A/N: Before we start I just want to say thank you to PerchanceADream for your awesome editing work *high five*

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail

Chapter 10: Moon Flower

Erza POV

We have just left the kingdom of Celeste, and Natsu is leading us up the mountain that sits right behind the castle. It's going to be long cold trek up, but I'm more than willing to make it if it is the only way to save Natsu's dear friend. He seems to have regained many of his memories of her, and has since become even more determined to save her.

His mood has lifted greatly since they formed that magical connection though, and it is obvious how much he missed her, even if he didn't know it at the time. Then, of course, there's the way her parents were speaking earlier. I almost get the feeling that the two of them were meant to be married when they got older. The queen even stated that they were going to place Lucy in a state of sleep until Natsu came for her.

However, at this moment, those ties do not matter. The only thing that matters now is that we must rescue the young woman, because if we don't, it will crush Natsu. He is already angry with himself for not coming sooner, and he would clearly blame himself if any more harm came to the girl.

With that thought in mind, I pick up my pace until I am side by side with Natsu. I look back at the others and sharply order, "Hurry up, we don't have time to waste." I see Natsu smile at my words out of the corner of my eye, and I whisper to him reassuringly. "We will do whatever it takes to save her Natsu, you have my word."

He then looks over at me for a moment before facing forward again. "Thank you Erza. I don't know what I would do if I had to face all this alone. It's because of my friends I've been able to keep hope," he says softly.

I nod firmly. "You know we'll always have your back, Natsu." After that, we fall silent, and continue the treacherous walk up the mountain.

Natsu POV

We've been walking the mountain for several hours now, and we lost daylight about an hour after we started. We probably should've waited until morning, but I was in such a hurry to get that flower for Luce I didn't think about that. Snowcone and I are doing fine, but Happy and the girls aren't doing so well with the temperature drop—even Erza, who was clearly affected by the cold, despite her denying it. I have my fists lit to help provide a little light, as well as heat, but I don't think it's enough, and everyone seems exhausted.

I look over to Gray, who is currently walking beside me. "Do you think we should stop and rest for a while or will it just make it worse for them?"

"They need a break, and if you can amp up the fire power for them they should be fine. We won't be able to sleep though, not in these conditions," he says, after contemplating my words for a moment.

He's right—not that I'll ever say that out loud. The conditions on the mountain are horrible. We are currently walking through a massive blizzard, our line of sight is extremely bad, and the temperature is far below freezing at this point. If they were to fall asleep in this, they would never wake up.

I turn to Happy and the girls. "Let's take a little break so you can warm up." I walk over to a little groove I spot in the side of the mountain, in hopes that it'll block some of the wind, and the group gathers around me. I turn up my flame and try to make it as hot as I can, without hurting them.

After a few minutes like that, Erza speaks up. "We shouldn't stop for too long, it'll only make us feel the exhaustion more."

We all nod in agreement, I bring the fire power down a bit and look at a shivering Happy. "Hey little buddy, why don't you climb in my pack until we get out of this." He gives a feeble nod, and Lisanna helps him in my pack. With Happy safe, we continue on our path.

It's been about an hour since we took our break, and we've just made it to a point where the snow has stopped. The sky, as well as our line of sight, is completely clear. I feel Luce smile. 'The sky is so beautiful from up here. It's almost like standing on the edge of the heavens.'

I can't help but grin at her words. "I completely agree with you, Luce."

After a few more minutes of walking, I spot something in the distance. It is pale, but it seems to almost glow in the moonlight. I squint my eyes a bit and then I see it is shaped much like a star. Before I know it, I have taken off full speed toward the object, in hopes that it is what we are after. I come to a stop and my eyes widen. "It's beautiful…" I whisper to myself. A moment later, the others are next to me with equally awed expressions. It has the same star shape as the golden flowers from the kingdom, but it is slightly bigger, its petals silver and holding a slight shimmering light. It's as if they've been covered in stardust.

I slowly lean down toward the flower and pluck it from its place in the ground. I place it in a special container the queen gave me to transport it in; she said it would help hold the strong magic of the flower within the petals for the journey back. Once I have it secured in the container, I place it in my pack, with Happy, for safe keeping. I turn to address my friends. "It's not as cold up here for some reason, so why don't we rest for a bit before we head back down?" They agree, thankful for the chance to take a break, and we all drop to the ground in exhaustion.

I'm sitting a little away from everyone else so I can talk with Luce. "Now that we have the moon flower, you're going to be fine. When you wake up the first thing you see will be my face, I promise."

She giggles. 'You sound so serious, Natsu.'

"I am serious! You waited all this time for me to come back, so I'm gonna be there," I huff indignantly.

I feel her smile. 'I can't wait to see you. You've gotten to see me but since I can only see through your eyes right now, I haven't gotten to see you. You've probably gotten taller.' She giggles again at her own remark.

"Of course I've grown taller! I'm as tall as your dad now, and I'm a lot stronger than I was when we were little. I could probably even beat my dad now, with all the strength I've gained." I put my fist against my chest as if to reinforce my point, and I hear her let out a real laugh. I can't help but smile, even if she is laughing at me.

I missed that laugh so much, and I know now that all those times I felt something was missing from my life, is because something was. My best friend was missing. Don't get me wrong, I love Happy and all my other friends from Fairy Tail, but with Luce, it's different. With her, I feel like I can just let go, I don't have to keep up my guard.

She knows me in a way no one else will ever be able to, and I know her the same way. "Hey, Luce?"

'Yeah Natsu?'

"When you wake up, will we still have this magical connection?"

'I don't know Natsu, but I wouldn't mind if we did.' I feel her smile in my mind and know that I have a matching one on my own face.

I finally stand up. "Well, Luce, I should go get the others so we can head back. I'll see you soon—and I mean really see you, okay?"

I feel her give me a warm smile, 'I can't wait, Natsu!'

With that, I head over to the others. "We should get going, so we can get some actual rest and so that Queen Layla, Levy and Wendy can get that potion, or whatever started."

They all nod. Lisanna, however, grins, an evil glint in her eyes. "I can't wait to meet Lucy. I have so many stories to share with her about you."

I groan. "Please don't, Lis, she doesn't need to hear any of that."

'Yes I do!'

Dang it, of course she heard that. I shoot Lisanna a glare. "I hate you sometimes." Everyone laughs, and Gray smirks. "I take it she wants to hear the stories. I'll be sure to tell her mine too, then."

I let out a growl, and right as I was about to attack that dumb polar bear, Erza grabs my scarf. "Let's get going we have a long walk back," her tone of voice left no room for argument, so we follow her without complaint.

We make it back down the mountain by sunrise, and quickly head back to the castle. I rush through the doors, yelling enthusiastically. "We're back!"

A moment later, Levy runs out. "Did you find it?" She asks.

I nod, and pull the container from my pack, and right as I'm handing it to her, Queen Layla walks up from behind Levy. "Good, you found it. I took the liberty of gathering all the other necessary ingredients while you were gone. You friend here was quick to find what we needed."

"Thank you so much, Levy. Is there anything you need me to get?" I smile gratefully at the petite blunette.

She shakes her head. "No, go get some rest. You've done more than enough, just leave the rest to us." She gives me push toward the direction of the stairs. "We'll start the potion immediately with Wendy's help, and we'll wake you before we give it to her. Is it safe to assume you'll be in her chambers resting?"

I look at her with a sheepish grin. "Yeah, I think that's the only way I'll be able to rest."

Layla chuckles from Levy's side. "Very well, then. Go get some much deserved rest, my dear. With any luck, we'll have it prepared by tonight."

I nod one last time before I take off in the direction of Luce's room.

Once there, I open the door and walk over to her bed. I stare down at her for a moment and sigh. "You really are beautiful Luce…"

'Well thank you, Natsu.'

Instantly, I blush at her words but I don't say anything back. Instead, I climb onto the bed next her. I snuggle up close to her side and wrap my arms around her. "Good night Luce," I whisper, and I let her scent wrap around me and guide me into the first restful sleep I've had in years.

A/N: Alright guys this was just a filler chapter, but I know you all are really looking forward to what comes next. No worries though, I don't plan on ending the adventure any time soon.

Also I have a question for you guys, do you think I should leave the magical connection in place? I haven't made up my mind on that and I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Who knows if I get enough reviews I might even give you guys the next chapter a couple days early. So please remember to leave reviews and let me know what you think.

So see you guys next chapter and be prepared for some serious nalu action.

Diferntevryday :D