Author's Note: Hello everyone! I want to start off by apologizing for disappearing for so long. I lost my way a bit, but I found my way back. I'm really proud of this chapter and I am so happy to share it with you! After this, there is only one more chapter and an epilogue! If there's any questions you have that you think are unanswered in the plot or if you have anything you're looking forward to in the next chapter, I would love to hear from you! Thank-you for your patience and your support! I hope you enjoy this!

June 2nd

Lucy

Hell was humid and dark, like most people would expect. It was a cavern that seemed to stretch below the Earth's mantle, hidden away from every living creature that wasn't a demon. What surprised Lucy, was the shifts in temperature as they walked through. It was cold and then hot, frigid and then boiling, icy and then sticky. It was as if two people were fighting over Hell's thermostat, flipping between air conditioning and heat on an extreme level. The caverns stretched on for miles and miles, entwining to comprise an agonizing cluster-fuck of a maze. And Lucy? She was bad at mazes.

The group tended to cluster in the center of the narrowing path. It was that, or risk brushing the stone wall and the odorous goo that oozed from it. Eventually the maze gave way to something even worse. It was a forest, one that mirrored the forest upside. Except, this forest reminded Lucy of what she imagined the ocean would be like. The trees were fluid, swaying in a breeze that didn't actually exist. At least, it wasn't a breeze Lucy could feel. Deep and dark, littered with unexplored trenches and cave-dwelling creatures that no human had seen before. That's how she pictured the ocean depths and to actually experience it? Lucy was fairly certain she would never swim in the ocean again.

And to top it off, she always felt eyes on her, like something was lurking in the shadows, just out of reach. Though, it was close enough to observe the group as they waded through the overgrown underbrush. Natsu lit his hand aflame, guiding the group through the forest. He seemed familiar with the area, almost at peace with the eerie darkness. Lucy was on his heels, her hand entwined with his free one. Happy rested on Natsu's shoulder, his small body shivering from the constant temperature changes. Grace was behind Lucy, followed by Cobra, Wendy, Laxus, Erza, Jellal, and Gajeel. To Lucy's knowledge, the goal was to find Igneel and the other dragons. At least, that's what Natsu told her when they woke up this morning in a cave that Grace swore was actually the mouth of a mountain-sized cat. Lucy had to admit, the mouth of the cave had large canine-like teeth and the bottom of the cave was moist and squishy. Grace had her convinced, but the dragon slayers brushed them off, neither agreeing or disagreeing. That's what confirmed it for Lucy. Natsu had them sleep in the mouth of a creature. What was the rest of Hell like if that was the safest place for them to rest? She didn't really want to find out and she knew she wouldn't be sleeping again until this was all over.

A grunt escaped her lips as her body smacked into Natsu. A low growl rumbled in his throat as his nose twitched. Everything was dark and barren, the same as Lucy remembered it from hours prior. Though, she had to admit it; she didn't really slip her gaze from Natsu's back often. Her eyes scanned their surroundings, searching for the source of Natsu's tension.

"You can't see them." A gentle whisper touched her ear and a squeal escaped Lucy's lips. She couldn't help it, succumbing to the impulse. Natsu spun, yanking her behind him as spikes began ripping through his skin. A snarl was fixed on his lips as he shifted effortlessly. It was like a switch was flipped within him. A soft gasp sounded behind her and Lucy spun to meet Grace's startled gaze. Standing between them was a dragon slayer, at least he appeared to be one of them. One with burgundy scales, purple talons, and black ooze tendriling down his limbs. Snake-like fangs protruded from under his lips and he hissed. Cobra.

"Erik?" Grace held her hand out, reaching to brush his scales. He propelled himself backwards, his body smacking against the bark of a tree. A low growl escaped his scowl, his eye fixed on Grace's look of awe. Lucy could tell she was trying her best to hide her hurt, but it was clear in her eyes. A soft gasp, one from Erza's lips, pulled Lucy's gaze away from the pair. The dragon slayers, they had all switched to their true form. Gajeel stood taller than the others, covered in metal scales and spikes. His wings were onyx, his hair nearly brushing the floor behind him. The most unsettling thing to Lucy, was his eyes. They were completely white and yet, still expressive. He was eyeing Cobra with a warning, his lips in a snarl. Lucy's eyes slipped to Wendy, the smallest of the slayers. Her scales were blue, yet so light in color, they almost appeared white. Her hair was braided down her back, laying over her delicate wings. Her eyes were navy, and rather than spikes down her back and arms, she had swirls of deeper blue scales. She tensed, eyes wide as they frantically scanned their surroundings.

Lucy pulled her gaze away, deciding to seek out the final dragon slayer. Laxus. He was almost as tall as Gajeel, his scales a deep bronze. Tiny sparks danced over his scales, engulfing his entire body. His wings were golden, the span of them larger than that of the other slayers. His eyes were also white, but while Gajeel's were expressive, Laxus's were empty. The sight of them made Lucy's skin crawl and she eagerly turned away from him to look at Natsu. Her breath caught in her throat. His wings were expanded, fire engulfing his entire body as he turned away from her. He was leaving her. No.

"Lucy, Grace, Erza, Jellal, Happy. You need to stay here and stay together. If anything shows up that's not one of the slayers, you attack with all your strength. Slayers." His voice was rough and the last word came out in a snarl. Lucy could feel everyone's eyes on them now, Natsu having their full attention. "Go." He ordered, bending his knees to launch himself elsewhere. Lucy's heart clenched and though she would probably regret her decision, shoved through the sweltering heat, the flames licking her skin delicately.

"Natsu." She grabbed his hand, tugging on it so he would turn. She stepped right up to the demon, his face in a snarl as her toes brushed his. "Do what you need to. I'll stay here with the others. Just come back to me when it's all over and keep yourself safe." She stretched up onto her toes, pressing her forehead to his as she swallowed her fears.

"The fire, it could kill you." Natsu struggled to speak softly, his eyes wide as his talons slid up her back to tangle in her blonde locks.

"It's just a tad toasty." She smiled softly. The fire had cooled to the temperature of a warm embrace the moment Natsu sensed her. He needed to trust himself. He could never hurt her. "Promise me, please?"

"It's nonsense, to worry about me." He stepped away, talons arched and ready to strike. He turned to glance over his shoulder at her, a smirk on his lips. "Nonetheless, I promise. I'll always come back to you Luce." Fire engulfed his feet before his body catapulted off the ground. The other slayers followed him without hesitation, leaving the four humans and cat in a foreign world behind. Lucy turned to glance at her comrades. Jellal and Erza were whispering to each other, Erza's fists clenched. Happy was sitting on the ground, staring at the cracks in the dirt. Grace…..well, Grace was elsewhere. At least, her mind was.

"Grace?" Lucy spoke gently, her fingers brushing against Grace's wrist. Grace startled, yanking her arm back before settling her gaze on Lucy.

"Why did Erik react like that? I wasn't afraid of him. I was just ...startled by the power rolling off of him. I knew he was one of the strongest, but he nearly rivaled Natsu in his demon form." She huffed, brow furrowed. She had dropped onto the ground, bending her knees up to support herself as she hooked her arms around them. She hugged them close to her chest, curling in on herself. Lucy dropped down beside her, lifting her hand to settle on Grace's knee.

"I talked to Natsu about it, one night in the woods." Lucy chewed on her bottom lip, attempting to meet Grace's eyes. She made a simple noise of acknowledgement, so Lucy continued. "I asked him why Cobra considered himself poison. Of course, I knew he used poison dragon slayer magic, but did that make him so much different from the other slayers? I don't consider Natsu fire just because he wields that magic." She continued her explanation, recalling that night. A lot had happened since then, but not enough to mold Cobra's perception of himself.

"Why does he?" It was just a whisper, words slipping out of her lips. It was enough for Lucy though, to keep going.

"It's a lot simpler than I thought, to be honest. Apparently, Cobra's scales are coated in literal poison. It's a similar substance to the Buracktor blood, in the sense that it would eat through your skin. That's his true form and he can't rid himself of it. According to Natsu, Cobra was once proud of his power and attributes, but now…" Her words trailed off and she took a deep breath. "Now, he's ashamed and terrified of his own abilities since we are in Hell with them. He doesn't want to hurt anybody, especially you."

"But why now? What changed?" Grace lifted her head to meet Lucy's gaze. Deep purple circles had settled under her eyes, her hair a tangled knot on her head. Her tears reflected the dim light from the torch Happy held, leaving her cheeks glistening. From what Lucy could tell, Grace's fiery spirit had diminished in the short time they had known each other. Lucy was determined to help her rebuild it.

"Because in Hell, their powers are amplified. Aside from Natsu, the other slayers didn't have to maintain and control their abilities for the past decade. I'm sure it's overwhelming for them and Natsu told me they would try and keep their distance if they had to release their hold on their power." She explained as gently as she could.

"But why didn't Erik tell me?" Her voice was raising, her knuckles white as she gripped her knees tightly.

"I'm sure he would have when we had a moment to rest." Lucy squeezed her knee, smiling softly. Grace tucked her head back, pressing her face to her legs. Lucy sighed softly, her eyes glancing over to see Erza and Jellal standing on edge. Erza moved swiftly, an aura of light surrounding her body, leaving cheetah print armor in its wake. She was suddenly between Lucy and the jaws of a shadow beast that had emerged from the darkness that seemed to follow them everywhere. Her sword cut through the dense air, catching the monster's closing mouth. The sword splintered from the force of its bite, sending shards scattering. It gave Grace and Lucy enough time to get to their feet and move from the monster's reach. Erza pulled two swords from the air above her, slashing at its face. The monster screeched, rising to its feet, towering over Erza. It arched forward, it's movement fluid as it vanished into the ground.

"Get off the ground!" Erza's appearance shifted until wings expanded behind her back. She snatched Jellal's hand, dropping him into a tree on the forest's edge before bolting to Grace.

"Lucy! Hold on!" Happy snatched the back of Lucy's shirt, lifting her as the shadow took shape below them. He continued higher, trying to get out of the monster's reach. It would have been effective, but the monster had another ability. Darkness gathered in its mouth, mixing with its saliva as it pulled together to form a sphere of energy. It growled, the sound alone shaking the trees. The energy in the air tingled against Lucy's skin and she shivered. Jellal clung to the bark, his feet nearly slipping off the branch as light surrounded his hands. Lucy knew he would fall if he tried to intervene, so she had to think of something fast. The sphere shot from its jaws and Lucy shut her eyes, her hand grasping the only key she could depend on. She had no idea if it would work, but Jellal seemed to think it would and it was her only hope. Light encompassed her, black fabric brushing her knees as her hair lifted into a bun.

"Regulus!" She shouted, Loke's power rushing through her veins. Bright light enveloped her hands and feet, dancing up her limbs. She crossed her arms in front of her as she drowned out the concerned cries of her friends. Her focus was on maintaining the energy's brilliance to block the pit of darkness aimed at her and Happy. The ball of dark energy slammed into them, sending Happy backwards. Lucy did her best to hold her ground, pushing the light to counter the dark mass. It worked, for a moment, until the mass got stronger, burning into her skin. The impact's power hit and the pair was sent flying. Lucy and Happy smacked into the ground, sprawled out on the rock and shrubbery.

"Lucy! Happy!" Erza shouted, pulling a sword out with her free hand as Grace clung to her other arm. Her shout pulled the monster's attention and it swatted them out of the sky like a gnat. Erza took the brunt of the hit, the rock shattering around her body. Grace flipped out of her grasp, skidding across the ground. Jellal had managed to steady his body enough to throw himself forward, light surrounding his fists. He slammed into the monster, the skin easily manipulated to form around the impact. The monster didn't even move, the darkness wrapping around Jellal before slamming him into the ground.

"Happy. We have to get back up and fight." Lucy grunted, struggling to push herself off the ground. Happy groaned in response, unable to move his tiny limbs. "Come on." Lucy clenched her jaw, shoving herself to her feet. Her limbs were vibrating as she swayed, holding herself up. Her voice attracted the monster, it's body turning to face her. She met its gaze, her eyes focused on the orbs above its mouth. Its eyes held miniature galaxies, specks of colors forming star-like structures in pools of navy. They were beautiful, drawing her in.

"Lucy!" She blinked into focus as Grace screamed. Silver talons were arching towards her and all she could do was brace her body for the impact. She shut her eyes as heat twisted around her. The tendrils erupted into flames, forcing Lucy's eyes back open. The fire was fueled by a wind current, swallowing everything between Lucy and the monster before engulfing its body. Lucy covered her ears, falling to her knees as a metallic screech escaped the monster's mouth. A metal spear protruded from the monster's belly as its dark skin slowly melted from the intense heat. A warm hand settled on Lucy's shoulder and she glanced up at their savior.

"You must be Lucy. The others are getting your friends. We have to move before the beast explodes from the heat." The man standing above her had crimson hair, dusted with strands of gray. It was tied back into a ponytail. His facial hair matched in color and settled neatly over his harsh, but kind features. It almost distracted Lucy from his eyes, the familiar onyx staring back at her.

"Igneel." His name escaped with a breath. His smile dazzled her and he scooped her into his arms before she could say anything else. He grabbed Happy on the way as he ran. Lucy clung onto him until he came to a stop. They had reached a cavern, gently lit by multiple campfires. Erza and Jellal were on their feet, leaning against the wall of the cavern to steady themselves. Both were tense, eyes scanning the group of strangers. Grace was already hugging Happy close to her, her back against the wall as well, though she was seated and looked a lot less menacing.

"I'm disappointed that Natsu left you alone. He should have known better. Hell is no place for humans, even if they are strong wizards." Igneel had placed Lucy on her feet before speaking, his hand reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Excuse our manners. We didn't have much time to introduce ourselves before fleeing." A woman stood at the mouth of the cavern, her white hair braided down the center of her back. It brushed the floor as she stepped closer to the group. Her eyes were sapphire and fixated on Lucy before glancing at the others. Her soft facial features calmed Lucy, and reminded her greatly of the youngest dragon slayer.

"Wendy often talks fondly of you." Lucy returned her gentle smile and Grandeeney's eyes widened for a moment.

"You must be Lucy, Natsu's beloved." Lucy ignored the heat rushing to her cheeks and nodded.

"Yes and that is Erza Scarlet and Jellal Fernandes. Happy is with Grace." Lucy introduced her friends and the dragons nodded.

"Titania Erza, I've heard stories of your power." Igneel bowed his head in respect before turning to Jellal. "And Jellal, I assume you are here to make amends for your actions."

"Yes sir." Jellal dropped to his knee, bowing his head.

"Oh, there's no need for such formalities, really. Please, keep your head high. We've all made mistakes." Grandeeney reassured him and lifted her hand. A gentle breeze brushed against Jellal's chin, lifting his head and urging him to his feet.

"And Grace, you are royalty. Your family enforced the ban on magic. I look forward to seeing you dismantle everything your father built." Igneel smirked, a fire dancing in his eyes. Lucy could see Natsu's mannerisms reflected in Igneel and it warmed her heart. Grace nodded, her eyes focused on the fire.

"With the help of your friends of course. You're not alone dear." Grandeeney knelt in front of Grace, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you Wendy's mom?" Grace sputtered and Grandeeney giggled, her laughter dancing against their ears like a melody. She stepped back to stand beside Igneel.

"I am Grandeeney, the sky dragon who raised Wendy. This is my partner Igneel, the fire dragon king who raised Natsu." She gestured to Igneel who had relaxed his smirk to a proud smile. "And lurking in the shadows is Metalicana, the iron dragon. He had the pleasure of raising Gajeel." The group turned to see the edge of the campfires' reach. Standing deeper in the cavern was an outline of a man. He stepped forward, the light dancing off his skin. His skin had a silver shine to it, his hair darker than the shadow monster. It was long like Gajeel's, resting between his shoulder blades. His jaw was chiseled, his shoulders squared. His gray eyes flicked to each person before landing on Grace. Lucy didn't even pick up on his movements, but the man was suddenly in front of Grace, studying her closely as he leaned forward.

"So you're the girl that Erik fell for. Heh." He snickered, his gravelly voice deeper than Lucy anticipated. It was rough, harshening his words.

"What's it to yah RustFace?" She spat impulsively, releasing Happy as he squirmed to distance himself from the pair. Like Gajeel, his foster father had various piercings and metal pieces integrated in his facial features. The only difference that Lucy could see, was that some of the metal was corroded, leaving a rusty color behind. She didn't even catch it until Grace pointed it out. Metalicana flinched before slamming his fist into the cavern wall, centimeters from Grace's face. She didn't even blink, staring into his eyes with a scowl on her lips.

"You better watch your mouth Princess, before I rip your tongue out and skewer you to this wall to rot." He snarled, lifting his other hand that had shifted into a glistening metal blade.

"Go right ahead. As long as I don't have to see your face anymore, I'll be at peace." Grace leaned forward, putting her face inches from the dragon's. Metalicana swung the blade forward, pulling his strength to lay the blade against Grace's lips. She stuck her tongue out, licking the blade. Lucy's heart faltered and Erza had pulled two swords out, aiming them at the dragon. Metalicana leaned back, the metal vanishing under his skin. He cackled loudly, his roaring laughter echoing through the cavern as he clutched his stomach.

"Now this one. This human, I like. She's a spitfire!" He mused, once he caught his breath. "Let me know when the slayers get here. I have some business in the forest to attend to before Erik returns." With that, Metalicana vanished from sight. Grace slumped against the wall, taking a deep breath as her tense muscles relaxed. She furiously wiped away a few tears that had taken shape in the corners of her eyes before pulling her knees to her chest.

"I do apologize for Metalicana's behavior. Though he raised Gajeel, he found Erik trying to steal from them as a child. Metalicana was going to devour him, but Erik had admitted to stealing from them for years, unnoticed. Metalicana was impressed and decided to take Erik in, thinking it'd be a waste to end his life. Erik stole food and supplies for them until Erik stumbled upon thieves with a dragon lacrima." Igneel cleared his throat, glancing at Grandeeney for a moment before continuing. "Metalicana implanted the lacrima into Erik's body, gifting him with poison dragon slayer magic to manipulate. Erik couldn't contain it though and Metalicana lacked the patience to train another slayer. Thus, Erik came to live with Natsu and I. He was a quick learner with some guidance, but him and Natsu developed a bit of a rivalry. It wasn't until Grandeeney found Wendy, that they stopped trying to murder each other." He continued until Grandeeney placed a hand on his shoulder.

"That is why Metalicana was intrigued by you. Erik never really got along with others. He tended to be a lone wolf, focused on strengthening his power and abilities even as a child. Metalicana didn't understand what he saw in you that changed his heart." Grandeeney smiled softly.

"I hope he got his answer." Grace huffed, fists clenching. Igneel chuckled.

"You put on a convincing show and earned his respect. That's all that matters. He would've done the same to Gajeel's lover." Igneel assured her and she scoffed.

"Levy wouldn't have even blinked."

"Yes, well, while I don't necessarily approve of his methodology, I do understand where he is coming from. We just want to ensure the slayers find strong partners that trust us dragons, despite our demonic nature. That is why I asked that druid, Jayce, about Lucy." Igneel glanced at Lucy and she couldn't hide the blush on the tips of her ears or her cheeks. She shrunk back with a nervous smile. "Don't fret. He said you had a strong spirit and Opal spoke very highly of you and your magic. While I don't always trust Natsu's judgement, I trusted him with you." He chuckled before swiftly lighting another fire beside Erza and Jellal. The flames licked the various plants in the wood pile, shifting to a lovely blue before sparking.

"Jayce wished to speak with you once we found you all. Just give us a moment to set up the connection." Grandeeney danced over to the fire, using wind to move the different leaves around. "We don't have lacrimas in Hell so we have to be a little creative." She mused before the fire shifted, forming a sphere above the scorched plant matter.

"Grandeeney! Igneel! It's a pleasure to see you both! Have you found the slayers yet?" Jayce's cheerful voice pulled Lucy closer to the fire. When their eyes met, Jayce smiled widely. "Lucy! It's nice to see you with your memories intact! How are you feeling?"

"Hey Jayce! It's good to have them back, I'm very grateful and I'm feeling much better now. I have to thank you for that tea for my head. It helped give Wendy a breather. I really owe yah one!" Lucy winked with a smile and Jayce chuckled.

"Nah, it's the least I can do for all that you and the slayers did for my village! I'm glad you contacted me! Is everyone there?" Jayce tried to glance around, but his field of vision was narrow.

"Grace and Happy are here with our friends Erza and Jellal." Lucy gestured to each one of them as they stepped into view behind her. "Natsu and the others had gone off to fight something deeper in Hell. We were attacked and the dragons saved us." She explained and Jayce nodded.

"It's nice to meet you all. I'd like to cast a protection spell on all of you, if I may."

"Protection spell?" Erza inquired, leaning forward to study the fiery image.

"Yes. I'm afraid if you stay in hell much longer without proper protection, your souls will be trapped. In other circumstances, I would have preferred to complete this ritual in person before you descended into Hell, but it can't be helped now. Please, everyone, stand in a circle with your hands entwined." Jayce frowned slightly before maneuvering to gather a few different items.

"Our souls will be trapped?" Jellal's eyes widened and Jayce nodded.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I can help prevent this though. Igneel, do you mind lighting the center of their circle? The hotter the flame, the better." Jayce's posture had shifted, his focus on the ritual. Igneel clenched his fist, a fire roaring to life in the middle of the humans. Lucy grabbed Grace's hand, pulling her to stand next to her. She grabbed Erza's hand as well, squaring her shoulders before watching the fire. Jellal stood between Happy and Erza, Happy closing the circle by holding Grace's free hand. "Grandeeney, the wind tunnel surrounding them would be preferred. They shouldn't hear the ritual words. It's better if they never acquire the ability to repeat them. If the words are even stored in your memory, they can be used against you." Jayce continued and the sky dragon nodded, lifting her arms as the wind kicked up around the circle.

"Jayce! Is this safe?" Lucy pulled her arms to her body, the wind chilling her backside.

"Is anything you guys do safe?" He chuckled, crushing some herbs in his hand.

"Jayce!" Grace snapped and he coughed before calling himself.

"I've taken all the necessary precautions. Sit quietly and shut your eyes. It'll be over before you know it." When the last word left his lips, the wind kicked up, surrounding the circle and deafening them. All Lucy could hear was the roaring winds engulfing them. She shut her eyes tightly, squeezing her hands. Grace and Erza squeezed back, which put Lucy at ease. After a few minutes, the wind vanished into the cavern, leaving a glowing circle winding through their feet. Jayce gasped, his body falling backwards and out of sight.

"Don't break the circle just yet! Jayce is fine!" Opal popped into the picture, frantically waving her hands. Lucy faltered, leaning her body back so she was still in place in the circle. "Take three deep breaths and when I say 'release', you can let go and step out of the circle." Opal insisted and the group did as they were told, breathing deeply. "Release!" Opal ordered and the group released their grasps and stepped back. Electricity shot through Lucy's body, a deep warmth following it, settling in her core before she fell to the ground. The others had fallen as well, except, there was something solid and warm behind her.

"Luce, are you okay?" Natsu. Lucy leaned back into his frame, glancing up at his face. He was in his human form, smiling softly at her.

"I'm better now." She spoke softly and smiled as he eased her back until she was pressed against his chest. She closed her eyes for a moment until Jayce spoke.

"I used a lot of energy for that, I'm afraid I can't maintain this connection for much longer. Be safe, all of you. This spell should protect your souls for the next few days. If you stay longer, we will have to replenish the energy protecting you. You should all feel your strength return in a few minutes. I wish you all the best and I'll keep you in my thoughts." Jayce whispered, his voice raspy.

"Thank-you Jayce. I'm sure we will be in touch soon." Igneel lifted his hand, but Opal shoved her way back into view.

"Kick some ass! I'm rooting for you!" She shouted, fist raised. Natsu and Lucy smiled widely, lifting their fists in solidarity before the slayers and wizards all lifted their fists. Opal's smile was brilliant as the image faded, the fire shifting to ash and smoke.

"Igneel." Natsu looked over Lucy's head to meet his foster father's gaze.

"Hello Natsu. It's been a while." Igneel stepped closer to them and Natsu swiftly maneuvered Lucy to rest against the wall.

"Igneel!" Natsu sprinted forward, colliding with Igneel as he threw his arms around him. Lucy smiled warmly at them before looking around to see Wendy dancing with Grandeeney. They were giggling and twirling, Wendy's eyes bright. Metalicana had returned, Gajeel shaking his hand. Cobra was seated next to Grace, looking sheepish as Grace yelled at him.

"Erik. Rub this salve on your skin." Metalicana stepped between them, placing a wooden container on the ground. "It will block your pores and stop the poison from coating you in your demon form." He muttered, turning away to return to Gajeel's side.

"Are you serious?" Cobra jumped to his feet, hands grasping the container.

"Are you calling me a liar?" Metalicana snarled and Cobra shook his head.

"Wouldn't dream of it." He was staring at the container in awe before he stole a glance at Grace. He mumbled an apology to her and she beamed, throwing her arms around him, nearly tackling him to the ground. Whatever was going on between them was private and Lucy turned her attention elsewhere. Igneel and Natsu were whispering to each other, Natsu's face darkened.

"No." He growled, fire dancing over his clenched fists and up his wrists.

"Natsu, think rationally." Igneel placed a hand on his shoulder and Natsu shook it off.

"You'll die and you just expect me to be okay with that?! It's not worth it Igneel!" He shouted, the fire stretching to engulf his body.

"Natsu, please control yourself." Igneel sighed and Natsu scoffed. Tears were beading in Natsu's eyes and Lucy pushed herself to her feet. "You have to take our magic and soul energy. It's the only way you all will defeat Zeref. His power grows everyday and we are out of time, son." Igneel returned his hand to Natsu's shoulder.

"But…Dad…" Natsu's shoulders were shaking as he pressed his hand to his eyes.

"You're the world's only hope. It can't be helped. While our physical forms will be gone, lost in the ether, our hearts and our souls will be right here. Always with you. Just call for us and we will be there to guide you in anyway we can." Igneel pointed to Natsu's heart, pressing his finger against his chest. Natsu jolted forward, throwing his arms around Igneel.

"I owe you my life. It should be the other way around." Natsu continued, but Igneel shook his head.

"It was always meant to be this way. We all knew this when we decided to raise you all. I knew who you were, where you came from. I have no regrets, Natsu. Please, accept my power. We don't have time to spare." Igneel reached out, the brightest fire Lucy ever saw was dancing in his palm. It's golden flames were blinding and Lucy had to look away.

"I will always remember you… Igneel."

"I will always be with you, Natsu." Igneel's words faded away. "Lucy. Please, take care of him." Igneel's voice brushed her ears and she nodded.

"I promise." She whispered before heat engulfed her. Her eyes snapped open, focusing on Natsu who was in his true form, tendrils of golden flames circling his limbs. The other slayers had transformed as well, Metalicana and Grandeeney no longer there. Spikes formed on Wendy's scales, her hair whipping around violently from the whirlwind that surrounded her. Tears were in her eyes, but they were nearly overshadowed by the determination in her gaze. Gajeel stood beside her, shards of metal embedded in his scales and hair. He snarled. Erza stood in silver armor, swords surrounding her. Jellal stood beside her, his arms glowing. Happy stood at their feet, furiously wiping the tears from his eyes. Grace stood with Cobra, their hands entwined. The ooze once coating Cobra's scales was gone and he seemed more at ease beside her. Laxus growled, electricity dancing on his scales and radiating outward. Everyone was battle-ready and Lucy shifted, feeling Taurus's magic flow through her, strengthening her muscles. The moment the bell settled at the base of her throat, she stepped up beside Natsu.

"When we left, we were slaughtering followers of Zeref. He knows we are here and Igneel knew that. We've lost the element of surprise, so we need to act now and fast. Cobra extracted Zeref's location from one of his followers. Are you still willing to fight with me ?" Natsu extended his hand, not even looking away from the endless darkness stretching on before them.

"I'll always be at your side. Let's go." Lucy nodded and Natsu smirked as they entwined their hands. Fire surrounded his feet and surrounded Lucy's as well. It was now or never. Natsu, turned them to face everyone, their eyes all trained on their true leader.

"It's time to end this." He growled and they left the cavern and their doubts behind.