Chapter 37: Reunion

Natsu was staring at the ceiling. He couldn't quite remember how he ended up there.

How did I end up here?! I remember when… Lucy disappeared… wait, what happened to me?!

Suddenly, he felt Lucy's scream in his head. He knew she was in trouble.

Lucy!

Outside the Infirmary

Vincent was still staring at the infirmary. He couldn't believe what he was feeling from the room.

"Vince?" asked Mirajane.

"It's Natsu" everyone looked at Vincent. "He's-"

A figure dashed through the group. Most of the mages couldn't see the figure because it was moving too fast, but Vincent and Gajeel was able to catch a glimpse of it.

It was Natsu.

"NATSU!"

"SALAMANDER!"

Vincent and Gajeel both shouted at Natsu, but he took no notice. He dashed out of the guild, and disappeared into the night.

"Was that Natsu?!" shouted Gray.

"Natsu's… back?" said Mirajane, tears forming in her eyes.

"But where did he go?" asked Laxus. Gajeel answered, "Where do you think?"

"To Lucy's? But… how does he know where she is?" said Gray.

"Why do you think? You should know why" said Vincent with a smile. Gray thought for a bit, and realized what Vincent meant. He smiled also.

"It's because it's in his nature" Vincent said to everyone else. "He's here to protect the one he loves. Natsu's gone to save Lucy"

Meanwhile, in the forest

Lucy was on the floor, Anna's attack severely injuring her. She tried to get up, but her legs wouldn't move.

Damn it! I can't fall like this! Not now!

Anna was walking towards Lucy, dragging her axe besides her. She had her devilish smile on her face since Lucy was hit with her Darkness Urano Metoria. Step by step Anna was thinking what she could do to Lucy before finally taking her life.

I could just cut her head off… no, that's too simple. I know, I can attack her with fire magic until she can't feel any pain! I can make her feel the pain Natsu felt when he lost his memories. Then I can end her. Seeing the life leaving her eyes… now that will be a scene I like to see…

Anna finally stopped in front of Lucy. She wanted Lucy to scowl in fear; however, Lucy looked determined as ever.

"Strange" said Anna. "I thought you'd be really scared and shiver in fear"

"Why… would I do that?" said Lucy. Looking up at Anna, she continued. "I'll never give you that satisfaction"

"Dark Fire!"

Anna's attack hit Lucy's left leg. Black fire covered it, injuring Lucy more. Lucy felt immense pain; she held her tongue to not scream.

"What?! You won't scream to that? Then how about this!"

Anna raised her axe.

"Dark Flame!"

Scores of black fire hit Lucy one by one. She tried to keep herself from screaming; however, one hit was so painful, she let out a whelp.

"AGH"

"Hahaha!" Anna laughed hysterically. "Finally you let out your voice. Here!"

"Dark Pyro Flame!"

Fire engulfed Lucy. Lucy let out a scream.

"AAAAAAA"

"Yes, that was what I wanted to hear!" screamed Anna. Lucy lay on the ground, not able to move. "Shame I can't have more fun with you, but I have a tight schedule"

Anna raised her axe.

"You should have stayed dead, Lucy Heartfilia. Goodbye"

She swung her axe down. Lucy closed her eyes.

So this is how my life ends. I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Natsu…

"Fire Dragon's Fire Tower!"

Two flame towers hit the axe and Anna. Anna yelped; she didn't expect an attack from anywhere. She was dragged back a couple of meters away, but she managed to stand her ground.

She glared at the point where the attack came from. From the dust, a figure came out. He was wearing a black top and black trousers. Salmon coloured hair. The white scarf around his neck.

Lucy opened her eyes. She saw the figure in front of her, guarding her like a statue. She started to cry.

"Natsu…"

"Natsu looked back. Lucy knew instantly; it was the Natsu she knew. The Natsu she loves.

"Sorry I'm late, Lucy"

"Natsu, your memories…"

"Yep, all back to normal!" he said with a smile. He looked away from Lucy and turned his head towards Anna.

"Stay there, Lucy. This will end shortly"

Anna looked back at Natsu. "Natsu… you're awake…"

"Anna, you shouldn't have done that"

"Natsu?"

Flame started to engulf Natsu and the ground where he was standing. The flame was so bright, it started to lighten the area.

"Wha…what"

"Dragon Force"

Natsu glared at Anna. His glare was that terrifying, Anna stepped back.

"You were about to kill someone I truly care for" Natsu growled. You'll pay for that. I'm all fired up"

"Fire Dragon's Roar!"

Natsu's attack headed straight to Anna. His first battle in two years had begun.