AN: To start this off, this is my first attempt on writing a fan fiction story. i welcome all criticism! Secondly, this is based on an alternate version of Fairy Tail, solely on E.N.D existing first. Thirdly, All Fairy Tail Related Material belongs to its respectful owner; Hiro Mashima. The only thing i have in my name is the story plot. That's it...okay? OK...good. Lastly, i will probably update the story once or twice a week, depending on how this goes. Now i know this is somewhat of a NALU story but, it wont be all fluffy and cute the whole time, it'll have its dark turns. I hope you guys enjoy it anyway. Onto the story!

- Prologue-

It was that night when it all happened, the skies clouded with sadness and a fiery smoke. In the distance, a once large and beautiful mansion was now covered in dark flames and soot. The paint completely burnt off, debris lying everywhere and the flames consuming whatever it touches. Watching from afar, a shadowed figure stands on a tall hill that was overlooking the burning site. It takes a deep breath and grins marvelously at the creation it made.

" My lord..." a hooded figure comes into view and bows, " ...the task is nearly complete. We're still looking for the remaining two humans lingering inside"

The shadowed figure continues to stare at the dancing, dark flames.

"Find them soon ", he replies almost like a snarl. He jumps over the hill to the ground below him.

The light from the fire barely illuminates the area but it was enough to show the devilish grin he made under his hood. It soon jumps off the hill as well to continue the search. The lord walks casually into the burning inferno, admiring the view.

"They only have so many places to hide..." he chuckles to himself. It smashes down the broken doors in his way, now entering the dark, smoke filled mansion.
" come out, come out where ever you are, silly humans", then takes off slowly into the dark halls.

Inside the blazing mansion;

Two blonde women were running, one was older in a fine gown, while the other was a small girl in a tiny dress. They shuffled quickly behind a doorway inside the library, the older woman turns around making sure noone was around before closing the door shut tightly behind.

"Open, Gate of the Lion, Leo!" the older women chants quietly. A bright flash of golden light appears, illuminating the small room before dimming out. A tall man with orange, unruly hair emerges from the dimmed light. Wearing dark glasses and a suit, he bows at the women.

" Good evening, M'lady" he says elegantly, " how may i be of service?"

The older blonde turns to look at her daughter then back at Leo, " Leo, i need you to look after my precious daughter ". She quickly turns to look at her girl when she saw her burying into the mothers gown. Quietly sobbing, the woman picks her up and hugs her close."Lucy, my dear. Don't cry, look at me ", she quietly shushes the girl, bouncing her on her lap. Lucy turns her head to look at her mother, tears staining her large brown eyes. She sniffles before nodding at her mother.

"I'm scared mommy, where's daddy?" Lucy mumbles between quivering sobs.

"Do not worry, mommy is here for you and so is uncle Leo ". Taking one last squeeze, she hands her over to the lion spirit. The small girl clutches onto his jacket tightly, completely unaware of whats about to happen. Leo holds the small girl in his arms tightly, as he eyes the woman in front of him slowly walking back to the door.

"Layla, there isn't much time. We have to move now if we are to get out of here quickly and safely". The lion spirit eyes the window and back at his master. Layla shows a small smile escape her lips as she watches her last moments of her crying daughter.

"I'm aware of that Leo". Her head hangs as her chest tightens from the pain and guilt from her final decision she is about to make. A tear escapes her eye as she looks at the sight of her daughter and the lion spirit. Leo stiffens, only taking a moment before putting the pieces together in his head.

"Layla, you can't be serious! I'm not leaving here without you!" He grits his teeth before seeing the girl in his arms turn her face towards her mother, watching. Layla tilts her head, her smile faltering.

"You will do exactly that, Leo. It is your duty to follow my orders to the letter, is it not?"

Leo fumes quietly, not daring to talk back. However, he didn't like or agree with any bit of her decision but, he knew he had no choice but to obey. Lucy sniffles and holds out her small arm towards her mother.

"Momma?" Layla glances at her daughter, smiling halfheartedly, "be strong Lucy, be strong for your mother and Leo". She turns her gaze back at the lion spirit, " My final request Leo, Please take care of my family".

Layla turns and unlocks the door, closing it behind her without another glance. Lucy tries wiggling and fighting out of Leo's arms, "Momma! Where are you going?! Momma!" the girl's voice raises, screaming as it echos throughout the dark room. Leo balls his fists again as a tear escapes his eye. He takes a deep breath and holds Lucy closer into his arms before glancing at the large, doubled windows. He knew what he had to do now, as he slowly made his way over.

"Forgive me, Lucy". He looks down outside after opening the windows. " what a drop... " he mumbles quietly, assessing the situation. Taking a deep breath, "Hold on princess!"

He jumps out carefully, holding Lucy tightly. The smoke begins to fill his lungs as he falls. Landing gracefully on his feet, he takes one last look at the burning mansion that was once their home. His brow furrows before looking at the forest ahead of them. There was a small clearing through the debris and he rushes in that direction, without another look back at the horrors he left behind.

Layla carefully walks quickly down the dark halls, avoiding the splintered, burnt wood. Fires exploding everywhere, shaking the walls as smoke fills the cracks. She hugs the window side of the long corridors before stopping and looking up. Tears continue to escape from her unwilling eyes, unable to accept the fate of her family. Her once comfortable, peaceful sanctuary she called home, was now a fiery nightmare. Layla only saw glimpses of her husband leaving before them, telling her to find a place to hide. Sudden loud creaks of wood echo in the area. Layla looks up as she notices grit falling down from above her. She steps back quickly when the ceiling cracks and crashes down in front of her. A shadowed figure jumps down with it. Layla coughs from the sudden burst of smoke and pieces of debris begin filling the area. She squints ahead, as the pale moonlight reflects onto the figure. It was smiling. Her eyes widen as she takes in the red scales covering the mans cheeks, horns covering both sides of his head. He was wearing a dark cloak, but she can tell he was tall and well built on the shoulders. He still somewhat resembled half human, his head was shadowed but can still make out the dark salmon-pink hair, messily covering his head and loosely covering parts of the eyes. Their gaze met and she heard him growl lowly. Her breathing spikes as she realized who exactly was standing in front of her. Slowly taking a few steps back as his dark eyes bore into hers. Layla's feet trips over a wooden plank and her back hits a wall behind her. She lifts her self back up before her hand starts to cover her mouth unconsciously.

"E.N.D" she breathes to herself. Layla only heard about the demon books but to see this one, out of all of them, stand before her. She bites her lip and winces. From this point on, Layla knew her fate was sealed. There was no going back. He laughs with amusement, watching and feeling the fear radiate off this woman. He extends an arm out and bows in a mocking manner at her.

"It's a pleasure finally meeting you, Layla Heartfilla". His voice filled with delight. She scroffs at him before turning her gaze away. He grins and takes a look at the moon outside, "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" Returning his gaze back at the woman before slowly making his way over to her in a few long strides. She starts mumbling inaudible thoughts out loud but, his incredible hearing picked up a few lines.

"I'm so sorry, Lucy, forgive your mother.." A hand slams onto the wall next to her head. She gazes up at the demon staring at her, his eyes were filled with amusement. Layla glares back at him with all her anger poured into it. He leans in closer to her, feeling his breath reach her ears.

"Any last words for your daughter, M'lady?" he chuckles darkly.

Layla turns her head away again, without saying a word. He frowns and glowers at her. Grabbing her by the throat as he starts to lose his patience.

"That attitude of yours is pitiful for a lady" he growls. "I will find her, Layla and when i do " he pulls her head to his, " I'll give her the warmest welcome, fitting for the highest royalty". Snarling, he raises his other clawed arm and plows into her chest. Slowly pulling his arm back out, he tosses her across the hall, her body slamming up against the other wall. Layla coughs up blood and wheezes and was barely to turn her head up to look at the demon towering over her.

"My spirits..." she breathes heavily, " Will never let you...near my...Lucy", she wheezes again. Feeling the life drain from her. E.N.D snarls down at her, pressing his foot onto her head.

"Those pathetic stellar spirits are nothing compared to me!" he growls menacingly, pressing her head down further. Coughing, she closes her eyes and lets a small smile escape her lips.

"I believe...in my spirits. They'd do anything to protect her from the likes of you".

The demon glares down at the woman, hearing her heart take one last thump before faltering into silence. He slowly moves his foot off and glowers at the moon outside before letting an ear splitting roar echo throughout the bleak mansion. Dark flames flickered off his body, setting the walls and floor ablaze.

Leo stops in his tracks in the middle of the dark forest. He turns his head back towards the direction of the mansion he left. Tears fall silently from his eyes, feeling the last string of magic from his master leave his body. He turns to look at the sleeping girl in his arms and holds her tighter.

"We'll miss you, Layla. May you rest in peace". He takes off again, sprinting as fast as his legs can take him through the forest. Branches and twigs snapping under his feet. The forest was silent, as if it was too, mourning the loss. Leo grits his teeth, glaring ahead of him, as if making sure nothing stands in his way.

"I swear on my honor, I'll fulfill your last promise, for it is my pride, as the Leader of the Zodiac", he swears out loud. His running figure shrinks into the dark night, as the stars above, watch over them.

E.N.D stomps back over to the group of the hooded figures on the hill, waiting for any good news from their part. The mansion was burning brighter than ever, trees catch fire from the embers emitting from his steps. He was pissed beyond understanding. One hooded figure stood before the crowd and in front of the Demon. Head hanging low, as if he can feel the anger radiate from him.

"We couldn't find the g-" voice cut off as his body was set ablaze. The other hooded figures all retreat back a few steps, except one.

"I can see that" E.N.D growls furiously, "Mard Geer, report to me later on any news regarding the Heartfilla girl and let all of the underworld know of the situation. Don't bother me until then!"

Mard pulls off his hood, revealing his long, pitch-black, curly hair. His lips curl into a sinister smile up at his master, "Of course, Master". He bows and turns away with the group following closely behind.

E.N.D pulls off his dark cloak, revealing two large, red, scaled wings. He flaps them a couple times before launching himself toward the sky. Fully extending his wings, he fly's fast and dissapear's into the dark clouds covering the sorrow filled night sky.