I do not own Fairy Tail that is Hiro Mashima's masterpiece.

September 27, 2018

Chapter 14 – The in-between

The witching hour was fast approaching. Star was finally in a deep enough sleep to allow her to release her soul, the beginning of her astral projection.

Star wished she was as powerful as her mother. Currently she had to be completely asleep, and deep enough to block out the world around her in order to project, a challenging task for the young girl since she was a light sleeper. However, her mother Anna, needed only a moment to focus into a slight meditative state, allowing her to project.

Everyone had assured Star, she was advancing faster than most, but she still felt as if she was failing Natsu. The princess knew she needed to be stronger, unfortunately she was out of time.

She refused to allow herself to wallow in the disappointment of her short comings, understanding she needed to work quickly to waken Natsu's soul. Once she felt her projection stabilize the princess turned and focused on her brothers' sleeping form. She calmed her nerves, pooling her magic in an attempt to coax Natsu's soul for projection.

Star had never journey to the in-between with anyone outside of her mother and Draco; nor had she ever tried to take anyone with her. However, the other half of her soul, 'Dawn' had completed that very task as part of her training. Her other half, encouraged Star to step outside of her comfort zone, and take the opportunity to try it on her own as soon as she had a chance.

Following Dawn's instructions, Star placed her hands over Natsu's, releasing her magic slowly, creating a calming warmth which engulfed the girl. It was her fire dragon magic, more precisely Igneel's magic. Everyone needed something to focus on when channeling a projection, for Star her father's magic was her safety blanket.

The dragon princess focused her power, she looked at Natsu's sleeping form to find his aura. Once she was able to see it, she used Igneel's magic to prod her brother to hear her call. For several minutes there was no response; Star began to feel desperate.

The feelings of failure and weakness began to creep into the princess thoughts. Star knew this was the only way she would be able to freely speak with Natsu, yet his soul was not answering her pleas.

Star could feel tears forming in her eyes, as she continued to tug at Natsu's spirit with no response. Hope was fading, she was about to surrender, when suddenly she felt Natsu's soul yank back. She had done it, made the connection, first part of the process was complete.

The princess couldn't help but cheer to herself over the accomplishment, now on to phase two extraction. With Natsu soul alert, she began to gather her Celestial magic, using it as a guide. Slowly the prince's soul began to rise releasing itself from the body, before too long stood Natsu, in a perfect translucent astral form.

Natsu looked down at his hands and marveled at the red glow around his semi transparent form. He then turned to his little sister, awestruck, her spirit form glowed with an ethereal light, 'maybe she really was a star', the boy pondered.

His eyes gazed over her, but he found himself focusing his attention to her sleeping form laying at her feet. She looked normal, curled up facing his own sleeping body. Natsu noticed how his hand intertwined with his sister's as they slept; it had always been his's way to ward off someone who would try to steal her away in the night. Since the day she was born, Natsu couldn't remember a time when he didn't sleep close to Star.

The young prince stared at the area around them, trying to get his bearings, his eyes went back to the sleeping bodies laying at his feet.

"Wow! You do this every night?"

Amazed by his sister's power, she was always special, but this was incredible.

The princess nodded, "yeah almost… come on we have to get going before Draco notices us."

"Wait... he can see us like this?"

"Yeah. Draco is a spirit, so he can see all spirit forms. Most dragons can see beyond the vail, if the spirit is close by. Dragons are part of the three-original magic, just like Fey and Angels."

Star shoulders gave a slight shrug as she responded, as if this was common knowledge. Natsu knew she had been made to study the history of all magic, for as long as he could remember. His parents, Draco, and even Legba insisted the princess be well versed in the subject matter, along with many others subjects the adults considered important.

Natsu nodded in acknowledgement, focusing his attention back to his sister; he silently urged her to do what was needed to get them to the in-between. Star tightened her hold on her brother as she guided them away from the camp, just beyond the line of trees out of the immediate line-of-sight.

Star gave one last look around, once she felt the area was secure, the dragon princess used her free hand to draw a magic circle in the air. Natsu watched in awe as the circle changed colors; glowing black, purple, red to silver, finally settling into a soft white glow. The circle of light slowly morphed into a door, its frame adorned with the circle's magic markings.

"You made a door out of nowhere, that is so cool!"

Natsu again found himself impressed, but it was laced with a hint of jealousy, his sister could use more than one type of magic. The prince knew he could learn another type as well, but honestly couldn't think of anything better than being a dragon; a fire dragon no less. However, after watching his little sister he was starting to see there was more out there.

"Hey!"

Star snapped her fingers to focus her brother's attention, his onyx eyes met her blue. Star took a long breath as she placed her free hand on the door handle.

Holding her brother's gaze, "don't let go of my hand no matter what…okay!" her tone serious, borderline a demand.

Natsu didn't care for the brash tone from his sister, "Why… what will happen?" the prince taunted back.

Star frowned, "your soul will snap back to your body, and it really hurts!" her tone a clear warning.

"Natsu, please… it could hurt you really bad… just… please listen to me. I know what I'm talking about," Star pleaded for her brother to trust her words.

"Well, why doesn't that happen to you? Hmmm…" the prince questioned in a sing-song melody, still wishing to tease his sister.

"It has, when I was first learning how to control it. I let go of mommy's hand, I didn't wake up for a week. Then when I finally woke, it hurt to move. I had to learn to control my spirit line…just look behind you." Star instructed, wishing to show her brother what she was referring to.

Natsu was stunned by her confession, he found himself internally furious his sister had been hurt. What was worse he couldn't remember his sister being asleep for a week nonresponsive to the world around her, surely, he would have remembered something so important.

It confirmed what Natsu knew deep down, his memories were being manipulated, and he was livid. He wondered just how much was being hidden from him, however he did not let his anger show, he simply complied to Star's wishes turning around.

What he saw confused and amazed the prince; trailing behind him was a faint red line that would sparkle every so often, Star's line was similar but hers was brilliant silver.

"That's a spirit line? Can't Draco see it? Why is mine a different color than yours?"

Natsu's constant questions flustered the dragon princess and time was ticking away. If their parents came home, it would be over. Her mother would see the lines instantly even if the dragons couldn't.

"Yep. No, I don't know why Draco can't see the line just the spirit. Everyone's line is different, mommy's is gold, I guess it has to do with our magic."

"Wait… you're a fire dragon too? Shouldn't yours be red?"

"I'm not only a fire dragon, I'm a Celestial mage too like mommy."

Natsu nodded in understanding, he wanted to ask more but it would have to wait for later. Star was relieved her brother's curiosity was satisfied for the moment, he had a tenancy to go on forever when he was excited about something.

Refocusing her magic back on the door, she increased the flow of power into her hand, pushing the handle. The door responded to her magic, opening slightly; from the crack a bright light poured out engulfing both the children.

One moment their souls were in Igneel's forest, the next they were gone, all that remained was the faint sparkle of their spirit lines.

Natsu finally opened his eyes, the last thing he could remember was a door and a bright light, he shot up to a sitting position, trying to study his surroundings. He realized he was sitting on the ground, in what appeared to be a large garden.

He felt a familiar warmth wrapped around his palm, he looked down finding Star still holding his hand. He noticed he was no longer see-through but solid with the same red glittery outline.

Star was kneeling on the ground next to him. She was speaking with two people, but the female voice sounded just like Star, 'how is that possible', the prince wondered as he turned to look over seeing whom Star was conversing with.

"About time you woke up," the princess teased.

Natsu rubbed his head, he was disorientated, his body felt slow, as if he was underwater and his movements were being restricted by an unknown pressure.

"I feel sick…" Natsu moaned as his free hand came up to rub his head.

Star could relate, the first couple times she traveled to the in-between she had been left light headed.

"It will pass just give it a few minutes," Star reassured her brother.

"Natsu, I want to introduce you to the other half of my soul, Dawn and her older brother Michaelis."

Natsu looked around his sister to see a young girl that looked identical to Star, the only difference was she had crimson red hair, like Igneel's human form. The male with the girl was much older, if he had to guess he figured him to be about seventeen.

"Hello…," Natsu had started to greet the pair when he noticed the girl named Dawn was injured.

"Your hurt!" He blurted out at the girl.

"Huh…, This? Oh yeah it happens. The wolves attacked the camp, which is why I was late."

The injured girl shrugged it off like it was nothing. Natsu watched his little sister take in the comment as if this happened often.

"The wolves again, are you going to be okay? Was it lykos?" Star questioned.

"No not that I could tell, just a local pack of wolves. The last couple of months have been bad, I'm guessing too many settlers moving into the area has them on edge."

Star frowned at the information, "no need to worry it's just a deep scratch, nothing time can't heal, besides the wolves got the worst of it."

The girl named Dawn responded back giving Star a smile, the princess nodded back with no further questioning.

"Oh, about Michaelis, he refused to let me come on my own to meet. I made the mistake of telling him our plan… Sorry Star, but he is my brother I didn't want to lie to him."

"Damn right! There's no way in HELL I was letting you come on your own after an attack. Then there's the unwanted attention your soul has been attracting here in the in-between." The older boy continued to rant on about their clan and how it was his job to protect her.

"Trouble… what kind of trouble? Star what's going on?"

Natsu needed to get to the bottom of things; it wasn't like Star not to tell him if someone or something was making her uncomfortable.

Star hid her eyes behind her blond bangs, "it just started a couple months ago, I'm not trying to hide it from you, I promise. I just got back to daddy's lands and I haven't even told mommy or daddy. I will tell you everything, but for now can we please get back on track?"

Natsu stared at his sister a little longer, "you're gonna tell me everything, I mean everything… right?" Star nodded quickly in agreement.

"Okay then."

The older boy was totally ignoring the royal children's conversation, he was too focused on chastising his younger sister for her recklessness, when Natsu and Star heard the girl snapback.

"Will you be quiet! We're not trying to attract any attention. Why must you always be so overbearing?" The girl named Dawn huffed, "jeez back off will you!"

As she rolled her eyes at her brother, Dawn drew her focus back to the dragon prince.

"You have to excuse us we bicker at times. Natsu, it's nice to finally meet my big brother. I mean… I carry Star's other half of her soul so when we are together like this we share each other's memories, but it's not the same as actually meeting you in person."

The girl gave Natsu a large smile just like his sister's; fangs included, just not as pronounced as his own. Natsu knew instantly he liked his sister's other-soul-half-thingy, even though it was weird to think they were one in the same.

"What have you told him?" Dawn moved on to question Star.

Star sighed in an air of annoyance, "nothing so far, as I suspected, the adults are monitoring us closely."

"I see, well we better combine quickly before someone here realizes we are a split soul. We're already not liked, no reason to give them any more information on our identity. Michaelis, would you please take Natsu's hand, so Star and I can merge."

"Uh… no way, I'm not holding a dude's hand," Natsu exclaimed. Star started to grumble back at her brother for being childish, but Dawn beat her to it, unleashing on the unsuspecting dragon prince.

"Listen, we only have a limited amount of time. I'm tired… today was a bad day, so excuse me if I don't feel like putting up with some whiny prince! So, let Michaelis take your hand, so we can get on with this! Why must guys be such a pain."

"Hey… you two need to stop bickering. Thanatos is coming, I can feel his magic marker heading this way."

Michaelis growled; it was evident to Natsu this Thanatos person was bad news. Natsu watched as both girls started to shake in fear of the incoming visitor, his own anger gathering at the site of his sister's discomfort.

Michaelis acted quickly snatching Natsu away from Star's grasp.

"STAR! SNAP OUT OF IT! I know you're scared, but you need to merge now! I'm here I promise I won't let anything happen to you or Natsu," the teen reassured her with his command.

Dawn grabbed Stars hand, "come on time to merge", the girl demanded. Star regained herself giving over to her magic, humming in-sync with Dawn's, a warm wind kicked up at the girls' feet, as a soft glow of gold and red swallowed the pair.

When the light dissipated, there was only one form left. Natsu's little sister stood before him, the only change was her hair. Instead of the waves of gold that fell to her waist; her hair now looked like flames. The same gold was at the top of her head past her shoulders, however closer to the ends of her hair, it looked as if it was on fire, with colors of a deep ruby.

Star noticed Natsu staring at her oddly, "Natsu, are you okay?" she questioned worried that she somehow did something wrong.

"Huh?... Oh…" Natsu didn't realize he had been gawking at his sister, "Star, your hair is awesome it's like flames!"

Star blushed she never thought about it much, her mother and Draco being the only ones from their family that had ever seen her true form until now.

"Yeah, I know it's unique even among the Fey and that's saying something," Michaelis responded with an obvious pride to his tone.

"This is what our sister really looks like when her spirit is whole. Well… close to whole. A small part of the soul must remain back with the body to keep it alive which is why you have a spirit line. One more thing, while were here you need to address our sister as Morning."

"What, why?" the prince questioned.

"Because boy, that is the name I gave them when they started training here in the in-between. Both of their identities need to be hidden. It's not every day we have a Fey and Dragon princess among us, each half is equally rare and needs to be hidden away."

Everyone became silent as the old man approached, the group gulped in an air of nervousness. Each wondering how he snuck-up on them without even an ounce of a trace of magic or scent to let them know he was near.

"Now will someone please tell me, what is Prince Natsu doing here?"

Legba focused his stare on the princess, "Morning explain."

Legba was frowning at the little girl, even though he was secretly impressed with her skill. The ruler of the in-between was amused by the little groups antic's, 'oh today was going to be fun'.

As the girl start to open her mouth to speak, the ruler of the in-between went rigid, "hold ya tongue child we have company."

It was all the warning the group needed, trouble had arrived and Legba was their only protection.

Michaelis gripped Natsu's hand tighter while his eyes focus straight ahead waiting for the impending presence to make himself known. The teen began to speak slowly; barely a whisper, Michaelis knew the children could hear him clearly, Dawn having explained about dragon's abilities.

"Natsu don't speak, even if spoken too. Morning allow me and Legba to handle Thanatos. No back talking no matter what that asshole says! GOT IT!"

Natsu glanced over his shoulder to his sister, her blue eyes were focused she was still shaking but he could see mixed among the fear was a loathing for the oncoming visitor.

"You okay?" Natsu questioned, wanting nothing more to pull away from the teen boy to comfort his sister, yet the young prince's instincts told him now was not the time to protest. Morning locked eyes with Natsu giving a slight nod she was fine.

"Legba, Michaelis, and of course our beautiful little Morning… oh… and who would this new comer be?"

Natsu's skin was crawling as the visitor spoke, he especially didn't like the way the man smiled as he spoke to his sister. The man introduced himself as Thanatos a demi-god, 'whatever that was', Natsu wondered, he would have to have Star explain later.

The man stood over six-feet tall, with alabaster skin; jet black hair that cascaded down his back like a dark silk curtain, yet his most captivating feature was his intense cold violet colored eyes. His presence emanated pure evil intent wrapped in a most fetching package.

Legba gave a sigh of indifference leaning up against a tree while he played with his cane, "just another human child, that has some abilities but lacks the natural talent to handle it. Michaelis found the boy and brought him to me to judge if he should be trained."

"Oh, I see…" in an airy bored tone, the man slithered closer to Natsu to inspect him for himself.

The demi-god was attracted to the strange magic aura which emanated off the pinkett, it was similar to that of Legba's student Morning. Yet this boy held something much darker, Thanatos smiled coldly at the prince, as he licked his lips excited by the possibilities of this boy.

It was well known, Legba's fascination with Morning, to the point of personally taking said girl on as his protégé; a rare thing indeed. Thanatos wanted a part of that power, before him this pink haired boy was his chance.

"Well, the boy does hold a unique magic marker; would you allow me to take him as a student?"

Thanatos grew even closer reaching out to stroke Natsu's chin, the man's smile dripped with deadly intent.

"What a beautiful hair color, pink is so unique on a male, but with that skin tone, it works quite well for you child. You must have Fey in your blood; those underlings always produce the most interesting appearances."

The man moved in for a closer look invading Natsu's personal space. Natsu did not shrink back; eyes locked on the demi-god's gaze in defiance. Internally Natsu's body screamed to get away from this malevolence, his touch was cold as ice. He now understood his sister's strong reaction toward this entity.

Legba pulled away from the tree he was leaning on, straightening-up to his full height, his aura shifted from casual to authoritative in an instant. A trait among those who held true power like Igneel and Zeref, it was the aura of a ruler.

"Thank you so much for your offer council member Thanatos. However, your duties as a representative for Baron Samedi's Gede, are far too important to disrupt with something as trivial as training this boy. If I find him worthy, Michaelis will train the boy. He is over two millennia old, even though he is still considered a child himself, I believe Michaelis could handle this duty. No?"

Legba's diplomatic words were laced in a warning to Thanatos; to know ones' place. Thanatos aura rolled off his pale skin infuriated at being so easily dismissed.

"As usual your words of wisdom ring true, a mark as to why you are the ruler. Well then, I shall take my leave. Legba, Michaelis, pinky, and our beautiful Morning I do hope to see you again soon my dear."

Thanatos studied the girl with eyes of hunger, which could burn away ones' soul, before he waved to the group, taking his leave. Once the visitor was out of site Natsu began to struggle against Michaelis; he was frustrated, scared and just wanted to get to his sister.

The dragon prince was no fool, he saw how this Thanatos watched his sister, he was power hungry, just like Zeref. Natsu was going to demand Star not be allowed to continue her training in the in-between.

Natsu didn't get the chance to air his concerns, for Legba suddenly grabbed the prince from Michaelis' hold, "what were you thinking coming here!" the spirit scorned the group of children.

"It's not his fault, it was my idea; I needed a safe place to talk…" defended the princess.

"Michaelis, what is the meaning of this. The girl was placed in your family clan to train her and protect her while on Earth. NOT ALLOW HER AND HER OTHER HALF, TO PLOT THEN BRING OVER HER BROTHER FROM EARTHLAND! Oye and don't think I didn't see her shoulder wound!"

The three children gasp as Legba fumed at them. "MORNING… TELL ME HOW DID YOU LEARN TO BRING ANOTHER OVER!" The spirit scoffed at the young girl.

The princess was tired of the lies, being yelled at for trying to protect her family. Wasn't this what her mother and father told her all this training and traveling was for? So WHY were they hiding so much from Natsu. Suddenly the pain she had been swallowing down gushed forth, the young dragon princess broke.

"I learned it when Michaelis was injured on earth about a year ago, it was the only way to save his LIFE! I brought his soul here to heal quickly, so to heal his body on Earth. Now, I'm trying to save Natsu's LIFE! I'm not leaving here until he knows everything!" The princess growled back at Legba, her dragon was coming out, baring her teeth.

"I see… Draco must have babysitting duties, so he can't follow you my little ma chéri? You set this up perfectly, and it's clear you have Michaelis wrapped around your little finger."

"Hey, I am not!", the teen tried to defend.

"So… now you are going to tell ME, the ruler of the in-between, WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO? Hmmm… Morning?"

Legba raised an eyebrow as he glared down at the young girl, yet his tone held no anger only inquiry.

"Uh… I… well…", Morning was caught off guard not ready for the spirits demeanor.

Gathering her resolve the princess continued, "Master Legba… why all the secrets? I can't stand it anymore. Natsu, he has to… know…" the princess was slowly breaking down.

"I… I'm… supposed to protect… I don't… understand…", the princess couldn't talk as her sobs started to take over.

Legba gave a deep sigh, "calm yourself child, here take your brother. No more tears ma chéri."

He handed Natsu back over into Star's grasp. The prince and princess held on to each other as the girl's tears continued to fall. She was failing her brother and now she couldn't stop crying, she felt utterly useless, why wasn't she strong like her older brothers.

Natsu rubbed circles on his little sister's back, "it's okay, please stop crying, I hate it when you cry…" Blue eyes glanced up to meet onyx; the princess nodded working to calm herself and clear the wet stains on her face.

A thick pipe smoke began to fill the air, Legba took a long drag holding in the smoke before slowly releasing,

"Michaelis… you and Draco were right; ma chéri is too smart for her own good. It will cause her great pain in the future."

Everyone eyes were fixed on Legba as his words cut. "Morning, I respect Anna and as for Igneel well… regardless my thoughts on the dragon king. I will not break your parents trust," a long sigh followed.

"That being said… I will allow you the time to speak with Natsu, however, I will not be part of this conversation. If your parents, ask if you have visited alone, I will tell them of this event. Only if they ask though, do you understand?"

The princess nodded as her eyes lit up with hope, "ah little one… understand this, knowledge can be a crushing burden. Think this through before you place your brother under the same fate. There is a reason for everything, even if it doesn't seem right. You should trust your families' motives."

"I…", the princess shook off the feeling of dread from Legba's words. Wasn't the saying, 'the truth will set you free'? Star knew she could only protect her brother by giving him all the details, needed for the upcoming future. Little did the princess know this need to be honest would haunt her for years to come.

Natsu's head ached, he didn't want to process the words he was hearing. His sister had to be wrong; Igneel said they were going to finally be a family. Yet, according to his sister Natsu would lose his two favorite blonds at weeks' end. It couldn't be possible; maybe his sister was confused.

He tried to convince himself, but his heart stung at this possible truth. At the very least he knew Star believed these events would happen.

Everyone was quiet for what seemed like hours, Star's soft voice finally broke the quiet revere.

"I think mommy and daddy are messing with your memories", Natsu could tell she was weary of her own words.

With a deep sigh, Natsu looked over to his sister, "I already know they are", admitting it out loud crushed the prince.

"…" the princess held her head low, "are you angry with me?"

"Huh… WHAT!... Why would you think that?" the pinkett-boy questioned.

This wasn't her fault if anything he felt guilty her life was being sacrificed, because of Zeref's actions to bring him back to life. At the same time, he was strangely grateful to Zeref; because of him Natsu had an amazing family, 'was it all really coming to an end'?

"Hey, don't worry, everything is going to be okay?"

Natsu tried to reassure his sister, he just wished he could believe his own words. He had died, was brought back infused with a demon, and Zeref was his older brother. Star didn't go into many details on E.N.D. but assured her brother no matter what she loved HIM, not the creation Zeref made.

Something churned in Natsu's stomach, he knew deep down this demon inside him was ruthless. The thought of it created a cold sensation at his core. This E.N.D had to be extremely bad if his parents and Zeref didn't want him knowing about it. Natsu knew at some point he would need to understand that side of himself better, if he was ever going to have a chance at controlling the demon within.

Legba did as he promised giving the royal dragon children time to talk in private. Requesting Michaelis to follow him, the ruler of the in-between now turned his focus onto other issues.

"Michaelis, was the wolves attack from the lykos shifters?"

"No Master. They were normal wolves, but I would not be surprised if the order to attack did not come from a lykos." Michaelis response was grim.

"So, mother Earth is starting to regain her magic which was once lost, at a much faster pace than before. I must assume the underlings are growing in strength and numbers, as are the ley lines?"

"Yes, after so long the Earth is healing from the great war of heaven. It's still dangerous for us with magic abilities, we are still hunted down by the human hunters who fear us as evil beings."

Legba's expression was blank, "I cannot blame man for feeling this way. Magic has been used against them for so long."

"I have to ask… Master why would you send a dragon's child to earth, it's dangerous for her there."

"Has she been a burden to you Michaelis?"

The teen considered Legba's words, "no, but you know how my clan feels about Igneel and his dragon's. There were so few Fey to survive the great war, and to keep the bloodlines alive, we have been forced to mate with humans. If the dragons would have stayed the underlings would have had a chance; man, would have had a chance. Thousands upon thousands may have been saved", Michaelis tighten his fist in anger.

"Master, you hate the dragons more than any of us. As spirit guide of the creator you saw the massive destruction the war laid at our feet. How could you of all send Igneel's child to the Fey, especially my family?"

Legba took in the words of the Fey prince, "the honest truth… I was hoping Igneel would suffer for his desertion of Earth. However, I planned none of this; it was the Creator and his Fates which set this game into motion. Michaelis we are all but pawns in this plight between the dimensions. What is planned for the dragon's king's family I would not wish on anyone."

"What… you can't be serious…" Michaelis gasped.

"Oh, but I'm profoundly serious… You have been told everything from day the girl was born. Now tell me, will you continue to protect Dawn on earth, or will you allow those who would seek to use her destroy her?"

Anger flared within Michaelis eyes, "she is only a child, I will always protect her with my life, I swear it!"

"Why?"

Why it was a simple question, but Michaelis found the answer was so complex, "Regardless of who she really is, I love that little girl, dragon or not, she is also Fey and my sister. I don't know why but I think she is why the earth is healing faster than before. Before she came I was going through the motions of life, I did whatever job you asked, I didn't hate or love I was just existing. She gave me purpose."

"The evening she was born, there was a meteor shower. In all my years, I had never seen such a display, it was as if the heavens wept. The moment of her birth, the heavens calmed. That baby glowed unlike any Fey I have ever seen, she was like the break of day. Which is why my father named her Dawn; she was the beginning of something new for all of us."

Legba smiled and with a deep laugh stared up into the night sky of his realm, "the heavens are the only thing that stay the same between our worlds, the same heavenly event happened here as well as in Earthland. And just like you're father the young prince Natsu used the event to inspire the naming of his sister Star."

The ruler of the in-between was temporarily lost in the moment, however there was still matters which needed to be addressed with the young Fey prince. Legba's mood turned serious once again, dreading this next part of the conversation, "it pains me to say these words to you Michaelis. If Morning is ever captured you will not be allowed to save her, she will have to fight her way out on her own."

"What she is just a child, you can't be serious," Michaelis mind drifted back to when he had been captured eons ago.

"I wish I was not," the old spirit sighed with a weight of a heavy burden. "She is special, and others can tell her magic is different, which is why I have ordered her identity to be kept secret."

"I hate that form of training its barbaric."

"As do I… especially for someone as young as she. Yet we are saddled with the responsibility to train her for what lies in her future. It will not be gentle, forgiving, or merciful; so, we must prepare her. Keep her close Michaelis. I just hope training doesn't break her." Legba's heart was heavy with what awaited the royal children.

"Are you saying it's inevitable? There has to be some way for her to avoid that fate?"

"She was born for a much greater task. She will become my greatest warrior and a rebirth warrior in time. It will only be a matter of time before she is taken for training. Keep her close and never leave her alone while in this realm. They are waiting for us to make a mistake that is when she will be captured"

"You're the ruler, and she is your student. Order her off limits, no one would dare cross you."

"If only it were that simple, you are a warrior of the in-between, and a prince yet you did your time."

"I was also almost five hundred years old when I was taken. She is only seven!"

"As I said keep her close, we will have to do our best to give her time to age. Now Michaelis, tell Morning it's time for her and Natsu to head home."

Michaelis gave the old spirit a hard stare, finally nodding to his Master as he turned to leave. Being a soldier of the in-between his rank as a Fey prince took second place. That didn't mean he agreed with the politics of this land, he would have to do everything in his power to protect his sister.

"Oye time to go brats…" Michaelis teased the royal children.

Morning smiled as she handed Natsu back over to Michaelis. The warm air began to build again as Morning separated back into Star and Dawn. The girl named Dawn ran over to Natsu throwing herself into the boy giving him a bear hug.

"I'm so glad I got to know my big brother. Next time we meet, me and Star will finally be whole never again to be broken apart!"

Natsu smiled at the girl hugging him tightly, "that day can't come soon enough."

"Hey you, Mic..holes… you need to take better care of my sister!"

"The name is Michaelis! I DO take good care of her!"

"Sure, you do… that's why she has those wounds…" Natsu pointed to the marks on Dawn's shoulder as he scoffed back to the teen.

A tick formed on Michaelis brow, "why you little…"

"Quiet you brats! Dawn come here child…" Legba demanded. Dawn wasted no time going over to the old spirit.

Legba placed his hand on the girl's shoulder, a soft white glow appeared. "No more being the hot-headed warrior like Michaelis."

"Hey… watch it old man I'll have you kn…"

"Hush you idiot, I'm speaking with ma chéri. You must learn to fight hard yes? Understand this, one can do more if they choose to fight smarter. Wouldn't you agree child?"

Dawn giggled "yes Master".

"All better, the soul is completely healed, this will help your human body heal much faster. It will hurt some for the next couple of days, but that is much better than weeks."

"Now leave all of you, I have a realm to run," with those words Legba vanished before the children's eyes.

"Star, come get your brother," the dragon princess giggled as she took ahold of Natsu.

Michaelis stuck out his hand, "Natsu, listen to what Morning told you. I wish you the best, take care of my sister. And… since she is my sister… I guess that makes you my little brother so be careful, train hard, become stronger. I hope when the time comes I will meet you again."

The dragon prince gave a wide-fanged smile as he grabbed the teens hand, "thanks, big brother. I'll keep her safe. You be careful to and I hope to see you again."

It was nearing daybreak when Igneel and Anna finally returned to the camp. The dragon king took great care as he placed his Queen safely on the ground. Anna was exhausted her body ached in pleasure; Igneel had taken his mate over and over throughout the night making up for the lost time between the lovers.

Both parents wandered over to their sleeping hatchlings each wore a smile of peace and love as they looked down on the children sleeping. The royal children laying there facing each other with hands intertwined.

Anna's heart began to ache, her families bliss was quickly coming to its end. Igneel watched his mate closely he could feel her anguish over their fate.

"Anna, allow them to enjoy what time they have left. We need to do the same." Igneel did his best rationalize the situation even though he too hurt knowing his family would be torn apart soon.

"I know you're right…"

Draco let out a light cough, gaining the attention of the dragon king and queen.

"Anna, Iggy we gotta talk."

"Hmmm…. what's wrong Draco?" Anna questioned, stunned by Draco sudden presence. She had been so lost in thought she didn't even notice the dragon.

Draco stretched out in his full dragon form, "I believe Star, been tellin' Natsu everything. The boy is gettn suspicious, he knows something ain't right with his memories."

Anna was tired, and she didn't try to hide it from the dragons as she turned to look thoughtfully to her mate, "Honestly, I'm not surprised… You Igneel?"

With a similar air of exhaustion Igneel responded, "not surprised in the least, it sounds about right for that pair of hatchlings."

"What! Ya both knew? So why go on with the memory spells?" Draco questioned.

"Most of Natsu memories are blocked by Zeref, he was worried his memories as E.N.D. could drive him mad. Both Anna and I have blocked other memories to try and keep Natsu's mind at ease. If he was to learn he was about to lose his mother and sister, the boy would be inconsolable. You see how he gets every time they leave," Igneel explained.

"We planned ahead for this, it would make most sense for Star to do this when we sleep. Knowing her she would probably tried to drag Natsu off to the in-between, lucky for us she is not that strong. Just trying to stay one step-ahead of the kids is hard enough," Anna reasoned.

"With the end fast approaching, we decided to make this for Natsu to protect him." Anna held out a pure white scarf. Draco studied the article; eyes widening in recognition of the material.

"That's dragon scales…"

"It's made from my scales and infused with Anna Celestial magic, which is why it's white in color instead of red. The longer he keeps it with him, the stronger the spell we created becomes."

"A spell? I know dragon scales are soft n strong as armor. With ya bein a fire dragon it should have some of ya fire magic, but what else can it do?"

"Igneel and I placed a spell of protection on the scarf to keep dark magic away and help suppress the demon E.N.D. It will also remove all Natsu's memories of myself and Star once he passes through the Eclipse Gate. I know it seems cruel, but we believe it's best thing for everyone."

Anna then took the garment over to her sleeping son, carefully wrapping it around his neck.

Draco looked at the children, "it don't seem right, for either of them. To steal the boy's memories, and what's gonna happen when Star return's? He ain't gonna know her and that will break her heart."

"It's not fair, but it will keep them both safe. Right now, that is most important," Igneel stated, but Draco had known Igneel long enough to tell the dragon king was struggling to convince himself.

Anna continued to watch her children sleep, the Celestial mage went over to lay down by her daughter. Purposely not answering her spirits question, because she feared he would be right, and the magic would be too strong, and her daughter would be erased forever from Natsu's memory.

"Draco, if you would give me some time alone with my family," Anna requested.

"No, answer my question, what bout Star, did you even think bout how she's gonna feel?" Draco had grown irritated.

"That's why we haven't changed her memories, it maybe all she has to hold on to as she faces the trials ahead," Igneel responded.

"Ya both are wrong! Doin this aint right! I'll return later to play with the hatchlings, before the other dragons arrive," Draco didn't even ask to be excused; vanishing back to the Celestial realm.

"I don't think he has ever been that angry with me," Anna let out in a sigh as she pulled Star closer.

"It's not just with you."

Igneel huffed, as he stretched out his wings, using one to pull his family closer covering his loved ones within its warm leathery surface.

"Rest Anna, we'll discuss this more in the morning."

As the adults settled in for a few hours of rest, they did not notice the dragon princess eyes pop open, she had heard their every word.

Thank you to every everyone that is following this story, I wish I could get updates out quicker but with my schedule and travel it's just not possible.

I want to thank those that left comments, PM's or have just started following: Ace556, manuela26, etabb6, Leeuw200, rmadhumita378, ariel786,shadow blade alpha.

AN Notes from questions:

rmadhumita378: you are right Lucy is the 3rd part to the 2nd triad.

To guest: No Star is not Lucy, it will all come together in the next couple of chapters.

Thank you again for following this story, please leave comments, questions, or you can PM me. Until next time catch you on the flip side... Lodemai