edited chapter 7
Natsu steps forward with unrivaled authority.
The ground before him cracked from the strain of his magic with each step he took toward Dominic.
Dominic is paralyzed in fear at the monster as he called it standing before him.
Natsu grabbed him by the face before shouting "fire dragon grip strike" in a sickly sweet voice in one swift motion.
Second, his entire face was engulfed in flames as he screamed in pain.
It only lasted a few seconds before his body went limp.
Natsu harshly threw him straight down before crushing his head beneath her foot.
With Dominic lying dead on the ground, his anger subsided drastically.
Dimaria could tell he calmed down after staying with him for so long.
Natsu walked over and broke the binding on her with ease.
He brought her into a hug as a few small tears went down his cheeks.
"I thought I lost both of you," he whispered into her ear.
"We're not going anywhere, Natsu," she whispered back into his ear.
Natsu pulled her up before carrying her in his arms bridal style.
She was flustered at this but let it go as she was with her Natsu again.
He didn't see it, but he knew she was tearing up after their reunion.
He carried her without complaint or tiring one bit as he walked out of the base.
When he finally made it outside, he placed her on her feet before looking over the valley.
He held out his hand that she took without hesitation.
"Let head home, Dimaria."
"About time if you ask me," both chuckle.
With those words, they headed back to the local base.
The next day
With Dimaria by his side, Natsu is waiting for a report from Jacob, Invel, or Ajeel.
They didn't have to wait long before they heard a knock.
"Come in."
"Ah, it's good to see you, Dimaria" Jacob bowed to her.
"Good to be back."
"So, what do you have to report?"
"Our conquest through the region was successful. The government has surrendered to the Empire."
"How far did you have to go."
"Not very as it was clear to them that defeat was inevitable after we ransacked the first city with ease."
"And the casualties."
"Our side casualties were minimal. I have to say we stuck to your orders and left most local populations intact."
"That's a relief. Has word reached the other nations yet?"
"Hard to say, but Vernon's neighbors noticed and have pledged not to attack the empire."
"Good, but to make sure the message is clear, we're going to occupy the area we've already taken for the time being."
"A wise decision, Sir. This should silence any notions of a second attack."
"For the time being, I want you to stay here and make sure they don't squander this opportunity to recover."
"Very well, Sir."
"One more thing, Jacob?"
"Yes, Dimaria?"
"With Dominic gone, their government will be in ruins. Can keep an eye out for any noble family to replace him."
"As you wish."
"Guess it's time to head back to the capital and deal with the other nation who thinks it's a good idea to attack us, don't ya think, Dimaria?"
"Agreed"
One week later
That message Natsu sent was loud and clear.
The neighboring nations took swift action and ceased any nonessential military activity.
In fact, most of them sent representatives to apologize to Natsu and pledge loyalty to the Empire.
But that wasn't on Natsu's mind right now.
He was worried that his dream of not being able to return to Fiore was coming true.
With each passing day, it became more cemented in his mind.
The only thing keeping him intact was Dimaria's company and soothing words, "everything would be fine."
Worried about making her sick when he was tearing his way through Dominic's base, he requested a medical expert to check on her and the baby's health.
Right now, he was sitting beside her as they were doing an ultrasound.
Based on the screen, Natsu was hoping the baby is doing fine.
When the tv lacrima turned off, he held his breath in suspense.
"The baby and Dimaria are in perfect health, but I wouldn't put her through that stress again."
He was referencing Dimaria's capture, and Natsu was making sure that never happened again.
Both parents let out a sigh of relief, knowing their son will be fine.
"I'll take my leave then" the Doctor packed up his stuff, taking his leave.
"Natsu, I'm ready for bed," she stated.
"Same here."
Natsu took her by the hand and helped her get to their room.
He carefully laid her down before taking his place beside her.
Later that night.
Dimaria felt cold for some reason.
Not severely, but the warmth she became accustomed to was gone.
She looked over to see Natsu's spot is empty.
She heard the unmistakable sound of crying.
She looks to the source to see Natsu hunched over on his desk.
Worried for him like the wife she is, she got up and walked over to him.
"Natsu, what's wrong?"
He snapped to her with a tear-filled face before breaking down into more tears.
"Am I...a monster," he said in a hushed tone.
Curious about what he meant, "what are you getting at?"
"The battle, all those lives lost, their blood is on my hands, it's one thing if I do it, but it's another when I give an order," he said through his tears.
She frowned at this before bringing Her husband into a comforting hug.
"Natsu, listen to me. You are not a monster. You were doing what had to be done." She held out her ring.
"For better or words, for richer or for poorer," he whispered.
"Exactly, I will stand by your side till death do us part. You'll get through this, I promise. After all, this means I'll be with you every step of the way!"
He let out a small chuckle before bringing her into a kiss.
When they finally separated, "thanks, I needed that, Dimaria."
"Good, now let's get to bed. It is getting late."
"Okay"
They found their spot on their bed in each other and embraced.
I did just the trick. Dimaria could feel he was calmer. She snuggled up to him before sleep reclaimed her.
The next day
With the possibility of another war breaking out, Natsu now had to deal with the occupation of neighboring countries.
This causes another round of headaches for rambunctious Dragonslayer.
After going back and forth over it with Dimaria, he decided to maintain occupancy for one year to ensure the message sunk in.
That meant Natsu had to return at most one year to see if it quelled any thoughts of a second rebellion.
Now it was time to relax for the pair as they had to stay for another week.
By the time they would leave, Dimaria would be in her eighth month.
Meaning they only have a few weeks before Asura's birth.
That sent a shiver down Natsu's spine.
The thought of all the pain Dimaria is going to put him through.
But there was no putting it off now.
One week later
The husband and wife pair were on a ship leaving the Empire as the port grew further away.
Natsu was silently praying that he would make it through the birth in one piece.
Now the moment that scared him the most besides the pain Dimaria would bring down on him.
Whether or not he would be able to enter Fiore after a war, Nearly broke out.
In a matter of days, they were nearing Fiore, and the stress was getting to him.
This was made clear by how jittery he was getting as the country got closer and closer with each passing day.
Then finally, the coast was within sight.
The only thing keeping him from exploding from nervousness was Dimaria comforting his hand intertwined with hers.
It wasn't long before they reached the harbor.
All the countless battles he went through up to this point could never prepare him for this moment.
Hand in hand, they slowly made their way off the ramp to the port docks.
Natsu's heart sank when he saw a rather large battalion of rune knights and a high-ranking official at the forefront.
"Evening, officers," he said nervously.
"To you as well."
"So what brings you here," she said
"We are simply a welcoming group to the leader of the empire."
"What do you mean?"
"The queen simply wants to welcome back the wizard who defeated the Black dragon. And helped establish trading with the empire and fiore one again."
"Who else knows of this?"
"The magic council and the royal family and few within the government"
"That's a relief."
"On the contrary, it's a relief to us the ruler of the empire is resident of the nation of Fiore."
"Is that all?"
"Yes, you can go on your way, Sir.
"Thanks, come on, Dimaria."
"Right"
They quickly found the train taking their spot in an empty cart.
They sat there in silence as the wilderness passed them by.
It didn't take them long to reach Magnolia, but they went home before going to the guild as it was nightfall.
Natsu had an unusually calm demeanor on his face.
"What got you so happy beyond the usual" she placed her hand on her expanded belly.
"Right, this is the one thing I kinda kept from you," he said nervously.
Suddenly a blade was right next to his neck.
"Talk while you still have a head-on," she said fiercely. Yep her mood swing. We're at it again.
"Hold up, it's not what you think," he held up his hands in defeat.
"Speak!"
"For the longest time since I returned the first time. I kept having this dream that I wouldn't be able to return to Fiore as the rightful ruler of Alvarez," he wasn't able to look her in the eyes.
She just stared at him for a solid minute pondering the words he spoke.
With a sigh, "Natsu."
"Yeah?"
"Promise me you'll never withhold anything like this again,"
"I don't know if I can, after all, I am the ruler of Alvarez, but I'll do my best," he said with a smirk.
She couldn't stop the smile from forming on her face, "guess that will have to do when my husband is the ruler of an empire."
"We should get some sleep. It's getting late."
The next day
Natsu woke up first with his wife huddled up to him, sleeping soundly.
He smirked at this, especially having a full view of her expanded stomach.
"Just a few more weeks, and Asura is born."
"Yep, and all the pain she's going to give you when it's over," Chronos stated.
"Do you have to kill the mood?"
"Yes," this time, it was E.N.D to speak.
"Not you too."
"Sorry, but it's a given. I could give you the strength to get through it!"
"No, last time you took over, I nearly died because of my dragon side."
"This time will be different."
"He's right."
"Not you too," he covered his head with a pillow, trying to block them out.
"That won't work with us."
"Chronos E.N.D leave my husband alone!" she said with venom.
That did the trick leaving the pair to themselves.
"Didn't think you would be listing in on us?" he said nervously.
"Vessels for the god of the time were sort of intertwined with each other!"
"Sorry, forgot about that" he had a slight chuckle.
Before long, they got out of bed took a shower together, but no sex as the baby was due soon.
They ate breakfast before heading off to the guild.
When they finally made it, they were greeted with Happy at the door.
"Natsu, your back. I was getting worried."
"Good to be back, buddy," Happy took his rightful spot on his shoulder.
"Nice to see you to Happy," she said
"Same Dimaria, so when is Asura due anyway."
"Two to three weeks from now."
"Amazing soon will have another member to the family!" he cheered, causing a giggle from Dimaria and a chuckle from Natsu.
"No time to waste. Everyone is waiting on us inside" he pushed open the door with his wife and buddy behind him.
"WE MADE IT BACK ALIVE!" he shouts, causing Happy to laugh and Dimaria to shake her head as she struggles to hold back a chuckle.
All eyes in the guild fell on the trio before shouting, "NATSU YOUR BACK!"
"Ahem," she did loud enough to get their attention.
"DIMARIA, YOUR BACK!"
"Now that's more like it!" she said with a proud smile.
They quickly found their spot at one of the tables in the middle of the guild.
The first to approach was Makarov with a knowing smile.
"So, how's everything going on with the empire Natsu?"
"Well, thanks to me, Fiore and the empire are trading again."
"That's good, at least, so what else happened?"
"The new system I came up with seems to be working. As Invel pointed out, it was shaking at first but got better."
"What about the war that nearly broke out?" he said knowingly.
This sent a wave of silence throughout the guild.
Natsu could only cringe at this. He looked to Dimaria to see she wasn't much better.
"And here I thought I could get one past, you gramps."
"When will you learn that none of you can get something past me, especially since I'm a wizard saint. The magic council was notified a few days after the empire's conquest of Vernon ended its siege in the country."
Natsu just held his head in shame before looking at Dimaria, who nodded.
"Take a seat. This is going to take a while to explain."
After several hours of detail, they learned everything that happened and why Natsu was gone for a whole month.
"To be honest, I'm still disgusted with myself that it had to come to that."
"Natsu, you have to remember Vernon made the first move. You had no choice to prevent a continental war from breaking out."
"I know it still doesn't make me feel better."
"I can't blame you. I'd be in the same predicament if I were in your shoes."
"Thanks, that makes me feel a little better."
"I assume you will have to return soon."
"Yeah, my orders were to maintain occupancy for at least one year to stomp out any thought of a second rebellion."
Everyone held worried looks in their eyes as they couldn't imagine what Natsu went through mentally to make that kind of call.
He was brought out of his stupor when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
He looks to see Dimaria giving him a reassuring smile.
Erza was staying silent this whole time.
Seeing this little display brought a smile to her face.
She wouldn't admit it, but she's a little jealous of Dimaria at the moment.
She realized she'd probably never get the chance to be his rock-like he promised.
But she was okay with this. It meant she could focus on her own imperfection.
But a new thought came to her, Dimaria's due date was coming up.
She had the gut feeling Natsu would need her soon.
And the perfect opportunity to prove she'll be baby Asura's favorite aunt.
You could almost see the fire in her eye.
But she had her enemies, and one of them had long white hair with a bit of ponytail in front.
The two locked eyes for a brief moment. If anyone cared to notice, you could see the lightning spark between them.
"I'm going to be the favorite aunt," they thought in unison.
But that was a battle for another day.
Right now, everyone was worried about Natsu's state of mind.
The orders he was forced to make would break anybody's mind given enough time,
They were damn well determined to make sure they would help him through this.
It would take time, but it would be worth it.
After all, the only person who can get through to him at this time is pregnant with his child.
Two days later
What's happening right now is all the girls are throwing a baby shower for Dimaira.
The only place that could hold that many people was the guild, so all the guys were thrown out for the night.
The only exception to this was Natsu, but he quietly stayed in the corner to not disturb them.
As for the men, they all went out to the bars.
Did training outside in the forest of Magnolia, among other things.
Dimaria was opening up several gifts that contained all sorts of things she would need.
From diapers to wet wipes clothes, you know the usual.
And it was on this day the first move was made to who would be the favorite aunt.
Erza got Dimaria, a stuffed dragon made to look like Igneel.
Mira got her small baby blanket that was white with a flame design on it.
You didn't need a brain to see what was going on.
Dimaria was afraid of this. So she looks to Natsu only to find he has the same expression.
The first battle of the war had officially begun, much to the married couple's annoyance.
Three weeks later
It has been three weeks since Natsu returned, and in that time, Dimaria belly has grown some.
The guild had just returned from the capital since the Grand Magic Games just happened.
They reluctantly went with them.
Unlike last time Natsu didn't partake in the event.
He wanted to be near Dimaris should the baby decide he had enough and wanted out.
Speaking of the games, Fairy tail won, but it was a close victory.
The runner-up is the Sabertooth guild. Behind them was Mermaid Heel and so on.
Dimaria suddenly shot up, feeling a wet liquid flowing out of her.
Then it hit her like a ton of bricks. Her water broke.
"NATSU, WAKE UP!" she smacked him on his head, waking him up.
"What is it, Dimaria" he looks at the clock to see it is 5 A.M.
"MY WATER JUST BROKE. THE BABY IS COMING!"
"Really!" he said with excitement.
"Yes, we need to get to the hospital," she said in a rage as she felt a pain in her abdomen.
With the help of Happy, she made it there in a matter of minutes.
Of course, he was meticulous not to go too fast, so the baby doesn't dive-bomb out of her.
An hour later.
Natsu is pacing back in forth in the hall as Dimaria was getting prepped.
Natsu sent Happy to inform the master and Porlyusica.
The door suddenly opened to reveal the two elders.
Natsu let out a sigh of relief.
"Where's Dimaria" Poryluisca deadpanned.
"Inside right now," Natsu pointed to the door.
She barged in talking points, making sure everything went smoothly.
Five hours later
Screams could be heard throughout the hospital.
Everyone in the guild, especially the members of Team Natsu, was waiting outside the nursery room, waiting for the baby Asura to be born.
Natsu was standing by Dimaria's side, trying to calm her however he could.
"Come on, Dimaria, just a little bit longer, and this will all be over."
"NATSU! When this is over, I'm going to kill you for putting this vile demon inside me!" she raged as another contraction happened.
This whole time she was crushing his hand as the only means to take her mind off the pain.
Porylusica and the other Doctor and nurses just grind at this.
"Now, push Dimaria!"
She pushed with all her might before taking a deep breath.
This continued for another two hours.
By this time, Natsu lost all feeling in his hand.
He was silently hoping there would still be a hand left when this was all over.
Also, at this time, the most powerful mage in fairy tail had returned from another quest.
Who else other than gildarts.
When he first heard the news of Natsu having a kid, he was dumbfounded.
Right now, he waited outside the hospital, praying everything was going alright.
And beside him was his beloved daughter Cana to give him some company.
Then the last of the scream was heard.
Everyone waited on bated breath, desperately wanting to know if everything was okay.
With Natsu
It had been seven hours since Dimaria went into labor. Finally, finally, baby Asura was welcomed to the world.
The nurse had just given Dimaria the baby,
She's lying down on the cot with her back left up to help her stay up.
Natsu was sitting back straight up in a chair by her side with the biggest smile you could see.
He was wrapped in a light blue blanket with a small beanie covering his head.
Neither parent could take their eye off him, sleeping peacefully in his mother's arms.
His face looked just like Natsu, and through the edge of the hat, you could make out a few locks of his mother's blonde hair.
He slowly opened his eyes to reveal emerald green eyes.
He smiled with an all too familiar grin showing his gums to the word.
"Hey there, little guy, I'm your daddy" he wiggled one of his fingers to get his attention.
"And I'm your mommy."
"You gave us one hell of a ride this past nine-month.
Dimaria glared at him, "you will not swear in the presence of our son!" she said firmly.
"No problems here," he said in haste.
She just glared at him for a few seconds before going back to their son.
They stayed there for who knows how long, just them and their newborn son.
Not being able to move, she carefully handed him their son to show the rest of the newest members of their family.
With the help of a nurse, Natsu walked out the door with his son in hand.
He looks up to see nearly everyone in the guild having their eyes practically glued to him.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Asura Atlas Dragneel" he held out his son in a way to give them a clear view of life in his arms.
The first person he showed was Makarov before Erza, Wendy, etc.
They all had the biggest smiles on their faces.
Naturally, many wanted to hold him first.
One look from Makarov told him to let someone else go first.
Much to the chagrin of many of the girls, especially Mira, Erza is chosen.
She requip into her blue skirt and white blouse before taking Asura in hand.
"Remember Erza, you have to give him back when you're done!" he said, a half-joking, half-serious tone.
Erza won the second battle in her war to be her favorite aunt.
Many laughed while she fought off a blush from his statement.
"Hi there, little Asura. I'm you, aunt Erza. I hope you grow up to have a heart as big if not bigger than your father," she said in a hushed tone causing Asura to smile at her words.
After about 10 minutes, she reluctantly handed him back to Natsu.
"Sorry, guys. I would love to let you hold him, but I've deprived Dimaria long enough."
They all gave him a thumbs up in understanding.
He carefully walked back in his seat beside her, handing her their son.
Her mood brightened up enough to rival the sun immediately after holding her son once again.
Not able to move after bringing a life into the world, Dimaria had to stay the night.
Natsu didn't hesitate to stay with her for even a moment.
After a couple of days of resting, Dimaria had the strength to return home with their son in her arms.
Natsu helped her get their bed with him in between them.
She was still unable to take her eyes off him.
Laying on her side, Dimaria put her forehead to Asura's with her hand holding him with a few stray tears.
"Thank you, Natsu, for everything."
"I should be the one thanking you for giving us him" he sided across from her with a massive smile. She giggled at this.
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