Chapter-8: Last Day

Next Morning

The next morning, the room bore the evidence of a passionate night. Dresses and garments were scattered across the floor, creating a colorful tapestry of their evening together. The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.

Natsu and Artoria lay entwined on the bed, sleeping peacefully. Artoria, in her Lancer Light form, rested her head on Natsu's chest, her hair cascading over him like a silken veil. Natsu's arms were wrapped protectively around her, holding her close even in sleep.

The tranquility of the moment was a stark contrast to the previous night's intensity. The room was filled with the soft sounds of their breathing, a symphony of contentment and peace. As the morning light grew brighter, it seemed to bless their union, casting a gentle glow over their resting forms.

Eventually, Artoria stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet the gentle morning light. She looked up at Natsu, a soft smile playing on her lips as she took in the sight of him still asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. She gently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her touch light and tender.

Natsu mumbled something in his sleep and tightened his hold on her slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. Artoria's heart swelled with affection as she watched him, her mind replaying the events of the previous night.

Artoria continued to watch Natsu, her heart full of love and contentment. She gently traced her fingers along his jawline, feeling the warmth of his skin. Natsu began to stir, his eyes slowly opening to meet her gaze.

"Morning, my love," Artoria whispered, her voice soft and filled with affection.

Natsu smiled sleepily, his eyes filled with warmth. "Morning, Artoria," he replied, his voice still groggy from sleep. He tightened his arms around her, pulling her closer. "Did you sleep well?"

"Better than ever," she replied, pressing a kiss to his chest. "How about you?"

"Best sleep I've had in ages," Natsu admitted, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Last night was... incredible."

Artoria chuckled softly. "It was," she agreed, her cheeks flushing slightly at the memories.

"All of your forms in one night… that was something," said Natsu with a playful grin.

Artoria giggled. "My love, today I might not be able to walk. How are we going to explain that?"

"We're not going to explain that," Natsu replied, amused and still a bit sleepy. "I could still sleep some more." He glanced at the clock. "We've only been sleeping for about three hours. We got home at 8 PM."

Artoria kissed him. "Perk of being dragons, my love."

"After our first time, we just kept doing it more and more. I swear last week we only slept four to five hours," said Natsu with a light laugh.

Artoria rose up in his lap, looking down at him. "Well, my love, I can't seem to get enough of you," she told him with a warm smile, her skin marked with kisses and bites.

Natsu looked at her the same way. "Me too, my love."

Artoria continued to smile while caressing his face. "It was perfect, our first time. I've never felt so important and loved. The feeling returns every time you look at me or touch me," she said, her voice filled with love.

Natsu cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over her soft skin. "You are my everything, Artoria. I never want you to forget that."

Artoria leaned into his touch, her eyes shining with happiness. "And you are mine, Natsu. Always."

They shared a tender kiss, a silent promise of their unbreakable bond.

,,Let's just sleep a few more hours, Igneel and Eliza will understand.'' said Natsu yawning.

,,Yes, darling.'' responded Artoia.

A few hours later

A few hours later, Artoria and Natsu walked hand in hand to meet Igneel and Eliza.

"Morning," said Natsu with a grin.

"Good morning," echoed Artoria, her smile matching his.

Igneel glanced at them and raised an eyebrow. "It's 3 PM. What have you brats been doing until now?"

"Sleeping," Natsu responded nonchalantly.

"Till 3 PM?" Eliza questioned, her curiosity piqued.

"We were tired?" Natsu offered, shrugging.

Igneel frowned, clearly puzzled. "Why? We got home at 8 PM."

Artoria sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Oh for the— We went through all of my forms, okay? Happy now? Can we eat?"

Igneel choked on his drink, coughing as he tried to regain his composure. "Now, I know we were trying to get you two together, but I don't need to know that much about my daughter's activities. I'd like to think of Artoria as still my dear little girl."

Artoria blushed slightly, rolling her eyes. "Dad, I'm not a little girl anymore."

Eliza, unable to hide her amusement, patted Igneel's back. "Igneel, let them be. They're happy, and that's what matters."

Natsu chuckled, squeezing Artoria's hand. "Yeah, we're just making the most of our time together."

Igneel sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "Fine, fine. But can we move on to breakfast—err, lunch—now?"

Artoria nodded eagerly. "Yes, please. I'm starving."

The atmosphere around the table remained jovial as they savored their meal together.

"The tournament is in two months," Igneel reminded them, breaking the flow of conversation.

Natsu scratched his head. "Ah, I forgot about that," he confessed with a sheepish grin.

Eliza chuckled softly. "Yes, I guess you were all too focused on fucking my daughter," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Natsu's cheeks flushed slightly, and Artoria couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. "Mother, please," she chided, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

Igneel joined in the laughter, his deep voice rumbling with mirth. "Well, let's not lose focus now. The tournament is held by powerful beings, a few gods I think. Rumors say it will be a battle royale, and also, the Chaos Emeralds are rumored to have been all gathered and put as prizes."

Natsu's eyes widened at that. "The Chaos Emeralds? All of them? Are they fucking high? One of them is powerful enough to create beings like me and Zeref, and they got all seven of them and put them as prizes? That's batshit crazy even for me ! And I was made by a Chaos Emerald."

Igneel nodded solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, the presence of the Chaos Emeralds adds a new layer of complexity to the tournament. We must proceed with caution."

Artoria glanced between Natsu and Igneel, concern etched on her features. "Do you think it's safe for Natsu to participate, given his connection to the Chaos Emeralds?"

Natsu's expression hardened with determination. "I can't sit this one out, especially if the Chaos Emeralds are involved. We need to ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands."

Igneel placed a reassuring hand on Natsu's shoulder. "We will support you every step of the way, but remember, you may have been created by the Chaos Emeralds, but you are not invincible."

"Yes, I know. I will be careful," Natsu replied. "Besides, my darling wife will be there to make sure I don't do something stupid."

Artoria smiled warmly at Natsu's words, her eyes shining with a mixture of pride and affection. "Always, my love. We'll face this challenge together."

Eliza nodded, her expression serious. "Remember, this tournament will attract the strongest and most ambitious beings. Stay vigilant and trust in each other."

Natsu took Artoria's hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We will. Together, we'll make sure the Chaos Emeralds are kept safe."

Igneel leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "With the Chaos Emeralds as the prize, the tournament will be more dangerous than any we've faced before. But I have faith in both of you. You've proven your strength and unity time and time again."

Artoria and Natsu exchanged a determined look, their bond unbreakable. "We won't let you down," Natsu vowed.

As they finished their meal, the gravity of the upcoming tournament settled over them, but so did a sense of purpose.

On Earthland,

A woman was calmly walking down a hallway towards a room. She was a buxom and curvaceous woman with long blonde hair extending to her hips and pink eyes. For attire, she donned a loose kimono with fur lining on the top, flower designs all over it, and zigzag lines on its edges. The back of her kimono had another layer of cloth with no intricate designs. Her head was covered by a hood adorned with an upward crescent moon with a gem on top, as well as a pair of wings on each side. She also wore socks with wooden sandals.

This was Selene, the Moon Dragon Goddess, a Transcended Dragon.

She walked towards a door and opened it, finding a second figure attentively watching a movie with a comically large bucket of popcorn. He was wearing a beige hoodie, simple white pants, and flip-flops. He had dark orange hair with black tips and tattoos: a sun on his chest and flame-like marks on his face.

"C'mon … dude, just say it,'' said the figure intently watching the movie. ''Oh, for fuck's sake, she's practically asking you to! No, no, no, DUMBASS, the fuck you mean 'Not the right time?' It's the PERFECT time for it! 100% character development!'' The figure kept commenting on the movie he was watching, which was a romance movie… it gets even weirder.

This guy right here was Ignia, the Dragon God of Destruction, a Transcended Dragon.

As Selene entered the room, she took a moment to observe Ignia's intense focus on the romantic movie playing before him. The position of the fearsome Dragon God of Destruction engrossed in a sappy love story brought a slight smirk to her lips.

"Really, Ignia?" she said, her voice smooth and slightly amused. "You of all beings watching a romance movie and getting so worked up about it?"

Ignia tore his eyes away from the screen momentarily, giving her a half-annoyed, half-playful look. "You wouldn't get it, Selene. It's all about the emotional buildup and payoff. These mortals have a way with storytelling that's... fascinating."

Selene chuckled softly, gliding further into the room. "Fascinating, is it? Or are you just enjoying the break from all the destruction and chaos?"

Ignia rolled his eyes but didn't argue. "Maybe a bit of both. Besides, everyone needs a break now and then."

As Selene settled into the nearby chair, she crossed her legs gracefully, her expression turning serious despite Ignia's distraction with the movie. "I didn't come here to interrupt your movie night, Ignia. We need to discuss something important."

His attention partially diverted from the screen, Ignia's expression shifted to match Selene's seriousness, though he still kept half an eye on the movie. "What is it, Selene?"

Her tone grew somber as she broached the topic. "The tournament," she began, her voice tinged with concern. "The Chaos Emeralds are the prize, and Artoria is planning to participate."

"My baby sister!? She's too young!" protested Ignia, his brows furrowing with worry.

Selene couldn't help but giggle softly at his protective reaction. "Ignia, you haven't seen her in years. She's not a child anymore."

"Also, Natsu Dragneel is participating," she added, sensing the need to convey the gravity of the situation.

"Natsu Dragneel? Hmmm, sounds familiar," mused Ignia, his interest piqued by the mention of the familiar name.

"Born from the Chaos Emeralds 400 years ago? Same emerald that empowered you? The kid Igneel took care of before he had you and Artoria, and he sent him to the future—that Natsu," Selene explained, her voice carrying a hint of awe at the intricate connections between their pasts.

"Oh, that one. He's supposed to be strong. I want to fight him," Ignia declared with a grin, his competitive spirit shining through.

"He will most likely be in a team with Artoria," Selene informed him, her tone tinged with a mixture of caution and anticipation.

"Why? Did Igneel bring him to the Dragon Realm?" asked Ignia, his curiosity piqued by the thought of their unexpected reunion.

Selene couldn't resist a smirk as she delivered the bombshell news. "Oh yes, apparently he and Artoria got along so well that they got married. She chose him as her king. There was a big scene with the Fire Dragon King and his prince challenging him. Natsu utterly humiliated them both. People say he used fire and lightning at the king stage along with some space-time magic or domain creation."

"Well, the Chaos Emeralds are known to give space-time-related powers and r—" Ignia stopped.

The implications of Selene's words hit Ignia like a bolt of lightning, causing him to jump up abruptly, sending popcorn flying in all directions. "What?! That punk married my little sister and no one thought to tell me?!"

Selene couldn't contain her amusement at Ignia's dramatic reaction, her laughter bubbling up uncontrollably. "Calm down, dear. They've made their choice, and it seems they're quite happy together."

But Ignia's comical rage remained undiminished. "Happy together or not, that kid has some explaining to do. Marrying Artoria without talking to me first... Unbelievable!"

As Selene placed a calming hand on Ignia's arm, she tried to soothe his frustration. "You can discuss that with him during the tournament. Besides, we'll be participating too. It's the perfect opportunity to support them and ensure the Chaos Emeralds stay out of the wrong hands."

Though still visibly irritated, Ignia's expression softened slightly at Selene's reassurance. "Fine. We'll help them. But Natsu better be ready for a serious talk."

Selene smiled warmly, pleased with Ignia's begrudging acceptance. "Let's get ready then. We have a lot to prepare for."

Two months later

The early morning light filtered gently into the room, casting a warm glow over the entwined figures of Natsu and Artoria. Artoria, in her Balance form, held Natsu's head to her chest, her fingers gently caressing his hair. The peace of the moment was a stark contrast to the intensity of their training and preparations over the past two months.

Natsu stirred, his eyes slowly opening to the soft light of dawn. He smiled as he looked up at Artoria, her face serene and beautiful in the morning light. "Good morning, my love," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

Artoria's eyes fluttered open, and she returned his smile. "Good morning, Natsu," she replied softly, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "Ready for tomorrow?"

Natsu stretched and yawned, a grin spreading across his face. "As ready as I'll ever be. Though I might need some… motivation," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he rose up, looking down at Artoria, her legs wrapped around his waist.

Artoria smirked, her eyes glinting with the same playful energy. "I can help with that," she said, her voice sultry. Moments later, Natsu began to move, drawing soft moans from her lips.

"Ahh," Artoria arched her back in pleasure, her long hair cascading over the bed like a golden waterfall.

She pulled Natsu down into a passionate kiss, whispering in his ear, "It's quite early, we have the day off, my love. I have something to show you."

Natsu paused, intrigued. "Oh? What do you have?" he asked, his voice husky with curiosity.

"Wait five minutes, love. It will be worth it," she whispered, trailing kisses along his neck.

Natsu reluctantly agreed and waited in bed, the sheets barely covering his muscular frame. His mind raced with anticipation as he wondered what surprise Artoria had in store for him.

A few minutes later, Artoria reentered the room, and Natsu's eyes widened in astonishment. She was wearing a dark indigo bunny suit, dark stockings accentuating her legs. Her breasts were covered in a way reminiscent of her normal attire in her balance form, but her stomach and shoulders were exposed. Bunny ears adorned her hair, along with a crown made of dark horns. Her skin and hair were paler, and she wore earrings made of the same material as the crown, along with pink lipstick that made her lips look even more inviting.

Natsu let his mouth hang open. "New form?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder and desire.

Artoria smiled seductively as she climbed onto the bed, slowly making her way toward Natsu, teasing him with every move. "It doesn't have any use in battle. It's just an appearance… so this is more like your personal Fuck me form, my love," she whispered in his ear.

Natsu's hands began to trail over her thighs and ass, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Oh, you never cease to amaze me, and I love you for it. Now, may I take my gift?" he asked, his voice filled with reverence and hunger.

Artoria's eyes sparkled with affection and desire as she leaned in to kiss him deeply. "It's all yours," she whispered against his lips.

Natsu's hands continued to explore Artoria's body, his touch both gentle and firm. He reveled in the feel of her skin, the way she responded to his every touch. "You look incredible, Artoria. This new form… it's driving me wild," he murmured against her lips.

Artoria's smile was radiant, her eyes filled with love and desire. "I'm glad you like it, my love. I wanted to do something special for you," she replied, her voice soft and affectionate.

Natsu's eyes darkened with passion. "You always know how to surprise me. And you look absolutely stunning," he said, his hands moving to cup her face as he kissed her deeply.

Artoria melted into the kiss, her body pressing closer to his. "I love you, Natsu. So much," she whispered when they finally broke apart for air.

"I love you too, Artoria. More than anything," Natsu responded, his voice thick with emotion.

They continued to kiss and caress each other, the intensity of their passion growing with each passing moment. "What do you have planned for today, my love?" Natsu asked, his voice husky as he trailed kisses down her neck.

Artoria's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, I thought we could spend the day together, just the two of us," she suggested, her voice laced with excitement. "This is not the only new appearance; I have more gifts for you, my love."

Natsu's hands roamed over her body, groping her breasts as she pushed herself into his touch. "For what occasion?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Because I love you," Artoria replied with a playful smile. "I don't need more reason than that to gift my darling husband." She began to move in his lap, her movements slow and deliberate, driving him wild.

Natsu's eyes darkened with passion. "Well, I need to gift you too," he said, his voice husky as he lightly bit her chest, eliciting moans from her.

"You already have Natsu," she whispered, her voice filled with love. "My love, my husband... oh, I love you so, so much." She looked deeply into his eyes, her own filled with adoration.

Natsu kissed her passionately. "Well, I—" he said with a smirk, "love you even more."

Artoria's smile widened, her eyes shining with joy. "I love you more."

Natsu grinned, his competitive spirit coming to the fore. "Do you?"

"Yes," she said in a teasing voice. "I. Love. You."

Natsu kissed her deeply, their connection undeniable. "Enough words have been spoken, my love," he murmured against her lips.

"Yes, time for... action," she replied, her voice a sultry whisper as she began to trail kisses down his chest.

Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, a dance of love and desire. They lost themselves in each other, their passion igniting like a firestorm. Artoria's hands roamed over Natsu's muscular frame while he explored every inch of her, their touch igniting sparks of pleasure.

"Ahh, yes Natsu, give me more," Artoria's moans filled the room. Natsu was behind her, thrusting into her while kissing her neck and lightly biting her shoulder, his hands on her breasts as they moved up and down.

As they separated for a minute, Artoria's trembling form draped herself over Natsu, taking deep breaths. "We're not done… my love… I have more for you," she told him, kissing his neck.

Natsu laughed softly while playing with her hair. Her stockings and heels remained on, and the corset was opened at the waist, giving Natsu access to her intimate parts. "More? Well, I am looking forward to it, my love. You know you do—" Natsu started to say but was silenced by a kiss.

"Oh, you know I want this, Natsu sweetheart," Artoria caressed his face. "It warms my heart to see you still act so sweet." Raising up on her feet, she said, "Next," and took her Saber Dark form.

She was dressed in a maid-like two-piece bikini, black with white accents, stockings, and long gloves with white cuffs.

Natsu licked his lips. "Tasty."

Artoria giggled and positioned herself in his lap. "Taste me," she whispered playfully.

Natsu immediately got to his feet, took her in his arms, and walked to the table close to the bed. Putting Artoria on the table, he separated from the kiss and whispered, "Oh, I will." Artoria smiled, knowing how Natsu acts when he is like this; she always loved it.

The room was filled once more with their moans and Artoria's playful screams for more.

Some time later, they found themselves sitting on an armchair, with Artoria on Natsu's lap, facing him as she moved up and down. His hands gripped her ass, guiding her movements until they climaxed together.

"Ah ah Mmm, hehe, now, next form," said Artoria, her breath still ragged.

She shifted into her Lancer Light Form. She wore a skin-colored bodysuit with no sleeves, over which she donned a deep blue cocktail dress with cuts on the sides to allow movement and showcase her legs. The dress extended forward past her waist, held by only a few straps that connected between her breasts to a choker. She wore no bra, allowing her breasts to move freely under the tight bodysuit. Her hair flowed down her back, and she had applied a bold red lipstick.

Artoria did a twirl in front of Natsu, who watched with appreciative eyes.

Natsu chuckled. "You don't disappoint, my dear."

Artoria giggled, leaning in to give him a kiss. "Now, come on, dear." She began to trail kisses from his neck down, slowly reaching his lower region. Her touch was electrifying, and she began to pleasure him with her hands and lips.

Natsu leaned back, closing his eyes and enjoying every moment as Artoria worked her magic. "You're incredible, Artoria," he murmured, his hands tangling in her hair.

She looked up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Only the best for you, my love."

Their passion reignited, they moved to the bed once more, Artoria on her back with Natsu on top. He held her legs over his shoulders, thrusting deeply as their moans filled the room again. Her bodysuit tore in strategic places, exposing more of her as they moved together in perfect unison.

After another intense climax, Natsu collapsed on top of her, both of them breathing heavily. Artoria's hand immediately went to his head, caressing his face and playing with his hair.

"Ah ah," both of them took deep breaths. A few minutes later, Artoria spoke once more, her tone still filled with energy and mischief. "Ha, that is… a record… I think?" she said.

Natsu chuckled. "Artoria, anyone else would have been broken by now."

Artoria took his face in her hands, her eyes softening. "Well, it's a good thing you're mine and not someone else's."

Natsu smiled, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Yes, my love."

Artoria's playful expression returned. "Now, next form."

Natsu laughed softly. "You can still go? Last night was long too."

"Yes, I can still go some more," she assured him, caressing his face.

With a playful grin, Artoria stood up, her form shifting seamlessly into her Lancer Dark Form. Her hair was now styled in a messy ponytail, and she wore black leather stockings, long black leather gloves paired with a black leather bra, and panties, all accentuated by a choker around her neck.

"Shall we?" she asked, her voice a seductive whisper.

Natsu admired her new appearance, his eyes darkening with renewed desire. "You never cease to amaze me, Artoria."

He pulled her close, their bodies fitting together perfectly as they began another passionate dance. Artoria's laughter mixed with her moans as they moved together, their connection deepening with each moment.

After they were done with this form, Artoria changed to the next one: her Saber Light Form. Her hair fell freely down her back. She wore a white two-piece bathing suit, a blue cap, and a small long-sleeve blue shirt that stopped above her breasts, only covering her arms and neck.

Artoria smirked as she climbed into his lap, straddling him. Some time later, Artoria lay on Natsu's chest, her entire attire on the floor.

"I will never not love every moment of this," she said between breaths.

Natsu responded, "Me too, love, me too."

Artoria kissed him softly. "Well, we started this with a bunny suit; we're gonna end this with a bunny suit." Her form changed back into her balanced form.

She was wearing a bunny suit resembling the one they started with, this one white with gold accents, resembling her armored dress. The stockings were blue, and she had heels on.

Natsu, taking deep breaths, looked at her with a mix of awe and exhaustion. "Artoria, are you trying to kill me?" he asked, amused.

"No?" she responded, feigning innocence.

"Well, it's working. Come here," Natsu said, pulling her into a deep kiss.

Artoria melted into the kiss, her hands weaving into Natsu's hair as their lips moved in perfect harmony. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against each other.

"I love you, Natsu," Artoria whispered, her eyes shining with love and contentment.

Natsu smiled, his heart swelling with emotion. "I love you too, Artoria. Always."

They closed in for another kiss, their lips meeting in a passionate embrace as they moved together around the bed. The room filled with an intoxicating blend of lust and love, their bodies entwined in a dance of intimacy and desire. Every touch, every caress, spoke volumes of their deep connection and unwavering devotion to one another.

As they lost themselves in each other, their movements became more synchronized, a perfect harmony of passion and affection. Artoria's hands roamed over Natsu's muscular frame, feeling the strength and warmth of his body. Natsu's fingers traced the curves of her form, exploring every inch of her with reverence and adoration.

Their breaths came in short gasps, the air thick with the scent of their love-making. The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle light over their entwined forms. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the intense connection they shared.

"I love you," Artoria murmured between kisses, her voice a soft, breathless whisper.

Natsu's response was a low, rumbling growl of affection. "I love you more," he replied, his lips trailing down her neck, leaving a trail of fiery kisses in their wake.

Artoria's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as their passion ignited anew. They moved together in perfect unison, their bodies communicating in ways words never could. Each touch, each kiss, each whispered declaration of love only served to deepen their bond.

As they reached the height of their passion, their cries of pleasure mingled in the air, a symphony of love and desire. And when they finally collapsed in each other's arms, spent and sated, they held on to each other tightly, basking in the afterglow of their shared intimacy.

"I'll always be here for you, Artoria," Natsu whispered, his voice filled with tenderness and commitment.

"And I'll always be yours," Artoria replied, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of happiness.

Natsu was softly caressing her hair and back. "Well, we need to eat something, my love. Stay here, I will go bring us something."

Artoria's hands playfully slipped off his form. "Nooo, my love," she whined, pouting.

Natsu kissed her cheek tenderly. "Now, now, you should take a nap until I return. I'll wake you up when the food's ready."

Artoria sighed, but her lips curved into a soft smile. "Alright, but don't take too long. I might miss you too much."

Natsu chuckled, giving her one last kiss on the forehead before gently disentangling himself from her embrace. He slipped out of bed, wrapping a robe around himself. "I won't be long, promise."

Artoria snuggled into the warmth of the blankets, her eyes already growing heavy with sleep. "Okay... I'll be waiting."

With a final affectionate glance, Natsu left the room quietly, making his way to the kitchen. As he prepared their meal, his thoughts lingered on Artoria, feeling a profound sense of gratitude and love. Moments like these, simple yet intimate, were what he cherished the most.

With Natsu

Natsu didn't make much effort to dress, slipping into a simple pair of pants, slippers, and a bathrobe as he traversed the castle toward the kitchen. Before he reached the kitchen, a thought entered his mind. He and Artoria were married, everyone considered it so, and she even took his name, Dragneel. Yet, they didn't have rings yet. With a smile, he diverted his path and entered the clothing room, deciding to use the lacrima to create something special for Artoria.

After some time and effort, Natsu crafted a pair of beautiful rings, each infused with a part of their essence, symbolizing their unbreakable bond. His heart pounded with anticipation as he imagined Artoria's reaction. Satisfied with his creation, he headed to the kitchen to grab some of her favorite snacks, then quietly returned to their chambers.

On his way back, he encountered Igneel, who was looking at him with a 'I don't want to know' expression.

"Sup, Dad," said Natsu with a grin.

"Hello, brat," responded Igneel.

"How's your day been going?" asked Natsu, his voice light with hidden excitement.

"Busy," Igneel replied with a deadpan stare.

Natsu smirked. "Well, mine and Artoria's day was fi—"

Igneel interrupted him, raising a hand. "Don't wanna know, thank you, brat. I really, really don't wanna know what your activities are. I'd rather keep thinking of you as my innocent, dear children."

Natsu chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "Relax, I wasn't going to tell you anything anyway. Bye."

As Natsu continued his way back to their chambers, he couldn't help but smile, his heart swelling with love and excitement. He quietly entered their room, finding her still snuggled up in the blankets, just beginning to stir.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he greeted softly, placing the tray of snacks on the bedside table.

Artoria's eyes fluttered open, and a smile spread across her face. "Hey, love. You brought me snacks?"

Natsu nodded, climbing back into bed beside her. "Of course, but I also have something else for you."

Artoria looked at him curiously as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight.

"Natsu, what is this?"

He opened the box to reveal the ring, a beautiful piece that shimmered with a magical light. "It's for you, Artoria. I know we never got around to getting rings, but I made this for you."

Artoria's eyes filled with tears of joy as she took the ring, her hands trembling slightly. She slipped it onto her finger, her voice choked with emotion. "It's perfect, Natsu. I love it, and I love you."

Natsu's own eyes were misty as he leaned in, kissing her deeply. "I love you too, Artoria. Always."

Artoria wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, their kiss full of passion and promise. "You always know how to surprise me. This is the best gift I could ever ask for."

Natsu smiled, his heart overflowing with love. "You deserve the world, Artoria. I'll spend my life making sure you know that."

They shared another kiss, filled with love and unspoken vows, as they moved around the bed. The room was filled with the warmth of their bond, the sound of their laughter, and the unending light of their love.

Next day

As Natsu and Artoria prepared to leave for the tournament, anticipation crackled in the air like static before a storm. Artoria donned her armor for her Balance Form, each piece a testament to her strength and grace.

Her white battle dress flowed around her, reminiscent of the bunny suit she had worn the previous day, yet exuding an air of regal power. The dress, mostly white with blue and gold accents, hugged her form without hindering her movement. Around her neck, a blue collar added a touch of elegance, contrasting with the off-shoulder decolletage. Greaves adorned her legs, while gauntlets adorned her arms, extending just past her elbows. A white blanket-like accessory draped over her shoulders, adding a sense of majesty to her appearance. Her hair, styled in a ponytail with intricate braids, held a golden tiara that gleamed with authority.

Summoning her weapons, Artoria wielded Excalibur, her golden sword with blue accents, ready to shift its form based on the element she commanded. Alongside it, she summoned Rhongomyniad, her lance, its silver and gold design gleaming with potential.

Beside her, Natsu donned a new outfit, every detail reflecting his prowess and readiness for battle. His black baggy reinforced pants and knee-high boots exuded a sense of rugged durability, while a black leather belt adorned with silver metals hinted at his combat prowess. Strapped to his thighs were guns, a gift from Artoria, ready to unleash firepower when needed. His skintight black sleeveless shirt accentuated his muscular frame, while a long black trench coat with blue and silver accents added a touch of mystery.

Upon his back rested the Queen, positioned for swift retrieval, while the Katana Yamato hung loosely at his waist, poised for swift and deadly strikes.

Hidden beneath their gloves, both Natsu and Artoria wore the rings crafted by Natsu the previous day, symbols of their eternal bond and commitment to each other.

As Artoria and Natsu stood together, their hands clasped in a silent exchange of love and support, Igneel and Eliza approached them, a mixture of pride and concern etched on their faces.

"The tournament offers a sort of video lacrima for us to see it, we won't be the only ones," Igneel explained, his voice tinged with paternal concern. "Take care, kids."

Artoria and Natsu exchanged nods of understanding and gratitude, acknowledging the wisdom in Igneel's words. With a shared glance, they reassured Igneel and Eliza that they would be cautious and mindful of the dangers ahead.

"All set, my love?" Artoria asked, her voice soft yet determined.

Natsu nodded, his gaze filled with unwavering confidence. "Yes."

With a final exchange of farewells, Artoria and Natsu activated the spell on their invitations, their bodies enveloped in a shimmering light as they were teleported to the dimension where the tournament awaited them.

On Earth Land

It had been over five months since Natsu left on his vacation, and Fairy Tail was still searching for him, but they always came up empty-handed.

Erza was taking it the hardest. She began to blame herself for everything that could have happened to Natsu.

Every night, she lay awake, torturing herself with thoughts of what might have befallen him. If only she hadn't been so foolish, Natsu wouldn't have disappeared. Was he hurt? Was he even alive? Would he ever forgive her if they were to be reunited? These questions haunted her, gnawing at her soul.

The only clue they had was when Gajeel and Laxus visited the house where Natsu had stayed on the island. Gajeel picked up a dragon scent too powerful to be that of a dragon slayer.

Now, all of them were gathered in the guild hall. Cana was using her card magic in a desperate attempt to locate Natsu. Natsu and Cana had always been close, like siblings. Natsu had discovered Cana's true parentage as Gildarts' daughter, She and Natsu had shared a bond akin to siblings since then, with Natsu always looking out for her like a protective brother.

The entire guild was mobilized in the search for Natsu. Fairy Tail may not have been the largest guild, but they were a family, and everyone knew Natsu.

Erza sat at a table, her gaze fixed on a strawberry cake, but her mind was elsewhere. She was consumed by thoughts of Natsu, of the mistakes she had made, and the regrets that plagued her every waking moment.

As Erza sat lost in her thoughts, Cana approached her, a sympathetic look in her eyes. "Erza, we'll find him. Natsu's tough as nails. He's probably out there somewhere."

Erza managed a small smile, grateful for Cana's words of encouragement. "I hope you're right, Cana. We can't afford to give up hope."

Across the guild hall, Gray and Lucy were deep in conversation, their expressions etched with concern.

"I can't believe he's been gone this long," Gray muttered, running a hand through his hair. "We need to step up our efforts to find him."

Lucy nodded, her brow furrowed with worry. "I've been going through all of our old missions and contacts, but there's still no sign of him. It's like he disappeared off the face of the earth."

"We won't rest until we bring him back," Gray vowed, his determination unwavering. "Natsu's our friend. We'll do whatever it takes to bring him home."

Meanwhile, Levy and Gajeel sat together, poring over maps and documents in search of any clue that could lead them to Natsu.

"We've covered every possible lead," Levy sighed, frustration evident in her voice. "I just wish there was something more we could do."

Gajeel placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll find him, Levy. We've got the whole guild behind us.''

Levy nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "You're right, Gajeel. We'll never give up on him. Natsu's counting on us, and we won't let him down."

Laxus, Gildarts, and Makarov gathered around a table in the guild hall, their expressions grave as they discussed the possibilities of Natsu's whereabouts.

"We've scoured every corner of Fiore and beyond," Gildarts stated, his voice tinged with frustration. "But there's been no trace of him. It's like he vanished into thin air."

Makarov sighed heavily, his brows furrowed with worry. "Natsu is not one to simply disappear without a trace. We must consider all possibilities, no matter how unlikely they may seem."

Laxus, leaning forward with a determined look in his eyes, spoke up. "What about the possibility that Natsu encountered a powerful enemy? Someone or something that could have overpowered him and taken him captive?"

Gildarts nodded thoughtfully. "It's a plausible theory. Natsu has a knack for getting himself into trouble, but he's also strong. For him to be missing for this long, there must be something formidable at play."

Makarov clasped his hands together, his expression grave. "Then it's settled. We'll expand our search and investigate any reports of suspicious activity or powerful adversaries. We won't rest until we find Natsu and bring him home."

,,That won't be necessary Maki.'' said A voice.

Mavis Vermilion then manifested in the middle of the hall.

The Founder and First Master of Fairy Tail.

Makarov's eyes widened in surprise as Mavis Vermilion, the revered Founder and First Master of Fairy Tail, appeared in the middle of the guild hall.

"Mavis!" he exclaimed, a mixture of astonishment and relief evident in his voice. "What brings you here?"

Mavis smiled warmly, her presence imbued with an aura of wisdom and strength. "I've been monitoring the situation closely, Makarov. It seems our dear Natsu has found himself in a rather unique predicament."

The other guild members gathered around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and hope.

"What kind of predicament?" Gildarts asked, his tone cautious.

Mavis's gaze swept over the gathered wizards before she spoke. "Igneel has contacted Natsu. He has been in the Dragon realm ever since."

Makarov put a hand on his chest. "Thank the gods, he is safe. But for what?"

Mavis responded, "Do you remember what I told you about Natsu and his origin? About the Chaos Emeralds?"

"Yes," responded Makarov. Mavis personally knew Eliza and Igneel; she herself had learned her magic from Eliza. They had shared the story of Natsu's creation with her, and she had relayed it to Makarov.

Makarov was aware that Natsu was created by a Chaos Emerald and of the existence of the emeralds.

"In a few minutes, there will be a tournament held in a different dimension with various fighters. Natsu, along with someone else, will compete," said Mavis.

"But why is this tournament so important?" asked Gildarts, his tone reflecting his concern. He, too, was well-versed in Natsu's origin.

Mavis frowned, her brows knitting together in thought. "Supposedly, someone gathered all 7 Chaos Emeralds and put them up as sort of prizes in the tournament."

Laxus leaned forward, intrigued. "And what exactly are these Chaos Emeralds supposed to be?"

Mavis's expression turned serious. "Objects of immense power, considered infinite even by gods and primordial beings. Only one Chaos Emerald was powerful enough to create Zeref, the Black Wizard, and empower Acnologia to the state of a Transcendent Being in just a couple of years after creating Zeref."

Gray's eyes widened in shock. "That's... unimaginable."

Gajeel, his arms crossed, spoke up next. "I've heard of the emeralds, but what does Natsu have to do with all this?"

Mavis met Gajeel's gaze, her voice steady. "Natsu was created by the Chaos Emeralds themselves, just like Zeref, by the will of the Primordial Dragons to counter him. As for Acnologia, the Chaos Emeralds empowered a second dragon to counter him, maintaining a delicate balance of power in reality."

The guild members exchanged incredulous glances, trying to process the weight of Mavis's revelation.

Erza spoke up, her voice filled with concern. "So, if these Chaos Emeralds are involved in the tournament, and Natsu is connected to them... What does that mean for him?"

Mavis's expression softened, understanding the worry in Erza's voice. "It means that Natsu's presence in the tournament is significant. He may hold the key to preventing the misuse of the Chaos Emeralds or ensuring they don't fall into the wrong hands."

Juvia's voice was laced with worry. "But what if he's in danger? What if someone targets him because of his connection to these emeralds?"

Makarov's gaze hardened, his resolve evident. "I don't know much about what he has done in the dragon realm, but he is considered to be relative or even stronger than Igneel himself, the King of all Dragons. I heard from Eliza, Igneel's wife, that Natsu mastered everything Igneel taught him and more. He has multiple Dragon Magics to their king stage, and Eliza said his power as a demon that was granted to him by The Chaos Emeralds is even greater. She compares him to Ignia, the Dragon of Destruction, and the second Dragon Empowered by the Chaos Emeralds to counter Acnologia. He might be on par with Zeref."

The guild members exchanged glances, absorbing the gravity of Makarov's words. Natsu's immense power and his connection to the Chaos Emeralds painted a picture of a formidable force.

Wendy spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "But what if he's in danger? Shouldn't we try to reach out to him, to offer our help?"

Erza, her voice laced with concern, spoke next. "Is there any way to reach him?" She was desperate to see him again, to apologize and mend their relationship.

Mavis nodded solemnly. "No, the tournament was orchestrated by a being of immense power, likely using the emeralds to facilitate it. However, we can observe the tournament."

"We can?" Lucy asked, her eyes widening with curiosity.

"Yes," confirmed Mavis. "I've been given a special lacrima for this purpose. It seems whoever organized the tournament intends for it to be a grand spectacle."

The guild members exchanged glances, a mix of apprehension and determination in their eyes. They were eager to see Natsu again, even if only from a distance.

Makarov placed a reassuring hand on Erza's shoulder. "We'll keep a close eye on him, Erza. Don't worry."

Erza nodded, her resolve hardening. "Thank you, Master."

With a sense of purpose, the Fairy Tail guild prepared to witness the tournament unfold, hoping for a glimpse of their lost comrade and for clues about his safety and well-being.

And So The Tournament begins.