Hey everyone. Lucy here. After a few idea's from others both Natsu and I have decided to create a second act to our Stellar Flames story. We hope all our avid readers enjoy the upcoming chapters and continue reading and reviewing. hearing your compliments or idea's gives us inspiration. So feel free to favourite, follow and review.

We do not own fairy tail, fairy tail belongs to Hiro Mashima


-Later that night-

Natsu: *packing his bag for the upcoming mission, he's barely said a few words since he spoke to Lucy at the bar*

Lucy: *packing her bags. she's in a night robe, she picks up the scale dress and looks at it, she then feels each scale a tear drips onto the scales*

Natsu: *looks at the door to see Layla standing in the hallway*

Layla: why are you being so quiet? I would have thought you would want to talk to each other

Natsu: It's nothing...

Layla: it doesn't look like nothing

Natsu: *sighs and finishes packing his bag*

Layla: fine, if you're not going to talk I'm going out on my 'date' with Caleb*goes to leave*

Natsu: okay, have fun

*Lucy and Layla gasp*

Layla: on second thoughts I'll go on a mission, by myself

Natsu: okay

Layla: an S class mission

Natsu: *zips up his bag and doesn't react to what Layla said*

Layla: *tears up* if this is how you're going to be I don't want to talk to you ever again *runs outside to the tree and leans against and cries*

Lucy: Layla wait *turns to Natsu* what's wrong

Natsu: *looks up at Lucy* Nothing...

Lucy: *frowns* don't lie to me. You wouldn't say those sorts of things to Layla is something wasn't wrong

Natsu: I just don't feel right doing this. I mean I know that we need to stop Zeref, but... *sighs* I don't know Luce...

Lucy: I'm not that keen on doing this either, but if we don't more people could di ddve, our kids are in danger while Zeref is still alive.

Natsu: Can you go talk to Layla and make sure she's okay?

Lucy: *zips up her bag and sits down on the bed. She grips at her robe* when did it become so difficult to talk to each *she looks down*

Natsu: I don't know, Luce. But I'm gonna sleep at the guild tonight

Lucy: o..okay

Natsu: *picks up his bag and leaves the room and heads toward the guild*

Lucy: *lays down on the bed and cries she buries her head into the pillows*

-at the guild-

Erza: *looks up at Natsu who had entered the guild* Natsu what are doing here? We're not leaving until morning

Natsu: I don't want to talk about it

Erza: *stands up and stands in front of Natsu* you will talk about it, or do I need to get the master

Natsu: Titania. Get off my case.

Erza: not until you explain what's going on

Natsu: *narrows his eyes at Erza and engulfs his arm in flames*

Erza: *narrows her eyes and requips into her flame empress armour*

Makarov: *walks down stairs* cut it out you two

Natsu: *starts snarling at Erza*

Makarov: Natsu I said cut it out. I want you in my office now

Natsu: *lightning starts crackling around the fire*

Makarov: Erza I suggest you leave

Erza: *hesitates she requips into her ordinary armour and walks outside*

Makarov: Natsu I want you to explain your actions

Natsu: *looks at Makarov* Oh great, now you're on my case too

Makarov: if you go around threatening fellow guild members then yes I'll get on your case. I saw Layla outside not long ago in tears.

Natsu: Gramps. You can't control everything that happens in this guild

Makarov: I am aware of that, but I would like to know why you've been acting so strange lately

Natsu: I can't help shake this feeling that something's going to happen that won't end well

Makarov: we all have that feeling at times, but that shouldn't make you act the way you have.

Natsu: *sighs and rubs his hand through his hair* I don't know who I am anymore

Makarov: you are Natsu Dragneel husband of Lucy Dragneel and father to Layla, Ryuu and Akiyo Dragneel. you are also the fire dragon slayer and adopted son of the fire dragon Igneel. Natsu you're strong willed an spirited, you bring hope and joy to people's days and when you're said others around you are sad.

Natsu: *looks away from Makarov and smiles slightly* Thanks, master.

Makarov: no problem. But Natsu you really should talk to Layla, she seemed really upset

Natsu: *walks out to the training area and trains with his magic all night* (I WILL protect my family. I WILL protect my nakama. I WILL put a stop to Zeref)

-the next morning-

*The next morning, the other mages all arrive at the guild. Gildarts walks to the training courtyard and sees Natsu still training. Layla is sleeping up against a tree, Natsu's scarf and jacket are laid over her*

Lucy: *walks inside and sits at the bar*

Mira: Is everything okay, Lucy?

Lucy: I'm not sure *rests her head on her arms*

Mira: It'd be best if you talked about it. You want your head clear when you fight Zeref

Lucy: Natsu left the house last night without saying a word. I have no idea what's wrong, he won't even tell me

Mira: Are you sure there's something wrong? He could just be really focused

Lucy: he wouldn't talk at all, even when Layla said she was going on a date or going on a mission by herself he didn't show any concern

Gray: *walks up to the bar* Hey, Luce. Any idea what Natsu's doing outside? According to Gramps he's been training all night

Caleb: *walks inside carrying a sleeping Layla. Natsu's scarf and jacket are still wrapped around her*

Lucy: no I don't, he hasn't told me anything

Mira: Caleb, take her to the infirmary and to bed

Caleb: *nods and takes Layla to the infirmary*

Gildarts: Natsu are you okay

Natsu: *breathing heavily* I'm still not strong enough

Gildarts: what are you talking about?

Natsu: *looks up at Gildarts, still breathing heavily* I couldn't keep myself alive... I'm not strong enough to keep that basic survival instinct in place

Gildarts: you were already weakened by the Draconium Arcanum. You're already strong Natsu. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself

Natsu: It's still no excuse Gildarts. How would you feel if you were in my position?!

Gildarts: I'd feel frustrated, but I'd strive forward knowing I'd have a loving family there for me. I don't know what it's like to have a family Natsu, all I have is Cana I'm happy I have her. But you've got three children and a wife who all love you dearly

Natsu: I... *looks away from Gildarts* I feel like that little boy who lost his foster father again...

Gildarts: *places a hand on Natsu's shoulder* if you really feel like that open up, talk to people and let them know how you feel. it never helps to bottle those feelings up

Natsu: My feelings are nothing compared to what will happen if Zeref isn't stopped, Gildarts.

Gildarts: *sighs* then try as hard as you can to stop him, and if your hardest is good enough try harder knowing you have others there for you. remember you're not alone

Natsu: *looks towards the guild hall and through the window he can see Lucy sitting at the bar*

Lucy: *has her head resting on her arms facing the window but not looking outside*

Gildarts: Natsu are you going to be okay?

Natsu: *looks back at Gildarts* I have to get stronger. I won't let anything like that happen again

Gildarts: well I'm not sure how you're going to get any stronger in the amount of time until we have to leave. and you need to talk to Lucy before we leave. having this on your mind isn't going to help when we face Zeref

Natsu: Gildarts... The way I left last night I'm not even sure she'll want to talk to me

Gildarts: you would be surprised what someone would do if they love you enough

Natsu: *moves his gaze to the window again*

Lucy: *stands up and walks outside, she heads for one of the separate training areas and starts punching one of the mannequins*

Natsu: *suddenly appears in front of her just as she throws a punch at one of the mannequins*

Lucy: *stops*woah *shocked*

Natsu: *catches her fist before it hits him in the stomach*

Lucy: *pulls her fist away from Natsu* sorry

Natsu: I think I should be saying that to you. I shouldn't have done what I did last night

Lucy: why did you do that?

Natsu: With everything that's happened... I feel like I've let everyone down. I feel like a failure, Luce. I guess I let that take over

Lucy: you're not a failure Natsu, you're the opposite. And you haven't let everyone down

Natsu: *rubs his hand through his hair* I feel like that little boy who woke up one morning and found his foster father gone

Lucy: frightened and scared, not knowing what to do and feeling alone

Natsu: *nods sadly* That's the best way I can describe it.

Lucy: *hugs Natsu* that's how I felt when my mother died

Natsu: *a tear rolls down his cheek and onto Lucy's shoulder*

Lucy: I won't leave you to feel like that. I'm here for you, just remember that

Natsu: *hesitantly hugs Lucy back* H... How did you deal with it?

Lucy: I'm not sure exactly, my father never wanted to see me and I never had any true friends so basically all I did was wait out the days wishing for a true friend, someone who would understand what I was going through and someone who I could be there for

Natsu: Oh...

Lucy: *a tear falls from her eye rolling down her cheek and falls onto Natsu's back*

Natsu: *pulls Lucy closer to him and starts crying into her shoulder*

Lucy: *pats Natsu's back* it's alright, you have friends and family who are here for you

Natsu: I... I just don't want to let anyone down... again

Lucy: I don't think anybody would want to let the one's who they care about down. I know I don't want to let everyone down either

Natsu: *pulls away from Lucy and rubs his eyes* But... This is my fault though... If I was stronger I could have taken down Zeref and we wouldn't need to do this

Lucy: this is why we work as a team. you don't need to do this by yourself

Natsu: *turns around and punches the mannequin behind him, it burns to ashes instantly* I can't even follow basic survival instincts. My gut was telling me to run and I stayed. That got me killed

Lucy: then it's those skills you need to work on, not your strength

Natsu: You know that when we fight Zeref I won't be able to control myself...

Lucy: what do you mean?

Natsu: I can hear him inside my head. His voice has been getting louder every day since I woke up.

Lucy: what has he been saying?

Natsu: *turns and faces Lucy, tears in his eyes again* That you and everyone I care for are going to die... And I will be the cause of it

Lucy: well he's lying

Natsu: *sniffs* You... you don't know that...

Lucy: *crosses her arm and frowns, she turns around not facing Natsu* fine, if you want to be responsible then I'm not going to change your mind, but I'm just telling you that I'm going to make sure that doesn't happen

Natsu: *looks at the ground, tears falling from his cheeks and hitting the earth. He shortly falls to his knees and starts crying*

Lucy: *turns around and kneels down in front of Natsu and places her hands on either side of Natsu's face and kisses him lightly on the lips. she pulls away not long after*

Natsu: *looks up at Lucy*

Lucy: *tears slowly pour down her face*

Natsu: I'm... I'm sorry...

Lucy: why?

Natsu: I... I never... wanted to hurt you... like this...

Lucy: I know you didn't

Natsu: *reaches out and cups her face with his hand* I guess I'm a poor excuse for a dragon. I can't even guard my princess

Lucy: even great dragons have break downs.

Natsu: *smiles slightly*

Lucy: cheer up mister dragon, unless you want your princess to get away

Natsu: *wipes away the tears on Lucy's cheeks* I wouldn't want that now would I?

Lucy: well I'm sure I don't want my dragon upset

Natsu: I'll do what I can. But no guarantees

Lucy: *smiles slightly* okay

Gildarts: *watches Natsu and Lucy with Erza, smiling* That boy takes too much onto his shoulders

Erza: well that's Natsu for you. always trying to protect everyone

Gildarts: That may be... But it may cost him his life

Erza: I know *sighs* but what do you suppose we do

Gildarts: I am sure in time he will realise it himself. I just pray it doesn't happen while we are fighting Zeref

Erza: *nods*

Gildarts: We have to go. You get them. *walks inside the guild*

Erza: *walks over to Natsu and Lucy* come on you two, it's time to go

Natsu: *nods and shakily gets to his feet, pulling Lucy up with him*

Lucy: *brushes the dirt off her dress*

Erza: everyone else is waiting inside *starts walking towards the guild*

Natsu: *lightly squeezes Lucy's hand, then let's go and follows Erza*

Lucy: *follows after Natsu and Erza*

-inside the guild-

Erza: *walks over to the group of s class mages who are gathered near the front door*

Makarov: Okay. You know why you've all been gathered. The council has received news of the dark mage Zeref's location. All the guilds in Fiore are sending their strongest mages to deal with the threat. I cannot guarantee that all of you shall return but the threat must be dealt with. *his eyes linger on Natsu and Lucy* As Fairy Tail mages we know that more than anyone. Good luck, my children *makes the Fairy Tail hand symbol* and may you return safely

Lucy: *makes the Fairy Tail hand symbol and nods*

Erza: we will do you proud master *makes the Fairy Tail hand symbol*

Natsu: *makes the Fairy Tail hand symbol without saying a word*

-the other S class mages make the hand gesture-

Makarov: You can have a few minutes to say goodbye to your families. After that it is up to you whether or not you survive

Layla: *walks out of the infirmary and sits at one of the tables. she rests her head on her arms*

Ryuu: *runs up to Natsu and Lucy and pulls Lucy into a hug, his eyes watering*

Ren: *runs up to Juvia and does the same*

Lucy: *hugs Ryuu*

Ryuu: Promise me. Promise me you'll both come home safe

Lucy: I'll try sweetie

Natsu: *looks at Ryuu and Lucy, his eyes watering slightly*

Ryuu: Mum, please. Promise me that.

Lucy: *sighs* okay I promise

Caleb: *places a hand on Layla's shoulder* Aren't you gonna say goodbye?

Layla: *sigh* after what happened last night, I'm not sure if dad would care

Caleb: It doesn't hurt to try. I know your father Layla, and I know you. You'll both regret it if you don't say anything before they leave

Layla: *sighs then stands up*okay *walks over to Natsu and Lucy*

Natsu: *holding Akiyo who is crying into his chest*

Layla: dad?

Natsu: *turns and looks at Layla* Layla...

Layla: *looks down* I'm sorry for last night

Natsu: *hands Akiyo over to Lucy and pulls Layla into a hug* It's my fault. You have no need to apologize

Layla: *hugs Natsu* I'll miss you and mum

Natsu: Not as much as I'll miss you

Layla: please promise you'll come home safe

Natsu: *kisses her forehead* Of course I will. How else are you gonna master fire dragon slayer magic?

Layla: *looks at Natsu and grins*

Natsu: Just promise me you won't do anything reckless

Layla: I promise

Natsu: *wraps his scarf around her neck*

Layla: but dad you'll need this

Natsu: *smiling slightly, his eyes are beginning to water* Hold on to it for me until I get back okay?

Layla: *nods with tears in her eyes* okay

Gildarts: *places his hand on Natsu's shoulder* It's time to go

Layla: bye dad

Natsu: I'll see you soon, okay?

Layla: *nods* okay

Natsu: *turns and leaves with Lucy, Gildarts and the other S class mages*

Lucy: *places Akiyo down* I'll see you when we get back

Ryuu: *nods* Goodbye

-A few days later-

Natsu: *sitting around the campfire on watch shivering in front of the small dying fire*

Lucy: *walks up to Natsu* are you okay

Natsu: *looks up at Lucy* Yeah...

Lucy: then why are you shivering?

Natsu: *reaches for his neck where his scarf usually sits* I dunno... Just a weird feeling I guess...

Lucy: *sits down next to Natsu. Her scale dress brushes against Natsu which warms him up*

Natsu: *places a hand on Lucy's leg* Thanks

Lucy: *confused. She tilts her head to the side while looking at him* for what?

Natsu: For coming out here and talking to me

Lucy: well we haven't had any alone time in a while, and I wanted to spend some time with you

Natsu: *smiles then turns back to the fire* Can you sense it?

Lucy: sense what?

Natsu: *a serious expression now on his face* We're very close. Zeref's scent and voice have been growing stronger by the day

Lucy: I've been able to smell him but that's all

Laxus: *approaching* So it's not my imagination?

Lucy: *shakes her head* no

Laxus: Have you told the other mages yet?

Natsu: I've been reporting to Gildarts. If they know it's through him

Lucy: I think we should discuss what we'll do when we come ip against Zeref. We need to be prepared

Natsu: Knowing my brother his attack will come through other mages. He's not the type to get his hands dirty intentionally

Natsu: *stands up and walks towards the forest* My shift's over. I'll see you in the morning.

Lucy: goodnight

Natsu: *stops in the middle of a clearing and starts training with his magic*

-The next morning. Lucy wakes up to find that Natsu never returned to their tent the night before-

Lucy: *gets dressed and steps outside the tent rubbing her eyes* (Natsu, where are you?) * she looks up and sees smoke rising from the middle of the forest*

Lucy: that doesn't look good *runs to location of the smoke*

Lucy: that doesn't look good *runs to the location of the smoke*

Natsu: *breathing heavily and dripping with sweat and a few cuts, stands in what is a circle of dead dark mages and bandits*

Natsu: *breathing heavily and dripping with sweat and a few cuts, stands in what is a circle of dead dark mages and bandits and covered in blood*

Lucy: *runs to Natsu* Natsu are you okay?

Natsu: Y..yeah...

Lucy: what are all these dark mages and bandits doing here

Natsu: I don't know. I was training, then I blacked out... I guess I must have gotten ambushed or something

Lucy: we should get back to the others. you need rest

Natsu: W..what did we want to do about them?

Lucy: I'll take care of it *she waves her hand over the bodies and they disappear into white light*

Natsu: *his eyes start drifting closed and he sways on his feet*

Lucy: *catches Natsu* let's get you to bed

Natsu: *looks at Lucy and smiles* Bed sounds good

Lucy: *helps Natsu back to camp, she takes him into the tent where she tends to his wounds*

Erza: *walks into the tent* What happened?

Lucy: Natsu said he was ambushed by a group of dark mages and bandits while he was training

Erza: What happened to the bandits? He looks pretty worn out. *gestures to Natsu who fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow*

Lucy: they're all dead *looks down*

Erza: Dead?

Lucy: *nods* yeah

Laxus: *walks into the tent* Christ, what reeks of blood?

Lucy: Natsu was ambushed by a group of bandits and dark mages, Natsu killed them all

Laxus: Shit. That means the rumours were true

Lucy: what rumours?

Laxus: There are rumours that Zeref knows exactly where we are. They also say that Natsu's been brought back from the dead and anyone that can kill him is gonna get a big payday

Lucy: *getting frustrated* I'm getting fucking sick of this *stands up and walks out of the tent*

Juvia: *sees Lucy and approaches her* Is everything okay?

Lucy: everything is not okay, Zeref is targeting Natsu and there's nothing I can do about it *balls her hands into fists*

Juvia: Juvia is not surprised that Zeref is targeting Natsu. From his actions it is clear that Zeref sees Natsu as a threat. It makes sense to Juvia that he would try to eliminate any threats to himself

Lucy: I know it's not surprising, but I seriously wish he'd just fuck off. I hardly get any time to spend with Natsu anymore. *frowns* when I see Zeref I'm going to rip his fucking throat out *walks away from the campsite and to a nearby river*


I hope you guys liked the chapter. Feel free to review it makes us happy to hear your thoughts.