Thank you for your reviews they really encourage me! :) This chapter is based on Lucy POV then Natsu POV. Enjoy.

Lucy POV

There were hundreds, if not thousands that poured from the gate. She could feel the air thicken with smoke and for the first time in a long time, she felt her hairs stand and legs shake uncontrollably.

"What can I do..?" She whispered. A bead of sweat passed between her eyes and she watched the dirty droplet drip onto her torn shoes and skirt. Holes burned through her blouse and she could no longer feel the many scratches that she worn across each arm.

"This is...this is impossible...I…" Tears dared to fall as she heard screams of people that she probably knew, who were just across the street.

Lucy was backed up against the wall, shadows darting in and out of her vision as she watched buildings crash around her, smoke and debris filling her vision.

"Lucy!"

The blonde turned to look to her left, seeing a familiar face race toward her; Wendy's usual blue hair coated in red and black. The wind dragon slayer looked just as worn as everyone else she had come across. But... she was the first to be alive. Lucy grabbed the edge of the building as the ground shook, almost knocking her to her knees.

"Oh, my gods," Lucy screamed and raced toward the dragon slayer, happy to finally see someone she recognized. There was a screech above and Lucy ducked as fire filled the street once more. She watched Wendy dart away in another building across the street while Lucy quickly took refuge under a bus stop. She held the metal gratings while watching large beasts cast their shadows on a town where people were desperately trying to flee.

It was a fatal mistake. The eclipse gate was opened... and before any of the guilds could react, hundreds of dragons had poured from the depths. The four main dragon slayers that were present had immediately started toward them and left many of the guilds fighting on their own. But when 10 dragons... then 50 dragons... then 100 dragons poured from the gate...the guilds were forced to split up. From fear...and for their life. People she just met at the games...she watched them burn to death, she watched them get smashed underfoot or severed by a sharp tail or talon. She shut her eyes trying to block out the screams. Lucy initially ran alongside Gray and Erza, but they too were eventually split up by a trio of dragons... and she hasn't seen them since.

"Lucy!" The blonde looked over toward Wendy who cowered under the entrance of a bookstore. She didn't see Charla and wondered where the white feline was at. There was a sharp gurgle and the beat of the wings as two dragons suddenly clashed and fell into the building Wendy took shelter inside.

Lucy instinctively started forward, seeing her friend suddenly engulfed from the rubble and chaos, disappearing from sight.

"Wendy!" Lucy screamed, but a tail of a bright yellow dragon stopped her cold. She took out her keys, tears stained her eyes seeing how many were missing or broken then picked one of the remaining few left to her.

"Come forth, the key of the bull! Taurus!"

The spirit transformed, fear plastered on his face and she asked him to try to remove the rubble from the building that just toppled.

The two dragons continued to thrash about nearby and when Taruous was smacked aside, Lucy instinctively raced toward the scene and desperately tried to throw bricks off herself.

"Please, no...Wendy!" She shoved a handful of bricks away, feeling the heat of a dragon's breath course nearby as they continued to fight one another.

Pulling a large rock aside, Lucy saw the frail light hand, motionless, and tears crowded at her eyes.

"No...please…" she mumbled, she scratched and dug at the bricks desperately trying to free her friend. But knowing full well...she was never going to speak to her again. She could feel the earth rumble underneath her feet and she felt herself almost slip to the ground.

There was a flash of light and Lucy saw the flames from the dragon, she knew...she knew even if she tried to run, she would get burned.

Closing her eyes she accepted the fate, perhaps she could just pretend...pretend she has Natsu's power...Fire...fire won't hurt me…

The heat slammed into her yet she felt no burn. Wow...that worked better than I thought...

"Lucy, what the hell are you doing!"

Startled, she opened her eyes and looked up to see her hero, blocking the flames and taking them for himself. He ducked and pushed her down, avoiding the slam of a tail of a dragon and grabbed the blonde under the legs and leaped away.

"Natsu, wait, stop please no...!"

He glanced at her and mumbled, "I'm not leaving you with three dragons like that-..." he took in a breath, "-come on we need to stick together from now on..."

She fought against him and forcefully yanked at his shirt. He paused behind a building that barely seemed to stand and hid away from the chaos around them.

"Wendy…" She moaned, tears daring to stream down her face, curling her fist into his shirt in anger.

He stared at her with dark eyes and lowered his head, lowering Lucy back to her feet and took in a slow breath, "I know...I know..I swear I know."

He sounded tired, and when she looked at him, his face black with soot...his hands were curiously red and she saw his eyes- bloodshot.

Something happened. Who was it? She fidgeted with her shirt and leaned into Natsu's shoulder, letting the tears fall. He leaned against the wall and draped his arm across her shoulder and they were quiet, soaking in the screams of the people around them for a moment.

"I don't know what to do." Lucy stated and Natsu stared into the distance then glanced at her, "we fight...for our friends...the best we can."

He hesitated and for the first time she saw doubt in his eyes, she wiped her tears away with her dirty sleeve and whispered, "What happened….?"

He looked at her, she could feel the pain that seared into his heart, "I couldn't save him…"

"I wasn't watching...I wasn't paying attention."

He gritted his teeth after a moment then slammed his right fist into the brick behind him, startling her.

"Damn it all!" He screamed and she could see the tears brimming at his eyes. She looked around and realized who was missing…

"Not...Happy…"

Natsu shut his eyes then took a breath, he grabbed her arm and stared at her, "I don't want him sacrificing himself to be in vain. I need to fight, will you help me?"

She could feel herself nodding and her vision blurred as it turned dark around the edges, his pain flooding into her heart, the agony, the anger...the sadness. The yearning...When her vision cleared she could see the notes of a plan...a plan to travel back in time...something only a powerful celestial wizard can do. Lucy looked up to see Levy covered in medical rags, Natsu laid on the floor sharing bread they had recently found in a local bakery. Blinking she felt that a lot of time had gone by...but she wasn't sure how much. Natsu and Levy, while looked beaten, covered in rags and tired...looked about the same as before.

She blinked and felt splatters of water across her hands. Staring, she realized she was crying.

Levy looked up with a frown, "Lucy...you don't have to do this..I...I don't think it will guarantee to change anything." Her hand was shaking as she wrote magic across the paper for her friend to guide her to the eclipse gate.

Lucy felt herself take control, remembering why they were together, huddling in a dark cellar under the city. Like rats...barely surviving in this brand new world.

"I have to try...I have to close that gate...I know I can convince myself and if not...I always have you guys."

Natsu glanced up and nodded, "I'm sure I'll believe you...if I saw a future Lucy come by- I wouldn't hesitate to help her."

Lucy smiled then frowned as Levy handed her the sheet and continued, "these are the directions...can you make it ok?" Lucy hesitated reading them then felt a firm hand on her shoulder to see Natsu smiling down at her.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Lucy huffed with a sly smile, "you saying I'm not strong enough?"

Natsu glanced at the missing keys at her side and Lucy frowned, "I know..don't say it." she mumbled and he ruffled her hair before stretching, "I wasn't going to say anything about your powers... I'll always protect you, Lucy." The two glanced at one another and shared a smile. Levy paused in her writing to share in the rare moment. Natsu glanced at the sheet of paper, "when do you think you'll be ready? I'm ready for this hell to be over…"

"If it can be." Levy corrected him and Natsu nodded quietly.

Lucy swallowed at the question, "There's a lot...on my shoulders."

Natsu smiled, "nothing you can't handle."

She stared at the paper and felt her vision fade away again...as if being swallowed by darkness...falling...falling...Screaming. She heard screaming..No. She was screaming.

"Natsu!"

She was pinned up against a wall, Natsu lay against her, arms spread as if using his body for a shield...a shield…The ground rumbled underneath her again, making her unsteady.

The darkness slipped away and she felt herself scream in pain. Scream in anger and agony.

"I told you to pay attention…" Natsu mumbled, falling forward.

Lucy looked past him to see the dark dragon that struck his claw through the dragon slayers chest.

"Natsu...no, you were going to come with me! Please, I don't want to do this alone!"

The dragon slayer smiled, "we both knew that wasn't going to happen...who wants to go to the past anyway? Sounds…." He paused for breath, "sounds pretty boring…"

She watched the dragon rip away the talon from her best friend and he cried out in pain.

"It's right there, GO!" He growled toward the eclipse gate, but instead, she stared at the gaping wound in his chest...there's no way he could heal that...Not by himself...

"No- you're my best friend!" She reached out and grabbed his shirt, soaked red and black.

Natsu stared at her, forcing a pained smile and gently grabbed her right hand, "you're my best friend too…Don't stop...don't stop because of me..."

She reached for him but she saw the dragon rear back, preparing for another attack.

"Please, Lucy." She heard him beg and saw the desperation that leaked in his eyes, "you can change time, I know you can." She hesitated and pulled away, knowing full well she couldn't drag him and her away safely toward the gate in time. This was the hardest thing she ever had to do. Time seemed to almost slow down as she took a step away, feeling her eyes burn and heart sear with regret. Turning around she made speed toward the eclipse gate, the ground shaking as much as her hands were. Lucy knew better than to look back...but she did it anyway. Glancing behind her she watched the dark dragon swipe Natsu aside, his body limp. She felt her chest tighten as she turned away and fled up the steps until she stopped in front of the gate, running for him...for her friends...for her future. The rumbling intensified, she could hear glass shattering.

"Natsu…." She whispered then closed her fist, her heart aching from everything she has lost.

She screamed, tears boiling over her eyes as she leaned against the gate, desperately trying to use her powers; the paper Levy gave her shaking so hard she could barely read the incantations. The ground became unsteady shaking as if a thousand dragons were daring to burst from underneath her. Fear, sadness, uncertainty enveloped her as she felt the warmth of her friend fade from her right hand.

"Ahhhh!" She cried, closing her fists and the world suddenly turned white.

"Ahhh!"

'Thud!'

She felt pain vibrate across her side as she snapped her eyes open, scrambling to sit up and realizing she was no longer in her soft hotel bed. Blinking she felt the sweat drip down her back and sat up on the floor, pulling back a wet hair from her eyes. She flicked the cold sweat away and took a few breaths. She looked around, noticing various trinkets across the floor and a couple paintings that lay beside her. She grabbed one of the paintings and stared at it with confusion.

Hearing voices of many people outside she scrambled to her feet and instinctively grabbed her bag and flung open the door, preparing for the worst. Poking her head out she saw hordes of families wandering around in the hallway or looking out their door. A few kids screamed in the hallway, filled with both fear and excitement. She heard the screaming... just like in her nightmare.

"Gods...what...what's going on?" She was still groggy from her dream, fists tight and legs shaking.

A few families greeted her with worried looks, an older gentleman nearby glanced at her, "That's the third earthquake around here this week! I swear I can never get used to it though."

"An...earthquake?" Lucy repeated and the man nodded, ushering the kids back into the room after the mild panic. Lucy looked back into her room and saw the damage. That was quite the strong shaking to cause all the pictures to fall from the wall.

Lucy groaned, walking back to her room and sat on her bed throwing her bag back on the ground beside her. The celestial wizard glanced at the clock that lay across the floor with a crack in the center of it.

It read 2 am.

That was way too early. Yawning she lay back on her bed, glancing at the stars sparkling in the sky.

"Earthquakes.." Lucy mumbled. As she shut her eyes the vision of her dream flooded beneath her lids. It seemed so...realistic...like a memory. She sighed and rolled to her side trying to block the screaming...trying to forget watching her friend's final breaths. That was by far the most terrifying dream she has yet to imagine. Why would she dream something like that? Was it connected to the future Lucy...was that...was that her memory? Did that actually happen... She felt her eyes tighten, counting her blessings for how lucky her world was compared to her (past) futures own. Swallowing she hugged her pillow tight, burrowing her face into it. What would it feel like to lose...everything….? Natsu...

A tear slide down her cheek as she held the pillow tightly, letting her fears subside until she drifted herself back to sleep.

Natsu POV

"Natsu I'm so hungry, I'm going to eat this rock."

The fire wizard glanced over toward his floating cat who held a large rock between his two paws; Natsu smirked. "That can't be good for you."

"Besides, I'm hungry too, but the town is just up ahead, we'll get some grub there!"

"You said that an hour ago!" Happy whined, letting the rock fall back to the ground with a loud 'thump!'.

"We've been in these woods for hours! Why couldn't we just take the train Natsu?" Happy continued with a frown.

Natsu huffed and crossed his arms against the afternoon sunlight, "Come on, it's more fun this way."

Happy wasn't convinced.

"You just didn't want to ride the train! It's been three days and we haven't even got to our town yet."

Natsu shrugged, "I thought you were wanting to work out anyway, didn't you say something like that?"

Happy grumbled something about Charla under his breath and Natsu smirked. Natsu looked up hearing footsteps and noticed a small family traveling their way; a young couple with a few kids dashing around the parents in excited loops.

"I want to be in the competition too mommy, can I please?" A little girl begged.

The mother glanced down, her large backpack seeming to weigh her down.

"No sweetie, only a celestial wizard can participate in that competition. You don't have any keys to use."

The little girl huffed then stated it was unfair and dumb, the two little boys who ran around her almost smacked into Natsu- who had to pause on the road to let them pass. The father gave a look of apology and continued on their way.

"A competition for celestial wizards..?" Happy repeated and looked back at the family who started into the woods from where they came.

"I wonder where that's at? Do you think Lucy knows about it?"

Natsu shrugged, looking back at them for a moment before turning back toward his destination, "I wouldn't be surprised if she heard about it."

"You think she went all alone?"

"Nah, she has tons of friends- I'm sure she went with another guild member."

Happy looked down at the dragon slayer and sighed, "Natsu… why couldn't Lucy come along with us?"

Natsu looked up, "well, I didn't think she would want to come along."

Happy frowned, "-but you didn't even ask her!"

He shrugged, "...what's wrong with just us buddy?"

Happy cast his eyes against the ground, his ears folded, "nothing, I guess..."

Natsu stared at his floating companion and he reached out to pet his head with a smile, "we'll ask her to come with us on the next one, is that ok?"

"Lucy wouldn't have made us walk for three days…" Happy mumbled, ignoring him.

"Hey!" Natsu cried out taking back his hand in mock hurt, and Happy continued, "and she would have brought snacks and drinks and told stories…"

Natsu crossed his arms, "I can tell you stories."

Happy glanced at him, "not as good as Lucy's. She is an author after all. Besides, you never finish your stories and they all are about you.."

Natsu huffed then sighed hearing his stomach grumble, "yeah, yeah...ok, I miss her too, but we've been on our own before, this won't be any different."

Happy sighed then fell silent.

Natsu stared at the little cat, a little surprised by the outburst. Happy had always enjoyed being around Lucy just as much as he did. Sometimes even more- begging to ask her on missions and to ALL the guild events. The little cat would always stick with her if he was busy, so it wasn't a surprise how much he missed her. But he would be lying to himself if he didn't miss her on the same calibration. But he had his reasons. Natsu glanced back toward the path, staring at the trees that divided between them.

It has been a long time since he went on a mission with just Happy. If he had to recall, the last time was during the solo mission with Zeref and the year's training mission from hell. While being on their own for that year was exciting, it lacked a lot of things he truly desired. Getting back to Fairy Tail after reforming them, he found himself back with friends and people who genuinely wanted to be together... like a family. He smiled, it was the only family he had. But he wouldn't change it. Placing his hands behind his back and stretching he realized how uncommon it really was to not be on a mission with another guild member. Especially Lucy. Letting out a breath he looked up toward the sky; it wasn't that he didn't want to ask her on the mission. It was quite the opposite; hell, she seemed to make the trips a lot more fun. But... this mission was different.

Natsu pulled out the crumpled notice in his pocket, the edges creased from being balled up for so long. He stared at the notice which distinctly read: "Dragonslayers only."

The notice continued to warn the user of the dangers and specified only the dragon slayers were required for this job. Apparently, from various rumors, there was a possibility of a dragon terrorizing the town. Natsu was beyond curious- but he stayed doubtful, after the war- all the dragons should have ceased to exist entirely. The notice was also vague in the description, so he felt himself er to the side of caution.

Natsu shoved the notice back inside his pocket. It was a bummer that she wasn't tagging alongside them, especially for far away missions such as these. Not only were they close friends and the trip was far less boring with her, she was someone he could always depend on. With her set of powers in combination with his, they were practically unstoppable. If his fire dragon slaying magic didn't do the trick, her celestial magic would always come through for them. The blonde could hold her own in most situations, but he never quite liked seeing her go on missions alone. Her magic was quite different than his own, and many of the others in the guild.

While very powerful in her own right, she had a large weakness. Natsu sighed quietly; without her keys, Lucy was very vulnerable. He would prefer to be nearby if that situation would arise. It's not that he didn't trust anyone else in the guild or trust that Lucy could come through on her own. But it was just a security and a risk he didn't want to take. He can't guarantee someone else will give their all to fight alongside her during those dangerous situations. But he can never deny how intelligent and strong the celestial wizard was. If Lucy was truly going to enter in a competition, there was little he needed to worry about. Although, his heart ached a little. He wished he could be there to watch her kick butt.

There was movement up ahead and Natsu saw various carts of families gathering up ahead on the pathway. He smiled, realizing they were finally coming upon a town. Looking up he waved to Happy.

"Hey, look up ahead!"

Happy flew up and smiled with a cry, "A town!"

Natsu smirked, "I'll race you there!"

Natsu peeled away with Happy pulling his wings back, "I'll win for-" The little cat paused and glanced back hearing a snap of a branch far off, "hello...?" He stared into the woods, swearing he saw a shadow race through the trees. Feeling like they were being followed- Happy took off toward Natsu who was a few yards ahead of him.

"Natsu, Natsu I think-" THUD

The blue cat ran into Natsu's shoulders and backed up to look in awe alongside him. Many young adults and kids were filtering in and out of the nearby town. A large red, black and silver banner was hung up across the entrance. A couple of adults stood nearby with sticks that sparkled and popped, while other children raced around with colorful outfits. A little girl giggled as she ran out toward them, she smiled wearing an outfit depicting a green dragon. She raced around Natsu and screamed in delight when another little girl in a purple dragon outfit began chasing her.

"Roar!" The little girl cried out, the other one screamed and feigned fright, falling to the floor.

Happy landed on Natsu's shoulders, "looks like you have your work cut out for you."

"What do you mean?"

"Dragons everywhere!" Happy cried out, as two more kids wearing dragon outfits poured from the town and raced toward the girls.

One of the girls on the ground started giggling so hard she got the hiccups.

"Well, those are the cutest dragons I've seen." Natsu replied, "I wonder if this is the town we were looking for?"

Happy shrugged and flew down to the four kids who were beginning to wrestle with one another. He touched down on the grass and reached out to tap the nearest little boy in a red outfit.

"Hey...do you happen to know…"

The little boy smiled in delight when he saw Happy and screamed, "Kitty!"

Happy was suddenly engulfed with many little hands as the kids grabbed him with excited screams, "talking kitty! Blue kitty!"

Natsu laughed, watching Happy struggle to get out of their grasp, crying out, "no I'm not a toy I'm a cat! A live cat!" One of the little girls grabbed his tail and pulled so hard that Happy cried out in pain. Natsu shook his head leaning over and snatching the cat from their little hands. Happy gratefully flew in the sky, keeping his distance away from them.

"Demons! Look out Natsu, half of my fur was pulled out!" Happy cried out in despair, holding his tail.

Natsu laughed, "come on you just don't know how to talk to them." The kids looked up at Happy with disappointed looks and Natsu crouched down to their level to gain their attention.

"So, you guys like dragons?"

The four kids turned toward him with wide smiles, and screamed, "yes!"

Natsu smiled and flicked his finger, lighting it on fire. The kids all "awed" and Natsu smirked then lit up his whole hand. The kids screamed out in excitement and raced up close to him, surrounding the fire wizard.

"How you do that," They ask in unison, their eyes huge.

Natsu smiled and stood up so the fire wasn't too close to them.

"It's a dragon secret."

The kids all cooed in unison and looked at one another before turning back to Natsu who flicked his finger for the fire to disappear.

"That's not all I can do, watch this!"

He gathered his breath and shot a small fireball in the sky- then another. The kids all cried out, one of the little boys who wore orange crumpled his fist and held in his breath then let it out as if to try it on his own.

Natsu laughed, "nice try."

The kids frowned when they realized they couldn't do it themselves.

"I can't do it!" One of the girls cried out and another nodded, the little boy in red looked up at Natsu, "teach us, teach us!"

Natsu laughed and held up his hands, "whoa whoa. I can't do that for free you know." He smirked and leaned down to the interested kids. Happy glanced over with a confused expression.

"You got to do something for me first." Natsu continued with a raised index finger.
"What's that?" The little girl in green asked, the four curious kids watching him. Happy landed back on the ground and watched his companion with curious eyes.

"First You have to tell me where you live, and second why you're dressed up like that." He poked at the boy who wore red in front of him and he giggled in response. The four kids looked around and the girl in green scooted her feet, "Um well, Tallon, our town, has this festival, it's the festival of dragons."

"Oh?" Natsu replied and one of the little boys continued, "Yeah we all dress up as dragons and us kids get candy when we go up to some of the adults! If we scare someone we sometimes get toys as prizes." The girl in purple smiled, "Yeah, it's super duper fun and there are games, food and the adults have contests and..oh and there's a play!" All the kids shouted in excitement.

"Wow, that sounds... really fun actually." He glanced at Happy with a frown, "how come fairy tail doesn't have a festival of dragons?"

"Probably because dragons have been known to try destroying the town." Happy explained referencing acnologia. Natsu shrugged and looked back at the kids, "thanks for the information guys." He smiled, hesitated then continued, "...but are there any real dragons here?"

"I AM a real dragon!" the little girl in purple huffed and Natsu laughed then patted her head, "you're a very scary dragon indeed, I wouldn't want to fight you." She puffed out her chest and the little boy in red followed suit with a smile. The last little boy in orange clamored over to him and stared at him with large blue eyes, "can you teach us now?"

"Oh right," Natsu replied and rubbed the back of his head, tsking his forgetful nature. The three other kids glanced over at him with high interest.

Happy shook his head, flying up to land on the fire wizards shoulder and pointed out, "it's probably not best for kids to learn that."

Natsu ignored his friend and continued, "This is strictly a dragon secret so you have to keep it between you four is that clear?"

The kids glanced at one another then nodded in excitement.

Natsu clapped his hands together, "First you have to have the confidence. You have to believe you can do it. Without it, magic would be nothing." The kids nodded and he continued, "Deep down there is an energy called Ethernano, you can feel it build up as energy inside as you gather it from the air."

Happy placed his paw under his chin watching the kids stop moving, listening to Natsu.

"I wouldn't listen to him if I were you." The blue cat muttered with a shake of his head, only ten percent of the population could actually use magic. He was pretty much setting them up for failure. The four kids glanced up toward Happy. Natsu threw his shoulder up and Happy toppled to the floor, a couple of the kids giggled, "Whos the fire dragon here, you or me?" Happy sighed, laying on the ground. "You're just a big kid."

Natsu smiled turning back to the four tiny dragon kids, "Ok, last you have to close your eyes, and gather that energy." The kids shut their eyes and Natsu continued, "shut them as hard as you can- there you go, gather that energy, do you guys have it? Do you feel it?" The kids all shouted "Yes!"

Natsu kneeled down and smirked, Happy watched with curious eyes as Natsu replied, "Ok, keep your eyes closed...and in the count of three, release your energy with your biggest roar! Then open your eyes." The kids all shouted-agreeing and Happy watched as Natsu counted down and lit a small fireball for each of the kids so as they opened their eyes they each saw a small ball of light escaping from them.

All four of the children cried out in unison and danced around in excitement before taking off back toward the town screaming they were real dragons now.

Happy glanced up at Natsu who watched the kids depart, "that was exhausting to watch."

Natsu laughed, "come on they were adorable, it's nice to see somewhere that actually likes dragons for a change."

Happy sighed, "yeah, well, you didn't get your tail pulled."
"Aw-" Natsu leaned down and let the cat climb up his shoulder once again and pout, "-I'm sure you'll survive." He rubbed his head in comfort.

"They weren't that bad, besides, I found out that we're at the right town and there is a festival going on. So that's pretty exciting."

Happy leaned down, his paws dangling off Natsu's shoulder and glanced at the fire wizard, "isn't it weird to have a festival of dragons when you were asked to exterminate one?"

Natsu paused and frowned, "Yeah I guess you're right…" He took out the paper again which read specifically about needing a dragon slayer and a nuisance unknown dragon.

"If those are the dragons- then this will be the easiest mission yet." Natsu pointed out and Happy nodded.

"And the hardest." Happy muttered.

Natsu glanced at him before pocketing the paper, "I'm sure it was just a mistake or a coincidence."

The two of them started forward as families filtered in and out of the town. The duo noticed various ages who wore costumes that resembled the reptile family. His eyes widened seeing an older gentleman who wore a helmet in the shape of a dragons head. He was handing out sparklers to the younger kids nearby.

As they entered the town Happy flew up in excitement, "Do you smell that?"

The looked at one another with a wide smile, "food!"

Looking ahead of them they saw hundreds of stands that offered various types of edible items. The smells waivered over to the two of them as they took it all in.

"Hello, welcome, do you want to try our new bbq slider?"

Natsu glanced over at a young man who held out a small tray toward him and continued, "it's our new specialty."

"Uh, duh!" Natsu immediately took the whole tray, the man paused as if to say he was only allowed one- but didn't reply in time as Natsu downed the samples all in just a few mere seconds. Happy snatched one mid-air and nommed on it. Natsu handed back the empty tray with a smile, "hey, thanks those were great!"

"Uh...yeah there's more...you will have to pay for at our shop though…"

But the two of them were no longer paying him any mind as Natsu and Happy saw people passing them by with hundreds of food options. Fish, pork, wraps, sushi, fruits and vegetables of all types. Fried and candied. Their mouths watered.

"Have we just died and came to heaven?"

"I think so!"

The two of them raced to shop to shop trying the different freebies before landing at a ramen shop, sitting down with a large bowl for each of them.

"Soooo good!" Happy cried out, dunking his head in the bowl, noodles sticking to his ears as he sat up. The man behind the counter laughed, "I'm glad you two like it, it's a homemade recipe." People nearby stared at Happy and the cat looked up, shaking the noodles off him.

"It's like people never seen a cat before." He muttered.

Natsu glanced over at the blue cat and tilted his head, "I don't think a lot of people see talking cats around here, or any exceeds in general it seems."
Happy frowned and leaned back into his bowl of noodles mumbling, "yeah I guess."

Natsu sat up and pushed his second empty bowl away. He leaned back and stretched, feeling twice as happy now that he was no longer hungry.

Natsu looked out on the open pathway between the shops where many people were gathered.

This was quite a large town and in a way reminded him a bit of fairy tail with all the hustle and bustle. There was a small commotion nearby and his eyes caught a young blonde girl who stood at the center of attention. He stared at the long hair that traced her back, a large cloak that hung across her shoulders. As she lifted her arms he saw dark red flames shoot across her body. There was a sudden commotion of panic throughout the crowd and he instinctively leaped off his seat onto the ground.

"Natsu! I'm on fire, you set me on fire!"

Looking over he saw Lucy crouched down on the ground holding her arm. He raced over to his newest friend who had fallen to the floor to put out the flames with grass and dirt. He saw the tears that stained the edge of her eyes and he reached out toward her in concern.

"I didn't see you there, I didn't know-are you…?" He fell silent seeing the burn on her shoulder and across her back where the flames ate away the clothes. He felt a deep pit of regret settle in his stomach; this was only the third mission going out together on their own. How had he completely missed detecting her? Did he not smell her or see her? What happened?

"Lucy I'm….sorr-"

"It's fine...I'm ok, I should have known better," Lucy muttered, interrupting the fire wizard and stood up.

"I think my back is worse than anything...I hope I don't get a scar…."

He stared at the deep burn across her back, knowing that she'll bare that the rest of her life.

His first and only mistake. Lucy...That won't happen again, I promise.

The blonde had her back turned to him, he couldn't recognize a single scent in the air, nor could he hear a distinctive voice. But seeing the blonde twist, as if in pain, brought the painful memory to surface. She seemed too similar to Lucy...but that can't be Lucy...he can't smell her or hear her.

But I couldn't smell her when I burned her years ago either….

Panic rose in his chest realizing no one was racing to her aid. Springing forward, while hearing Happy question him from behind, he sprinted through the crowd and swiftly tackled the blonde, eating away the flames that crowded on her cloak.

"Lucy?"

He held down the girl who's hood slipped off to reveal a furious looking female that born green eyes and a frown to match. A bucket of water suddenly soaked the two of them and he immediately felt himself moving as the girl screamed, "What the hell are you doing?!"

Natsu hesitated and stood up with a shake of his head from the water and offered a hand toward the strange girl who huffed and stood up on her own, hands on her hips. He smirked, she reminded him of Lucy.

"Sorry, I thought you were someone I knew…" He paused, "But hey I saved you, so you could thank me you know."

The girl folded her arms in agitation, "thank you?" she spread out her arms and looked around the crowd who stared at the two of them, "I was in the middle of a show and you completely ruined it!"

"You could have seriously hurt her." A large man continued and Natsu looked over to see him holding a bucket where the water came from.

"Sorry for not letting you burn to death." Natsu muttered with a frown, "sheesh, entertainment these days." There was a bountiful of booing as Natsu exited the crowd and made his way back to the tent where Happy sat confused with a tilted head, a single noodle draping over his right ear.

"What was that all about?"

"Nothing...it was nothing."

Happy looked back over toward the crowd not convinced, the blonde was picking up her stuff, the spectators shuffling away from the scene.

"Boy that sure looks like Lucy, doesn't it Natsu?"

The cat looked over toward the fire wizard who sighed and shook his head, water droplets spraying the cat, he smiled, "yeah it does."

The little cat let off a quiet giggle and tapped him playfully on the shoulder.

"You miss her." Happy teased and Natsu shrugged quietly, not in the mood to debate with the little cat. It wasn't as if he was incorrect anyway.

"See, we should have never left her behind, she missed out on all this yummy food and a wonderful festival." Happy continued, putting his paws on the table in excitement. Natsu took in a breath and watched a young couple walk by who bore face paint on their faces. One had half of a dragon's face, while the other had the other half. When they were close while holding hands- it resembled a whole dragon with two different eyes.

Natsu watched them then turned toward Happy, "it's just weird to me."

"What is?" The noodle on his ear flopped as he turned toward his friend.

"I don't know…" He muttered and leaned back into the bar table, "...I thought this was going to be dangerous just like the notice said….but-" He paused watching a kid scream with joy as an adult blew bubbles out in the walkway. "-this is nothing like it mentioned."

Happy nodded, licking the sauce off his paw, "well like what I always say, when you're given lemons-make lemonade!" Happy smiled and raced over toward the bubbles, popping them alongside the little boy. Natsu smiled watching the little blue cat enjoy himself.

A shadow caught his eye; glancing over he watched a large man take a seat next to him, ordering a loaf of bread for himself. Glancing over at Natsu, he was greeted with a wide smile, "the Mrs. has been demanding this homemade bread for days, I can't disappoint." He handed the baker the jewel and turned back toward Natsu, " I can't wait to see her reaction, she loves surprises- and I love seeing her smile."

"Surprises?" Natsu repeated and leaned his head into his hand in thought. Perhaps he should surprise Lucy with something in apology for leaving her behind without much of a notice. He felt a twinge of guilt leaving her a note and dashing out in a hurry before she woke up. But he was sure if he told her in person, she would have convinced him to bring her along. Or she would have just followed him. Maybe. But maybe that's just what he would do in her shoes.

The man beside him received his loaf of bread and stood up with a huff. He glanced over toward Natsu and held out his hand, "My name is Toni, you are Natsu Dragneel I presume?"

Natsu blinked and looked up at the man, curiously.

"You made quite the commotion out there." He noted and Natsu glanced away, feeling his face heat up with embarrassment. Shaking it off the dragon slayer took his hand and nodded, "yes I am...how do you-"

Toni waved his hand in front of him and smiled, "I was the one who issued the letter to the guilds. Your fire abilities are well known here, as well as your other dragon counterparts."

"You mean the other dragon slayers?"

"Precisely." Toni paused and walked outside the tent, gesturing for Natsu to follow, "You happened to come at a perfect time, our dragon festival is the largest in the nearby lands. People come here from far away to enjoy it."

Natsu stepped outside the Raman tent and looked around, "I've never heard of it before."

"Oh ho, it's still very new. Only been around for a couple of years but it has grown considerably since then."

Toni continued, "well, do you mind coming along with me? I have to make a couple stops and then we can chat in private."

Natsu nodded and looked over toward Happy who was playing with the other kids and shouted, "come on Happy we're leaving!" The kids all moaned as Happy flew up and quickly joined his friend, the noodle still suck on his head. Natsu picked it off and hung it in front of the cat who pawed at it. They laughed as they began following Toni down the center of the shops.

As they passed rows of food carts and various shops, a single facility caught his eye. Pausing he stared at the rows of bracelets, a single gold one catching his eyes. Looking up he shouted, "hold up one moment." Both the older gentleman and Happy paused up ahead to watch Natsu exchange jewel for a small bracelet that had tiny keys dangling from them. He quickly pocketed the item and ran to catch up with them. Happy glanced at him with a tilted head, "I didn't think you liked things like that." Natsu laughed, "I guess you have a lot to learn then."

Happy huffed and Toni smiled, "alright, not too far from here."

Natsu looked up and saw a large building, so large it reminded him of almost a castle and he stared in awe. No matter how far he traveled there was still so much to see in the world.

"No problem!" He shouted.

"Aye" Happy cried out then paused, Natsu looked up at the hesitant cat, "what's wrong buddy?"

"I don't know...I can't shake this feeling that I forgot something…"

"Well, I guess if you can't remember, then it wasn't very important huh?" Natsu supplied and Happy nodded slowly, "yeah I guess so…"

Or was it important? What did Happy forget to tell Natsu?

Everything always happens for a reason in my stories or most of the time. So while things may seem random, they'll be explained. The dream was based on the future lucy from the series and my take on what happened before she made her way to the present earthland.

If you enjoyed this, leave a review and hit the favorite button ^^ I'll see you guys for the next chapter in the next few weeks or sooner!