7 The Loss of a Loved One

{July 22th, X777}

"Atro!"

"Hi Lucy."

My greeting was answered with a non-verbal action as the little girl in the pink dress ran up to me and gave me a big hug, or as big a hug as one her size could give. While I honestly wish that this reunion was a happier one, I knew that this hug was one that was asking the recipient for comfort, so all I did was quietly wrap my arms around her, giving her pats on the back. Still, I definitely missed Lucy's presence in the time I've been gone.

"I'm so happy you're back Atro! Mommy's been very sick and no one can help her!"

"Yeah I know, Lu. Don't worry though. I'm back. Big brother Atro is back home."

And it's true. I am home now. Although Lucy isn't supposed to know that Layla let me take their family name, I couldn't help but want to comfort her as the older brother she has always viewed me as, and so I shall while keeping Layla's gift to me a secret. One day, Lucy will learn the truth, and when that day comes, I'll happily introduce myself as her adopted brother. But for right now, this will do.

After I separate her from me, I leaned down a bit to look the miniature female Heartfilia in the eye.

"Lucy, can you take me to Layla please? I would like to talk to her."

Lucy merely nodded her teary-eyed head furiously before taking my hand and pulling me with her to where Layla was resting.

It's time to talk to her.

[Narrator POV - Layla]

"Mommy, can I come in? I have a surprise for you."

Layla saw her sweet daughter's head poking into her room from the door, Lucy's face showing no small amount of concern for her mother. Oh, how can she deny her daughter? Besides, she said that she had a surprise for her as well. She can't help but to be curious as to what it may possibly be.

"Of course you can come in Lucy. And please show me the surprise that you have." She said with her loving smile directed at her daughter. Lucy nodded her head and opened the door, allowing to see what the surprise was.

'Oh Lucy...' Layla couldn't help but to think to herself, feeling an equal amount of joy and sadness.

For the surprise that was here for here was her own adopted son, Atro, as he walked through the door with a concerned frown on his face. While she hoped for him to not see her in such a condition, it warms her heart that her son in all but blood wished to come here in order to check on her.

"Hello Atro. I'm happy to see that you're doing well. Thank you for coming to see me." She said to her young boy before looking over to Lucy.

"Lucy, sweetie, can Mommy and Atro talk to each other alone for a few minutes?" She asked her daughter, who looked between herself and Atro before giving a nod and closing the door as she exited the room.

"...Hi mom." Atro spoke softly as he took a seat in the chair next to her bed, which had been there so Jude or Lucy could keep her company. Layla watched as her son reached out and took hold of one of her hands. "How are you?"

Concerned about her as always. Shouldn't it be the mother who should always worry over her son?

"I'm fine, my little star. I'm just simply tired and sick is all, don't worry about me."

"Mom...how much longer do you have? You don't have to lie for my sake."

So he knows then. She was afraid of that. But it shouldn't have been surprising. Atro has always been a fairly perceptive child, even since the time she found him two years ago.

"I'm afraid that I don't have long. If I'm lucky, I will have until the end of the month until I pass on." She answered truthfully, knowing that by the way her son's hands tightened their hold around her own, he didn't like that answer.

"I see..."

After that, there was a small bout of silence, the only thing happening between the mother and son pair was her hand being clasped in both of his. However, Atro suddenly broke the silence with a question.

"Mom...what if I told you that there was a way to bring you back? A method of resurrection that may only be able to be used once before it will be forever lost. That way, you won't be separated from-"

No.

"Atro." Layla interrupted him with a weak, yet still firm voice, as she gave her son a hard look.

She knew. She knew that the price for such a feat would be near astronomical, nothing that a single Mage would be able to perform without making many sacrifices, the Mage in question being no exception. And there was no way that she would allow her son to damn himself for her sake. And he knew this too.

"But Layla! If it works, when it works, then you'll be able to live on for your family's sake! Lucy will still have her mother with her! I don't care if you end up hating me and disowning me as your son, but I can't let you die! Not if it means I have to-"

"You have to what?" She interrupted once more, cutting him off from whatever he was saying before continuing. Her eyes softened as she gave his hand a small squeeze.

"Atro, you of all people know that the cost to genuinely resurrect someone from the dead is not one that you yourself can pay. You would have to break the laws of the world and sacrifice countless resources just to bring one person back, and even the act of trying to do so may come with its own repercussions that would be inflicted on others and especially yourself. I will not allow you to do that and you know that I won't."

It was clear Atro knew that she was right. Just the look on his face was telling enough for her. But she would not allow her own adopted child to do this, even for the sake of her and her family.

"You gave me a home. You gave me a life here. Even if it's been only two years and I wasn't even here for half of one, you gave me memories that would last a lifetime. And now you're going to leave us, without me being able to pay you back. So why? Why won't you at least let me try to save you?"

They both knew why.

Layla slowly sat up straight before wrapping her arms around Atro and pulling him into her embrace.

"Atro, we both know why. As much as you may want me to stay alive, you won't do it. Because as selfish as your wish is, and we both know that it is, at your core you are a kind boy. Even if your journey has changed you, perhaps in ways that you don't wish to admit, you have always been a person with a soft heart. Whether or not I allowed nor denied your plan, you still would not be able to go through with such an act, because you would never willingly sacrifice the happiness and lives of others to get what you want.

You are a person who thrives in being able to help others, and doing this would be an antithesis of what you stand for. Besides...your name itself is an indication that you would not follow through, is it not? After all, you told me that Atro is the name of a long-forgotten hero who fought for his people and willingly died for the sake of his people's future. So if you wish to pay me back, I would like to ask for you to look after Lucy when I'm gone and also..."

Layla pulled away to look Atro in the eyes, his tears running down his cheeks.

"...I want you to live up to the name of that lost hero and always try to help others however you can without ever compromising your ideals. Okay?"

She watched as her son's shoulders seemed to slump just slightly before he nodded in resignation.

"...You're right...I never would have been able to do it. I knew that you wouldn't let me either. But I had to try and ask, knowing full well that you would not agree. But in the end you're right. I don't think I could ever bring myself to genuinely do it, not with the possible costs and the lives I'd ruin the process. And even if the cost was as simple as a single life, you would never allow me to sacrifice my own life for your own. Not to mention..."

Layla was curious as to what he was going to say, but whatever it was, Atro shook his head and sighed before looking up to Layla with a very faint, yet genuine smile. It couldn't be helped, he was resigned to her fate, but it is still good to see that her son would not be going down such a dark path.

"I promise, Mom. I'll look after Lucy and I'll make sure to live up to the name that I gave myself."

"I'm glad to hear. Speaking of Lucy, can you get for me? I'm sure she's very concerned about me right now."

"Sure thing."

As Atro went to the door to grab Lucy who was undoubtedly waiting in the halls with concern and anxiety, Layla looked at her son's back and simply smiled.

'I know that you will go on to become a great Mage Atro, just as I am certain that you will one day become a Wizard Saint and a Magic Council member. But above all else, I know that even after I am gone, you will continue being a good person and watch over my family. My little star.'

And with that, their conversation ended with Lucy coming in, allowing for the three to spend time together in her room, just like they had when Atro first came into their lives.

But sadly...it seems that all good times must end.

{August 6th, X777}

[Atro's POV]

I stared blankly at the slab in front of me.

She's actually gone isn't she?

Layla had passed away not even a week after I returned, barely making it to the end of the month. The funeral was only two days ago. I remember having to hold Lucy as she tried to muffle her sobbing during it. Even after a week, she still cried because of Layla's death, not that I can blame her. Even I cried for quite some time along with Lucy as we mourned together for Layla's passing, despite the fact my crying wasn't quite vocal. If I didn't know what it was like then, I knew it now. This was how it felt to lose one's mother.

After she had been buried, I found myself coming to her grave yesterday, staring at it for quite some time in silence, much like I am doing today. It's honestly hard to believe that she's not with us anymore.

But I knew that she wouldn't want me to just sulk and brood around here. Unfortunately that meant that it will have to require me leaving. But that would mean leaving Lucy as well. Sadly Jude shut himself into the office, focusing on the business as I had expected, while Lucy was holed up in her room. It looks like some things were just meant to be after all. I'll probably have to write Lucy a letter to explain my presence and that in spite of me being gone, I'll still be sending her letters, books, and sometimes some Jewels through Spetto or Bero, two of the Heartfilia Konzern's employees who I had gotten close to in my time staying at the Heartfilia Residence.

Even if I am away, there is nothing that will stop me from supporting Lucy however I can and being a pillar for her when she inevitably runs away from here. Even if it means that I need to intervene in the Phantom Lord fiasco. But to do that, I need to get strong. I need to become a Wizard Saint in a faster time than ever before. Erza became an S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail when she was fifteen years old, only around four years after joining the guild. I aim to shatter that achievement, even if it kills me.

And so, with a fire that even I can feel being lit inside myself- I might even go so far as to say that I'm fired up now, sorry Natsu- I bowed to the gravestone before turning towards the mansion and making my way over to the building.

'Layla Heartfilia. Even if it was only for two years, thank you for finding me back then, nursing me back to health, and allowing me to live with you. Thank you for caring for me. Thank you for being my mother. No matter where you are right now, always know that the day you completed my name for me will always be one of the happiest days of my life.

Truth...if you can even hear me. You once called yourself God when you introduced yourself to me. If you truly mean that, then watch over Layla and guide her to her deserved reward.

Goodbye Mom.'

[Narrator's POV - Lucy after Atro left]

Once again, Lucy read the letter that her big brother Atro wrote for her after he had mysteriously left. She usually did this whenever she felt very lonely, such as right now. Ever since her mommy died, her daddy hasn't been talking to her, and while she was happy to have people like Spetto and Bero here with her, it doesn't feel the same, especially with Atro leaving.

Her eyes took in the contents of the letter once more.

-Hi Lucy,

If you're reading this letter, it means that I'm already gone at this point and Spetto gave this to you when you were asking why I had left. I'm not really good at writing letters, but I'll try my best in this one.

I'm sorry for leaving you here. I know that after Layla died, Jude has been neglecting you (before you ask Lu, neglect means to ignore), focusing more on the business than on you. While I can understand why he doing the second in light of the fact that he doesn't have Layla's help anymore, it gives him no reason to neglect his own daughter. I wish that I could take you with me, but I can't. This world is a very dangerous one, especially for me since you know that I want to be a very strong Mage, and I would never forgive myself if you were ever hurt and I could have helped you. It doesn't help that Jude didn't spend as much time with me as Layla did, and because of that, the two of us are barely acquainted with one another (we barely know each other), so he probably would not trust me to care for you.

But don't worry Lucy. Just because I'm gone doesn't mean that I will ever forget you. I'm sure that you saw the necklace that came with the letter, right? That is the Christmas gift that Layla gave me in secret the year you all found me, and it's my most precious treasure. I'm now giving it to you to remember me by and the next time we see each other, you can give it back to me. I promise that you'll see me again.

But until then, I need you to be a big girl for me okay? Study well in everything you learn, read any books on magic that I send you, and practice magic whenever you can (ask Bero for help if you ever need it). Do these things, and grow up well, and you'll be fine.

This will be the last time I will talk to you for some time, but know that you'll be an amazing Mage one day Lucy, and whenever you leave this place to spread your wings, know that I will be there at the finish line.

Goodbye, little sister. We will meet again.

Love, your big brother, Atro.-

"Yeah...I'll see you again big brother!" Lucy said with a fierce expression of determination on her face as she placed her hand near her chest, where a silver necklace with an intricate star rested.

[Narrator POV - Draculos]

"Are you sure you are making the right choice?" He asked his student.

Atro had recently returned with a fire brighter than any he had seen within the boy. What had happened in the time he was gone for him to sport such a resolute expression on his face? One that led to him making this borderline outrageous, although easily doable, request?

"Yes Master Draculos. I am sure. I don't care what I end up going through with this request. I don't care if what I am asking is tantamount to asking for a death wish. The timeline for my desires has shortened and if I am to fulfill my goals, I need to push myself even hard than ever before. As my teacher, I'm sure you know when I need to stop to recover as needed, but outside of that, I ask you, my master, to train me until I drop whenever you are back here and not on missions. I want you to train me using all the power and knowledge that you accumulated as a member of the Ten Wizard Saints. As a God of Ishgar.

Because by the summer solstice, June 21st of X778, on my 13th birthday, I will become the youngest member of the Ten Wizards Saints. And when I become of age, I will become a member of the Magic Council. So please Master Draculos! Accept my request!"

Does he know what he's truly asking for? For Draculos to essentially train him to near death, only to recover and repeat the same process over and over for a little less than once year, just to become a member of the Ten Wizard Saints at the age of 13?

While the God of Ishgar knows that the reason, whatever it is, for his young student to become one at such a young age isn't for some petty or shallow reason, having trained him after all this time and knowing the kind of person Atro is, he still needs to test the boys resolve. And so he unleashed a massive amount of magic power, far more than any amount he has unveiled to his student and watched as Atro froze upon being slammed by his magic power, falling to his knees as it happened.

"Do you see now, what you will end up going through in the course of your proposed training duration at such an intensity? Are you willing to pit yourself against this sort of strength every day I train you, knowing full well that any flagrant mistakes made may possibly be your undoing? While it is possible to get immensely stronger in a year of training, what you are asking for me to do is to push you even beyond at an accelerated rate, just to become one of the Wizard Saints at such an age. Are you willing to undergo this feeling in order to achieve your wish?"

Seeing Atro on his knees with his head down, Draculos was about to dismiss his magic power, he felt an explosion of magic power emanating from his student as he slowly stood up, leveling a fierce, yet somehow respectful, glare at the master. How incredible. While he by no means was unleashing the maximum of his power, for Atro to still stand up and unleash such a great amount of power at his age is quite amazing.

It seems that even to this day, Draculos is underestimating Atro. He will have to rectify that very quickly.

"I don't even have to say it do I, Master Draculos? I will be a Wizard Saint within a year. I will not allow myself to settle for anything less!"

Draculos pulled in his released magic power, allowing Atro to do the same before the two looked at each other in silence.

"Very well. Prepare yourself, my first and final student, for the next ten months may possibly be your undoing."

{A/N: As always, be sure to check out the Creator's Thoughts at the end!}