This will be a NaLu fic, placed just after the GMG. Weird for me, hu? ^^ I know normally I'm a GaLe girl, but, I just watched the episode where Future Lucy is killed, which brings back so many feels from the manga, and inspired this fic! :)
~A Promise~
Natsu sat in the guild hall. Everyone had gone home, so he sat quietly, staring into space. He had sent Happy along home hours ago, the exceed needed his sleep, and right now, the dragon slayer needed his solitude. The memory of shadow passing harmlessly through his fingers as it hurtled towards Lucy playing over and over in his mind. Future Lucy's scream, and her dying words... Natsu would always protect her future. From now on and forever, because she was his most precious thing.
Loke appeared beside the brooding dragon slayer.
"Natsu."
The young man looked up at the spirit, who had the same haunted look shining in his eyes, that rested in those of Natsu.
"Together," Loke said, "together we will protect Lucy's future. I know you love her, almost as much as I do. Swear to me! You and I will always keep Lucy safe, no matter what!"
Natsu nodded, "I won't ever let anything happen to Lucy, not ever. If somehow, she gets away from me, then Lucy is your responsibility, lion. If we fail, I will never forgive myself, or you."
Loke was slow to speak, "we are agreed then. I will give my life for Lucy if I must, because, if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have it anyway. I want another favor from you, Natsu."
"What is it?"
"Remember to take care of her feelings as well. If you ever hurt Lucy, I'll hunt you down and tear you apart."
"What makes you think I'd hurt Lucy!" Natsu roared.
"Because, you're dense as a brick! She's obviously in love with you, yet you don't seem to notice!"
"I-" Natsu couldn't finish his sentence, so he began again, "Lucy doesn't think of me that way, I'm not her type. Even so, I'll never leave her side."
Loke sighed, "idiot! Don't let your fear cloud your thoughts!"
Natsu turned away, so Loke sighed, "I can't convince you, I understand that. Just, don't wait until it's too late, okay?"
With a weary sigh, Natsu nodded, "maybe someday, but not yet."
"One last thing, when the two of you grow old and grey, and your magic is growing thin, please, pass my key on to someone close to you, so your memories may live on in me long after your voices fade from my ears."
Natsu nodded, "it must be sad, being a spirit. The person you cherish and care for the most, it seems, will only be with you a short time. You live on, while all the people you care about disappear."
Loke gave Natsu a small, grim smile, "the downfall of spirits. Our power grows of love, but only of a love that cannot last. Thank you, Natsu."
With that, Loke returned to the spirit world, leaving Natsu to continue his silent vigil.
"Always Lucy," he whispered.
I hope you liked it! Natsu and Loke may seem a little OOC, but if you think about it, they both just watched someone very important to them die. I feel like it would be okay for them, especially, Natsu to be a little more somber and serious. Tell me what cha think! :)
~Sora~
