Natsu was rooted in his spot, dumbfounded by the encounter he just had. He scratched the back of his head in the direction she left. His ears twitch at the sound of heavy footsteps and breathing. Turning in its direction, he found Lilia heavily breathing and a scary look in her eyes.

"Lilia? What happened to you-OOOOOOOOUUUUHKAY!" Natsu shouted as Lilia heaved him over his shoulder and started running back to her house.

"No time! Move!"

"W-wait, I-AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Natsu's screams echoed the empty streets.


"Natsu-san, I've already informed Aoi-san and Hina-san but, please refrain from going outside tomorrow," Lilia said seriously, Lunamaria at her side.

After arriving in her mansion, Lilia brought Natsu to her office to explain the situation.

"Eh? Why?" I mean, the wyverns were already dealt with, what else is there to fear?

"Today, we've heard that the Death King-sama was sighted near the royal capital," Lilia said, obviously shaken.

"Death King?" Natsu asked. "One of the Six Kings?"

The Six Kings. Six beings from the demon realm that hold unimaginable power. One alone could wipe out a country. From what he heard, the Death King was one of the bad ones. If you displease him and the War King, you would die.

"Death King-sama is always clad in Death Magic and is extremely dangerous. If you are feeble-minded, you will faint at the mere sight of her...so please refrain from going out until we acquire some accurate information regarding this matter."

...Hold up.

Clad in Death Magic?

Pass out just from seeing her?

Her? Female?

It couldn't be...right?

"...Dragneel-sama? Is something the matter?" Lunamaria asked after seeing the troubled look on his face.

There's no way...that's just a coincidence. Still though...

"Lilia," Natsu asked. "The Death King..."

She raised a brow.

"Her name wouldn't happen to be Isis Remnant would it?"

Silence.

Lunamaria and Lilia looked at him with wide eyes.

"...Natsu-san. How do you know the name of Death King-sama? You wouldn't have been able to know her name unless you've seen the person herself due to the Information concealment Magic..." In fact, the only reason SHE knew the name of the Death King was because of Chronois.

Natsu stayed silent.

Ah. So she is the Death King.

"My lady, is it just my imagination? It's just that I have a very bad feeling about this."

"That's unexpected, Luna. I actually feel that way too."

He's in trouble, isn't he?

"Natsu-san, where did you hear that name? You heard it from Kuromueina-sama right? If it's Kuromueina-sama, I think she wouldn't be affected by the Information Concealment Magic, so you must have heard it from Kuromueina-sama! I'm begging you! tell me that's the case!" Lilia shouted with a desperate look in her eyes.

"...So I kiiiiiiiinda met her today."

Like a puppet losing its strings, Lilia's face slammed into the desk.

"My Lady! My Lady, please get ahold of yourself!" Luna hurriedly ran up to er, but Lilia didn't even move and kept her face down. After a while, she stood up and walked towards him.

"Uhhhh, Lilia? You okay-GUEEEEHHHHH!" Natsu was cut off when Lilia grabbed him by the collar and started shaking him like a ragdoll.

"What do you mean you met her!"

"Lilia...air..."

"Why! Why are you always-! Every single time I take my eyes off you! You would always get to know one of the outrageous beings in the world!"

She had tears in her eyes. Why is it if there's a problem around, Natsu is somehow involved.

"Are you doing this on purpose! You must have been doing this on purpose, right!? How come you would know another one of the Six Kings just after a short period of time!? Moreover, it had to be the Death King-sama this time...why did you have to get to know the scariest one!?"

"My Lady, there's no way he's meeting one of the Six Kings on purpose."

Lilia wasn't even half crying anymore, she was full on crying. Shedding tears like a waterfall. She must have been really worried. I'm really sorry Lilia...BUT I WOULD LIKE TO BREATHE PLEASE! Oh hey it's getting dark.

"Anyways...I'm glad that you're safe, even after encountering Death King-sama." Lilia smiled as she stopped shaking me.

"No My lady," Luna's voice cut in. "I doubt Dragneel-sama is safe...especially since it's mainly because of My Lady."

"Eh?" Realizing she was still holding him by the collar, Lilia immediately dropped him. "I'm sorry! Are you alright?!"

No.

"Yes."

Hurts likes Hell.

"However, to get acquainted with Death King-sama after Underworld King-sama, Dragneel-sama really never ceases to amaze me," Luna commented with a smile. "Well, I don't really know if you could call your relationship with Death King-sama friendly but..."

"That's right," Lilia said, picking up what Luna was trying to say. "I've heard that Death King-sama is a person that's hard to please, so I'm glad that you've made it back safely," Lilia said with relief.

Standing up, Natsu looked somewhat...guilty?

"About that..." He started.

Yeah, uh, how should he say this?

"She...she's going to come here soon."

"...Eh?"

The moment Natsu timidly told them, the two of them stiffened. As if time had completely stop. Lilia asked natsu with a face devoid of color.

"She...she's going to visit? Death King-sama will? It's not that you're actually saying that she's coming to kill us all right?" Her voice was trembling like her body.

She's really afraid of Isis huh?

"So after we became friends-"

"Friends?!"

"-she asked if she could come visit. So I told her she could come whenever she wanted." Natsu finished with an awkward smile.

"...You became friends? With Death King-sama?...ah..ahahahha, you're kidding right?" Lilia asked. "I mean, we're talking about Death King-sama here...the most frightening among the Six Kings you know? She could break many people's minds just by encountering her." Lilia finished.

"No," Natsu's voice was soft yet firm. As if he was certain that this was the truth. "We really became friends."

If there was one thing Natsu would never lie about, it's becoming friends with someone. And he really believes he became friends with her.

"She also gave me an unusual flower." Reaching deep into his shirt, Natsu took out the blue flower he was given earlier. Lilia and Lunamaria's eyes widened at the sight.

"That is a Crystal Blue Flower," Luna mutters dumbfounded. " It seems that an incredibly powerful State Preservation Magic has been cast on it. My lady, this really is-"

"Stop, I don't want to hear it." Lilia had her face in her hands.

"My lady, please stay strong." Luna gently pats her back.

"What the heck is going on with Natsu-san's unique friendships...it now looks like it's more amazing than mine...I mean, it's already at the level where you can crush Albert Duchy with just a word."

"I don't think Kuro or Shiro would do that though," Natsu said.

I will if you want me to.

Not now Shiro.

"My Lady, I can understand how you feel, Yes it's really just that Dragneel-sama had become too abnormal. He could already be described as a monster in some way, and My lady has done nothing wrong."

"Luna..." Lilia whispers gratefully.

Luna suddenly stood up and bowed her head to Lilia.

"Incidentally, My Lady, I would like to take some time off tomorrow."

"Wait a second there. Why are you trying to escape by yourself!?" Lilia tackled Luna.

"P-Please let go of me, My Lady! Meeting Death King-sama isn't something you should laugh at! I still have my mother waiting for me to come home alive!"

"I'll never let you go! You want me to face Death King-sama all by myself!? That's impossible! I was clearly overwhelmed when it was just Kuromueina-sama who was visiting us, and you're telling me to welcome Death King-sama..." Lilia looked like she was about to cry again.

"...I will never forget the days I spent in the service of My Lady."

"Why are you assuming that I'm going to die!?"

Natsu watched as the noblewoman and her head maid wrestled. But he kept thinking of their conversations. They sounded deadly afraid of her. As if she's a being who's about to snap your neck if you look at her wrong.

But is Isis really that scary?


Natsu was walking under the moonlit sky, heading home after his date with Kuro. Well, she called it a date and Natsu agreed with her. He also got to watch her annihilate some Wyverns! Which was awesome! Natsu was about to run home when he noticed something.

The lack of people. There was no one he could see on the street. As if he was cut off from the world. Where was everybody?

Then he felt it.

Being a Dragon Slayer, Natsu has the instincts of a dragon. He relied on them in battle. He could tell when he felt something was wrong because of it. So he always trusted it.

He detected a large amount of magical power behind him, and every bone, blood, and cell were SCREAMING at him to run. That he would die if he stayed. He also knows what kind of magic is being emitted right now. It was exactly the same as the black-haired man he met on Tenrou Island.

Death Magic.

Gulping hard, Natsu turned to face his opponent, and couldn't stop the shiver that went down his back, the hair on his body standing.

Long hair as white as ashes, morbidly white skin, deep and bloomy blood-like crimson eyes.

A woman dressed in a gothic-like dress, wrapped in a pale blue light, approaching in his direction.

She looked like a ghost but held a beauty that could be described as unequaled. But that just accentuates the fear he's feeling.

He couldn't breathe. His instincts were yelling at him to make a move but he couldn't. She was like a snake about to strike. One wrong move and he's dead.

"...What a strange magic power...Are you...a Hero?" Her cold voice resounds and her red eyes look at mine.

It was then that Natsu realized, that he was standing before the incarnation of death.

The chillness he felt is too cold. As if his soul was frozen. He needs to make a reply, but his body just shakes.

Is that sweat? Gross.

"...I repeat..." The woman put a stronger tone this time. "...Are you...the Hero?"

Move dammit! You need to reply.

Honestly he would like to, but it felt as if there was an invisible hand crushing his throat. Left with no other choice, Natsu bit his tongue.

'Ow.'

"...I'm an...otherworlder, but...I'm not...the Hero." He forced out. Why does it feel like he was pulling three gigantic boulders?

"...I see." She nodded to the words he could barely squeeze out.

Did the air get heavier? Why won't this trembling stop. My legs won't stop shaking but my feet keep still.

After a few moments of silence, the woman holds out her hand for me to shake.

"...I'm...Isis...Isis Remnant...Nice to meet you."

The moment her hand was held out my body moved on its own and threw mine back. He felt an intense wave of discomfort. He had a feeling of fear, far greater than his mind can tolerate and it feels like there's nausea rising from the pits of my stomach.

Escape.

Run.

Escape.

Run.

Run away.

Those were the things that kept popping up in my mind. Her white and beautiful hand looks like the sickle of the grim reaper.

Don't hold it.

You'll die.

Run.

The woman's eyes scanned me once more. Seeing her face up close sent shivers down my spine. His heart might as well leap out of his chest. Her eyes met mine and I-

Lonely.

Natsu blinked.

The woman slightly lowered her eyes.

Lonely.

That's the emotion I read on her face.

My "Sympathy Magic" that Kuro affectionally named could pick up her emotions.

Deep sorrow and intense loneliness...a feeling of solitude so intense...

The emotions I was reading were sadness. So why am I so scared of her?

She'll kill you.

No, she looks sad.

She'll kill you.

That's not right.

She can kill you.

Ah. That's it. She can kill me. She has the power to do so.

But she won't.

She asked if I was the hero, introduced herself, and offered a handshake. She greeted me, that's all there is to it. So why am I so afraid.

Since my dragon instincts are like an animal's, I have the"fight of flight" mechanic. It's responding to the power of her Death Magic, not her. The face she made...the one of loneliness...I don't like it. It doesn't suit her.

She's lonely. She wants to reach out to someone, she wants companionship. I know because...because...

"IGNEEL! WHERE ARE YOU!"

It's the same face I made all those years ago.

If I don't shake her hand know, if I run now...

I would regret it for the rest of my life.

(AN: The Fifth Spirit Overture, Frostudio. Skip to 1:46-2:54)

"?!"

My body moved on it's own again, this time slapping my cheeks with my hands.

The feeling of fear is still there, but the thoughts in my head grew louder.

Get you head out of your *ss! Think about the situation more seriously this time!

What did this person do to me? Did she harm me? No. She was polite. She introduced herself. She was kind.

Respond to that kindness.

I stared into the woman's eyes, which seems somewhat startled. I shakily moved my hand.

Why are you so afraid? Are you getting conscience around women?

My hand was slowly moving.

Are you an eight year old girl confessing to her crush? No! You're a man! So f*ck*ng be one!

You understand don't you?! That even a small amount of kindness like sticking out your hand...

"What's you name little one?"

...Can save one person!

My Sympathy Magic can adapt to non hostile magic power...the fear I have is because of my Dragon Instincts. I have this fear because of her magic, not her intentions.

So stop shaking like an idiot and adapt already!

Once my hand reached the halfway mark, it stopped moving. My instincts telling me to run resurfaced.

Run. Run away. Escape. Run-

Stop being pathetic! Igneel told you didn't he.

Natsu's eyes sharpened.

That there would be a time where you should show off to women. Well, now's that time! Stop being a f*ck*ng wuss!

Natsu clenched his teeth so hard that his lips were bleeding.

Move!

His fingers tensed.

Move!

His arm shook.

F*ck*ng shake her hand!

Natsu's iris widened for a bit before turning into golden slits.

I said...

Summoning all the will he had, Natsu casted a spell behind his elbow.

...MOVE!

His hand, rocketed by his magic, met its mark.

(2:54-3:07)

He put his remaining hand on his knee as he hunched. His eyes returned to normal.

The woman was crying. She had heavy tears, but the look of disbelief on her face was easy to see.

'How?' She thought. How did he-

"My name...is Natsu Dragneel..." The pink haired individual breathed out. Once stabilizing his breathing, he looked at her face.

(3:07-3:43)

"Nice to meet you Isis."

As I was holding her hand, the feeling of fear and discomfort I held disappeared. Isis looked stunned. While her voice may sound heartless, it was trembling and I could feel relief in it.

"...Natsu Dragneel...Can I just...call you Natsu?"

"Sure!" He said, the smile never left his face.

He was glad. He managed to shake away the loneliness he felt from her.

"...Natsu..."

"Yes?"

"Natsu...Natsu..." She repeated as her other hand covered the back of his.

"...Let's get married!"

.

.

.

Eh?

"Hold up," Natsu used his other hand to clean his ears. "Please repeat what you said."

Yeah theres no way she would say-

"Let's get married!"

Yeah no, she did.

"Wait a sec, I don't know what you're talking about." I'm pretty sure theres a process to getting married. Like, don't you have to date someone first?

"...My hand...you grasped it...I felt happy...happy!...That's why...marriage."

Holding hands means you get married!? Why wasn't I told about this!? Wait, if holding hands mean getting married then...

"Erza, let's go already!"

"Lucy! This way!"

"Mira I'm fine."

"Wait up Lisanna!"

"It's fine Lilia."

"Kuro slow down!"

Oh god I'm a player!

"Uhhhhhhhhhhh," Think Natsu think! What's the correct response here! "C-can we start as friends first?"

He gulped when she let go of his hand.

Well, good bye peaceful world, it was nice-

Isis started to timidly play with her hands.

"...Friends...friends with Natsu...I'm so happy!"

...W...What is this adorable and cute creature in-front of him? What's with this sudden feeling of overprotectiveness?

"...Natsu...where do you...live?"

"Oh uh, I'm living in Lil-Duchess Albert's mansion down this way." He almost said Lilia's house, but realizing she might not know where that is, he used her nobleman name.

"...Can I...come to visit you...sometime?"

"Of course." Natsu responded.

Isis eye's looked down. "...Wouldn't I...be a bother?"

Natsu felt her loneliness stir up again. So she hasn't let go of that feeling yet.

"No way," He smiled. "We're friends now, you're welcome to visit anytime." He assured her.

As soon as his words left his mouth, a really happy smile appeared on her face.

Why was I so scared of her just now? She's adorable!

Out of nowhere, Isis pulled out a blue flower and handed it to me.

"...Ummm...This is...for you."

I'm pretty sure the guys are supposed to hand the girls flowers.

Ah well, gender equality i guess.

"Thank you, I'll take good care of it!" He carefully stashed it in his Magic Box.

"...Unnnn."

No seriously, what was that adorable sound now?

Looking at the sky, Natsu noticed how late it was.

"I'd better get going. Don't want them to worry about me." Natsu said. "Feel free to come over anytime Isis."

"...Unnn...Thank you...Natsu..." She gave him a sweet smile. "...I love you."

Oh wow she's aggressive.

"T-thanks," Natsu responded bashfully. What? You would respond like this if a beautiful girl said she loves you! "See you later!" He waved.

"...See you later." She gave me a small wave with her hand and started going back the way she came.

Once she was out of sight, he awkwardly scratched his cheek.

Well that was awkward.

"Lilia? What happened to you-OOOOOOOOUUUUHKAY!"

Flashback End

Yeah, she is definitely not scary.

Still though...

Natsu looked up at the ceiling.

"...Friends...friends with Natsu...I'm so happy!"

He narrowed his eyes.

From this day onwards, he'll do everything he can to protect that smile.