HIIIIIII EVERYONE!
How is everything in your life! Guess what guys! I am happy to say that I will be updating protecting dragons more frequently then what I normally do! They changed my hours at work so now I can work on my stories after work without feeling so worn out with writer's block. Not only that but also my growing feeling alphabet fanfiction will be getting updates! Ehhh im so excited and now im also rewatching fairy tail so I can get more inspiration.
Thanks to sereneskydragonslayer, and guest for the reviews of last chapter…and for everyone that has favorite and followed my story… Thanks for all the support and being with me every step of the way. I hope I don't disappoint.
Chapter 17: The Dragonspirit's determination
"Taiyo! Taiyo! Look at this."
Taiyo sat up softly under the bright sunny sky with a confused face upon hearing his mother's voice. His hazel eyes scanning around only to see his mother running down a small grassy hill towards him with a wide smile on her face. The wind blowing around him is making the grass around him tickle his legs and hands. He stared at his mother with utter shock as tears slowly went down his eyes.
"Why are you staring at me like that, silly?" The blonde woman smiled as she bent down towards the boy ruffling his hair. Taiyo couldn't help, but stare at his mother in shock. He thought she was dead.
"Mommy? Why.." The small boy breathed out as tears come down his face. Lucy's face immediately turned to that of worry as she stared down at her son.
"What's wrong?"
"Lucy! Taiyo! What's taking you so long everyone is waiting?" Taiyo looked beyond his mother to see his aunt running towards them waving her hands smiling widely. Her short red hair glistened against the sun's rays as it swung from side to side. She stopped on top of the hill waving her family over. Taiyo stared at his aunt suspiciously noticing that her figure seemed to fade in and out slowly. Lucy looked back at her sister with a large smile.
"Come on, Taiyo! There is something you need to see." Lucy spoke excitedly as she grabbed her confused son's hand and ran toward her excited sister.
Taiyo let his mother drag him up the grassy hill. His mind kept reeling to what he knew. He thought she was dead. Was that a dream? Or is this a dream? But it feels so real. Maybe this is real and before was a dream. His mom is still alive. Taiyo let a smile spread across his face as he tightened his hand on his mother's. He can feel her pulse thumbing. This has to be real.
"Taiyo look!" He can hear his mother's voice yell excitedly. Taiyo looked down the small hill in shock to see all the members of Fairy Tail including the dragons look up at him with excited eyes.
"Happy Birthday, Taiyo!" They roared with excitement as they threw glitter like confetti in the air. They jumped excitedly smiling to their hearts content. Taiyo looked shocked then looked up at his mother jumping up and down.
"Happy Birthday, little booger." Cindy yelled excitedly as she picked up the small boy twirling him around. She laughed as she spun him then threw him really high in the air without hesitation.
Taiyo yelled as he flailed his arms and legs around in the air. He screamed as loud as he can with all his might thinking he is going to splat on the grassy ground. Then his small body landed on ice slide in mid air. The orange yellow eyed boy yelled as he slid down the slide at amazing speed. He went through a tunnel made of water then fire. Feeling the freezing temperatures of the ice then the scorching heat of the fire against his skin made him smile. Soon he was sliding around his family as they threw their magic at him to make beautiful shapes in front of his very eyes. Taiyo couldn't help, but smile at the sight and soon he was laughing happily. Then suddenly the slide had ended making him fall in mid air. Taiyo laughed happily as he fell into his mother's arms. His mother's whimsical laugh echoed in his ears as she held her son close to her body.
"Happy Birthday, Taiyo." She whispered as she hugged her son tightly then set him down. Taiyo looked up at his mother with a smile and tears of joy coming down his eyes. "Baby? What's wrong? Do you not like it?" Lucy let out in worry as she bent down to wipe Taiyo's tears. Taiyo shook his head disagree to his mother's words.
"No I love it. This is the best birthday. Thank you, Mommy. Thank you everyone. I'm so happy." He cried out loud. Everyone stared down at the small crying boy with a soft smile feeling pride in their hearts.
"Hey Buddy! Look what I got you." Natsu yelled as he ran up to the boy with excited eyes. Taiyo looked up at Natsu with confusion. He didn't feel any hatred towards the pink hair mage even when he saw Natsu grab his mother to plant a quick kiss on her lips. In fact Taiyo smiled at the sight. His mother's face was glowing with happiness that only Natsu can give her as she looked at him adoringly. Who was Taiyo to stand in the way of true love? If Natsu makes his mother happy shouldn't he be happy. Taiyo looked at Natsu with a wide smile as more tears come down his eyes. "What's wrong?" Natsu asked as he bent down to Taiyo's level looking at him with worried eyes.
"Thank you, Natsu. You make mommy happy. I'm sorry I was so mean to you." Taiyo let out as tears came down his eyes. Natsu looked at the small boy with a smile. "I'm sorry for trying to keep you away. It was just me and mommy before. I wanted to protect her. I want her happy, but I didn't see you make her happy."
"It's ok, Tai." Natsu smiled using his nickname for the small boy. He laughed lightly as he ruffled Taiyo's hair. Taiyo sniffed as he looked up at Natsu with big hazel eyes. Taiyo saw Natsu stare at him with pride not just any pride fatherly pride. "It's ok. ….Thank you. It seriously means a lot to know that you approve of me. We can be a real family now. You don't know how long I waited for this. Taiyo, Do you mind if I marry your mom? I love her and you so much. Both of you are my life. I want to be a dad to you." Natsu let out shocking everyone in silence. Lucy stared at Natsu in shock as she lifted her hands to cover her mouth silent tears going down her eyes. Taiyo looked at Natsu's expecting eyes in shock. He wants to be his dad? After everything he did to him? Taiyo looked around to see everyone looking at him waiting for his answer.
"Promise you won't hurt us." Taiyo finally spoke after much silence. A wide smile spread across Natsu's face as he nodded his head like a bobble head. "And protect us?" He nodded again. Taiyo let out a sigh of relief. He knows with all his heart that Natsu will protect his mother. Natsu will make Lucy happy no matter what life throws at them because they are soul mates. It almost makes Taiyo mad that he tried to stop it. "Okay!" Taiyo finally let out happily making the guild roar in happiness. Mira was the first out of everyone to scream at the top of her lungs in happiness as she cried hugging her sister with a smile on her face. They have been waiting for this moment for years.
"Wait, but Lucy?" Mira let out silencing the guild. Everyone stared at the silent blonde expectedly. Taiyo watched as Natsu turned towards Lucy bending down on one knee asking her to marry him.
"Idiot. Who proposes to someone on her son's birthday?" Lucy let out a choked laugh making everyone smile. Natsu smiled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head letting out a nervous laugh.
"I don't know. It just came out when he said that he accepted me."
"Same ole Natsu." Lucy smiled rolling her eyes. "Yes. I will marry you, dummy!" She then let out happily. Natsu looked at her shocked for a minute then he quickly jumped up wrapping his arms around the blonde. The guild roared with cheers as Natsu picked a laughing Lucy off the around spinning her in the air. "Where's the ring?" Lucy finally asked once Natsu put her down.
"I didn't get one yet?" The fire dragonslayer let out nervously as he stepped back from the blonde.
"Idiot! How can you ask me to marry you without a ring!" Lucy yelled as she hit her fiancée in the back of the head. The guild bursted into laughter as they witnessed the blonde scolded her fiancée as if he was a small child.
Taiyo stared at the scene in front of him with glowing smile. Tears of happiness going down his cheeks seeing his family celebrate. He can see Gajeel and Metallica singing in the background above the protest from Igneel and Natsu. Taiyo let out a laugh as he witness Grandine break the dragons apart while Lucy and Levi broke Gajeel and Natsu apart. Their laughs and cheers spread through the sky. Everyone is happy and so at peace now. Taiyo looked up at the sky closing his eyes softly. It was a dream. Nothing bad happened. His mother wasn't gone. He wasn't losing control of his magic. No one is out to kill him. He was peaceful and safe now. This was the best birthday present anyone could have given him.
"Taiyo?" The young dragon spirit opened his eyes to see his aunt look at him with sadden and worried eyes. She didn't even look human no more. More like a ghost now that was slowly fading.
"Auntie Cindy? Why are you?" Taiyo questioned with worry as he stepped closer to his aunt. Cindy stepped back smiling sadly at the small boy. The cheerful noise of the guild fading to silence as the wind blew around them.
"I don't have much time. I am sorry Taiyo that I have come into your dream, but I needed to tell you something."
"Dream?" Taiyo said softly as he looked back down towards where everyone to see them now gone. He knew it was too good to be true. The nightmare he had lived before was real. Cindy looked at Taiyo in sadness as she witness silent tears go down his cheeks. "Can't be?"
"I'm sorry, Taiyo. This is a dream." Cindy sighed as she stuffed her hands in her pockets looking down. "Lucy is still alive." Taiyo snapped his head up to stare at his Aunt in shock.
"Really?"
"Yes. And you will see her soon. You see Taiyo right now your mom is in bad shape." Cindy breathed out looking down at the now happy boy. He couldn't believe it. He thought she was dead. His mother is alive, but why is his Aunt fading. Taiyo looked at Cindy with worry. The red head sighed knowing that a million questions are running through the boys mind now. "Taiyo. Your mom needs you. She needs you to be strong. She needs you to not be depression. You need to be strong for the both of you. Control your power. She might have killed the dragon, but that is just the beginning." Cindy spoke as she bent down to Taiyo's level looking at him in the eyes. "I need you to get stronger. You need to protect your mother and the dragons. When she killed Acnologia Lucy has gained more power. So much that she is in a coma now because her body can't hold the power. The rest of the Dragonslayers are with her protecting her, but know Taiyo. Currently you and your mother give off a magical energy so strong that no demon can compare. People will be after the both of you. Word has spread that the dragons are still alive. You need to protect them and yourselves. Erza will be with you on your journey back to the Dragon realm where you will meet everyone. Train with Erza you will learn a lot from her."
"Auntie what about you?" Taiyo spoke up taking everything that Cindy has said to him. He knew not to ask questions and just take in the warning that his aunt has told him. Cindy looked down at the small boy with sadness her time is running out he should be waking up soon.
"Taiyo.." Cindy breathed out not knowing how to tell her nephew that his only aunt died protecting everyone. Taiyo stared up at his disappearing aunt with saddened eyes. He couldn't ignore the sharp pain of alarm that went through his heart. Cindy looked at Taiyo with a soft smile as she extended her arms out hugging him softly. Tears went down both their eyes for they knew this was goodbye. "I'm sorry. I tried my best. I will always watch you and Lucy from up there. You won't be alone. I am in your hearts. Remember what I told you."
"Auntie." Taiyo cried as he hugged her tightly to him. Cindy's hold tightened on the small boy as she sobbed out loud.
"Taiyo remember what I told you. Don't be upset for me. I am happy I died protecting them. I am happy. We will see each other again. Until that day I will watch you grow up. I am a spirit and since you are the Dragon Spirit that makes you connected to the spirit world in some way. If you are ever in trouble I will find a way to save you no matter what. Be a good boy. Don't give Natsu a hard time. Help Lucy recover from my death. Protect them all even the dragons. Goodbye, little booger." She whispered out the end softly disappearing in Taiyo's arms. Taiyo stood alone in the darkness crying for the loss of his aunt.
"Taiyo. Taiyo. Wake up." Erza's voice echoed through the darkness as the ground shook under Taiyo. Taiyo screamed as the ground broke under his feet making him fall into the blackness.
Erza stood in front of the sleeping boy with a worried expression. She has been traveling a whole day with him on her shoulders carrying him as she walked alongside with the exceeds who have been testing her patience. She was worried about Taiyo the whole time and decided to camp out and wait till he awakes. When she woke up this morning she watched with worry as he cried in his sleep.
"Taiyo?" Erza let out in worry as she shook the boy softly to wake him.
"He is still not waking?" Pantherlily let out as the exceeds stood in front of Erza looking down at the boy with worry.
"I am worried I hit him too hard." Erza let out her guilt as she looked down at the boy just to see him stir awake. Erza and the exceeds let out a sigh of relief as Taiyo jolted awake breathing heavily. Sweat beading down his face. His hazel eyes searched around frantically. "Taiyo? Are you alright?" Erza let out in worry as she stared at the small boy.
Taiyo looked up to notice the older woman's concerned eyes. He let himself smile softly at her as he remembered his dream. He is more than alright. His mom is alive. Erza and the exceeds watched with shock as the small boy let out a small tired smile at them. His eyes showing relief and determination.
"Yes." He breathed out as he smiled up at them. Happy let out a cry as he slammed himself into Taiyo's chest. The small blue cat cried on how worried he was about him as Taiyo just pet his head assuring the feline he was alright. Erza attempted to mask her worry and relief as she stood up looking away from the boy. Tears gliding down her face softly. "Erza-san?"
"Don't ever do something like that! Ever again! Happy wouldn't shut up in worrying like a small child. " The scarlet mage scolded not noticing the smile on the boys face. Taiyo looked up at the armor mage's back getting up slowly setting Happy down as he walked up to Erza's back hugging her from behind. "Wha-?" Erza let out a surprise yelp as her eyes widen.
"Thank you. For stopping me before I hurt anyone."
Erza let her hand fall on top on Taiyo's giving it a gentle squeeze. She let out a soft sigh as she looked forward ahead in the forest. The rustling of the leaves blowing with the wind echoed in their ears as they stood there. The exceeds watched in silence at their moment leaving them at peace as Taiyo let out a sniff.
"Mommy is still alive." He let out a sob of relief. "But Auntie….Auntie is….gone."
Erza stood in silence as she stared ahead in shock. The exceeds stared at the crying boy in shock. They couldn't believe it after what the boy said about his powers coming back with the conditions. After they believed in their hearts that she was dead. It turns out the mother of the small boy lives. Tears went slowly down their eyes as they looked at the boy.
"Lucy….Lucy is alive!" Happy choked out. A smile softly spread on his face as the tears went down his furry cheeks.
"But the girl we met that day…" PantherLily let out softly as he thought back to when they first saw Lucy's sister go through the guild doors with Natsu supporting her. They only just met her, but they couldn't help but feel sorrow for her lost. They all sensed her power. She seemed to be have the Fairy Tail spirit in her heart.
"Are you sure?...Where are they?" Erza finally spoke out softly as she turned around to face the small saddened boy. Taiyo looked up at the scarlet mage with a soft smile. He can see the determination and happiness in her eyes upon knowing her close friend is alive and well. But although she was relieved that her close friend was safe she felt sorrow in her heart knowing about the pain Lucy must be going through because of the lost of her sister.
"Auntie told me that they are waiting for us in the Dragon Realm. Auntie came into my dream and told me everything." Taiyo let out as he looked at his companions with sadden eyes. He continued to explain to them everything that his deceased Aunt has told him. A few tears went down his face softly as he couldn't help, but think of his Aunt being gone. His emotions in turmoil because he felt relieved and happy that his mom is alive, but sadden that his aunt didn't make it. Erza took in all the boy said with a serious yet pained expression. They will be after both the mother and son.
The Scarlet mage stared off into space with a sullen look. She couldn't believe after everything Lucy and Taiyo already went through it was just the beginning. Her eye narrowed at the ground as tears of frustration threatened to escape. She doesn't know what to do. She doesn't know how to help them. It just pisses her off even more that she doesn't know. Erza sighed as she ran her hand through her scarlet hair. Her dark eyes finally took in her surroundings making her gasp in shock.
"Taiyo!" Charle and Erza almost yelled as they noticed the trees around them glowing brilliantly as the groans of roots being pulled from the ground echoed around them. The boy's eyes shined in different colors. The sky darkened above them as the sounds of thunder echoed around them.
"Taiyo!" Erza yelled. Immediately bending down to the boy's level she shook him to get him out of his own thoughts. "Taiyo! Damn it, Taiyo! You need to control your powers. Don't let the emotions control you. Taiyo. Control your power." Erza practically yelled at the boy as she frantically shook him. Lightening shot down from the dark furious clouds deafening their ears as they yelled at the boy to stop.
"Erza! Stop him!" Pantherlily yelled above the noises. The wind blew furiously around them as if attempting to create a whirlwind around them. "Erza!"
"I don't want to hurt him again! Maybe…" Erza yelled back as she stared back and forth between the boy and the exceeds with frantic yet concerned eyes.
"Erza!" The exceeds yelled as the wind picked up almost lifting them off the ground as the lightening stuck the ground around them.
The boys magical power increasing at an alarming rate as his emotions start to get out of control again. Erza cursed out loud in frustration as she let out a breath making her face emotionless with no feelings. The exceeds watched in shock as Erza lifted her hand and smacked the small boy on his cheek. The loud smack echoed through the air as the boy's eyes changed back to its original hazel color to stare at the expressionless scarlet mage in shock. The weather went back to clear blue skies as the trees around them fell to the ground with a loud crash.
"You need to stop now Taiyo! I understand the pain you must be going through because of all that has happened to you…" Erza spoke softly.
"You don't know anything! I can't control my magic. I thought I lost my mommy. I didn't know what I was gonna do without her. But I didn't lose her. I lost my auntie while mommy is in a coma. It was all my fault. All this was my-" Taiyo sobbed out yelled. Tears going down his eyes as his faded into a grey color the sky darkened again as a soft fog surrounded them. Happy,Charle, and Pantherlily watched in concern at the scene in front of them not wanting to get in.
"No it's Not! Stop blaming yourself!" Erza yelled glaring down at the crying boy. "Do you think your mother would like hearing this from you?" Taiyo shook his head no. "You know she won't so why you say it! Taiyo why don't you understand what happened is not your fault. We are all family. Families protect one and other with their lives with no regrets. Your mother and Aunt would do anything for you as well as the guild. We love you and want to see you live a happy normal life. The fact that you blame yourself for all this pisses me off… Look ..Taiyo..Stop blaming yourself for things you can't control. If you want to avoid anymore disaster's then train control your magic. Don't wallow in your own self pity. Get stronger so that you may protect everyone you love. Live your life as any child should with joy not sorrow."
"How? I'm.."
"I know what you are. But you are also still a child. A child that wants to play and have fun not blame himself for the disastrous events around him. Stop blaming yourself Lucy wouldn't want it. Train and control your powers so you may protect the ones you love no matter what. Don't wallow in pain anymore, Taiyo. Don't lose control. I know it will be hard, but know we are here for you no matter what." Erza whispered as she hugged the small boy to her. Taiyo wrapped his arms around Erza's neck as he took in her words as tears went down his eyes. She was right and he knew it. "We are your family and we will do anything for you no matter what. We love you."
"Thanks, Erza-san." Taiyo sniffed as he pulled away smiling softly at the Scarlet mage. Erza smiled softly back at the boy seeing relief and determination shining in his hazel eyes. She couldn't help, but see a mixture of Lucy and Natsu in him. She stood up slowly looking at the fallen trees around them as well as the smiling exceeds.
"How about we get going?" She said looking back at the boy with a small smile. "We can't leave your mom waiting long. She needs you now."
Taiyo eyes shined with determination as he wiped his tears smiling at Erza. He nodded his head. Turning a new leaf in his life as he will forever hold Erza's words in his heart.