July 27th, 2018
I do not own Fairy Tail just this story.
~~~ Bonjour from Montreal, Canada~~~
This is my last trip for work, or for competitions, so I'm hoping to get back on track with my updates. I'll be back in the states in about 12 hours so ready to just be home.
- Please keep in mind this is M rated fiction for a reason-
Enjoy.
Training had gone much longer than Igneel planned, the dragon found his thoughts haunted him as he contemplated the events of the past few weeks. He cursed himself internally, for being the one to bring Anna into this mess; even if, Zeref already had plans for the mage.
In the end Igneel knew his request for help, is what led Anna to agree to partake in Zeref's plan; it was also, why she felt the need for an alternate strategy, which Igneel promised to help complete. Then again; perchance, these events were truly part of a predestined act of the Heavens. Fate bringing the players together, like chess pieces on a game board. The universe doing what it must to keep the balance.
Dragons believed in fate, destiny, whatever you wanted to call it; as supernatural beings they had lifetimes which allowed them to watch events play out, too many times throughout the centuries.
Igneel found his memories drifting further and further back in time, back to when he had given the order for the dragons to abandon the Earth realm. The decision a hard one, he was still young, and had recently taken over the rule after his father Ifrit, had been killed by an angry mob of humans over a misunderstanding.
The war of Heaven loomed on the horizon, the angels were locked in civil unrest, amongst the top of the ranks. The first battle which reached Earth, destroyed everything in its path, breaking the land mass into several continents, thousands of lives where lost that day.
Igneel was bitter towards the humans feeling no alliance to them, while the other underlings did their best to encourage Igneel to stay and fight. In the end the safety of the dragons drove Igneel to lead his citizens to escaped. He chose a new dimensional realm rich in magic, which continued to grow in power each passing year. Earthland was now the dragons home and had been for millennium's.
Legba's words burned in the dragon's thoughts; the dragons did leave the humans vulnerable as the angel's war went on scorching the land and skies of Earth. Igneel hated to admit it, back then his only concern was for the dragons and their continued existence. He even abandoned his friends amongst the underlings. Igneel mused how time had changed his way of thinking.
The war led to the Creator of Heaven, creating new realms. Hell was created for the defeated angels now known as fallen, they became the true demons. While it was true Zeref had created demon like creatures, they were nothing in comparison to a fallen angel.
Next the Creator made the in-between for those with magic, it was their pass through after death; a place to be judged for heaven or hell. It was also the base for the warriors the rebirths, they protected Earth's humans. Finally, like the in-between, purgatory was created for non-magical beings.
This however, was eons ago; maybe these new events were karma issuing a punishment to Igneel, for leading the dragons away. The dragon king felt it was ironic that now he would be sending his child's fractured soul back to a realm he abandoned easily. On top of that his child would be half human, karma really was a bitch.
Igneel's thoughts had him so preoccupied, he did not notice a large section of the forest which was a blaze.
"Dad!... Dad!... Dad! Help please help…" the pinkette boy cried frantically to the dragon, looking for help not knowing what to do next.
Igneel shook his head, clearing his trouble mind; he focused on the growing fire. The dragon took a deep breath pulling a steady stream of flames back to his mouth. The blaze was extinguished quickly, leaving the dragon with a stomach full of fire.
Natsu watched his father with great enthusiasm, the toddler was jumping up and down chanting, "do it again dad!"
Suddenly Natsu stopped cold, realizing he was going to be in trouble with his father. His little face started to frown as tears started to form, the toddler waiting for a scolding for losing control of his fire yet again.
The pinkette boy sniffed, "I'm sorry…."
Igneel took notice of his adopted son's dejected demeanor, the dragon just smiled at the boy, "nothing to be upset about son. It's been a long day, let's get back and see what's Anna been up to."
Natsu, looked wide-eyed at his father, giving him a large fanged smile, "kay."
Igneel reached down closing his claw safely around the pink hair toddler, spreading his wings taking to the night sky.
It was a short flight back to the camp area; Igneel knew instantly Anna was not there. Her scent was faint, her magic presence was gone. Judging these markers, Igneel believed she had been away from the camp for over an hour. Stretching out near the fire pit was Draco in dragon form; Igneel could only wondered 'what's going on now.'
"Oye... Iggy about time you got back," Draco teasingly huffed.
"Training took longer than expected; Natsu set the forest on fire again," Igneel stated blandly as he landed, moving to set the toddler safely on the ground.
Natsu's held his head low, staring at his feet, "I didn't mean too…" the boy replied in barely a whisper.
Draco roared with laughter, "I hate I missed it!"
Igneel grumbled, "don't encourage the brat."
Natsu looked up smiling at the Celestial dragon; when his stomach started to growl, "dad I'm hungry…"
"Hey Natsu, Anna made dinner for all of us, it's over by the fire. Why don't ya head on over?"
Natsu looked at his father for approval, the dragon giving a nod, the toddler took off running, with Igneel and Draco trailing slowly behind.
Once Natsu was far enough not to eavesdrop, the dragon king turned his focus to Draco, "where's Anna?"
"Iggy, let's eat first, then I'll get you up to speed."
Igneel stopped, making Draco follow suit, "NO! Where is Anna!" Igneel demanded, he was surprised by the harsh tone. 'What the hell is wrong with me?'
"Gettin' testy... she really must be ya mate... huh Iggy?" Draco teased back.
Igneel was clearly aggravated by Draco's statement even if it was true. Anna, a human was to be his mate, all that remained was to claim her. He was still coming to terms with this revelation, while Anna accepted the fact, far easier than the dragon. Not flinching as she signed her commitment in blood. Again, it seemed fate was mocking him.
Igneel fumed, "you were there damnit! You know just as I do, that's she's my mate. Now tell me where the HELL is she!"
Draco studied the dragon king, it was never good to piss-off a dragon especially when it came to one's mate. Rethinking things Draco gave up on the teasing, "she left to start the hunt."
"Draco... you didn't. How could you tell her about…? What if I lose control, I could hurt her…? What in the hell were you thinking, she's a human not a dragon!" Igneel ranted, deep down he was worried if his dragon instincts took over he could accidently kill her.
"Ya worry too much. I know ya won't hurt her. Like you said, you're a king your control is like no other dragon. BLAH BLAH BLAH... Seriously, though in order for a successful mating you need this. All dragons need to hunt our mate, being a king doesn't get you out of it."
"DAMNIT. DRACO this is not a game! How could you of all dragons allow this!"
He hated to admit Draco was right, when mating the hunt heightened everything making the mating ritual successful every time. The downfall was it could be brutal for the mate; Anna being human put her at significant risk.
If she had not included the hunt, Igneel would have full control; he knew he would not hurt her, the downfall it might not be successful in producing offspring and that was the whole point of this plan, but she would be safe.
"I won't do it; I can't risk her life for this."
Draco understood Igneel's concerns, but he was irritated with the dragon king.
"That is bullshit Iggy! It wasn't easy for Anna to ask for help and she is doing this for you! She is trying to be a good mate and you're throwing it back in her face."
Draco was fuming at the dragon, he knew Igneel's will was the strongest he had ever known. The way he gazed at his master, Draco knew in his soul, there was no way he would ever hurt Anna.
Igneel could not lose his temper with Natsu so close by; so, he did his best to temper his emotions, "Draco, she doesn't understand," he huffed, aggravated by the foolish actions of the Celestial mage and her spirit.
"LIKE. HELL. SHE. DOESN'T! Stop underestimating her, she understands exactly what she is doing. Anna is nothin but thorough in everything she does. She was excited about this because the HUNT is the one thing she understands better than anything else. It's excitin for her as well!"
"WHAT?... You can't be serious…"
"Damnit dragon, she is waiting for ya go HUNT! I got Natsu; Anna instructed me to make sure he gets fed and to tell him a story. Go claim your mate. Stop being a pussy about it."
Igneel was fuming at the Celestial dragon, yet deep down his nature was excited with the prospect of hunting his mate. The dragon could feel the thrill of chasing his prey, coursing through his veins; it was calling to him to take off into the night, and take his claim, it was instinctual, natural, a primal need.
Igneel glanced over to his son, calling out to the boy, "Natsu, I need to talk with Anna, stay with Draco. It will be late when we return, so go to bed when Draco tells you. Got it?"
Natsu was stuffing his face and trying to talk, "but… I… wana… g…"
"No not this time, besides aren't you going fishing with Anna in the morning?"
Natsu started to sulk, he really wanted to go fishing with the Celestial mage, but he knew he messed up big today.
"Can I go?" he softly questioned.
Igneel nodded in approval, "Son that was my fault, I wasn't as focused as I should have been. Get your sleep, tomorrow you learn a new type of training, fishing."
The little boy quickly gulped down the remaining food left in his mouth, jumping up in excitement, "I'm fired up!"
Igneel couldn't help but laughed at his son's enthusiasm; taking a side glance at Draco, the dragon whispered, "thank you," as the fire dragon took off into the night sky.
Draco shook his head, 'ya may be the dragon king, but Anna is a dragon slayer. You have your work cut out for you my old friend.'
Igneel had Anna's scent as he hit the night sky, he would have to wait to change into his human form, ensuring he was out of Natsu's sight. Flying closer to the forest edge, he shot down low to the ground transforming in mid-air. He landed in his human body, when he hit the ground, it crumbled under his immense power.
In his full dragon form he would have found the mage within a matter of minutes, but what fun would that have been. The dragon inhaled the cool night air searching for Anna's scent, he scanned the area to pinpoint her entrance into the forest. As he carefully examined the area a slight gust of fresh morning dew, with hint of wild berries, gained Igneel's attention. The dragon smiled, the mages scent he likened to that of spring, which matched Anna's personality perfectly.
Igneel knew once they mated, her scent would change some, he couldn't help but be excited with the idea of her natural scent merging with his own of summer heat, and the natural smells of the forest floor.
Looking around the area Igneel found where Anna entered, based on the fading scent he estimated she had passed by here about three hours earlier. It was already dark out, adding to the challenge; so, Anna wanted to give him a hunt, Igneel mused 'let's see how the human did'. Igneel took in Anna's scent once more letting out a low predatory growl, then taking off into the woods.
At first there was little to no challenge, however as Igneel approached the thickest parts of the woods he wondered how Anna made it through without getting lost. It appeared she had taken several directions but slowly backed tracked to throw the dragon off her scent.
'Clever move.'
He took a moment analyzing the air; once he had her scent, he was off. He tracked the mage over broken trees, ravines, and large stone formations. As he approached the stream the dragon lost her scent, 'smart,' he thought as he slowly tracked down the stream.
Igneel's dragon instincts ran wild with exhilaration; Anna had done well to mask her scent using the water, but Igneel's nose was far too trained to be thrown off for too long. After walking down stream about a mile, he had picked up her scent trail. He jumped to the other side of the bank, taking off again into the depths of the forest, her scent wrapped around him pulling him forward faster.
As Igneel stalked through the woods, the mages movements began to make no sense. Before he could see how careful she was to leave as little trace as possible, but now he found it easy to follow, her movements had become erratic and messy.
The dragons first thought was she was in trouble, possibly running into one of the beasts within the forest. However, the dragon ruled this out quickly, smelling no other dangerous animal in the area. It would be a rare chance anyway for her to find a beast as most did not willingly enter a dragon's land.
He continued to follow Anna's strange path when suddenly, it appeared as the mage had begun to circle back toward the stream. This made no sense, yet her scent was growing stronger, it seemed she was hiding behind a small cluster of trees which laid ahead.
Igneel moved slowly, not making a sound, as he rounded the trees he noticed one of Anna shirts hanging on the lower branches of a seedling. The dragon couldn't help the pride welling up from within, his mate had fooled him. It was then he had realized his mistake, the scent had a slight other worldly tinge. All Celestial spirits had this, and Anna had in her possession a spirit that could duplicate.
'Gemini'.
Igneel took off back to the water understanding where he had made his mistake. He hiked downstream until he found the mages true point of exit. Leaping over to the other side of the water the dragon was sure this time he had his mates scent, he could tell she was trying to cover it with something from the Celestial realm, a lesser dragon would have missed it.
'Damn this woman is crafty!'
The dragon climbed over more logs and boulders; Igneel found himself silently grinning about how cunning his mate was; he made the mistake to underestimate her, something he would never do again.
Anna's scent was becoming stronger, he knew he was nearing the end of the hunt, as he came to a ledge, surveying the landscape he pondered if the Celestial mage jumped. Igneel shook off the thought, there was no way the Celestial mage could have made it; the distance was too great. He surveyed the land around him, looking for her back tracks there were none to be found.
After taking in deep breath, Igneel caught her scent and knew Anna had jumped across. The distance was nothing for him, but for her, a human, to make it across amazed him, making him want her even more. She was proving herself as a strong worthy mate to the dragon king, and tonight she would become his queen.
Igneel leaped across the chasm landing on the other side, he stopped to study the ground realizing she had struggled. Claw markings on the ground told him she had to work to pull herself back up to the ground.
Igneel knew she probably received some injuries from the jump. The dragon promised himself to make sure she was okay, once he claimed her, he would move mountains to insure her safety.
It was not long before he approached the cave; Igneel was submerged in Anna's scent, it was mixed with her arousal, the hunt had the same effect as it would on a dragoness, the dragon knew her body was yearning for him.
Igneel quietly approached the cave with the prowess of a cat/(dragon) ready to pounce on his prey. Watching the Celestial mage from the cover of darkness, he observed Anna. She suddenly stood to her feet, it appeared as if she heard a noise.
Anna stood at the opening of the cave; her chocolate brown eyes shifting from side to side carefully surveying the night. Even though the Celestial mage was in a cave, she was still near the woods and quite aware that wild animals could still pose a threat. She was smart and was ready to protect herself if necessary.
Igneel carefully studied his mate; she was perceptive, and beautiful; her fair skin glowed from the light of the burning fire. She was adorned in reds, gold, and orange, she looked like a bride wrapped in flames.
As Igneel gazed upon her, he focused on her deep brown eyes, she held the expression of a warrior; yet she commanded the space as if she were already a queen; her crown was that of her golden locks, intricately woven, reaching down to her waist.
Igneels instincts roared deep with pride; his prize was right in front of him all he had to do was take claim. He waited until Anna turned her back to him, it was the opening he needed, in a flash Igneel closed the distance, reaching out to catch the Celestial mage in a hug.
He was surprised however when the Celestial mage swiftly stepped just out of his reach turning to face the dragon king. Anna's expression held an air of defiance as she stood proudly in front of Igneel, just out of his arms reach, her eyes locked on to the dragon's obsidian orbs.
"How did you..." Igneel mused.
"I have been training with a dragon for the last seven years," Anna stated with confidence.
Igneel gave a low growl, "I'm no ordinary dragon Anna," he warned the Celestial mage.
"No... You're not your majesty, just as I'm not just some simple human," she countered, making sure her eyes stayed connected to Igneel's.
Neither dragon nor mage moved for several seconds, the hunt was coming to its end. Anna only needed to hold out just a few more minutes. Dragons needed to have strong mates so giving up now would nullify everything up to this point.
Suddenly Igneel made a quick move toward the mage, again she moved just out of reach, but her robe snaked around her ankle causing her to lose her balance.
She was about to hit the cave floor when warm arms captured her around her waist, with in the same fluid motion Igneel had cleared the distance pinning Anna against the wall.
'He's so fast,' Anna marveled, suddenly she realized, she was trapped between the cave wall and Igneel's body. The dragon placed his arms to either side of the mage completely caging her in.
Anna suddenly felt a heat building in the pit of her stomach, she knew she was blushing, yet she was becoming consumed with the desire to be claimed. She tried to rationalize how she could possibly be feeling this way. Was it magic, destiny? As quickly as the question appeared, it was gone; it no longer mattered, Igneel was the center of her world.
Igneel snarled in satisfaction, the hunt was over; all he had to do was claim his mate. He brought his head down whispering in her ear, "last chance to walk away, I will not be able to stop once we begin".
His breath rolled over the mage like a river of warmth down her neck, sending shivers down her spine. Anna could not think, she allowed her emotions to take control over her being.
"Please…don't stop," the small whisper was all she could muster.
Satisfied with her plea, Igneel collected himself for a moment; he put his hand under the mages chin lifting her face closer to his own. Before Anna could react, Igneel had placed a light kiss on the mages lips. At first the kiss seemed like an experiment for both dragon and mage; a moment to become acquainted with each other.
Quickly the kiss grew deeper more urgent. Igneel forced his tongue between the mages lips, exploring the cavern of her mouth. Anna released a small moan of approval, this only increased Igneel's determination to claim his mate.
Pulling away from Anna's lips the mage gave a little pout at the loss of heat from her dragon. Igneel could not hold back much longer, everything about the Celestial mage was driving his dragon's nature to claim her now.
Igneel was struggling to keep his instincts in check, "Anna, the actual mark will hurt, I will do my best to make it as painless as possible."
"I'm not worried…," Anna replied as she reached up to wrap her arms around Igneel's neck to pull him back to her.
"Impatient aren't we," Igneel smirked at the mage.
Anna cut her eyes giving the dragon a mischievous smile; she quickly unclasped his cloak watching it as it slowly fell to the floor. Working on pure emotion, she took the liberty as her eyes explored Igneel's exposed chest.
She marveled at his broad shoulders, the tightly corded muscle; his skin was warm inviting to the touch. Her heartbeat was increasing and the heat between the two started to rise.
Anna was slightly shaking with a need to touch her mate. She smiled moving closer to the dragon placing a light kiss on his chest as she dragged her finger tips lightly up the dragon's chest. She was creating a mental map of each of his scars, muscle, and the curve of his body. The affection caused Igneel to release a low possessive growl in approval.
Throwing all fears aside Anna reached up intertwining her delicate fingers in Igneel's crimson locks; his hair was thick, wild yet soft to the touch. Tightening her hold on his hair, she pulled the dragon down to meet her lips. Igneel hissed as their lips met again, this woman was burning him alive, and he couldn't get enough of her scorching touch.
Igneel needed her now, he reached down grabbing the mage around the waist; pulling her up into his arms, never once breaking the connection with her lips. He walked them over to the bed, gently laying the mage softly on top of the comforter, pulling away from her lips again to take in the sight of his mate.
"Lay back, let me look at you," Igneel commanded, Anna followed his order, slowly laying on her back amongst the pillows and comforter. Igneel watched the fire in Anna's eyes, the dragon knew his mate was ready.
Igneel moved to untie the obi which was securing her kimono. He moved slow and deliberate, to keep control over his dragon instincts; which were burning to claim what was his. Igneel reeled in his power to prevent hurting his mate.
As the obi released, Igneel moved to slide the kimono down from the mage's shoulders. Anna surprised herself as she didn't shy away or try to cover her exposed body. Deep within a feeling of pride welled up, waiting to be on display for her mate. Her eyes were locked onto Igneel's, his dark eyes started to glow with a faint golden ring to the edges, the mage found it was hypnotizing.
Igneel studied Anna's body, she looked like a goddess, a Celestial star. His eyes taking in the grace of her form; from her crown of golden locks, the soft full curves of her body from her head to her toes. The dragon examined her stomach, it was smooth, with the slightest of abs, those of one that was strong.
As he gazed at her he found himself frowning at the scratches and bruising, which was starting to form across her stomach from the earlier fall. It was his fault again she was doing this to give him a Hunt, and she injured the home of their soon to be child.
Needing to show his appreciation for his mate, the dragon leaned down placing gentle kisses over the injuries. Anna responded with a soft hum of approval, the dragon's natural heat was calming.
"Thank you for the Hunt," Igneel spoke as he kissed her stomach.
Anna was surprised by his words, "your welcome your majesty," she moaned as Igneel increased his ministrations of her naked form.
Igneel could wait no longer, he moved back, standing to shed off his remaining clothing. Anna pouted from the loss of heat from Igneel but enjoyed watching the dragon. Her eyes were that of a predator as she gazed at him as he undressed.
Suddenly reality hit; Anna had never seen a naked man before, her nerves started to consume her. She had no experience, she started to internally question herself, 'what if I'm not good enough to be his mate.'
Igneel could feel Anna's anxieties rising, he moved slowly as not to scare her, placing his body above hers caging her in below him.
"Look at me Anna, keep your eyes on mine," the dragons natural heat combined with his calming voice snuffed out her anxieties, her body relaxed back into the bedding, as her eyes locked on to his dark orbs which burned like a solar eclipse.
Once he could feel the tension release from her body, Igneel leaned down greeting her lips kissing her softly, all while slowly caressing her body. With each touch she found more ease, Igneel's natural body heat cradled her, she knew he was keeping her close and safe.
Igneel gently continued his ministrations of Anna's body, memorizing every soft curve, while gradually settling himself between her thighs. Carefully the dragon reached down to caress the warmth growing between her legs; stroking and slowly stretching her inner walls, working to prepare the mage for his entrance. As the dragon stroked her, Anna's pulse began to race.
Before she knew it, a wave of euphoria washed over her body, her mind went blank and the only thing she wanted was to be engulfed by flames. He was too far away she needed more contact. Anna reached up to grab Igneel by the hair, pulling him in closer capturing him into a deep kiss
Barely breaking the kiss, she begged, "Igneel please…," it was all she could get out.
Igneel's resolve broke with his mate's plea, finally positioning himself thrusting quickly into the Celestial mage, making them as one. Anna gasped from the quickness of the dragon's invasion of her body, she choked on the pain. However, it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced with a new level of ecstasy, as the mage found herself watching as Igneel thrust in and out of her.
She gripped Igneel pulling him closer to her, as she was closing in on another climax. She forced her hips up meeting each thrust begging him to go faster, then harder. She hit her second release and was becoming more aggressive.
Igneel continued to ride his mate, he was struggling to keep his instincts from taking over. He could feel his dragon form wanting to come alive and give his mate everything she was screaming for. He could feel his control slip as he rode her harder. Anna was reaching her third release, Igneel could no longer hold back, burying his face into the crook of her neck.
Anna was riding her third wave, when Igneel took a long inhale of Anna's scent; she was intoxicating and the final push to give himself permission to release his seed. He moved his head to her bare shoulder clamping down, breaking the soft flesh, as a stream of warm blood began to flow. He wished he could mark her neck but couldn't take the chance of Zeref seeing his mark, a small price to keep his mate safe.
Igneel then forced his magic through the wound causing it to glow. Anna screamed in agony from the bite-mark, making Igneel's stomach twist in disgust he hated causing her pain.
Again, the pain changed, leaving Anna riding a wave of shock, ecstasy, and agony. All which left her with a surge of intense pleasure; she could feel the dragon penetrating her body and soul, and her body wanted to do the same for her mate.
Following her mates lead, she bit the dragon on his pulse point breaking the flesh and forcing her magic into the dragon. Igneel hissed not expecting the bite but finding himself pleased by the overwhelming feeling of her magic.
He smirked down at his mate, "are you sure you're not a dragon?"
Anna could not help but start laughing, as she pulled away from the dragon's neck.
"So, you can bite me, but I can't bite you back? Now tell me how is that fair?" she gave a slight teasing pout. Gone was the last threads of self-doubt, she was now a dragon's queen.
"I was marking you, that is what dragons do with their mate, it's a way to give you a part of me," Igneel stated proudly.
"You don't think I was marking you too?" The Celestial mages pout turned to a dark salacious grin.
Igneel just sighed, "it doesn't work that way Anna; you're a human".
Anna's sly grin had the dragon puzzled, "so you say, I told you before your majesty I am no ordinary human. You mark me, so others know I'm claimed. I have done the same, I do not intend on sharing you with anyone."
The sudden possessive side of the Celestial mage perplexed Igneel, the dragon had only known the mages giving nature. To see his mate protective over what she felt was hers, warmed the dragon.
Igneel still had Anna caged in, settled between her legs. As he gazed over his mate, an enigma was the only way he could describe the Celestial mage, she was as mysterious as the heavens above.
Looking into her eyes, Igneel shook his head hoping to make her understand, "Anna..."
As he looked into his mate's eyes he was greeted with an air of brazenness.
"Igneel. Look at your tattoo; then tell me I'm just a human who is not able to mark you!" she smugly stated in defiance to her mate.
Igneel look down at his mate wondering had he again underestimated the Celestial mage. Looking over to his right arm, he carefully examined his mark. The tattoo was the same except amongst the flames small gold and silver stars appeared and started to radiate a humming pulse.
Igneel removed himself from above his mate, repositioning so he was sitting next to Anna, while the Celestial mage sat up grabbing her kimono and loosely wrapping it around her naked body.
"It's not possible…. how... how is this even possible?" the dragon said lightly in almost a whisper, "it's beautiful."
He touched one of the silver stars and instantly felt his mates magic wrapping around his very soul. 'Is this what it's like to be a child of the stars? To be one with the spirit realm?' the dragon was pondering as he turned to look at his mate.
"You are truly a Queen; I am humbled to be your mate." Igneel stated proudly; he noticed Anna was starting to blush from the complement.
"What? No retort my Queen?" Igneel smirked.
All the Celestial mage could think to do was slap the dragon on the arm, which only made Igneel's large fanged grin grow wider. Anna huffed from her mates teasing, when she noticed Igneel's eyes grow wide with anticipation.
"It's time, for the mating to be complete."
"Huh?"
"Your mark is forming. Now we will see if you're with child." Igneel's tone was in awe, he was watching the mark forming before his eyes.
"What?!" the Celestial mage questioned, at this point she thought everything had been completed.
Igneel recognized Anna's confusion, so he grabbed her up quickly setting her next to the water pool. The dragon motioned for her to watch her reflection on the glass like surface of the water. It was then Anna could see her shoulder was glowing where Igneel had bitten her.
The damage on her shoulder began to sparkle and shine, the puncture wound closing, leaving behind small crescent marks, barely visible to the eye. What remained was swirls of red and gold decorating her skin as if she was on fire, the colors then shifted to blue finally changing to a pure white. The swirls were forming into the shape of a shimmering white sphere, it began to pulsate much like a heartbeat, strong and steady.
The mark then started to slowly move, Anna was shocked, as her mark on Igneel just slowly appeared. She looked back over her shoulder to her mate, Igneel returned her worried expression with a soft encouraging smile.
"It's okay just watch," he stated with assurance.
Anna looked back to her watery reflection, the sphere had moved to the center of her chest just above her breast. It began to spin faster, then separating into two spheres each rotating wildly. Anna wanted to touch the marking on her body but was too awestruck by the movement. Both spheres started to glow red with ribbons of silver, gold, and blue.
Suddenly, one of the spheres shot straight between Anna's breasts, settling just below her navel. The Celestial mage looked down to her stomach, it was radiating a soft golden glow.
Warmth rushed over the mages body, she knew this feeling, it was Igneel's heat, but she could feel it pushing into her womb. A vision burst behind her eyes, she could see it so clearly, yet she knew it was just in her mind. There before her was a small red dragon curled up inside her mother, taking in her mother's body heat.
Anna gasped, she was having a girl, the Celestial mage focused harder on the vision wanting to see all the details she could of her daughter. The little dragon opened her eyes to reveal Draco's human eyes the most beautiful blue she had ever seen. As if the dragon knew her mother was watching, the baby dragon smiled, it was the same fanged smile as Natsu.
The dragon snuggled down into a tight little ball, closing her eyes and letting out a yawn, then the vision went black. Anna tried to bring back the apparition, however the marking was moving on to the next step.
Disappointed from not being able to see her child longer, Anna returned her focus back to the water's surface. The remaining sphere of light had begun to move down the mages left arm. The light moved all the way down her arm, reaching her hand and settling onto the mages ring finger. When the sphere had stopped glowing, what remained was an intricate image of a red dragon delicately swirled around her ring finger.
Anna was engulfed by another vision this time it was of her past. It was one of her first interactions with Igneel, they were on the battlefield. The mages were under heavy attack and losing ground quickly to dark mages, who had hoped to win favor with the Black Dragon Acnologia, slaying those who opposed him.
Anna had a plan to win the battle, saving precious lives, but the other mages and council members dismissed her due to her young age, and being female. It was Igneel that listened to what Anna was trying to say, he realized she had a solid solution.
Igneel backed the Celestial mages plan, forcing the others to hear her out, her plan worked, and it paved her future amongst the ranks. It was in that moment, she opened her heart to the dragon king, earning the Celestial mages respect and trust.
As quick as it came the vision was gone, like the vision earlier. Everything went black for a moment; Anna's head was lightly spinning with a touch of confusion. She felt overwhelmed with emotions; she needed to focus on something, so she pulled her left hand closer to her face, so she could examine the delicate details of her dragon mark.
Using her other hand, she caressed the mark instantly feeling her mate's warmth consume her from the inside out. "Magic?" she questioned softly to herself.
"You know, I can feel that too." Igneel smirked at his mate.
"So, tell me my Queen, of your two visions."
"How did you know?"
Igneel just shrugged his shoulders, "two spheres, the first was for our child, the second is my mark or pledge to you my Queen. This would mean you should have two visions. One sphere would have meant I failed to impregnate you."
Anna turned to look at Igneel fully silently asking for more information, he smiled softly, "you should have seen our hatchling, and the other should be the first time your heart acknowledged me, even if it was just friendship."
Anna pondered on Igneels words, "did you have a vision too, from my mark?"
"No, I do feel your magic when I touch it. The visions have always been a gift for the female. I do know now without a doubt the moment, I realized you meant more to me."
Igneel stopped for a moment to collect his thoughts before proceeding, "the day I approached you to assist me with Zeref's plan. You didn't hesitate to give me your help. I have watched you, always putting others first, even at the cost of your own happiness or freedom. I'm proud to have such a strong mate. From this day forth, amongst the dragons you will forever be known as, Queen of the Fire Dragons Anna Heartfilia."
Anna was struggling to hold back the dampness collecting in the corners of her eyes. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, she had to be sure.
"What...I can keep my last name?" she could only hope she heard him correctly.
Igneel looked at his queen, taking his hand to wipe away the tears that had escaped, he knew he would never be able to deny her anything, and he would kill to keep her safe even if it cost him his own life.
Cradling her face, he turned her, so he could look her in the eye, "Draco explained to me what the Heartfilia name means to the women in your family."
'Iggy, it may seem like a stupid human thing to you, but for the women of Anna's family it's important for the chosen ladies, to keep the Heartfilia surname. Anna's father wasn't a Heartfilia, I think his surname name was Fernadiss, Fernado, crap can't remember, but I know his magic was heavenly body, the same as her brother. I'm gettin off point, only the females have Celestial magic, there is something special about their family.
When I became a Celestial spirit, their family name was one whispered among the heavens, its rumored they are one of the three remaining families descended from the stars. From the research I've done, the daughters of Heartfilia, who are chosen all have the same golden hair, brown eyes, they look like doppelgangers. I can tell you Lucian daughter Larkin looks just like Anna at her young age, yet her little sister looks nothing like Anna or Lucian. It's a special magic among those Heartfilia woman.
"I see, I will take this information under consideration." Igneel responded.
Iggy I'm serious this will mean the world to Anna.'
Draco's plea for his master, had made the difference, and seeing Anna's reaction made him value his friendship with Draco even more. 'I'm gonna need to thank Draco when I get back,' getting caught up in his thoughts, Igneel refocused his attention back to Anna.
"You do everything to give this world a chance for a better future, while not looking for anything in return. How could I not allow my Queen to keep her pride, her birthright, as a true bloodline decedent of the stars? As I understand, there are only three remaining Celestial families, which are natural born with the magic of the stars."
Anna was speechless she didn't know if it was possible, but she knew at that moment she loved Igneel with all her heart.
Igneel started to blush under the intense expression of joy on his mate's face, 'uh…" rubbing his hand on the back of his neck, "you can thank nightlight, he let me know how things in your family work. He is a loyal spirit."
Anna couldn't help but smile, she was sure she was glowing, as she looked into her mate's dark eyes, she was soaking in every moment they had together. She couldn't have asked for anything more from a partner, and that is what Igneel was. She knew in her soul, he would never treat her less than his equal, what more could she have asked for.
Even as she basked in a joy she thought unattainable, a part of her heart ached knowing at weeks end she would have to return to the city, leaving her family behind. So, for now she would do everything in her power to make the most of their remaining time together.
"Were having a girl," Anna announced proudly, as she observed Igneel, his face first filled with shock but quickly gave way to a wide fanged smile.
"A girl…" he breathed, as if the very words were sacred.
"So… We have a prince, and now a princess on the way. Were you able to see her? Can you describe what she looked like?"
Igneel asked excitedly, he was beaming, all his trepidation gone, now his only focus was his family. YES, he finally had a real family, something he never thought he needed, now he found he craved for it.
Anna was giddy watching her mate, she was sure he would lose control over his human form, popping back into a dragon. The thought made her laugh imagining the sight.
As she giggled she could see were Natsu got his energy from, Anna believed Natsu could have been Igneels natural born son the way the two acted.
Anna was about to describe what she saw, when a flicker of worried entered her mind. Her daughter's eye color, rationally she and Igneel knew it was part of the spell. However, she understood, it bothered her mate that his child's eyes would be that of another.
Igneel could sense Anna's hesitation, he pulled her close, settling her so she was laying against his chest, "tell me please," he softly begged.
Anna nodded telling the dragon all she could, "she appeared as a baby red dragon, she was curled up in a corner. I could tell she liked the warmth of your flames and my body heat. She has the most beautiful blue eyes, and a fanged smile that reminded me of Natsu."
Igneel seemed to be glowing with pride, "we need to work on names! What about the second vision?"
Anna smiled Igneel wasn't even fazed about their daughter's eye color, she felt silly for questioning her mate's loyalty to their child.
"The second was back when we worked together on the battlefield. We were losing badly; because of you making the others listen to me, we were victorious that day. I knew then I wanted you as a friend, you won my respect that day. It's not something I give away freely it must be earned."
Igneel leaned down to his mate giving her a deep kiss, after a couple of intense minutes of kissing, Igneel broke away from her soft lips.
"As much as I would rather spend the rest of your visit hidden away with you here; Natsu will be looking for you in the morning to go fishing." Igneel huffed, suddenly getting up to stretch out his back fully.
Igneel then leaned down picking up his mate bridal style, causing the kimono to slip away. Anna noticed a devious smirk emerging from her mate.
"Igneel what are you gon…"
Before Anna could finish the sentence, Igneel had leaped into the air doing a cannon ball into the water pool, with the Celestial mage secured against his chest. The water was now cold from the night's cool breeze; Anna was in shock from the cold.
"Damn it idiot! Are you trying to make me sick!" the Celestial mage shrieked to her mate.
Igneel roared in laughter as his mate shivered, "you need to learn to use my magic from the mark, so use my heat to warm the water around you."
Anna was not sure if it would work, but the water was so cold she would try anything. She touched the dragon mark on her ring finger and could feel some warmth but not enough to heat the water.
"Think about me, my fire, our son, and our daughter growing inside you. Think about your passion to protect your family, friends, spirits, all your loved ones. Then remember my flames can never harm you, they will always protect you."
Igneel's words ignited memories within the Celestial mage, which calmed her, as she relaxed in the safety of her mate's arms. Anna did not know when it happened but as she came out of her fog, she noticed the water was steaming, tranquil was the best way the mage could describe the feeling.
"Well done my Queen. Allow me to help get you cleaned up, so I can get you back to camp with a least a few hours to rest. Natsu is going to be a handful for you tomorrow."
"You're not going to come?" Anna questioned.
"No, you need some bonding time with Natsu, your leaving soon and I want him to have as much time with his mother as possible."
Anna smiled, 'I'm mated, a mother, and I have a child growing inside me. Life cannot get better than this.'
Even though this family would only have a few years together, with many challenges ahead, Anna knew she would not trade this for the world.
It was nearing two a.m. when Igneel returned to the campsite with Anna firmly embraced against his chest. Igneel placed the sleeping Celestial mage on the pallet next to Natsu, if by instinct the pinkette boy rolled over wedging himself up against the mages stomach. Anna still asleep, slung her arm over the toddler, securing him within her arms.
Igneel beamed with pride watching his family huddle together as a true nest should. The dragon then shifted back to his full dragon form stretching out his body much like a cat, he had never stayed in his human form for so long. He would have to start training to hold the human form longer now that things had changed.
He gazed at his family, taking his place near them, moving his tail protectively around the sleeping pair. Then he used one of his wings as a blanket, to protect them from the cool night air.
The dragon was about to call it a night when he heard chuckling coming from his old friend, Anna's faithful dragon.
"What do ya want Draco? It's been a long day, and there is much to get done tomorrow."
"Sooooo… did it work, or did you chicken out?" Draco knew the Dragon King wouldn't have chickened out, but that didn't mean he couldn't tease him for the moment.
"Were having a girl!" Igneel could not contain the excitement in his voice.
"Draco, I know it's unheard of for a human to mate with a dragon. I've only heard rumor of a couple of instances; but have you ever heard of a human been able to mark a dragon mate outside of slayers?"
"Huh? Ya serious... Anna marked you... the Dragon King. That can't be possible… can it?"
Draco was confused marking was a dragon or dragon slayer thing, not a human possibility. "What does it look like?"
Igneel was concerned for Anna, not knowing how this may affect her magic, "I now have gold and silver stars swirling in the flames of my tattoo. When I touch the mark, I can feel Anna's warmth, trust, and I think her magic links me to the spirit world, not sure on the last part. I know its uniquely Anna's magic."
Draco was in awe of his master she had done it again, leaving the dragons to wonder was she really a human or a reincarnated goddess fallen from the heavens, it was possible. Whatever she was, Draco was glad she was his best friend, master, and now the Queen of the Fire Dragons.
"Congrads Iggy... as for the mark, I'd say that is just part of the mystery of Anna Heartfilia."
Igneel nodded excepting his friends answer, "Draco you're welcome to stay in the campsite tonight if you like or take your leave. I would like to ask you to help me tomorrow."
"Oye… no problem Iggy. I'm gonna get and let ya have some time with the family. See ya tomorrow."
With that Draco started to glow and shot up into the sky, it looked like a falling star just in reverse. Igneel heart was lighter than it had been in a millennium; he looked down at his greatest treasure.
The dragon shook his head in disbelief, if this was a punishment from The Fates, he would not trade this moment for anything. He huffed out cloud of smoke, who would have thought the Dragon King would be brought to the brink of tears, from the happiness his little family gave him is such a short time?
"Anna, Natsu, and my little princess; I love you all. Good night."
Has anyone started reading Eden Zero or Fairy Tail 100 year quest. I'm reading both and so far I'm loving every minute of it. I have missed Hiro glad he is back.
I want to thank those who comment, PM, or have started following this story (Sgt. M00re, grassfire101, TheJSmooth, Inflixt, Leeuw200, GalaxyaCheetah26)
Well hope you enjoy the chapter, please let me know what you think in a comment or PM. Until next time...
Catch you on the flip side... Lodemai