(A/N: This chapter has a flashback which will all be italicized) I'm so sorry about the long awaited update but my laptop ate this chapter at one point which took it a bit longer than usual. I'd like to think you all for being wonderful followers/reviewers of this story. That's what keeps me/it going! I'm also sorry for not getting back to all of your reviews, but I will so don't you all worry! ~CeruShimRu15

The princess sat her desk, writing away in the journal she had created while living life in the tower. After the defeat of Prince Gray, Lucy had tumbled into a state a depression. No longer was it thanks to the feeling of being lonely but just the thought of death had troubled her completely. Many times Igneel would appear and to question her why she was being so secretive about the whole thing but he always got the same cold shoulder. Eventually the dragon gave up and began on working useful ways to bring the princess back up to par.

Lucy stopped, giggling to herself as she remembered the dragon spouting off jokes in her head as he tried to cheer her up. Many of them had been ones that she either didn't understand or were too cheesy to laugh at. When he had noticed the lack of work they were doing he turned to doing tricks with his fire but even that was a failure. The blonde had thought he had given up when suddenly she noticed smoke was flying by her window however the smoke clouds appeared to be in different shapes. The one that had caught her attention was none other than one in the shape of a small princess. Lucy had smiled at the images, watching the different ones floating away into the night sky. Igneel had stopped when he noticed the smile on her face and shot his own attempt of a grin back to her.

The girl leaned back in her chair, balancing it on two legs and sighed; to think the event had only happened a few weeks ago. There hadn't been a sign of another prince and the time in the tower was beginning to go by rather slow. "Oh how I wish there was something else to do," she whined, staring up at the ceiling. Writing was beginning to become a boring routine and when she wasn't doing that she was playing around in the kitchen or walking the halls of the tower. Suddenly, the princess lost her balance and fell onto the floor with a loud thump.

"Ouch!" Lucy stayed on the floor, muttering away at her mistake. She began to feel a tickle in her mind and smiled. I'm alright Igneel.

Are you sure? the dragon question. That sounded liked it hurt.

I've had worse falls than this.

Weirdo...

The blonde bit back a retort. If she had learned anything by now this was one thing, she would always be a weirdo to Igneel. Sighing she settled herself into a sitting position on the floor. She had to admit, having a caring dragon wasn't such a bad thing but she wouldn't mind getting out of the tower for once. Her mind drifted to the experience when Igneel had last merged their minds together. That was practically her only escape out the tower. Just by her going outside seemed to be a downfall as she was pretty much risking her life with that lacrima filled bridge. Putting a hand to her chin, she pouted.

She was surrounded by so much magic that she hated she didn't know anything about it. The bridge was magic, the prince was a mage and her dragon was actually real...a real living, fire breathing dragon. As she thought about it, Igneel seemed so different from the stories she was told when she was younger by the royal story tellers. Besides his fire attacks, the merging of their minds and emotions was rather shocking to learn about and also him talking to her in her mind. He seemed to be invincible to her though she remembered how the dragon had mentioned something about dragon slayers but never finished his explanation.

Hey Igneel, she began. Can I ask you about something?

Sure Princess, the dragon beamed.

You remember that time you told me that the only person that can defeat a dragon is a dragon slayer themselves? I thought all princes were trained to defeat them but you speak differently about them. Why is that? Suddenly the princess felt a coldness creep into her skin causing her to shiver. She realized this was coming from Igneel's onset of uneasiness. You don't have to discuss it if you don't want to.

No, Igneel sighed. You have a right to know as you hardly know anything about magic at all...for starters, like the name states Dragon Slayers are those who are trained in the art of Dragon Slayer magic. They learn this magic from a dragon itself. Once learned, their body becomes like a dragon, allowing them to use the element they were trained in for combat and protection, have a heighten sense of smell and they can also eat the element to replenish themselves.

So...like those crazy fire-eaters that would show up at the castle during some of Father's parties?

Did that have long canines and sometimes scaly skin?

No...

Then no. It is nothing like what those stupid humans attempted. Besides, a Dragon Slayer will be well protected from their element why those silly humans won't. Now as I was saying, a Dragon Slayer will become like a dragon but this is usually seen in their final stage called, Dragon Force.

Lucy blinked in confusion. What's Dragon Force?

Dragon Force makes the Dragon Slayer's body even more like a dragon, enhancing their senses, magic and physical properties such as they obtain scaly skin and become even better in combat. Dragon Slayer's are the true enemies of dragons because they can easily defeat the one of their element if not one of another though it might be more challenging. That's why a human prince won't be able to save you but perhaps a mage might be able to buy him sometime to rescue you.

So you're saying the only person who can rescue me is a Dragon Slayer himself? But Igneel, what will happen to you?

Hopefully I won't be killed.

The princess picked up the sarcasm in the dragon's voice. This is serious Igneel. Why didn't you tell me this before? she demanded.

I didn't feel you needed to know but your persistent sees otherwise. Besides, I think it's good if you learn a few things on magic while you're here. That castle kept you away from the real world.

"Perhaps that was better for me," she murmured to herself, remembering to not utter it in her thoughts. Suddenly the sound of a turning doorknob caught her attention. Lucy quickly jumped up from her sitting place and launched herself to her bed. Who could have possibly gotten into the tower and past Igneel at that? Igneel, someone is in the tower! There was no response causing her to suddenly sweat drop in fear. She quickly jumped underneath her covers cowering in fear.

"Princess," a voiced called. "Where are you?"

Lucy blinked. That voice...it sounded vaguely familiar. If she remembered correctly it was, "Virgo!" she yelled, throwing the sheets aside. She quickly hurdled towards the pink haired girl, squeezing her into a tight hug. She buried her face into the girl's clothes doing her best to put it in her mind that the girl was actually there. The blonde pulled herself away, tears beginning to develop in her eyes. "Virgo, I've missed you so much. But...what are you doing here?"

"And I've missed you too, Princess," she replied, a smile upon her face. Her blue eyes fluttered around the room. "Did you forget that your father allows me to visit you twice a month, bringing you whatever you want or helping you do something around the tower?"

The princess blushed, twirling her finger within her hair. "I guess I sort of have thanks to having Igneel around."

Virgo blinked. "Igneel?"

"He's the dragon that's protecting me." Lucy pulled her friend towards the window. Oh Igneel, say hello to Virgo will you? One of the dragon's bright eye suddenly appeared at the window. He let out a tiny grunt before disappearing again within seconds. Lucy frowned. That was highly unlike Igneel. She decided to shrug it off and turned back to Virgo. "So you can do anything, right?"

"Yes ma'am. Anything that you wish for me to bring you something back upon my next visit?"

Lucy thought for a moment. "Well when I first got here I remember that I wanted a cookbook if that's alright."

"Anything else?" Virgo questioned.

"Hmm...perhaps a book on magic."

T he pink haired girl smiled. "You're enjoying your stay with the dragon I see." She turned towards the window and eyed it for a moment. "In that case, how about I convert that window into a balcony? That way you can see more of the dragon minus his eye."

The blonde looked towards the window. That seemed like that could take ages for someone to accomplish. "You could do that?" Lucy turned to look at Virgo only to gasp. The girl was already in an constructor's outfit! The maid tipped her hat towards her.

"It would take me no longer than today." She smiled. "Why don't you go spend the day with your dragon? I'm sure you haven't stepped outside of this place at all."

Lucy chuckled nervously. If she only knew how she had spent her first day here. "I think that'll be a wonderful idea Virgo."

Igneel was fast asleep once Lucy had arrived outside. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of the dozing dragon. He was really a magnificent creature to look at, something she had never noticed before. She walked over to him quietly, before poking his snout. The dragon opened one eye to gaze at her before yawning. A small plume of smoke escaped from his nostrils.

What brings you outside, Princess? Igneel questioned. He opened both of his eyes to look at her only to blink in confusion. Lucy realized the dragon wasn't used to seeing her in this type of attire. Normally she was caught in sundresses, but she decided to change it up and be in a fitted t-shirt, shorts, and boots. There wasn't any use of being dressed up all the time if she wasn't in the castle anymore.

"Virgo wants to add a balcony to the tower," she explained. "So she said I should spend the day out here with you."

The dragon raised his head to get a better view of the girl. Well, she does have a lot going on…

Lucy looked behind her only to gasp. Sure enough, Virgo was already setting up the balcony quite well. She could see planks stretching out from the tower. She sighed. How could she possibly ever underestimate the work ethic of Virgo? The girl was known for doing things at an extremely fast pace that it made her wonder sometimes.

Excuse me Princess, Igneel asked. But what is that thing on your arm?

The Princess smiled. "It's a picnic basket," she replied, settling it down on the ground and took a blanket out of it. "I figured what better way to spend a day with this nice weather, in an isolated place, than to have a picnic." She began taking out a stack of sandwiches followed by a jug of lemonade. She noticed Igneel beginning to sniff at the food suspiciously, and she quickly unwrap a sandwich, holding it out towards him. "Here, try this. It's a ham sandwich…I decided on all meats since you're a dragon."

You don't know what I eat, the dragon teased. Nonetheless, he swiftly took the sandwich from her hand with a swish of his tongue, pulling it back into his mouth similar to a frog. He gulped it down within seconds, smacking his lips to savor the taste. A smile appeared on his face. That was pretty good! Mind if I have another?

Lucy giggled. "Of course. I made many so you can help yourself." She took a few for herself and left the rest for Igneel. She fixed herself a glass of lemonade as she watched the dragon begin to take sandwiches for himself. He began gobbling then down with ease, treating them all with the same happy expression on his face once he finished them. Each time he would let out a tiny sigh before tackling the next sandwich. In no time, he finished them all. A tiny whine escaped him which caught Lucy's attention. "Well it's nice to see you enjoyed my work."

Work..? Sandwiches are food. He pushed his nose towards her. Care to make more?

The princess pushed the giant snout away, chuckling. "Perhaps another time, alright? You ate a lot of them, you know?"

That was nothing for a dragon.

Lucy rolled her eyes. Someone sure is cocky…

Thanks for the compliment.

The blonde froze before face palming. How could she be so stupid and forget that Igneel could hear her thoughts unless she blocked them from him? She had to admit her screw up was actually funny to herself. She glanced at the sky seeing the sun was beginning to set; this day had really gone by so fast. Sighing, she leaned back into the grass, closing her eyes and took a deep breath of the scents of nature. Back home she would never be able to do something like this. Living in the tower was just a small step into her new world of freedom. She opened her eyes to see Igneel holding his head over her, staring her over. Lucy blinked in surprised before edging away from the dragon.

What did I do? He questioned.

"Oh nothing," she replied. "It's just something weird to see when you open your eyes."

The dragon let out a snort. Whatever… Princess, may I ask you a question?

Lucy sighed before closing her eyes again. The lush grass really was refreshing underneath her skin. "Of course, Igneel; what is it?"

Why does killing bother you so much?

The blonde opened her eyes and quickly sat up. Dread seeped within her as she knew this question was bound to come up eventually. She just never expected it to happen so soon. Lucy sighed, folding her knees up to chest and then rested her head upon them. "I guess you deserve to know after my request," she mumbled. She paused only to feel Igneel's regret touching her mind. She quickly brushed the feeling away. "Don't feel bad about asking! I was going to tell you anyway." Her eyes traveled up back into the sky, staring at the now disappearing sun. "It all happened about ten years ago…."

The small young girl ambled down the hallways of the castle. She could hardly contain her excitement, the bright aura almost eliminating from her as she raced to her mother's room past the many servants. She knew she was breaking one of her father's rules but her mother never held her against; her mother always saw past any of her faults. But none of that matter at this moment. After doing her studies like her mother wanted her too she had finally figured out the two constellations she had spotted in the sky a few days ago. She remembered as her mother had quizzed her and only stated she wouldn't tell her the answer as it proved she wasn't doing what she was told. Now after so much work, the princess was positive of the two constellations now.

"Mommy! I figured out the constellations we saw the other night," she yelled as she burst into the room. Her voice dropped when she saw the many eyes that turned to her, one belonging to her father and the rest were some of the castle's servants. She spotted her mother who was still lying in bed. "Mommy, what's wrong?"

"Virgo," her father whispered. "I want you to get Lucy out of here at once."

"No, allow her to stay."

Lucy smiled at the voice of her mother and raced towards the bed. Her father began backing away, standing aside from them to give the females more space. The princess stared at her mother for a moment. For her, it was like looking into a mirror only to have an older version of herself. The blonde loved looking exactly like her mother because she was simply beautiful, however today her beauty seemed to be bother by something the young girl couldn't comprehend.

"Why are you still in bed, Mommy?" she questioned.

The queen turned to look at her and held out her hand for her daughter to hold. "The savage coughs have weakened me, darling," she replied. She moved her hand up to the princess's cheek and stroked it for a few. "But please, tell me the constellations you have identified."

"Well you remember they right next to each other, right?"

Queen Layla nodded. "Yes there was a big complex one and a smaller one made up of at least ten stars. Which was the smallest one?"

"The smaller constellation was Lyra, the harp."

"Very good. Now what type of key would she be?"

"A silver one," the girl beamed. "Oh, Mommy, I can only imagine the beauty of her songs. Can't you?"

"Yes," her mother replied. "I bet they are truly beautiful." She paused for a moment, staring off blankly. "Lucy, will you promise me something?"

The princess nodded eagerly. "Of course!"

"Promise me that you will continue your studies even if something happens to me."

"Something like what?" she asked innocently.

Her mother waved the question away. "It's not important. Just promise me, okay?"

"I promise."

The two exchanged a loving smile that could only be found between a mother and her child but was interrupted by a cough. The queen's body began to shake as she continued to cough. Quickly, her husband rushed forward at once, pulling Lucy away. The princess tried to make way back towards the bed only to feel a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw the blue eyes of Virgo who shook her head and began ushering her away from the room.

"What's happening?" the child demanded once they were in the corridor. "Why wouldn't you let me get back to my mother?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you, Princess," the woman replied. "Or let you. It's your father's wishes if something happens. He doesn't want you to see."

"To see what?"

Before Virgo could reply, Lucy brushed past her. She opened the door again in time to see everyone crowded around her mother's bed. The princess felt an uneasy seep within her, not knowing what was going on. She began approaching the bed quietly only to stop dead as she heard uneven breathing. She didn't have to go any further to know who the voice belonged to. Making sure she wasn't heard, she slipped back out of the room expecting to find Virgo but was only alone instead. Suddenly, she dropped to her knees; tears began streaming from her eyes. None of this made any sense! What was happening to her mother and why wouldn't anyone tell her? She continued to sob until she heard the door open.

Looking over she saw the grave face of her father. She wiped away some of her tears, calling out his name but was completely ignored. Many others began to file out of their room which gave Lucy enough time to sneak back in. Once inside she stood beside her mother's beside, noticing her face had begun to pale. "Mommy?" she croaked. She froze, feeling hands on her shoulder and saw Virgo had reappeared. She ignored the woman and turned back to her mother. "Mommy, what's happening?"

The queen turned to look at her daughter. "Don't fear for me Princess," she responded, closing her eyes. "Just know that I always love you and the spirits will always protect you."

Lucy blinked. "What do you mean?" There was no reply which quickly caused her to panic. "Mommy? Mommy!" At the sound of her scream, people began to invade the room. Her father was one of the first to appear who only gave Lucy a look before nodding towards Virgo. With this, the young princess was pulled away from the action once again with tears streaming from her eyes. Once outside she quickly pulled away from Virgo. "Why! Why didn't you tell me what was going on?"

"You weren't suppose to see anything like that happen," the servant pleaded. "Princess, please I'm sorry."

"Sorry? How can I possibly forgive you? I hate you Virgo!..."

"My mother was pronounced dead soon after that," Lucy murmured, closing her eyes. "Not too long after that, father began taking away all of my study material and banned magic from the kingdom." She stopped, to sigh. "I can never forget that day of my mother's death or forgive myself for uttering those words to Virgo." She opened her eyes, gazing at the befuddled Dragon. "But, she never held me to those words and she's stayed loyal to me, even to this day."

I'm so sorry for asking you about that, Igneel replied. That must have been tough for you to tell me.

Lucy smiled. "Actually, it was a lot easier telling you that than other people I've ever met." She turned her attention towards the sky and noticed the stars were out already. "I'm pretty sure mother is up there with the spirits now."

The dragon turned his head towards the sky. What was the other constellation you had to tell your mother?

"That's easy, it-"

"Princess!" Virgo called. She dipped her head in greeting. "Sorry for interrupting you but I have finished the job. You may punish me now."

Igneel sweated dropped. Punish her?

Lucy chuckled. That started thanks to me "hating" her…She turned to Virgo. "Thank you Virgo but there will be no punishment." She stood up staring at the work. In this lighting, it looked to be a reasonable size that stretched out from what she guessed to be her window or…uh door? She couldn't wait to try it out eventually. "It looks wonderful."

"Then I shall be making my leave," the maid replied. "I'll see you in a couple of weeks, Princess."

The princess nodded in agreement and waved towards Virgo as she walked away. Once she was out of view, a yawn escaped the blonde. She fell back into the grass, taking in its comfort. "I really don't want to take on those stairs!" she whined.

Igneel chuckled. Then don't. He padded over to her and began to wrap himself around her, pulling her close to his side while his tail rested near his head. I'm pretty sure I can keep you warm and safe out here for tonight.

"That's very kind of you Igneel, but-" she cut off as the dragon raised his wings which began to blot out the sky. Lucy stared in amazement as she could see through the light pink like membrane of the wings. The body heat from Igneel was pouring off making her extremely warm. It was almost as if she was within a tent which caused her to sigh in contentment. This is really nice…

Glad you like it. Now, sleep tight, Princess and sweet dreams.

She smiled. Good night to you too, Igneel. Turning over onto her side, she got comfortable before falling into a deep slumber for the night. Little did she know, her dreams of dancing star spirits awaited her with a certain dragon constellation as well.