edited chapter 6 enjoy
There are many shocking expressions as they made their way to the capital.
"Knew this would happen," he whispered.
"Same, but it is entertaining, to say the least."
"Without a doubt," he said with a smug chuckle.
It wasn't long before someone from the new government approached to welcome them back.
"Welcome back, emperor and-"
"She's my wife, if that's what you are wondering" he put his arm around her waist.
They pointed out their wedding rings, causing all eyes to focus on them.
"Pardon me, but I never thought the Valkyrie of Alvarez would get married and pregnant. So you are pregnant or fa-" he never got to finish that sentence as Dimaria was knocked out unconscious.
"Damn, you didn't have to go that far."
"And what would you do."
He held out his fist before it was engulfed in fire as he chuckled darkly.
She giggled at this. Yep, this just proves they're perfect for each other.
After all, who would giggle from Natsu more...bold means of persuasion?
It wasn't long before they found the train taking it to the capital where they will be staying for a couple of weeks.
Once they reached the capital, they got even more eyes on them.
"I hope the stares don't last long," he said under his breath.
"I know what you mean. However, we might have to make a public statement if you want them gone fast."
"As much as I hate the media, you do have a point there," he said in a thinking manner.
It wasn't long before they reached the castle, which was, in a way, their second home.
When they arrived, they were met with Ajeel and Invel.
"Welcome back, Emperor," Invel said, respectively.
"Natsu, your back! Up for another spar?" he had a sadistic smile.
"You sure you want that? After all last time, we spared all your sand turned to glass!" He said with a smug tone.
"You caught me by surprise last time! This time it will be different," he said fiercely.
"I must warn you my flames are stronger, and I can hold Fire dragon king mode a lot longer," he said in his face with a sadistic smile of his own.
"Boys!" Dimaria said in an Ice cold tone that sent shivers down both their spines.
In a flash, Natsu was by her side, and Ajeel was actually behaving himself.
The memories of the wedding reception were still fresh in the mind of the sand user.
"Anyway, so how's the new structure I implemented doing?"
"It was shaking at first, and to be honest, it still is but getting better," Invel informed.
"That's good to hear, is there anything else you need to mention?"
"I know you want to refrain from being involved with every detail more than necessary. But we are having some trouble establishing trade with Ishgar. So your help would be greatly appreciated."
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised since very few in Ishgar know I'm Emperor."
"When will that be?" she asked.
"We start in one week. Delegates will be here in the following days."
"Ok, then will be there."
"Very well, I have other duties that need attending to," Invel informed before taking his leave.
"Same here, but we should totally have a spar before you leave Natsu," Ajeel stated
"Sure thing."
"Sweet, I'll see you around" was all he said before taking off.
"I wonder how Brandish and the others are doing?"
"I was wondering the same thing, Dimaria. I know she left shortly after the wedding."
"Well, I'm sure she's doing fine. I need to lie down after a long trip," she leaned on Natsu.
He picked her up, carrying her bridal style to their room.
The whole time she's fighting off a blush.
Even though they're married, she still gets flustered when he carries her.
After a few minutes of walking, he found their room that was formerly his brother's.
He laid her down on their bed, well-tried.
While he was carrying her, she wrapped his arm around his neck, using her chest as her pillow.
Right now, she was still attached to him.
From what Natsu could tell wasn't letting go anytime soon.
"Dimaria, you can let go of me now."
"No"
He was taken back at this "please, can you let go? I'm bent over, and it's getting a little uncomfortable."
When those words registered in her mind, she pulled on her arms with enough force to flip him over on his back.
She cuddles up to him before saying, "please stay you're warm," she muffles into his chest.
He let out a sigh in defeat "fine," he snaked one arm around her waist and pulled her towards him.
Both had smiles as Asura just kicked again.
Natsu lightly pecked on her forehead as he tightens his grips ever so slightly.
It wasn't long before he fell asleep. After all, it was late in the day when they got off the train ride.
Well, he tried to anyway but was woken up at the sound of the door creaking open slowly.
Unknown to Dimaria, some of the servants were spying on them through the cracked open door.
"I heard Dimaria got married while she was away, but I thought it was just a rumor."
"Honestly, I'm not surprised, from what I heard happened during Natsu last night here over six months ago."
"What?"
"You didn't hear after all this time!"
"I wasn't a servant yet at the time."
"That makes sense."
"Fill me in what happened during that time."
"You didn't hear from me, but apparently, Dimaria and Natsu had sex the night before he left."
"Your joking."
"I'm not, didn't you see her belly. Clearly, she's pregnant... with his child!"
"I wonder if it's a boy or a girl?"
"I wonder if they decided on names yet."
"Girls, as much as I love this conversation, we have work to do!"
"Of right will continue this later."
They didn't know it, but the resident Dragonslayer heard this whole conversation, thanks to his enhanced hearing.
"What is it with girls and gossip?" was the thought before falling asleep.
One week later
Over the past week, Natsu and Dimaria went over everything that happened over seven months since he left.
From what they can gather Invel, is correct.
Things were shaking at first but got better as time moved forward.
However, one detail caught his mind that extended their stay here.
Apparently, neighboring land noticed the unrest in the empire over that time and have started to mobilize their armies.
But right now, they're getting ready for the trade negotiations with Fiore.
"Man, this boring," he said in a bored tone waiting on the delegates to show up.
"It can't be helped. After all, you are playing a game of politics," Dimaria said from his side.
She's there to help him out as she has more experience with these matters.
After all, you're not called the Valkyrie for nothing.
Even though that title is more of an empty title since her magic is severely weakened with her pregnancy.
After about 20 minutes, they all arrive along with the queen of Fiore.
They were in for s surprise when the current ruler of the empire is Natsu of all people.
"NATSU!" was Hisui reaction to seeing him.
This sparked the conversation on why he's here.
This led to his family tree, revealing his relationship with Zeref.
It was no secret that Natsu is from the past.
That was made clear to her when she ascended to the throne when her father stepped down.
"Can we get on with the negation? I have other matters to attend to!" he said blankly.
It took two long grueling hours, but they reached an agreement that satisfied both sides.
With trade negation out of the way, Natsu can now focus on concerns of war breaking out across the Alakitasia continent.
He sat at his desk in the study.
"Dimaria, how did Zeref deal with the other nation of the continent."
"He dealt with them swiftly and without mercy when they took a stab at him."
Natsu cringed at her words.
He's not Zeref, so this is going to be more complicated than he thought.
Not only that, but Dimaria Due date is also a month and a half away.
The last thing he needs to worry about is the birth of their son while dealing with a possible war.
"I swear the next time I meet Zeref. I'm going to kick him square in the face for this."
"I know, you've told a million times already."
"I'm really sorry I had to drag you into this"
"Natsu, you see this ring," he stares at her wedding ring.
"I swore to stay by your side for better or worse, and I'll be damned if I said I didn't try," she said in a soft tone.
A smile formed on his face at this "thanks, Dimaria, I needed that"
"Good cause we have a lot of work to do," she said fiercely.
Natsu just sweat drops at this, her mood swings are starting to annoy him, and that's saying something.
One week later
Much to his protest, Natsu was near the border with Dimaria, but someone needed to make sure he knew what he was doing.
Right now, they are being hosted by one of the great noble families of the empire.
The area they're in is right on the border.
In fact, this town is a trading hub between the two notions.
The empire owns the building they're staying at.
But it's more of a getaway spot like the cabin on their honeymoon.
They're waiting for the leader of the nation they border with.
The country's name is Vernon. It is a small country but rich in resources.
They didn't have to wait long before a man showed up in a rather flamboyant outfit.
It consists of a Sakura pink kimono with a black vest and what looked to be a giant sword on his back.
The man in question looked like he was in his late 40's based on his dark hair starting to turn gray.
"My name is Natsu Dragneel, ruler of the Alvarez Empire, and your name?"
"The names Dominic, the ruler of Vernon."
"What I understand you and several neighboring countries have been active militarily recently. The last thing I need right now is a war after the one about a year ago with Fiore."
"Ah, yes, well, you see, my grandfather was very distrusting of the empire back in its infancy. He knew they would be a problem, so we tried to deal with them then, but it failed. Since then, we have been under their thumb. When the war was over, many saw it as an opportunity to regain our former strength back….DO IT NOW!" He shouts.
Before Natsu could even react, the room exploded in a magic mist blocking his senses.
Not being able to see, he calls, "Dimaria, are you ok?"
"Natsu, yes I'm fi-"
"Dimaria, Dimaria, come on, talk to me."
"She can't hear you now."
"Dominic, what have you done to her!"
"She's fine...for now anyway."
"You better give her back right now!"
"I'm sorry, did you say something?" He said with a calm tone.
"What are you doing, Dominic."
"As I said, testing out our strength. And what better than to kidnap the bride of Spriggan's younger brother."
That's all Natsu heard before he felt a sharp pain in his gut before everything faded to black.
An unknown amount of time later.
Natsu shot straight with sweat rolling down his face breathing heavily.
He looks around to see himself on a cot in what seems to be an army tent.
When he finally walked out, it was nighttime.
He remembers the sun was touching the horizon during his meeting with Dominic.
"Ah, your awake" Natsu looks to the voice to see Jacob standing before him.
"How long have I been out, and please tell me Dimaria is ok!"
"You've been out cold for four hours now, and I'm afraid I don't know how Dimaria is doing."
"What do you mean you don't know? SHE HAS TO BE HERE, ISN'T SHE!"
"Calm down, sir."
"Calm down, my wife and unborn child are missing, and you want me to calm down."
"Listen, please, if you make a move as you are now, the consequence could be dire. Think, would Dimaria want you to act like this while she is missing?"
He took a deep breath before exhaling but still holding the look of absolute rage in his eye.
"What happened while I was out?"
"From what our intelligence has gathered, the government of Vernon wanted to kill you to throw us into more chaos. This would give them the advantage along with the other countries to eliminate the empire."
"What else?"
"We know they took her alive and sent us a message."
"What did it say?" he had a feeling he knew exactly what they wanted.
"Standard hand us your leader Alone in exchange for Dimaria and the unborn child's lives, you know the usual."
"So, where am I supposed to go?"
"Other side of the valley where the saddle is'' he pointed to a low spot between two mountains on the far side of the valley.
"Great, what am I supposed to do?"
"I wish I could tell you, but you're the leader of the empire's military. So it's your call."
"I hate to say this, but is there a time limit to this?"
"Yes, not knowing how long you would be out, they gave you 24 hours starting midnight tonight."
"That how many from now."
"Two"
He rubbed his temples in frustration before taking a seat. "Jacob, do me a favor, tell everyone I want to be alone, ok!"
"Your wish is my command," he left without a moment's notice.
He folded his hand together, putting his forehead to them as he looked down.
"What do I Ido?" he asked to himself.
He stayed in that position a little over an hour.
"Natsu"
"Natsu, do you hear me?"
"Who's there?"
"Good, it's me, Chronos."
"Chronos as in god of time-bound to Dimaria Chronos."
"No, I'm just a random cosmic entity named Chronos, OF COURSE. IT'S ME, YOU MORAN!"
"Sorry, anyway, is Dimaria ok and the baby?"
"Yes, they're fine. She wanted me to tell you."
"That's a relief, and how are you able to contact me anyway?"
"Your etherious power is greater than mine."
Natsu cringed at those words, "what does that have to do with it?"
"You really are an idiot. How Dimaria put up with it is beyond me."
"You were saying"
"Right, the only reason I can is that E.N.D. is acting as a relay point between us."
"What?"
"I got my work cut out for me this time since your child conception. I thought it was a good idea to talk to you, but being bound by Dimaria. Anyway, I've been trying to get in contact with you but failed thanks to E.N.D.,"
"I know I'm going to regret this, but why?"
"BECAUSE HE'S AS STUBBORN AS YOU ARE, you manage to get my message once, and since then, he been actively blocking it."
"Wait once before...you mean the one time one the train from the auction job!"
"YES"
"Why is E.N.D. allowing us to speak now?"
"Like it or not, he's part of you. Therefore he cares about you enough to keep you alive."
"Hold up what is happening on your end?"
"They're planning a trap for you, hopefully, to get you off guard and kill you."
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes, she wants me to tell you to remember what Zeref did to keep these countries in line."
"I was afraid of that."
"Don't forget what Hisui said at the Negations."
"How could I forget, Natsu? When nations clash and a winner is decided, you need to realize something about politics; the loser never forgets. Those are the words she said to me before she left"
"Exactly, I know you don't want to be here it but your the leader of the most powerful military force on this continent."
"I know."
"Wait, what are they doing ...no, Natsu-"
"Chronos, Chronos, are you there?"
He sat there waiting for about 5 minutes hoping to hear his voice again.
"Natsu," a deep dark voice filled with malice said in his mind.
"Don't tell me."
"From what I can gather, they put magic restraining cuffs on Dimaria, so Chronos is lost to us till she's free."
"We should go."
"No, I'm not going anywhere right now. I have no idea what to do!"
"You can use my power and stop them now."
"I'm not using your power."
"Fine, have it your way, but I'll be waiting."
Natsu sat there in silence till the morning sun came up, going over what Dimaria and Hisui said to him.
"They're right, I have to make a decision, and I don't have much time left."
He stood tall and proud with a look in his eyes that one man will have when no one is going to stop him.
Jacob, Ajeel, and Invel were standing there waiting for him when he walked out of the camp.
"I see you had enough time to think."
"Natsu, have you come to a decision?"
"Yo, Natsu, are we gonna show them who they're messing with?"
"Yes, AJeel, Invel with me Jacob, take the men and...raze any enemy who stands in your way."
All three men were silent for a few moments.
"Understood!"
Fires, screams, and fighting were the backgrounds as Jacob commanded the troops.
His only rules given to him by Natsu are to kill any who fight back and let go of those who can't or run away.
A man jumps to attack, only for him to clap his hands, and he was gone. A few seconds later, he popped back into existence, severely beaten and bruised.
"They make it too easy."
"Sir, most of the resistance is dealt with. What are we to do after we clear the city?"
"Keep pushing into the country with the same rules."
"But sir, isn't that a little excessive? We might end up starting a full-scale war?"
"This isn't a war!"
"Then what are we doing?"
"This is a message to the other nations on this continent. The empire is still as strong now or stronger than it was in the past. And we are not to be trifled with"
"Understood, Sir, Alright men, let's keep moving," he shouts.
With Natsu
Right now, Natsu was following behind Ajeel and Invel as they took on the brunt of the traps and soldiers who made the mistake of crossing them.
Natsu stood behind to preserve his strength as he had no idea what he's stepping into.
"Oh, come on, I know you can do better than that," Ajeel shouts as he deals with the wizard after wizard sent his way.
Invel is doing the same on his side.
"I must admit I expected better from them," Invel notes.
"I hope I'm making the right call here" Natsu could only look in disgust at all the Vernon soldiers throwing their lives away in a vain attempt to prove their strength.
After about an hour of this fighting.
They made it to the valley's far side, standing on the saddle between the two mountains.
Natsu looks down to see a variable fortress at the bottom of this new valley.
"Guys, I can take it from here."
"Not to doubt you, sir, but is that necessary?"
"Your orders were to get me here safely, and you have now I want you to round up any stragglers. Remember, if they can't or won't fight back, leave them.
"Understood" with that, they left him.
"I hope you're not mad at me, Dimaria," he says to his ring.
With Dimaria
Dimaria is unfortunately chained up to a wall in Dominic's room with a hate-filled glare.
Every so often, she looks at her ring in hopes Natsu will be here soon.
"Sir, We have a problem," one of his lackeys shouts, entering the room.
"What is it has Natsu decided to give himself up?"
"I don't know about that, but the empire has cleared the city. They're marching further into the country, killing anyone who gets in their way.
"So you've made your choice Natsu. I hope you'll be able to live with it, after all, that's why we're married" she looks to her ring once more with a small smile" I know you always be the same Natsu I fell in love with"
"So your husband has made his first move toward being a tyrant," Dominic spat.
"He's not a tyrant like his brother."
"Oh, that's where you're wrong."
"They share the same blood. He is bound to be one. After all, my grandfather ruled our nation with an iron fist after Zeref cut us down, slowly rebuilding his forces, same with my father and the same with me!"
"Natsu's nothing like you or father and grandfather!"
"Who can say that really after all war and death changes people?" he said sinisterly.
Suddenly a loud boom could be heard through the castle.
"Who was that?"
"That would be my Husband. I recognized that recklessness anywhere." she said with a smug grin; if I were you, I'd start running."
"I'm not scared of him!" He slapped her across the face resulting in a slight bruise.
"You should be! After what you just did to me, I'd be surprised if there's anything left to bury when he's done with you."
With Natsu
"FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST!" he strikes a heavily armored knight into a stone wall shattering it.
"Hmm, that armor doesn't compare to Erza's. Even if it's big and bulky'', he states as he continued onward.
The air temperature rises with his rage as he moves forward.
To everyone else, the air feels like it's growing stale and stuffy.
"Calm your self Natsu. After all, you don't want to cause any harm to Dimaria and the baby."
He kept playing those words in his mind over and over again.
It did the trick calming him somewhat but not completely.
There are things you just don't do.
One of them is using a man's pregnant wife against him.
He continues his stroll through the base taking out one soldier or wizard after another.
Before long, an entire floor was cleared before moving onto the next one.
Then he finally reached the room that held his dear wife and unborn child based on the trail her scent left him.
"FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST," he blows the door to smithereens.
Dominic looked to where the door once was.
All he could see through the cloud was two pricing yellow eyes.
They heard the words "DOMINIC!" with the vilest venom he ever heard.
that it for this chapter
also, what are your thought on this dark turn for this fic
I chose this, so the rest of the fic isn't a snoozefest being sunshine and rainbows
as always, make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review