So, after more than two years, I finally started rewriting my story "What started as a dream". I noticed that it was too fast paced for my liking. What felt as a clear explanation at first only feels like 'plot convenience' after re-reading the few chapters I had. I will write my thoughts at the end of the chapter when needed, but advice, ideas, questions etc. are always welcome ^.^

Also, I actually wanted to start posting the story at the start of Februari, but I kinda struggled with the redraw of the cover image... I actually have the feeling that it has gotten worse, but I'll just start posting. Because it took so long, I will post the first three chapters at the same time. After that, I'll post a chapter maybe every 2 weeks or so. (edit, procreate is reinstalled on my tablet, so I made a redraw of my redraw. I think it looks better now ^.^).

…

I do not own Fairy Tail T.T

Prologue – Ready or not, here I come

The child was awoken by a loud explosion. One could feel the magic pressure in the air. Confused, the child stood up and walked to the window, lifting the curtains. He was about four years old, too young to truly understand what the pretty lights meant, only that they were dangerous. He stumbled backwards, calling out for his mother with his voice shaky and soft from fear. "Mommy?" it sounded more like a question, a plea to understand what was happening. After hearing no response though, he tried calling a bit louder "Mommy, daddy, where are you!?"

"Natsu!" the kid turned around, seeing his mother standing in the doorway. "Natsu, get away from the window" his mother called. Although she tried to keep her panic out of her voice, her feelings were clear to see due to the fearful look on her face and the way she frantically motioned her son closer. Natsu didn't notice however, only feeling relieved that his mother was nearby and spent no time running to give her a hug. "Mommy! W-what… w-were is daddy?" Tears started running over his cheeks, the stress and fear becoming too much to handle for the small child.

"Shh honey, it's going to be all right. Daddy is… he is fighting the bad guys." Picking the four year old up, she turned to the door intending to run for the nearest exit, the one in the Northern tower. However, looking at her child, she changed her mind and started running for the back entrance instead. The Northern entrance lead to an open field, it would be too easy for the enemy to spot them there. The back entrance on the other hand lead towards a thick, dark forest. That place was normally to be avoided due to the monster residing in those woods, but with enemy soldiers tailing them…

"Can't he come back?" she was taken out of her line of thought by the innocent question. Letting out a small laugh, she replied "But then who will protect us from all the bad guys?" She didn't stop running, couldn't stop running. We're almost there… "I will! I can beat all the bad guys!" She gave her son a smile, oddly proud of his determination, before she became serious once more. "Listen Natsu, we are…"

a huge explosion shook the castle, cutting her off. She started running even faster, feeling relieved to see the door getting closer with each step. Bursting through said door, she took a moment to recollect herself while setting down her child on the grassy underground. Without really thinking about it, she closed the door again, scribbling something around the entrance. Runes. Looking back, she felt herself shudder. The woods in front of the two looked even more ominous with the castle fire lighting up the front row of trees, leaving the darkness behind them even darker than before. Even so, we don't have any other choice. It's either this or certain death by the enemy. This way, Natsu will at least have a chance…

Remembering what she wanted to say, she turned to the salmon haired child. "We are going to play some hide and seek in the woods, okay?" This made Natsu turn to his mother in shock. "But… Kenta-nii said I couldn't go into the forest 'til I am a big boy. Said it's not save" a small pout formed on his face remembering that conversation. "T-that's right, you're right, but your daddy and I decided that you proved that you are a big boy. So how about we celebrate it with a game of hide and seek? As long as you hide yourself really well, the monsters won't find you either." "Really?!" came the excited response. You could practically see the stars in the boy's eyes, almost hiding the tears still left in them. The woman felt guilt gnawing at her for lying to the distraught child, but this was for the best. As long as Natsu escapes.

She knew that the enemy would probably find out where the duo escaped to, so even though she wanted to keep her boy save in the forest, she had to stay behind to buy him a bit more time. "Yes, really. Now go on and hide, I will be the demon the first round. Don't come out and don't turn back until I find you, okay?" Somewhere in his subconscious, Natsu understood that this wasn't just about the game anymore. Even so, he gave a quick "okay!" to his mother, turning to run into the forest as fast as his little legs could carry him. The woman blinked away her tears, understanding that this was most likely the last time she would ever see her baby boy again. Clearing her throat, she started counting.

"One…" Her eyes didn't, couldn't leave the spot where she had seen her son disappear behind the trees.

"Two…" In the back of her mind, she started to second guess herself. It is too late now.

"Three…" When she felt the last explosion, it was clear that the castle itself had been invaded, giving the enemy soldiers free entrance to the building. They were looking for her, for them both. The least she could do was ensure that those bastards wouldn't reach her son.

"Four…" Hearing the muffled voices, it was clear that someone had discovered the back entrance.

"Five…" The sound of loud footsteps and yelling came closer. As predicted, the soldiers found out which way they had fled.

"Six…" Loud banging on the door alerted her that they had reached the entrance at last.

"Seven…" Although the runes were holding out for now, they had been hasted and sloppy. It won't take long for them to break through I'm afraid.

"Eight…" Not long indeed, for they broke the door before she could even finish her thought. They stopped short however when they saw that the woman was alone, not with her child like they initially thought.

"Nine…" Using their confusion to her advantage, she turned to face the assaulters, readying herself for a fight. I might not be a soldier, but I won't go down that easily.

"Ten… Ready or not, here I come" And all hell broke loose.

I have to admit that I liked the initial prologue. That's why I just rewrote the original, making some adjustments left and right. For some reason, it also doubled the amount of words, but I'm not complaining.

Stay foxy 'till next time!

x-elmsvuur-x