Wow! I have to start thanking you all for your wonderful reviews! I know I know, I'm sorry about Rogue! Well, as you probably already guessed, this is the last chapter… Yeah, sniff, I know, I am also sad… Well then, make sure you enjoy and review as a farewell gift! :D
''NATSU!''
Lucy came running and panting heavily. Her eyes floated in her own tears. She almost tripped again when she wasn't able to see the way clearly. Her beautiful dress ripped in some branches. She sobbed between her heavy breathing and she opened her mouth so scream again.
''NATSUUU!'', came out of her dry neck.
It was too late, she saw Rogue falling on his knees. Why was she running so slowly? Why now? This was one of those moments when she wished she was a man so she would have more force. Her legs tripped now and then while her chest was brutally moving up and down as her heart wouldn't spot reacting to the powerful shock and fear.
She was there. Only a few steps and she would reach him. She stopped herself from running in his steady body. With her whole strength, she stroke Natsu's shoulders with her fingers and nails. She shook him like her life depended on it.
''NATSU! GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF, YOU BASTARD!'', she shouted with all her might. Her eyes caught the move of his teeth gritting and his bloody fists clenched. The onyx eyes were making huge efforts to remain Kuri, but Natsu was already gaining conscious as her slowly studied her face.
''Come on, it's me, Lucy, your dear Lucy, please! Come on, come back to me!''
Every inch of her body was trembling and her heart beats didn't have any intention to slow down. She expired with huge relief when she recognized the loving eyes of the man she knew.
''Lucy… But how…?'',he squealed tears forming in the corner of his eyes. His fingers raised in the air as he wanted to touch her face to assure this wasn't just his imagination. For a moment, he thought his mind had gone mad due to his pain. But she was faster, and as her palm hit his cheek with a lot of strength, he was brought back to reality. For a second, he was shocked. But the next second, Lucy threw herself in his arms, squeezing him under her tight hug.
''You idiot! Don't ever turn into Kuri again, you hear me?'', she cried.
He hugged her back with not little surprise. After a few more seconds, she threw herself back and rushed down at Rogue. Her heart was still beating like crazy.
The sight was sick. She felt her stomach turn upside down and she felt the need to throw up. A new round of tears showed up as her hands got stuck on her mouth and as her eyes studied the face of a lifeless Rogue.
''…Rogue…?'', she whimpered.
Behind her, Natsu was going through something indescribable. He slowly raised his trembling hand that was all covered in his best friend's blood. He stared at it with his pupils tiny. His breathing got heavy and he was sure he was going mad. Rogue. His best friend… was killed by this hand… in the exact same way Hikari was killed… He couldn't stand the overwhelming emotions, or more like his stomach couldn't. He threw up blood, coughing and trembling.
…He killed his best friend…
His mad look fixed Lucy, who was also trembling and crying, even though he only saw her back. He clinched his teeth and could feel the smell of his own fear. It was like this was the first time he truly understood what he had inside him. A monster.
He covered his face with his big palms. His checks were wet, but he wasn't sure if it was blood or tears anymore.
''Oh father, why… Why did I have to carry Kuri… I'm too weak… I can't…'', he whimpered falling on his trembling knees.
''Natsu.''
He didn't raise his look. Lucy's sever tone couldn't do any good right now. He gritted his teeth even harder until he couldn't feel them anymore.
''Natsu. I want you to listen to me. This is exactly what Kuri wants you to think.''
''Shut up.'', Natsu said shaking his head and feeling how his neck was burning. He knew Kuri was going to take over again if he didn't control himself now.
''Natsu! I know it's painful. I know how it is for you, but try to lis-''
''How could you?! How could you know?! You have never experienced what I did! You know what? I've been living a huge life and I think I am getting tired of it. I don't give a shit anymore if Kuri takes over! My great-grandfather was the stupid one to make something so risky. I don't care if Kuri is going to control the whole world! I don't care if I die! I want to die, in fact! I am sick of this horrible life!''
She seemed seriously hurt by his words.
''What about me? I thought you loved me…''
''So what?! I loved many other people and guess what? They are DEAD!'', he screamed. ''What makes you so special that you think it's worth living just for you?''
''Stop it, Natsu!'', she also screamed, feeling some rain drops falling on her head, but the heat was only getting worse. Natsu was slowly losing the fight inside him. ''Stop it! I know you don't actually mean it! I know it isn't you who is saying those things!''
So why was her heart aching and her tears getting only thicker?
''I told you to shut up!'', he screamed and slapped her, sending her to the ground.
She slowly raised on her knees, sobbing and crying harder.
''No, you shut up! And listen to me for once!''
''I've been listening to your stupid mouth for all this time! I've been listening to you stupid complains every time you felt the need to complain, I've been listening to your cries every time you felt the need to cry! I'm just so sick of you! I've had enough of your big mouth! Do you know how much I had to endure all this time? To shut my trap so I wouldn't make a wrong move in getting you fall in love with me? And it was all for you! You never cared for me! I've always been there for you while you were only spinning in circles blabbering about what a horrible life you had! You had friends, a father and a man that love you! But you still kept on having pity on yourself!''
She covered her mouth and closed her eyes, desperately trying to calm her crying down.
''Have you ever thought about me? They all called you kind and caring. How does that work? I only saw a horrible, lazy girl with a personality not worth so much pain. And I don't think Kuri knows all these things. It is me speaking here, Lucy.''
She held her breath, gaining power to speak.
''I know. I already know. I've been a horrible person. And I am so sorry.''
She gasped for air, feeling her chest much too heavy.
''But Natsu would never call me a lazy girl. Kuri had enough time to learn every single emotion of Natsu and I don't doubt there were times he actually felt like I said, but I know for sure… Natsu loved me… and he forgave me. You played well, Kuri, but you aren't Natsu. Please get out of him.''
Despite her deep pain, the look in her eyes made Kuri tremble. Not with anger, but with fear. There was something wrong with this girl.
''Ha! And you think you little girl can just order me around? You're seriously underestimating me.''
But what was that feeling it got from one look at her? She wasn't trembling anymore. She was supposed to look pathetic, but somehow, she was noble and imposing. It was starting to fear even more.
''And you are seriously underestimating me, too.''
The rain drops suddenly stopped in the air like little, sharp balls. The time stopped. Kuri looked around with surprise and fear.
''The man called Rogue saved me by letting me drink his blood. And that is not all. You surely do know Hikari. She was also a kind of vampire. She spoke to me a little while ago.''
''What?! Impossible, I killed her myself! She is dead!''
'' Hikari has the ability of time controlling. Just before you killed her, her spirit travelled forward in time and got in me. That is why she is part of me. And this is also my ability now.''
That explained a lot.
''Please get out of Natsu. I don't know my full powers because I never knew Natsu's.''
That's right. She now had the strength Natsu had.
''Don't flatter yourself, bitch. You couldn't control so much power.''
''Please get out of Natsu, Kuri. I feel my courage coming back and you might not want to see me angry.''
'' Don't joke around. I already saw you angry and the most you could do was spit.''
''For goddess' sake, you monster, stop devouring my fiancé's self!'', she said letting a tear fall on her cheek as she was getting angry.
Kuri grinned, but it was surprisingly weak on the inside. This girl had something that he feared. Control.
That was what he didn't understand. He saw her with his own eyes losing control so many times.
''Huh. Watch it, girl, if you get angry, you'll lose control of yourself just like this weak human here did.''
But he already knew the answer to that.
''I won't. One thing I learned lately was self control. If I get angry that is because of hate.''
''Shut up. You seriously think you can beat me? That corpse there also tried, you know.''
He pointed to Rogue.
''Rogue gave his life for Natsu and me. Don't you dare talk about him like that.'', she said between her teeth.
Something inside the monster flinched.
''Please get out of Natsu this instant.''
''Hahaha! In your dreams.''
''This is the last warning.''
''Come at me with all you've got.''
Despite his tough look, Kuri stayed sharp, waiting for something from the girl. But Lucy did nothing. She breathed deeply and closed her eyes.
''I did all I could, Hikari. Please help me now.''
She raised up in an instant and coughed Natsu's body, Kuri, in a tight hug while the sight around started spinning around them. The moment Kuri realized her plan was too late. He tried to get away from her hug, but he was only used to enemies getting away from him, not stubbornly getting attached to him.
''Let go of me!'', he screamed. But she was holding him with all her might. At this rate, they will reach her destination in time. He already knew what she was going to do, so he started panicking. His body got bigger and bigger, until he reached his natural form, of a dragon's. She wasn't able to hold something so big anymore, but she still didn't let go of one of his foot fingers. Noticing this, Kuri wanted to squash her on the ground, but they were floating in the middle of nowhere, while the surroundings were slowly becoming different. He recognized the old cave he used to live in. he recognized the palace where that villager lived then as a king after he tricked him.
Lucy was getting back in time from the moment Kuri make the pact with Natsu's great-grandfather. And because he didn't manage to get rid of her, she was dragging him with her.
''YOU BITCH! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! GET US BACK THIS INSTANT!'', he screamed. Lucy finally let go of him, panting. The next moment, she got up and started running to the palace.
''GET BACK HERE!'', Kuri screamed again. Flames came out of his mouth and his long neck started bending and trying to catch her with his sharp teeth. Lucy somehow managed to get to the palace without being killed. Maybe it was because Kuri knew he couldn't get back with her dead. He would have to wait other tens of centuries so get back. And right now, when he was about to take control over the whole world, he got intimidated by a little girl! Now he would never be able to do this. He groaned with frustration making the earth tremble under his feet. He had to catch the girl before she would change the future!
Inside the palace, the coronation ceremony for Natsu's great-grandfather was being held with much joy. The king was just about to place the beautifully decorated crown on the new king's head.
The huge doors opened with brutality and every single face out of the hundreds turned to face the one who dared to interrupt the big ceremony. They all say a weak, panting, blond girl making efforts to push the doors.
''What is the meaning of this?'', the old kind asked getting angry.
''Please stop this at once!'', she tried to raise her voice to be heart. All the people started murmuring feeling uneasy by the beautiful girl's appearance. Her torn dress was covered in blood, as well as her face and arms.
''You rascal, what do you think you're doing?!'', a soldier asked angry, walking towards her with big steps.
''STOP THE CORONATION AT ONCE!'', Lucy screamed. '' I need to speak to Zenith Draganeel!''
The future king rose up and stepped towards her with curiosity.
''How do you know my name?'', he asked calmly.
Lucy noticed his good looks. Natsu looked much like him.
''Sir, I have very important affairs to discuss. Please listen to me.''
Kuri's groan could be heard from not far away. Every single person was getting more and more uneasy and they continued muttering with worry.
''Listen to me!'', she screamed in order to be heard by everyone. ''I come from the future. I am… your great-grandson's fiancé…''
''Nonsense!'', a lady from the crowd said.
''It's true! Sir, please, trust me!''
Zenith, who was now in front of her, looked at her with concern.
''I believe you.''
''I am here because I need your help. Kuri was almost freed from your great-grandson's body.''
''What are you talking about? Kuri is only inside me!''
The people started talking louder with shock.
''Listen, you will make a decision. You will transfer Kuri in the body of your male descendants at the age of 16. Natsu lost control many times already, but this time, it's the worst, because he doesn't have the will to try to control it anymore.''
Another groan, this time much closer.
''I came here to tell you to change the pact with the Kuri from your time. I also brought Kuri with me because I have to get rid of it.''
Zenith kept silent.
''It's nonsense. I would like to help you, but how could we do anything against it? Kuri can't be destroyed.''
''What?'', the king shouted. ''I thought you already destroyed it, you bastard!''
''I… am sorry, your Majesty, but it's impossible. I only sealed it in myself.''
Even the princess looked shocked at the news.
''Please! I need your help!'', Lucy said, tears rolling down on her cheeks.
''It's impossible, I told you! Go back to your own time and take the monster with you!''
''Zenith Draganeel, I am begging you! If you don't help me Kuri is going to take control over the whole world!''
''What can I do? I am merely a… human…''
''Wait, Zenith!''
Everybody turned their heads to face the one who spoke. The pink haired princess walked toward Lucy and Zenith.
''I had a dream last night. I… thought… it was only a dream, but… '', she said as she looked at Lucy and studied her face.
''Lucy, was it? I dreamt you last night. And you were fighting a great dragon. And a man with pink hair was fighting beside you. I think I can help you.''
''Natsuko…'', Zenith whispered with surprise.
''Come, we can't stay here!'', Lucy said as she ran outside the palace. As soon as she stepped out, she stopped, looking with shock in front of her. Zenith and Natsuko followed her and stopped beside her with the same reaction. Natsu was sitting a few steps away from her with a peaceful face. It was… Natsu.
''Lucy! Lucy…'', he said smiling with happiness and approaching the shocked girl. He threw himself toward her, hugging her with affection. Tears were running down his cheeks.
''Lucy, I am back! I somehow managed to get rid of Kuri! Oh, I am so happy! I am back!''
''Natsu…'', she whispered still in shock. ''How could it be? You…''
''Why does it matter? I am free!''
''You're… free…''
''Yes, I am finally back to normal! Let's go back, my love!''
He looked in her eyes with passion and took her hands into his, his face approaching her slowly.
''We can finally go back to our own time. And I promise, nothing will ever happen to us again.''
''We…Go back…'', she whispered feeling her heart beat like crazy. This seemed too beautiful to be real. His lips pressed hers with much passion and she found herself melting in the kiss. She was just about to use her powers to get back in time when Natsu was grabbed from her with a powerful punch of Zenith's.
''Don't get tricked, granddaughter. He can't be my grandson. He's Kuri.''
What? Lucy was shocked again. She blushed realizing how easily she got tricked. This was, indeed, too sudden and too easy to be real.
''Zenith, we have to get it to the cave. In my dream, the two were fighting it in the cave.''
''Alright, my dear.''
Natsu turned into Kuri again. He groaned and fire came out of his mouth.
''Damn it, you stupid rascal! You were always one step further than me. But this is going to end right here, right now.'', Kuri groaned again. ''Because you're definitely not getting away with what you did to me.''
Kuri jumped and landed in front of the three, cutting their way. His long tail moved through the air like a dog's. Its chest distended and the three ran away, preparing to dodge a coming fireball. But, instead, out of the monster's mouth steam spread through them, so they couldn't see anything anymore. Lucy coughed a few times, and then felt some claws coil around her body and lift her in the air. She screamed with surprise, seeing herself up in the air, in Kuri's hand (?). He flew up in the sky, his huge wings hitting the air with a loud tone.
The girl screamed for help, gaining Zenith's and Natsuko's attention, even though they still couldn't see anything. But Kuri was flying higher and higher and soon, her voice vanished in the distance.
''No more games, you little devil. This ends right here and now. You either get us back in our time, either kiss the ground goodbye.''
''What? But I thought you wanted to…''
''Get revenge? If you decide to die, yes I will get revenge, but right now, either choice you make, I will be free.''
''A-And if I choose to die… will you grand me the honor of a last wish?''
Kuri started laughing heavily.
''You think I'm a food, bastard? You aren't getting any wish.'', he ground hatefully.
''Well… it was worth trying…'', she whimpered as she felt his grip getting tighter. ''Let go of me. I choose death.''
''Oh? So fast? You sure?''
'''What, don't tell me you'll miss me.''
He angered and threw her toward the ground with much power.
She screamed, even thought she knew she won't die. Because she was half a vampire. And vampires didn't die so easily. And she was half an angel. And angel knew how to fly.
She stroke her hands in both her sides and stretched her feet toward the ground. Her fall lost power and soon, she landed on the ground like she just stepped out of a car. She couldn't believe what just happened. This was too shocking…
Zenith and Natsuko were running among the trees in the forest she landed. As soon as she saw them, she called for them.
''Where's the cave?''
''Oh in the heavens' name, darling, are you all right?!'', Natsuko asked and the girl could see she was dead worried. She looked at her with gratitude and only then noticed they must've been the same age.
''I'm all right. I'm still a little in shock because of what happened, but it's ok. Where's the cave?''
''We don't have time to lose, follow me!'', Zenith shouted running.
''Listen, Lucy.'', Natsuko said as they hurried after him. ''Listen carefully. You have to make sure you will fight this monster in its cave along with your lover.''
''F-Fight it?! Along with Natsu?! But it's impossible! Right now, Natsu is the monster! And how can fight it? We both know I'm not good enough to fight it! I just found out today what I really am and it's a pure miracle I've been able to master so much in such a short time!''
''What do you mean? What are you?'', the girl asked with curiosity.
''I'm… i-it doesn't matter right now! I don't understand what I'm supposed to do! And how do you know, anyway?''
Natsuko tripped when a tree's stump rose from the earth as the tree was taken and thrown meters away. She screamed when her body hit the ground.
''Princess!'', Lucy shouted as she rushed to help her rise up and at the same time dodging a huge rock that came flying towards her. Kuri groans and frustrated shouts stopped any possibility of the girls to hear each other. He was literally destroying everything in his way, throwing trees and trying to reach the three. Zenith didn't notice his fiancé's fall, he was still running. Now the two got a handicap; Natsuko's leg was hurt and bleeding. Lucy helped her get up.
''I told you, I dreamt last night what will happen today. I sincerely hope it will help.'', the princess said through her teeth.
''Can you walk?''
''Do I have a choice?'', she said loud so she would be heard. Kuri's groans seemed louder and louder. She made a few steps, making grimaces at each one. She finally fell on her knees, losing to the pain and panting heavily.
''I guess I couldn't keep up with you after all. Listen carefully. You have to hurry up in the cave. Follow Zenith and fast. You will somehow have to get your fiancé out of-''
''Don't be stupid! I can't let you out here! If Kuri finds you, you're doomed!''
''What?''
''Leave it, it's a word from my time. Come on, you have to hurry!''
''I can't keep up with you , Lucy, I'll only slow down! Hurry up, I already can't see Zenith anymore!''
''I'm not leaving you here!''
Lucy tried for the third time to raise her up. She used all her power and finally found herself holding her in her arms in a princess carry. They were both amazed of what power Lucy suddenly had. Must've been the vampire powers. In the moment they heard a groan right behind their backs, they turned their heads at the same time. Kuri, who fortunately didn't notice them yet, was about to step on them.
''RRUUUUUUUNNNN!'', the princess screamed.
Lucy ran like she had never run in her whole life, even if she was carrying another person. Her heart beats were also extremely fast, but they couldn't be compared to her feet. She almost tripped a few times, but she somehow managed to catch sight of Zenith in a pretty short while.
''ZENITH!'', she shouted. ''ZENITH, WATCH OUT!''
The man didn't hear her, but he also noticed the huge fireball that was falling towards him. It was too late to run, so he tried to take shelter under his own back. He wasn't burnt, but his cloth caught fire. Getting rid of it, he continued running just when Lucy was about to catch up with him.
''ZENITH!'', she screamed again. ''Zenith, wait up…'', she panted feeling already very tired and her arms getting numb from carrying the princess.
''Leave me, my dear. I will be alright and you need to get to the cave.''
''No…pant… We just got out of the forest, you're a straight target.''
Natsuko didn't say anything in return. She was also afraid to be left alone, but she was aware of being a burden for the girl. It was only then that Zenith finally turned around and looked around for the two. He stopped running when he saw Lucy carrying his fiancé and waited for them. Without a word (but still panting), he took the princess in his own arms and gave Lucy a short, surprised look.
''Can you continue? You must be exhausted.''
As a reply, Lucy didn't stop running. She didn't have a choice. She had to save Natsu. She had to save her world.
''There!'', Zenith told her pointing to a mountain a few miles away. ''That is the place where the cave is.''
''Whaaa..haah…aat? So faa…haah…ar?''
Giving her another short look, Zenith said:
''Let's take a break. You can't go on like this anymore.''
''And wait where?...haah… He's… he's gonna find us…''
As a respond, Kuri groaned somewhere in the distance. It seems like he thought they were still in the forest, which meant that fireball wasn't purposely thrown at Zenith.
''There's out chance. Let's hide!''
''No! There's our chance! Let's run! It's now or never!''
''But can you run anymore?''
He saw her dirty checks had been cleaned up by tears.
''I don't have another choice, Mister. I have to save him. He saved me just so many times before, I also need to save him!''
The man looked deep in her eyes.
''What is your name, my lady? I'd like to know the name of such a strong and willful lady as yourself.''
''Lucy. Lucy Heartfillia.''
He widened his eyes.
''Heartfillia?! What?! Why in the world didn't you say so?!''
He fell in his own thoughts. His eyes were slowly rolling among the rocks on the ground. He was realizing many things.
''I think I understand. I think I now understand what has to happen.''
''So you know Heartfillia?''
''Heartfillia is the strongest royal kingdom and also the one Kuri didn't manage to take over.''
''What? But Natsu told me-''
''Please. Let me finish. It was said the Heartfillia had an amazingly powerful will and so, it was indestructible. It is also the neighbor of the Draganeel kingdom. And it is also the kingdom that owns that.''
He pointed to the mountain once again. Kuri groaned once again and they both flinched and decided to hide for a little while among the cliffs. Once they were safe, Zenith went on:
''This is why I think you might be able to finish off once and for all Kuri. I still do not know how you will be able to bring my grandson, but I trust Natsuko's words and that means you will have to find a way.''
''Aw, that sounds so stressful! Let's see…uh… what if I make Kuri turn into Natsu, then… No… it seems impossible. Please help me!''
The man was looking down at his feet, thinking. The rock they were sitting on was cold and uncomfortable, but this was the last thing Lucy would be thinking right now. She looked at him with begging and panicked eyes.
''I was thinking… what if you manage to get your… Natsu, was it, back and… what if I undo my pact with the current Kuri… and you fight with it so it would never exist in your own time?''
''What?! Me, to finish Kuri off?! But… you couldn't, so how could I?''
''Well, you're a Heartfillia, I'm sure you would be able to.''
''And you are a Draganeel!''
''So what?''
Lucy looked at him with big eyes and gave her all in explaining the following:
''I don't know how you think you are right now, but… in my time… Draganeel is the most huge and powerful family that exist! And you are Natsu's great-grandfather!''
''So why would that make me someone great?''
''You are Natsu's great-grandfather! Natsu is, like, super amazing! He's so strong and smart and kind and…''
Zenith looked at her with much surprise.
''…and you need to save him.'', he continued.
''But Zenith, how could I? I am so weak compared to him. what can I do? I don't even entirely know why I came here… I came looking for help, for your help. So please, help me!''
He took her hands into his.
''Trust me, I want to help you… But I also don't know how.''
Natsuko, who has been resting and thinking beside a tree, finally spoke.
''Zenith… I've been thinking… What you said back then… You said you could undo the pact with our current Kuri, didn't you? So what if this is it? What is she only needs to fight a Kuri, not her own one?''
''But wouldn't Natsu get back to normal be the same thing as winning over Kuri? I mean, this is the reason we got in this situation in the first place…''
''But this may happen again, right? And who knows if next time he will be able to control it.''
''I'm just saying that it seems kind of impossible to bring him back. What can we do?''
Silence fell over them like a thick blanket of iron. They were all looking at the ground, thinking and thinking. The sky was slowly getting darker and the moon was getting out of its hide out.
That was when Lucy flinched and her body started trembling with emotion.
''What time is it?''
The other two seemed surprised by her question.
''Why would you need to kno-''
''Please answer my question.''
Zenith looked at the position of the sun: ''… It's probably…like nine hours past the middle of the day.''
''Nine!'', Lucy exclaimed. ''And today is…''
Zenith and Natsuko looked at each other and Natsuko said:
''… Today is… the ninth of June, if I'm not wrong…''
Lucy closed her eyes. She seemed to concentrate on a calculation. After a few minutes, while she redid and redid the same calculation, she jumped up on her feet.
''This is it…'', she whispered. ''This is it!'', she laughed.
Zenith also raised up on his feet excited.
''What? Did you find a way to bring him back?''
Natsuko was looking at the sky, her face quite pale.
''Yes! Yes I did!'', she laughed with joy.
''It's about time! It's about time he will need my blood!''
She started dancing around and laughing.
''What are you talking about?''
''Natsu has become obsessed with my blood, he is a vampire! And tomorrow will be the day when he will come to his limit, the day when he will be exasperated to drink my blood! I made a calculation and yes, this is the day! In a few hours, he will be so stubborn to drink it, he will have control over Kuri! Do you understand? Oh, Zenith, do you understand how lucky we are?'', she giggled with joy.
A smile appeared on Zenith's lips. He had understood. All they had to do was wait for now. And also reach the cave. But Natsuko was still looking at the sky with worry. By the time Zenith noticed this, she was already pointing to the moon and sun.
''What is wrong, Natsuko? Why are you not happy?'', he said. Their happiness disappeared just by looking at the princess' face and big eyes.
''Zenith…'', she whispered softly still pointing at the sun.
Lucy and the man rose their heads at the same time, their eyes rolling toward the sun with curiosity. Yes, the sun seemed all right.
''What is wrong with the sun?'', Lucy asked. Any scent of joy had been vanished.
''I… remembered something…''
''What is wrong, dear?''
''In my dream… there was an eclipse…''
Lucy looked at the sky. The moon was indeed on the same sight as the sun. And the moon was moving, while the sun was not.
''So does that mean it's not nine, it's later?''
''Zenith… the eclipse… No, you don't understand. In my dream, the two had to finish the monster before the eclipse. And… look at the sun… look deeper.''
Once again, the two pointed their eyes at the sun.
''What is wrong with it?'', Lucy said.
''She's right. It seems sick. We can look at it very well, can't we?''
''Well I guess that's because it's sunset?''
''It's a lot past sunset!''
''But it looks just normal. I mean I don't know about you, but it's just the right size and color. Should it be any different?''
''I don't know, it gives a weird feeling, I told you, it seems like it's sick. Do you think…''
Zenith gave his fiancé a short, worried look.
''There's going to be a meteorite rain.'', Natsuko finished.
''F-For real?''
''We must hurry up. Lucy, can you get to the cave alone? I will probably be slower.'', Zenith said looking at the princess.
''I understand. I will be fast and… please be careful.''
Without another word, she ran away, getting lost through the trees. Natsuko looked at the moon with worry. Please be safe, Lucy, she thought.
She was already panting when she reached the end of the forest, where she could be easily spotted by Kuri. She wanted him to follow her, but she forgot that Natsu's scenting was getting sharper when he was hungry. She looked back, not stopping, but she didn't see any huge dragon destroying a forest in search for them. She was surprised, but she didn't let her guard down.
She continued running, taking a break once in a while. She finally reached the cave when she was out of breath. She fell on the rock floor, panting and resting for a couple of minutes. She looked at the sky. The moon was almost 'on' the sun. She looked around, wondering if Kuri wasn't already there. For another couple minutes, she walked around, waiting for Kuri to show up.
''What a nice night, eh?''
She skipped a beat and flinched. Turning around a few times, she wondered where that voice was coming from.
''The moon is so big…''
This time, the voice came from another direction. She swore she heard that voice thousands of times before, but she was too nervous to realize whose it was. Who in the world was talking?
''…And the sun is a little too small…'', the voice said right from her back. She wanted to turn around, but a strong hand caught her shoulder and kept her motionless. She saw a pink hair and that was right enough for her.
''Kuri!''
She surprisingly heard a little whimper from the monster and the hand returned, giving her the ability to face Natsu's body. She saw him catching his own neck and sweating. It was working! Her plan was going just as she wanted!
''Natsu! Please, come on out…'', she said.
Even though she knew it will hurt, she bit her finger, letting blood come out and making sure the smell was driving Natsu crazy.
''Stay… in …there….you bastard!'', Kuri groaned for Natsu.
Lucy found the right opportunity to punch him. If she made him weak, he'll lose even easier to Natsu. When her fiancé's body fell on the ground, she kneeled and held him on the ground with all her strength.
''Come on, Natsu, I know you want it. I know you want my blood. Come on out and fight for it!''
She punched him again and again closing her eyes tight. It didn't feel good to beat the crap out of your lover. She knew that this was a once in a lifetime chance. Kuri was getting weak and she was supposed to destroy him for good before the eclipse.
In a second, she felt a great pain and she found herself on the ground, blood coming out of her nose. She was just punched back by Kuri. She felt tears coming out of her closed eyes.
''…you bitch… I've had enough of you!'', he said screaming the last words louder and louder as he threw himself toward her, his body burning in red flames.
She covered herself in her arms when the impact happened. She screamed, not realizing what was going on anymore. All she knew was that it hurt more and more. Suddenly, Kuri stopped, whimpering again.
''L-Luce…'', she heard a whisper. She thought her heart would break in pieces. She saw a tear and for a second, Natsu's suffering eyes. She felt strength leaving, then coming back again to her. She needed to fight to see those eyes again. Her heart ached. She missed Natsu. She must've fallen in love with him without realizing.
''AAAARRRGGGGHHH!'', Kuri groaned ripping his skin out of his face with his nails. Then again, he fought with Natsu, trying to punch her. Because she was bleeding, Natsu was getting stronger. She was crying, but she rose up and caught Kuri in a tight grip to immobilize his dangerous moves. Her blood's smell was even stronger and Kuri was overtaken by Natsu.
''Come on, Natsu, please.'', she whispered in his ear.
As soon as he calmed down, he went crazy again, Kuri taking over once again. Lucy noticed his many failures to become a dragon again. So Natsu was getting stronger, indeed.
Zenith had been staying a few meters away for a few minutes, staring at the horrifying picture. Was this… his grandson?
Natsuko looked at the moon with much worry.
''Lucy!''
The girl heard her, but didn't get distracted.
''You have to hurry up! There's not much time left!''
As Zenith finished helping his fiancé sit down, he rushed to help the girl.
He managed to hold Natsu still, shocked of how much strength he had. Lucy cut herself even more and Natsu went crazy. Zenith almost couldn't handle the jump he tried toward Lucy. He was acting like an animal. No, he was an animal. He couldn't believe this was how a hungry vampire was acting.
''What are you trying to do?'', Zenith screamed through Natsu's groans to be heard.
''Hold him like this a little more!''
''We don't have enough time!''
''Please!''
Natsu tried another jump, but Zenith managed this one too.
''Lucy! This is getting insane!''
Natsuko also screamed.
Lucy stared in Natsu's eyes. She stared to insistent, it seemed to hurt him. But he stared back, his chest moving up and down like an animal's. Just when she thought it was working, he tried another jump. Zenith didn't manage this one, though. She fell on the ground, Natsu on top of her. She stared in his eyes with even more insistence.
She saw him slowly calm down. She touched his chest and felt the brutal beats of his heart. Her cold hand cooled then down. Then, she touched his face with the top of her trembling fingers. Natsu was beginning to study her face. He was remembering something. He was waking up.
''Undo the pact…'', Lucy whispered to Zenith, her eyes not daring to risk getting off his.
The man started doing something, but she couldn't see what.
She only heard Natsu's breathing get normal. She saw his eyes getting calm and she felt his madness vanish. With gentle moves, she put her hands around his neck and dragged him into a warm hug. She felt him tremble.
''Lucy…'', she heard his sweet voice whisper with fear.
''Shhh…'', she said closing her eyes and patting the back of his head.
In a few seconds, she whimpered as she felt teeth running through her neck. This was the most calming feeling she felt in a while, though. Natsu was back. Her Natsu was back to her…
The ground started vibrating.
''Kuri.''
''What do you want, Zenith Draganeel? Didn't you already do enough to me?'', Lucy heard Kuri's hateful moan. She opened her eyes and saw him sitting in front on Zenith. He only seemed like a spirit, though. That's right, it was impossible to be sitting in front of his possessor.
''I called you here to make another pact with you.''
''I may have been a fool once, but I'm not falling for the same thing twice.''
''I want to undo the pact I made with you.''
This had probably been the first time Kuri was surprised.
''What's your trick, vampire? Why would you want to do something so dangerous?''
''There's no trick. There is one condition, though.''
Zenith looked at Lucy and Natsu.
''You will give up on half of your power.''
''Ha! Why would I do that?''
''Because you will die anyway, you demon! These two here will be the ones who will finish you off.''
Kuri turned its dragon head and only then seemed to notice them. He started laughing heavily. After a while, he calmed down and said:
''If you really think two vampires could kill me, you are seriously underestimating me. Fine! I will give up on half of my power just to show you that I could kill anyone even without my full abilities! Now release me!''
Zenith hesitated. Obviously. If Lucy and Natsu failed to destroy Kuri, this was bad for both this time and their present. Nobody would ever be able to trick the monster again, so it was a must for the two to win. He sighed.
''Be freed.''
He rose his hand and Kuri started talking form. He started laughing.
''You fool! You know I will kill all of you! I will kill the whole world and get rid of trashes like you!''
Lucy easily shook Natsu by his shoulders, whispering in his ear to get off. Kuri breathed in deeply then let the air get out of its chest with a loud sound. Natsu didn't move. Lucy pushed him and freed herself from the hungry man. She noticed this time she didn't get dizzy anymore and it didn't feel like she was losing blood at all.
''Natsu, please, you don't want Kuri to win this time, too, don't you?'', she said.
The man had his eyes closed. When he finally opened them, he stared for a while at her.
''Lucy!'', he said like he just realized who she was.
''Natsu, listen to me. We have to beat that monster no matter what. I know you-''
''It's all right.'', he said patting his face that hurt for some reason n. ''I think I already know what's going on.''
He looked at her with eyes full of love and gratitude.
''Thank you for everything. And I'm also sorry, but let's save that talk for later.''
He kissed her on her cheek while he rose up and took a fighting position.
''Yosh! Thank you for the food, now I'm all fired up!'', he grinned.
Lucy also rose up less enthusiastically, but she decided not to be a burden. Kuri laughed heavily and, as a first move, he stroke his arms in the air to catch them. They both ran in different directions, Natsu preparing his fist and Lucy whimpering to the pain in her body. The man jumped inhumanly high, his fist in front, and aimed for Kuri's eyes. The monster quickly dodged the move, slapping Natsu with its tail in a bored manner.
''Natsu!''
''I'm all right, I'm just warming up.'', he said raising from the ground with an embarrassed air.
Zenith was making signs for Lucy to come near him.
''You two must fight together!'', Natsuko explained when the girl reached them. ''Tell my… grandson this.'', she said blushing and looking at Zenith.
Natsu was fighting the monster, managing a few wounds on the thick skin of the dragons.
''Can't you stop the time and try something out?'', Zenith asked.
Lucy shook her head.
''No, I'm already using my magic right now, I can't hit two birds with one stone.''
''Remember, you can't win if you don't fight together.''
''Got it.'', she said and got back to the fighting area, trying to think of something wise to win.
''Natsu!'', she called.
Natsu was just trying a move. He parted his hands and the stone above Kuri's head fell on its head. After that, with a loud shout expressing the difficulty of what he tried, he lifted the enormous pieces of rock with his mind (it was still stressful and heavy) and threw them at the dragon. Kuri slapped them with its tail, breaking them in small pieces.
''I'm kinda busy right now, Lucy!'', Natsu replied panting and trying out many other moves.
''Natsu, we have to fight together, we can't win if you keep-''
''Watch out!'', he interrupted announcing a flying rock that came towards her. She let herself fall on the ground, dodging.
''ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!'', she screamed.
''That wasn't me! Be more careful!''
''How about you try to listen to me?! You might just want to hear this!''
''Guys, this isn't time to be fighting!'', Zenith screamed at the two. Kuri just then looked at him and seemed to notice a good opportunity to get revenge.
Its mouth opened and red flames started burning the whole cave. All four were hurt. Natsu breathed in and shut the fire with his powerful wind breath just in time. Lucy helped Natsuko out of the cave while Zenith gave Natsu a hand in stopping the dragon.
''What is this? You haven't died yet?'', Kuri groaned and let his angel pour against the two vampires with brutal and fast moves of its body. Zenith's power was only physical and mental strength, but he turned out to be useful to Natsu.
''This isn't going to get anywhere!'', he declared while desperately fighting. ''You must fight along Lucy!''
''But she doesn't know how to fight!''
''Give her a chance!''
''I don't want her to get hurt!''
They didn't notice Lucy come running towards them, her face all white and panicked. There was only a little before the moon would completely cover the sun.
''Natsu!''
''Lucy, get out of here, you'll get hurt!''
But it was too late, Kuri saw her and he was now prepared to hit her with his enormous hand. Lucy didn't move an inch. She already knew what would happen. The hand continued falling toward her.
''LUCY!'', Natsu screamed panicked. Why was she so calm?
But the hand stopped a few centimeters away from her worn body. She had a severe and determined look, but she was calm.
Kuri's reptile eyes widened. He was visibly trembling. Both Natsu and Zenith remained in shock. Why didn't he hit her?
''There's no need to hide in anymore, Kuri. I already learned your weakness. I had enough time to learn it.''
Kuri got back a few steps from her.
''What are you saying, human? How can the great Kuri have any weakness? Know your place and fear me!''
''Come on, you stupid dragon, I know that around you, there must always be fear. If it doesn't come from the people…'', she took a step forward. ''… then it will come from yourself! I can master my emotions, you know that? I learned self control and I know that is one thing you hate the most.''
''What?'', Natsu said. ''But I didn't fear him, so how come he wasn't weak when he fought me?''
''Did you really not fear him?'', she said giving him a kind look. He didn't reply.
''Now, Natsu, since I know this much, will you accept me in your team?'', she asked blushing and with embarrassment.
''Well duh.'', he said smiling gently.
''And by the way, Kuri. I'm not a human, but I think you already knew that.'', Lucy said giving the dragon a mean look.
''You disgusting creature, stay back from the presence of great Kuri!''
''You know what?'', she said stepping forward. ''I think you are a little too full of yourself.''
''You villain! Fear me! I could squash you ay second, and you know that!''
''Oh really? Be my guest!'', she said placing her hands on her hips and looking with frowned eyes at him. ''You wouldn't dare! You know I don't fear you anymore!''
''What are you talking about? I have never seen you in my life!''
''But I did.'', she smiled.
Kuri trembled ever more. What was this creature? Could she be a witch? Everybody knew witches were strong enough to finish off a dragon.
''Hmm. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I am some kind of wizard, aren't you? You know I am a witch.''
''W-What? S-So you really are one?!''
Natsu was starting to have fun. This monster was more stupid than he thought.
''Oh yes. And do you know what witches can do? They can kill anything.'', she grinned.
Kuri stepped back a lot.
''P-Please don't come near me! I already acknowledge your strength, witch, but I swear, I didn't know you were the one who wanted to fight me! If I did, I would've never accepted!''
''Oh really? But I thought Zenith explained to you pretty clearly that we want to kill you.''
She gave Natsu short looks from time to time. At first, he didn't understand. But then he got it.
''I am so-''
''Bow down, you miserable animal!'', she screamed.
Her body started to lift up in the air, her hands still on her hips. She flew high, above Kuri's head. Kuri obeyed her immediately, every inch of his body trembling with deep fear. He closed his eyes in respect and remained there. Now Lucy was able to get back down without being seem. Her fingers and Natsu's tangled and they gave each other a short nod. She closed her eyes and focused on her magic. She felt Natsu's powers. She felt his heart beats and her own accompanied them. She breathed at the same time as he did.
They were one.
Their hair started to float in the air and a warm light came from the inside of the little room they formed. They felt their bodies lift up in the air and they were as easy as a feather. The whole cave pit up in the light they emanated. Kuri opened his eyes and realized he had been tricked. He got up fast and tried to hit the two.
But it was too late for him.
NaLu's attached hands lift and started burning up in gold flames that got bigger and bigger. It turned out as a huge fire, and even though the four people were also included, it rather felt comfortable. But these flames burnt Kuri down. His groans and screams couldn't be stopped. These flames couldn't be stopped. And until the end of the dragon, the flames kept burning…
…The moon completely covered the sun…
It had all ended.
Natsu and Lucy were suddenly blinded by a strong light. They both heard Zenith and Natsuko's laugh of joy.
''Farewell… and… thank you.'', they said.
The two couldn't keep their eyes open, the light was too strong.
''Natsu!''
''Lucy!''
They found each other with their hands. They hugged each other, making sure they wouldn't part. They didn't feel any ground and, for some reason, they were dizzy.
That was when they felt water falling on their faces with a big SPLASH! They rose up in unison, realizing they have been laying in a bed.
''Yo lovebirds, how much do you intend to sleep? Do you want to be late to your own anniversary?''
They opened their eyes.
They were in a bed, in a huge and amazingly beautiful room. The sun was shining brightly through the white curtains and they heard birds singing outside.
Beside the bed, Rogue was grinning with a bucket in his hands. They looked at each other.
''ROGUE!'', they shouted enthusiastically, jumping on the poor, surprised man, laughing happily
''Whoa, what's gotten into you?''
They were both in their pajamas, wet because of the rough wake-up.
''Natsu, hurry up, man, there are, like, thousands of people out there to congratulate you!''
Lucy and Natsu looked at each other confused. The door opened and Lissana along with Jude Heartfillia entered with a big smile on their faces.
''Good morning, lovebirds!'', Lissana said happily.
Lucy rose up from the ground and rushed to hug her friend.
''Lissana! Dad!'', she laughed also hugging her father.
''What is wrong with you two?'', Rogue murmured. ''Anyway, hurry up, I told you, you left me alone to deal with all those boring old hags downstairs. They all want to congratulate Natsu and Lucy.'', he said in a boring manner, copying the people he was talking about.
Natsu and Lucy gave each other another look, then Natsu said:
''W-Why? What's happening today?''
Everybody looked at them surprised.
''What? You already forgot, you idiot?'', Rogue said to Natsu. ''It's your 132th anniversary! It's been 132 years since you two married, you really are stupid!'', he shouted.
''WHAT?!'', they shouted in unison, blushing.
''What? Why are you so surprised?'', Lissana said.
''E-Eh… Um… I thought that was last year… hehehe…'', Lucy saved them both.
''What? I think you are still sleepy and you can't think clearly…'', Rogue said.
Natsu, after looking deeply at Jude, whispered to Lucy.
''I think your dad is also a vampire…''
''You think because we changed the past, the present also changed?''
''Seems like it.''
''Hello there! Good morning!''', a gentle voice was heard and a beautiful, blond woman entered the room.
Lucy's eyes widened and she skipped a beat.
''Mother…'', she whispered in shock. Without hesitation, she rose up and threw herself in her mother's arms. ''Mother!'', she laughed while crying.
Her mother giggled with surprise.
''B-But what about Hikari?'', Lucy suddenly said out loud without realizing.
Everybody looked at her.
''Hikari? Who's Hikari?'', Rogue said.
…
Natsu rose up and took Lucy by the shoulders. His face was pale.
''I think there are pretty many things we have to get used to right now…'', he whispered.
They suddenly saw a little blond boy entering the room with tears in his eyes.
''Mooooommmyy, Nathan doesn't leave me alone!''
He started crying and hung his hand on Lucy's pajama.
''M-Mommy?!'', Natsu and Lucy said shocked in unison, both blushing furiously.
Another boy with pink hair came in, getting all tangled with Natsu's foot.
'' 'Morning, daddy! Happy anniversary!''
''Nathan, you devil, don't go around pretending you didn't do anything!'', the blond haired boy said.
Lucy and Natsu looked at each other, both of them all red.
They gulped. They had to get used to their new life?
Well then, I guess this is it… Thank you reading this story!
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, but many characters from this story are invented by me.
And to make you angry, I will tell you something: remember that night when Natsu was sick and Lucy got stuck in the same room as him? Remember how she thought she was locked by Gray, but it actually wasn't true, because he didn't answer? Well, you're probably wondering what happened to Gray back then…
Well I guess we'll never find out! :))
Thank you again for reading and review!