I haven't been this close to Natsu since the year we were apart; his cheeks glowing red from the heat of battle. His fist held high into the air with the look of triumph on his face. All I could think of in my mind is that he has saved me once again. The one time I am in peril, the person I care about most has showed up to rescue me. I think to myself, this has to be fate? We are miles away from the Kingdom of Fiore, yet here I stand, with Natsu, once again. Finally, he comes to and with that big goofy grin he always shows shouts,
"Hey, Lucy! Long time no see!"
The only thing I can do is blush and slip a little smirk. Why does this boy make me so speechless? He left me for a year, with only a letter saying he will be back. How can I have these warm feelings come rushing back all over again and not an ounce of anger? He starts walking closer to me, still showing his toothy grin and finally I give up and start running towards him and happy. Tears start streaming down my face as I say while embracing him,
"Natsu, you idiot, don't leave me again like that! Do you know how lonely I was without you or happy?"
"I'm sorry, Lucy. I had to become stronger in order to protect you, to protect everyone. I promise, I won't be leaving again," he says as he returns the embrace.
I let my tears fall as Natsu consoles me. I have my best friend back, is all I can think. I can finally let all the loneliness and anger go from my heart. There was nothing in the world that could ruin this moment for me. I wanted to remain this happy forever, but I knew that the happiness I felt wasn't going to last. The darkness was approaching and the fate of the world would once again rest on our shoulders.