Lucy bit down hard on her lip.
But the tears still wouldn't stop falling.
Future Lucy's body had already dissolved up to her waist, golden motes of light drifting continuously into the night sky.
Yet she smiled and raised her left hand, lightly tapping Lucy on the forehead.
"Don't make that face."
"We won."
Lucy grabbed her hand.
"But you're going to disappear!"
"I'm only returning to the time where I belong."
"That timeline has already changed."
Future Lucy looked toward the Eclipse Gate, now reduced to ruins.
"The dragons won't rule the world anymore."
"The guild won't be destroyed either."
"Everyone in that future might be able to survive."
Happy cried until snot ran from his nose.
"But will we ever see you again?"
Future Lucy shook her head.
"I don't know."
"But it's okay."
She looked at Natsu, Erza, Gray, Wendy, and Mirajane.
At last, her gaze fell on Lu Chongwei.
"This time, all of you are here."
"I have no regrets anymore."
Natsu lowered his head, his fists clenched tightly.
"What about the future me?"
Future Lucy froze slightly.
"He fought until the very end."
"Is that so?"
Natsu raised his head.
"Then tell him."
"Next time, don't try to shoulder everything alone."
Gray, standing beside him, couldn't help saying, "Coming from you, that has absolutely no persuasion."
"What did you say?"
"I said you're the one who loves acting recklessly."
"Want to fight, you exhibitionist!"
"Bring it on, flame-brain!"
After only a couple of words, the two charged at each other again despite being covered in wounds.
Erza raised both hands and punched each of them.
Bang! Bang!
Natsu and Gray collapsed to the ground at the same time.
"Quiet down."
"Can't you see Lucy is still saying goodbye?"
"Yes..."
Future Lucy watched the familiar scene,