Hello everyone! A new chapter as promised! I will try, as I mentioned earlier, to work on more than one chapter at a time so the updates will be more frequent. I hope you enjoy, and, as always please leave a review telling me what you thought, they are fuel for my updates! Follow and favorite to see more, without further rambling, here you go! ~ naluhedgehogs

"Don't let us down" Master's words echoed in Natsu's mind as he left the guild. The princess needed him, after all, he was the one her father selected. Come to think of it, he never heard much about the princess. She didn't spend much time showing off in her father's court, attracting attention with fancy gowns, holding herself to some higher esteem, she didn't do any of that. Occasionally an article in a magazine would showcase her, an interview, some pictures, but that would be it. Even with the minimal coverage, all of the residents of the kingdom adored the golden haired princess.

Natsu had seen her in person once before. He wasn't one to attend stuffy meetings with the king's court, though his guild was invited often. He would leave that to Master, Mira, and Erza, who had no problem sitting and listening to the ramblings of various folk. For some reason, Natsu couldn't forget the day.

*flashback : 2 weeks prior*

Careful to avoid Erza's nagging to attend at least one court meeting with the rest of the guild, Natsu slipped out of Fairy Tail for the day. Wandering aimlessly through the streets of Magnolia, Natsu heard his stomach rumble. He felt around for his wallet as he made his way to street vendors selling various delicious, and sometimes odd, foods. And there stood a girl, her head draped with a purple hood, wrapped and tied in a delicate bow around her neck. Thanking the vendor as he handed her a parcel, she turned to a small boy, poor and thin, who clutched his arm with a few tears leaking out of the corner of his eye. "Now now" she spoke gently, "please do not cry!" She held the parcel out to him, and her soft brown eyes caught the light, a single lock of her golden hair falling from the hood. The boy looked up to her, and a small smile broke on his face. She shared the smile, and Natsu found himself unable to tear his eyes from the two. Using a soft finger, she wiped the tear from the child's eye. "Please, bring this home, eat. I hope your mother gets well!' His eyes widened "H-how-" She held a finger to her lips. "T-thank you princess!" He cried softly. She responded with a smile as he ran off down the street. She gave a smile back to the vendor as well, before handing him a few extra gold coins. Before he protested, she nodded, and turned, making eye contact with Natsu, who still stood.

"Oh! I'm sorry, sir! Was I in your way? Do pardon!" Natsu, still a bit behind, shook his head rapidly. "You weren't causing me trouble at all, you're good!" Once his words caught up with him, he felt a bit sheepish. 'youre good? Really Natsu? That's what you say to the princess?' He wanted to slap himself. She seemed to notice his internal struggle and laughed lightly. "It seems I should probably return to my castle, I'm sure my father needs me" she spoke, with notable softness. "I hope to meet again-" she left off with an air of question. "Natsu" he responded, shooting her a fanged grin. She smiled back "Natsu!"

*end of flashback*

He remembered the kindness she showed, and it made him feel a fire building inside. He had to get the princess back, her kingdom needed her. Even if it meant-

A train. He could feel his face turn slightly green as he approached the platform. But, steeling himself, he tried to prepare for the sickening motion forthcoming. The princess was last known to be visiting the small port town of Hargeon, likely in search of books, her father had laughed. She had a fondness for reading, and writing often took up a portion of her time. The magic shops and bookstores of Hargeon often lured her there. So, that was where he would look.

"Bleck" Natsu moaned, proceeding to roll around in his seat, desperately holding his fist to his mouth, sickeningly green and lying back against his pack. A worried assistant on the train had attempted to ask to help, but after Natsu promptly threw up in the attempt to speak, the girl hurried away. He groaned. "Dammit all" he muttered, making a pointed attempt to stay quite prone. But he kept his mind on his task. "I have to save her" No matter what.

A dreary two hours later, Natsu felt the train pull to a stop. Leaping animatedly from his seat, he snatched his pack and bolted off the train, falling dramatically to his knees, kissing the ground and muttering something about 'sweet sweet land' and 'damn trains'. Some passerbys stared oddly, but many, after catching a glimpse of his bright red guild mark, shook their heads and continued on.

After a good five minutes of ground-hugging, Natsu pulled himself up. He needed to find the princess. But. He also needed food. (AN: typical Natsu) Manuvering, or, more like bumping and pushing, through the clusters of people, he quickly found himself a restaurant and proceeded to empty the place of most all of its food. Steak, fish, chicken, pasta, fries, even salad was demolished recklessly with some waiters watching in awe, and even others cringing in disgust. Or horror. Likely the latter.

Finishing his meal and burping loudly (AN: cringe) Natsu continued on. Removing the piece of parchment from his pack, he read the king's note once more.

"To Natsu, the Dragon Slayer of Fairy Tail

I have heard of your abilities and it is my desperate request for your help. My daughter, Princess Lucy, has gone missing. She last left upon a trip to Hargeon in search of a shop rumored to have magic keys. To you, this may be a surprise, as it has been a secret since the passing of her mother, Queen Layla, mostly for her safety, but my daughter is a Celestial Spirit Mage. She has her keys, four golden Zodiacs and a couple of silver, but I fear that may not be enough to protect her. Please, save my daughter. We need her.

King Jude"

This was the third time he read the letter, enclosed was a ribbon, bright red in color with a small attached note, saying only "I have heard from Master Makarov of your keen senses. If this be any help, I pray you can use it." He held it to his nose, catching the distinct scent of soft strawberry vanilla. Placing the cloth in the pocket of his baggy pants, he clenched his fist, as his brain repeated itself for the 90th time that day. Lucy.

Cliffhanger! I hope you enjoyed! I plan to go back and revise chapter 1, I hope to make it a whole lot better, and I tried to make this one notably longer than I generally do! I hope you love it and until next time, please review and tell me what you think, favorite and follow if you enjoyed, love you bunches!

~naluhedgehogs