I'm sorry this took so long

I've been trying to get this finished and finally, this is it

Don't hate it too much.

Enjoy

-HonetBeeFox-

Wild and Strong

Lucy had no idea how she slept through the journey. One minute she was in her bed sound asleep, then the next thing she knew she was being carried in Natsu's arms while he was flying. The blonde already knew he had gained more dragon-like features, like his fangs growing more noticeable and sharp, scales growing on his skin, and his claws he always hid, retracting them into human hands, but wings? The moment she saw them Lucy nearly screamed, thinking she'd been captured by some giant bird. But once she saw Natsu's face she held back, though, he was hundreds of feet above the ground and could easily drop her to her death if he felt like it.

Lucy had no control over her shaking hands as they grasped Natsu's shirt, while she tried not to look down.

Natsu didn't look at her, but his grip tightened around her, almost like he was reinsuring her that she was safe with him. Lucy felt a bit better, but she still feared of falling.

They stayed quiet for what seemed to be hours. The only sound was of Natsu's wings pushing against the morning winds and his steady breathing.

"Where are we going?"

Natsu smiled as he picked up speed. Lucy's hair fluttered out and Natsu caught a whiff of her natural smell of vanilla, causing his cheats tightened and his heart to pound. Like an addicting drug, he wanted more, but he held back...for now anyway.

"My castle."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Castle? I thought the other castle was your castle?"

Natsu chuckled.

"It was once; though now it's practically rubbish. I have hundreds of hidden castle and hideouts no human or animal could find without me or one of my followers to guide them."

"What about our friends? What have you done with them?"

"Nothing yet, but I have plans for them. Don't worry they will have the best treatment I can offer."

Lucy could only hope his idea of 'treatment' didn't include electric chairs and starvation. Sure he treated her fine, but what about Grey? Laxus? They were rivals before E.N.D. what was the new Natsu going to do to them?

The castle Natsu spoke of was hidden on top a mountain covered by large, dark clouds in the ashen colored sky. Unlike the last castle, this one looked old, but not in any way The building looked like a mix between an archaic castle and an Aztec temple. Dark and light stones made up a pyramid structure but with seven large ledges wrapped around the sides. A wide stairway lead up to the tall tower ontop the structure, which had two bridges that fluxed out, leading to other towers on its left and right side. The feel of dark magic hung in the black mist as they approached. Lucy could see demons gathering outside the courtyard in alarming numbers.

Natsu swooped down, and like a hawk majestically landed at the foot of the castle stairs and folded his wings so they looked like a cape draped over his shoulders. The crowd of demons cheered and roared out at their master.

The scene reminded Lucy of the Grand Magic Games. How the crowds would make the ground shake with their excited voices, especially when Natsu fought Sting and Rouge. Even in the infirmary, she could hear the battle.

You Can't Be Contained

"Master." Mard Geer walked out from the castle doors. "Welcome back."

To Lucy's surprise and horror Jackal, Sayla, Ezel, Franmalth, Torafuzar, Tempesta, and Kyouka all joined Mard Geer's side. Even though she saw most of them killed by her friends at the battle, they stood in front of her healthy and without so much as a scratch. It was possible they were revived, but E.N.D couldn't have been responsible, why would he need them?

They all bowed as Natsu made his way up the stairs. He stopped just as he passed Mard Geer.

"I'll join you and the others in the great hall." He turned to Sayla. "Take Lucy to her room and meet back up with us."

He sat Lucy down on her feet and Sayla took the blonde's arm. Natsu's eyes didn't leave Lucy's till she disappeared down the hall. Even then he hesitated to move.

"My lord?" Jackal asked.

Natsu snapped his attention to the waiting group of his fellow demons. "Well?" He snapped. "You don't need me to find the great hall, GET GOING!"

Never Bound

Lucy hated to admit it, but she loved the room Sayla brought her to. Unlike her other, this one was round and made of polished marble. The windows overlooked the courtyard, where dozens of demons rushed from the castle doors and down the mountain slope. The furniture was all carved from a dark oak, which included a queen-sized bed, a large dresser with a mirror, and a small desk. The fireplace was carved out of marble and shaped into galloping horses. The fire inside the hearth was warm and soothing, with a smell of lavender, but that mattered little to the blond with a demon in her presence.

Sayla was gone before Lucy could ask or say anything. But there were voices from behind her door, most likely they were from the palace guards.

Lucy took one last look around before she got out her keys and summoned Virgo. She needed to talk to a friend. The thought of escaping crossed her mind, but she knew that Natsu had made her spirits his allies. There was no escaping this place.

The pink haired spirit emerged from the celestial world, looking just as she did when the eclipse gate had caused them to go dark. The blonde stepped back in a fright.

"Is it time for punishment, princess?"

"Virgo, is that really you?"

"Does my appearance displeases you, princess? Shall you punish me for it?"

Lucy smiled. It was a relief to know her friends hadn't changed all that much. But the thought of the others still worried her. She'd yet to see one of them.

"Princess are you well? you look pale."

"Virgo, where is everyone?"

The celestial smiled. "Master E.N.D. is in the process of rewriting their memories."

Nor ever chained

Lucy stood frozen. She wanted to scream, but her words were caught in her thoughts and all she could manage was a small, short gasp. She never felt so scared for her friends' safety then that very moment. But Lucy also expected some sort explanation from her friend. Virgo was crazy, but she wasn't evil.

"Soon you will be with them, but for now you must be kept here. Master has ordered it."

"Virgo you can't be-"

"Serious?" She interrupted. "I am. You're sad and I wish to see my princess happy." Virgo took Lucy's trembling hands in hers and brought her into a hug. "You shall be happy, I'll make sure of that."

The celestial mage stepped back. This was all wrong. Virgo wasn't the same spirit she loved. Dark magic had corrupted everyone she cared for. Natsu, her celestial spirits, soon her entire family, they would become something else.

But what was to become of her?

The Wounds you caused

Will never mend

Natsu yawned as he glanced up at his fellow demons. They all sat in their spots around the table, talking and bickering among themselves. He hated to be there, nothing but stupid talk. His muscles were aching for a fight. He'd see to it the demons wouldn't disturb him for the next few hours.

"...so we attack the capital as soon as possible. Our armies will overwell theme before the sun sets tomorrow." Mard glanced over at Natsu. "Will your lordship be pleased with that?"

E.N.D sighed, nodding his head. Thinking an invasion was a way to pass the time, but something could always make a battle more interesting.

"Then-" Mard Geer started but was quickly interrupted by his master.

"On second thought, Mard Geer. No, the plane doesn't please me." E.N.D smiled as he looked at his followers, as they tried to conceal their looks of shock. His mind may not have been too focused on the meeting, but he would have his fun while he could, and this attack was the perfect opportunity to see the true angst of the kingdom of Fiore. "What fun is there in seeing people afraid? What happened to the demons who loathed every emotion? Who craved the pain of others? Relished in the screams of carnage?" E.N.D looked at Mard Geer and flashed his sinister smile. "We don't attack, but my new soldiers will."

Kyouka suddenly stood from her seat. "But my lord-"

"Quiet you wrench!" Mard Geer snapped. "Master's words are final. Tell Sayla and Ezel to bring out the prisoners, their memories should be rewritten by now."

And you will

The demons, in an elaborate display of flashing colors and shadows, disappeared into thin air. All except E.N.D and Mard Geer.

"If his majesty wishes?" Mard bowed, placing a hand on his chest. "I would gladly lead the new soldiers into battle."

The dark lord's smile faded. "No. I will not risk my new pawns in your careless hands." E.N.D's dark eyes flashed red. "Consider this punishment for failing to revive me when you had my book not long ago."

The words seemed to affect the black-haired demon. He cringed and looked down in great shame before his master. His prideful expression was long gone.

"Also," The demon king stood from his seat. "Make sure Lucy is brought too. I have some unfinished business to talk about with her so you better make damn sure we're not interrupted."

"Of course my lord."

E.N.D's eyes returned to their dark shade.

"Good. Leave now, your presence is a nuisance."

Mard Geer obeyed his master's words and disappeared in a puff of strange, black smoke. E.N.D too made his leave of the room, the thick candles mysteriously blowing out as he walked by them, leaving everything in tottle blackness and gloom. Just the way he liked it.

Never End

Till next The next chapter

See ya

-HoneyBeeFox-