Ashes to Ashes
Lucy's footsteps pounded along the wooden halls of the guild. A deep roar resonated through the whole building, and Lucy pressed herself to run even faster. The sound of beams snapping and walls being destroyed announced the approach of a monstrous beast.
As she rounded a corner, Lucy's heart froze; a dead end loomed before her. The blonde mage quickly turned, but before she could run, a column of fire barred her path-the dragon had caught up to her. She reached to her hip for her keys, only to discover that they were not there. A desperate panic rose in her chest, and radiated off of the blaze in front of her. The dragon, still out of view, growled.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, taunting the dragon, and Lucy heard the beast leave to pursue the owner of the voice. A glimmer of hope filled Lucy's body, and she smiled tentatively as she faced down the fiery inferno.
She would be fine. Natsu was there, and he would save her.
Natsu let out a shout of anger as he watched the dragon fly away. He had managed to draw it away from the guild, but it had fled almost immediately, without giving Natsu a proper fight.
"What a coward, eh Lucy?" he asked, folding his arms frustratedly. When he didn't get a response, he turned to look at Lucy. Natsu furrowed his brow and looked around. Where was she?
"Lucy?" he called. Suddenly, Natsu spotted Lucy's keys lying near the entrance to the guild. His eyes widened as he saw the fire that was consuming the building. Natsu sprinted towards the building.
"Lucy! Don't worry, I'm coming!" he shouted.
He reached the building, and without hesitation, he began inhaling the flames. Natsu had never been more thankful for his abilities.
When all of the flames had disappeared, Natsu hurried into the charred wreckage of the guild building.
"Lucy, where are ya'? Lucy?" he wandered amongst the scorched ruins, calling out for Lucy. A glimmering caught his eye, and as he moved to examine it, he caught his breath. Lucy was lying on the ground with her eyes closed. Several minor burns marred her skin.
Natsu sighed with relief, and crouched down beside her.
"There you are Luce! You had me scared there for a second," he joked. When she didn't respond, Natsu cradled her shoulders, and shook Lucy gently.
"Hey, Lucy, you're safe now. I'm with you. It's okay." Lucy still didn't respond, and panic rose up in Natsu's chest as he checked Lucy's pulse. It wasn't there; the smoke must have been too much.
Tears washed the ash from Lucy's face as Natsu cradled her still warm, but lifeless body.
Quiet crying dilled the air as the entire guild sat, staring at the casket that held Lucy. As the service finished, people slowly drifted away, until finally, a lone man came out from the shadows he'd been standing in.
Natsu slowly approached the casket and gazed down at Lucy's face. Suppressing tears, Natsu carefully removed his treasured scarf, and wound it around Lucy's neck. He leaned over and gently pressed his lips against hers, and breathed in her familiar scent of vanilla.
He smiled quietly and squeezed her hand, unshed tears burning in his eyes. He looked at the scarf.
"Now I'll always be with you," he murmured. Natsu gave Lucy one last hug, and then turned away.
Unsure whether he was talking to Lucy or himself, he quietly whispered, "It's okay."
As Natsu walked home, a vanilla scented breeze blew gently through his hair.