Chapter One

This is our Beginning

Invaders of the Night Sky

The Sunbirth Festival was always a very beautiful thing. Every street that ever existed in the country Croynia were decorated with bouquets of orange flowers and there were red, silk lanterns hanging above our heads.

Merchants set up their stands, their wooden crates filled with fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables. In the center of my beloved town called Millstone stood a tall metal pole with a light green flag flapping carelessly in the wind. On it were two swords making an X-shape and a large, pink flower in the middle of it.

Oh, how much Croynia loved its flowers.

I watched the townspeople add more decorations to the village from my spot on the bakery's window ledge. My feet dangerously yet gently swinging back and forth in the air below me. I planted my hands against the wood to keep my balance.

''Oi, Natsu!'' A voice called from the ground. I leaned my head forward and looked at the mysterious person.

It was Vijeeter Ecor, that one human being everyone hated.

''What?'' I asked, my voice loud enough so he could hear me. ''Aren't you gonna help us set up for the Festival?''

Why would I? I had a bad reputation around here. People hated me.

''I don't feel like it,'' I shrugged, looking away from the source of my newfound annoyance.

Vijeeter huffed and crossed his arms over his blue shirt. ''Well, you should feel like it. It's not fair that everyone's working their butt off while you do nothing!'' The man complained, glaring at me with dark green eyes.

I glared right back, expect my stare was more intimidating.

''What about you? You're barely doing anything to help them. As far as I've seen, you've been dancing behind Laki's shop for the past twenty minutes.'' I said, leaning backwards. I heard him scoff in attempt to hide his embarrassment.

''F-fine.. do whatever you want to do. Nobody wanted you to help, anyways.'' Vijeeter murmured, turning around and disappearing into the immense, buzzing crowd of people.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair before I felt something tap my shoulder. Turning around, I saw the young manager of the bakery. ''Hey, Lis.'' I greeted with a small wave of my hand. The woman behind me scowled.

This was Lisanna Strauss. She owned the bakery in Millstone, and everybody loved the sweets she made. I had met Lisanna before she created her business. She offered to give me free food, which I gratefully accepted.

Lisanna knew I was.. homeless in a way. That's why she also offered me a place to stay in her home, but I had declined. Don't know why. Wish I didn't.

''Why are not out there helping?'' The white-haired girl asked, hands on her hips. She wore a brown villager gown with a white apron tied around her body. Her blue eyes bore into mine as if looking for an answer.

''Because,'' I internally groaned, ''I don't feel like helping. Is that such a big deal?''

''This is the Sunbirth Festival, Natsu!'' Lisanna exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air.

I sighed and turned my body around so I was safely inside the second floor of the Strauss bakery.

I titled my head and stood up. ''So?''

''The S-u-n-b-i-r-t-h F-e-s-t-i-v-a-l.'' She repeated slowly.

''And?''

I felt the annoyance oozing out of her body. She lifted her hand to her face and pinched the bridge of her nose. ''Whatever. Can you help Elfman downstairs? He's having a bit of struggle bringing the flour to the kitchen.'' She said. I raised an eyebrow.

Elfman was strong, why wasn't he able to do a simple task?

I sighed again and nodded. ''Sure.. fine. Only because you feed me for free.'' I muttered, walking past Lisanna and towards the stairs. ''You know,'' She started speaking again. I saw her wipe her hands on her apron. ''You really should help the others.'' I snorted. ''Yeah, yeah.'' I waved my hand dismissively.

I walked down the old, creaky wooden stairs into the small kitchen. I glanced at the small window above the metallic sink and saw a group of kids run between houses, laughing loudly while wearing yellow flower crowns.

I felt a small smile on my lips before I dragged my feet towards the two front doors where Elfman, Lisanna's older brother, was indeed struggling with the sacks of flour. He had two over his shoulders and was attempting to put another one on.
Wordlessly, I snatched one off his left shoulder and placed it on mine. ''Thanks,'' The man said, carrying one of the heavy bags in his large hands. I did the same.

''Mhm,'' I hummed quietly. There was one thing about the Strauss family that most people didn't know.

I was one of the few who did.

''Are you still searching for her?'' I asked, my voice barely a whisper. I saw Elfman glance at me before hearing him sigh. I dropped the sacks on the counter and scratched my arms, where I felt itchy.

''Yeah.. but I'm starting to lose hope.'' He mumbled. We went back and grabbed the rest of the flour. When we were finished, we stood by the front doors. I didn't respond to Elfman. I didn't need too.

I understood the pain of having a family member suddenly disappearing. It was a terrible feeling that I wished never existed. I rid myself of the negative thoughts and looked at the man beside me.

''I'm sure you'll find her eventually,'' I said. ''Of course.'' Elfman nodded in agreement before turning back towards the kitchen. ''It looks like they're about to start the Festival.'' He said, grinning. ''Yeah?'' I murmured, looking at the large windows in the front. I could feel childish excitement make its presence inside of me.

I felt Elfman gently shove me towards the doors. ''Go out there,'' He said softly, giving me a brotherly smile. I gave him a grin and a thumbs up. ''Hell yeah I will.'' I swung open the doors and stepped out, not before waving. ''Don't worry, I'll come back in a few!'' I shouted before Elfman shooed me away.

Laughing quietly to myself, I wandered around the village and away from the bakery. I watched groups of families and friends explore our festive hometown. Feeling the slight pang of jealousy in my chest, I opted to look at the decorations.

I realized it was more than flowers and lanterns.

There were orange and yellow banners on each house and store with small sun symbols.

Connected from roof to roof were several pieces of rope that carried the lanterns and in one particular area were large pieces of paper drawn and colored as suns, courtesy of our favourite school of kids. I smiled to myself and continued my journey across town, nearing the middle of it all. I heard music in the distance.

I walked up to every stall that caught my interest, especially the jewelry one. I picked up a gold necklace that had a small dragon curling around a crystal ball of light blue. The seller, an elderly lady, gave me a warm smile. ''That necklace is said to be made with actual dragon scales, would you like to buy it?'' She asked, a few strands of grey hair falling from it's bun. I shook my head, placed the jewelry back in its place and left to go to another stall.

While walking, I bumped into someone. I felt irritation quickly fill me up. ''Hey, watch it-!'' I snarled, but abruptly stopped when I saw the most beautiful face.

Her skin was a cream-color and she had long, gorgeous, golden hair. She wore a large cloak over her body and I felt her doe, brown eyes piercing into mine. Her freckled nose was scrunched up and she glared at me.

''Look where you're going!'' She spat, shoving my shoulder. I glared back and scoffed. ''Says you,'' I muttered quietly, but not quiet enough.

''Real mature.''

I groaned. I was already annoyed with this lady, even if I thought she looked like a goddamn angel. ''Fuck off.''

''Shut up.'' We both turned around and had a stare down. Our glares intensified and that's when our story finally began.