he turned back around. "Let's go, Dewy."

But Juvia , Juvia was staring at Makarov with a look of tiredness on her face. Because she was . And it was time for some guidance on what to do next. What exactly did Makarov want, surrounded by the ruins, reminders , of what they had done to Fairytail. He even mentioned the scenery around them, so he should be aware of the implications. They had done this. They were one of the main people responsible for the onslaught. And yet here Makarov Dreyar is, standing before them, ignoring that fact as he makes it seem like he cares .

"What do you mean ," Juvia asks Makarov, who turns to look at her with soft eyes. Gajeel's head turns to Juvia in surprise, and he was quick to bite.

"What the fuck are you doing, Juvia? That man was just the enemy and we won't be pitied just because we fucking lost. We need to get the hell out of here, who knows if he has brought reinforcements."

"I've done no such thing. It's just me." Makarov piped up with his hands still raised and Gajeel bared his teeth. Juvia looked at him for a moment, unable to determine his true motives. Gajeel made a good point. Above nothing else, she doesn't want to be pitied for her life any longer. Because in her eyes, pity is just a way to express surface level sympathies, but secretly no one wants to help. So they just look at you with eyes and whispers words of "It will get better", but no one ever says how .

How does it get better?

How can she be happier in life?

What does it take for the world to treat her with a little bit of kindness?

"But if he's telling the truth, Gajeel…Juvia would like to hear what he has to say." Juvia replied with increasing strength in her voice. It was soft at first, but she's growing more determined that she knows what she wants. "We owe it to ourselves to see what new paths are in front of us now, if that's what is coming from his mouth. Juvia wishes for Gajeel to be treated, for the two of us to live quieter, stabler lives for a while. We don't have anything, we've never really had anything in fact. Everything in our lives was Jose's in some form of fashion. We-If an opportunity arises to take a chance to go in a different direction, then we owe it to our future selves to want to do better and hear Makarov Dreyar out."

Gajeel was silent as he stared at the rain woman before him. Already, she has begun to change into someone else. Is it the person that she was meant to be? Whomever that is? It's the Fairytail effect. Every time someone interacts with them, they are impacted for the rest of their lives. Gajeel…he doesn't know what to do. Can he handle yet another massive change in his life?

They both look towards Makarov, with questions in their eyes. He takes it as his cue to continue with what he had in mind for meeting with them in the first place. Closing his eyes made it easier, because all he saw was the after effects of Jose Porla's twisted gaze inside of the children before him. Products of their environment and now they have lifetime of shame and trauma to come from it. Taking in the troubled ones, raising them in such a hostile but stable place in a way. How he raised them was full of such contradictions that it makes it even more dangerous for them to continue on this path. Because all in all, Jose Porla is a wicked man.

But there are worst people in the world than Porla, for being a parental figure.

"First, you must understand what you have done. You have hurt the home of my children, where they gather to eat, tell stories, and share laughs with one another underneath one roof. You hurt my children , and I am not talking about in the midst of war. I am not illusioned to say that we didn't hurt others in the middle of the Magnolia battle. When it comes to war, both sides will experience pain and loss as such is the nature of battle. That is inevitable. No, what I am talking about is Team Shadow Gear ." Makarov thundered towards the end, unable to hold in the anger inside of him at the reminder of the badly beatened team. That was the result of evil cruelty and he must know what the two people in front of him thinks of it. A quiet, unspoken test. Were they able to understand that such a thing was cruel and disgusting to think about? Or were they stuck with Jose's mindset of determining that incident as a necessary course of action.

Juvia's face fell slightly as she looked down in shame, remembering the incident. She had done nothing to contribute to the torture, but she had done nothing to stop it either. Emotionally stunted during the time, she had felt almost nothing while it happened. It was just her job to oversee them, to make sure they had the right targets. She took no pleasure in watching them scream and suffer though. "It shouldn't have come to that."

In the end, it truly was a mistake on Jose's part to order the hit. But it was also from the actions of Sol that caused it to become incredibly worse. And with a sharp realization, Juvia looks down in shame as she realizes that she truly, never wants to do anything like that ever again in her life. She will fight, she will defend, she will use her magic for violence if need be. But that entire incident was terrible, looking back on it. She had not and will continue to never feel the urge for such sadistic methods.

"She had nothing to do with it, it was all me." Gajeel stared Makarov in the eye as the guild master's eyes opened and looked at him with a sharp expression. It was very intimidating, despite his short nature. But Gajeel had to…protect Juvia. Because she clearly wants to have a change of scenery around her, and she did deserve it. She'd be a loyal person to Fairytail in the end. Gajeel, on the other hand, he knew that he didn't have much of a chance. There wasn't much to regret, as he was following orders.

And he would do it again.

"I was the one who brutally tortured Team Shadow Gear. They were weak, they were pathetic as it barely took any effort to beat them. Then I hung them on the tree in order for them to be displayed in all their glory to send a message from Jose, that Phantom Lord is-" Gajeel stared at Makarov the entire time, speaking monotonously as he relied the memory of what had happened and what he had done. He is not going to sit here and say that it didn't happen, because it did. He had done all of those things, and he still felt as if Team Shadow Gear was pathetically weak. Half of Fairytail was weak as fuck in fact, and he had no interest in hiding his beliefs of that nature.

"No. Stop it, Gajeel. Juvia knows what you're trying to do," Juvia whipped her head around to look at the iron dragon slayer who couldn't make eye contact with her. He continued to look at Makarov as he continued to spew the atrocities he has committed in the war, ignoring Juvia, who was yelling at him to stop with increasing volume.

Makarov watched the interaction silently. He felt rage at first, at the man in front of him seemingly looking detached and unresponsive to what had happened to Team Shadow Gear, unlike his female companion beside of him, looking somewhat guilty. But then he calmed himself and looked into Gajeel's red eyes, looking deeper into the soul of the iron-dragon slayer. What he found was a bit interesting, as while he did believe in his words, it felt as if there was a mixture of exaggeration and lies that were embedded in between.

And his inferences were confirmed by Juvia, who was starting to tear up at what Gajeel was trying to do.

"Stop it, Gajeel! You-Why are you doing this? We agreed that we'd stay together, Juvia knows what you're trying to do." Juvia accused at Gajeel Redfox, who finally fell silent as he looked off to the side, breaking off eye contact with Makarov. "Juvia isn't someone who was the "better person" between the two of us and deserves to be given the benefit of the doubt, we are both just as guilty. And stop making it seem as if you're some cold blooded monster who doesn't feel a thing when you do things. Because Juvia saw you hesitate when Sol said to replace the stamp branding with the burn one. Juvia knows that you were shocked and didn't want to do it secretly, deep down. That it was beneath you to do such things, and it had disgusted you just as it had disgusted Juvia. But you did it because you're the most loyal man Juvia knows, and you'd do anything that Jose Porla asked you to do."

"You're not a monster, Gajeel. You just have honor, and you don't want to waste your time on things that you deem as "weak", you're just a loyal loyal man to the core. That's why, whatever happens, Juvia is staying by your side." Juvia swore to Gajeel, who turned to look at her with slightly widened eyes. She's never spoken this much before, she's never had so much to say. This newfound loyalty to each other was strong, as Gajeel finds that he feels the same way. If he was right, and Makarov Dreyar was planning to invite them to Fairytail, he had just wanted to give the chance to Juvia.

Makarov understands now.

A woman so clouded in emotional pain and trauma that she doesn't know why she feels as she does, but she's slowly determined to try now that Phantom Lord was seemingly no more. A proud man who is so loyal to a fault that it even surpasses his own morals, that he'll do anything to protect those he cares and respect. A monster indeed, Makarov thinks, but not as a bad thing. Such a level of loyalty is extremely rare to come by, and it was no wonder that he was such a menace to the world. That trait paired with Jose's devious intentions was always going to be a disastrous combination. Such monsters need someone to guide them from their own fatal flaw of loyalty.

"Are you ashamed of your actions against Team Shadow Gear?" Makarov asked, directed towards Gajeel.

"It was orders that had to be followed, and I-"

" Are you ashamed of your actions against Team Shadow Gear? " Makarov lowered his tone and hardened his glare. "I do not care of what Jose thinks, I want to know what was running through your mind as you conducted his agenda."

Gajeel closed his eyes and let out a sigh. "I had no interest in Team Shadow Gear. They are weak, I do not care what you say about that. They were hardly a challenge to defeat, but it gave me no pleasure whatsoever to continue to torture them. In fact, I don't have much pleasure in torture that extreme. I'm a bit of twisted man, Makarov. Perhaps if I was bored, I might knick someone with a small cut or two. But the caliber of Team Shadow Gear's beating was beneath me. I only want to associate myself with people that are strong ."

The alarms that Gajeel Redfox was ringing in Makarov's mind rang loud and true. The man was dangerous in his current form. But the loudest alarm that was present in Makarov's mind wasn't ringing at all. He doesn't seek pleasure in torturing others, for that is a trait that only those of true wicked intentions possess. And for that, he can work with the efforts of reforming the man. Being violent in nature isn't terrible. Some of his children also possess that trait, Natsu, Erza, and Mirajane when she was younger. Makarov thinks that Gajeel Redfox will never become a complete saint for good. A grey character, he might end up being.

But no matter, for if he continues to find people he cares about deeply such as Juvia Lockser in front of him, then there is hope for him to find a better path than the one he was heading on originally.

"The truth is that this is an invitation to Fairytail, as you might've already guessed. However, this is an indefinite invitation. I will not pressure you into joining, but I want to make it clear that I would like for you to join. Yes, your past will not be easily forgotten amidst the guild hall. Yes, it may be difficult to win the trust of the Fairytail members. For you specifically, Gajeel, the apologies to Team Shadow Gear is explicitly required should you join. But if you are able to get past that hardship and create real, true bonds trust and friendships between others, I believe it will change your life forever. For the better. And you'll never regret the decision," Makarov spoke soothingly as he watched Gajeel and Juvia. They both knew that it was coming, but they couldn't help but look at Makarov in their respective states of awe and shock at the invitation. They were really being given a chance for change.

A second chance.

"You both deserve to have a second chance, being so young. I won't let the actions of my generation cost you an entire life of hardships."

Juvia quietly covered her mouth as she felt tears overwhelm her slowly. Like a wave, slowly overcoming her. They could be better, they had a chance for true happiness. She grabbed Gajeel's hand and tightened her grip on it, while Gajeel didn't give her a squeeze back but didn't make an effort to let go either. He just held his breath as Makarov continued to give them more news.

"There is a safehouse that's located South of Magnolia, that should be supplied with equipment to take care of your wounds first and foremost. There is food there, however be cautious of the expiration date. If need be, don disguises and walk amidst the market and buy food. You may stay there for as long as you wish, but you must promise me to not cause any more trouble. For if you do, I'm going to find the both of you myself ."

They both nodded, feeling the pain throughout their body. A soft bed with some soup sounds really good right now.

"There are other restrictions that will be talked about, but for now, get some rest and recover safely. We will be in touch later on."

Gajeel tensed at those words, eyes narrowing, "For a mission? Just give me about a week or so, I can go and do whatever you fucking want."

Orders in exchange for hospitality. It is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but he can't find it in himself to care. He was already giving them more than Gajeel could ever openly ask for. He'll do whatever Makarov Dreyar wants, just as he would follow Jose Porla. He is in a weak state right now, and he's going to follow the man for the reasonable compassion that he was giving them in return.

If Makarov had been some happy-go-lucky guy that gave them the invitation out of pity or whatever fucking other emotion there is, Gajeel would've said no immediately. It wouldn't have made any fucking sense, and he felt as if it would've been a silly environment compared to living in Phantom Lord. But no, the Fairytail guildmaster had said all of the right things, and it felt genuine because of it. He made them aware of the hardships that might come because of their actions in the past, but Gajeel knew that that was going to happen regardless. Still, it was rather considerate that he had explicitly stated that out loud.

He was angry, but fair to them despite their actions against Team Shadow Gear.

It doesn't get clearer than that.

He'll follow his orders.

"No," Makarov said softly. "We'll be in touch later on, because I would want to check up on you to see if you needed anything or if your wounds require more professional attention. I will check up on you, because even if you might not ever join Fairytail, I consider you my children now. I will check up on you because I care ."

And finally, Gajeel's hand tightens around Juvia's as they kept each other emotionally grounded at news, together .

-L-H-

Dear Mama,

It's over now, the war against Phantom Lord. It's been over for a couple days now, actually. As painful as it is for me to write this, it was partially my fault in the end. I've made peace with that fact though, because I now know that I have family here, in Fairytail, that will always have my back. My faith in them is amazing, really. How can people live their lives without making such connections with people?

I love them, Mama. I love them so much.

But the truth is that there is something that I have to do alone, without the others.

Never, did I ever think that it had to come to this, but there is only so much forgiveness that I can give him for turning my life into shambles. Would you reprimand me, Mama? From the skies? For going to confront him all by myself?

Perhaps.

But I have to do this.

I have to settle things once and for all.

This can't ever happen again…

"...and for that I am going home," Natsu read out loud, feeling as if someone stuck a sword through his chest. Lucy wasn't here when they had arrived to go celebrate their victory as a team. They were planning to drag her out with their shenanigans, but she was gone, and it was rather unexpected. Fearing the worst, everyone went into separate rooms in order to look for any traces, when Happy announced that he had found something.

That led to Team Haluna huddled around Lucy's desk as they read the latest letter that was written to her mother, and the current cause of everyone's heartache. Natsu dropped the letter as he promptly stood up. "I'm going after her."

The first long reading that he had been able to read properly thanks to her guidance and patience, and it was of her supposedly leaving Fairytail to go back home. His mind raced, because it did make sense. She had felt so guilty for being a factor in the war, and he told her over and over that it didn't matter, it wasn't her fault. People like Phantom Lord were going to find any way to start a fight, that everyone doesn't think she's the one at fault.

Clearly, his efforts weren't strong enough.

Natsu stared at the rest of them, as if to dare them to disagree with his plan. "I'm going to get her, and you guys won't be able to stop me!"

"Calm down, Flare Head. No one is going to do anything just yet." Gray said with his arms crossed. He fully understood Natsu's initial reaction to the letter, it did make it seem as if they weren't ever going to see Lucy again. The thought hurts, because he does love Lucy as a little sister and it grows more and more with every passing day. But they had to be sensible. No way Lucy wouldn't even let them know that she was leaving, without a word.

No way…

"Gray's right, let's read the letter again to make sure it's not the case." Erza spoke up. Even though she was the newest member of Team Haluna, she did consider Lucy a friend that was kind to her. She wishes to deepen their friendship, and she hopes that they weren't right. That she hadn't left for good.

They read it again, but it didn't make them feel any better. There was too much uncertainty with the vague words, what was Lucy doing? Gray was the first to realize as he shot up, eyes widening, "Oh god, how did I not see this?"

"What?!" Natsu looked nervous.

"She's going to see her father! The man who ordered Phantom Lord to kidnap her, and she's probably going to confront him. That guy is dangerous if he hired someone to kidnap his own daughter , we gotta go!" Gray shouted as he and Natsu scrambled to head out the front door to Lucy's apartment, to the train station. Erza was worried as well as she looked down at the letter, before rushing to follow the boys.

Is that why she said she had to do it alone? Was her father that dangerous? Erza wouldn't know, she's never met her biological father before. Makarov was the closest thing that she had to such a thing, but she knew it wasn't the same to compare. Still, it hurts her heart to know that her friend could be going to a place in order to get herself hurt.

"Faster, you two!" Erza urged as she bolted past them. Happy flew above them as they rushed to help Lucy, rushed to stop her from making any rash decisions. Praying that they were wrong, and Lucy was going to come back.

Riding the taxi to the front of her home allowed her to properly collect her thoughts about what she would say in front of him, about the circumstances of what he had done. In what universe , did a father think that ordering a kidnap was more convienent than sending someone to speak with her respectively? Spirits forbid, a damn letter to his only child?

Was it that tedious to write a sentence requesting her presence?

Of all the choices he has made to get her attention, it just had to be the most heinous one of all.

"I don't think I can do this cordially, Nee-san." Lucy muttered. "He's gone too far."

"You won't find any complaints from me, Lucy." Rushii answered tiredly.

"I told you a long time ago that he wasn't a good man, in any universe it seems."

And that hurts to hear to be honest. That Jude Heartfilia was always meant to be a villain in his daughter's story. A man that was just filled with the grief of losing his wife and has never recovered from such a loss. But it doesn't excuse horrible choices that comes from it and it has spiraled into this madness.

It was finally time to stop him from making such actions again and thinking that she won't do anything to stop him.

Thus, she found herself thanking the driver as it pulled away, staring tall at the massive doors of the Heartfilia estate. Haunting, as usual. She could practically feel the depressing essence inside of the walls as she stood outside. It was amazing how spending so much time away from the home has opened her eyes to it's true nature. Stale, always stuck in a limbo. Lucy was glad that she was able to escape such a fate.

The door opened and out came a familiar face that made her smile, despite the circumstances as why she came back in the first place. "Michael, how are you?"

Michael looked at Lucy in shock, noticing immediately how much the girl has change. How much she has matured as a person. He stood there silent for a moment, taking in the sight of his pseudo-granddaughter. She was a shy little girl when she left, cautious but excited to start her next adventure. And now as she stood proud with determination on her face, wearing a formal gown that fitted her as if she was a royal princess, looking at him with a confidence that couldn't be faked.

She has experienced many things in life already, and she's become a better woman for it.

"Goodness, Miss Heartfilia, you've grown ," Michael croaks as he reaches for a handkerchief to dab his eyes. He's just so so proud of the girl. She hadn't become like her father, she had managed to see the other forms of happiness in the world. She has truly begun to heal.

"Oh don't cry, Michael, you know I will too," Lucy said softly as she stepped forwards to hug the elder man. He just placed a small kiss on her head as he embraced her back and cleared his throat, before looking down at her with small surprise. Lucy sniffed as elegantly wiped the corner of her eyes, before smiling ruefully at the butler.

"Do you know why I am here?"

"No, but I suspect it has something to do with your father."

"Indeed. I need to speak with him immediately. I don't care if he's in a meeting or not." Lucy firmly stated with a hardened look. Michael knew that the head of the house was free at the moment, but if he hadn't been, he thinks he would've took Lucy to see the man anyways. The expression on her face was enough to show that whatever matter they had to discuss, it was incredibly serious to her. And Michael would never get in the way of the Lady of the Heartfilia Manor, his lovely granddaughter.

"Whatever he's done and whatever comes of this moment, you must know that I think of you as a granddaughter, Miss Heartfilia. I am by your side." Michael confessed quietly. At this late into his age, there isn't much that can rock his entire world anymore. Any day could be his last. Which is why he felt the need for her to know that whatever comes from this, he'll be by her side until his last breath. That is what has developed after years of taking care of the girl, when no one else did.

"I know, and I think of you as family as well, Michael." Lucy said with pure honesty. She squeezed his hands as they exchanged heartful gazes before Michael ordered for the door to be opened more, and allowed the lady inside.

"He is free at the moment. Enter whenever you wish."

Lucy sucked in a deep breath before steeling her gaze. "Thank you, Michael."

"Good luck," Michael whispers to her as she walks past him with her head held high, with a grace that he knows Layla Heartfilia would be proud of. Thus, Lucy ascends up the stairs towards her father's office, where she knows the last quest of this moment helds.

The hallway seems shorter than it used to be, when she was still living here. Fear warps the mind, she thinks as she makes long steps, it warps the mind and it makes the environment seem more worse than what it actually is. That's why it's so important to leave and embrace change, at least to get the chance to open your eyes. To see the full scope of it all, and to think of how to proceed from there.

When she was younger, his office was a place of fear, sadness, and danger. That remains true as she opens the door to his office without a second thought. But it is no longer her fear that she feels and sees, but her father's. His never ending spiral and how it has seeped into the very house that she had grown and loved.

It won't affect her any longer though.

She was no longer the child she was when she had left the manor the first time.

"Father," Lucy said coolly as she looked at the man at the desk before him. She wondered if he was glued to that godforsakened seat. If he's ever bothered to step outside of this room in months. When was the last time he's locked eyes with the sun?

Judging by the ghostly pale complexion on him, she figures it's been long enough indeed.

"Ah, you're here." Jude Heartfilia looked up for a moment only to pause as he stared at Lucy for a while. How..old was she now? He felt as if he was looking at Layla again, and it had rendered him speechless. His daughter was grown, but where had the time gone? Layla had just passed away only recently, right? Just who exactly was he looking at? "...you look different."

Lucy could only scoff in disbelief, "I'm sure I do, considering it's been years since we've had a proper conversation. It also took a while for you to notice that I had left the estate, I'm sure."

Jude Heartfilia blinked slowly.

Ah, that's right.

Recently, he had heard news of her leaving, and ordered some people to bring her back in order for her to fulfill her duties. Why had she left in the first place? He had provided her with a home, food, shelter, and people to tend after her every need. It was a paradise, and she would always be guaranteed safe. Who would want to leave?

"There is no reason for such a tone, but I'm glad to see that that guild had been able to bring you back. It's about time that you'll be arranged for a marriage, don't you think? With someone amongst the wealthy families in the area-" Jude looked down at his papers as he continued to drone on about his plans for her future, and that had promptly erased any sympathies she had for the man at the moment. In the end, he had only wanted her back in order to use her for something else.

Did he even think of her as a person, anymore?

"Let me stop you right there, Father. I have no interest in complying with your wishes, as there are more pressing matter that should be talked about instead. That "guild" that you had mentioned, ended up raging war against another guild, my guild in fact, and destroyed parts of Magnolia in an effort to get to me. Innocent people had a chance to get hurt, but that's not even the worst part it seems." Lucy ranted as she stared at Jude in the eye, who was speechless once more at the tone of voice she was using against him. At the open hostility that was in her eyes, as she continued on. At the pain in her voice, as if she can't believe that she had to do this.

Forced to antagonize her own father in front of him.

He…had done this, Jude thinks as he stares at Lucy with open eyes.

"The worst part is that you probably don't even realize who you hired, just mindlessly used the wealth of our family to order something out of convenience. Like I was some package to be delivered." Lucy spatted out, tears coming into her eyes. God, it's been years since she's properly talked to the man and she thought she was over it. Over the way that she had been neglected by him ever since Layla had died. She had found solace in other people, people that openly cared about her. And yet the pain that was erupting inside of her was old as it was deep, because if he had just asked to see her, she would have came.

She would've came, because she foolishly still loved her father.

"You could've just asked me to come home, Father. A letter, Michael coming as an informant. Anything . It didn't even have to be from you, just something from the Heartfilia manor. I would have came without a second thought." She cried because it was true, and that's why she felt so guilty. It all could've been avoided had her father done the sensible thing. Her dysfunctional family had caused some harm to Magnolia. "But you didn't . And now so much destruction is the result of all this nonsense. "

She's never held his attention this long before, since her mother's death. He didn't even bother to give her more than a sparing glance when she was younger, and she stopped trying eventually. Was it because she looked like her mother, now? Grown and lively, just as Layla once was? And his expression, it's as if he's shocked at what he was seeing before him.

Good.

"Lucy…" Jude muttered at the sight of his daughter, at the anger in her voice. When did everything turn out so badly between them? It feels so sudden, but with every word that comes out of Lucy, it is clear that this moment was probably a long time coming. The anger that is inside of her, it is deep. It's been simmering for years now. Time that Jude has been locked away in his office doing his job, as his daughter has grown up without a father for the later years of her life, basically.

And then the memories that he's tried for what seems like forever to keep locked away, came rushing towards him as Lucy cries before him. Her first steps that she took in the dining hall of the tavern they had built together. Running from them at the age of four of five as she tried to escape the "evil" bathtime. Telling stories as she drifts off half asleep, of yet another story about the celestial spirits that Layla had.

It's been a long time.

That was his daughter in front of him, but he was no longer her father.

That much was clear, as he's finding himself wondering about who exactly Lucy Heartfilia has become after all this time.

It was a revelation that broke his reality as he felt his throat close up. For what kind of father doesn't know their own child, especially when they have lived in the same house for all of these years. It quite literally chips away at his heart as he watches Lucy for the first time, truly hearing what his child had to say.

Mirrored just as mighty as her mother was, all of those years ago.

"I'm leaving the Heartfilia Manor, this time for good. I don't wish to be associated with someone so careless and apathetic. Fairytail, they are my true family now." Lucy said hoarsely, feeling her throat growing sore as she ranted passionately to her father. Her father, who has kept eye contact with her the entire time, without even moving. She hopes he's truly listening, because he must understand what she's trying to say. Just this once, she hopes he's listening to his daughter . "What has happened with Phantom Lord can never happen again, Father. It-It pains me more than I realize to say this, but if you send someone after me again or send someone after Fairytail…then you are m-my enemy . They respect me for who I am, and I won't let you take that from me. I'll fight you if I must, but please don't make me have to fight you. "

She had begged the last part, towards the end. She might dislike her father, but they did have some good memories together in the past. Deep down, she likes to think that he still loves her just as she loves him. But his head is clouded and it has been for a long time. He was stuck in the past, ten years ago. It would hurt her immensely, if she had to fight against him.

Because Jude Heartfilia was a bad father, but in the whole scope of his entire life, he was not a bad man. If nothing else changes between the two of them after this moment, then she wishes for him to become a better person for himself. To start taking care of himself, at least.

It's what Mama would have wanted, she thinks.

Jude Heartfilia closes his eyes as he lets his daughter's words sink in. He was a villain, in her eyes. He was a villain in her world and has been for quite some time now. The angst that is inside of him at thought feels crippling, and it feels as if he had failed just as he had ten years ago. And he had. He had failed Layla in giving their child the love that she deserved, and he had failed Lucy for numerous occasions.

And it was too late to change any of that.

He will have to live with this, knowing that the deterioration of their relationship was entirely his fault.

If she needs to separate herself from him, in name, in anything, then he shall respect her wishes at once. Whatever she asks for, he shall grant without hesitation. If-If they never were to speak ever again, then he will grant her that courtesy as he's already done it before. His sudden urge to speak with her more would just ruin things further, they haven't had many conversations since Layla's death to begin with, so why should she expect them to speak now?

No, it was better this way.

He will love her from afar and allow her to do whatever she wants, and give her whatever she needs. He'll wire money to her account secretly, in order to ensure that she would never face hardships in the apartment that she lives in. Jude Heartfilia will assist her from the shadows because that was his daughter.

His lovely, strong, independent daughter that she's grown up to be.

That is why all he says is, "I see. If that is all, then you may take your leave. Your words..have been noted."

His voice wavered a bit at the end, feeling choked up once more as he struggled to maintain his composure. Apologies whispered into his ears, but he didn't dare open his mouth. What good was an "I'm sorry for all of the years you've been neglected?" after all of this time? It wouldn't change a damn thing, they were still broken.

So he keeps the act going, because at least this is what Lucy is used too. She'll leave this manor knowing that she had said her piece and she had came out victorious. She will not be burdened with the thoughts of her father no longer, and she'll lead herself to having a good life. He won't say a thing, because she deserves to be happy, and he hasn't been the source for a long time now.

And when she leaves the office after a soft goodbye, Jude leans back in his chair as he lets out a soft sigh as a couple tears fall, because he had ruined everything. He had ruined everything between them and yet his daughter still loved him.

His daughter still loved him and he was not worthy.

"I did it, Mama." Lucy whispers to her mother's grave stone as she places a dandelion next to it. She whispered a small prayer for her before turning to leave the cemetery, walking up the hill to begin the trek back towards to the manor. She had wanted to be buried in the nature, amongst the hills of the estate's land. It was a lovely view indeed, Lucy think as she walks amongst the top of the hill, looking out.

The wind blew softly, giving a nice breeze against the heat of the sun. Despite the stormy confrontation that happened moments prior, the weather was a nice change of pace. With the sun beaming on her skin, it makes her a bit hopeful, even if she feels a bit drained. Emotionally drained, but now she was truly free, Lucy thinks as she watched some leaves float by.

There was a noise that captures her attention as her brows furrow a bit, before she turns to see some people running towards her from across the green hills. She's a bit taken aback, who had the audacity to roam on private property? That was until she saw the unmistakable pink hair on a figure as they ran closer, and her heart swelled at the time of her Team Haluna rushing towards.

Yes, her real family now.

Natsu was the one who made it first, incredibly stamina the dragon slayer had. He immediately rushed over and nearly knocked the both of them over as he held her in his arms. They stumbled for a moment before Natsu pulls her close with big, innocent eyes that seemed to plead for her. His expression was open as usual, with worry so clear on his face that she couldn't help but gently brush some his hair out of his eyes, hands lingering on his face.

"What's wrong, Natsu?" Lucy asked him gently, looking at him with confusion and concern in her own eyes. Later on, she'll ask them how they knew she was here. But for now, she must ease her Natsu's worries.

"Don't leave," Natsu pleads, holding her tight. Lucy almost wanted to laugh out of incredulous because what on Earth Land was he talking about? Leaving? She could never leave them, not after everything they've been through. Instead, she just chuckles softly as she listens to his hurried rambles.

"I read the letter, oh-sorry, w-wer just didn't know where you were! And then it said that you had to go back home, we all sort of panicked because we don't want you to leave, Luce-" Natsu was promptly quieted by a finger on the lip as Lucy sighed before rolling her eyes lightly.

"So you went through my stuff without permission, hmm?"

Natsu let go of her waist in order to make gestures at his mouth, motioning for her to remove her finger. She did ever so slightly, so that he could speak.

"We did but it was with good intentions!" Natsu quickly defend himself.

"Uh huh" Lucy raised an eyebrow as Natsu spluttered on about nonsense before she realized what he had said earlier. "You were able to read the letter properly?"

Natsu faltered in the middle of his sentence, "Uh, yes?"

"I'm so proud of you!" Lucy beamed and Natsu flushed at the praise as he smiled softly back at her, because he hadn't been able to do it without her. But that's not the point they were here for, and it felt like Lucy was avoiding answering his plea. "Thank you, but that's not why we're here. Lucy, I-"

Another finger on the lip silences him, as he subconsciously resorts to his eyes conveying his message.

Don't leave us, Lucy.

Don't leave me.

I need you.

And Lucy understood all too well, because she felt the same. "I will never leave you guys, and if I do, it won't be without a proper goodbye. I had to return home in order to confront my father personally, and as lovely as you all are, I felt as if it was something that I had to conquer on my own."

She gently stroked Natsu's cheek with her other hand, "Don't worry, Natsu. I know now that the way I wrote that letter was rather vague and gave that impression, but I'm not going anywhere if I can help it. I'm not leaving you, just as you will never leave me?"

"Never." Natsu whispers against her finger, before pulling her into a hug. Lucy just chuckles as she embraces him back, rubbing his back as she allowed him to hug out the rest of his worries. She was sorry to has cause him so much anguish, the thought of her leaving must've really made him upset. Her cheeks turn a bit pink at the thought, because well, wasn't that scene in a romance novella?

The man chases after the woman he loves, thinking she's leaving for good but it was all a small misunderstanding?

Natsu loving Lucy?

A beautiful fairytale indeed, she allows herself to selfishly think for a moment. Until she saw that Gray and Erza were finally here, and she had launched herself into their arms. Gray just patted her on the back while Erza nearly broke her bones as she hugged the woman in return, but that was just their forms of love.

"A pink haired birdy told me that you guys thought I was leaving, huh?" Lucy teased.

Gray just scoffed, "Well we weren't that worried. I figured that you were coming to confront your dad since he had a part in all of this. We just came to provide backup just in case he really was wicked man who wanted to hurt you."

Lucy sighed at his words, looking back at the manor in the distance. "Not a wicked man, but a rather sad one. It's over though, I think I was clear in what I had to say to him. The rest of up Father for what he wishes to do with it."

"And you're alright? Nothing happened?" Erza gave Lucy a once over. Lucy just twirled a bit in her gown before placing her hands on her hips as she looked at them a bit exasperatedly.

"I'm fine, I promise! You guys can be such worry warts." Lucy grumbled before Gray gave her a deadpanned look.

"You're literally the worst out of all of us."

"Shut up."

"He's got a point, Luce, as much as I hate to say it. You've scolded me out of worry a total of, um, 213 times!"

" Shut up! "

"You know how to count, Flame Brain? Color me impressed." Gray snarked as they began to walk down the hill.

"You calling me stupid, ice punk? I'll fucking kill you!" Natsu hisses as the boys knocked heads. Erza let out a grumble as she began to stalk over towards the boys, but Lucy just put a hand on her shoulder and shook her head. That was their way of releasing tense emotions and it works for them. They can step in if it gets too rowdy.

Happy flew over towards Lucy and landed in her arms as she hugged him for a moment, "Hey there, Happy."

"Lushi~! I'm glad you're staying."

"I was never planning to leave," Lucy said happily as they all walked together as a team, with her as the leader. Erza makes small talk in the meantime as they take their time, watching Natsu and Gray run around up ahead. "You own this much land, Lucy? You must be very rich."

"It's my father's money, but I think I do have an inheritance that he isn't able to touch. I'll probably use it for the apartment or perhaps a shopping trip should be planned instead!" Lucy said excitedly as she looked at Erza.

"We should gather some of the girls to go shopping with us, I'm sure everyone would love to!"

"Yes, I think so too." Erza replied warmly, with a smile on her face.

Arms interlinked, as they took their time on the way back home to Fairytail.

-J-H-

Cigar smoke blew into the air as Jude Heartfilia looked down at the grave of his wife, while a hand full of dandelions that was gently placed next to the stone. The constant heartache that fills him at the sight of the love his life was something that he's made peace with for over a decade now. There was a piece of him that died with her that day.

"I've disappointed many people, I see now." Jude spoke quietly, his deep voice so soft that it disappeared into the wind.

"I've failed you Layla as a husband. Not for your sickness, but for being someone you thought you could trust to take care of Lucy once you had passed. I've failed you and I've failed our daughter."

There is a new ache in his heart, a wound fresh. "It seems that I am destined to be a haunted man."

Michael stood off to the side in silent shock, still reeling in the fact that Jude Heartfilia was finally out of his office and in outside to visit his wife's grave. Shocked that he could faintly hear his words and how he has finally understood the pain that he has caused his daughter after all of these years.

"She doesn't want me to be in her life." Jude took in a smokey breath before exhaling it outwards, "And I do not blame her for a second."

"So I swear on your grave, Layla, I am going to do better for her, even if it's from the shadows." He finishes his whisper as he turns to around to walk back through the hills that his wife had loved and adored. Because the sight was beautiful, she said. Full of nature.

Michael quickly fell into step behind Jude as they walked silently back towards the manor.

It wasn't until he was at the doors of his office that Jude stopped and asked Michael a quiet question, "Were you there for her, when I wasn't?"

Michael paused, looking at the back of the large man, but he had decided to tell the truth.

"I was. She's grown up to be an amazing woman, Master Jude. She might have Layla's looks and her friendly nature, but her relentlessness, leadership, and determination came from you."

He doesn't know if Jude smiles or not at the words, but the latter does let out a small sigh and a hummed before he entered the office without another word. As he turns around to close the door however, Jude makes eye contact with Michael and gives him a singular nod of respect before closing the door shut.

And Michael swallows down a harsh breath at the look in his eye, for he hasn't seen that quiet fire in him in over a decade.

Things truly can change, for the better, it seems.

There's hope for some of us after all.