The Crimson Dragon

by Connor Coccino

Connor has been alone for years haunted by his past. But when he meets fairy tail he finds a family and people he will protect. My first story (no set updating schedule)

19. Crimson memory: Final part

Hello everyone it's Natsu here.

Okay so I am so psyched to write this one. God I've been waiting so very long to write this chapter. I've had so many ideas this time around. Some have been scrapped and some made it through. God this will be fun. I think I'll still be getting ideas of how this could be better even after it's posted. God so excited can you tell? Lol okay well enjoy your chapter cookie. Get ready for a long one.

Don't own FT.

Ch 19: Crimson memory final part.

"Crimson dragon blazing fist!" Connor shouted running at Kai ready to punch his lights out.

"Sea dragon tsunami fist!" Kai shouted as well.

The two young men had entered yet another fight. For the year that Kai had been around he and Connor had become fierce rivals. They would argue, and then arguing led to squabbles, and that eventually led to a full on fight. There was only one powerful force that could end their clash.

"Will you two cut it out!" Luna shouted. The two stopped their charge and dissipated their magic "seriously learn to get over it. You don't have to fight over everything."

"But it was his fault!" They shouted in unison both of them pointing at the other.

"I don't care who's fault it was!" She shouted silencing the the two.

"Sorry Luna" Connor apologized "we'll work on it."

"Yeah we're gonna be best buddies today we promise" Kai said.

"That'll be the day" She sighed "anyway get ready to go dragon hunt is tonight and we need to go on a supply run."

The two nodded and headed into their cabin to finish preparing for their trip.

Their little cabin had grown to quite a large size. Kai, since he had been quite large, had helped dramatically with redesigning their cabin. It now was quite large with three separate bedrooms for each of them. Most of their furniture was kept the same. There was a nice couch and chair off to the side beside Connor's bedroom door which he actually had quite an issue with due to him constantly running his door into the couch which Kai would always snicker at. They led a pretty good life all in all despite the fact they were virtually criminals.

"Come on Connor we gotta get moving we haven't got very much time." Luna said.

"Yeah hurry it up already!" Kai shouted.

"Yeah yeah I'm coming." Connor said strapping his sword sheath around his torso and heading outside.

The three young dragon slayers walked down toward the village to gather their monthly supplies.

"Okay Luna what's the plan for today?" Kai asked.

"We don't need too much we still have a lot of supplies leftover from last month. Most of what we need is fresh water."

"Lets get going then" Connor said.

The trio went quickly in search of their water. And after receiving it wandered through the town in search of anything to do. They ignored the men preaching anti-magic. While passing the many preachers one of them caught Connor's attention.

"Hey Connor what's up?" Kai asked.

"Be quiet a minute" Connor responded.

"For those who wish to see the punishment of the evil magic users there will be a stake burning today in the town square! And that's not all my friends it seems our hunters have begun the dragon hunt early and caught none other than a dragon slayer!" The preacher shouted excitedly. The crowd cheered and started.

"They're going to publicly kill a dragon slayer" Luna said.

"There's nothing we can do that's how things are here" Kai said solemnly.

"Bullshit" Connor said suddenly clenching his fist and running into the town square. His eyes a shiny bright blue.

"What the hell is he doing?!" Kai shouted.

"He's gonna try and stop the execution come on we have to go after him" Luna said sprinting after Connor.

"That idiot" Kai cursed following dropping their water and running after Luna.

Connor dashed through the city as the night fell. He ran as quickly as he could rushing through citizens even shoving some out of the way. He refused to let another innocent die from some stupid misconception. When he arrived he saw a girl about the age of he and his friends tied bound to a wooden stake. She had blonde hair and bright electric blue eyes. She was dressed in a dress made of rags that could barely cover her. A man stood by the the stake holding up a torch preaching words about the evils of magic and those who used it to the mass of people in attendance. This enraged Connor further and he charged through the crowd. He thought of a plan he would sneak behind the stake to where no one was and cut the girl's bindings from there he didn't know what else to do other than save her. He donned his cloaks hood and ran to the other side of the stake.

Just then Luna and Kai had arrived desperately searching for Connor.

"Look for his cloak it should stand out" Luna said.

"Right" Kai began to search the crowd spotting Connor's bright red cloak heading toward the back of the stake. "Luna! He's over there!"

"Good job let's get him quickly" Luna said dashing in that direction.

The girl tied to the stake simply stared at the man who would soon burn her to death and laugh along with the crowd as she died screaming. She began to cry to herself she didn't deserve this she had never harmed anyone and she was being punished. She felt a hand clamp across her mouth and she began to panic.

"It's alright" Connor whispered to her "I'm going to get you out you'll just have to trust me" He let go of her mouth and let her speak.

"Thank you so much. I'm Aura" She said.

"It's good to meet you Aura,

I'm Connor. Try to be quiet until I get you out" he said as he drew his sword and cut at her binds. Lucky for them it was a dark night and no one had yet to see Connor. They had until the man holding the torch shone the torch on them.

"And now my friends let us burn this dragon slayer and begin the dragon hunt!" Torch man shouted turning to face a now free Aura and Connor "the demon is free! And She has an accomplice! Get them both!" He commanded.

"Oh no" Luna and Kai said as they watched the scene before them.

"Run Aura! " Connor shouted.

"Okay" she replied running off into the night. Luna chased after her and Kai followed leaving Connor surrounded.

"Those two can catch the bitch leave it to them. Capture the heretic!" Torch man shouted sending the mob of people after Connor. Connor simply let them take him. He had come up with a quick plan that all hung on whether or not how they decided to punish him. They roped up to him the stake letting him keep his sword believing the searing metal would harm him further. After tying him up tightly the torch man lit the pyre and set Connor ablaze.

The crowd cheered as Connor supposedly burned. When he wouldn't scream or show pain one of them gasped and shouted "the flames! They don't burn him!"

"He's a demon! A demon of fire!" Another shouted.

"He's one of them kill him quickly!" Torch said.

Connor ignited himself in his crimson flames further burning away his restraints and setting himself free. "Crimson dragon booster!" He shouted blasting off of the stake and into the crowd. The group of villagers ran from him as he ran through them, his body still ignited. He ran into the night heading back into the forest unfortunately his hood had fallen off during the struggle and his face had been revealed.

Meanwhile Aura was running straight into the woods followed closely by Kai and Luna. "Go away! I don't want to hurt you!" She yelled.

"We're not trying to hurt you!" Luna shouted back "we're friends of Connor the person who saved you!"

Aura stopped and turned to face them "how do I know I can trust you?" She asked. Luna raised her hand and created a bright white ball of light around her hand. Kai swirled water around his fist. Aura sighed in relief "alright. What are your names?"

"My name is Luna and I am the moon dragon slayer" Luna introduced herself.

"Mine is Kai I'm the sea dragon slayer. Obviously I use water magic" Kai said.

"So you're subclasses as well. My name is Aura and I'm the lightning dragon slayer."

"I wasn't aware lightning was a subclass" Luna said.

"My Lightning dragon is a subclass to the sky dragon. Though many consider it to far out match it's main dragon."

"But isn't there that whole thing with subs and mains?" Kai asked.

"Yes there is still that" Aura replied.

"Well we'd better get back to the house I doubt they managed to burn Connor. He's probably on his way back already" Luna said heading toward their cabin "and Aura since you have nowhere else to go you'll probably have to come with us."

"Thank you very much. I promise I'll help any way I can" Aura said happily.

Connor had just arrived back home after escaping the mob of angry villagers. He stood panting outside of the cabin. He had to use his booster a multitude of times in order to ensure he lost the mob of rioters and thus he was dangerously low on magic power and running through the woods late at night wasn't very good for his health either. And although he was utterly exhausted he felt fantastic. He had saved someone's life and that filled him to the brim with pride. He walked up to the door walking tall until suddenly a large fist slammed him onto the wooden porch.

"You damn idiot!" Kai shouted.

"What the hell Kai!?" Connor shouted.

"Don't give me that. What you did back there was dangerous and stupid!"

"I saved that girl! She'd be dying right now if I hadn't done anything!"

"And by doing that you've put us at risk including her! The whole country will be on you now!"

"I don't care! I wasn't gonna sit and watch while they all laughed as she died!"

"Both of you cut it out!" Luna shouted silencing the two bickering boys "you're acting like children. So will you stop arguing and just come inside" she pleaded.

The two boys glared at each other and walked into the cabin.

Connor was once again given a surprise attack in the form of a hug from Aura "thank you so much Connor. I'll never be able to pay you back for this"

Connor smiled and returned her hug. He felt the anger he had towards Kai disappear for a few moments "you don't have to pay me back for anything I was happy to do it."

Luna frowned slightly when she saw Aura Hugging Connor. "Ahem" She interrupted the two drawing their attention "we should probably let you rest Aura. You can sleep in my room with me tonight."

"You don't have to do that Luna I can just sleep out here" Aura Replied.

"Its really okay. I have plenty of extra space in there."

"Okay then lead the way"

Luna and Aura went into Luna's bedroom to allow Aurato rest after her ordeal leaving Connor and Kai alone in the living room.

"You made a stupid decision. They'll be on the hunt for you now" Kai said. Connor stood silent letting him speak. "Things will be harder. They'll lock down the city and give the hunters even better supplies to track you down. We are stuck and it's your fault."

"I don't need your approval Kai. I made the right choice. I saved an innocent life." Connor argued.

"At the risk of ours. You cannot do something like this again Connor."

"I'll do what I want. If I want to keep saving people then that is what I'll do."

"You're making a mistake."

"I don't care."

The two of them stood silent staring each other down before Kai broke the silence."I can't look at you right now" He said going into his room.

Connor growled and headed to his room. He flopped onto his bed and fell to sleep. He heard a knock on his door later in the night. "Kai! Piss off man!"

"Its not Kai" Luna's voice replied.

"Then come on in"

Luna opened the door and walked inside dressed in a white undershirt and a pair of black sweatpants dotted with little crescent moons.

"What's up Luna?" Connor asked.

"I wanted to talk you about what you did tonight."

"What about it?"

She sat beside him on his bed "I think you did the right thing that girl is alive because of you."

"I'm glad you think that."

"But Kai is right too. That was very dangerous. If it was anything other than fire that they were using you could've died."

"I know I just wanted to do something I'm tired of those ignorant jerks killing us for our magic. It's not right."

"We've always known that this is the way things are run. But you're right. If I could have anything I'd just want to live somewhere where magic could be used freely and we wouldn't feel the need to hide in fear anymore."

"Maybe we'll find a place like that one day. I don't know." Connor said.

Luna rose from Connor's bed "well I just wanted to let you know that. I need to get back to bed."

"Thanks Luna you're a great friend."

"No problem" she replied with a smile and headed out the door. She frowned once she left and said sadly "so I'm just a friend." She returned to bed and fell back to sleep.

"Luna..." Connor laid back down and thought of Luna. How she always took his side and supported him every step of the way. "I need to tell her..." he said solemnly before falling to sleep.

The next morning came a little too quickly for Connor. He was still exhausted from the previous evening and wanted to sleep in. Unfortunately he was rudely awakened by a ton of water splashing in his face.

"Hey cinderbrain wake up!" Kai shouted.

"Go away Kai..." Connor slurred out tiredly.

"Your little stunt last night made us lose all our supplies. And since you're public enemy number one you've got to stay here while Luna and I go get them all back before they begin the second night of the hunt."

"Then why the hell did you wake me up salt for brains!?"

"I felt like you needed a punishment and Aura needs to be shown around the forest."

"Ugh alright fine could you at least dry me off?"

"Yeah sure" he lifted his hands and tiny water droplets lifted off of Connor and his bed.

"Thanks salty" Connor grumbled.

"Yeah whatever get up Aura is waiting for you."

Connor dressed and equipped his sword then met the others outside.

"Nice of you to wake up Connor" Luna chided.

"I'm really tired okay..." Connor replied tiredly.

Luna huffed "we're heading into town soon show Aura around the forest. We'll be back in an hour or so" and with that she stormed down to the village with Kai in tow.

"You ready to go?" Aura asked.

"Yeah let's get moving" Connor said walking into the forest.

The two of them stuck close together as they walked through the woods. Connor had noticed that Aura had replaced her old rags with an old outfit Luna used to have. It was a bright yellow tee shirt and a pair of short shorts, and she also wore a sky blue pair of sneakers. She was a couple inches shorter than he and Luna but it was barely noticeable. Her breast size was comparable to Luna's but was still easily smaller. Her electric blue eyes seemed to crackle with power like a powerful lightning bolt. And her long straight blond hair shone in the sunlight though it seemed a little dirty most likely due captors. Her skin was slightly tanned but again she had some dirt caked in her skin. She was truly a beauty even though her captors had caused some imperfections her beauty still shone through.

"Hey Aura?" Connor said.

"Yes Connor?"

"What kind of dragon slayer are you?"

"I'm the lightning dragon slayer."

"So you're a subclass like the rest of us."

"You're a dragon slayer too?"

"Yeah the crimson dragon slayer a fire dragon subclass."

"That's so cool." She said excitedly "I'd love to spar with you one day."

"Any time you'd like. I'll show you the river and you can get cleaned up there."

"Alright good. I haven't bathed properly in a while" she chuckled embarrassed.

Connor laughed "alright follow me"

The two walked toward the riverbed where Luna and Connor would usually bathe. Kai was able to create his own water of course and bathed himself in that. It was a calm river with a gentle flow. It was relatively clean and you could see clear to the bottom of the shallow river. Although shallow it was tall enough to reach Connor's hips and allow a nice bath. On the shore was a large beach which Kai and Luna enjoyed often but Connor avoided, his excuse being that sand and fire didn't mix. All and all it was a nice place that they all greatly enjoyed.

"Well here we are. I'll let you get cleaned up and then we can continue the tour" Connor said.

"Thanks I won't be long" Aura said.

And so Connor left and began to wait. He waited and waited and waited. After about thirty minutes he became impatient. "What is taking so long" he grumbled "maybe I should make sure she didn't hurt herself the current can get pretty strong sometimes." He rose from his spot and headed back down toward the river. When he arrived his face became redder than his crimson fire. Standing before him was the naked form of Aura.

She turned around and saw him and instantly covered her breast. They stood in awkward silence before she shouted "will you stop staring at me!" Connor snapped back to reality and ran back into the woods apologizing profusely.

Later on after Aura had finished she met up with Connor "next time try to use some common sense."

"Yes ma'am" he said quietly.

"I'm pretty sure Luna wouldn't appreciate this either" she said.

"What do you mean?"

"You actually haven't picked that up?"

"Uh..."

"Dragons produce strong hormones when they find a particular mate they wish to court and they will fight any other dragons that wish to claim them."

"Your point?"

"Dragon slayers act the same except without killing each other."

"Still not getting it."

"Luna doesn't like me around or the fact you're interacting with me. She considers me competition. And she's also going to be huffy with you and me until she gets used to me being around."

"Oh I get it that explains her attitude this morning. What about Kai? he was being a jerk this morning too does he consider me some sort of competition?"

"That could be a possibility but from what I've seen so far I'm pretty sure he just hates your guts" She giggled.

Connor smiled "well I feel the same way for him. Lets continue our tour and then we'll head back to the cabin."

"Alright let's get moving."

The two of them headed out to continue the tour of the forest they called home. The whole time they walked one thought stuck in Connor's mind "could Aura be right about Luna and I?" Connor showed Aura many of the different places he and his friends had explored over the past year. He told her a story of when they had wandered into a cave that was the home of a pack of angry hellhounds and had to escape before they were overwhelmed (one shot idea?). He showed her his personal training ground which was a simple open clearing covered in charred trees and scorch marks.

"So this is where the crimson dragon comes to train" Aura said.

"Yep. Only other person who knows about it is you" Connor said.

"Why is that?"

"Because I'd like a good fight and I don't want Luna yelling at me for a torched up yard."

"You wanna spar?" She asked excitedly.

"That is why I brought you here." Connor replied.

"Yes! I want to see the kind of moves you have."

"Then head over to the other side and we can start."

She rushed over to the end of the field. Connor stood at the opposite side and ignited his fists. "Ready!? Begin!"

Connor charged Aura who simply stood like she was waiting for him. When he reached her and was about to strike she turned into a bolt of lightning and snuck behind him.

"Lightning dragon's thunder fist!" She shouted striking Connor in the back with a fist sparking with electricity.

It didn't cause much damage and Connor quickly turned trying to strike again. She dodged in her lightning form again. Each time Connor tried to move she would simply dodge him. She didn't do much damage but each hit wore away at Connor's stamina. He raised his arms trying to block as much as he could as she zipped around his body slowly bringing him down. He was stuck and stressed for an idea then it hit him.

"Crimson dragon's burst!" He shouted releasing a small explosion around his body knocking Aura away. Taking an opportunity he charged "crimson dragon booster!" He attacked quickly before she recovered unleashing a flurry of fists into her torso.

Aura fell back first onto the ground cringing in pain "I yield. You're way too strong for me."

"Thanks. I practice a lot."

"I can see that. Help me up please." She said lifting an arm up. Connor took her arm and helped her up onto her feet.

"You're really quick Aura. But don't rely on that. Lightning isn't only quick It's powerful. Train your body and become stronger and you will be unstoppable" Connor advised.

"You think so?"

"I'm sure of it."

Aura smiled "thanks."

"You're welcome we should head back though."

"I want to train again as soon as possible."

"We'll train together soon." Connor said walking toward the cabin.

"Awesome!" Aura shouted happily.

The two headed home their tour concluded. And Aura was excited find someplace to call home. The two headed inside to find Luna and Kai awaiting them with their newly gotten supplies.

"It's about time" Luna whined.

"Luna I need to speak to you" Connor said approaching his long time friend.

"What about?" She asked.

"Just come with me"

He led her to the hall between their rooms while Aura and Kai gathered up the supplies.

"Okay what is so important?"

"I just wanted to say..." Connor faltered.

"Say what? Spit it out" Luna demanded.

Connor sighed "Luna you are more than just a friend to me. You're like my other half and I can't survive without you. If anything happened to you I would be torn to pieces. That's what I wanted to say."

Luna was silent and her face was bright red. She couldn't believe what Connor had just said to her. She didn't know that was what he thought of her and she felt a little lump in her throat as he said it.

"Will you say something please you're making me really nervous" Connor pleaded.

"Oh. I um I feel the same way. I don't know what I'd do If you weren't around" she replied.

"I'm glad to hear that" He said with a smile.

"I'm glad you said it"

They joined the others in their dinner. Despite Kai and Connor's argument a few days prior everything was turning out alright for the wizards. Little did they know a darkness shadowed them waiting to strike.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Nine months later.

"Connor! Come on get up!" Luna shouted at Connor's sleeping form.

Connor jumped up with a shout then turned to face his the lunar dragon slayer "what the hell Luna!" He yelled back at her.

"You promised you'd train with Aura today while Kai went on a supply run for tonight. Just because you're public enemy number one doesn't mean you don't get to not keep your promises."

Connor groaned and climbed out of bed "yeah alright. Just stop shouting at me. You do it all the time."

"I do not." She argued.

"You all do!" He shouted "I'm gonna be deaf by the time I'm twenty-one."

"Don't be so dramatic. Get ready Aura seems really pumped up."

"Yeah just give me a minute I'll be out soon."

Luna left the room and let Connor prepare. Ever since Luna had told Aura that Connor only drew his sword on serious opponents she had been hounding him to spar with her and try to make him draw his sword. She had yet to succeed. Connor admired her determination Aura was determined and when she put her mind to it she stuck to it. And as she predicted after about a month Luna had adjusted to her.

Three months after Connor had rescued Aura things seemed all clear. Other than the fact that Connor and Aura were forced to stay behind at the cabin due to the villagers seeing their faces the night of the rescue everything was normal.

"Alright I'm good to go" Connor said walking outside. He stopped when he saw only Aura standing before him "where is everyone else?"

"They just left" the blond replied "but let's forget that and go to the training ground."

"You're pretty straightforward today." Connor observed.

"I just wanna get there. This time I'm gonna see that sword" she said.

"Then let's get going."

Aura dashed off toward the training ground. She'd grown to love the place. It was a nice place for her to get stronger with Connor teaching her. She admired Connor not only because of him saving her life but she admired his strength and power when it came to a fight. She aspired to beat him one day but first she had to have him draw his blade.

They arrived quickly and took their sides. And ever since Luna had told her about the sword Aura had challenged Connor everyday determined to have him use that blade.

"Ready Aura!?" Connor shouted from the other side of the training field.

"Ready!" She shouted.

Connor examined Aura. She looked clearly stronger than the first time they sparred. And her eyes seemed to spark with power. He felt wary about this fight Aura may have finally got her wish. "Begin!" He shouted.

They set off charging at each other. Aura entered her lightning mode and got behind Connor "lightning dragon's thunder fist!" She shouted making a strike for his back.

"Crimson dragon's burst!" Connor shouted releasing a fiery burst from his body. He felt much weaker afterwards. It was a relatively new move and it cost a lot of magic power. "You know not to do that already" he scolded.

After being knocked away Aura got back up. She'd become much more resilient through her training and was able to take Connor's hits a lot easier. "Then let me show you something new" she responded. She pointed a finger from each hand toward Connor while he recovered "lightning dragon's lightning shot!" Miniature bolts of lightning shot from her fingertips in Connor's direction.

Connor stared down the shots of lightning. Everything seemed to slow down as he reached for his sword. He unsheathed his blade and block the lightning shots. They were powerful enough to knock him to the ground but thanks to his magic blade He managed to make it without too much damage.

"I did it! I got you to use your sword!" Aura shouted happily.

"Yes you did. But can you handle it" Connor replied.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean this" Connor's body was quickly engulfed in his crimson fire. He attacked with immense speed and power slashing at

Aura with the dull side if the blade and sending her to the ground.

Aura lay on the ground groaning in pain "so that's why you didn't want to use it on me. That really hurt."

Connor sheathed his sword and helped Aura up."I told you. But I'm very impressed, you've come really far, not even Kai has made me draw my sword."

"Thanks. I've been putting all I have into this. Maybe next time I'll be able to beat you"

"With how fast you put me on the defensive I wouldn't doubt it." Connor looked toward the sky it looked to be about noon."the Luna and Kai will be coming back soon we should meet them back at home."

"Then let's get moving" Luna said heading back to the cabin.

The two wizards arrived back at home and upon walking inside they discovered a crestfallen Kai and Luna sitting at their table.

"What's going on you guys?" Connor asked.

"There's going to be an execution tonight" Luna replied quietly.

"That isn't anything new" Aura said.

"They caught a child. Along with nine other people" Kai said.

"They're going to kill a child!" Connor shouted.

Luna nodded. Then she stood up and headed for her room "I'm going to bed" she said to no one in particular.

"I'm going to check on Luna" Aura said rushing over to Luna's room.

"Man this place is going to shit" Kai said heading for his room "we have to get out of here."

Connor stood alone, his fists clenched in anger. He growled deep in his throat and headed for his room. He drew his blade and began sharpening it. He was going to save those people no matter what the cost was.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Later that night.

Connor sat outside the cabin waiting. He had been going over the plan in his head since he had come up with it earlier that day. He would rush into the village under cover of darkness and free the captured wizards. He assumed they would be holding the event in the town square. Everything seemed alright In his head. He was going to send a sign to these people and to all wizards in hiding, that this was a time for revolution, this was the time for wizards to rise and no one was going to stop them.

He looked toward the sky it was almost time to go. He rose and began his walk to the city when he heard something move behind him.

"Connor what are you doing?" Luna's voice asked.

"I'm going down there to save those people" he replied.

"Then do it quickly."

"I'm surprised you're letting me go."

"Like I could stop you."

"You could try. I'm honestly a little scared."

"Then you can be scared. If you think it has to be done I won't stop you. Just hurry up before Kai catches you."

"I might end up captured."

"Then it'll be my turn to play hero. For now that's your job. So will you just go already."

"Thanks Luna I'll be back soon."

"You'd better be."

And with that Connor dashed away into the night.

It didn't take very long to reach the village. And Connor managed to get to the town square pretty fast as well. In the center of the square were the captured wizards. Among the wizards was a crying little boy that looked no older than eight and beside them was a large man wielding an axe ready to end them in a heartbeat. The crowd was dense it looked like everyone in the city had attended. This angered Connor further He had to restrain from burning them all to ash right then and there and ruining the plan.

"Greetings brothers and sisters!" The town mayor said to all the attendees "tonight we have captured a great number of wizards to execute in preparation of our monthly dragon hunt" he said proudly. "These people have been possessed. This magic, as most call it, is nothing less than demonic powers. This threat must be eliminated before it recruits more followers and rises to destroy us all! And tonight my friends we shall work even further to destroy this evil." The crowd cheered on the mayor's speech they strongly believed all he said. "And now Thaddeus our executioner shall begin! Go right ahead Thaddeus." The executioner took up his axe and raised above the crying child's head.

Connor sprang into action drawing his sword. And as the executioner swung his axe down he was intercepted by the blade of Connor's sword.

"Crimson dragon's blazing fist!" He shouted slamming his fist into the large man's stomach and sending him flying. Afterwards Connor turned to the captives and using multiple fireballs he freed them by burning away their rope bindings "get out of here now! I'll cover you!" The captives dashed away one of them taking the still crying boy along with them.

"It's the heretic! The fire demon has returned!" Someone shouted.

"Hunters! Kill him!" The mayor commanded.

A large group of men came from the crowd. They wielded axes, swords, halberds, and a copious amount of other sharp and scary weapons. Connor sheathed his blade wanting to try and save the power in it if he needed it. He needed to fight these men off and give the wizards time to escape. They charged him all at once ready to turn him to bits. Connor charged at them as well. One by one Connor took them down striking in all directions knocking them all out. And when they began to overwhelm him he used his crimson dragon's burst or his powerful roar. Although he did take strike from a sword on his right arm which began to drip blood to the ground. He fought for a good ten minutes before using a booster to escape the mob of men and jumping to a nearby rooftop.

"Remember this!" He shouted "wizards have had enough and we will fight for our freedom if we have to!" Then he dashed away along the rooftops and into the forest.

"We won't be able to catch him with this many injured men he's long gone" one hunter said while treating an injured man.

"No. We can find him" a man in a black hooded cloak said while playing with a drop of Connor's blood from his wound "we can track his scent with this."

"Who the hell are you?" One man asked.

"It doesn't matter who I am. All that matters is that we find the fire demon am I right?" The hooded man said. The hunter nodded in response. "I know there are more than this many hunters in this village. Gather them all and in two days I will reveal the demon's location" He began to walk away sniffing at Connor's blood. "It will be great to see you again little brother."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Connor stood panting outside of his cabin home. He gripped the cut on his arm which had cut a lot deeper than he had first thought. He felt exhausted. His fight with Aura earlier and the fight he just had took their toll. He was running on pure adrenaline at this point since all his magic power had been drained. He headed inside and into his room. But stopped when he saw Luna sitting on his bed.

"Why aren't you in bed Luna?" He asked.

"I've been waiting for you" she replied.

"Again I ask why?"

"Cause I knew you'd end up messed up in someway" she said pointing at the wound on Connor's shoulder."And I wanted to make sure you got properly treated."

"Fair enough" he replied.

"I'll be right back with some bandages just sit for a little while." She said getting up and leaving the room.

Connor sat on the bed gripping his shoulder. The blood dripped down his arm and onto the bed."Damnit this hurts" he groaned.

"Okay I've got them" Luna said arriving with bandage and rubbing alcohol.

"Please tell me that isn't alcohol" Connor whined.

"Yes it is, don't complain now move your sleeve so I can clean it." She commanded. Connor reluctantly slid the sleeve of his cloak down revealing his cut. "This is going to hurt like a bitch, so be ready" she warned.

"You don't have to tell me that!" Connor shouted angrily.

"Be quiet" Luna scolded "You don't want to wake the others"

"Yeah ye.. ouch!" He shouted as Luna applied the alcohol.

"Told you it would hurt" she said nonchalantly.

He glared at her then winced."we almost done?"

"Yep. You're all good."

"Thank goodness."

"Now I've just got to bandage you" she wrapped bandages around the wound "okay you're all good to go" she said with a smile.

"Thanks. And thanks again for not telling the others."

"You did the right thing. Even if it was stupidly dangerous. I'm always on your side Connor through thick and thin."

"I know that and I appreciate it very much."

They sat in silence for a little while. Both awkwardly looking at each other.

"I need to head back to bed. You did a good thing tonight Connor. Goodnight." Luna said exiting the room.

"Goodnight" Connor replied

Connor laid his head down to rest. Although he felt exhausted and his shoulder ached like hell he felt good. He had saved people and possibly started a new revolution. Things were going to brighten up. He was sure of it.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The next day.

Kai had gone down to the village alone today. Luna had said she was tired and simply wanted to stay home. He hadn't seen Connor that day and Luna said he had hurt himself while sparring with Aura earlier and wanted to rest. After teasing Connor from behind his bedroom door Kai set out.

"Alright so I need to get some more medical supplies" he said "jeez did cinderbrain get beat so bad he used the last of our stuff?" He sighed and scratched the back of his head "either way we need it. The hunters have gotten a lot more serious lately."

Kai wanted to get out quickly so he cut through the town square which was the quickest way to the medical shop. As he passed he saw small scorch marks strewn across the square. This wasn't anything new especially since many executions involved fire. It still bugged him though these marks were everywhere and not in a single place like most pyres. He decided to try and listen in on different citizens and determine what the strange marks were. Kai had always been observant even when he was young and still training with the sea dragon Aquio . He picked up new spells quickly and he had nearly mastered all the spells his foster father had taught him. And although his physique showed people that he was just a muscle head he was incredibly intelligent. The only thing that broke that intelligence and concentration was a fight. He needed time to find information and when he fought there was none. And so he began his investigation by eavesdropping.

"Did you see what happened last night?" One citizen said to another.

"I missed the ceremony because I was asleep. So no I didn't" the other replied.

"One those crazy heretics came in and saved the prisoners."

"Woah really? How?"

"I didn't see. I ran as soon he attacked."

"So someone came in and made an attempt to save those wizards. Due to the scorch marks it was a fire wizard" Kai observed thinking it over. "I need more info." He said moving to another group.

"So you saw who it was?" One person asked another.

"I only saw him for a split-second before I ran. He was wielding a sword and he used it block the Thaddeus' axe." The other replied.

"He must have been fast to get up there with no one seeing him."

"It doesn't matter the hunters will get him soon they found someone who says he can track his location in a few days time."

"A sword huh?" Kai said "interesting. I should find the hunters and ask them what happened as much as I'd like to avoid them."

He walked over to the hunting guild. It was loud from behind the door. It sounded like a lot of shouting and slamming. Apprehensive Kai opened the door to find the hunting leader and town executioner Thaddeus shouting to his men.

"How the hell did you let the demon get away!" He shouted.

"He fought like a devil sir. And there weren't nearly enough of us." One said.

"You were pathetic. You all should've been able to take him. There was only one! And you dare call yourselves hunters!"

"But sir didn't he knock you out with one punch?" Another hunter asked.

Thaddeus was a very intimidating man with quite the reputation for becoming quick to anger. He was a large muscular man with biceps that could crush a man's skull with ease and attached to those massive arms were his large meaty hands to wield his mighty executioners axe. He had a great black beard upon his face and he reeked of testosterone. The man intimidated even Kai and Connor. And right now Kai was sure he was going to crush the hunter who dared to ask that question. And of course he smashed his fist into the hunters face and sent him smashing into the ground. "I will find that demon! And when I do he'll wish he was never born!" He swore.

Thaddeus dismissed the other hunters and took a seat at the bar. Kai sat beside him ready to suck any information he could out of him.

"Hello Thaddeus" He said.

"Ah! Kai!" The large man shouted "it's good to see ya!" He said happily.

Kai had made friends with Thaddeus over the time he'd been here and it had always proved useful. In truth he despised the oaf but he thought the beast man could come in handy. "It's nice to see you to Thaddeus" Kai responded with a smile.

"Well what brings you here lad? Finally joining up with the hunters?"

"No I've just been looking for information. What happened last night Thaddeus? I heard a wizard freed those captives and stopped last nights execution."

"Aye that's true. And you know not to call them wizards Kai, they're monsters."

"Could you just tell me what happened." Kai demanded.

"Well fine then. I was just about to execute these demons right. And then the fire demon shows up and stops my axe. He punches me and sends me flying. Now people will say I passed out but that ain't true I just decided it'd be good experience for the other hunters to bring him down."

"Of course."

"And from what they told me this demon fought off the whole hunting party there and then escaped. One man said he got a strike on him and spilled some blood. And then some freaky guy in a hood came over and started playing with the blood on the floor saying he could track him."

"Did you see what he looked like."

"Nah but one of my men told me He had these bright red eyes."

Kai's eyes widened and he stood "Connor you idiot" he thought. "How long did the tracker say it would take?"

"He can find the demon now he's just waiting for the hunters to be ready."

"How long will it take Thaddeus!?"

"Two days alright so will you stop with the yelling."

"I need to go" Kai said rising from the barstool and heading out the door. Connor had doomed them all and he was going to pay for it.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Connor woke up to searing pain. His shoulder still hurt like hell. It was clear to him that he needed to avoid too much activity or he could seriously hurt himself. He got dressed in his clothes looking at the tear in his cloak which was caked in dried blood. It actually freaked him out a bit knowing that one slice of some random blade could do this much damage maybe even kill him. He felt something dark as he looked at the dried blood like something was looking at him through it. He quickly ignored it and put the cloak on. Upon leaving his room was greeted by Aura standing outside his bedroom door.

"Good you're awake. Now let's head to the training field" she said

"I'm actually not doing all that great" he replied "I got a little messed up from our last session."

"Did I do that?" She asked pointing at the blood on his sleeve.

"No I just erm..."

"I'm so sorry I'll just let you rest. I'll go train by myself today."

"Thanks I'll just head to the river and clean this off."

"Okay. Oh and by the way Kai isn't around he's down at the village getting medical supplies and Luna is taking a nap" Aura said exiting the cabin and heading to their training field.

"Alright thanks again!" He shouted after her as he went to the river.

Connor couldn't shake the feeling something was watching him as he walked to the river. It felt evil like it was ready to strike him down where he stood. And it also felt familiar he couldn't place what it was though. It was irritating him to no end but he pushed it to the back of his mind and pushed onward.

After cleaning his cloak he returned home. He still felt terrible and wanted to head to bed. That's when he heard the pounding footsteps of Kia heading straight for him. Kai looked angry enough to tear someone's head off and it made Connor apprehensive. "Hey salty what's going on?" He asked. The only response he got was a slug to the face which sent him to the floor. "What the Hell Kai!"

"You dumbass! You've doomed us all!" Kai shouted in response.

"I didn't do anything!" Connor shouted back.

"Don't lie to me! I know you went into the town last night!"

Connor went silent how did he know? Did Luna sell him out? No impossible she would never do that. "Who told you?" He asked.

"I saw the scorch marks in the town square. Everyone is talking about you. And they have a tracker who is going to hunt you down! They're bringing the entire hunting guild and we aren't strong enough to take them all. We're all going to die and its your fault!"

"I saved people! If it means I die I will save others. I'll fight them all if I have to!" Connor shouted.

"Fight them all?! You won't stand a chance! Your idiocy is going to kill you. And after they're done with you they'll kill us. You're killing all of us! Including Luna!"

"Leave Luna out of this! I'll protect her!"

"Protect her?! Your recklessness will end her!"

"Shut up!" Connor shouted striking Kai in the face.

Kai shouted and attacked Connor. They traded fists abandoning their magic and simply striking each other. Luna awoke to the sounds of this chaos and she instantly rushed outside. What she saw shocked her. The two boys she grown to know and love were fighting with no restraint. This wasn't one of their usual brawls this was a battle of anger and a fight of domination. They were both bleeding from multiple cuts on their faces. They were battered and bruised in all manner of places yet they still kept going. This was ferocity in every way.

"Stop it!" She shouted to no avail "just stop!"

The two boys continued to brawl. Eventually they fell to the ground their bodies covered in blood as it oozed from their wounds. They both got back up and glared at each other with pure fury.

"I'm done playing with you Kai" Connor growled.

"Same here Connor" Kai hissed.

"Then come at me!" Connor shouted igniting his fists in crimson flames.

"I will!" Kai shouted back.

The two dragon slayers began their epic clash.

"Crimson dragon's blazing fist!" Connor shouted charging.

"Sea dragon's tsunami fist!" Kai yelled out at the top of his lungs.

The two met in the middle their fists clashing releasing a burst of steam. They glares at each other before jumping away and making another charge. Kai went low aiming for Connor's legs. Connor jumped over and made a strike on Kai's back. Kai turned quickly around and swiped at Connor's legs slipping him up and he then made a strike at the fallen Connor from above. Connor rolled away and quickly stood back up then fired a flurry of fireballs straight into Kai's side.

Kai became enraged and turned to face Connor. He slammed his hands onto the ground "sea dragon crushing wave!" Suddenly an enormous wave of wave sprouted from the ground and headed straight for Connor.

Connor knew he wouldn't be able to dodge in time so he decided to try and fight it. "Crimson dragon's burst!" He shouted releasing an explosion of incredibly hot flames which protected him for a short time before the wave took him sending him sliding across the floor.

Connor struggled to stand and when he did he gripped his shoulder. The wound was bleeding again this time far more profusely like it had opened up further. He fell to the ground in pain. Kai took his chance and made a strike at Connor. He kicked him and sent him onto his back. He released a flurry of strikes onto Connor's body. Connor groaned in agony. He was going to lose and he knew it unless he did something. The dark presence he had shoved into the back of his mind exploded to life and took over. His eyes glowed blue and he roared. He knocked Kai off of him and went on the offensive. His shoulder didn't bother him anymore as he went blow for blow with Kai who was forced to retreat. His body glowed in black and blue energy swirling all around him. He attacked like a ferocious beast knocking Kai into a tree. "Apocalypse dragon's comet fist!" his fist was surrounded in the blue and black energy of the apocalypse dragon. Kai ducked forcing Connor to strike the tree which dissolved into ash. Kai and Luna stared at him in fear as he towered over the now cowering Kai.

Connor stared at what he had done. Kai was trembling below him and Luna was staring at him with nothing but fear on her face. He had nearly killed Kai and Luna had seen him do it.

"What are you?" Kai asked with a shaky voice.

"I..." Connor stuttered out.

"Connor..." Luna whispered to herself. Was this what Connor really was? Was the man she loved a monster.

"Guys!" Aura's voice called out "there's a hunting camp just down the hill I saw it on my way back! I think they found us!" She stopped and looked at what was before her. Connor and Kai were bloody and Kai and Luna looked horrified. And Connor's eyes were bright blue. As she stared into his eyes old memories resurfaced as she remembered the day her foster mother the lightning dragon Plasmia had been slain. The culprits eyes shone that same color blue and he called himself the apocalypse dragon slayer as he slew her beloved mother. "You you're like him..." she said trembling and pointing at Connor.

Connor was losing it he had no clue what was happening. He thought that this power was gone, replaced by Ridrica's magic. Yet here it was. Connor panicked and ran past Luna and into the cabin locking himself into his bedroom.

Kai curled up shivering in fear. Aura ran to Luna asking desperately what had happened. Her words fell on deaf ears as Luna could only stand where she was her mind focusing on what Connor really was. She screamed and ran into the cabin then straight into her room. Aura began to panic as well. Could Connor have been the one who murdered her mother.

A darkness was about to fall upon them. And soon it would consume them.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Later that evening.

Everything had turned to shit in less than a day. Aura and Kai sat in Kai's room trying to calm down. Luna and Connor had yet to leave their rooms. Each of them were all suspicious of what they had witnessed.

Aura couldn't place why Connor resembled the man who killed her mother. He looked so similar and his scent was also similar. It couldn't have been Connor that night. The man who attacked them was taller and gave off such an evil presence, Connor didn't. He had always been kind to her and when she was around him there was a brightness that she felt. A protective caring light that made her feel safe. No Connor wasn't that monster of a man, he was better than that despite what it seemed.

Kai couldn't get the feeling of fear out of his head. Those eyes, those bright blue eyes that seemed to penetrate his very soul. He was truly afraid of what Connor had been then. He had never truly liked Connor but he was a sort of family to Kai, sort of like a brother. Seeing his brother attack him so viciously had shaken him up. It clouded everything logical thing he knew about Connor but there was one thing that he did know. That thing that attacked him was not his friend, it was something truly evil. Realizing this he began to calm down. Whatever had happened wasn't Connor's fault and Kai promised himself to learn what he could and help his friend and rival.

Luna was confused. Connor attacking Kai with such a deadly intent had destroyed her. Connor was the bright fire that had kept her safe for most of her life. She loved him and now she didn't know what she felt. It was overall confusion as she stared at the ceiling. Connor was a protector not a monster. She remembered all that he had done for her up until the night they had met. She knew that what she saw today was not the man she loved but something different, something monstrous. And from his reaction, how he panicked earlier she knew that's what he thought himself to be. She rose from her bed leaving her room and heading towards Connor's.

Connor was in a panic. This magic that used, the magic Acnologia had given to him was still there. Ridrica had told him she would erase this magic and replace it with her own. She had quite obviously failed to do so. As he racked his mind for any possible answers he couldn't help but feel monstrous. He had nearly murdered his friend without even thinking about it. These thoughts filled his head convincing him that he was a monster. He needed to escape, to leave his friends behind in order to protect them. The hunters were after him and if he lured the hunters away they would be safe. He collapsed onto his bed trying to make sense of it all. He heard a knock on his door but he refused to open it.

There was another knock "Connor please let me in" Luna's voice pleaded.

"No you need to stay away from me. I don't want to hurt you."

"I know you won't. Please don't make me have to use force."

"No Luna I'm not letting you in."

"Fine it's your fault your door gets wrecked then." Luna formed a ball of light on her hand "moon dragon's crescent blade" the ball of light changed into a blade shaped like a crescent moon and she sliced off the door lock swinging the door open.

"You need to leave Luna"

"Where do you suggest I go?"

"Anywhere other than here. Leave with Kai and Aura. Go somewhere where you'll be safe from me."

"I don't like that idea. It would be better if you came with us."

"Not happening Luna."

"Why not?"

"You saw what happened. You know why not"

She stepped closer until she was just above him. "That isn't a very good excuse. That thing, whatever it was, wasn't you Connor."

"Unfortunately it was. I was the one attacking him. It may not have been my mind but it was my body. And that power that evil will never go away. I don't you guys to get killed if I lose it again."

"We're in this together Connor, all of us. And though things may seem dark now there will be a new light. We're here for you until the end. The others will come to terms with this later and then they'll realize what and who are. but I know who you are. And I know what you are to me."

"Then what am I?"

"You... you are.." she stammered "oh forget it" she huffed leaning over and planting her lips onto his.

Connor's whole body froze. This had been something he had dreamt of for the longest time. He had never expected it to happen so suddenly or under such circumstances but he was overflowing with joy. The darkness he felt was gone. He knew that even though he had a monster within him his friends were always by his side. At least Luna would be. He rose up and kissed her back.

A knock was heard on the broken door. The pair turned to face the sound to see Kai and Aura both red as lobsters. Kai looked as if he was in disbelief. While Aura had an enormous smile on her face her hands to her cheeks trying to cover the blush.

"I hope we weren't interrupting anything" she blurted out quickly "we'll be out in the living room. Lets go Kai" the two quickly left leaving a blushing Luna and Connor frozen in place.

"We should probably go see them out there" Connor said.

"Yeah let's do that" Luna agreed.

The pair met the other two out in the living room taking a seat together on the couch. Aura was still smiling happily. Kai looked a little more recovered but he refused to look at the couple.

"So what is it you wanted to see me for?" Connor asked.

"I wanted to apologize for how I reacted earlier" Kai said "you only did what you thought was right. I never should've fought with you like that for doing the right thing. Please forgive me."

"I forgive you salty" Connor replied.

"Don't push it cinderbrain" Kai said with a dark look on his face. Forcing Connor to chuckle lightly.

"I'd like to know something Connor" Aura said.

"What is it?"

"My mother was killed a long time ago. By a man who called himself the apocalypse dragon slayer and the Prince of dragons. He looked a lot like you especially now that I've seen whatever that was out there. So why is that?"

Connor sighed. He told them all his story. How his parents had been killed and how he and his brother had been trained by Acnologia. His brother murdering multiple people and changing into something completely different than what he was. He told them how he had escaped and was trained by Ridrica to replace Acnologia's magic. Then he told them how Acnologia and Alistair had attacked them resulting Ridrica's death and his being orphaned once again.

His friends were shocked at what they heard. This realization had explained quite a few things. But there was one question that remained.

"Why is the apocalypse magic still there?" Kai asked.

"I don't know. Ridrica's plan was to overshadow the darkness" Connor replied.

"Well it didn't work" Aura said.

"It doesn't matter if it worked or not. Connor has tried his best to keep it under wraps. And I know he'll keep trying as long as we help him" Luna said.

"You're right Luna" Kai said.

"We'll watch your back Connor. And we'll make sure that the darkness in you back" Aura added.

Luna gripped Connor's hand "we're a family. We're all going to figure this out."

"But first we need to find a way out of the situation you put us in soot for brains" Kai said.

"You want to run that by me again fish head?" Connor hissed.

"Not the time" Luna grumbled gripping tighter on Connor's hand making him wince.

"Yes ma'am"

"Okay now let's make a plan. Aura you saw the camp. Where are they stationed?" Kai asked.

"They're all around us" the young woman replied.

"Did you see anything else?"

"No all I saw was the tents and a few hunters patrolling around."

"So all we know is that they surround us on all sides and they'll attack a day from now."

"What do we do Kai. You're supposed to be the smart one" Connor demanded.

"I'm thinking alright" Kai snapped. He pondered for a few minutes. This was life or death. He used all he knew of the situation. The tracker would be the biggest issue they had to erase any possible trace of them. "Okay our only choice is to try and escape." He concluded.

"What part of surrounded didn't you get?" Aura asked rhetorically.

"I get that we can't fight them all. But we can force ourselves through a squad at a particular section. If we can find the weakest point that's where we can escape."

"I can scout out the area with my lightning dash" Aura suggested.

"Lightning dash?" Kai asked.

"When I turn into a lightning bolt. That's what I've decided to call it."

"Clever" Connor complimented.

"Thank you" Aura thanked.

"We can't risk you being captured" Kai said.

"When they caught me the first time I was low on power and was really weak. I'll be able to escape if necessary if I get a good rest before I'll be just fine."

"If you think you can."

"I can do it. I know I can."

"Okay good. That just leaves one issue."

"And what would that be?" Luna asked.

"They have a tracker and he has Connor's scent. Considering they're already here the scent has already gone cold. If we can get out of here without leaving any trail we won't get picked up by their tracker." Kai explained.

"And how do we do that?" Aura asked

"Connor will have to burn down the cabin. Until there's nothing left" he said darkly "there is no coming back to this place. We may even have to leave the country."

They all were silent before Connor spoke up. "I'll do it. If it means we all escape alive I'll do it" He said.

"I agree. Its our only chance. Even if we need to abandon our home" Luna said.

"I hate this country anyway" Aura stated.

"Alright then tonight we pack our necessities and Aura will scout early tomorrow morning. Lets get started" Kai said.

The group of dragon slayers worked most of the night deciding what was necessary and what wasn't. Aura appeared a little torn up which made sense. She had been on the run for many years and when she had been saved and brought here She saw it as her home flaws and all. Kai had been to many places across the country and seen many things before coming here, it was part of the reason he knew so much. He never stuck in one place afraid to stop moving lest he be caught and executed . When he did arrive he found a home, someplace he felt safe to stay in. But neither of them felt as bad as Connor and Luna. This was the home they had built together and grew up in. For ten years they lived here and it pained them to have see it go. After they were satisfied they all went to bed. Connor and Luna thought it appropriate to sleep together that night given what had happened earlier and the fact it would be their last night in this home. So while Kai and Aura took to their own rooms Connor and Luna slept holding each other close enjoying every second they had left.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The next morning.

Connor and Luna awoke together. This was it they were going to escape and leave this country. They rose from bed and headed outside meeting Kai and Aura who had been waiting for them.

"Why didn't you wake us earlier?" Luna asked.

"We figured you guys would want to enjoy home a little longer" Aura said.

"Thanks you guys" Connor said.

"Lets not drag this out. Connor it's time" Kai said.

"Right" Connor turned to face the cabin. Ten years and nine months of happy days, close calls, and great memories were about to be burnt to ash. He created a small fireball and tossed it down base of the home. "Nothing too big, don't want the smoke to be seen" He said as the flames climbed the wooden walls.

"Aura has already scouted out the area. There's a weak point a bit further up north. We should go now" Kai said solemnly.

"Yeah let's go" Luna said.

The group set out leaving their home behind them. This was a new beginning or so they thought.

The group of dragon slayers trudged through the forest. They planned to conserve their magic energy unless they got into a fight. Kai had hoped they wouldn't have to but it seemed unlikely. They stopped for a short while planning to scout ahead and ensure they were safe.

"Okay then Connor and Aura you two are the quickest out of all of us. Scout ahead and make sure there are no hunters ahead. I've got a bad feeling" Kai commanded.

"You got it salty" Connor said dashing away with his dragon booster.

"Back in a flash" Aura responded following Connor using her lightning dash.

The pair searched for a good few minutes. It was completely empty save for a few woodland creatures. Aura didn't feel right. When she had seen this area earlier it was filled with hunters. Granted there were fewer than the other camps established around them but they were still there.

"Hey Connor we should head back. I've got a really bad feeling" the lightning dragon slayer said.

"Alright let's go" Connor replied.

They suddenly heard a scream. Followed by a male shout.

"That sounded like Luna and Kai" Connor said in a panic

"Lets go quickly!" Aura shouted dashing off.

Connor and Aura rushed quickly through the forest hurrying to their friends. Connor was panicking his friends were possibly in danger and he wasn't about to lose them, especially now.

When they arrived Kai and Luna were being attacked by a large group of hunters. They looked like they were doing alright but they were becoming overwhelmed. Connor and Aura jumped in to give them back up.

"Crimson dragon wing attack!" Connor shouted swinging his arms down and sending waves of fire upon the hunters blowing them away.

"Lightning dragon thunderstorm!" Aura shouted sending lightning shocks down just below the hunters feet knocking them to the floor.

"Okay then. Looks like we will have to fight our way through" Kai said.

"Don't kill them!" Connor commanded "there's no need to."

They nodded and began their fight for their escape.

"Moon dragon's moonlight flash!" Luna shouted releasing a bright flash of light which blinded the hunters.

"Sea dragon's water cannon!" Kai shouted slamming together two open fists together and forcing them outward. From the two fists came a burst of high pressure water shoving away the hunters.

They fought valiantly the while while running for any sort of escape route. Kai had told them to keep heading up the north mountain and hopefully lose them there. So they fought their way each few feet they kept running into an even larger squad of hunters. They were trapped.

"They keep coming!" Connor shouted.

"I'm running low on power guys!" Aura shouted as she struck a few hunters her lightning shot.

"I think we all are!" Luna shouted back.

"We need to do something quick. Kai?! Any ideas?!" Connor asked.

"Its a little hard to think right now!" The sea dragon slayer snapped back.

"I can't go much longer" Aura said panting and falling onto the ground.

"Aura!" Luna shouted running to her friend "moon dragon's punishing light!" She glowed with a bright light and sent out beams of light from her body that pummeled the hunters surrounding Aura. She picked up Aura's fallen form. She was barely able to stand herself that last spell had worn her out and she was low enough on magic power to begin with. A hunter came from behind her in all the chaos and struck her on the back of the head knocking her out.

"I got two of ' em boys!" The hunter shouted "quick get the other two!"

"Luna!" Connor shouted fighting his way to her with Kai covering him. Connor suddenly felt weak and woozy. He felt incredibly fatigued and it was wearing him down. "Damn it. I'm out of magic power" He groaned before falling to the ground.

"Connor get up come on!" Kai shouted "I won't be able to get out of this without your help." Hunters surrounded the sea dragon slayer. He fought bravely before succumbing to their numbers. They knocked him unconscious alongside his friends.

The dragon slayers had been captured and would soon face the axe of the executioner.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Connor woke with a groan and a splitting headache. He couldn't move his body at all and he felt like there was some sort of metal cuffs surrounding his entire hand. He slowly opened his eyes and what he saw didn't please him. He was tied to a wooden post with chains surrounding him. His hands were bound in metal cuffs as he suspected behind the wooden post. And his feet were bound together in chains. There was one guard laying down on a rock soundly sleeping. Connor assumed the rest were celebrating in the main camp.

"Morning cinderbrain" Kai said drawing Connor's attention. The sea dragon slayer was right in front of Connor and was in a similar situation though he was bound in regular ropes.

Luna and Aura were beside them making an oval. Aura was bound in chain as well and looked as if she were still out. The hunters had seen their abilities and assumed they would be able burn through average rope and accordingly bound them in chain instead.

"What are we going to do?" Connor asked.

"There's nothing we can do" Kai replied " we're trapped. You can't burn through metal and neither can Aura, Luna and I are unable to effectively use our magic and were all too low on magic power to even do anything. I have enough power for a crushing wave but I can't use that unless my hands hit the ground and as you can tell I'm unable to."

"After all this time this is how it ends" Luna said sadly "I never got to see that place of magic. We'll never know real freedom."

"You're wrong Luna you will see that place you will all know freedom" Aura groaned out.

"What do you mean by that?" Kai asked "We're trapped and we can't use our magic"

"I have a spell that doesn't require me to use my hands. And I have just enough power to use it"

"What spell is that?"

"You saw it earlier. It's my thunderstorm. I can summon lightning and destroy all your bindings. But I only have enough power for three very small bolts."

"Then what about you?" Connor asked

"You'll have to leave me behind."

"We can't do that!" Luna shouted.

"You have to" Aura argued "unless you have enough magic to break metal I have to stay behind."

"Couldn't you just use your lightning dash?" Connor asked.

"No it actually takes a lot more power to change my entire body into a lightning bolt rather than summon a couple of bolts. My magic level right now can't handle both."

"We still can't leave you there has to be another way. Kai think of something!" Luna demanded from the sea dragon slayer.

"Aura is right. I can't use my magic, Connor is unable to either and you're tapped out. Aura has just enough power to free us. It's up to her" he said sadly.

"But Aura aren't you out of magic too?" Connor asked "you passed out from running out earlier."

"Ever since I was captured the first time I've been working on my magic regeneration. I can restore my magic faster than most other wizards. It's been long enough for me to use this spell. But we can't wait for much longer we don't know when they'll be coming to finish us off" Aura explained.

"We still can't leave you behind. We're getting out of this together" Connor argued.

"Please just let me do this. The three of you have helped me so much. You took me in because I needed help. I've gotten much stronger since I met you all. You gave me a home and a family. Please Connor let me be the one to save you this time" she pleaded.

Connor could feel tears well up in his eyes. He didn't want to admit it but she was right this was the only way to escape. "Do what you have to Aura" he said fighting back tears.

Luna was crying her eyes out. She didn't want to lose Aura. She had become great friends with the lightning dragon slayer and she hated that this was the only option "just do it Aura" She said through her tears.

Kai was silent staring into nothing. He had failed to protect one of the people he cared for. His plan had failed and now Aura had to step in and save them at the price of her life. "It's the only way. Do it" he said.

Aura smiled a tiny smile while a few tears fell off her face. "Thank you for everything. Find someplace you can be free. Connor and Luna have a good life together for me." She prepped the spell place magic circles above her friends restraints "goodbye you guys. Lightning dragon's thunderstorm!" She shouted as lightning shot out of the magic circles snapping her friends restraints.

"We'll never forget you Aura!" Connor shouted as they ran off into the forest.

The guard woke from the sound of the lightning strike. He saw the three wizards running off and shouted for the other hunters and they came running.

"What the hell is happening!" Thaddeus demanded from the guard.

"The prisoners have escaped sir" the meek little guard replied.

"How the hell did they escape!" He shouted.

"I did it" Aura said panting "I freed them"

"You!? You're that lightning demon that escaped aren't you?"

"That's me" she said with a smirk.

"You Damn bitch" Thaddeus said drawing a dagger and walking up to face aura. "I'll make sure that you will pay" he said placing the knife on her throat.

"Go ahead. I'm ready to die."

"Enjoy hell demon" he sliced the dagger across her throat and watched as she bled out and died.

"Now go after the rest of them!" Thaddeus commanded "Kill on sight!" The hunters rushed into the forest in pursuit of their prey.

Thaddeus took one last look at the fallen Aura. He was enraged at how peaceful she looked. She wore a smile on her lifeless face. She died saving her friends and she smiled about it even in death.

Connor and his friends ran as fast as they could. Luna was running on empty completely drained of magic power. Connor and Kai still had some power remaining but it wouldn't be enough to fight. Kai directed them toward the north mountain convinced they could lose their pursuers there. But the hunters were quickly closing in.

Arrows flew through the sky all aimed at the fleeing dragon slayers. Thaddeus was aboard a horse commanding his hunters and quickly catching up. He wielded his axe a deadly look in his eyes.

"Guys they are getting really close and we can't fight back what are we gonna do?" Connor asked.

"Any ideas Kai?" Luna asked.

"Give me a minute" Kai said.

"We haven't got a minute Kai you gotta come up with something" Connor stated.

"I said give me a damn minute!" Kai shouted angrily, silencing Connor. He was under pressure. He had failed once and he felt it was his fault that Aura had to be left behind. His mind was racing and he couldn't think clearly all he could picture was Aura's dead body. He panicked "I can't think! I can't do it!"

"Yes you can!" Luna shouted.

"No, no I can't! I'll get you killed!"

"Damn it you can't do this right now Kai!" Connor shouted as an arrow whizzed past his head.

Suddenly an arrow struck Luna's shoulder. She yelped and fell to the ground. Connor and Kai stopped and took cover behind a boulder. While the hunters closed in.

"Kai we need something now!" Connor shouted.

"Why do you keep asking me!" Kai asked "you have good ideas too!"

"Because you have gotten us out of so many problems in the past. Your ideas have saved our lives before"

"Not all of us"

"It wasn't your fault Kai!"

"Yes it was. I lead us into that trap. I failed us all and Aura is dead because of it."

Connor gripped his friends shoulders and shoved him against the boulder "Kai you are the smartest person I know. You've taught us all so much. You are allowed to make mistakes even the greatest in the world have messed up."

"But- but I.."

"But nothing Kai! Aura would want you to move on. Now you have to save us! Luna and I are counting on you! Don't let us down! Don't let Aura down and save us!"

Kai calmed down. Connor was right, Aura would want him to sage them and to do his best. He thought quickly and came up with one idea. "I can buy you some time. I have just enough magic power to fight them off for a little while."

"Okay I asked for an idea but that was terrible. We can't leave you too."

"Guys can you please get this thing out of my shoulder it hurts like hell" Luna pleaded.

"Yeah sorry" Connor apologized gripping the arrow and yanking it out causing Luna to scream.

"Damnit that hurt!" She shouted at Connor.

"Did you expect it to feel like a pillow!"

Kai stood "look at you two bickering like an old married couple. It's cute" he said with a smile. "This is my choice Connor I want you two to live happy lives for me alright." He stepped out of the cover and stood facing the hunters.

"What the hell are you doing!?" Connor demanded.

"You asked for an idea and this is it. I'm giving you time. You two need to run as soon as I cast the spell."

"We aren't leaving without you!" Luna shouted.

"Goodbye you two. You've given me so much. Sea dragon's crushing wave!" He shouted slamming his hands to the ground and sending a giant wave toward the hunters sending them sprawling to the ground. "Run! Now!"

"Damnit Kai!" Connor shouted.

"Just go!"

Kai and Luna ran for it. Connor was crying silently as they ran. He was losing a brother and that saddened him immensely.

Kai stood panting unable to move. His magic power was drained and it was only a matter of time until the hunters ended his life. He was scared but proud of what he had done. He helped his friends to escape and that meant more to him than his own life. And he smiled as his body was pelted with arrows.

Thaddeus approached the fallen Kai "Kai you were one of them this whole time. You deceived me you little bastard!" He shouted.

"Yes I did" Kai spat out "I really have always hated you."

"I should kill you myself."

"Then do it. I'm dead anyway. I'm happy to die if it means my friends get to live."

"They won't live much longer. And soon they will join you" he said drawing his sword and stabbing into Kai's heart. He watched him writhe in agony but was irritated by his stubborn smile. Soon his writhing stopped and he lay dead still smiling. "Move forward lads! Find and kill the others!" Thaddeus commanded. And the hunters followed his command going in pursuit of the last two dragon slayers.

Connor and Luna ran as quickly as they could. Connor was frustrated two of his friends had died because he had failed to protect them. He felt darkness surge in his head but he shook it off trying to focus on the positive. They had almost reached the mountain where they could hide, his friends did not die for nothing and Luna was still right beside him. He would need to sear the wound in her shoulder once they found a place to hide but it didn't look like it bothered her now. They hadn't seen a trace of a hunter but Connor couldn't shake this feeling they were being watched.

Soon enough they reached the north mountain and we're able to tell why Kai wanted them there. There were plenty of caves and an incredibly thick forest.

Luna gripped her shoulder and hunched over "crap this hurts like a motherfuc..."

"Woah! Keep it clean just follow me we can hide in that cave there" Connor said cutting her off and pointing to a cave "then we'll clean you up as best as we can."

"Fine let's get going already" she groaned entering the cave.

Connor summoned a few tiny embers and sent them all over the ground hoping to throw any possible trackers off their trail.

"Just like the night we met" Luna said leaning against the cave wall.

"I'm surprised you remember" Connor responded.

"I've never forgotten."

"We should get deeper into the cave. I'm sure that'll be a better place than out here."

Luna nodded in agreement "let's get going then."

The pair walked further into the cave. Since Connor was saving power to close Luna's wound and Luna still hadn't recovered her power they walked in darkness. Little did they know something was close behind.

They eventually saw light and rushed toward It. Further inside the cave there was a small lake that led further into darones. The lake was surrounded by a dome of stone with a large hole through the top where a bright moon was shining down on them. Since they had left this morning there had been quite a lot of panic so they hadn't noticed that the sun had set about an hour ago.

"This will be a perfect place to rest for a little while and with the moon shining like this I'll be able to replenish my power quicker" Luna stated.

"And I don't think the hunters will be finding us anytime soon" Connor said.

They walked to the shore of the lake and sat. They reflected the days events. Kai and Aura had been lost and that brought a harsh fit of tears. Connor held Luna and they cried for their friends, thanking them for their lives. After that was done Connor lifted up Luna's sleeve and winced at the wound. Luckily the arrow hadn't splintered but it left a nasty cut. If it wasn't cleaned soon it could end up infected.

"Well how does it look?" Luna asked.

"Could be worse. We should clean It quickly though" Connor replied running over to the water. He had recovered some magic and was planning to boil the water then sear Luna's wound closed. Given all they had available it wasn't a terrible plan. He cupped some water in his hands and began to heat it, burning away the bacteria. Afterwards he took the water and ran it gently through the wound cleaning away any dirt. "This is the part that will hurt. A lot" he said creating a small flame.

"Just do it quickly and maybe I won't hurt you for it later" Luna said.

"Here bite down on this" he said reaching for his swords leather sheath before realizing it wasn't there "they took my sword! They took my freaking sword!" He shouted angrily.

"We'll get it back Connor. But right now you've gotta do this"

"N-no it's alright. There's no need to risk it. I hadn't realized they had taken it."

"It's been a hectic day. Now will you please just close the wound before I smack you"

"Oh right. Hold my hand tight okay"

"Ye-yeah" she said anxiously gripping onto her beloved's hand.

"Okay here we go" he said putting the flame to her wound. She screamed and gripped his hand. Connor tried to make it quick but he could hardly focus as Luna screamed. After several painstaking minutes the wound was finally closed.

"Damn it that hurt!" Luna shouted.

"Yeah it did" Connor said massaging his crushed hand.

"Oh crap sorry about that"

"It's okay. It needed to be done"

Luna smiled "If you say so"

They sat for a little while looking up at the moon. They were going to live a happy life like their friends had asked for. They looked back down at their reflections in the water smiling. When suddenly a small drop of blood fell from Luna's mouth and into the pool. Connor looked up to see a man in a black hooded cloak smiling at him while stabbing Luna with Connor's very own sword. Connor lunged for the smiling man who pulled the sword from Luna's chest and dropped it to the floor.

"Hello there" the man said.

"What the hell do you want!?" Connor demanded. Luna coughed and fell to the floor coughing up blood prompting Connor to rush to Her side and catch her. "Luna stay with me! Come on hang in there!"

"I'll be at the hunters camp if you wish to find me little dragon slayer" the man said cackling as he ran off.

"Luna hold on!" Connor shouted as Luna coughed out more blood. The wound was deep and blood soaked out.

"Connor... this is it.." Luna said weakly "do me a favor alright?"

"No! No, no! You are going to get through this please just hold on!" He tried to make a fire to close the wound but he was unable to make a single ember.

"Please find that magic world. Find that place for me and live a full life there" she sputtered out.

"You're going to see it with me Luna! Alright! Don't give up!" Connor shouted through tears.

Luna shook her head and touched Connor's cheek "I'm dying Connor. This is it. Please live on and find that magic world. I love you. I know we'll meet each other again someday until then this is goodbye" she said as her life whispered away.

"Luna! Luna don't you dare die!" Connor sobbed "please I can't live without you!" He sobbed uncontrollably. He was grief stricken overcome by pain and sadness. His friends and his love had all been killed and now he was alone. Then sadness turned to rage. "This is all the hunters fault!" He shouted in his mind as his body glowed in black and blue energy"They are going to pay! I'll kill every last one!" His eyes shone bright blue as he picked up His bloody blade. He was out for revenge, tonight he would become death itself.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Later at the hunting camp.

Thaddeus was enraged. His men had lost the remaining wizards, his tracker had disappeared, and he would be forced to return back to the village to report to the mayor that he had failed to capture the fire demon. He drank from his mug of alcohol and slammed it on the main dining table. The other hunters sat meekly trying to remain hidden from their leader's rage. As Thaddeus fumed the cloaked tracker arrived at his side bowing on one knee.

"Where the hell have you been!?" Thaddeus demanded of the hooded man.

"I'm very sorry sir. I was tracking the other demons. I managed to kill one as well" he replied.

"Did you kill the fire demon!?"

"No sir but you should be prepared"

"Prepared for what?"

"Your demise" he said darkly as he disappeared into shadows cackling maniacally.

"He's one of them!" A hunter shouted.

"Grab your weapons boys! We'll track him down!" Thaddeus commanded.

The hunters scrambled for their weapons. Eager to redeem themselves for their failure. And as they rushed for their weapons Connor stepped out of the forest wielding his bloody blade.

"It's the fire demon!" Thaddeus shouted.

"You're wrong" Connor said darkly "I'm not merely a demon. I am your grim reaper and tonight you will fall at my blade!" He said sweeping the point of his blade in their direction.

"Charge men! Kill the bastard!" Thaddeus commanded.

The hunters snapped into action with deadly intent. Connor stood still "apocalypse dragon's enchantment. Reapers blade" he said quietly as his blade burst with energy. As the hunters came at him He rushed them cutting them all down. He moved incredibly fast slicing down a hunter nearly every second. Blood spattered across the ground as more and more fell. Connor had a wicked grin on his face as he cut them to bits. Some tried to retreat but he simply blasted them with apocalypse energy and turned them into ash. In less than ten minutes he had cut down half the camp.

"He's a monster!" A hunter called.

"He's more than. He's the devil himself!" Another said.

"You're all pathetic watch how a man takes down a demon!" Thaddeus shouted charging at Connor with his gargantuan axe swinging it down on Connor's head.

Connor simply caught the edge of the axe and ripped it out of Thaddeus' hand. "You're the executioner right?" Connor asked with a disturbing smile "I've never really liked you and I think it's time you know what the pain you give wizards felt like!" Connor took Thaddeus' arm and slammed him to the ground "let's begin with a burning at the stake!" Flames engulfed Thaddeus and he shouted in burned at his flesh. "Now what's next" Connor pondered "oh right a hanging!" He picked up Thaddeus and began to choke him. He gagged as he struggled for air and fought the flames on his body. "Finally a beheading!" Connor took his sword and put it toward Thaddeus' throat then he swung his sword back and sent it into the large man's meaty neck slicing it clean off. He dropped Thaddeus' body to the floor and stepped toward the other hunters. "I hope you enjoyed the show. Now for the main event" Connor said to the panicking hunters. He raised his hand into the air and formed a gigantic ball of swirling black and blue energy "apocalypse dragon's nuclear blast!" He threw down the giant ball of energy and as it hit the ground a large explosion decimated the camp turning everything except the post where Aura had been killed.

Connor could hear someone clap from behind him "very good Connor. Father would be proud" the cloaked man said.

Connor faced the man "I don't know how you survived that you bastard. But you'll be dead soon enough" he said with a dark look on his face "but first I'd like to see your face."

"As you wish" the man said pulling down his hood revealing the face of Alistair "hello little brother. How long has it been? Ten years?" He said nonchalantly.

"A-Alistair what the hell are you doing here!?"

"I've been keeping a very close eye on you little brother. Especially that power of yours. And let me be the first to say that I'm proud."

"You. You were the tracker that found me. You're the reason my friends are dead."

"Oh those little subclasses? You are a main class dragon slayer! You are the Prince of dragons Connor! Why on Earthland would you associated with such a low class let alone mate with one yuck disgusting."

"Shut your mouth!" Connor shouted dashing at Alistair ready to slice him to bits.

Alistair caught the sword and tossed his younger brother away and onto the floor. Connor went again and again each time the same result. Until finally Alistair kept him in place "you may be the reaper Connor but in comparison to you and every wizard. I am a god!" He shouted as he slammed Connor into the ground.

Connor spat up some blood as his body hit the ground. He could feel his ribs break and that was one hit. He looked into his brothers eyes and panicked. The darkness faded and his eyes returned back to their blood red color. "Please, please don't kill me" he pleaded. When he looked into those bright blue eyes saw death, nothing but destruction and death.

"Huh that's disappointing" Alistair huffed "guess you're not as I thought you were. You're still far too weak. But I hope that next time you will be ready."

"Re-ready for what?"

"You shall become a dragon like father. And you shall alongside us. I was hoping killing your friends would've been enough but alas it wasn't to release the beast. I will see you again Connor. Goodbye little brother may we meet again soon" Alistair said walking away from his younger brother.

Connor sat paralyzed with fear. He had stared into the eyes of the god of death and all things evil. It frightened him beyond compare. And then it sunk in. To the hunters he was death and he had slaughtered them all. He had become something evil like Acnologia and his brother. "It's all my fault.. I brought Alistair here. It's my fault that they're dead" he said to himself as he looked around the barren land that used to be the hunters camp. "Aura, Kai, Luna, it's all my fault" he curled up and cried for some time. He was alone and in his mind he was a monster bound to bring destruction.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Present day.

"So you get it now? It's because of me that they were killed. And then I killed all those people without a second thought. I'm just a monster waiting to be unleashed" Connor said sadly.

Lucy stared at the crestfallen Connor. It had hurt him to explain this, all having to relive it in his mind. She understood why Connor would feel like a monster. He had killed so many people and he enjoyed it. What he didn't seem to understand though is that it wasn't him. "Connor there is something in you. It's a wild beast. But just because that beast is there doesn't mean you're the monster."

"That doesn't matter. I'm the one with the power. If I ever lose it again you and the guild could be hurt. And Alistair will be coming and that will only further worsen things. I'll doom Fiore if I stay here."

"Then don't lose control. Take control of it and use it."

"What on Earthland are you talking about?"

"Ridrica told you to get rid of this power. She wanted you to abandon that side of you and tame that beast in you. Maybe that was a mistake. Because it hasn't worked. Instead use that side of you to protect others and become stronger than you already are."

"You aren't getting it. Like you said, what's in me is a beast it can't be controlled."

"I'm telling you to embrace it. Use it to your advantage. Use it to protect the family you have now."

"Do you think that could actually work? Do you really think I can use this power?"

"I know you can. All of Fairy Tail will be right behind you" Lucy said with a bright smile.

"You have a way of making people feel better Lucy. I'll come back and I'll make sure everyone stays safe" Connor said returning Lucy's smile.

"Guys!" Natsu's voice cried out from the base of the lighthouse "please tell me everything is alright now"

Lucy and Connor looked down the side of the lighthouse and saw Natsu in Cerberus' jaws. Lucy and Connor sweatdropped at the fact Cerberus was holding tight to Natsu wagging his tail happily.

"Yes Natsu it's alright I'm coming home. Cerberus drop him please" Connor called down.

Cerberus dropped the pink haired dragon slayer and barked happily and Natsu fell face first onto the floor. Connor jumped down to meet them. "See you down there Lucy!" He called to the blonde. Lucy quickly followed rushing down the stairs.

Natsu picked himself off of the floor "jeez Cerberus you've got a grip" he groaned at the pooch who barked in reply.

Connor rushed over to Cerberus and hugged him tight "you're such a good boy Cerberus. Good job boy" he gushed "you're so strong too buddy you're a great guard."

"Nice to see you too" Natsu grumbled.

"Oh sorry Natsu. Thanks for coming all the way here to get me" Connor apologized.

"Its alright Cus. I've always got your back" Natsu replied.

"Is it just you and Lucy?"

"No" Lucy said catching her breath "Erza, Gray, Wendy, Happy and Carla came too. That place has a lot of stairs" She whined.

Connor smiled and hugged the two of them. "You guys are great." Suddenly a loud growling was heard from Natsu's stomach ruining the moment.

"Can we please get something to eat? I haven't eaten all day" Natsu whined.

Lucy struck Natsu sending him to the floor "you idiot!"

"Now that you mention it I'm pretty hungry too" Connor said "we should head back to Hargeon. We can head home tomorrow morning."

"How do we get back? We're kind of stranded here" Lucy asked.

Connor hopped onto Cerberus' back "think you can carry us boy?" Cerberus barked in reply and allowed the others to climb onto his back and together they rode back to Hargeon.

Connor felt hopeful. If he could use this power he possessed he could have a chance to defeat Alistair and protect his new family. "I found that magic place Luna. And I swear I'll protect it" He thought to himself as he looked at the moon with a smile on his face.

Hey it's Natsu here.

Well that's the latest chapter. I was so excited for this one but I feel like it was forced just like the chapter with Acnologia. I don't know. Aura was a bit of a debate as I reached that section but I went through with it and she does have a purpose by the way that will come up a little after the dragon tournament finishes. These long ones are really difficult to write. I hope you enjoyed this chapter however flawed it could be. Have a nice day.