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Chapter 8: Never let go

The days had turned to months and the months turned into years. Acnologia and Hotaru trained relentlessly for months end, strengthening their bonds and their minds. Hotaru learned more about the rich history of Fiore and more details on the Great Dragon Civil War. She started to change from her haughty, prideful personality to one of a humble, strong kind. Her appearance even changed as well. Her hair was now cut short and fashioned into a bob cut. She tied her hair up using a red ribbon, and adorned a black ribbon choker, tied at the back of her neck in a bow. Her konoichi tunic was black and sleeveless, was cut off midway down her thighs, and exposed the cleavage of her large breasts( in which Acnologia tried to peek at). She also wore a bright yellow sash which tied at the front of her outfit. She also wore thin, tight, black gloves on both of her hands, which were holstered by her middle fingers and extended beyond her wrists, just short of mid-forearm. Black boots went up her legs.

Even though she had gotten significantly stronger, she still felt weak. Sure she and Acnologia trained hard in these past years, but she still felt as if she was missing something. Her face contorted with confusion, which didn't go unnoticed by the dragon slayer.

"You're making that face again Firefly." He said, calling her by the nickname he used for her. Both of them were sitting by the fire that night and sharing dinner. "What's troubling your mind now?"

Hotaru bit her lip before replying. "I realize we've been training for a while now, but what's the point of training if I don't feel any stronger?"

Acnologia rolled his eyes and faced her. "Do you honestly think I'd put you through all that training for no reason? I don't know what might happen in the future for you so I took precautionary measures to make sure you'd be prepared."

Hotaru nodded, clearly getting what he was saying. She paused before asking, "Why though? Why did you save me those many years ago? You could've let me drown in the waters but you didn't. Why?"

Acnologia looked down at his hands for a minute. Sure he could've left her to die all those years ago, but he wanted to use her power. That was his initial plan at first. But through all the training with her and seeing her grow to become what she is now made him realize something. He didn't dare say it aloud though, he had to keep his pride.

"You showed potential, I wasn't going to let my greatest enemy's daughter get killed that easily. That's the reason, end of discussion."

Hotaru huffed and crossed her arms. "You are insufferable!"

He grinned and placed an arm across her shoulder. "Yes, but you have to deal with it."

Hotaru blushed hard and pushed him to the ground. "Hands to yourself Mister Apocalypse!"


A few days later Hotaru decided it was time to leave the Black Dragon and return back to her father.

"Come on Acno, I'll return someday. It's not like I'm leaving forever." She said when he started to protest.

"But you said you weren't strong enough yet! We have to train some more!"

"I can handle myself in battle thank you very much!"

"Prove it then." He stood in front of her, blocking the path. "Show me what you can do now."

"You insufferable dragon, let me through!" She shouted at him.

"Not until you can show me what you've learned. Otherwise you have to stay with me for a little longer."

"Why would you want to? You always said I complained too much and that I have pride issues. If anything you should be glad I'm leaving."

Acnologia gritted his teeth in frustration. "Either you fight me or you stay here."

Hotaru growled and out her stuff to the side. "FINE!" She charged towards him, charging her magic energy. "Prepare yourself!"

Acnologia smirked and charged his energy. "Hit me with your best shot Firefly."

Hotaru charged up a dark orb in the palm of her hand. "SHADOW SPHERE!" She shot the dark orb at him, it exploding on contact. Not to her surprise, he stood there with his arms crossed.

"I thought I trained you better than this Firefly. Don't tell me you got weaker." He taunted, making her anger rise.

"I'll wipe that smirk off your face!" She sped up and tried to strike him. He blocked all her attempts at an attack. Changing strategies, she delivered a swift low kick that brought him down to his knees. With him on the ground, Hotaru held her hand in front of his face.

"DEATH BUSTER!" A loud bang resounds as a black beam of light burst from her palm and hits him clear in the face. A crater size hole appears after she uses this attack. To her surprise, she saw him sitting at the bottom, a trickle of blood running down his face.

Grunting, Acnologia smiled. "That was a nice warm up, but now it's my turn." His face began to grow scales. "APOCALYPSE DRAGON'S ROAR!" His signature attack made contact to Hotaru's chest and sent her flying backwards into numerous trees. Panting hard, Hotaru struggled to pick herself up.

"No fair! You used you dragonslaying abilities on me!" She whined, dusting herself off.

"This is a fair fight isn't it? Your enemy won't be as lenient as I am." He walked over and helped her from the ground. "I'd hardly call that a fight. Any wizard would wipe the floor with you."

"But I can't use my full power! If I do I might..." She stopped as Acnologia put a finger at her lips.

"I didn't say you shouldn't use you full power. You will know when the time is right to use your full power. In the meantime, you might want to practice compressing those attacks before something like that actually does happen."

They looked at each other, noticing that they were in each other's arms. The forest was quiet for a moment before Hotaru shyly nudged him away.

"Well if that's all, I'll be going now." She picked up her bag and slugged it over her shoulder. "And I promise I'll return." Moving quickly, she placed a kiss on his cheek. "Something to remember me by."

Acnologia watched her beautiful figure walk down the path they'd traveled numerous times. He placed a hand on his cheek and rubbed it.

"I wish you luck on your journey Firefly. I know we will meet again soon."


They say if you love something set it free. If it comes back, it was meant to be. Will Acnologia see Hotaru again? And what will happen next chapter? Let's just say our fellow Demons of Tartarus will make an appearance and Hotaru meets them.

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