Act 4

10 chapters left

52

Outlander

"Even when I've just left ye. I want you so much my chest feels tight and my fingers ache with wanting to touch ye again."
― Diana Gabaldon, Outlander

Natsu settled into a nest of blankets, his arms wrapped around Lucy as he held her with lazy happiness. He felt warm, and Lucy's body felt perfect pressing into his like a mold.

She nestled back into him, pinching at his side to get him to move and ignoring his frustrated yelps and whines as he shifted away. Drowsily, he dropped his chin against her shoulder and her fingers dragged across the updated page.

It seemed whenever a new chapter in their lives drew to a close, the book updated.

One adventure later, or something new on the horizon, it didn't matter. The book was an empirical record. And now, Natsu could see the value in such a thing.

Lucy relaxed into the pillows, curling up enough to tuck her knees lightly into Natsu's stomach, twisting her shoulders around to face him.

It dislodged Natsu and he dropped his head on the pillows, whining in the back of his throat in protest.

"Shush, or don't you want to see what it said?" Lucy pressed a finger to his lips, letting out a shriek when Natsu sucked the digit into his mischievous mouth.

He cackled a bit, his fangs nipping at her finger before she pulled away and wiped her hand on Natsu's side of the blanket.

"Ew!" Lucy squealed, laughing at how Natsu was lunging towards her and peppering soft kisses against her throat.

Their laughter subsided and she looked into the book, knowing the chapter which had just passed them would be a dark one. She was grateful for the warmth and steady beat of Natsu's heart next to her ear to ground her into the moment.

As Lucy and Natsu began to travel together, going on more and more adventures together, it seemed almost natural for their bond to deepen. Suddenly they became a pair neither was seen without, and not just because of their supposed bond. Love stemmed between them, strong, deep and true, even if those words had yet been unrealized.

However, whispers followed Natsu's thoughts. Burying themselves deep in his subconscious, pushing against the barriers blocking his mind to their dark touch. But the dragon was overcome by love and joy, falling into the embrace of Lucy over and over again, and kept the whispers out. Without pause, he found himself more in love with her as each day passed.

"Oh my god," Lucy whispered, her face turning red. Natsu for his part, did not look surprised.

It was a love Lucy herself mirrored. Time, friendship, and slowly built trust had morphed into a love unlike any she'd ever known. But for all her devotion, she did not realize her dragon was not as healed of his past pain as he seemed. And so, when Natsu's dreams were invaded by Zeref, and his doubts brought to the surface...

Lucy blinked in shock at that and looked up at him, "Zeref invaded your dreams?" She asked in horrified concern.

Natsu shifted uncomfortably, but nodded, "Yeah." He sighed, gently running his hand over her shoulder, "I'm still a demon, and because of that I have a connection to my bastard brother."

He pressed his forehead against hers, just needing to feel her near, "Normally, I can't hear his whispers. But, the stuff Cobra said... It was bugging me so much my guard must've slipped. That's how I knew where to find the book."

Lucy reached out and caressed his cheek gently before pulling him into a soft kiss, "That really worries me." She admitted, concern bright in her eyes, "But we'll find a way to deal with it." She smiled a little, "I'm sure Master or Jellal will have a few ideas."

Natsu stared at her for a moment and then relaxed, a feeling of relief coursing through him at her calm assertion. He was still part of the nest. He'd known that already, but it was nice to have Lucy affirm it like that.

"Yeah." He grinned back at her and snuggled close again, "Let's keep reading."

Lucy smiled back and turned her attention back to the book.

It was through Zeref that Natsu learned of Lucy's one secret. One initially kept to protect the treasure she'd been entrusted with from him. She had stopped reading the updates of her magical book, wishing to keep the story of her and her dragon unread as a surprise to be read together, and so had no way of knowing the intimate details Natsu would discover within its pages.

Natsu huffed out a soft breath at the words displayed so clearly on the pages. He growled at the book, feeling like that was its own way of calling him an idiot.

Of course he had been, but that wasn't the point.

As doors opened both ways, Zeref knew precisely what to do with the book. It was a perfect way to drive the two lovers apart and leave Lucy vulnerable for him to sweep in to force her to open a gate. One which could lead him home to his family.

Demonic fury, uncontrolled with the sting of heartbreak and betrayal shocked Natsu. The fight between the two was terrible, and Natsu's magic, raw and unfocused in his disbelief, injured Lucy enough his shame and hurt drove him away. He witnessed the pain in Lucy's eyes, and saw himself for what he always had believed he was: a monster.

But not one created by the hands of others. One of his own making. And he was disgusted in himself.

Lucy's fingers combed through pink locks of hair, seeing plainly how Natsu still hated himself for her burns. No matter how accidental they had been, Lucy was sure he would never entirely forgive himself for what had happened.

Eventually though, the news of the dark guild's attack brought to Natsu by Happy was enough to galvanize him back into action. Nothing could see Lucy being hurt again. And while he still nursed a broken heart, Natsu could not deny how thoroughly he loved her. Or how he would do everything within his power to protect her.

But it was too late. Zeref had arrived, and in a rare form of mercy, let them go. He believed Natsu would come to him in due time. And together they would be a family. So the dark mage felt no worry in having his brother soon by his side.

"Fat chance," Natsu grumbled.

Lucy smiled at him, but didn't do anything more besides snuggle closer to him, "We should talk with Master and the others about this." She murmured her expression turning worried, "If Zeref is that determined to get you back to his side, and can invade your dreams..."

She shook her head and Natsu sighed, his hot breath gusting pleasurably against her neck, "Yeah." He agreed, and smiled at her, full of confidence and assurance, "We'll talk to everyone tomorrow." He promised.

Lucy smiled and nodded, her heart thumping warmly at the sight of that smile. It was like an adult version of his excited one, and it always turned her insides to mush when he displayed it.

That he was displaying it now, while they were together and reading like this just emphasized the effect.

They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment, renewed heat building between them, before they turned, almost as one, back to the story.

They read together about the guild's concerns, the worries and the search for Natsu. The fear they had for their family and the increased worry they had as tension stretched between Natsu and Lucy. But not only that, Fairy Tail was concerned for the consequences of having Zeref in their world.

Even if they didn't say it outloud, to worry Lucy or make her feel guilty about opening the gate, the worry was real. Zeref was in their world now. Waiting.

And it was only a matter of time before they would feel the true extent of his power.

Lucy shifted uncomfortably against Natsu, and his grip on her tightened.

"It's not your fault," Natsu growled to her, firmness in his voice that wouldn't be dissuaded.

"Zeref did this," he announced, staring at the book's final pages. There was a rough illustration of him reuniting with Lucy to go on a walk. Their newest chapter so fresh, the ink had barely dried.

He flashed Lucy a sunny smile and balled his right hand into a fist, "I'll beat him for sure this time. We won't sit through another celestial war. I promise."

Lucy smiled at him and set the book aside as she wrapped her arms tightly around him and pulled him on top of her, "I believe you."

Natsu felt his heart thump and melt at those simple, heartfelt, words and he leaned down to kiss her passionately, "I love you Luce." He purred, heat flaring in his eyes again as she pressed against him, "Always."

He descended on her again, eager to show her just how much. Their problems with his asshole brother could wait until morning.

-::-

The next morning, after spending far too long getting ready for the day, mostly because they couldn't keep their hands off each other, they headed back to the guild.

There was an immediate difference in the atmosphere of the place as they stepped inside and their guildmates caught sight of their beaming smiles and firmly entwined hands.

"Man, it's about time you two made up." Gray drawled, though the grin on his face belied his tone, "We were starting to wonder if we'd need to lock you guys in a closet or something."

"Pfffffft!" Natsu snorted, "Like I couldn't have burned the door down snowcone!"

"You're assuming the door would be made out of wood."

"And you're assuming you've got clothes on!"

"That doesn't even make any sense!"

Lucy shook her head a little, a fond smile curling over her lips as 'normal' reasserted itself. She stepped up to Makarov, who had been watching the whole scene calmly, "I'm sorry about all the trouble that's happened lately Master."

He shook his head, "Don't be child." He replied, "Zeref has deceived far older and more experienced wizards than yourself. You're not to blame." He smiled, "I'm just glad you're feeling better."

Lucy nodded, "Yes, but Natsu and I discovered something really worrying last night while we were reading the book."

Makarov looked faintly surprised, but his eyes narrowed with rapt attention. Natsu drew away from his impromptu fight with Gray so he could supplement information if it was needed.

"It was something the book revealed?" Makarov asked, encouraging Lucy to nod.

"Yes, it said something about how Zeref was capable of invading Natsu's dreams," Lucy said, concern decorating her face. The dragonslayer next to her flopped down on a nearby table and reclined far enough so his back and shoulders were pressing into the wood.

"Is that true?" Makarov's eyes snapped towards Natsu.

His coral head bobbed and he huffed out a breath to push his bangs from his eyes, "I am a demon. It only makes sense that Zeref would have a way of communicating with his minions on both sides of the gate. And his demons have always had a- "

He made a face of disgust

"-connection with him," he finished.

"We'll have to see what Cobra and the others of the Oracian Seis have to say on the matter," Jellal spoke up, looking worried over the very idea of Zeref being able to whisper in Natsu's head. It was a sensation he was all too familiar with.

"If it is true, how do we sever the connection he has with Zeref," Erza asked, marching up to Natsu and tilting the dragonslayer's head from side to side.

"Hey, I ain't a magic eight ball. If you shake me I'm not gonna spout new answers," Natsu grumbled, ignoring Erza's confused expression on what a magic eight ball was. Not that Natsu really knew either, but he had heard Lucy talk about it once before.

The detail rewarded him with a small giggle from Lucy, and he couldn't help but grin.

"Maybe there's something in one of the histories on demons that will give us a clue." Levy spoke up, "There've been a lot of conflicts over the centuries. Maybe someone had an idea we can expand on somehow?"

Lucy pursed her lips slightly, but nodded, "I can try asking Grandpa Cross too. The celestials had a lot of contact with demons during the war. Maybe their magic would have an effect without hurting Natsu."

Levy nodded eagerly, but Gajeel's heavy hand dropped onto her shoulder before she could run towards the library, "Somethin' like this is gonna need help." He rumbled at her, "We're gonna take a trip back to my hoard. See if there's anythin' there."

"You... hoard books?" Sting asked in astonishment, and Gajeel flashed a glare at him, "You got a problem with that?!"

"Ah, no!" Sting laughed nervously, holding up his hands, "No problem!" He glanced at Rogue, "I guess we should do the same."

Rogue nodded gravely, "Yes. Loaning books to help our drake is the least we can do."

Natsu raised an eyebrow at the twin dragons, his elbows propping up to brace himself, "I thought you guys were nomadic. Where would you keep a hoard?"

"Just because we traveled around, doesn't mean we didn't collect treasure," Rogue intoned, voice flat, "we are dragons."

Natsu's heels dropped down onto the floor, his eyes squinting at them, "That doesn't answer the where though."

"Neutral territory. It's a bit risky since anyone can go there, but we hid our hoard well. It's a few days trek from here, but Rogue and I can go while Yukino helps Lucy with her summons," Sting's expression was grim, "I have a feeling we're all going to need a bit of extra practice."

Natsu nodded and he huffed out a breath, his eyes closing. A headache pulsed at his temple, causing his head to ache with a strange pressure as he rolled it back.

When he straightened and opened his eyes again, the pressure was gone, as was the headache. He was beginning to really get worked up about this whole Zeref thing.

Levy was eagerly getting ready to head to Gajeel's hoard with him, but the iron dragon's attention was fastened on Natsu.

Ruby eyes were narrowed and he cocked his head.

"You alright there Salamander?" He growled, "Not gonna go crazy the moment we're out of your territory and not let us back in, are ya?"

Natsu pouted at the iron dragon, rolling his eyes, "That was one time fifty years ago! You're gonna have to let it go."

He stretched out, ignoring the intensity behind Gajeel's stare, which attracted the concerned looks of everyone around him.

"I'm fine!" he growled, fidgeting with impatience. Although it did fill him up with confusing warmth to see how people were actually concerned about him.

"I was just thinkin' - Lucy and I can take Happy and summon Leo to look up stuff in my hoard. I've got some pretty fancy books there too, especially some that Leo gave my dad. They can probably help," Natsu plowed on.

Lucy smiled brightly at him, both astounded that the dragons were willing to share their hoards, however temporarily, to help with this, and thrilled that Natsu was as willing to do the same as the others.

She curled her hand in his, "That's a great idea Natsu." She met his eyes fiercely, "I'm positive that between us we can find a way to break your connection to Zeref."

Gajeel nodded a bit, but something in him remained wary. Magical connections were dangerous, and with Zeref back on Earthland it was possible that it would be much more potent than Natsu was used to. That was something they didn't need. Things were already difficult enough.

However, he relented for the moment. That worry was the very reason why they were opening their hoards in the first place.

He just hoped it was in time.

Levy came running back in with a broad grin and a heavy pack over her shoulder, "Why'd you pack all that stuff shrimp?" He smirked, "Ain't like I don't have everythin' there already."

His smirk broadened as her cheeks puffed out and flushed, "Well maybe I wanted to pack stuff you don't have!" She huffed, smacking him on the arm, "You ever think of that?"

"Gihi! Ain't likely." He rumbled and scooped her up as he strode outside to transform, ignoring her outraged shouts of his name.

She was just so friggin' cute when she was mad.

Thank you everyone who reviewed so much! We want to thank you all for your reviews! We also received a few comments and questions that need to be addressed.

Many people were upset at Natsu for what he did - which is both fair and unfair. Natsu and Lucy hurt one another in equal measures. It's the nature of their relationship. They are partners, and both were equally responsible for the events of their fight. Not one person was 'right.'

I've stopped doing the review responses because it will take me hours to complete sometimes. After sinking hours in writing, re-reading, editing, and planning out the chapter titles - the time spent on a single update alone eats up a huge portion of time. Making individualized responses, as much as I would LOVE to takes a lot. I hope you guys understand why I can't do that :C

Alright! That's it! You guys definitely earned your sneak! So here you go! Since you guys were so awesome... I'll give you a good one. Fufufu...

He smiled and kissed her, not caring about Happy's disgusted protests or even that the pervy lion was watching.

Unfortunately, the moment ended nearly the same moment it began as a sharp pain lanced through his head and he nearly doubled over with a hiss.

"Natsu!" Lucy exclaimed in alarm holding him steady, "Are you alright?"

Natsu twisted to look at her, and tried to open his mouth to reply when his world tilted even more and his vision went black.

The throbbing in his head was piercing, almost like a hundred voices at once shrieked in agony. Everything tunneled down into a single point. Fingers bunched into coral hair, he stumbled backwards and straight off the ledge.