Rewrite the Stars
Prologue
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. This is based off the Anime Series not the Manga Series. No copyright intended. I do own the story line, because I made that all up with my brain.
The sky grew dark as storm clouds gathered to shelter the sun from the earth; a young girl looked up at the sky with a smile. The forest surrounding her yet the dreary clouds had no effect on her joyous mood as she learned how to use a bow and arrow for the first time. Her father kneels down next to her guiding her to shoot the target. Her mother is sitting down in a chair, sewing up a doll for her beloved daughter, as soldiers guard their tent and the family it holds. Unbeknownst to them that a young boy was wandering the very same woods in search of his father.
"Jude, just what do you think you are teaching our little girl? That's no way to hold a bow."
The Queen, Layla, says with a small smirk playing at her lips. Quiet chuckles were heard from the guards but quieted as the King looked at them.
"Well if you think you know better, how about you teach her and I sit on my pretty ass." Jude mocks.
Layla pursed her lips and set her sewing down on the table, she walked over to her husband and little daughter no older than 6. Her rose pink gown grazing the cool grass beneath her feet.
"Language." She said sternly, glaring at her husband.
He smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck, "Sorry dear."
Layla nodded approvingly and took a breath, a small smile stretching across her lips.
"Besides Jude, like you could sew anything if your life depended on it."
The guards and their daughter giggled at their little confrontation. Jude just stood over his wife and child as Layla instructed her how to shoot.
"Now all you do is draw the bow back, focus on the target, deep breath and shoot." Layla calmly told her daughter.
The little girl squared up her shoulders in her little pink dress, and did as instructed to her. A smile on her face when the arrow was released but slowly faded as she watched it go right past the target.
"Oh, I missed." The little princess says with a pout.
"That's quite alright, Lucy. How about you go and get it then? Hm?" Her father told her with a small pat on the back.
Lucy nodded and was about to go into the woods to fetch it but was shortly interrupted by the crash of thunder rolling through the skies. The little princess squeaked in shock from the noisy sky, running back and hiding in her mother's skirts. Layla giggled at her dear child and calmed her down by picking her up and holding her close.
"There now Lucy, my brave little one, there's nothing to be afraid of. It's only a bit of thunder." Layla soothed with a smile.
"Sire!" A guard yelled coming up to the royal family.
"What is it, Silver?" Jude asked the soldier.
"We should head back to the palace, a storm is coming from the north." Silver informed him.
"Right, well, let's pack everything back up. We will have to go on an outing on a different day. Lucile, come at once. " Jude said.
Layla nodded in agreement but little Lucy wasn't going to leave without her arrow, she had made it herself with her father. It was an important momentum for the young princess. She quickly got down from her mother's arms and ran back towards the woods.
"I need to get that arrow!" She yelled back to her parents.
Voices shouting her name fade as she runs through the woods in search of the arrow, her mother following shortly behind her. The young princess smiled as she spotted it land in a tree, her smile went away as a gasp escaped her small lips.
"Oh no, what have I done?" She says aloud to herself in pure shock and horror.
Her eyes grew wide at the sight before her, a young boy lay on the ground, bleeding from a gash on his face by an unsuspecting arrow. She knelt down next to the boy, he looked a little older than her but not by much. His strange pink spiky hair caught her attention for she had never seen anyone with hair like that, she found herself running her hands through it in awe. This boy wasn't like anyone she had seen before, he had small horns on top of his head, red scales decorating his shoulders and face, wait...was that a tail? Who or what exactly was this strange boy, the princess wondered. She shook her head to clear her curiosity as she knew this situation was serious, she accidentally injured this boy.
"Hey, wake up! Are you okay? Hello!" She asked, shaking the boy trying to rouse him, her blonde hair falling in front of her face as her bright hazel brown eyes welled up with tears.
The boy was still and unmoving as he fell into a deep unconscious. Frightened that she had seriously hurt the boy she yelled for her mother while trying to wake the boy, shaking him frantically.
"Mama!" She screamed repeatedly until she heard the rustle of leaves and quick footsteps.
"Lucy, there you are. Get your arrow and come quick, we need to get to the palace." Layla said frantically.
Lucy grabbed her mother's skirts, "But Mama. I hurt him, we have to bring him with us."
Layla looked over at the unconscious boy in curiosity, she knew immediately that he was a Dragonling by the scales decorating his skin and knew better to leave him be. But the look on her daughter's face compelled her to comply, Dragonling or not, he was injured and he needed to be cared for. Layla sighed and threw her cloak over the boy and picked him up, grabbing Lucy's hand as they fled to the carriage that Jude had waiting for them. Upon Jude seeing the boy in Layla's arms he became fearful and angered.
"Layla, what on earth do you think you are doing? You can not bring him into the palace."
"We couldn't leave him papa, it's my fault he's hurt. Please, I have to help him." Lucy pleaded, crying to the King.
Jude shared a look with Layla before sighing, "Fine, we will tend to his wounds then you have to return him where you found him. Do you understand, Lucile?"
The little princess nodded frantically, "I will papa, I promise."
Jude then helped them into the carriage, as soon as the door closed the driver took off. Horses neighing and hooves pounding on the ground as the royal family quickly made haste to their palace to await what was to come next. Lucy held the boy's hand on the way to the palace while a very frantic father searched for his lost little boy.
Powerful wings soared through the sky, rivaling mother nature as the great dragon smelled out for his son's scent. Alert, the dragon swooped down to the spot where the little princess was moments before, he transformed into that of a human as he knelt down and surveyed the area, not caring that he was bare for all to see. His breath caught in his throat as he saw a small little arrow littering the forest floor, he knelt closer for better inspection. His topaz eyes darkened as he grasped an arrow that had a sliver of blood on it he knew to be his son's by the smell. Angered roars pounded through the storm as the dragon took to the skies again, fearing the worst and plotting that whoever did this would pay. In the distance he spotted a carriage rushing through the woods, taking the path back to the palace he knew to be the home of the Kingdom of Celeste's royals. A new anger burned within him as he found out the culprits to harm and take his son were none other than those he thought to be allies, for he and King Jude have a very long, long history.
Back at the palace, Lucy and her mother rushed the boy to the infirmary while Jude and everyone else braced for the storm to come, making sure all exits and windows were shut tight.
"Mary, he's going to be fine, right?" The little princess asked worriedly, pulling at the nurse's dress.
Mary was a kind-hearted woman but don't let that fool you for when it comes to those that threaten her own, well, you have been warned. She was a very pretty woman for her age with white hair and bright blue eyes and the warmest smile you could ever know. Mary lives with her loving husband who serves as a guardsman and has 3 children of her own around Lucy's age, the eldest a girl named Mirajane who is around 10, then Elfman her only son who is 8 and lastly a little girl named Lisanna, who is Lucy's age of 6.
Mary smiled down at Lucy, "Don't fret little one. It was only a scratch, the surprise must have caused him to lose balance and hit his head on that tree you found him under. He's just a little unconscious, luckily no concussion or fatal injuries."
The little princess's heart filled up with joy to hear that she did not seriously hurt the boy, save for a small scar, he will be alright. Poor girl couldn't live with herself knowing she caused real harm to someone, no matter who or what they are. Layla squeezed her daughter's shoulder for reassurance and smiled down at her.
"See my love? Nothing to be worried about. He'll be fine, just needs some rest."
Lucy smiled back at her mother, even in the dimly lit room while the storm raged outside she noticed all the details of her mother's face. Her kind and warm smile, the way her eyes sparkled a light brown color that reminded her of the earth, her golden hair loosened by the rush and falling all around her and the way she got wrinkles when she smiled like that. Looking at her mother, she knew everything was going to be alright.
"Okay, I'd still like to watch over him for a bit. Is that okay?"
Layla giggled, "Sure Bunny. I am off to find your father to see if he needs any help."
With that Layla kissed her daughter's forehead and left the infirmary, leaving Mary to watch Lucy. Mary had to tend to other patients, so Lucy made herself comfortable and sat in a chair next to the boy's bed. She sighed, putting her elbows on the bed, resting her head there while she looked at him in awe. Now knowing what he was, hearing her mother call him a Dragonling, she became ever more curious as to where he came from and why he was in the woods all alone. Doesn't he have a mommy and daddy to look after him? She gasped fearing that maybe he doesn't have parents, maybe he was out there all on his own. She knitted her brows together in worry, to be in the big world all by yourself is so scary, she felt so bad for the little dragon. It was then that she vowed to always stay by his side, no matter what, she would always be his friend so that he wouldn't have to be alone anymore.
What felt like minutes was actually an hour before the boy stirred awake, a small glow came into view as he blinked to adjust to his surroundings. He gasped and moved away when he saw a small girl with her hands on the bed he was in, asleep. He peered down at the girl, taking notice of her sweet angelic like face, her blonde hair falling in wisps around her and the drool spilling from her lip. He laughed at the sight, for he hasn't seen a human girl before. He looked around wondering where on earth he was and how he got there. He took notice of all the beds in the spacious room before him, he recognized it as a nurses wing. What was he doing there? Peering down at the girl once more, he knew he had to wake her to get some answers. He cautiously took one small clawed finger and poked her, she mumbled in her sleep and he sighed, getting impatient, so he shook her shoulder, waking her. Upon waking up, the little princess yawned and was irritated with whoever woke her so violently, seeing that it was her new friend that woke her. All that anger melted away and joy splashed over her face.
She flung herself at him and squeezed him in a tight hug, "You're finally awake!"
She let go and scooted closer to him, smiling. He moved his eyes about, confused by her behavior. He has also never met someone so...cheerful before. Who exactly was this strange girl?
"W-where am I?"
Realization dawned on her and she smacked her head, "Duh, silly me. Don't worry, you're safe in an infirmary. There was a bit of an accident you see, I was learning how to shoot with a bow and arrow and my arrow hit you."
His eyes grew wide at her explanation, what in the world? Where was he hit? Was it serious? If she was the one to hit him, why is she acting so cheerful? What is wrong with this girl? Seeing his internal freak out, the girl laughed.
"It just hit your cheek, it's not serious. You'll have a scar but nothing too bad."
The boy brought a hand up to his face and felt the bandage beneath it, knowing that she was telling the truth.
"I brought you back here to get looked at, Mary took care of you. I felt so bad for hitting you, I really am sorry."
The boy looked at her genuine and saddened face and couldn't help but crack a small smile at seeing someone so worried over him, it's been awhile since any human paid him any kindness. Most just ran away for what he was, as soon as they saw that he was a Dragonling they all ran scared, but not her. Why?
"It's okay. So, what's your name?"
"Oh, I'm Lucy." She said, holding out her hand to him with a smile.
"Natsu."
The boy shook Lucy's hand, "It's nice to meet you Natsu."
Natsu smiled back at her, then his smile fell into one of confusion when she hopped off the bed, wondering what she was doing.
"Now that we know each other's names, we can be friends."
Natsu looked at her quizzically, "You want to be friends?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
His next words were cut off as a huge crash was sounded and a roar over the palace rattled the windows. You could hear the roar of flames coming from the other side of the infirmary, he watched as they rose more and more by the second. His heart dropped knowing who caused such a commotion but he had no time to react as other nurses ran out of the infirmary, Lucy was pushed down due to the commotion but Natsu was able to save her fall, acting on instinct. Mary came running out of the part of the infirmary that held the elders, her only thought was the little princess.
"Lucy. Come with me, we have to hurry before the fire reaches us."
Mary bent down to pick up Lucy, "Wait! I know how to stop this! Don't worry."
Natsu yelled as he looked around for the exit and ran out into the hallway. Lucy gasped and went after him, ignoring Mary's protests.
Upon reaching the palace, the dragon transformed once more into a human and knocked out the guards, taking their uniform to clothe himself. He marched straight for the throne room where he knew Jude would be. It wasn't difficult for someone as powerful as he was to make his way through the palace guards, once he got to the great doors he busted through them.
"Jude! Where is my son!"
Jude turned around from speaking with one of his advisors. Upon recognizing the man, Jude sighed.
"Igneel, you should learn to control your temper. There is no need for this."
The man sneered and scuffed, 'Then explain! Now!"
"Calm yourself and I will. You caused much harm to all my guardsmen, you are taking this too far!"
Ingeel lashed out, "Who hurt my son! Why did I find this, it has his blood on it!"
Jude looked at the arrow in question and looked back at Igneel but before he could say anything his Queen entered the throne room, running in.
"What in the world is going on here?" She demanded, frantically.
"This! Explain why I found an arrow with my son's blood on it?"
Layla put a hand on her heart, shocked at now discovering the true identity of the boy they found.
Layla went up to the angered father and held out her hand to calm him, "Calm down, great dragon. There was an accident in the woods earlier today, you see Lucy was in the middle of learning how to shoot-"
Layla never got to answer completely before Igneel became immediately enraged at the thought of that little brat hitting his son. The little brat was going to pay for what she had done, accident or no accident. No one harms his son, was the only thing on his mind as he became blinded by rage.
"That little brat shot him! I'll be damned if she is wed to my son now!" Igneel shouted, enraged.
This sparked Jude's anger at the insult to his daughter, "She is just a child Igneel, don't you dare insult her like that!"
The kind Celeste king was growing more and more impatient with the intruder, "Now Igneel, you have caused enough damage here today! Get out now or you will never see your son again!"
Layla was shocked at what Jude had said, letting his anger get the better of him like that.
"Jude! How could you say that! There is no need for this anger! It is just a simple misunderstanding! Stop this!" Layla yelled at the both of them, trying to be the sensible one and keep the peace.
Igneel seethed in rage, there was nothing Jude or Layla could do to keep him calm. Soon enough with a flash of light, Igneel became a dragon once more. For Igneel was no ordinary dragon, he was their King. For centuries, the Kingdom of Celeste and the Dragon Kingdom had been at odds with each other, histories were cruel but both kings wanted to bring about peace throughout their lands. But ideals that have been passed down from generation to generation are not so easily changed for the tensions rose between the humans and dragons. Dragons were being discriminated against for their young looking like they do, some humans fearing them and calling them monsters, others hunting them for sport or trading them, the whole situation was quite horrible. As revenge some rogue dragons were burning down farms and raiding villages. Each party had their involvement and part to play, which is why negotiations were being made for one day the two heirs of the kingdoms would wed and unite each other. But this just seemed to become the tip of the iceberg, as it was two fathers who were caught in a rage fueled quarrel.
Silver and the rest of the guardsmen filled the room, standing at the ready against the fierce Dragon King. The little princess ran into the throne room suddenly, as she heard yelling coming from there. She lost track of Natsu a little while ago and just wanted her mom. She was alone and frightened and didn't understand what was going on. Tears rolled down her face but she didn't care, all she wanted was her mom, she hardly noticed Natsu running up behind her.
"Mama!" She screamed scared, looking up at the fearsome red dragon before her.
Layla looked to her terrified daughter and then back at Igneel, she could see the blind rage in his eyes and started running across the room before Igneel could get to her. Igneel roared and went on his hind legs while soldiers and other conscious guardsmen started firing arrows and whatever else at the attacking dragon, to defend the palace and the royal family. Layla picked Lucy up and held her close just in time, but she was too late for Igneel's claws cut deep into Layla's back. Layla screamed at the same time Natsu made his presence known.
"Father no!"
Breathing heavily Igneel, turned to face the voice that called out to him. He saw that his son had a small bandage on his face but was intact otherwise. He transformed back into his human form, grabbing a stray curtain that fell, to wrap around himself, and knelt down to examine Natsu. Natsu had his hands in fists, tears rolled down his face. Igneel's eyes grew wide, knowing what he had done. He looked back to see Jude run to Layla's side, he turned her over and saw her holding Lucy in her arms. Lucy's face in her mother's chest, unconscious. Jude laid Layla across his lap, her chest falling slow and her breathing shallow. He called for Silver to retrieve his daughter, the guard instantly complied, having little struggle pulling the child from her dying mother. Tears flowed down Jude's face as he stared at his beloved wife, mother of his child, his Queen as she struggled for breath. Blood soaked his clothes but he didn't care as he held the love of his life, dying in his arms.
Layla weakly held up her arm, Jude helped her and held her hand to his face.
"My love."
Jude shushed her, "Don't speak, you need to keep your strength. Mary will fix you, just hold on a little longer."
She smiled sadly at him, "I don't think so, I can already feel myself...fading."
"Layla…"
She managed a laugh that ended in a cough, "It's okay. It's okay, I don't regret it."
"I will always be watching over you both. Protect her, promise me Jude." Layla uttered. .
"Of course I will."
She smiled, "I love you…"
"Always." Jude whispered.
Igneel took hesitant steps toward Jude as he knew that he just killed his Queen over a bilined rage that was a misunderstanding. Oh how he wished he could reverse the last few minutes and actually had calmed himself and listened to Layla's wise words.
"Jude, I- I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let myself get blinded-"
Jude looked up at Igneel with pure hatred, his grief over turned by rage. Carefully placing his dead wife down.
"You! You have destroyed my palace, injured my men and now, now you take my love! I had not seriously harmed your boy, we were just bringing him back here to get treated. He just had a scratch! A scratch! You killed my wife over a scratch! This alliance is over, you are now enemies of the crown! Mark my words Igneel, I will tear down your kingdom brick by brick, raid, pillage anyone that gets in my way! I will take and use your people for what they were made for generations ago! You will rue this day forever more! Guards seize them!"
Pounding footsteps were heard, Igneel looked around and immediately turned back into a dragon, scooping his son up and flapping his giant wings, flinging armored men every which way as he broke through the ceiling and vanished in the sky with stray spears and arrows trying to pierce his thick armored scales. Grief stricken, Jude looked up at the sky as the rain poured into the palace, a look of hatred shown on his face. It was that day the kind, noble and generous King Jude filled his heart with hate and darkness. Something an unknowingly wicked being drank up all too well.