Lucy looked about her as she strolled through the streets of Hargeon pleasant memories filling her idle thoughts. Happy floated close beside her as he looked around for a temporary place to stay spotting a inn not very far off," Hey Lushi I found a place..." He trailed off as he saw her spacing out again. He waved a paw in her face and she gasped and glared at him," What are you doing?" He looked offended," You weren't listening again! I said I found a place to stay at." She nodded and gave a feeble apology and followed him to the destination.
The owner of the Inn was friendly and gave them a room taking off a generous amount of money for their stay. As the two settled down into the place Happy left saying he'd go find dinner for them leaving Lucy alone with her thoughts. The blonde laid on the bed her eyes scanning the room for something to occupy her, she caught a glimpse of the book hidden poorly underneath some stray clothes. She got up and made her way over to it completely enraptured by its presence just as she was about to grab the book her keys began to glow and she snapped out of it. Much to her surprise Virgo appeared and as usual was donning her maid outfit.
"Princess you must not open such a thing."
Lucy looked at her strangely and back to the book," Why not?"
"Its secrets are not for one such as yourself I see no reason for you to divulge in it against its owners wishes I shall take it to the spiritual world where it will be safe."
"Wait what! No Virgo you can't do that!"Lucy dove for the book.
Virgo reached to take the book snatching it up against Lucy's protests but was halted when she was suddenly set aflame, Lucy screamed in terror as she watched her spirit burn. The air was thick with the smell of burnt skin and in a rush Lucy forced the gate closed and hoped that she'd be alright. She looked at the book that had fallen to the floor and warily stepped away from it not wanting to go through the same thing that happened mere seconds ago, she went back to the bed and curled up glaring with hateful eyes at the book.
Happy returned not long after that and noticed the scorched floor and asked worried," Are you alright what happened?"
Lucy looked at him and mumbled," The book... it hurt Virgo."
"What do you mean it hurt her why was she here?"
"I don't know I was going to read it but she suddenly appeared and tried to take it. I guess it protects itself."
He glanced at the book and went over and grabbed it," Do you still want to read it?" He offered weakly.
She glared and got upsnatching the book and putting it up away high," We don't need that. So how long do we stay here anyways?"
Happy pouted at the quick change in subject and answered dismissively," Natsu said just give them a few days to think. So we shouldn't stay to long but I was thinking I should let him know we made it safe."
Lucy turned around suddenly," Wait you can speak with him? Can... c-can I too? I want to talk!"
Happy shook his head," I was just going to drop a letter off near the house where he'd find it."
She held her arms and stared out a window ignoring his answer, Happy flew to her trying to get her attention in vain as she just kept her gaze outside. He sighed in defeat and curled up on a pillow watching her until he fell asleep.
When he woke up the next day she was still staring out the window and he began to worry," Lushi are you alright?" She didn't answer but moved to a chair and sat down without a word. It continued like this for the majority of the day and Happy had no idea what to do he decided against leaving her alone and stayed with her until there was a knock on the door. He floated over and gazed through the tiny hole surprised to see the inn keeper waiting on the other side Happy opened the door and she smiled," I was wondering if you had everything you needed."
He glanced back to check on Lucy and answered," Yeah we're alright. Is there anything else?"
His smiled disappeared and she beckoned him closer as she whispered behind her hand," There's a man down stairs looking for you claiming you've been expecting him."
Happy seemed confused but followed her down to see who it was. He peaked around the corner and saw a figure in a brown tattered cloak waiting impatiently by the front desk. Happy rushed into the figure crying out his name in relief,"Natsu!" The figure looked at Happy and caught him as he curled into his arms wailing," I missed you! Why are you here though?" Natsu pulled off the hood revealing his pink hair as he answered solemnly," I think this damm Mark is more than I bargained for. I just can't... you know what it doesn't matter is Lucy here with you?"
"Oh! I forgot but she hasn't moved all day and she won't listen when I try and talk with her! I don't know what to do." He whined
Natsu looked at him and asked bluntly," Did you read the book? It's probably an effect because I'm not around I told you can read it."
Happy shook his head," No Lucy doesn't like it. Apparently Virgo tried to take it but was burned in the process and now Lucy refuses to read it." Natsu narrowed his eyes and had the exceed guide him to the room he shared with Lucy.
He opened the door and peaked inside and saw her sitting in a chair spacing out," She's so weird." He muttered before he walked in closing the door behind him before he immediately gained her attention.
She sprang from her seat and rushed into him as she spoke breathlessly," I missed you. And I have so many questions for you and," he stopped her and asked," Are you alright you look different."
She raised an eyebrow along with Happy," How do I look different I've been gone three days?"
He released her and stepped back to get a better look at her not believing she was fine she crossed her arms and he looked away.
"You smell different. It's weird." Natsu walked around scenting the air as he slowly made his way to the hiding place of his Book, just as he was going to grab it Lucy yelled," Don't you dare pull that down! It hurt Virgo and what if it does something else."
He barely turned his head to look at her," Then she shouldn't have touched my things. I said you and Happy may read it I didn't give anyone else permission to open and read it let alone touch it."
Happy gaped at him," Natsu you shouldn't say that. Virgo was seriously hurt."
Lucy glared at Natsu which he just ignored as he grabbed the Book. It glowed around his fingers and a smirk rose on his face," Luce. Come over here and read this." She stepped farther away from it shaking her head. " It's not gonna bite plus I'm here so nothing will happen its a definite thing. I'd never let anything harm you so come here."
Not responding Natsu growled and walked towards her book in hand, she tried to move away but there was a wall and he was quick. Natsu wrapped a arm around her waist and pulled her in opening the book with his free hand letting it catch on fire, Lucy screamed and shoved Natsu to get away but he held her in place. She kept yelling while Happy stifled a laugh and Natsu waited for her to calm down, Happy burst out laughing pointing at the Book," Haha! Lushi got scared! That was Natsu's Magic! Haha!"
She blushed furiously and Natsu released her a teasing smile on his face. He handed her the book and asked her to read it to him," Why? Can't you do it."
"Yeah of course but there's one part I think you should read yourself it's only for your knowledge and it tells you what you need to watch out for. I tweaked it of course so you could read it but that's it." He sat on the bed and leaned back hands behind his head eyes closed.
Lucy looked down and read," You who reads this bears the Marking of a Fire Dragon and your very life may be at risk... Umm Natsu what the hell is this?" She stopped to turn her frightened eyes to him, he just laid there montioning her to continue with a wave of his hand.
Lucy puffed her cheeks and continued," Let's see... Oh there I am! Anyway you life may be at risk These dragons are much more possessive than others and aren't willing to share for the life of them and are more prone to Violence. What's theirs is theirs nothing else matters to them, this feeling will enhance as time goes on and become much more noticeable when this happens it's safe to say you may become property in their eyes. To prevent this from happening you must overcoming the senses blocking you from straying to far from your Dragon, these include Lust, Greed, Companionship, and Self awareness. By overcoming this you'll show the Dragon you are not a thing and are as independent as it is. But should you fail then you'll never be able to return to how you were before you were marked."
Lucy looked at Natsu who was still laying there not a care in the world about what she revealed, Happy was shocked and couldn't imagine Natsu changing like the book said. "Natsu is this book serious? Do you see me as something you can own?!" The anger in her own voice surprised her.
Natsu opened his eyes and they were slits and void of all the life and joy usually found in them. He looked at her and answered bluntly," Luce I'm not an idiot alright I've always been like that it's just most people brush it of and one of my moods or slumps. " He fingered his scarf," This is a perfect example of my possessive nature it never leaves my side and I'm willing to kick anyone's ass to get it back." He sat up looking her in the eye," To be completely honest with you Luce since you've had the Drago Mark my feelings toward you have shifted greatly."
Happy floated over to him," Does this mean you'll get angrier too?"
"Yes and to be honest I don't think I want Fairy Tail to see me Furious."
He noticed their confused faces and answered softly," When I get mad I tend to... burn things, I'm not really someone you want to be around when I'm mad."
Lucy paled," Have you hurt people?" He nodded his head," How could you not tell anyone this? Me! Do you regret it?"
He looked at her his eyes far away not really on her," Of course I'm not proud of it but even Happy' s been there when I'm mad and he nearly had to face me but... He showed up saving us both from my wrath."
"Yeah I remember that. It's the first time I met Salamander he was nice but his temper was way worse than Natsu's or that's what he told me but I don't belive him. I only truly belive Natsu, Salamader seems scarier than him."
"Salamander? Who's that?" Lucy asked confused.
Natsu rubbed his head," I'd rather not delve into that right now... Hey! Aren't you supposed to be reading?" He switched the topic quickly much to Lucy's disdain.
"I get it I get it! I'll read!" He smiled and laid back down eyeing Lucy who was focused on the words in the book," If a fire Dragon witnesses harm coming to you it will focus only on yourself and nothing else will matter including the lives of those around you. To keep this from happening its best to keep your spirits up and pretend everything is fine even if your ready to breakdown for any reason. The hidden strength a Dragon holds will always be released when protecting or guarding its mate and or offspring, huge bouts of emotion are frowned upon and are likely to cause your Dragon to manifest into its final stage. The final stage is deadly to both your Dragon and yourself so avoid any types of battles until all your phases have been completed."
She looked at Natsu who had his eyebrows furrowed in thought," What's the final stage?"
"Hmmm... I think it's Dragon force. That would make the most sense right?"
Lucy looked at Happy who was still awake following the conversation closely," That means no more Dragon Force Natsu."
He bolted upright and looked at her pleadingly," Aww come on Lucy. I've been wanting to learn how to use it without the huge energy source." She stuck her tongue out," I said no. Do you know what no means? No means no!" He blinked at her switch in behavior and agreed solemnly leaning back again.
"Let's continue then shall we?"
"Aye~"
"The first of the phases has already been completed. As you've been reading the lack of attention you've been facing has diminished and you'll now be able to access your thoughts along with your Dragon partner. This will tighten the bond and bring you closer together as a whole, you'll notice that as each stage is complete the Drago Mark will begin to grow smaller until it's unnoticeable except for other dragons. As a life long partner both side must understand that the concept of switching lovers is unacceptable this trait will likely fall to you as the Dragon has a more bewitching pull to you and is unable to see others in the light you stand in. This is the third phase and it tests your unbreakable loyalty to each other the urge to come together will become unavoidable but is preventable as long as the Magic of your Dragon hasn't been used on your Mark."
"To late for that. I already did it and considering what it said earlier I can't expend a lot of Magic for a while since I'll need it to keep you off me." Natsu snickered as Lucy's face burned with embarrassment," Shut up! It clearly said its going to be... both... of... us." She trailed off as she began to realize the situation the problem dawning on Natsu as well," Luce. I seriously doubt you could keep me away from anything I want let alone when the Mark forces me to."
"Oh God! I wanted to be married first I don't want this anymore take it off now! I hate this!" She sobbed as Natsu stared at his hands. He held one up and looked at Lucy his face serious," Do you trust me Luce?"
She gasped as a memory she couldn't place surfaced, "Do you Trust Me Luce?" He smiled aat her as she toke his hand a smile to match his on her face," Yeah I do." He pulled her into him as he caressed her face just before capturing his lips with her own.
She stopped sobbing and looked up to see him waiting for a response his voice strained. She nodded her mind clouded from the strange memory, Natsu got up," I'm giving you the power to restrain me don't waist it because I won't Ever do this again. Luce you seriously need to promise me this, what I'm giving you is My Magic and if you don't be careful it will consume you just let Happy be the judge of when you use it."
"Your giving me your Magic?! Why I don't get it?"
"Lucy I'm a Dragon Slayer. I can literally beat the shit out of any other Dragon Slayer, I can pin down a Celestial Mage no problem and your spirits won't help you because I can melt the keys. Your just getting the Flames. Nothing else I'll be weak because of this and no longer as resistant to fire as i am now."
"Exactly how resistant are we talking here?"
"... it won't leave a scar but it'll snap me out of it."
Lucy shook her head," Natsu we have no idea when this phase thing will end I can't let you give me your Magic. We're also on the run remember? We both need Magic because I know we'll be found before the week is over."
He growled and caged her in his arms pushing her down into the chair she sat in his hands on the arms," What makes you so sure? Gajeel won't come looking for us I know he wouldn't because he knows I'm already pissed at him for exposing us. Wendy won't cause she's Wendy and knows better. Who the hell could find us?"
She swallowed and tried not to face him as he was getting agitated his eyes once again the odd color and slits from before," They have Cana. She'll find us using her cards besides Ezra is there too she won't rest till we're back."
He blinked and got back giving her room to breathe, she noticed his hands were trembling between breaths and just as she was going to ask he blurted," Lucy I get you don't want the Mark ok. But I can't get rid of it. I'm willing to give you everything because I somehow got you into this but I need something in return. I'm terrible with words but Lucy if you don't let me I'll do something we'll both regret and I won't ever be able to look You in the eyes. I've already messed up."
"What do you mean you haven't done anything wrong?"
Happy drifted over towards thebed flopping down," I'm confused What did you do?"
He clutched his hands and looked at Lucy," I was going to give you a week. I couldn't stay away for two days. I told myself I wouldn't lose my temper but I've done that. Lucy the Mark is having a greater affect on me than it is you. You think your phases are extreme but I'd rather yours than mine. My senses are unbelievably sharper right now I can barely control my Magic when I'm around you and myself but I can't stay away! I can't have Magic with the Mark affecting me like this just take it and it will make me feel better and keep you safe from me."
Lucy shut the Book and placed it on a side table. "Alright I'll take it. But you get it back as soon as the Mark shrinks and we know that phase is over and done with."
"Deal. Just remember that you have it seriously don't drool Fire that's weird."
She swung at him but he caught her and placed his hand back on her right shoulder. "Ok Lucy promise you won't freak out when I'm done though."
"... Ok I don't see why I would."
"Good and try to catch me buddy." Happy nodded and flew beside them as Natsu's hand pulsed and an incredible amount of Power flooded the room. He had a pained expression but kept going as the room became hotter, not that he could tell but Natsu's nose began to bleed as he recited words in a language they couldn't understand with a low voice. Fire spread around him and he threw his head back in pain as it burned him, the fire gathered together at Lucy's shoulder disappearing along with the power the room held for the duration of the spectacle. Happy was so shocked at the sight he failed to catch the Pink haired Dragon Slayer as he fell to the floor unconscious.
Lucy stood and couldn't belive how much stronger she felt with his Magic rolling through her veins and being. She looked at Natsu and became extremely worried, she dropped to her knees and crawled over to him putting his head on her lap as she tried to wake him. When she shook him her right arm stung and she cast a glance over to see a tattoo in red of a Dragon curled around biting its tail on her shoulder.
So I hope it wasn't that bad but it probably was. It's been a while since I updated I lost a bunch of stuff and my past chapters were erased and I forgot I needed to update. Words cannot describe how annoyed I was for forgetting, well I'm already starting on the next chapter so hopefully it won't take as long but no promises. I extended this chapter to make up for being so late and kinda rushed so you'd see what was in the book. But that's not everything and I intend to keep this going for some time. That's all I really had to say so Bye Bye! ;)
