Chapter 59: Ch 59 : Siblings
The icy seawater poured into his body through his mouth and nose, bringing with it a bone-chilling cold that momentarily cleared Noel's fading consciousness.
Crimson blood gushed from the massive wound in his chest, making him all too keenly aware of the rapid loss of his life force.
(Am I... going to die?) Noel's lips curled into a bitter smile.
(Is this... the end for me? ... I'm sorry, Erza, for leaving you with such painful memories... I'm sorry, Mirajane, Master, and everyone in Fairy Tail... I really... tried my best... I truly did... So... at least now, just let me... rest for a while...)
Excessive blood loss and agony sent his mind drifting into unconsciousness once more, but buried memories resurfaced with piercing clarity.
Scenes of the past he wished never to recall flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.
The wounds on his heart, long thought to have scarred over, were torn open once again, bringing back that soul-crushing pain as if it had just happened yesterday...
"Lia... Hal... I'm sorry. I was so powerless, so weak... Back then, I couldn't protect anything, I couldn't protect anyone..."
A single tear slipped from the corner of his eye, merging into the vast ocean, vanishing without a trace.
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The afternoon sunlight poured gently over the tranquil forest, warm and comforting.