Opening his eyes, Kurome straightened up suddenly, as his body began to shake. Having no trouble remembering her last memories, she quickly understood what she had: she was in need of drugs.

Even though Wendy had taken all the substance out of her body, her brain still wanted it again.

" Biscuits. " She asserted, trying to get up. " I want my biscuits. "

Exiting the room, Kurome walked over while standing against a wall, while she felt strangely weak. She needed to eat. When she ate, she always felt stronger than before.

Finally, hearing voices, she ends up entering the kitchen, to find Ieyatsu there, along with Kije and Logue.

" Kurome? " The boy wondered, seeing her.

" Biscuits. " Cried the latter. " Biscuits."

Not understanding what she had, Ieyatsu questioned her.

" You are hungry ? "

" If you want, I can prepare you something to eat. " Kije told him.

" I have ... I need my cookies. " Cried the young girl.

" Biscuits ? Uh… if you want some, I'll need a certain to cook them. "

" NOOOOOOO. " Suddenly roared Kurome, giving them a murderous look. " My biscuits… NOW ! "

" Hey, calm down. " The boy ordered him.

However, to everyone's surprise, Kurome leaps at him, before knocking him to the ground. Then her hands squeezed her neck as she roared.

" My biscuits! Give me my cookies. "

" Stop it. " Ieyatsu cried, as he struggled to release the pressure from his grip.

" Kurome, calm down. " Kije cried, trying to grab her by the shoulders.

Turning to give him a carnivorous look, Kurome nudged him hard, throwing him back.

" Get out ! "

" Mom ! " Logue frightened, seeing the latter fall to the ground.

Finally letting go of Ieyatsu, Kurome grabbed a chair and smashed it against a wall.

" Give me my biscuits ! Give them to me! Where I destroy everything. "

Taking advantage of her turning her back on him, Ieyatsu got up before trying to put her on a belt. However, hearing him coming, Kurome jumped in the air, before rotating his hips to kick him right in the jaw.

Seeing him also fall to the ground, Kurome continued his carnage in the room. Then, finally, banging her fist on a kitchen counter, she finally saw a large knife. Instantly grabbing it, she turned to the other occupants of the room as she ordered.

" My biscuits. "

However, seeing no one move, she let out a real cry of rage, before jumping on the table. Then, aiming her weapon forward, she ends up pointing it at Logue. Flattened against a wall, the poor girl was terrified as seeing Kurome pointing a gun at her brought back terrible memories.

" Give my cakes, thief. "

However, the instant she was about to pierce her, Ieyatsu's figure positioned itself in front of Kurome, while turning its back to him. Feeling the blade pierce his shoulder, the boy immediately moaned in pain. Still, only staring at Logue to make sure she had nothing, he cried out.

" Don't worry, nothing will happen to you. "

" Mis ... Mister ? "

" My biscuits. " Kurome roared, behind his back.

This time, deciding not to hold back, Ieyatsu whirled around before throwing his fist in his face. Completely hysterical as well as surprised, Kurome got hit and backed off as well.

" A sort of … " She hissed.

However, she stopped the instant she saw Ieyatsu's gaze. Got up to face him, he put his hand on his shoulder and managed to grab hold of the handle of the knife stuck there. Then, with a cry, he withdrew it making the blood flow. Still, only throwing the gun to the ground, the boy continued to stare at Kurome, with a determined gaze. For him, there was no question of being afraid again and letting a person die because of their cowardice.

" Its good ? Did trying to kill a child calm you down? No, but what got into you? "

Not knowing what to answer, as his headache grew more violent, Kurome then saw Kije's gaze, fixed on her as Logue now hugged her. Containing only hatred towards her, she could not understand Kurome's behavior let alone forgive him for what she could have done, if Ieyatsu had not intervened.

Yet it was Logue's gaze that unsettled Kurome. The child was horrified. For the third time, she had been the target of someone wanting to kill her. And despite the comforting words that Wendy had spoken to her, the young girl ended up shaking, before finally bursting into tears.

" I'm afraid ! Mom ! I'm afraid ! Why does everyone want to kill me? "

Seeing her cry like that, Kurome took a step back. Then, uttering a real cry of pain, as she had the impression that her head was going to explode, she finally ran away from the room.

" Hold on. " Ieyatsu ordered him, trying to follow her.

But as he in turn left the room, he bumped into someone.

" That … ? " A man, dressed like a doctor, wondered.

" Who are you ? " Ieyatsu wanted to know, getting up, as he saw the man with some soldiers.

" Calm. " Cried the stranger. " I am Dazey! The doctor sent here by the revolutionary forces! It seems that my teigu could save the man allowing us to ensure our victory. "

Seeing the strange gloves that covered his hands, Ieyatsu immediately understood who it was. But as he was about to teach him where Natsu was, he ended up stopping, hearing wings flapping, coming from in front of the buildings.

" Hurry down Natsu. " Roared the voice of Najenda. " Lay it somewhere while the doctor arrives. "

Then throwing open the front door of the base, the boss was surprised to see the small group of men in front of her.

" What … ? "

" Madame Najenda, I guess. " Said Dazey. " I am the doctor who… "

He didn't even have time to finish his sentence as his arm was grabbed by Najenda as he was almost thrown out.

" Hurry up! " Najenda ordered. "Your patient is here. "

Immediately, Dazey saw the rest of Night Raid getting off their transport. And among them, he saw Bols and Bulat carrying Natsu's body, while the latter coughed up blood with each of his exhalations. Standing next to him, Wendy was using all her magical power to allow him to heal him. However, despite keeping him in a stable condition, she knew full well that the instant she ceased her spell, the man was going to die.

" Be quick. " Cried Happy. " Natsu is going to die. "

" Where the damn doctor ? " Wanted to know Leone.

Running towards them then, Dazey only needed a moment to see how close Natsu was to death.

" Hurry to lay it down on a table. " He cried, while opening a medical kit. " The operation must be done immediately. "

Nodding, Bulat and Bols quickly made their way back into the base, before heading into the kitchen. It was then that they saw the dire state of the room, after Kurome had passed through it. Kije and Logue were still there, while the child seemed to be inconsolable.

" But that … ? " Bols wondered.

" Hurry up. " Bulat exclaimed, already resting Natsu's upper body on the table.

Coming up behind them, with two scalpels in his hands, Dazey ordered.

" Everyone leave the room! Now is certainly not the time to degrade your condition because of harmful bacteria! By the way, who is the nurse in your group who's supposed to be helping me? "

Immediately, Wendy walked over to him, while resuming herself to stabilize Natsu's condition as best she could.

" It's me. "

" What … ? A child ? "

" Group you. " Suddenly roared Tatsumi, gripping by her collar. " What the hell are you waiting for to help him ? "

" Hey, calm down, kid. " The man cried, slapping his arm to let it go.

Then turning to Natsu's body, which was still losing more blood, he finally affirmed.

" I will save him. "

Then, as everyone left the room, he kicked the door shut to shut it, before leaning over Natsu's body. Grimacing at his condition, he finally took off his scarf and waistcoat, while asking.

" What's your first name ? "

" Uh ... me ? " Wendy wondered, while the man didn't give her a look. " W… Wendy ! "

" According to my information, this man has a piece of iron stuck in the wall of his heart! Is it correct ? "

" Yes ! "

" And what did he do to make his condition worse? "

" He fought against General Budo and Wild Hunt. "

Getting ready to pry open Natsu's abdomen with a scalpel, Dazey stopped at that moment, before looking at her.

'' He did that ... in his condition? And is he still alive? Normally, anyone normally constituted could not have moved! every time he felt the iron shard move, this boy must have suffered so much that anyone would have preferred to die to stop this torture. "

Then peering into Natsu's face, he wanted to know.

" Who is this kid ? "

Then, finally twirling his scalpels between his fingers, he opened Natsu's abdomen. At that moment, blood spattered his face, as the mage's ribcage filled. Screaming at that moment, Natsu hunched over in pain, despite being unconscious.

" Natsu ! " Wendy horrified, not knowing which spell to use to help her.

For his part, Dazey took a step back. Having examined all of the man's internal wounds, he could only widen his eyes. His heart was nearly holed, as blood spurted out. Filling his entire body, the red liquid seemed to float Natsu's organs, while his presence risked infecting them.

But that was not all. After being frozen by Esdeath, being struck down by sliced Budo and punched countless times by his enemies ... Natsu's body had registered a significant number of internal wounds that threatened each to open at any time now that the the boy's condition had reached its limits.

"This kid… he's not a human ! Never in my life have I seen a body in such bad condition! Even a zombie couldn't survive all of this! I don't even know where to start! Even my teigu seems useless for this situation. "

" Do something. " Wendy cried suddenly, seeing him stand still.

" Um yes. " Said the man, while starting to tremble without knowing the reason. " Uh… we just have to… "

" What should I do ? This man is known to be Night Raid's new hope and the one with the best chance of defeating Esdeath! If I fail in this operation, all our hopes will be lost! But it's impossible to save him from now on. "

Suddenly, a hand gripped his wrist. Startled, Dazey could see Natsu holding him down, while he was still unconscious.

" What … ? "

" My friends. "Suddenly roared the wounded. " Let me… protect them. "

" What ? " The doctor wondered.

" I must protect ... my friends. " Natsu asserted, before throwing up blood again.

" Natsu, stop talking, please. "

Ignoring Wendy's words, Dazey stayed focused on Atsu's face. He knew perfectly well that he was in pain, but was surely far from imagining how excruciating the pain was. At that moment, anyone would have begged the man to heal him or simply shorten his suffering.

Yet the man in front of him cared more about his friends rather than his condition. And that had the merit of making Dazey's tremors stop. Then suddenly, finally grabbing a piece of wood that Kurome had smashed earlier, Dazey wedged it between Natsu's teeth.

" Bite that, kid! Don't hesitate to spray it. "

Then, everything happened extremely quickly for Wendy. First having taken a deep breath, Dazey grabbed a pair of pliers. Then, activating his teigu, his hands began to move at full speed. And within an instant, a metallic noise was heard as Dazey had just pulled the piece of shard out of Natsu's heart and dropped it on the table.

Then, a kind of geyser of blood began to rise out of Natsu's wound. However, Wedny barely had time to see her when Dazey was already stitching the wound. Throwing a bottle of threads in the air, he cut it into pieces with scissors, before inserting them into the holes of various needles.

It was so, that he stitched up the wound, while attacking various other organs of Natsu. Treating each of his injuries, Dazey worked quickly and precisely. Seeing him do it, Wendy saw him take care of his liver first, then his lungs, start to mop the blood… he was just performing a miracle.

However, she was so engrossed in his talent, that Dazey cried out.

" Hey, what are you waiting for to save your friend? "

Startled, Wendy immediately ended up activating her magic, while the doctor continued his work. Continuing to see him do it, Wendy was suddenly horrified when she saw Natsu's heart, she noticed that the organ had stopped beating. Natsu had just passed away.

" What … ? His heart ? "

" Three minutes. " The doctor simply assured him. " A human body can survive for three minutes if its heart does not beat! There are two and a half minutes left! Keep practicing your magic. "

Seeing that he was taking matters into his own hands, Wendy did so, while starting to shake a little. Every second, his eyes fixed on his hands, before looking at Natsu's heart, before returning to his hands. Doing this over and over again, she begged god to make her friend's heart beat again, at least once.

Then suddenly Dazey's hand grabbed the organ between his fingers.

" Let's go. " He announced, starting to perform heart massage.

Activating then, he squeezed Natsu's heart between his fingers again and again. At first confident, Wendy stopped activating her magic, while Natsu's heart continued to be still. A minute passed, plus two… and soon more than three minutes.

" Nat… Natsu? "

" Damn it. " Dazey roared, while continuing his massage. " Get back on track. "

Yet despite all his will, nothing happened.

" Natsu…! NATSU…! "

Opening his eyes, the mage felt that his body was so weak that he was unable to stand up.

" What … ? " He wondered. " Hey, can someone help me? "

However, looking around, he noticed that he was in a deserted place where only mountains and a dark red sky could be seen. There was no one here except Natsu. Yet despite the frightening and inhospitable place, the mage felt like he knew this place.

" Natsu. " Roared a voice, not far from him.

Coming out of a cave, Natsu could see the outline of a huge head facing him as a menacing pair of eyes shone through the darkness. And despite not seeing him, Natsu asserted.

" Is that you Ignir? "

" What are you still doing here? " Asked the dragon. " Don't tell me the Ice Lady has managed to put you in this state again. "

" Shut up ! It's not even true, anyway. " Natsu retorted, despite Esdeath being indirectly responsible for his condition.

Looking around then, the mage wanted to know.

" Can I know how I teleport here every time I come close to death? Is it the underworld? "

" Dumbass ! You are in a part of your consciousness! A kind of subconscious that allows you to communicate with me when I feel the fact that you need me. "

" Need you ? What do you mean ? "

" Natsu! You can't move, can you? It's because your heart has stopped beating. "

" What? " The man wondered, trying in vain to hear his heartbeat.

" Without your heart, your muscles degrade quickly, to the point of becoming useless! And soon, your brain will do the same, immediately signaling your death. "

" That … ? My death ? "

" Hurry up and wake up! If you stay here any longer you will never be able to get out. "

" And how do you want me to do this, without being able to move my body? " The mage wondered. " I can't even use my magic. "

" Damn it , but stop playing the mentally retarded! I know very well that you are capable of it! Did I raise you by teaching you to abandon your friends? "

Growling then, Natsu retorted.

" I forbid you to reproach me! Especially from the man who has never shown the simple sign of life in years. "

Keeping silence then, Ignir gave Natsu free rein, as he continued.

'' Where have you been all this time, eh? What happened to make you suddenly leave, leaving me behind without telling me? "

" Natsu… I had no choice. "

" No choice ? " Natsu retorted. " You had no choice but to abandon me without even saying a word to me? To say a simple " goodbye " have killed you? "

" That's not the question. " Retorted Ignir. " Hurry up to complete the goal you set for yourself. "

Wanting to say something, Natsu suddenly felt his body grow even weaker. It was barely if he could keep his eyes open.

" My goal ? The mage repeated, feeling his body getting colder and colder! But .. I already got it. "

" What ? "

" Yes. " Natsu asserted, closing his eyes. " All I wanted to die happy was to find you. "

At that moment, a roar was heard. Coming out of his cave, Ignir's body rushed towards Natsu. Attacking with a violent kick of the paw, the dragon hurled him through the air, forcing the mage to wake up.

" What … ? "

" How is that "you can die happy"? Would you have become a motherfucker? "

Flapping his wings, he flew towards his son's body before giving him a powerful blow with his tail. Finding himself sprayed against a mountain, Natsu found himself in the middle of a crater before he felt himself fall to the ground.

Yet despite the shock, his eyes remained half-closed, as his mind slowly faded. His brain was dying, as was his will.

" I am happy. " He asserted.

In response, Ignir's head slammed into him, crushing him against the rock wall.

" Are you happy? What about your friends? And your family ? Do you think they're happy? "

"My friends … ? " Natsu asked, in a small voice. " What friends? "

Pulling his head back, Ignir ends up grabbing his body in his huge fist before crushing it.

" You are only an ungrateful! I'm talking to you about all those people who helped you, who supported you, who encouraged you… who gave you their full confidence! Who do you think you are to die so miserably! You are not worthy to be my son. "

At that moment, Natsu's gaze showed surprise, as Ignir's last sentence stuck in his mind. Seeing this, the dragon threw him to the ground, with a crash, while continuing.

" You say you are a powerful mage? Rubbish! What real man would decide to let death overcome him knowing he must save millions of lives? You are just a pathetic failure. "

This time, Natsu's eyes widened as he stared at the dragon more carefully.

" I don't remember having raised a coward like you! You don't deserve all the care I gave you. "

This time, he stomped on it under his paw, with such force that a tremor was felt throughout the area. Finally, raising his paw to see Natsu lying on the ground, Ignir groaned before finally leaving.

" If your will is not more important than that, you are right on one point: there is no reason why I should waste my time trying to encourage you to fight! Let yourself die like the wimp you are and regret your lousy life in the afterlife. "

Then pretending to leave, Ignir suddenly stopped, as he felt an intense heat build up. Surrounding Natsu's body flames manifested.

" Me, a crummy? " Natsu wondered, roaring.

Putting one hand on the ground, he tried to stand up, but finally felt his hand slip. Still, trying a second try, he roared.

"Am I supposed to be a coward?"

This time, a loud noise was heard inside his chest, as what sounded like his heartbeat manifested.

" I don't deserve to be your son? "

Screaming as he lifted his body, he finally put one foot down as he rose to his feet.

" Who do you take me for? I am ... I am … "

Finally smiling, Ignir saw him standing in front of him, as his fist caught fire.

" I'm Natsu Dragnir, from Fairy Tail! "

Suddenly propelling himself towards the dragon, he assured.

" I'm not afraid of anything, or anyone! And even less to face death. "

Raising his hand, Ignir let him strike her palm, while assuring.

" Yes, that's what my son would say… Natsu. "

Then suddenly he exerted enough force to push the mage back. Landing on the ground, while wincing in pain, Natsu stood up with difficulty as his body was still far from regaining its full power.

Yet Ignir couldn't help but rejoice. And this was explained by the sudden appearance of a crack in the air, just behind Natsu before it gave way to an opening, where a voice could be heard.

" Natsu! I beg you ! Wake up ! "

" Wendy ? " Natsu recognized her.

" Your friends are waiting for you on the other side of this breach. " Ignir assured him, while returning to his cave. " Hurry and join them if you don't want to stay here forever. "

However, before he disappeared, he added.

" Natsu, if you want to see me again, in the flesh, ... I forbid you to lose again, no matter your opponent! Understood ? "

Simply staring at him, Natsu ends up leaving, in turn, while asserting.

" If you keep your share of the contract, I would do the same. "

Then starting to run, he ended up jumping, without hesitation, into the breach.

"Goodbye… my son! " Ignir thought, seeing him leave.

Sitting in a chair in a hallway, Tatsumi couldn't help but stomp his foot on the floor, while he couldn't help but hate himself.

"It's all my fault ! If I hadn't been caught, Natsu would never have been forced to put his life on the line like this! I am… I am really a jerk! "

He too, blaming himself, Ieyasu kept away from his friend. To tell the truth, he didn't dare look at him. He was ashamed of having run away, abandoning her.

"What friend would do that ? Not Tatsumi, anyway! Him, he stayed to protect me ! "

As for Happy, he stood, straight as an I, in front of the kitchen door. He seemed to be calm, just standing still waiting for Dazey to finally open the door. Yet, from his tremors, it was obvious to anyone that he was holding back his tears, while still dreading finding Natsu standing still forever.

"Natsu! I beg you ! We have so much to do! Without you, who will help us save this world? Without you, who will animate Fairy Tail? Without you, who will give each of our friends the strength to move forward in the face of our fears? "

Wanting, meanwhile, to vent her fear by letting off steam against someone, Mine ends up grabbing Seryu's collar, before pinning her against a wall.

" All this is your fault, Murder-girl! No, but you had nothing better to do than come up with this stupid plan? "

" I ... I'm sorry. " Seryu apologized, just lowering his gaze.

" You're making me angry. " Cried Mine. " Not only are you useless, but in addition you only cause us problems. "

Seeing this, Caruma wanted to intervene. However, staring at Seryu's hands, she was surprised to see Koro gesticulate and growl at Mine. Still, Seryu was only holding him back with all his might, in order to make him calm down. The young girl wanted to face her responsibilities, without it turning into a bloodbath.

"Seryu? "

Finally throwing her to the ground then, Mine roared.

" If Natsu ever dies because of you, know that I will never forgive you. "

" Mine, calm down. " Najenda suddenly advised him.

Just sitting on a bench, she smoked a cigarette, while asserting.

"As stupid as his plan is, Seryu's idea allowed us to save Tatsumi. "

"What? " The two girls were surprised, looking at her.

" Our flight was allowed us only by one thing. " Najenda assured. " Tatsumi's sudden power that surprised our enemies and allowed him to strike Esdeath! However, it would have been vastly different if Budo had been present at this time! If Natsu hadn't kept him busy, he wouldn't have had any trouble joining the fight! And seeing Esdeath get beaten, he would have done anything to defeat Tatsumi! And even if he didn't, he would at least have bought enough time to allow Esdeath to get up! And there, our chances of escaping would have been zero percent. "

Staring at Seryu and Chelsea, Najenda asserted.

" I'm as angry as Mine about Natsu's condition because of your actions! If he had wisely stayed here, instead of fighting, Dazey could have healed him long before his condition deteriorated so much! However, luckily, this may have enabled us to save Night Raid! And even better… "

Getting up to look out, through one of the windows, she noticed.

" No one knows how long it would take Budo to recover! However, if we can get rid of the last members of Wild Hunt, we will only have Esdeath left to take down! It is true that Lubbock is dead! It is true that we have lost a friend…"

Clenching her fist, thinking of the man who had constantly stood by her side, Najenda nevertheless managed to finish her monologue.

" However, thanks to him, the enemy still does not know where our base is! And thanks to Natsu, the enemy lost much more than that! And if Natsu managed to survive, I can say that, from now on, we have every chance of winning this battle. "

Finally looking at the group in front of her, she asked again.

" I am not asking you for the first… and maybe not for the last time but I am waiting for an answer to my question: if Natsu manages to survive, are you still ready to fight by my side? "

Having stared at her throughout her speech, the former members of Night Raid in front of them simply ended up reaching out in front of her, before pulling them back to their chest.

" Yes, of course. "

" There is no question of going back. " Wave asserted, imitating them, as did Bols and Run.

Seeing them do it, Ieyasu felt great courage in them. However, instead of being encouraged, he was afraid of it. He was afraid he didn't have the same determination as them. He was afraid to understand that, compared to them, he had a phobia of meeting death.

It was for this reason that he ended up sitting down, not knowing what to do for later. For her part, thinking herself to be the one who had the least place here, Caruma ended up seeing Seryu standing up calmly. Then she bowed to Mine, before asserting, again.

" I'm sorry. "

" Tsss. " Mine replied, pulling away from her.

However, not being able to help but think that what Najenda had said was true, she ended up warning him.

" Don't do something so stupid again, stupid girl. "

For his part, simply letting them act, Gajeel simply remained lying on his side, on the ground, while keeping his eyes closed. He was trying to become the result of events. What would happen if Natsu, his rival, would eventually pass away? He had no idea. However, he refused to let that happen.

"Salamander, you better get well ! Otherwise, it's me who will kill you! "

Suddenly the door swung open. The gesture was so abrupt and quick that Happy stormed the door full force before finding himself crashing into a wall. Facing the group now, Wendy, her tearful face began to cry.

" NATSU… NATSU…! "

Eventually raising her gaze, she assured.

" His heart continues to beat! The operation is a success. "

There was then a long silence, while everyone recorded his every word. Finally, pushing the door back, Happy managed to walk over to Wendy, before looking inside the room. There, Dasey was already disinfecting his tools, now that the operation was over.

And, next to him, he could see Natsu's body, lying down, and asleep. Only the sound of a breath and the lifting of his chest showed that he was still alive.

" Nat… Nat… NATSU! " Happy sobbed, before jumping to his friend's face.

Immediately, cries of joy were raised as everyone understood that Natsu was alive and well.

" It's a miracle. "

" Natsu is amazing. "

" It should be celebrated as it should. "

For his part, having managed to grab Happy before he pressed his tearful face against his patient's, Dazey only stared at the group as everyone was delighted with the news. Still, he couldn't bring himself to confess to them that he had nothing to do with Natsu's recovery.

" This kid. " He thought, looking at Natsu. " Her heart stopped beating for almost ten minutes! I was almost on the verge of going to warn his friends of his death! And, suddenly, he started beating again! It is not a miracle! This boy was simply born to defy the laws of reason! The word impossible doesn't exist with him ! "

Suddenly, parting, Natsu's lips moved utterly.

" Ignir ... I will wait for you. "