The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Lucy's apartment. But the warmth did little to ease the cold resolve that had settled in her heart. She knew what she had to do, even if it meant breaking her own heart—and Natsu's—in the process.
Lucy slowly untangled herself from Natsu's embrace, careful not to wake him. As she sat up, she watched him sleep, his face peaceful and untroubled. It was a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her. She gently brushed a lock of hair from his face, her fingers lingering as if trying to memorize every detail.
["I'm so sorry, Natsu,"] she whispered, her voice trembling. ["But I have to do this. I have to protect you, protect everyone… even if it means you'll hate me."]
She rose quietly, moving about the room as she gathered her things. Then She sat on her table, as she started writing a letter her hands shook slightly, the weight of what she was about to do pressing down on her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. This letter would be her last connection to the life she loved, to the man she loved. But it had to be done. If she stayed, the danger would only grow.
The sound of the pen scratching across the paper was the only noise in the room, aside from the soft, rhythmic breathing of Natsu. She wrote slowly, carefully choosing her words, knowing they would hurt him but hoping they would also give him the strength to move on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natsu,
By the time you read this, I'll be gone. I know this will hurt you, and you have many questions for me but I'm so sorry that I cannot explain everything now.. But this is something I have to do. I have to leave you and everyone. Even though you said you loved me and you would protect me, I cannot stay-- No precisely because you love me that I have to leave.
The danger we're facing is far greater than anything we've ever encountered. The Titan King… He's after me, Natsu. And if I stay, he'll come for all of you. I can't bear the thought of putting you, Happy, and everyone in the guild in danger because of me.
I don't want to put everyone in danger. We just came from one dangerous mission where not just you but also Erza, Gray, Wendy, Carla and Happy were almost killed. This threat is even greater than that and I cannot imagine putting all of you in that type of danger.
I know this will anger you and the others. And even if it is not making sense and I cannot explain everything now but please believe me. I'll come back safe so wait for me and not try to find me. If you like you can hate me but please be safe.
Please, take care of yourself. Take care of Happy, and take care of the guild. You're strong, Natsu.
Goodbye...
Lucy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As she finished the letter, a single tear splashed onto the paper, smudging the ink slightly. She wiped her eyes, trying to keep her emotions in check. She had to stay strong. This was the only way.
Lucy carefully folded the letter and placed it on the table. Then she goes back to bed and leans down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. ["I love you,"] she whispered one last time, her voice breaking.
With one final look at the man who had come to mean everything to her, Lucy turned and quietly left the apartment.
*****************************************************************************
The streets of Magnolia were just beginning to stir with life as Lucy made her way through them. She kept her hood up, not wanting to be recognized. Her heart ached with every step, but she forced herself to keep moving. She couldn't afford to hesitate now.
Lucy headed towards the outskirts of the town, where she knew the train station would be mostly empty at this hour. Her plan was to leave Fiore entirely, to go somewhere the Titan King's minions wouldn't find her, at least not right away. She needed time to figure out how to defeat this ancient threat.
As she reached the station, Lucy felt a pang of doubt. Could she really do this? Could she really leave everyone behind? But then she remembered the Celestial King's warning, the image of Natsu, Happy, and the guild in danger because of her. That was all she needed to steal her resolve.
She bought a ticket for the first train out of Magnolia, not caring where it would take her, as long as it was far away.