Queen Lucy had adjusted to having Natsu around rather quickly. He was someone she looked forward to seeing just because he knew all the right things to say and all the right things to do to make her smile and laugh. Oftentimes, she wondered if all dragons were as charismatic as hers but she tried not to think like that as she knew sooner than later, he would be off on his own.
She seemed to be the only one who really thought he was charming anyways since he still continued to taunt and be spiteful towards everyone else.
While their contract didn't specifically state when Natsu were to be released, all they needed was an heir so that was what they enforced.
Lucy didn't know how many times she had to be poked and prodded to see if she was with child but every time it came up negative, she could only be struck with worry and fear that it would never be resolved. But the doctors all assure her that she has nothing to worry about (yet) because it is still too soon to know.
On one hand, she was happy she had yet to be with child so that meant Natsu would stay longer.
One the other, it scared her to think she would be failing her kingdom by not being able to get pregnant.
She wondered if any other kingdoms had this kind of worries in their own hands but many other kingdoms didn't need an equal or greater partner to conceive.
Hope is what allowed her to spend time with Natsu as she hoped he would want to stay. Hope he may like her as much as she does. Love. Would this be her family? Her king?
But the sad truth of it all is that she was yet to be with child. After three and a half weeks of strenuous work and hoping for the best, she had yet to obtain her main goal.
It was frustrating to say the least. Considering she's been very committed to this thing, how come there weren't any results? Sure it takes a bit for sperm to reach the egg and fertilize it but Natsu had provided her plenty to get at least one sucker in. At least, that's what she thought.
Nonetheless, she wasn't complaining too much. She had other pressing matters to tend to and a very fussy dragon happened to be one of them.
The days leading up to their very last day have been very eventful. While Natsu didn't speak about what his plans were afterwards, Lucy knew that once she had found out she was with child he would want to be back on his own path. They've spoken about it a couple of times but never in detail and the more she tries to think or bring it up, the more he sort of brushes her away.
He never really wants to talk about what's next as she always finds him growing irritated at her questions.
Maybe he didn't want to talk about his plans with her. Maybe he didn't trust her as much as she trusted him. But she couldn't be the one to judge that and no matter what Natsu wanted, she would have to oblige as it had been written in their contract.
She often thought to herself that what if she and Natsu had crossed paths in another way? Would they have been able to become friends and not worry about duties and titles? Would he have been the same as he is now? Would she have fallen for him that time, too?
It hurt her immensely to think about being without Natsu once again. But then again, if Natsu was gone that meant she would be pregnant so she would have an extension of him. She wouldn't have to be so lonely and the promise of seeing Natsu come back to see her and their child was the only hope she had and she was going to hold onto that as long as she could.
She hoped that Natsu would be able to find his nest once again and once he did, she hoped he would return to her. She would allow him to roam free on her land and if he had any friends or family he wanted to bring along, she would happily accommodate them as well. And who knows? Maybe Natsu would be able to return during his heat again next year and they could produce another heir then.
That is, if she was successful this time around.
"Honestly, how many more times must I do this? It is becoming increasingly difficult and annoying." Lucy huffed as she crossed her arms across her chest and had a pout on her lips. Her advisor tried to get her to stop her little temper tantrum but she was not even looking his way. "I have yet to eat anything this morning and I was very rudely awoken and stolen from the comfort of my bed without a word."
"The dragon's chambers, your majesty."
"His name is Natsu." She turned to hiss at her advisor who startled at the glare she was giving.
"Y—yes, your majesty! My apologies. I meant to say: sir Natsu's chambers."
"And then I was dragged around everywhere! Am I done, doctor? I am quite famished and parched." Lucy turned back to look at the royal doctor who stared at his test, humming to himself.
"Just a minute longer, your majesty. The test results should be produced any minute now."
"I do not understand why we must do this everyday as if it would change! It does not take overnight to become pregnant!"
"You never know, my queen." Her advisor said but clamped his mouth shut when Lucy tossed him another menacing glare. "Remember, your majesty, we are doing this for the sake of the kingdom so you can be with child."
"I know that. Do not speak to your queen as if she is dumb." Lucy snapped and he immediately bowed his head.
"My apologies, your majesty."
"Go get me something to eat and drink," she sighed, leaning against the table with her elbow. "Actually, no, send it to Natsu's chambers. I wish to go be with him afterwards."
"But your majesty, we have—"
"Are you asking your queen to repeat herself?"
Her advisor was quick to scurry out of the room and Lucy let out a huff, air blowing her bangs away from her line of vision.
All she wanted to do was spend her morning in her dragon's arms and steal his body heat for a moment longer. With the days going by and knowing she will not have the privilege to be with said dragon much longer, it only made her antsy and jittery. Even if Natsu was no longer in heat, she did not think it was appropriate to continue to bed him nor did she think he would want to. He was only doing this for the sake of her kingdom and vice versa.
Though, she wouldn't mind if it didn't have anything to do with reproducing considering it was good exercise and fun. Not to mention felt godly. Nothing would ever compared to her dragon stretching her out and—
"Your majesty!"
Lucy blinked as she turned her head to face her doctor, looking stupid and confused as he waved his hand in front of her face. She felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment as she was caught dozing off yet again and of course, thinking about her dragon's massive—
"Your majesty, it is a miracle!"
Her head snapped over to look at him with wide eyes and as the doctor gave her a wide grin and held up the test, the solid pink lines that indicated her positive pregnancy were shown.
Lucy had no idea how to react as her jaw went slack and her eyes widened.
Positive. Pregnancy test. Miracle.
"I am pregnant?!"
The news was joyous and Lucy couldn't stop herself from grinning wide. She rushed out of the room without thought and ran all the way to Natsu's chambers, almost knocking into her staff and knights who shouted for her in worry. She had to discard her heels halfway there since she kept tripping over them and she hiked up her massive skirt so it wouldn't get caught. She ignored them all as the only thought in her head was Natsu.
She couldn't wait to tell him. To have him join in the news and tell him he was going to be a father and they were successful!
When she had made it to his chambers, she barged into his room with the doors swinging wide open and slamming into the walls. "Natsu!" She shouted happily and as she looked around the messy place, she looked around to look for her loveable dragon. "Natsu!" She shouted again, rushing to the bathroom to throw open the door and look inside, frowning slightly as she saw the empty wash room. "Natsu?" She called once again, circling the room where it was most definitely now empty.
She wondered if he had wandered off on his own once again, probably bored and looking for something to do.
It made her frown even more as all she wanted to do was tell him the news and celebrate accordingly—especially when today was the very last day of his heat. She wanted to lay with him once more and speak about their future child and maybe even possibly go over names since he was the father.
But guess that'll have to wait since he wanted to wander off and leave her hanging.
With an annoyed huff, Lucy spun on her heel and called for her knights for them to come right to her, the large guards giving their respect by bowing right at their queen.
"Please locate sir Natsu and have him come to my studies. I have some things I would like to speak to him about."
Disappointed and a bit upset, Lucy returned to her studies where she knew she had piles of work waiting for her. All she wanted to do was be with Natsu, especially since she couldn't enjoy her morning with him, but as queen, she must put her kingdom and duties first.
But she couldn't find it in herself to be too upset as the smile continued to crawl up her lips and bring her happiness, the idea that she had finally been able to live up to her queen status filling her like warm liquid.
The future was bright.
And she only had the stars and Natsu to thank for that.
—X—
After waiting around for what felt like hours, Lucy was getting antsy and annoyed. Natsu had been nowhere to be seen and none of her companions could locate him anywhere in the castle. She even had men looking for him outside in the city in case he had wandered off and she had yet to hear anything.
It worried her.
Could he have possibly ran away since it was his last day and he wanted his freedom back? Did he not want to be with her and at least say goodbye before he left? Maybe he thought this was best and he didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her he was leaving.
But Natsu was not that type of man and she knew he wouldn't leave her hanging like this. Someone was bound to have seen him leave the castle and or spotted him out on the street.
He wasn't a local in Celestial and someone with his wild pink locks and build was sure to be spotted out.
Someone should have seen him.
Everytime she tried to think logically and wondered about the what ifs, it didn't make any sense to her and she was spiraling.
Natsu wouldn't leave her like this. Especially since they had a contract and he was nothing but understanding and sweet. He didn't show any signs that he wanted to escape and he had told her many times that he wouldn't leave till his end was fulfilled.
So where the hell could he be? Could he be in trouble? Maybe he had gotten lost? Fallen in a ditch somewhere? Accidentally stumbled across something and been stuck for the last couple hours?
She couldn't feel his heat anywhere in the castle. Natsu was a capable man who could definitely sniff her out if he had to.
So where was he?!
"Status update." Lucy snapped as soon as Erza had come into her studies, worry painted on her pale face.
"There has been no signs of sir Natsu nor any words from the citizens about a pink-haired man roaming the streets."
Lucy was now feeling anxious as she ran her hands through her hair, tugging on her golden locks that have become loose in the last couple hours.
There was no way Natsu had abandoned her. There is no way. He wouldn't do that. Especially since they had an agreement and understanding with each other. He told her he would come back even when he did leave. He told her he would want to be a part of their lives. Were they simply lies so he could leave and give her hope?
"Search the entire kingdom for him! Close all borders and have them keep an eye out towards the skies for any sign of him. I want even the edges of the borders checked in case he really did escape and there are any signs of his departure!"
"Yes, my queen!"
Was she being a little too desperate by doing this? Maybe. But she deserved at least a goodbye to the face. If he truly left and didn't say bye, he was going to really get it from her then.
She just hopes he ran away rather than got into trouble.
Natsu let out a grunt as he was tossed onto the hard floor, the sac still planted over his head to cover his sight but thanks to his hearing and smell, he sort of knew where he could be. Considering they weren't outdoors anymore and it took them a bit to travel to wherever they were, Natsu could sense they were not in the Celestial Kingdom any longer.
He could still feel Lucy's magic pulsing through his veins but they were very faint, indicating that he was a bit too far away from his queen and he would soon lose her entirely.
Natsu hated these stupid magic cufflinks. These had to be the worst/best inventions humans have yet to make and he hated being on the other side of them, the harsh metal and ropes digging aggressively into his skin.
He was being manhandled and it was pissing it off, grunting as they yanked him up to his knees before yanking off the dusty old sac. He winced slightly, not used to the bright light before he adjusted well enough to take in his surroundings.
This place was definitely not the Celestial Kingdom. Everything here compared to his queen's place was dull, dark, and distasteful. He had no idea who decorated this place to make it look like a batcave and he scrunched his face up at the smell of what almost smells like rotten meat and char. His eyes finally landed on the man on the throne right in front of him, jet black hair and matching black eyes that looked at him with mere amusement rather than anything malicious.
The scent of this man immediately made his nose crinkle and Natsu was not liking the look he was giving him. Almost as if he wanted to eat him for his next meal.
"Who would have thought dragons were still alive in this day and age?" He spoke finally after a moment of staring and Natsu sneered at him, not liking how he spoke about his kind. "Where is the rest of your nest, dragon?"
Deciding to keep up with his petty act, Natsu merely scoffed and ignored him, turning his head away to glare at the floor. A sharp zap to his back had him crying out as his spine straightened and his body jolted before he hunched over from the pain, harsh pants escaping his chapped lips.
"The king is speaking to you, fool! Answer him when he speaks!"
Natsu simply turned his head and bared his teeth at the knight holding the spear and he faltered slightly before Natsu was feeling the electric zap course through his body once more. His cries of pain echoed in the large room, bouncing off the walls and causing him to shudder. Beads of sweat started to cling onto his skin and his eyes stayed on the carpeted rug right in front of him, his muscles screaming in pain.
"That is enough," the king's voice echoed and Natsu didn't dare to lift his head up as he heard the shuffling of his feet before they were approaching him. "We do not wish to hurt you, dragon."
Natsu rolled his eyes but ensured nobody would see, his body still tingling in the previous zaps.
"To my knowledge, the Celestial kingdom has had you prisoner for a good couple months now… but from what I could see, you weren't a prisoner but more so as a guest." He mused as he circled the kneeling dragon, taking in his appearance. "Could it be that Queen Lucy had captured you and manipulated you so you would think she was your ally?"
At the mention of his queen, Natsu snapped his head up and bared his teeth at the king, hissing lowly. "Keep my queen's name out of your filthy mouth, you swine."
Natsu cried out again when he felt the electric zaps course through his body and he fell to the ground, groaning in pain. His breathing was becoming harsh and his body clung onto the sweat it began to produce.
"How cute. The queen's pet." He smirked right at Natsu who could only glare. "That woman does not care for you. She is merely using you." The king paused for a moment before he shrugged. "I suppose I am, too, but at least I won't lie to you."
His vision was beginning to grow hazy and he tried his best to keep his eyes on the king who continued to circle him like some kind of predator. His ears were trained on those around and he kept trying to wiggle himself free from the restraints but he was weak and his magic was trapped inside of him, unwilling to spring free for his safety.
"Imagine how powerful we will become with the strength of a dragon on our side. I can make you into a powerful demon. Indestructible. The Balam kingdom will rise and we will take over the world! We will be the strongest!" He claimed, shouting out his excitement as he kicked him to his back. Natsu groaned out in pain as his abdomen throbbed from the kick. "And we will start with the Celestial kingdom first."
"Lay a finger on my queen or her kingdom and I will burn you to ash," Natsu hissed hoarsely.
The feral grin the king gave him only made him shudder. "We shall see about that."
—X—
Natsu didn't know how long he was knocked out. Last thing he remembered was being zapped by those annoying knights and then being dragged away until darkness surrounded his vision. He didn't even know how long he's been gone, really, considering there were no windows or clocks for him to see.
He had been tossed in some sort of dungeon yet again but this one felt colder and darker than the one he was in for months prior.
Thanks to Lucy's magic, he was able to keep his warmth and feel the hum of her magic but it was fading rapidly. He couldn't feel it as much as he did when he was first brought here but he still felt the slight spark, giving him some sort of hope.
He had to return to her. He couldn't let her think he left her behind when he didn't. He didn't want her to think he abandoned her and possibly his own child.
His sharp eyes adjusted to the dark very well. There was one torch up against the wall in the corner and he could just barely reach it if his legs weren't cuffed to the wall. His hands were now tied in front of him with the cuffs still on tightly but he had more room and more freedom than being tied up with a sac thrown over his head.
He looked around to find anything to try and reach the torch. If he was able to inhale that fire, it could give him just enough fuel to melt the chain clamped on his ankle. With his arms bound, it would be hard for him to fight and wiggle his way out but he could definitely manage. He might be able to sprout his wings for a couple minutes and fly off but there's no saying how long till he would be crashing and or someone found him.
He didn't even know where he was but he had to go. Lucy was waiting for him.
Or she was already looking for him and he wasn't going to let her come hunt him down with the thought of starting a war with these wackjobs.
Natsu looked around his small cell, seeing how he didn't have anything but a filthy cot laid out and no blanket or pillow to give him any comfort. There was a small bucket in the corner which he could most definitely use but it may create too much noise which he scratched it out of his list immediately.
He cursed under his breath when he realized there was nothing in this goddamn cell that could help him knock that torch down from the wall. He slammed his head back against the cobblestone, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply to clear his mind.
He had to get out. He couldn't let them subject him to whatever they wanted him for and he would be damned if they tried to force him to attack Lucy or the Celestial kingdom. He would rather take his own life than do that.
But how could he escape or alert someone that he was taken?
Opening his eyes and rolling his head to take another sweep of his cell, Natsu blankly looked at every corner and crook of the place till his eyes oddly enough landed on his feet.
He stared at his sandals that were strapped to his feet and his brain began to think, his gears turning and then finally the little lightbulb went off.
He brought his foot over and he yanked off the sandal, holding it in his hand to test the weight and size of the thing before he was looking up at the torch. The flames danced in the darkness of the cell, bright red, yellow, and orange hues flickering deliciously.
Worst case, he had one more try to do this and if he fucked that one up, he might as well be caught again. Best case, he would be able to knock the torch down and be able to eat the fire that could help fuel his already low magic energy.
Without waiting a second longer, Natsu chucked the sandal as best as he could with his bounded hands and he watched as it smacked against the wall just a few inches away. He cursed and ripped off his other one, closing one of his eyes to try and get a good accurate shot. Once he thought he had it down, he chucked the thing for it to smack right against the torch. His entire being beamed as he watched it wobble but to his horror, the torch stayed exactly where it was and he let out a loud curse, slamming his head back against the wall where the throb of the pain dulled out the rest of his concerns.
One of his shoes were reachable and he could definitely do this again but the loud sound of a door opening had him sitting up straight, dark eyes trained on the door of his cell and his mind keeping count on how many steps it took them to reach him.
He was quiet and skeptical as he stared at the door, seeing how a shadow approached till some cat looking asshole with wild dark golden hair appeared.
It made him think of his queen and his heart throbbed at the thought of her.
"Look who is finally awake," he grinned wickedly at him, a smug grin on his face. "And here I thought dragons were strong." He yawned and Natsu bit down on his cheek to refrain from cursing him out. "You're just like the rest of us." He shrugged as he began to pace the width of his cell from the outside. "You should be thanking us. You are going to be a powerful weapon for the Balam kingdom. Do you know how big that is?"
Natsu scoffed, narrowing his eyes to glare at the floor and the blonde one sneered at him.
"You ungrateful swine. After all King Zeref did to bring you here and what he has in plan for you—you should be on your hands and knees and thanking us!"
"Thank him for kidnapping me and trying to force me to be a weapon? Yeah, real fucking thankful."
A sudden explosion made Natsu yelp as his body jerked with the movement, his entire being tossed against the wall before he crumbled to the floor. He let out a groan as the dust from the cobblestone swirled around, his eyes wide and chest burning with the recent explosion.
"What the—?" He looked down to see a hole burned through his shirt and he looked back up to see the said maniac smirking at him, holding up a hand in his direction.
"You keep talkin' like that, I might just have to blow you up myself." His tongue came out to swipe at his bottom lip and Natsu noticed the sharp teeth he had, looking almost like some sort of beast. "If you keep talking about King Zeref in such a manner, I'll have to deliver him half a dragon because that's what you'll be once I am done with you."
"What? You scribbled ruins all over me so you can have them explode at your own given time?"
"You think I'm some weak mage that needs ruins to do a bit of damage?" He snickered, holding up his palm where a golden light began to glow.
"What the hell are you?"
"The name is Jackal. One of the Nine Demon Gates of Tartaros. Remember that in hell... as the name of the man that massacred the entire Celestial kingdom."
Natsu's eyes widened at his exclamation, his body tensing up. "What did the Celestial kingdom do for you all wanting to attack?" He questioned and when Jackal began to cackle like a mad-man, Natsu wasn't prepared for the second explosion when a bright glow came below him before he felt the effects shoot through him.
His muscles screamed at him and he could smell his skin and clothing burn from the recent explosion. The pain that came coursing through made his mind go blank and he could only wither away on the cold stone ground, a hiss of pain escaping his chapped, cracked lips.
"It's night-night for the dragon. You'll be having very long, hard days from now on so you should get all the rest you need." He snickered before Natsu cried out one last time when yet another glow of light erupted all over him.
Lucy was half-attempted to call off this sad excuse of a heartbreak once night fell. Natsu obviously was gone and was nowhere to be found considering there hasn't been any word of him. But the awful gut feeling she had brewing inside of her made her not want to call it off just yet because something was wrong. Terribly wrong.
It was hard for her to stay still as she had been constantly pacing and constantly stuffing her face. Now that she had a baby growing inside of her, she had to keep herself energized and healthy. But the downside is that with her being with child, her magic abilities were used up to protect the child so she didn't even have half the strength she used to have.
Which is why she was forced to be in the castle and away from all the mayhem because while she was still a strong queen, she was not nearly enough to fight off anyone.
Her hands shook as she paced back and forth in her studies, eyebrows creased and hair disheveled. She was growing desperate and even with every single knight and staff of hers out and questioning people and looking for any sort of clue where Natsu may have gone, it wasn't enough.
She toyed with her set of keys once more, feeling the warmth that radiated off of them and she bit down on her bottom lip to contemplate her decision once again.
No, she had to. If Natsu was in trouble, she had to do everything to help him.
Gripping at the key, Lucy was about to snatch it off it's ring before a flash of bright golden light appeared in front of her for her lion spirit to come through his gate before she could summon him.
"Lucy, you know you shouldn't be trying to overwork yourself."
"Loke, please," Lucy begged, ignoring his scolding. "I need your help."
Loke let out a sigh as Lucy came stumbling towards him, tears pricking her eyes. He embraced the woman into his arms as she clutched onto his blazer, a small whimper escaping her lips.
"I need to know if he is safe."
"It will be hard for us to see anything outside of the celestial kingdom unless you were there with him," Loke brushed the tears from her face. "Natsu is not a celestial citizen nor was he with anyone that would have been under our protection. It won't be easy to find him."
"Can you not do something?"
"Like I said, he's not under our protection so we wouldn't have been able to see him." He gave her a sympathetic look. "Maybe this is what he wanted."
"No!" Lucy cried out, pushing Loke away from her. "He would have not just left like this, Loke! He would have at least told me goodbye! He would not abandon me!"
"Lucy—"
"I said no!" Lucy screamed, resulting in her chocolate orbs to glow and a bright light began to swirl around her. "He has not abandoned me!"
"Your majesty!" Loke shouted right back, reaching for her to grab at her wrist. "You must calm down! You are overextending yourself!"
Yanking herself away, Lucy whirled around and inhaled deeply to calm herself down. The hum of her magic vibrated inside of her and she let out a shuddering sigh to feel it seep back into her body. The glow had disappeared and the same aching feeling returned back into her chest.
Tears pricked at her eyes and she could feel the overwhelming feeling of loneliness and pain return and hit her deep within her chest. Loke merely frowned at her and wrapped his arms around the queen, offering what he could as she cried.
A rapid knock on the door echoed and before Lucy could allow them entry, Erza bursted through the doors to come flying inside. She was a bit out of breath while looking frantic, making Lucy throw herself off Loke and rush to her side.
"There has been a sighting…" she panted, trying to get her breathing under control. "T—there were villagers who claim they have seen a pink-haired man forcibly taken by the edge of the borders on the west wing."
Lucy let out a small gasp, hands flying to cover her open mouth. "Did they say who?"
The grim look on her face made Lucy's entire body grow cold, eyes widening as her nerves shot through.
"They claim they were part of the Balam kingdom."
Lucy could only feel her entire body grow cold as the hairs on her skin rose.
"Did you just say… the Balam kingdom?"
The queen was quick to book it out of her studies, her heels clacking loudly against the marble flooring as she dashed down the halls. Loke and Erza didn't even have time to process what was going on as they chased after her, shouting for her to stop or wait up but she wasn't listening. She had her skirt hiked up and she ran as fast as she could, blood pumping in her ears and her heart threatening to jump out of her throat.
The Balam kingdom has a peace treaty within the other kingdoms to keep them from attacking one another but they were the only kingdom that were overrun by dark guilds and wizards. They were a smaller kingdom located to the west side of Fiore but their strong power made up for their low population. They didn't have specific rules to abide by like normal kingdoms do and they hosted dangerous power, ancient relics, and dark magic. Their king happened to be the dark wizard of Fiore and while he was a menacing, unforgiving character, he also knew his boundaries when it came to other borders.
Which confused her on why they had decided to come towards her territory and kidnap her prisoner. Granted, he was a dragon but how could the Balam kingdom have known that she had a dragon in her possession?
And the said dragon was Natsu of all people? After all this time of peace and harmony, she knew she should have been more careful when it came to the Balam kingdom. They had eyes and ears nearly everywhere and how could she have been so stupid to allow them to catch wind of her treasure?
She had a mole in her kingdom and while that was concerning in itself, she had more pressing matters to attend to.
"Your majesty!" Loke shouted as he tried to keep up with the queen who continued to rush down the halls. "Please, wait!"
"Loke, we need to get him!" Lucy said as she bursted through a set of double doors, seeing how it was full of armor, weapons, and shields. Horses that were in their stalls on the far right startled at her entrance. All sorts of things littered around and as she reached for some armor, Erza grabbed at her, turning her around.
"My apologies, my queen," she let go of her immediately. "But you have to understand you cannot go. Night has already fallen and there are a lot of dangerous—"
"To hell with that statement!" Lucy shrieked, growling at her knight. "He is the father of my child! I cannot just sit back and wait for his return! I must—!"
"You must stay and keep yourself protected." Loke finished for her, placing yet another gentle hand on her shoulder. "Your magical power has been diluted due to your current condition and we cannot risk getting you or the child hurt. You will not be able to fight at your full potential."
"I will not stand back while my knights risk their life. The Balam kingdom are not ones to take lightly."
Seeing how Lucy was frantically trying to get belongings together for whatever reason, Loke came to her and stopped her once again, giving her a tight-lipped smile.
Lucy immediately shook her head, stepping away from his grasp while she gave her spirit and knight a very stern, determined look.
"I will not stand back while Natsu is in trouble. It is my fault he is even in this mess in the first place and while I normally will not be the one to be jumping into battle, this is my responsibility and duty as queen to protect my own. And Natsu is mine." She declared, giving them fierce glares that radiated power and energy. Her eyes glowed golden as she stood there baring her teeth at them and the two of them were startled by the look, looking at her with wide eyes at the similar features they have only seen on Natsu. "Do not hold me back from doing my duty as queen. I shall bring him back with or without you. If you dare defy the queen, you shall suffer the consequences of your actions."
Jerking herself free, she turned to continue on her task but was stopped once more when Loke grabbed her arm. Turning her head to look at him over her shoulder, she opened her mouth to shout at him once more but he stopped her before she could.
"I am coming with you, my queen."
"As well I." Erza declared, catching the blonde off guard.
"Along with the protection of the stars," Loke gave her an actual smile this time. "We shall bring Natsu back."
Lucy could only stand there in shock for a moment, blinking owlishly at her two friends who offered her encouraging smiles. It only took her a second to process before a smile spread across her lips and she could feel the warmth course through her body.
"Let us bring Natsu home."
—X—
The horses they have taken galloped with speed, strong powerful strides taking them far and fast as Erza and Loke rode along with her. Loke had sat himself behind his queen while Erza had her own horse, the three of them making fast progress with their noble steeds.
The night sky was littered with bright stars, helping them guide their way to their destination. Their plan wasn't to ask nicely to approach the kingdom but more so to break in, knowing they wouldn't be so happy to allow the queen of the Celestial kingdom to enter when they had one of her own inside as a prisoner.
The area around was surrounded by dark matter and all sorts of furiocious beasts that were willing to rip them apart at any second. Luckily, with Loke's light and the protection they have within the stars, it keeps them away just enough for them to pass through without a fight.
"Your majesty, I think it will be safest for you to stay out here while Loke and I sneak in." Erza said as they began to stride slower, keeping themselves close together and on guard. "You will be protected out here where the stars can see."
"I will not stay back and send you two in alone." Lucy looked insulted at the idea, looking at Erza who gave her a frown. "I shall be going wherever you two will be going."
"We do not know how many people there are nor where Natsu is being kept."
"I feel him," Lucy said, surprising the spirit and the knight. "His magic. I—I do not know how or why but I know this is him. It is… a warm and fuzzy feeling." She rubbed her chest as if she was trying to feel it herself. "He is close. I believe I can lead you right to him. He is most definitely kept in the dungeon of their castle."
"Perhaps it is due to the child?" Erza questioned and Lucy just shook her head.
"Possibly but Natsu always mentioned how he could feel mine. Said he was feeding off of it in little bits. Maybe it could have been something to do with our err… bond." Her cheeks tinted slightly pink and Loke seemed amused by it while Erza looked flustered herself. "But if I can feel him, he could definitely feel me."
"Maybe it is a dragon thing?"
"Possibly." Lucy murmured as she looked up into the dark sky. "But if I can feel his magic, that means he is still alive."
Loke and Erza exchanged uneasy looks but didn't comment on it.
The rest of the journey didn't take long as they prepared themselves, finding a particular hidden spot in the woods to keep their horses tied and ready till they had to flee.
Not only was Loke now responsible for the queen, he was responsible for the future heir as he could see the lack of magic she was possessing at the moment. The majority of it went right to her child, almost as if her magic was a golden gate barrier to keep the child safe from any arm. But Lucy was still humming with magic, her powerful celestial powers still strong enough for her to fight if needed.
Just not long or it may affect the child.
Changing into her Virgo star dress, Lucy stood in front of her spirit and knight clad in a maid uniform. Her long blonde hair tied back into two pigtails and a dire look on her face.
"Loke, if anything were to happen, you must return back to the celestial realm. Erza, our main goal is to get Natsu out or at least unchained. They most likely have those magic cuffs on him so he cannot use any. If he is free, he will be able to get us out if he transforms."
"Transforms? He can really change into a dragon?" Erza asked in bewilderment, eyes rounding out as the queen nodded.
"We will have to ask Natsu to fly us to safety if we get discovered. We need to be as quiet and fast as possible. Keep ourselves hidden." Lucy looked up into the dark sky once more, seeing her very stars twinkling in encouragement. "Ready to get Natsu out?"
"We are at your service, Queen Lucy." Erza had a smile spread across her face and when she looked to Loke he was also smiling.
Lucy gave them one last nod before she closed her eyes, feeling the vibrations of Natsu's magic rush through her body. She could feel the warmth swirling around inside of her, pulling her to him like a invisible string.
Without a second thought, Lucy began to dig into the earth where Virgo's magic allowed her to make a path down under. It grew cold with how far they were going and as Loke helped with the darkness that swallowed them entirely, the rocky, dirt path made it almost impossible to trek through easily.
Lucy went where she thought was right, chasing the tingles that she felt from the tips of her fingers to her very toes.
He was close. Much closer than before and her suspicions were quickly replaced once the temperature dropped, immediate heat washing over them like a growing flame.
"He is close." Lucy wiped at the sweat that trailed down her neck, her face growing flush.
"He truly needs to get this heat under control." Erza grumbled, also sweating bullets through her armor. "He is always creating such a suffocating atmosphere."
The way her lips tipped up went unnoticed as she remembered why Natsu did so. It helped in a moment like this to help navigate towards him and she knew he did it to protect himself. She just hopes he was alright by the time they found him. But something inside of her told her he was and that was enough for her.
Once they had crawled through the path, Lucy had finally dug far enough that an opening finally came. Peeking to make sure nobody was around, she climbed out of the hole as Loke and Erza came out soon after. The cobblestone halls made the place eerie and dark, humid air coming at them in waves of heat. Sweat licked at their skins making them sticky, beads of sweat trailing down their skin.
"This way." Lucy went down the right, ensuring her footsteps were masked and they were being careful. She made sure to peek over each corner, making sure there was nobody around before they continued to make it further in the dungeon.
The air was incredibly hot and it was almost hard to breathe. It was nothing like the heat he was producing in her kingdom making her worried.
Loke hissed out in pain when he had planted his hand against the wall, steam rolling off the cobblestone and his palm red as he flung it around. "Be careful. The walls are hot."
Lucy looked at the wall she was leaning against, cautiously pressing her palm against the wall to feel the warmth. Surprisingly, it didn't burn like Loke had been but instead made her feel incredibly warm. She could feel a pulse throb inside of her chest and she placed her other hand over it, feeling the connection it may bring.
"He's close." She said in a whisper before she turned and rushed down a dark hall.
"Your majesty, please wait!" Erza ran after her with Loke hot on her tail.
Lucy didn't care to listen as all she heard was the pounding of her heart in her ears and the warmth that filled her. She would be with him again. Bring him home.
Rounding the corner, Lucy let out a soft gasp as she saw the familiar rosy locks across the hall from her. He was limp and on the ground, looking more dead and alive and it shattered her heart to pieces. His arms and torso were bound by rope and magic cuffs making him appear so much smaller than he was.
"Natsu!"
The moment his name spilled from her lips his body jerked and when he lifted his head to look at her, tears pricked her eyes at the dried blood that smeared across his face. Dirt and all sorts of crap was caked on him, his clothing ripped and what looked like burn marks marking his nice clothes. There was a bruise that was already forming underneath his eye and she could clearly see the gashes on his face and chest.
"Natsu," she let out a choke gasp, rushing over to the cell to try and touch him but when she saw him reel back and slam his back against the wall she faltered. "N—Natsu?"
As soon as he bared his teeth at her, Lucy's eyes widened and Erza and Loke came right to her side, pushing the queen back to protect her.
"What do you think you are doing?" Erza's stern voice sliced through the thick tension. "Do you not recognize our queen?"
"She is not my queen." He hissed, narrowed eyes glaring at the blonde who was shaking. "My queen is not here."
"Natsu, it is I, Lucy." Lucy tried to speak but when he turned to look at her with nothing but a sneer, her heart sank. "What have they done?" She let out a choked sob, her entire body trembling. "They must have casted a spell or something. He does not recognize me."
"Stop using her voice and face! Leave me be!" He nearly shrieked, trying to crawl further away from the trio. It startled them to see him so vulnerable and afraid, his voice wobbly and his entire form shaking. "Stop it, stop it, stop it!"
"He has lost it." Loke said, his brows furrowed and lips pursed. "They may have used illusions to break him, it seems."
"He needs an antidote before he completely loses himself."
"I—I can heal him," Lucy wiped at the tears with her sleeve, sniffling. She stood on her feet, trying to reach him again. "Just let me—"
"Lucy," Loke put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "You are not capable of doing that right now. Your magical—"
"I have to help him!" The blonde shrugged off his hand, taking a step away from him. "Or he may completely lose himself!"
"And risk the safety of your child?"
The gut wrenching fact that it was either her child or Natsu hit her like a train. Her arms curled around her flat stomach instantly, her protective instincts kicking in.
How could she be in a position like this? Choose between the man she loves and the heir she desperately needed? He was only in this position because of her and her selfish desires and now as she stood on the other side of the cell watching her fierce dragon tremble and stare at her with wide eyes, she couldn't bear to see him like this any longer.
"We need to bring him back to Celestial. Immediately."
"How are we going to do that when he is like this?" Loke asked, pointing at the sneering dragon who looked like he was one second away from ripping them apart. "At this point, he looks like he would rather stay here than come anywhere with us."
"I think I could come up with a solution." Erza said with a smile to her lips.
—X—
What worried the queen wasn't the fact that her lover was beaten bloody and shaken up nor was it the fact that Erza had knocked him out so fast he most definitely was a dead body now. What worried her was how easy it was to get him out of the place.
She knew the Balam kingdom was low on numbers and they weren't the richest but they would have surely have more security measures, especially for an extinct species like Natsu. Especially since he was a stolen prize, too. They would have had to expect someone might come and try to break him out and for nobody to even notice or any alarm to go off as they dragged an unconscious dragon out with them made her suspicious.
She still had this gut wrenching feeling that lingered and she could only take glances at her dragon who laid limp behind Erza on her horse.
It was closer to dawn at this point and the ride there took nearly four hours so it would be yet another four hours back. If only Natsu was awake and knew what was going on, he might have been able to fly them back to the kingdom in one rather than four.
He was incredibly beaten and bloody. Dried blood and gashes littering his body. Bruises that were black and blue and marks of a whip decorating his tan muscular figure. Burnt and ripped fabric on his clothing showing the abuse and she wondered what they did to inflict such a terrible blow to her indestructible fierce man.
He looked so small and brittle in the cell as he trembled and shouted at them. She didn't know how long he was in their hands but she could see they broke him so easily within the day and a half he was missing. She wondered what they did for him to act that way, especially when she expected him to be happier when they reunited but it seemed like they might have done more damage.
She just hoped once he woke up again, he wouldn't be afraid or hostile. They had taken off the magic cuffs on his wrist but kept him tied up, hoping it would be enough to keep him from doing anything he would regret but also if they were to get caught, he could help in the process of their fleeing.
Lucy swallowed thickly as she brought her attention forward, her arms wrapped around Loke's waist as he steered the stallion. Loke's brilliance helped guide them in the dark forest, keeping beasts away from the unknown bright light. It worried her how they may be caught with Loke's light but there was no other way around the woods between their kingdoms. It was either this or roam through the dark forest blindly and risk getting attacked by the animals.
"Are you doing alright, your majesty?" Loke asked, bringing her back to earth land.
"Yes, I am fine. Why do you ask?"
"Because you are squeezing my waist rather tight." He said with a slight chuckle and Lucy gave a sheepish smile before loosening her grip.
"My apologies," her cheeks dusted pink. "I suppose I am a bit worried."
"We shall be home by morning. Do not fret."
"I know. I am just worried about…" she turned back to look at Natsu, a deep frown on her face.
Erza and Loke exchanged glances, identical frowns on their own lips. Not only were they worried for the queen's wellbeing, they were also worried for Natsu. He definitely was in bad shape and needed medical attention. Fast.
"Would you like to rest? I can have you switch places with me so you can lean back," Loke suggested, turning over his shoulder to look at her and give her a small smile. "I promise I'll keep my hands to myself."
Lucy merely shook her head, a soft sigh escaping her. "No, it is fine. I am not—"
The sound of something flying past her ceased her voice and she wasn't aware of what had happened until Loke cried out in pain. His entire body jerked back as if someone had shoved him, resulting in him losing momentum on the stallion and having the both of them fall back. She didn't even have time to react as they flew off the horse, her body getting thrown against the grass where she let out a yelp at the collision.
Erza's horse had come to a halt, "My Queen! Loke!"
She was a bit dazed at the impact, struggling to push herself up as she lifted herself up and looked around. Her body pulsed with the ache of her fall and as she finally caught sight of her spirit on the ground two feet away, she gasped.
Loke was curled up on his back, a groan of pain escaping his lips and an arrow sticking out of his shoulder. She rushed over to his side, eyes wide and hands shaking.
"Loke! Loke, are you alright?!" She cried out, looking everywhere else on his body to make sure he didn't have anything else. The arrow on his shoulder looked rather odd, not a regular wooden one but something that resembled more of a root or vine.
With his twinkling light starting to dim, Loke began to fade and he could only look at her with a wince, his hand reaching out for her. "W—watch out..!"
Lucy whirled her head around to see an arrow fly right at her, throwing herself back against the ground with a yelp. Just then did Erza come flying right in front of her, having her shield up and keeping Lucy behind her.
"Your majesty! Are you hurt?"
"I—I am not!" Lucy wiped the tears from her eyes, scrambling to stand on her own two feet as Loke had disappeared back to the celestial realm. She changed into Loke's star dress, the soft glow of her magic wrapping around her body before a black dress adorned her body and she provided the light Loke had taken with him. "Who?!"
The two of them had their backs pressed together, keeping eyes on both sides and ensuring Natsu and their one last standing horse was protected, too. It would be way too easy to take Natsu in his current state and she was not allowing them to take him from her.
Feeling the ground underneath them rumble, Lucy didn't have time to warn Erza but simply tackle her to the ground, the loud sounds of her armor clanking against the cold ground. Turning to look behind her shoulder, Lucy stared in horror at the thick roots that had bursted from the ground, sticking up high and mighty in the air with their pointed tips.
"I thought I would have gotten you with that one." A voice echoed from the darkness.
Erza and Lucy got back on their feet, looking around the dark area to try and figure out where the voice had come from. Lucy's eyes continued to flicker over to where Natsu was, worry washing over her.
"I suppose I cannot truly believe the queen of celestial would be weak."
"Show yourself!" Erza commanded, her sword pointed out in front of her and armor still held up high.
Emerging from the dark shadows, Lucy could barely make out a silhouette of a man. She squinted her eyes and followed his movement, seeing how the closer he approached, the better she could see him.
With long jet black hair tied up in a ponytail, the man himself had a slight smirk to his lips. His dark eyes were menacing but yet playful in a way as he exposed himself. "Now, now, no need for all this hostility."
"Who are you?" Erza questioned, tightening her grip on her sword.
"Me? I'm Mard Geer, citizen of the Balam kingdom." He yawned as if he was bored. "All we want is the dragon and you two can leave here in one piece."
"You are delusional if you think we will allow you to take Natsu!" Lucy bared her teeth, her fists clenching and her eyes glowing. "Leave this instant or suffer our wrath!"
He simply snickered before he lifted his hand, pointing his fingers at them like a gun. "I think I will be taking the dragon back." He said before little beams of light shot out and flew in their direction.
When Natsu had regained consciousness once more, the first thing he thought was how badly his body ached and how uncomfortable he was. His muscles were screaming at him and his head throbbed from pain, making him wince and hiss out. When he tried to move a bit, he noticed he was still tied up, leaving him to just wiggle and cringe at the feeling of the rope digging into his skin and his aching body throbbing in protest.
But what caught his attention was the fact that he was leaning against a tree and it was incredibly dark. He was still in a bit of a daze as he tried to blink and focus on what was happening but all he heard was dulled noises of… something and seeing nothing but darkness.
His magic tugged on him making him realize the magic cuffs weren't on anymore but he was so weak and so drained that he didn't know if he would be able to use his full potential. He didn't even know if this was one of those illusions again or if he was truly out.
He was wary of the various painful illusions that plagued his mind and he hated himself for scumming to their level. Their dark magic and curses were powerful and he didn't know how long it had been or what day it is but it felt like months at this point.
Using her face and her voice… It was maddening to hear her and see her until she would slip from his fingers or be the one to inflict pain on him. He shouldn't have revealed his weakness so fast but his queen was someone he was willing to risk everything for. They couldn't hurt her… he wouldn't allow that. And they seemed to know that he wouldn't either because as soon as the illusions started and he kept seeing Lucy, all he could do was sit there and take the abuse and attack because even if it wasn't her, it was still her.
Those chocolate eyes he learned to love. The golden silky locks. Plump pink lips. Curvaceous body. Sweet song voice.
It was maddening but if it had to be anyone, he would rather it be Lucy.
It somehow felt like a punishment. Like she was reprimanding him for leaving her. For worrying her.
And he took it all. To the point where she kicked and stomped him out and with her whips and explosions… he took it all.
I'm sorry, Lucy. Please forgive me.
The sound of her voice snapped him out of his daze and as he struggled to breath with his current state, Natsu lifted his head to try and get a bit of a clearer understanding on what was going on. His vision blurred occasionally and he blinked to try and focus. He could see there was a fight going on with a bright golden light and loud clunks of metal. Flashes of smoke and dust swirled and the very ground rumbled when an explosion would occur.
What was going on and who were these people? Where was he? Other people who wish to take him?
Natsu wiggled even more, trying to see if he could get out of his restraints. His magic was weak but he could still use it to his advantage. He could get out and flee from this battle and hopefully he could make it back to the Celestial kingdom. If only he had some fire to eat then that would give him enough strength to—
A large blast flew adjacent to his spot, splitting the large tree in half and having the trunk explode into shatters. Half of it fell and shook the very earth with its death and Natsu could only watch in shock as the tree lit up in flames.
His stomach growled and his eyes widened at the very gift the heavens have provided. It was so close but still far considering he couldn't even muster up enough energy to burn through these ropes. He had to wiggle and crawl over if he wanted a lick of that delicious fire and as Natsu looked over at the ongoing fight, he tried his best to be quiet and push himself over.
He winced at the feeling of his aching body pulse and he tried to ignore it by dragging himself over, eyes still warily peeking at the three bodies.
By the time he was close enough, Natsu had sweat lining his forehead and he let out a soft groan as he fell to the ground. He tried to push himself up from his pathetic tied up state, cringing at how loudly his body screamed at him. But he had to. If he didn't, who knows what might happen to him? To the Celestial kingdom? To Lucy?
Trying to lean over and take a bite of the flame that was so close yet too far, Natsu felt his entire body jolt. It felt like a splash of cold water was tossed on him and he grew rigid, his eyes growing wide and his ears and nose twitching.
"I will not allow you to take what is mine!"
He turned his head over to look at the fight, the familiar voice making his heart race and his body to shudder. From where he sat, he could see the magnificent glow of his queen's body. Bright lights reflecting out of her eyes and her form as she bared her teeth at the enemy. Even from here he could see the similarities of his dragon heritage hurling out of her and he swore he could see her chocolate haze flash golden just like his do.
Could this mean..?
Glitters of light appeared and as Lucy began to change forms, her clothes disappeared into thin air for another outfit to replace it. A large bow appeared in her hands and as she threw herself to the side to avoid the ever growing sharp roots that emerged from thin air, she shot magical arrows at the enemy's way. He didn't know who the other one was till he saw the scarlet hair in the midst of their battle, loud clangs of metal hitting one another as Erza used a sword to attack.
She was fast and agile, sparring with the enemy who was able to keep up with both of them. Dodging arrows from Lucy and physical attacks from Erza.
Natsu shook his head, trying to stay focused.
It's an illusion. This isn't real.
He had to return to his task of escaping because this was not real. Even if this was an illusion and if this fire was fake and he was able to get out of his restraints, he might be brought back to square one yet again but he still had to try.
That's not Lucy. It's not her. She's not here. I have to get to her. I have to protect her!
His body was about to give out on him. He had no energy. But he was so close… he just had to—
The loud cry from his queen echoed in his ear and his entire body jerked, goosebumps littering his skin. He turned his head to see the figure that looked like Lucy fall down to the ground and the strong scent of blood fill the air. His nose twitched and his chest heaved heavily as he realized this was Lucy. His Lucy. His queen. This was her blood and her scent and this was really her.
"My queen!" Erza's voice shrieked afterwards, her voice echoing into the darkness.
Natsu could feel his scales emerge from underneath, running up and down his body in a wake. His body began to transform, horns forcing itself out of his head and his wings ripping through the rope. He was blinking rapidly as his dark orbs turned into golden slits, talons growing long and sharp.
Breaking through the rope was much easier in this form and he didn't know if it was because he smelt Lucy's blood that brought forth this form. But his protective instincts were kicked into overdrive and Natsu began to suck in the burning fire, feeling the warmth fill his body and belly. The instant surge of energy came to life and the ropes have finally ripped apart, giving him the freedom to move. His energy was returning at a rapid rate and his heart thumped loudly at the soft sounds of Lucy crying out in pain.
Stretching out his wings, Natsu pushed himself up and straight towards the flying body that was going right after his queen. He shouldered right into the figure, throwing him through the mass of trees as loud cracks of the trunks snapping in half echoed.
"Lucy!" He shouted as he rushed to her side, seeing how she was laying on her back with blood gushing out of her wound on her shoulder.
"Natsu..!" She cried out, tears pricking her eyes. "You are alright!"
"But you are not!" It was his turn to cry out, as he saw how battered she was. Cuts and scrapes scattered around her usual milky skin and he could see the bruises already forming around. Clothing ripped apart making her look worse and he felt his heart shatter at the weakened state of his queen.
"I am alright as well," Lucy tried to sit up but winced when her shoulder brought her pain. Natsu instantly grabbed her, helping her up and trying to keep her leveled.
"You are not alright. We need to stop the bleeding."
"My body will heal on its own soon," Lucy offered a pinch smile, clutching the gash on her shoulder. "It is you who—" Lucy gasped suddenly, her eyes rounding out. "Look out!"
Natsu whipped his head over his shoulder to see Mard Geer returning, rushing right towards them with beams of light flying right towards him.
"Natsu! Lucy!" Erza cried out from the corner, trying to rush to them but she was a second too late.
Dirt and smoke exploded all around them in the midst of the attack and Erza could only stare in shock, covering her face with her arms as the dirt and dust came flying at her. Once she blinked back the dust and saw the opening, she could make out the silhouette of Natsu as his wings had taken the blow, covering him and Lucy who was clutched in his arms protectively.
"Erza, take Lucy and keep her safe." He hissed slowly and Erza came rushing over to gather Lucy in her arms instead. Once Lucy was taken away from him, his wings swished around him in a powerful breeze, standing up straight to peer down at the enemy in disgust, fangs bared.
"Stay away from my queen!" He roared, flying right to him to attack the man, not even allowing him a chance to even blink.
Flames licked up his arms and fists as he grabbed at the dark mage, throwing punch after punch. He flew him up high into the air while having a strong grip on his shirt, flames beginning to catch on his clothing and on his body.
"You are a lot stronger than I thought," Mard Geer snickered as he caught the hand that was tangled up in his shirt, fire blistering through his skin. "But I have specific orders to bring you back so you're coming back with me!"
The sudden strength that Mard Geer got shocked him as he felt his hand wrap around his wrist and challenge his strength. He shoved him off of him, causing Natsu to tumble to the ground but he was back up on his feet, flames surrounding his half-dragon form. He watched how this seemingly human man began to transform as well, making him wonder what he was as black scales began to run up and down his body. Black wings that looked almost identical to his sprouted out with long talons growing out of his fingers and feet. Razor sharp teeth that filled his mouth making him look vicious with dark horns sprouting out of his forehead.
He looked like a demon of some sort and Natsu wondered if this was that dark magic Lucy told him about as he stood face to face with the devil.
Mard Geer rushed for him without a second thought, seeing how the demon was right in front of him in a matter of seconds before taking a blow right to his chest for his entire being to get thrown back into the trees.
All the air escaped his lungs and as he was thrown across the thick trees, snapping them in the process, Natsu could only feel the burn of his body pulse with every movement.
"Natsu!" Erza's voice echoed in his ear and he groaned as he tried to push himself up from the snapped tree trunk. "Watch out!"
Looking up, Natsu could see Mard Geer flying right towards him and Natsu rolled out of the way just in time, using his wings to fly him right up into the night sky where they had more light with the twinkling lights and large moon. His wings flapped tirelessly as Mard Geer's flapped as viciously, the two of them standing off in front of another.
"What are you..?" Natsu asked, eyeing his large, dark figure.
The way Mard Geer threw his head back to laugh sent shivers down his spine and Natsu sneered at the grinning demon.
"This is my true form. A demon if you'd like to put a label on it. I only have my lord and savior, King Zeref to thank for this. He can make you like me, too." He had a crazy look on his face. "Come join the Balam Kingdom. We will be the strongest kingdom in all of Fiore! You will be a power machine!"
"You hurt my queen." Natsu clenched his fists along with his teeth, glaring at the grinning demon. "I will not forgive you for hurting the people I love and care about!"
"You are nothing but a pawn for her! You truly think that wicked queen loves and cares for you? She is only using you for her own advantage! You mean nothing to her!"
Flashes of the illusion came forth and Natsu felt his heart squeeze painfully at some of the things fake Lucy had said. Even if he knew it wasn't her who said it to him, it still hurt the same. He squeezed his eyes shut, one hand clutching the front of his shirt as he felt his breath heave.
"You are a disgusting reptile! How could you ever think I would love someone like you?"
"Pathetic! No wonder you got captured! You are weak and pathetic!"
"Why would I want you? Your own nest abandoned you!"
His vision blurred as he opened his eyes, heart pounding behind his chest as he panted.
"Natsu!"
He looked around in the dark haze, trying to find the voice that was calling out to him. It sounded so familiar… so warm… what was it?
"Natsu!"
A gasp ripped out of his throat as he finally came back from his painful trip, turning his head to look down and see Lucy standing up on her own two feet with Erza wrapped around her side to keep her up.
"Natsu! Do not listen to him!" She cried out, her voice reaching his sensitive ears. He could smell the saltiness of her tears that rushed down her face and he was stunned. "I love you!" She shouted right at him and he felt like an arrow had pierced through him. "I want to go home," she cried, pleading with him. "Let us go home!"
Home.
He finally had a home. A family. His queen.
Feeling the burst of energy rush through his body, Natsu let out a roar as his entire body erupted into flames. It only grew bigger and bigger with how loud he roared, shaking the trees and very earth beneath them as wild life scattered and flew away.
"Mard Geer!" He shouted, fists clenched tight. "I am going to end you and your entire kingdom!"
"I would like to see you try, dragon!"
With the both of them flapping their wings and flying right at one another, they both let out a roar. Fists up with one adorn with flames and the other with dark matter, they merely screamed before their fists connected and created a large explosion.
"Natsu!"