Hey everyone, it's Stellar Flames here back from an unexpected long hiatus, we'll be updating a bit more frequently but due to natsu being in school and me with my work we can't update every day, if we do update everyday celebrations are needed. But anyway here's the long awaited next chapter.

ps. yes we have been reading all your reviews and we love all the support we've received from our fans. and yes to the haters there are some more *mature* moments and uncharacteristic moments, we did not plan that it just fit with how we were writing.

-The next morning-

Lucy lies asleep in bed, she's tossing and turning as she has a nightmare.

Igneel: *gently shakes Lucy awake* Lucy

Lucy: *blinks, she's shaking badly* h..huh? *tears form in her eyes*

Igneel: Are you alright? You were having a nightmare?

Lucy: *sniffs* u..uh huh

Lucy: *curls up into a ball*

Igneel: Do you wannt to talk about it?

Lucy: h..he w..wouldn't s..stop

Igneel: Who?

Lucy: *sniffs* s..sting

Igneel: Would it help if you stayed with Natsu?

Lucy: *sniffs. tears trickling down her face* u..uh huh

Igneel helps Lucy get out of bed and takes her into Natsu's room. Lucy is shaking the whole way. Natsu is fast asleep, his back facing the door. Lucy: sniffs, her legs shaking as she of Form Igneel walks her over to Natsu's bed and lifts up the blanket for her.

Lucy: t..thank y..you * climbs into bed and snuggles closer to Natsu. feeling better*

Natsu: -feeling Lucy's presence, rolls over in his sleep and wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her closer into his chest-

Igneel: -leaves the room, leaving the door slightly open so a small amount of light shines into the room-

Lucy: *a tears trickles down her face. she closes her eyes and a brief image of sting appears in her mind. it shakes her awake and she starts shaking again*

-As Lucy opens her eyes, she looks at Natsu and can see him looking at her concerned-

Natsu: -focuses and increases his body temperature to make her comfortable-

Lucy: *tears trickle down her face*

Natsu: -carefully wipes her tears away-

Lucy: *hugs Natsu and sobs into his chest*

Natsu: -rubs her back and runs his fingers through her hair- It's okay princess. I'm here.

Lucy: h..he u..used m..me. n..now I..I c..can't s..sleep w..without s..seeing h..his f..face

Natsu: Just focus on me, okay? -he moves her head carefully so it's resting over her heart- It'll be alright.

*his heart

Lucy: o..okay *sniffs*

Natsu: -rubs her back-

-In the kitchen-

Igneel:-to Layla- There is no way that either of them are going to be up for going to school today.

Layla: I wouldn't expect them to be. especially after what happened yesterday

Igneel: What kind of person would willingly cause that to happen?

Layla: I have a feeling that boy sting maybe the cause of this

Igneel: Lucy was having a nightmare about him when I went to go check on her. She kept saying that he wouldn't stop

Layla: *eyes widen* I have a feeling I know what happened

Igneel: So do I. There are very few things that can set Natsu off that badly

Layla: I can understand why Lucy is having nightmares

Igneel: Have you heard from Vitae since yesterday?

Layla: *shakes her head* no I haven't. it seems what Lucy said to him affected him

Igneel: -sighs- After this it will be too traumatising to pull them away from their friends. However... If we want to stop this from happening again, we will need to do something about Sting

Layla: not just sting but jude as well

Igneel: Have you heard from him again?

Layla: *shakes her head* no I haven't. the last thing I heard from him was that he had set up an engagement between sting and Lucy

Igneel: I should call the school and tell them that Natsu and Lucy won't be coming in today

Layla: okay

-A week later-

Lucy: *asleep in bed hugging Natsu. her nightmares have been less frequent but are still there*

Natsu: -asleep with his arms wrapped around her. He's only just started talking to other people again but his nerves can be set on edge easily-

*still be

Lucy: *turns over. clutching the sheets, tears clinging to her eyelashes*

Igneel: -quietly knocks on the door- Lucy? It's time to wake up. You both go back to school today remember?

Lucy: *her eyes snap open* o..o..okay

Igneel: I'll drive you. Just be quick okay?

Lucy: o..okay

Igneel: -walks away from the door-

Lucy: *sits on the each of the bed. she rubs her eyes trying to wipe away her tears. her body shaking*

Natsu: pturns over in his sleep, his back facing Lucy-

*-turns

Lucy: *covers her faces and quietly sobs into her hands*

Natsu: -wakes up instantly at the sound of her sobs. He sits up and pulls her back against his chest- Another nightmare?

Lucy: *rubs her eyes. sniffs* u..uh h..huh

Natsu: -wipes away a stray tear- I take it you won't be able to get back to sleep?

Lucy: w..we *sniff* h..have s.

Natsu: -moves back slightly- Sc..school?

Lucy: *sniffs* u..uh h..huh

Natsu: -reaches over to the desk and hands her a tissue, rubbing her back- It'll be okay.

Lucy: *wipes her eyes and blows her nose* o..okay

Natsu: -smiles and kisses her forehead- Come on. Let's get ready

Lucy: o..okay *stands up shakily*

Natsu: -gets off the bed and helps her stand- There we go

Lucy: *reaches into her bag and pulls out her dress. she strips down to her underwear*

Natsu: Do you want me to leave the room?

Lucy: w..why?

Natsu: I can if you want me to. I just wanna make sure you're feeling okay

Lucy: y..you don't have t..to leave

Natsu: Okay. -hesitantly walks away from her and starts getting dressed-

Lucy: *slips on her dress and buttons it up. she slips on her socks and shoes then braids her hair on the sides*

Natsu: -puts on his pants, socks and shoes and slides on his shirt. When he starts to button it up his hands starts badly shaking-

Lucy: *walks over to Natsu and helps him button up his shirt*

Natsu: Th..thanks

Lucy: n..no problem *smiles slightly*

Natsu: -smiles slightly before carefully taking her hand and walking out to Igneel's car-

-at fairy hills public academy-

Natsu: -walks up to the entrance holding Lucy's hand tightly. He gets to the gate and stops walking-

Lucy: *looks at Natsu* Natsu are you okay?

Natsu: I.. I don't think I can do this

Lucy: I'll be with you the whole time

Natsu: -looks at Lucy, obviously worried- But.. What if I lose control again?

Lucy: I'll stay with you to calm down. I won't leave you

Natsu: P..promise?

Lucy: I promise

Natsu: O..okay

Lucy: *lightly squeezes Natsu's hand*

Natsu: -swallows and squeezes her hand, walking into the school. His nerves increasingly on edge with each step-

Lucy: *nuzzles her head into Natsu's neck*

Natsu: -relaxes slightly, before he knows it they are out the front of their homeroom-

Lucy: *looks up at Natsu, she smiles slightly* it'll be okay (I think)

Natsu: -reaches for the door handle, his hand trembling-

Lucy: *places her hand on his, they open the door together*

Gray: -looks up at the door- They're back

levy: they are?

erza: I hope they're feeling better

Gray: -points over at the door- See for yourself

levy: lu-chan *smiles*

Mira: -frowns slightly- Look at Natsu. He's clearly freaked out about being here

levy: then why were they made to come to school?

Wendy: Igneel-san said they had to come to school. Natsu-san should be calm enough to be in a crowded environment

levy: he doesn't look very calm to me. and Lucy doesn't look that great either

Mira: -cautiously walks over to Lucy and Natsu- Hello guys

Natsu: -jumps slightly- H..hi Mira

Lucy: h..hi m..mira

Mira: Why don't you two come over to our table?

Lucy: *looks at Natsu*

Natsu: O..okay.

Mira: -smiles warmly-

Lucy: *breathes in and out shakily* okay

Natsu: -tightens his grip on Lucy's hand slightly and follows after Mira-

Lucy: *walks alongg with Natsu, following mira*

*along

Gray: Hi guys.

Lucy: h..hi g..gray

Gray: How are ya feeling?

Lucy: s..slightly better

Gray: -smiles- That's good.

Lucy: y..yeah

Natsu: -looking away from the others, focusing on a spot on the floor-

Lucy: *nuzzles into Natsu's neck* Natsu it's okay we're with our friends

Natsu: -shivers and looks at Lucy, smiling slightly-

Lucy: *hugs Natsu smiling slightly*

Rogue: Sting. They're back

Sting: -smirks- About time. I was getting bored

cobra: what do you have planned now sting

Sting: Go and tell Zeref his little brother has finally returned. He knows the plan

cobra: sure *gets up and walks out of the room*

Sting: -gets out of his seat and walks over to a girl with long black hair- He's here

girl: I can see that, I'm not blind

Sting: So. When did you want to start?

girl: as soon as possible

Sting: We need to separate him from Lucy

girl: you're quite capable of doing that

Sting: His friends won't leave him alone. Surely you know of a way to get him alone

Natsu: -lightly pulls on Lucy's shirt-'

Lucy: *looks at Natsu* y..yeah Natsu?

Natsu: I n..need some air. I'll be back s..soon

Lucy: are you sure you're okay?

Natsu: Y..yeah. I just need to get out of this r..room.

Lucy: o..okay

Natsu: -makes his way out of the classroom and outside to the field where he transformed-

Lucy: *sits down. she starts shaking*

Mira: -gently leans down and puts her hands on Lucy's shoulder- Lucy? What's wrong?

Lucy: *closes her eyes, tears trickle down her face* t..the n..night m..mares t..they w..won't g..g..go a..away

Sting: -looks back at the girl- Are you ready, Nex?

nex: *smirks* of course

Sting: -makes his way out of the classroom-

nex: *follows sting out of the classroom*

-Outside-

Natsu: -kicks a rock across the field- How could I lose control like that?

nex: how did you lose control like that?

Natsu: -jumps and turns around, his eyes wide-

nex: *stands in front of Natsu wearing a white spaghetti strap dress. she has pink hair and green eyes now*

Natsu: -clenches his eyes shut, shaking his head- (It's not real. It's not real)

nex: Natsu?

Sting: -starts quietly approaching Natsu from behind, along with Zeref-

Nex: Natsu... What's wrong?

Natsu: -his eyes still shut, he covers his eyes with his hands- Y..you're n..not r..real..

nex: *tears trickle down her face. sniff* h..how c..could y..you s..say t..that *sniff*

Natsu: -the sound of her sniffling makes him look at her. He starts trembling-

nex: *rubs her teary eyes. sniff* A..All I w..wanted t..to do w..was s..see m..my s...son a..and y..you s..say I..I'm n..not real *sniffs*

Natsu: B..but.. y..you d..died..

nex: n..no I d...didn't

Natsu: I..I h..held you as you d..died.. -his trembling gets worse and his eyes start flickering-

nex: *hesitantly steps foreward*

Natsu: -can't bring himself to move-

nex: *steps foreward and pulls Natsu in to a hug* I..I'm so s..sorry n...Natsu

Natsu: -his eyes turn dragon-like and Nex can feel scales forming under his shirt-

Natsu: -instantly goes tense as she hugs him-

nex: *sniffs* p..please f..forgive m..me n..Natsu

Natsu: -his eyes start watering and he hesitantly returns the hug, not noticing the small black veins that have started to appear where his skin connects with Nex's-

nex: I..I d..didn't m...mea t..to l..leave y..you

Natsu: I..I kn..know..

nex: *sniffs. tears pour down her face and she hugs Natsu*

Natsu: -the small black veins start spreading along his skin, his trembling gets worse and more scales start forming while his canines elongate-

nex: n..Natsu p..please tell me how are you?

Natsu: -about to answer when Sting and Zeref forcibly separate him from Nex-

nex: *crosses her arms* it's about time you two showed up

Sting: We thought we'd give you two a moment

zeref: it was appropriate that we gave you enough time to set up

Natsu: -looks at Nex- W..what are th..they t..talking about?

nex: *smirks then transforms back to normal. her eyes turning red and her hair turning black and growing longer down to he calves*

Natsu: -stops moving, his breathing getting heavier-

nex: what's wrong Natsu. surprised?

Natsu: Wh..who a..are y..you?

nex: *giggles* I'm sure you've heard of me, I'm nex. The dragon of death

Natsu: -looks away from her-

Sting: -grabs Natsu by the hair and forces him to look at her- Nice try pinky. You aren't getting out of this

nex: what's wrong Natsu. afraid? *smirks*

Natsu: Wh..what do you w..want?

nex: *smirks* we want to discover what you and your half-ling mate are capable of

nex: as well as having some fun *grins evilly*

Natsu: Wh..what?

nex: we're going to set both you and you're mate off. and we're going to have so much fun doing it *grins evilly*

Natsu: -tries to move away from Nex- St..stay away f..from me

nex: *smirks* maybe this will work *her hair shortens and turns blonde. her eyes turn brown*

Natsu: -stops moving, Nex can see scales starting to form along his skin-

nex: Natsu *moves closer holding her hand out*

Natsu: -tries to move away, but Sting and Zeref keep him in place-

Sting: Nuh uh pinky

nex: *places a hand on Natsu's face* Natsu what's wrong?

Natsu: St..stay away. Y..you're n..not h..her

nex: *tilts her head to the side* not who Natsu?

Natsu: Y..you're n..not L..Lucy

nex: *pulls Natsu into a kiss*

Natsu: -not in his control, the magic from the black veins along his skin makes him kiss her back. He tries to pull away, but nothing seems to work-

nex: *forces Natsu's mouth open moving her tongue into his mouth*

Natsu: -unintentionally moans into her mouth, the veing increasing and his nails elongating-

nex: *graps the back of Natsu's neck and his hair, deepening the kiss*

Natsu: -the scales along his torso catch fire, burning away his shirt-

nex: *trails her fingers down his back*

Natsu: -shivers, wings start to form where Nex trails her fingers-

nex: *starts kissing down his neck*

Natsu: S..stop

nex: *looks up Natsu* I'm not finished having fun *starts nibbling on his neck*

Natsu: -shudders, his breathing getting heavier. Scales form along his skin and smoke comes from his mouth- P..please.. s..stop

nex: *looks at Natsu* why should I do that? *starts licking. nibbling and sucking on his neck*

Natsu: -black veins appear along his neck and spread towards the center of his chest-

nex: *moves back up and pulls him into a kiss*

Sting: -looks at Zeref- Should we get blondie?

Natsu: -tries to pull away, but the magic makes him deepen the kiss-

zeref: *nods*

Sting: Nex. It's time we bring his mate.

nex: *pulls away* then go get her

Natsu: -shaking, his breathing heavy and ragged as more scales form-

nex: *loks at sting* what are you waiting for. go get her

Sting: If pinky roars loud enough. She'll come on her own. And their friends won't let me near her

Natsu: S..stay a..away f..from h..her

nex: *moves to Natsu's neck and bites him*

Natsu: -winces as she bites-

nex: *uses her magic to send a jolt of death magic through Natsu*

Natsu: -screams and tries to move away-

nex: *intesifies the magic in his body*

Natsu: -screams and clenches his eyes. The scream sounding more like a roar than anything else-

Lucy: *sitting at the desk. sits up at the sound of Natsu's roar. she looks around*

Levy: Something wrong Lu-chan?

Lucy: s..somethings wrong *stands up and runs outside*

Gray: -catches Lucy's arm before she leaves the room- Where are you going?

Lucy: *flinches* l...let go g..gray *shakes gray off and runs outside*

Natsu: -roars again as Nex intensifies her magic, tears falling down his cheeks-

Lucy: *shocked. tears form in her eyes. she runs to Natsu* Natsu!

Sting: Nex. The other half-ling's here

nex: restrain her

Sting: -nods and walks behind Lucy, holding her in place and forcing her to watch Natsu and Nex-

Lucy: *tears pour down her face* s..stop i..it p..please

Natsu: -the magic intensifies again, Natsu's body becoming increasingly covered in fire. The wings are fully formed and Lucy can see a tail beginning to also form- S..STOP

nex: *kisses Natsu again, which intensifies the magic*

Lucy: *sobs and struggles against sting's grasp* s..stop i..it

Sting: Looks like your pet won't be able to save you, princess

Natsu: -screams in agony, the scream turning into a roar-

Lucy: *sobs. she starts glowing unintentionally*

Natsu: -the flames envelop his entire body before growing in size-

Lucy: *her nails grow longer, as do her canines. her eyes go dragon like. she continues to struggle*

Sting: -turns to Nex- What now?

nex: *looks at sting* do something to his mate. it will set them both off

Sting: -smirks and pulls Lucy into a kiss, forcing her mouth open and exploring it with his tongue-

Lucy: *struggles. she tries to pull away. she glows brighter*

Natsu: -falls to the ground clutching his chest and breathing heavily-

Sting: -pulls her closer and starts unbuttoning her shirt-

Natsu: -roars releasing a stream of fire from his mouth, catching Nex's attention-

nex: *smirks* it's close

Lucy: *tears stream down her face. she goes to push sting away*

Sting: -starts nibbling, sucking and kissing Lucy's neck-

Natsu: -stops moving for a couple of seconds before his body is completely covered by a larger torrent of flames-

Lucy: *unintentionally moans. tears stream down her fac. she glows brighter*

Zeref: It has begun for my little brother

nex: *stands back grinning evilly* now. we only have his mate to deal with

Zeref: What do you suggest?

nex: *grins evilly* zeref go help sting

Zeref: Very well. -walks up to Lucy and starts kissing, licking and nibbling on the other side of her neck-

Lucy: *struggles against their grip. biting her lips ot hold in a moan. tears trickles down her face. she continues to glow even brighter*

*lip to

*trickle

Zeref: -sends a small jolt of death magic through her-

Lucy: *screams in pain*

Sting: -moves his hand under her skirt and between her legs-

Lucy: *gasps. she glows even brighter*

Sting: -pulls her underwear down her legs and slides his fingers forcefully inside her-

Lucy: *screams which sound more like a roar. she glows so bright she isn't visible. a beam of light shoots into the sky*

Zeref: -moves away and stands next to Nex- You understand this will attract the other dragons

nex: of course I understand *smirks* that's what I want

Zeref: And what is your plan for when they do come?

nex: I'm just going wait for vitae to come. I want to se*e his reaction when he realises what has happened to his precious daughter *giggles evilly

Sting: -pushes his fingers in deeper, moving them around-

Lucy: *roars. she shoves sting away, he smashes against a tree. her body starts to distort and increase in size*

Zeref: And so it begins

Lucy: *roars the beam of light can be seen for miles*

-At Igneel's house-

Igneel: Oh no. Not again.

Layla: what's happening?

Igneel: Natsu's transformed again. And judging by the ligh Lucy is too

*light

Layla: we have to get vitae

Igneel: And how do you suppose we do that?

Layla: *pulls out her phone and dials vitae's number*

Vitae: Layla.

Layla: somethings happened to Natsu and Lucy

Vitae: I know. I can see that.

Layla: you're the only one who can help them *tears form in her eyes. sniffs*

Vitae: I will do what I can.

Layla: *sniffs* thank you vitae

Vitae: -hangs up-

Igneel: Well?

Layla *puts her phone away* he's on his way. *stands up* we have to go help

Igneel: -nods- I'll drive

Layla: okay *walks to the front door*

-with Natsu and Lucy-

Lucy: *the light disappates reavealing a white dragon. she roars*

nex: *smirks* how interesting

Natsu: -the flames die down revealing a bright red dragon with green eyes-

nex: *smirks* now Natsu I want to sit down

Lucy: *looks at nex and snarls*

Natsu: -looks at Nex and places his claw hear her-

*near

nex: *places her hand on his claw and pushes him back easily*

Natsu: -snarls at Nex-

Lucy: *moves next ti Natsu and snarls at nex*

*to

Zeref: What now?

nex: you did use your magic on her didn't you?

Zeref: Only a small amount, but yes

nex: *smirks* that's enough to control her *places her hand on zeref's and uses this intensify his control over Lucy, making Lucy collapse to the ground*

Lucy: *growls weakly, she tries to stand up but it feels as if a force is holding her down*

Natsu: -moves protectively in front of Lucy and roars at Nex-

nex: now now Natsu, that is not appropriate behaviour

Natsu: -glares at Nex and snarl, his pupils narrowing to slits-

*snarls

Lucy: *looks at zeref and snarls*

Natsu: -smokes starts coming from his mouth as he prepares to send a stream of fire at Nex and Zeref-

nex: *focuses her magic on Natsu forcing him to his knees*

Natsu: -struggles against Nex's magic-

Lucy: *nudges Natsu, when she does she absorbs nex's magic which she exhales as black smoke*

Natsu: -sends a large stream of fire at Nex and Zeref-

nex: *appears on top of Natsu with zeref* now that behaviour is uncalled for

Natsu: -moves his head around and tries to bite them-

nex: *appears on the ground a few meters away from Natsu* you can't hit me Natsu

Natsu: -snarls and prepares for another attack-

Lucy: *struggles to get to her feet*

-A blast of white magic hits Zeref, releasing his hold on Lucy-

Lucy: *stands up and looks around trying to find the origin of the attack*

Vitae: -appears behind Nex- I should have realised it was you

nex: *turns around and crosses her arms* you're such a spoil sport vitae

Vitae: And you're a meddler

nex: I'm not meddling, I'm merely having fun

Vitae: You definition of fun is dangerous Nex. I thought you would have discovered that after what happened to your son

nex: *snarls* don't you dare mention my son around me

Vitae: -grabs Nex's arm- You are a fool Nex.

nex: *shakes vitae's hand off and moves away* I'm not a fool, you are

Lucy: *snarls nex*

Vitae: And why am I the fool?

nex: for thinking that moving the half-lings away would solve all your problems

Natsu: -his eyes start getting clouded and his scales dull-

Vitae: And why wouldn't that work?

nex: *smirks* because word has already spread about the half-lings people will search for them. and they already are

Lucy: *nuzzles into Natsu's neck and stream of smoke comes out her nose*

*and a

Natsu: -his breathing starts getting heavier-

Vitae: And you know this how?

Lucy: n...Natsu w..what's wrong

Natsu: -looks at Lucy- I... I d..don't know...

nex: *points over to a group of camera men* see for yourself, they're broadcasting live

Lucy: *nuzzles into his neck and transfers her magic into his body, healing him*

Viate: -snarls at Nex- You fool. You lose your half-ling so you make the other dragons suffer?

Natsu: -falls onto his stomach, his eyes closing-

nex: *smirks* precisely vitae, I'll be seeing you *giggles evilly and vanishes*

Lucy: *looks at vitae. she puffs out smoke* dad, Natsu needs help

Natsu: -his breathing slows drastically, his scales fading in colour-

Lucy: *nudges Natsu* Natsu please stay awake

Vitae: -walks up to Lucy and Natsu- How did you two transform?

Lucy: nex used her magic on Natsu and *a tear trickles down her face* she was k...kissing him w..while s..she l..looked like me. then sting starts k..kissing me and *puffs out smoke* d..doin i...in appropriate things to me

Vitae: -bends down to closely look at Natsu- Natsu. I need you to open your eyes okay?

Natsu: -weakly opens his eyes, the eye is drastically clouded-

Lucy: dad what's happening?

Vitae: -looks up at Lucy- Layla and Igneel are on their way. We need to keep Natsu awake until Igneel can give him some fire

Lucy: b..but h..how?

Vitae: Keep him focused on something

Lucy: *nudges Natsu and licks him on the face*

Natsu: -looks up at Lucy- P..princess?

Lucy: yeah it's me

Natsu: -smiles slightly, his eyes start closing again-

Lucy: *sniffs Natsu and licks him on the face again*

Vitae: (This isn't good. Nex used so much of her magic on the boy.)

Natsu: Wh..what h..happened?

Vitae: I'll go take care of the reporters. Keep him awak. -walks away-

*awake

Lucy: n..nex p..provoke the both of us. and we transformed

*provoked

Natsu: O..oh. S..so it's r..really y..you th..this t..time?

Lucy: yeah it's really me

Natsu: Sh..she t..took the form of my... m..mother

Lucy: *snarls* that's horrible

Natsu: A..and then sh..she l..looked like y..you

Lucy: well it wasn't me, I would never hurt you *lays down next to Natsu and licks his face*

Natsu: I.. I kn..know. B..but sh..she k..kissed me. And I c..couldn't p..pull a..away

Lucy: i..it's not y..your fault. s..she used h..her magic o..on y..you

Natsu: -nudges her slightly, moving his head next to hers- I.. I c..can st..still f..feel h..her

Lucy: *nuzzles her head into his neck* it'll be okay. I won't leave you

Natsu: -closes his eyes, leaning his head against Lucy's-

Lucy: *nudges Natsu and licks him*

Natsu: -his eyes remain closed, his breathing slowing-

Lucy: Natsu you need to stay awake *nuzzles into his neck*

Igneel: -runs up to them with Layla, Wendy and Gajeel- Lucy! Natsu!

Lucy: Igneel Natsu needs fire

Igneel: -bends down to Natsu's eye level- Gajeel. Help me open his mouth, he won't have the strength to do it on his own

gajeel: *sweat drops* uh... s...sure *steps forewards and hesitantly opens Natsu's mouth*

Natsu: -his scales get paler and Lucy can feel his body temperature dropping-

Lucy: *licks Natsu's face* please hurry

Igneel: -his eyes turn dragon-like and scales form on his skin. He sends a large stream of fire into Natsu's mouth and keeps it up until he's breathing heavily and is no longer able to-

Wendy: -runs up to them and stands next to Lucy- I..is Natsu-san gonna be okay?

Lucy: *a tear trickles down her face* I..I hope so

Natsu: -nudges Lucy lightly, his temperature slowly climbing again-

Lucy: *looks at Natsu* huh?

Natsu: -his scales start turning a vibrant red again and he slowly opens his eyes-

Lucy: a..are you f..feeling any b..better

Natsu: Y..yeah

Vitae: -walks back to them having made the reporters leave- All he needed was some of his own element to counteract Nex's

Lucy: *puffs out smoke, showing she's happy. she nuzzles into his neck and purrs*

*Natsu's

Natsu: -looks at Gajeel and Igneel- Thanks.

Igneel: -smiles-

gajeel: *smirks* gii hee

Natsu: -blows a small flame at Gajeel- What are you smirking at Needles?

gajeel: *jumps back* nothing salamander

Natsu: -tries to get to his feet, but doesn't have the energy-

Igneel: -to Vitae- Can you change them back?

Vitae: -nods- I can. Did you bring some blankets to cover them?

Lucy: *nuzzles into Natsu's neck while purring*

Layla: *holds out the blanket* yes they're right here

Vitae: Okay. I will heal Lucy first, and then if she is able she will heal the other half-ling. Life magic works best when there is a strong connection between the spell caster and the person whom the spell is being cast on

Lucy: *moves closer to Natsu. her body shaking, a stream of smoke comes out her nose*

Vitae: -envelops his hands in white magic and places them on Lucy's forehead-

Lucy: *starts glowing brightly. she roars, as her body returns to normal her roars sounds more like screams of pain*

Natsu: -wraps his wing around her, pulling her closer-

Lucy: *when she returns to normal to collapses to the ground. tears pour down her face*

Vitae: Layla. The blanket

Layla: *nods* right *moves closer and wrap the blanket around Lucy*

Lucy: *shaking, her eyes widen open. her face stained with tears*

Natsu: -bends his head down to Lucy's height and starts sniffing her-

Lucy: *looks at Natsu* n..Natsu s..stop t..that t..tickles *giggles*

Natsu: -pulls away-

Igneel: Lucy. How are you feeling?

Lucy: *still shaking* I..I..I'm n..not s..sure *looks down*

Natsu: -snorts and starts sniffing her again-

Lucy: *giggles* n..Natsu t..that t..tickles

Natsu: -licks her and rests his head on the ground- It'll be fine. You're stronger than I am so you'll be back to normal in no time

Lucy: *sits down next to his head and scratches the part connecting his head and neck* Natsu you're much stronger than you give your self credit for

Natsu: -growls happily, closing his eyes-

Igneel: He's always wanting to get stronger. Has been since he was a kid

Lucy: *scratches harder and faster*

Natsu: -his back foot starts tapping repeatedly-

Lucy: I love you Natsu *kisses him on the snout*

Natsu: -opens one eye and looks at Lucy- I love you too princess

Lucy: *shivers. her cheeks go pink*

Igneel: -smiles-

Lucy: *rests against Natsu's shoulder shaking*

Natsu: -places his wing over her like a second blanket and increases his body temperature-

Lucy: *pulls the blanket tighter around herself*

Vitae: -to Layla- Give her the second blanket

Layla: okay *wraps the second blanket around Lucy*

Lucy: *looks at Natsu and Layla* t..thank y..you

Natsu: -smiles slightly- Any time princess

Wendy: -to Layla- Is Lucy-san gonna be okay?

gajeel: they're strong, they'll be fine

Wendy: -smiles at Gajeel-

Lucy: *smiles and yawns. her skin pales and her eyes droop shut. her breathing decreases*

Natsu: -looks at Lucy and moves his shoulder shaking her- Lucy?

Lucy: *doesn't respond. her skin is pale each breath coming out uneven*

Natsu: -his eyes widen and he starts rapidly sniffing her trying to get a reaction- Luce. Come on. This isn't funny.

Layla: vitae something's wrong

Vitae: She's going through shock. We need to get her inside where it's warm

Layla: *runs to Lucy and pulls her closer.* I need some help carrying her

Natsu: -nudges Layla lightly and gestures to his back-

Layla: o..okay *lifts Lucy up carefully and places her on his back*

Natsu: -carefully lifts Layla up onto his back to keep Lucy steady-

Lucy: *her pulse has lowered as well as her body temperature*

Wendy: My house isn't that far from here, and there's space for Natsu-san too

Layla: *sits beside Lucy holding her close*

erza: good idea wendy

Natsu: -nods and starts moving his wings up and down before taking off into the air and flying to Wendy and Grandine's house-

-at grandine and wendy's house-

Grandine: -runs out of the house- What happened?

Natsu: -lands and helps Layla and Lucy off his back-

Layla: nex happened

Grandine: -helps Layla carry Lucy inside- Natsu. I'm sorry but you'll have to stay out here

Natsu: -nods- Just help her

-A few hours later-

Natsu: -still transformed is sleeping outside in the backyard, his head resting on his forelegs-

Lucy: *is laying in bed with a drip attached to her arm. her complextion has improved*

Grandine: -to Layla- She will need to rest.

Layla: how long will it take for her to get better?

Grandine: She is recovering quickly. I would say by the morning at the latest

Layla: *smiles slightly* thank you grandine

Grandine: Unfortunately though it will take her longer to recover emotionally. And I doubt Natsu will transform back until she recovers

Layla: why must those boys target Lucy?

Grandine: This is more likely to be Nex's doing than it is the boys. As the dragon of death she is sadistic and cruel by nature. She and Vitae are also ancient dragons so they seek ways to entertain themselves. The dragon slayer Acnologia was the offspring of Nex and a human. It would appear that after he was killed she set a vendetta against any dragons and their human mates by targeting half-lings.

Layla: s..so she's targeting Natsu and Lucy just because her son was killed

Grandine: That appears to be the case. It's one of the reasons why there hasn't been a half-ling in so long

Lucy: *mumbles in her sleep* n..n...nat..su

Grandine: -looks at Lucy and then back at Layla- The fact that there are two and they've mated just makes it more interesting for Nex

Layla: there must be a way to stop her

Grandine: If anyone were to know of a way it would be Vitae. But no one's heard from him since he healed Lucy

Layla: would it be worth calling him

Grandine: If he wanted to talk he would call. But you can always try

Layla: *sighs* I won't pressure him

Natsu: -wakes up and sniffs the air before snarling, his eyes narrowing to slits-

Layla: *stick her head out the window* what's wrong Natsu?

Natsu: I can smell her again

Lucy: n..nat..su *restlessy rolls around in her sleep*

Natsu: -turns towards the window-

Lucy: *tears form in her eyes* n..Natsu

Natsu: -looks at Layla worried- H..how is she?

Layla: her temperature has returned to normal but it's going to take her a while to recover emotionally

Natsu: It..it's all my fault

Layla: it's not your fault Natsu

Natsu: If I had never left the classroom then... -looks away from Layla-

Layla: Natsu blaming yourself never helps

Natsu: Then what am I supposed to do!?

Layla: just be there for her like she's there for you

Natsu: Layla I can't even get inside the house

Layla: then stick your head through the window. Lucy's bed if right near it

Natsu: C..can you open the window please?

Layla: *smiles* sure *opens the window for Natsu*

Natsu: -hesitantly sticks his head through the window-

Lucy: *sweat sticks to her forehead, tears cling to her eyelashes* n..na..tsu

Natsu: -moves his head further in and closer to Lucy's hand, hesitantly sniffing it-

Lucy: *grips the bed her head tosses side to side*

Natsu: -licks her-

Lucy: *her breathing evens out slightly*

Natsu: -lightly nudges her-

Lucy: *her eyes flicker open. she looks at Natsu* n..n..nat..su?

Natsu: H..Hi

Lucy: i..is i..it r..really y..you?

Natsu: -nods slightly-

Lucy: *tears trickle down her face* g..good

Natsu: -licks her, getting rid of the tears-

Lucy: *giggles* n..Natsu t..that t..tickles

Natsu: S..sorry

Lucy: d..don't apologize.

Natsu: -rests his head on the bed-

Lucy: *places her hand on Natsu's snout*

Natsu: -looks up at Lucy- H..how are you?

Lucy: I..I feel better then w..what I did before

Natsu: -closes his eyes, a tear falls down his scales-

Lucy: w...what's wrong?

Natsu: N..nothing..

Lucy: *raises her hand weakly and wipes away the tears*

*tear

Natsu: I.. I was s..so w..worried..

Lucy: *looks down* I..I'm s..sorry

Grandine: Layla. I'm going to make sure Wendy gets ready for school tomorrow. You can keep an eye on them?

Natsu: If I had never left the room... Th..this wouldn't have happened

Layla: *to grandine* of course

Lucy: *her hand drops to her side, her eyes start drooping shut*

Natsu: -looks up at Lucy- Luce? -nudges her-

Lucy: *opens her eyes slightly* h..huh?

Natsu: N..nothing. Go back to sleep

Layla: Natsu you need to tell her

Natsu: -looks at Layla-

Lucy: *the heart monitor beeping slows down, showing Lucy's heart rate has decreased. her skin pales. her eyes droop shut*

Natsu: -looks back at Lucy- N..no! -nudges her- Princess? Come on. Stay with me!

Lucy: *opens her eyes slightly*

Natsu: I..I can't lose you. S..stay with me

Lucy: I...I..I'll t..try

Natsu: -tears start running down his scales-

Lucy: *places her hand weakly on his snout. she focuses on him and uses her magic to change him back*

Natsu: -fire leaks through his scales and shortly he's back to his normal form. He leans down and kisses Lucy, transferring some of his magic and warming her up-

Layla: *walks up to Natsu and wraps a blanket around him then backs away*

Lucy: *her heart rate increases, her skin evens out. she kisses him back*

Natsu: -deepens the kiss running his fingers through her hair-

Lucy: *grasps the back of his neck and his hair*

Natsu: -pulls away and then pulls her tightly into his chest-

Lucy: *hugs Natsu. tears forming in her eyes*

Natsu: I'm so glad you're okay

Lucy: I..I'm j..just happy you're h..here w..with me

Natsu: -smiles- I'd rather die than be anywhere else

Lucy: *smiles and snuggles into his chest*

Natsu: -rubs her back and looks at Layla smiling- Looks like you've got your daughter back

Layla: *smiles* thank you Natsu

Natsu: Why are you thanking me?

Layla: for being there for Lucy, you're the first person she ever really opened up to

Natsu: -kisses Lucy's forehead- Well I don't plan on leaving. So you don't need to keep thanking me

Layla: I'm so glad that she met you

Natsu: -finally realising he's only in a blanket, blushes deeply and pulls it closer around himself- U..uh y..yeah. M..me too

Layla: *Pulls some of Natsu's clothes out of a bag and places them on the bed* I'll leave the room so you can get changed *walks out of the room*

Natsu: -looks at Lucy and smiles-

Natsu: -reaches over and looks at the clothes Layla put on the bed- I guess I should get changed

Lucy: *looks up at Natsu* I guess so

Natsu: -keeping the blanket around his shoulders, grabs his boxers and slides them on before reaching for his pants- Luce?

Lucy: yeah?

Natsu: Wh..when I met Nex. I got this feeling like I knew her already

Lucy: you did?

Natsu: -turns and looks at Lucy- Yeah.

Lucy: how do you think you know her?

Natsu: -puts his fingers over the area where the black veins were gathering- I don't know. But I'm sure I could tell if it happened again.

Lucy: o..okay

Natsu: Don't worry Luce. I'm not gonna go seeking her out

Lucy: g..good

Natsu: Something wrong? You're stuttering

Lucy: I h..had a nightmare before and I just c..can't shake it

Natsu: What'd ya see?

Lucy: I k..kept seeing what happened before

Natsu: The transformation?

Lucy: n..no j..just t..that. I k..kept seeing zeref and s..sting *tears form in her eyes*

Natsu: -pulls her into his chest, wiping away her tears- I won't ask for details if you don't want to give them. But you should talk about it

Lucy: *sniffs* s..sting kept kissing me then her starting nibbling on my neck. *sniff* then zeref joined in *tears trickle down her face* t..then s..sting p..put his f..finger inside me

Natsu: Uh huh

Lucy: *h..he force his fingers inside of me. he would dig in deeper and scratch *more tears pour own her face*

Natsu: You shouldn't have come after me. I know you came as soon as I roared. If.. if I had kept q..quiet..

Lucy: *looks at Natsu, tears stain her face* n..Natsu I love you. I want to be able to help you

Natsu: -wipes her tears away- I'll make you a deal. We help each other

Lucy: *nods* o..okay

Natsu: -smiles and pulls her into a kiss-

Lucy: *kisses him back*

Natsu: -moves his hands down to her waist, the blanket falling from around his shoulders-

Lucy: *grasps the back of his neck and his hair and deepens the kiss*

Natsu: -leans back on the bed pulling her on top of him-

Lucy: *opens her mouth allowing Natsu to explore it*

Natsu: -explores her mouth with his tongue, running along her teeth, gums and tongue-

Lucy: *moans softly into his mouth*

Natsu: -pulls away panting and shaking slightly- S..sorry

Lucy: *panting* w..why y..ou apologizing?

Natsu: I..it's j..just th..that after wh..at just happened..

Lucy: oh *looks away*

Natsu: S..sorry

Lucy: (why did she have to take a form to look like m?) *tears form in her eyes*

*me

Natsu: Because she knew how much it would effect me.

Lucy: *shocked* huh. how did you know what I was thinking?

Natsu: I dunno. -runs his hand through his hair- But she saw how I reacted when Sting and Zeref were talking about getting you. She must have put two and two together

Lucy: o..okay

Natsu: -yawns releasing a stream of fire-

Lucy: are you tired?

Natsu: Exhausted actually

Lucy: *pulls the blanket back on the bed* then you should get some sleep

Natsu: -looks up at Lucy- You sure?

Lucy: *nods* yeah

Natsu: -smiles and pats the bed next to him-

Lucy: *smiles and climbs into bed next to Natsu*

Natsu: -wraps an arm around Lucy and pulls her closer, kissing her-

Lucy: *kisses him back*

Natsu: -pulls away and almost instantly falls asleep-

Lucy: *smiles and snuggles closer to Natsu. she falls asleep*