He returned, four years later, heavily injured but contented. He had finally found Igneel, and now he will finally have closure.
Natsu walked into the guild, expecting to see Lucy waiting for him. To his surprise, he only saw the ashen faces of his comrades. Wait, something is wrong !
"What's wrong ?!"
"Natsu..." Erza mumbled, tears slowly trickling down her face.
Suddenly something dawned on him.
"WHERE'S LUCY ?! ANSWER ME ?!"
"She passed away... A year ago Natsu..." Gray said softly, eyes downcast.
"NO ! THIS CAN'T BE, I DON'T BELIEVE IT !"
"She was ill... She waited for you... Three whole years she held on... Natsu..." Erza said, crying.
"I shouldn't have left..."
"She doesn't blame you for leaving Natsu. Her dying words were, ' Natsu, I don't believe in goodbyes.' "
-------
He stood at her grave.
"Lucy, I'm sorry... "
"I never should have left..."
"I don't believe in goodbyes Lucy... Still I know... One day we will meet again."