AN: Hi guys! Thanks for all the awesome reviews - you're the best!

Just wanted to let you guys know that I'm changing the update schedule for the next few weeks - I'm going to be uploading only one chapter a week, preferably on Friday. This is so that I can catch up on my editing/writing a little bit. Life's super hectic right now.

On another note, I noticed a lot of reviewers asking about Lucy's marriage. Whether it happened or not will be revealed by chapter 60 (yup, that's how many chapter drafts are done!) but the full story will probably only be in the next part.

Enjoy!

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Black smoke curled through the air, suffocating the sparse winter flora scattered on the ground. Warriors of various races stood in small groups around the field, surveying the damage in hushed and strained tones. At the farthest end of the field, where the icy plains gave way to a steep cliff drop, a lone figure stood, the outline of his shape barely visible through the thick smoke enveloping him.

The Prince of Icegard approached the creature cloaked in black smog as cautiously as one would approach a wounded beast.

"Natsu"

The only answer was a low threatening growl.

"It's over. The others have regrouped at camp. They're waiting for you."

A heavy silence followed his words. Followed by a barely discernible response.

"Liar"

Prince Gray sighed, relaxing his tense muscles and taking one more cautious step towards his friend. "Nay, your father sent me out here to fetch you. 'Bring back that foolish hatchling before he can wallow in more self-pity and cause what remains of the forest to catch flame.' His words. Not mine!" Gray raised his arms up, palms facing forward in a placating gesture of surrender, the beginning of a smirk arising on his handsome face.

Natsu gave no visible reaction. He continued to stare ahead into the vast expanse of the rock-filled valley before him, his black thoughts swirling in his mind, the images of all that he had just done during the gruesome battle still fresh in the forefront of his consciousness.

"That stubborn old dragon refuses to see what is right before his eyes. He may still see me as a hatchling and one of his own, but the rest of the dragons? They see me as a mistake, a diseased dragon, a monster!" he hissed the last word, his glare scorching as he turned fully towards his lieutenant and best friend. "And I still accept their hatred with far more tolerance than the pure unadulterated fear, loathing, and pity, that creatures of every other race regard me with... including your own."

Gray regarded him with cool eyes, a slight hardening in his jaw the only indication of his discomfort.

"But I don't. I…"

"Stop lying!"

"Listen you pompous flaming ass! Fear?! When have I ever feared you? I have known you for long, and you have always been destructive and reckless - but your drive to protect your friends and family has always balanced that out! As for loathing, yes, I find you the most annoying idiot I have ever had the misfortune to befriend, yet still… you are my friend. One of my best. Y-you're like a brother to me. I could not loathe you how much ever you may think you deserve it." Natsu flinched. "And finally pity… Of the two of us, the only fool who feels pity for you is the one who is wallowing in his own thoughts, moping near the edge of this blackened battlefield." Gray ended his speech with a ferocious glare to match Natsu's own. "Now are you coming or not?"

Natsu couldn't help it as the edges of his lips curled up in a grim smile. "You do not deny that others feel all those emotions towards me?"

"When has the opinion of others ever bothered you?"

"When those whose opinions matter more than my own, look at me as if they have never truly seen me before."

Gray gave an exasperated sigh. "Speak plainly Natsu, I do not do well with riddles."

"Is Lisanna frightened of me?"

Gray stiffened. He opened his mouth but found he could not respond. After a brief, heavy silence, he attempted to talk. "Well, why would you feel that way?"

Natsu raised an eyebrow, morbid amusement writ on his face. "The expression she wore, in the battle a few days before - when I destroyed a demon contingent and tried to come to her aid after that - was nothing short of terrified. She looked more aghast by my appearance than the host of demons we were battling. And those were some ugly brutes. I could not help but be a little offended that she seemed far more scared of me than those vicious fiends."

Gray smirked. "To be fair, you did look like hell's spawn. Then again, I've always thought you an ugly fucker, so I suppose in the same position I wouldn't have batted an eyelid."

Natsu chuckled, his smile turning softer and more genuine. The grief in his eyes remained, however. "I don't think it was exactly my visage that frightened her. She saw something in my eyes… she is yet to speak to me after that battle. And I sought her out. She has avoided me, and I have let it be, but it honestly frightens me as well." Natsu gulped, his voice slightly trembling and fear flashing in his eyes. "Most of the races who fight here with us think of me as an untrustworthy and unpredictable weapon to help win this war. They wait with bated breath for the moment I will break and betray everyone. I thought that would never happen, that it was just fanciful worries on the part of those who did not know me or understand me. That was until… I saw that look in her eyes. I-I do not know anymore."

Gray sighed, a truly sympathetic look on his face. He reached out and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder giving it a quick squeeze before speaking his mind. "I don't know exactly what happened that day between the two of you, so I will not make any assumptions. However, I know for a fact that in spite of whatever lengths you may have to go to win this war, your actions will never corrupt the essence of who you are - a moronic, mischievous dragon with a stupidly big heart. And besides" he gave a confident smirk, "even if you get too close to the edge of insanity, I'm here with the devil-slaying skills to beat your sorry carcass back to the side of light."

Natsu nodded slowly, his thoughts seemingly far away. Gray sighed again rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "But I do understand your concern, I would not be as confident if the female who is my mystical life partner - you dragons and your strange customs! - doubts me."

At this Natsu flushed, his expression turning sheepish. Gray watched as he floundered, before he sighed and folded his arms across his chest.

"She's not my bonded Gray"

Gray frowned. "But you said before…"

"Yes, because at the time I thought she was. And I do care for her deeply, just not in the way a dragon cares for his bonded. I had my doubts after I spoke to my father regarding my 'bond' and my suspicions were confirmed when I met Gajeel after his bond formed with Levy."

Gray cocked his head in thought. "Wouldn't it be a little different for you? I know King Igneel and old metal breath have described that feeling of your heart stopping for a few counts and the overwhelming desire to protect her, but maybe you wouldn't feel it as intensely as them? Since well… you have the influence of demon blood?"

"I thought of that. I guess that's why I made this mistake in the first place. But as strange as it sounds, using my demonic skills in battle has had the side-effect of amplifying my emotions as a dragon. When I calm down from my demon-mode, all my dragon senses are sharper. All my dragon-related emotions are much easier to discern then, except those about Lisanna. They are always… confused and conflicted. As if the dragon isn't satisfied." Natsu frowned. "Nay, not even that - it's as if it is angry. Even the demon seems a little off-put by my emotions, but I thought that could be because it just doesn't like anything to do with the dragon."

Gray gave him a curious look. "Why are you speaking of yourself as two different beings? You are a dragon. With an infusion of demon blood. Aren't you?"

Natsu grinned, his eyes finally losing most of the grief deep within them. "You know, I'm not even sure. Perhaps we'll find I've got fairy magic within this body somewhere, along with a mermaid's tail."

Gray laughed out loud clapping him on the back. Still chuckling, he turned away to trudge back to the camp. Natsu followed suit, an amused smirk on his face.

"Yep, you are a hodge-podge of strange things Natsu, a true freak."

"Says the human with ice-mage ancestry who wields demon slaying magic taught by the yetis of the tundra."

"... Flaming Hellion."

"Icy Bastard"

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Erza couldn't contain her excitement. It had been years since the prospect of a spar had caused her to feel as giddy as a schoolgirl - the first time after her magical friends had left to fight in the demon wars, in fact. It was, in part, due to her partner's undeniable skill - he wielded the sword and a variety of other deadly weapons with the precision of a true master - but there was also something more. She felt a comradeship with the quiet, reserved man. A kinship she could not share with any of her other friends. As much as she enjoyed the fighting parts of their almost weekly spars, she also enjoyed the quiet moments in between - the brief breaks where they would only exchange a quiet word or two, content to just be in each other's presence.

Lost in her reverie, she almost collided with the young women in front of her before she was aware of it.

"Oh! Lady Scarlett! Forgive us, we did not mean to stop you in your haste."

Erza smiled at the green haired lovely young woman in front of her, who was arm in arm with a golden haired damsel with soft, kind grey eyes.

"Not at all, Princess Huisui. It is I who must apologize for not looking whilst I rushed."

Erza regarded the two with a sense of relief and happiness. It was fortunate she had run into these two, and not any of the others who might have given her endless trouble for the accident - of all the lower court ladies, these two were by far her favorite. Whilst the others were either cattish or opportunistic, these two exhibited an integrity and grace that befit their breeding and station. Princess Huisui, in fact, was a monarch in her own right - her tiny kingdom having been annexed by the larger and growing kingdom of Pergrande when she was a mere child. She did not let the fact make her bitter or resentful - instead she was a kind and gentle leader, quietly and efficiently taking responsibility for those provinces that were placed under her care. She was also a skilled administrator - Lucy had confided to Erza how thankful she was to have Huisui's help on some of her more arduous financial tasks - Lucy had never been good with numbers and calculations. The pretty and fair haired woman by Huisui's side was her closest and most trusted friend - Lady Elaine. The Lady was a gifted healer - and an excellent shot with a bow and arrow, though Erza personally felt she could afford a little more practice and care with her technique. She was, however, far more devoted to caring for the small villages bordering the capital city that her family had been appointed governors of - much to the chagrin of her socialite stepmother, who wanted to use Elaine's beauty to secure a good match that would propel their family into the high court. For Lady Elaine was a beauty - her loveliness rivaled Lucy's, who was considered Pergrande's most beautiful woman.

The gentle Princess offered Erza a kind smile and a friendly wave before leading her companion away. Erza turned on her heel and sped down the hallway much more carefully - she could not afford another accident, for then she would be late!

She made it down to the training grounds with seconds to spare, skidding to a halt beside the tall, blue haired nobleman just as he looked up from polishing his broadsword.

"As prompt as ever, dear Erza."

Erza shot him a teasing grin. "I am not as fortunate as some to have the lazy and idyllic schedule of a high court official."

Seigrien grinned back at her, rising from his seat and flexing his arm as he tested his weapon.

"Your stellar wit shines bright today. Does sparring with this lazy courtier always put you in so amiable a mood?"

Erza could not help the light blush that rose on her cheeks, as his smooth, deep voice washed over her. She abruptly turned away from him, trying to hide her flustered expression. Before she could completely recover her composure, however, he delicately coughed, trying to draw back her attention to him.

"Erza?"

She unwillingly looked back, unable to deny his gentle request. She was surprised to see his cheeks were flushed as well, and his gaze fixed on the sword in his strong grip. She instantly relaxed, turning back to face him fully.

"Seigrien?"

He grinned, looking up at her through his bangs a little shyly, an action so adorable that her heart melted and her blush returned full force.

"We've been sparing every week for a few months now, Milady, and I must say the time I spend with you is by far the most enjoyable part of each long week. I-I have a request to make of you, if you would be so kind to indulge me?"

Erza cocked her head, intrigued by his nervous tone.

"Certainly, Sir. Ask me what you wish."

"Would you train with me?"

Erza blinked, not expecting this at all. Her brow furrowed as she considered his request. It would require a daily commitment on her part, for if she promised her time and expertise she would not do things halfway.

Seigrien noted her hesitancy, and hurriedly proceeded to justify his request.

"I do not ask too much of your time! Just an hour a day, perhaps? Your technique with the sword is superb - our weekly bouts have improved my skill so immensely, I am eager to discover what a daily session would do. And I would be more than willing to show you my technique with daggers - I noticed you studying my stance the other day…"

"I would be honored, my Lord."

Seigrien shot her a mesmerizing grin.

"Very well then. Let us begin today."

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The imposing dragon man slowed his steed to a halt, taking in the tall, barred gates before him with a feeling of wistful contentment.

It was always pleasant to come home. No matter how short the visit.

He swiftly dismounted, murmuring a few words of praise and instruction in the intelligent beast's ear. The horse backed away from him and took off in a leisurely trot towards the stables just a few yards afar - as Metalicana turned to face the towering gates once more.

"Lord Metalicana! What a surprise! The queen did not warn us of your intention to visit!"

Metalicana smiled up at the speaker, as the elderly dragon upon the parapet wall smiled back.

"That is because I did not give her advance warning. My visit will be brief - and my business is with my son."

"Ah. Both he and the queen are in a meeting now, I believe, but I could fetch him right away if it be urgent…"

"Nay, revered elder. I will wait for him in his chambers, if I may be allowed in?"

With a curious look at the younger dragon, the elder nodded in aquisence, giving instructions to the dragon soldiers on the wall to open the gates. Once Metalicana was safely within the kingdom's walls, the elder gestured in the direction of Gajeel's chambers, an encouraging smile upon his face. With a grateful look and a bow, the ore dragon proceeded to his self-appointed waiting spot. It did not take him long to locate his son's room - tracking his boy's scent was second nature to him, after all. He settled into the comfortable space, secretly smirking to himself over the distinctive hint of ink and fairy dust - his son obviously had a frequent lady visitor.

It wasn't long before he could hear his boy's heavy, clumping footsteps as he made his way back to his room.

"GAH!"

Metalicana raised a brow, feigning a hurt expression.

"Is that anyway to greet your sire, you ungrateful boy?"

"Yes, if that dragon hides in the shadows of his chamber like a thief!" Gajeel grunted, the heated glare he directed at his parent far more out of embarrassment at being caught off guard than anger.

Metalicana merely chuckled, settling into the plush sofa more comfortably and regarding his progeny with a critical air. His initial mirth died down as he took in his son's thinner form and haggard features. His worried review did not go unnoticed by his sharp sighted boy, the younger dragon man coughing discreetly to get his attention.

"What are you doing here, father? I hope it isn't bad news from the front…"

Metalicana sat up straighter. "Nay, not at all. It is news of a very good nature, in fact, and given your condition it could not have come sooner."

Gajeel scoffed. "My current condition? What are you talking about, you metal scrap heap?"

Metalicana leveled his own glare at the stubborn young dragon man.

"I'm referring to the paleness of your complexion, and the obvious loss of some of your muscle - I can safely assume your fairy heart has grown stronger, and fights your already strong dragon magic, can I not?"

The younger metal dragon looked away, refusing to meet his father's eyes.

"That is a part of it, yes. But not the whole."

Metalicana just gazed at his son, mystified by his cryptic words. He paused for a few moments, hoping his stubborn offspring would explain himself. When no more words seemed forthcoming, however, he sighed and continued with his own train of thought.

"lf you do not feel ready to speak of what is obviously bothering you, I will not press the point. Yet. Instead, let us get to the matter at hand. Your mother is awakening from her stasis, Gajeel."

The iron dragon started, not expecting that nature of news at all.

"A-are you sure? But how…"

"Your mother and I share a soul bond, young dragon." Metalicana explained gently. "During times of great distress, it enables us to communicate with each other telepathically. Your mother is shifting in and out of stasis - in one of her moments of clarity, she sent me a message to convey her intention to arise from her self induced slumber within the next fortnight. I have contacted Levy's pixie elders, they are with her presently. They are making the arrangements for the ceremony required after her awakening." Metalicana paused, a haunted look in his eyes, as he stared off into the distance. "She will not stay long, I'm afraid. She will awaken in the early morn, perform the ritual to transfer her power to you, and t-then s-she will leave us by day-break of the n-next day…"

With a gasp, Gajeel interrupted him, ignoring the tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Transfer her power? What do you mean by that?"

"As I told you when you were a little lad, she has been collecting her strength to gift to you. It will permanently stabilize the magic within you. Even give you a life span close to immortality, instead of the much shorter life you would be destined to live."

"Why would she do that? Would it not be best for her to keep that power for herself? So that she may live? I do not want her power if it means I must lose her again…"

Metalicana fixed his son with a firm yet kindly look. "Then her power will be wasted, son. And she will still fade, regardless of whether she performs the transference ceremony or not. It is the way she has fashioned her magic - it is a gift that must be accepted by someone. And she wants that someone to be you."

"...I still don't…"

"Gajeel. Do this for her. Please. A-and for me… I do not wish to lose you too, son…" The older iron dragon's voice faltered, the depth of his emotion catching up with him.

A long silence followed, finally broken only by Gajeel's soft sigh of resignation.

"Very well, sir."

Metalicana smiled, the action still not reaching his eyes. "Good. I will proceed to the place of your mother's crypt - I will give you directions now so that you may come before the time it happens."

Gajeel frowned. "You are leaving already?"

"Yes." Metalicana replied, "I wish to spend as much time as I can with her… She occasionally comes out of stasis, and I wish to be there during her lapses - however short they may be…"

"I'll come with you!" Gajeel blurted out, whipping his head about, searching for his trusty knapsack.

"Nay." Metalicana rebuked gently. "The queen needs you here. Besides, Levy would miss you if you spent nearly a fortnight away from her, would she not?"

Gajeel sighed. "A-Aye. And that reminds me… May I bring her? Levy, that is?"

"Of course! She is your declared bonded is she not? Unless… You have finally told her that she is your bonded, right?"

"…"

Metalicana let out a long suffering sigh, glaring at his progeny.

"Gajeel…"

"I'm working on it!"

"I have an imbecile for a son."