Lucy's POV

I gingerly stepped out of bed, not wanting to wake up the sleeping dragon slayer. Getting ready as quickly as I could, I left Natsu some food on the table and headed out. Checking my watch, it read 6 am. I hoped that the guild was open at this hour. It was so early, and the air was a bit chilly, so I wrapped my sweater around me tighter.

"Sheesh, and here I thought we were on the brink of spring…" I muttered to myself, enjoying the satisfying sound of my heels clapping on the pavement. Looking back, I smiled towards my apartment. Natsu sure was a heavy sleeper. Turning back around, I started to balance on the edge of the river as I usually did, sticking my hands out to keep balance. The night before, when Natsu asked that question… it brought me back to reality. Really, sometimes that boy can make me forget about everything. I wondered where Kukyo was, since he hadn't made a move yet. I still have yet to locate that crystal chamber, but I'm not sure when I'll have the time. That's why I decided to wake up earlier today. I needed to actually get something done. With a determined nod, I continued walking, and then darted to the forest. With the coverage of the surrounding vegetation, I used my dragon senses to sniff out Kukyo. Getting a faint lead, which was surprising, I pulled up my cloak, and headed east, a small smile gracing my lips. I had a feeling that this would be a long day. With that thought tucked into my mind, I ran faster, pumped harder, and steeled myself for what was sure to be chaos. After all, I was a Fairy Tail mage, and Fairy Tail was always getting into some sort of trouble. My small smile turned into a full blown grin as I thought of my crazy, overprotective, yet awesome family.

Natsu's POV
I woke up, yawning blearily. Immediately, I noticed the absence of my blonde best friend. Shooting up, out of bed, I searched the place. It was 10 in the morning. Eventually, I was led to the table, where there was some wrapped food and a small note. Picking up the small card, I read the neat, tidy script n Lucy's fluid hand.

I know that this is sudden, but I feel that I have to go search, because something's not right. Don't worry, I'll definitely come back, Natsu. But for now, I'm going to search for Kukyo. I'll be back in a day, don't worry. I won't do anything reckless, which is probably what you're worried about, but it's not like you're in any position to talk, you freak. Anyways, if you're that worried, just follow my scent. I'm following Kukyo's, but my scent shouldn't be too dim, unless you really are lazy and don't wake up until night or something like that. Anyways, with lots of love, Lucy.

I read the last part of the note, and my heart did this weird jumping thing. Smiling a little to myself, I shook my head lightly. Imagining Lucy, I started talking to the note as if she was really there.

"Idiot. Do you think that you leave me any choice? Of course I would come look for you. I'm fired up now!" I yelled, and jumped out the window, trusting my nose to lead the way. There was no way that I was going to let her out of my sight, ont after all that's happened so far. It's not that I didn't trust in her power, it's just that being near her calmed all of my nerves. She was, after all, my best friend. I couldn't live with myself if I let anything happen to her again. But then, isn't it like that with everyone in the guild? I know that, but… Lucy is special. I can't explain it, but I just know it deep within my heart. Clutching my chest as I ran, I felt my adrenaline pumping, and I was itching to reunite with my friend, even if we had only been apart for a couple of hours. Smelling the scnet of strawberry and vanilla gradually grow stronger, I grinned. I'm coming for you, Luce.

Lucy's POV
Kukyo's scent was super strong now. I stopped at a tree to catch my breath. I had been running for a couple of hours. Checking my watch, I know that Natsu must've woken up by now. Taking up a slow walk, I observed my surroundings. I had left the forest a long time ago, and it seemed as if I was in some sort of desert. Why would he be here…? Shrugging, I couldn't help but feel that the whole situation was fishy. I took another step, and I knew that something was definitely wrong. Not that I was an expert or anything, but I was pretty sure that sand wasn't supposed to feel soft. As soon as I thought this, the whole scene seemed to shatter, as if it was breaking apart, and some sort of mist faded, revealing golden grasslands. Silently cheering, I was happy that I was able t break through the illusion. Checking my watch again, I knew that I only had about ten more hours to investigate, but then I would have to go back. I knew how overprotective Natsu could be at times, and giggled to myself. Feeling a grumble in my stomach, though, my thoughts were interrupted, and I hastily summoned Virgo, who brought me some food. Sitting down on the soft grass, I said my thanks, and popped one of the rice cakes into my mouth, chewing thoughtfully. I sure had been through a lot with Fairy Tail. Even though it's only been a couple of years, counting Tenroujima, it feels like I've known them my whole life. Swallowing the small bite I had taken, I reached for another rice cake, only to see it snatched away in the second I was about to grab it. Surprised, I looked up, only to be face to face with a certain salmon haired slayer. He popped the stolen rice cake into his mouth, and flashed me a thumbs up.

"Yo!" He said in his usual, casual manner, and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic at the all-too-familiar greeting.

"You came." I bluntly replied, smiling, and Natsu looked taken aback.

"Of course I did, we're best buddies, right?" He said, grinning, and I could only nod. Summoning Virgo, I had her bring a lot more food out, and we began to eat together, sitting in golden grasslands and laughing at the random things. I liked it like this. It was nice.

"Hey, thanks for coming. We need to work hard now, okay? We have a lot of adventures ahead…" I trailed off, looking into his eyes. He looked back, and nodded.

"No problem. Besides…" Natsu trailed off as he stood up, and crouched down next to me so that our faces were inches apart.

"Don't we always have to stick together?" That one line touched me, and I smiled, blushing a bit.

"Geez, what's with you now?" I asked, looking away.

"Nothing. It's just that I'm tired from you always saving my butt. Besides, I have to repay Kukyo for all he's done to our guild!" Natsu said, punching his fist into his other palm. Leaning back and propping myself onto my elbows, I looked up at the sky.

"Ne, Natsu, how do you think we'll be able to handle all of this at once? I mean, Kukyo and Zeref?" I voiced my thoughts aloud, seeing that I had never dealt with two problems at once before. Honestly, it was a little overwhelming.

"Who said we had to do it all at once? We'll take it step by step together, just like we always have!"

I stayed silent for a moment, processing what he had just said. When I finally did, though, I laughed out loud, confusing him, and I threw my head back, smiling a smile that I rarely ever showed these days. He was right. I was just over thinking things. His bluntness was just another thing that I loved about him.

"You're right Natsu. You know, sometimes you're a genius!" I replied happily, and Natsu lifted his head up.

"Yeah, I know right?" He began, but then I decided to mess with him a bit.

"Say, , do you happen to know where Happy is?" I asked innocently, and watched in amusement as Natsu turned pale. As he began to panic, I wiped the tears that started to form. Man, I sure did laugh a lot around Natsu.

"Haha, I'm kidding. He's probably home in Magnolia, whining about the lack of fish in society." I joked, lightening up the mood. Natsu seemed to breathe out in relief, and stood up again. We began to walk again, trying to sense Kukyo. I skipped, humming to myself, something that I've gotten used to doing when I was bored. Natsu's head perked up.

"Luce, what are we gong to do when we get there?" Natsu asked all of a sudden, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Well, we're going to observe him. I've been having a bad feeling lately…" I said, my eyes darting around the scenery.

"Man! This place is soo boring!" Natsu exclaimed, looking in exasperation around the place, calm, swaying grass the only thing that could be seen for miles in each direction. Silently agreeing, I brushed my fingertips across the faces of my keys.

TIME SKIP
We'd been walking for hours. Just when we were about to give up, though, we finally had a break. Directly under us, we smelled Kukyo. The scent was super strong, and we silently nodded to each other.

"FIRE DRAGON'S IRON FIST!" Natsu shouted, breaking through the ground, revealing an underground chamber of sorts. I cringed, knowing tha tour previous silent communication was wasted, as anyone in a five mile radius could've heard that shout. Blowing some air out, I lightly brushed my bangs aside.

"Natsu! Be quiet!" I whisper yelled in the usual way that I did when we went on missions. He responded by softly chuckling as he helped me down into the crater. Jumping down and wiping the dust off of my thighs, I looked around. There were many corridors, and by the looks of it, there were multiple rooms. Taking in everything, I lit a small flame to light the way, knowing that Natsu would probably burn the place down.

Kukyo's POV

I gripped onto my arm as I pounded against the magic crystal. Cursing under my breath, I watched in near horror as the blood slowly started to seep past my hand. Cursing again, I slumped down. The damn crystal wasn't working. I was expecting to come back and be healed in a flash, but no, fate just had to come a mess up the damn crystal. And, of course, I had to make repairs… With a broken arm. Sighing in frustration, my ears perked up as I heard somebody approach. I stood up hurriedly, ignoring the piercing pain in my legs. My eyes darting around, I distinctly heard familiar voices.

"Shit, the brats are here…" I muttered under my breath, panicking. I saw a flash of blonde, and I immediately knew that I was screwed. There was absolutely no way in hell that I would be able to defeat the two of them in this critical condition. Wracking my brain for answers, I did the only thing that I could. I really hated to be the coward here, but there was no other choice. Immediately placing some runes in the entrance to the room I was in, I waited patiently.

Lucy's POV

We kept walking, but then I smelled him. It was Kukyo.

"It's hi-" I slapped my hand over Natsu's mouth as he was about to scream, knowing that Kukyo wasn't to be underestimated. However, I also smelled blood, and my curiosity took over me as I walked in front of a room. My eyes widened. There was a bloody Kukyo, and behind him… A blue crystal?! Jackpot! Silently cheering at his deformed state, Natsu and I started to charge in, but then stopped. We encountered runes, and I stood there, shocked. Natsu didn't seem to notice, though, and continued to charge in. Seeing the delay, I decided to take the chance. Running up next to him, I reached out for the crystal-

I felt myself begin to fade, and I cursed under my breath. Turning around, I quickly scanned my eyes over the runes, and felt disappointment seep in. I had been to naive. Of course there would be a trap. Teleportation runes. I turned on my heel to face Kukyo, and shot one attack at him.

"HOLY JUDGEMENT!" I yelled, but I only managed a tired smirk in triumph as the attack hit him, and Natsu and I teleported back to square one.

Natsu's POV
What the hell? One minute I was running towards Kukyo, fist raised, and the next, I was running smack dab into a very familiar, pink wall. Rubbing my forehead, I looked around, confused. We were back in Lucy's apartment, and I looked at the said mage for answers. My gaze locked with her tired, disappointed one, and all of a sudden I felt the need to console her.

"Well, that didn't go so well. But there's always next time, right?" She asked tiredly, flashing a smile that wasn't as evident on her face that it was in her eyes. I grinned back, still confused.

"Yeah, I'm not really sure what happened, but you're right. Just take it one at a time, remember?" I chirped in, hoping to lift the mood. Her smile now reached her lips, and, though it was small, I nodded in content. She lopped onto the bed, and started to stare at the ceiling. I looked up t where she was staring at, and became confused once again.

"Hey, Luce. What are you staring at? I mean what's so interesting about the ceiling?" I voiced my questions aloud, staring intently on the ceiling, hoping to ncover some hidden secret by doing so. Instead of getting an immediate response, I heard her chuckle slightly.

"Well, I guess it depends on the person. It's all right here." Lucy said, tapping her head while her gaze shifted over to me. Cocking my head, I tried to find the meaning behind her words.

"In your head?"
"Yup, in your imagination. You can see all sorts of things with it. You can dream, or you can have nightmares. You can have visions, or relive memories. Or, you can make up something completely unrelated!" Luce chuckled again, looking back at the ceiling.

"Well, you're the writer here, so I guess you make the plot." I pointed out, but she slowly shook her head.

"No, everyone's the author here, writing their own story. Remember that one time you said, 'I'm going to burn fate to a pile of ashes'? It's like that." Luce said, shaking her head at the memory. Sitting down cross legged on the carpet, I looked up at the ceiling. I looked in awe as I saw swirls of colors paint the dull canvas, and I saw many things. I saw Igneel, flying, and I saw myself chasing after him. But then he faded away into Lucy, and I watched as we chased each other around. Then the rest of the guild joined in, and we were all goofing off and laughing. I smiled. Then I turned my head, only to notice Lucy staring at me.

"What?" I asked, looking around me. She shook her head and grinned.

"See anything interesting?"

"Yup"

"Told you"

We sat in silence for a while, but then I popped my head back up, realizing something. Lucy stared at me once again.

"Igneel" I said the name breathlessly, remembering him. Lucy's mouth formed a small 'o' and she grinned, taking me by the hand.

"Almost forgot about him, with all of this madness! I really am weird, aren't I?" She joked, laughing. She pushed me out the window in her usual way, and I met her outside as she ran down the stairs in a hurry. Taking her hand once again, I set off at full speed towards the forest, wanting to see my dragon in a secluded area.

"Woah! Slow down!" Lucy said, a little nervous at my sudden speed, gripping onto my hand tightly. I merely grinned at her reaction.

"Nope! Full speed ahead!" I yelled, and ran even faster, earning a small squeal from the blonde mage.
"Oh Natsu! You are so dead!" She threatened, but her attempt at sounding threatening was thrown out the window by her wavering voice. I laughed, and she cracked a smile, one that was real this time.

Once we got there, I let go of her hand and stared at her expectantly. She must've laughed at my eager expression, because once she got a look at my face, she burst into fits of giggles. When she was able to calm herself down, she looked at me for a moment, then turned forward determinedly.

"Gates of the Reborn Souls, I open thee. Gate of the Fire Dragon: Igneel!" She shouted, twisting a key into the open air. A flash of gold, a puff of smoke. That was all it took to change my life. All from these drops of magic power from my favorite celestial mage. Before me stood a towering dragon, intimidating, yet its gaze kind. The magic energy rolled off of the figure in waves, an I felt the urge to fight to test the dragon's strength. However, a part of me knew that I could never hope to defeat this seemingly stranger of a dragon, because, with its fiery red scales, his sharp fang like canines, and the blazing fire in his eyes, I knew that this was Igneel. Without a single word spoken, I stepped forward.

"Hi"

"Hey"

Is it really you?"

"I think you know the answer to that, son." I felt something wet slide down my cheek, and I touched it. Looking at my hand, my eyes widened.

"I'm crying." I stated, as if it was a world changing discovery. Igneel chuckled.

"And here I thought you were a grown up." At that remark, I hurriedly wiped away my tears and flashed my biggest grin.

"Ah, there's the boy I know and love!" Igneel roared, and smiled in his fatherly way.
"I know, dad, I know. Welcome home!" I shouted as I ran into him, hugging his neck. It was warm, hot like a fire, yet not hot enough to burn. I snuggled closer, enjoying this fuzzy feeling that I had in my heart. The tears came back now, though I was completely aware of it, and this time, I did nothing to stop them. He was back, he really was. I didn't know why he left, and I don't think that I ever will know, but what matters most right now is that he's back.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to leave, but I had to. Thank you. Thank you for understanding. I'm home." The great dragon said formally, in a tone that i had never heard him use before. However, the words held so much kindness and care that I paid no mind.

"I never said I understood, but I'll try to. I missed you, dad. I missed you a lot." I whispered, knowing fully well that he could hear me. Letting go of his neck, I turned around, only to find Lucy missing. Weirdo.

Lucy's POV

I hid behind a tree, sniffling. He was back with his father now. I was so happy for him. I looked up, thinking about my own parents. Oh, how I missed them. I managed a small grin at Igneel's hearty roar, and shook my head. Standing up on my own two feet, I started to walk forward, admiring the vegetation and the wildlife. I couldn't be knocked down by something like this. I would be happy, with no regrets, that's what I had promised myself. I added a skip to my step, looking at the green of the trees, and at the rainbows of the flowers. Feeling a slight breeze through the air, I pulled my sweater around me. Spring, but not quite yet. However, I felt so happy that I change my mind. No, nevermind, Spring is here. I meant that in two ways, and smiled at my language, knowing how I even made my thoughts as story like as possible. My mind drifting to my novel, I felt at peace for the moment. Everything was right.

Natsu was with his dad, finally, after so many years. I had gotten stronger, and I had evolved in my own way. And now, I was going to stand proud with my family like never before, fighting off the challenges as always. Twirling a bit, I put my hands behind me as I started to dance while moving along. Letting my hair down, my hands fingered the breeze, and I listened as the trees rustled. Stopping in front of a rock, I sat down. I still had lots of questions. For example, how would Zeref fit into my story, and what would happen with Kukyo? What lay ahead for me, and how would I be able to use this power? How was Nina doing, and what was Jay thinking? Old friends, new friends, who would I meet along the way? These were all the questions in my head, but as I pondered them, I remembered Natsu's words, those words that probably changed my life forever.

Take it one step at a time.

No need to rush things, for I had all the time in the world for now.

For now.

I would always be with them, always be their side till the very end.

Till the very end.

I wouldn't give up, an I would stand up straight, if for my friends, for even forver.

Forever.

But, maybe, just maybe… If I had more time…

Just a little more time…

Maybe I could change things… for the better. I would do anything.

Anything.

However, I knew that not everything went as planned.

It definitely wasn't as planned.

What was the future like?
The future…

How long would I be able to keep up this strong front?

How long…?

No matter. Always, I promised everyone, I promised my family, that I would always be there for them. For better or for worse, through ups and downs, I would…..

Always be there, watching from afar, if not from up close. If only I had more time, that's what I used to think. It's now that I realize, though, that I always had too much. Nothing went as planned, and I made a sacrifice. Everyone is happy, but now I am left behind. What will become of me? How long until I break? These are all the questions that I have, but for now, and maybe for forever, they will remain unanswered. Somebody, tell me, when will my time run out?
Sorry for not updating. It's taking longer than usual because I heavily injured my finger! Bai!