prompt forty eight: treasure

rate: M for Mature content

Forty eight out of one hundred.

Okay listen, this was supposed to be the last chapter and I started off with Lucy's POV but I switched it to Natsu's because everyone wanted to see his and now I realized I have made it a little too long and I cannot finish this off in one part so ENJOY THIS SECOND TO LAST PART IN THIS SERIES WITHOUT A COMPLAINT OKAY? OKAY. BON APPETIT

"Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure." —Paulo Coelho

x

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Natsu wouldn't have ever guessed that this would have been in his bingo cards because honestly, what the hell? His nest mates would have definitely made fun of him for being so reckless and flying directly into a human kingdom and then getting captured. Again.

But the first time wasn't really his fault since they were under attack so he has a free pass in that. The second time though? One hundred percent his fault.

He had been flying for god knows how long as he had been trying to find something to help guide him in the right direction to find either food or his nest once more but it had been days since he got proper rest or a meal. He had been working himself harder than he should because he was getting impatient and quite lonely, frustration and anger being the only thing he had felt in a very long time.

It was dark out and as he wobbled in the sky and felt faint, he had no idea he would be shot down and tumble right into the borders of some kingdom he didn't even notice.

His response was merely out of spite and he's been in this situation before so his best bet was to keep his mouth shut and hope if they killed him, it would be fast.

In the few years he had been wandering on his own, he had been slowly losing hope. He was still trying his best to locate his nest and ensure he was kept alive while hunting and taking shelter but it was hard when he knew almost nothing about the wild world and having to keep hidden from anyone. He wasn't going to be some trophy for some nasty human and he would be damned if he was going to have to go through being tortured and poked and prodded like some kind of fucking alien.

Natsu despised humans for as long as he could remember. He remembered when he was just a young hatchling, their nest was under attack and they had killed his father. Took his scales and made armor and clothing out of them. Sold his talons and teeth as prizes.

Ever since then, he hated them. Wanted to kill them and avenge his father but with how humans advanced and found ways to infiltrate and destroy his race throughout the many decades and centuries, all he could do was stay hidden and protect the ones he had around.

He may look like he's only in his early twenties, but in reality, Natsu was almost four hundred years old. Thanks to his dragon genes, he was able to keep his young appearance but once he starts hitting his eight to nine hundreds, he would probably start looking a bit older.

He was only one hundred when his father was taken from him and three hundred years later, his heart still squeezes painfully when he thinks about his loving fire breathing dad.

Truthfully, the one kingdom he has heard a lot about was the Celestial Kingdom. Way back when dragons were free to roam among the lands and humans were more scared of them to approach, his father and mother used to talk about the kingdoms that ruled around the world. The only one that really caught his attention was the Celestial kingdom merely because they spoke about how gentle the people were there, how beautiful the kingdom was, and mainly because stars were burning orbs of fire in the night sky so he felt like he had to know more about the Celestial Kingdom due to his heritage as a fire breathing beast.

He often wondered if he was able to eat any stars and if he did, how would they taste.

He was pretty surprised he had stumbled across this one kingdom he was educated in considering he was just flying aimlessly and not trying to crash into any type of borders. He was lucky they didn't find out what he was immediately and for their queen to be the one to figure him out, he knew he had to be extra careful.

She was powerful. He could feel her even before she was descending down the stairs to come greet him and his entire body shuddered at the soft bright strokes of her magic that he was able to thankfully absorb. Her magic was gentle and almost felt… comforting. Light in a dark room and warmth on a cold day.

He was in awe of her as soon as he had looked at her because she looked exactly like the stars his parents spoke tales about. Golden beauty with such a brightness to her that she would surely blind him. She spoke gently and didn't threaten or inflict harm on him nor did any of the others. He swore he could see her magic seeping out and dancing around her like a cloud of glittery gold, his dark eyes pinned on her radiant figure.

He didn't know if the celestial kingdom was known for manipulating others with their magic or beauty and he had no idea what to expect from such a kingdom that was ruled by humans but he had decided to keep his mouth shut to keep from exposing any secrets.

He was weak, hungry, and beaten and with the magic cuffs that dulled his magic, he knew he wouldn't be able to recover as quickly as he could.

Humans are tricky. Don't ever trust them.

He didn't feel a threat from the queen but he still made sure to keep his guard up and watch her every move.

So imagine how surprised he was when she was quick to find out what he was and then offer him solace in her kingdom. He definitely thought she was a wackjob. A weirdo in the works of being a queen of all things in such a powerful, beautiful kingdom that was protected by the very stars above.

She talked a lot and spoke about anything and everything. At first, he was pretty annoyed to have such company even though he hasn't had a friendly companion in a while. She just babbled about anything and for him to just have to sit there, chained up, and forced to listen to her was torture in itself.

Luckily, she had a nice voice and was gentle when she did and she even brought him food and drinks.

Even with the knights coming in to give him food three times a day, he was still growing tired of the same shit all the goddamn time. He should be more grateful but he was literally a prisoner and was fed stale bread and some questionable meat with sometimes cheese.

So he was happy that the queen was coming with a basket full of fruit and things to make a sandwich. He didn't think a queen like her would even know how to put together a sandwich considering she probably never had to get her hands dirty or use them for any manual labor. Royalty were pampered like that and if what his father said was correct, these lazy humans merely flaunted their money and status around and forced one another into submission.

But this queen was very different. She wasn't someone he thought she would be as she spoke to him gently and gave him time to adjust.

Even though she's the one who gave direct orders to keep him chained up in the dungeon, he was still grateful she was giving him the chance to recover properly and feed him.

She pranced around his cell with nothing but a thin nightgown on and in the beginning he definitely kept the place hot so he could annoy and bother those annoying knights and visitors. He felt like a zoo animal and knew if these weak humans were trying to come and poke at him, he could at least make it utterly suffocating and hot for them.

But he wasn't expecting this golden beauty to be visiting him and then coming back again and again with nothing but her annoyingly thin nightgown where he could see her figure very clearly.

Queen Lucy had a figure that definitely deserved all the attention. With her large round breasts to her slim figure, Natsu was definitely finding entertainment in watching her sweat and see her clothes cling onto her skin.

Though, he did wish she would eat some more since she was awfully thin and he wondered how she could walk around with such large heavy looking globes attached to her chest. Nonetheless, he always enjoyed the view and at times, it was even hard for him to keep control of his heat because this woman was taunting him in the best way.

She would lay around when she brought a pillow and blanket and he could see everything. He would watch the beads of sweat that trailed down her neck and dip into her cleavage. He would see how she would wipe at her forehead and how rosy her cheeks got when she was beginning to feel the effects of his fire. The way her skin shined with the sheet of sweat that graced her pale, smooth skin made him want to do dirty things to her.

She was absolutely beautiful and stunning that he did not mind her weirdness as much.

He liked to listen to her rant about her days and talk about her childhood. He liked to listen to the soft voice that belonged to this powerful queen and at times, he wished they could have met under different circumstances because Lucy was definitely someone he would have enjoyed having around.

She was fierce, nice, gentle, and very sophisticated.

Oftentimes, in the beginning, all he thought about was how he was going to escape. He definitely could break out if he didn't have these pesky magic cuffs on and he was sure he could overpower all the knights in that kingdom if needed. The queen was questionable since he could feel her magic and knowing she wasn't even doing anything and for her to feel that powerful made him second guess his choices a lot.

He would listen closely to the knights and count their footsteps to see how far the door was from his cell. He would try to make out how many knights were around during the day and then during the night just so he could calculate his chances if he were to break out one day.

Then the queen started to visit and it made it so much harder for him to concentrate and come up with a plan to escape because she was in there talking his ear off about whatever she had in mind.

He could clearly see she was trying to earn his trust and it made him wary of her, especially since he knew not to trust humans and their sneaky ways. But once he found out that she was genuine in the way she took care of him, fed him, and kept him company, he knew he had to use her to make it out.

So he listened to her tales and allowed her to entertain him and feed him as he hoped she would slip up about something that could help him find freedom.

But it was also hard to think about it when she was genuinely starting to grow on him. He started to grow excited when night fell because then he knew the queen would come with her basket of goodies. The basket itself was the best part of the night and while he didn't mind her, either, she was the one to tie it all together.

He often thought to himself if his father and mother had spoken about the Celestial Kingdom because of people like Lucy. Maybe they have met her ancestors at one point in their lives. He was sure if she had grown up to be like this, her parents would be sure to be loving and gentle people, too. Maybe it was the kingdom itself that harbored such gentle loving people and maybe it was the fact that Lucy was the first to show him such compassion and kindness but he was starting to think that maybe not all humans were bad.

Lucy had yet to give him any reason to not trust her but that didn't mean he could just willingly do whatever she wanted. He was still considered an extinct, rare species and Lucy had mentioned that if other kingdoms were to find out she was harboring a dragon, it would result in war.

And as much as he wouldn't want to be captured again and forced into submission, he didn't know if he would even fight for the Celestial kingdom, either.

He liked Lucy enough that he wouldn't want harm to be inflicted on her or her kingdom but at the end of the day, he had to think about him and his nest. Lucy was a powerful queen that had a whole kingdom to back her up when he was just him. He wasn't part of this kingdom and while he is a rare breed, they wouldn't hesitate to use him or bring harm to him. Lucy would be protected and that was enough for him to know that if war were to break out, he would use the opportunity to leave.

And then it was as if the gods had been listening to him and his queen had come to see him during the day for once. He could feel her energy and hear her angry stomps as she descended down those cobblestone stairs. He had to bite back the grin that wanted to tug on his lips as his golden beauty came into view, an unusual scowl on her face but nonetheless beautiful.

The way she snapped at her guards was such a turn on in the way she radiated power and authority and as she came into his cell to start ranting about some traditions and ridiculous behavior from her staff, he could only watch in amusement and fascination.

His queen was flustered and upset and he didn't like it. She spoke so fast, her words jumbled up together and she was panting as she kicked the wall of his cell and cursed like a sailor.

A part of him wanted to comfort her in the ways she had been doing for him. He knew what it felt like to be unheard and frustrated beyond comprehension and seeing how she was so upset made him want to go hunt down the councilmen on his own and forced them to apologize.

He didn't know why he felt so protective of her but as soon as he heard about the Celestial reproductive system, he knew this could be his one way out.

But man, did he wish he had a camera or someone else was there to capture the dumbfounded look that decorated his queen's face because he just wanted to topple over in laughter and cry about how hilarious her face was once she figured out he could talk.

Of course he can fucking talk. He's not a goddamn idiot. He knew how to read and write and change into a fucking reptile if needed and these people thought he wouldn't be able to speak?

With Lucy being so honest with him, he felt as if he had to be, too. Lucy was obviously scared and nervous about this entire thing and as he watched her beg him for help and plead him with those wide doe eyes of hers, he couldn't turn her down. And it didn't help that she was still in this goddamn thin nightgown that he had to keep his eyes elsewhere so he didn't have a staring contest with her hard nipples. He swore she could convince him to do anything during the nights in his cell, as long as she kept doing what she was doing.

He knew this would be his chance to redeem himself and escape. Lucy said so herself that she would release him once he had helped her with her goal and if all it took for him to be released was having sex with the powerful queen of Celestial and impregnate her then so be it. There were much worse ways and he was glad he didn't have to jump through hoops to obtain his freedom.

Though, he wouldn't have minded too much considering he had been itching for a brawl. Tumbling around in the sheets couldn't be too far off and he could most definitely blow off steam.

Lucy was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. Full of life with passions and love, this magnificent queen was selfless enough to risk her health to help the future of her kingdom.

She was funny and entertaining enough to be around and he soon realized that when he teased her, she would produce the cutest faces and reactions that had his own stomach doing some weird flip flop. His body was usually warmer than others but whenever she would laugh or blush, he would feel hotter.

He enjoyed having his own room and especially when it was occupied by his lovely queen that he found it most comfortable. The way she sat so delicately at the table where they sipped tea and ate snacks together while she spoke about her day had him beaming with joy. He found himself leaning into her and waiting for her during the days and while he was bored to wander and just think, he would oftentimes think about Lucy more than his freedom.

If she had eaten and if she was taking enough breaks. What she was doing and if she was as bored as he was. What she would bring to the table tonight and what they would talk about.

Which is why he requested she have at least one meal with him (which she happily accepted) because he wanted to be around her. Why? He had no idea, either.

He would happily follow her around the castle like a little guard dog if she allowed him to. He was sure he would probably do a better job than that wacko advisor she had or that red-haired woman of a warrior. He was a dragon—he could overpower any of them.

But oh sweet dear Mavis was this queen beautiful. He couldn't stop thinking how beautiful and precious she truly was. From her soft skin to her golden locks to the flush of her pale cheeks and the delicious taste she produced—he was addicted. Granted, he was also in heat and everything was heightened for him but it didn't make up for the fact that this woman was perfect for him.

A virgin who was corrupted by a beast like himself, he couldn't control himself much longer. He was craving her prior to his heat and now as he knew what she sounded like and felt like under his burning hot body, he grew crazy with lust and desire. There was so much more to it than her body though. He enjoyed the small talks they had after they made love and he especially loved how she would nuzzle into him while he ran his fingers down her back or hair.

The way she would pepper kisses on him and he would hold her against his body, whispering sweet nothings with the smacks of their skins. How she would moan his name and how she would wither like a delicate flower as she would experience such pleasures he would inflict on her.

He didn't even care about the whole reason behind their contract, he was just happy to be with his queen. Happy to help her and happy to be the one to bring her such joy and pleasure in life.

It was pretty ironic how attached and protective he was of his queen considering she was a human. She wasn't even his queen but for some odd reason, one day, he just decided that she is his queen and he will be the one to protect her from any harm. Regardless if it was physical, emotional, or mental harm, he would protect her.

Maybe it was his dragon instincts telling him that he had to protect his little princess, in this instance: his queen, or it could be the fact that she was golden and dragons loved shiney treasures. She was definitely a treasure, no doubt in that, but was she his?

He wouldn't mind if she was. He explained to her in the beginning that dragons mate for life once they have found their mate and if he were to pick a mate, he would most definitely ask Lucy to be his. Without thinking about it too hard, Natsu found qualities in her that he loved and he wanted in a queen. Someone fierce, powerful, dedicated, fun, and kind. Someone who wasn't afraid of him nor afraid to put him in his place.

He could be pretty threatening to those that do not know him and while he tried to scare off the queen in the beginning, she was never the one to falter when it came to him. Never to quiver under his gaze nor be afraid to come near.

There were many times where he almost did claim her. He had been so caught up in the act of love-making that he almost lost control to the point where he almost did mark her and claim her as his.

But she didn't know much about the claiming process and he wouldn't want to force her into something she didn't know anything about nor want to be a part of. Lucy was still young and to even think she has never been properly bedded till now, she had time for a lot of new experiences and he didn't want to be the reason why she couldn't.

He wanted her to experience the love and adventure she craves so much. He wanted her to live her wildest dreams and be loved hard and to be happy.

Even if it meant he wasn't the one to make that possible for her, he would try his best.

As the month dragged on and they spent every day and nearly the majority of the days together, Natsu felt a stronger connection and confidence in him. It could partially be because of the intimate connection they have been partaking in the last couple weeks or it could be because he hadn't had another companion like her in a long time but Natsu felt weird.

He hated to be away from her. He hated that she would talk about herself in a negative way. He hated those who made her upset and he hated how she would have to be so busy that she had to be away from him the majority of the time.

And he hated how whenever he thought about leaving, his heart would squeeze painfully in the same way it would when he would think about his father.

It was odd to think he didn't want to leave. That was his main goal from the start and the reason why he wanted to help the queen out but why is it that he struggled so much to leave this place?

To see such salty tears fall from his queen's eyes as she spoke about how sad she would be once he left and how she would miss him honestly broke his heart.

He had no idea how to react or what to say but kissed her softly and held her close.

He didn't want his queen to be sad nor did he want her to miss him of all things. He would miss her, too. Dearly. Most possibly as much as he misses his nest but what he struggled with the most is the fact that Lucy was right here and he knew where she was.

But he had no idea where his nest was.

Hands firmly keeping her hips up, he bounced off her behind with every thrust of his hips. Her moans and his grunts filled the hot humid room where they nearly destroyed every piece of furniture, tainting it all in their mess and rough intercourse. Of course, the only thing that remained intact was their little snack table and chairs, something Natsu found dear as they use that place nearly every day.

But he didn't have any problem destroying everything else and fucking her on every flat surface he could find.

His queen was a wild woman with a heart of gold who loved to be treated like royalty she is but once their clothes were off she was becoming a filthy whore who would do anything for an ounce of attention. Natsu found out very early on (thankfully) that she would much rather be tossed around than have to be forced into doing vanilla missionary for thirty days straight.

Of course during the first week, he made sure to be gentle and accommodating to his virgin queen who was more scared than anything. But once she was introduced to the life of intercourse, he could see how eager she was to learn and participate in the lewd acts of sex.

Normally, his original plan was just to bed her regularly and of course provide as much sexual stimulation and pleasure as possible but he didn't think she would be so eager to do the same. The first time she had yanked his pants down and got on her knees in front of him almost made him want to waste his seed on her face or mouth just to show her how feral he was.

But of course his queen (and the whole kingdom) was counting on his semen to be inside of her rather than on so he couldn't do much but whimper and think about his dead father for the sake of not spilling it all in her mouth.

And thankfully his little queen had been instructed to plump up which he wholeheartedly agreed and enjoyed. Lucy was attractive before but with the extra weight on her, she was absolutely mouthwateringly sexy that he couldn't keep his hands off her flesh. Even though she whined and tried to swat him away when he would grab at her hips and thighs or even run his hands up her pudgy stomach, he would always find his way back because dragons definitely did love meat.

With her hands tightly fisted into the sheets, her screams were muffled against the pillow as Natsu plowed himself deep inside of her. He let out a roar as his release shot right in, warming them both as the blonde shuddered at his disposal.

He could feel her walls tighten around him and milk him of every drop, his harsh panting filling his ear along with his rapid heartbeat.

The soft curve of her back was littered with love marks, his hands sliding up her hips to dip around her spine before his hands got lost in her mane. He pulled himself out of her and grabbed at her, gently flipping her on her back as her flushed face greeted him. She had drool and tears streaming down her face as she panted right back, a small smile curling to her lips.

He leaned down to kiss her gingerly, gathering her small body into his large arms until she was laying on top of him and he was staring up at the ceiling.

His favorite time was being able to hold her in his arms after they had made love and run his fingers through her tangled locks till they were smooth and soft once again. They would speak nonsense or whatever came to mind during those times but today, Lucy had other ideas.

"So, I have been meaning to ask," she traced all sorts of constellations on his chest. "If I am with child—"

"When." He corrected and she pursed her lips before continuing.

"When I am with child," she gave him a sharp look as he smirked. "Um… did you… want to be in their life?"

Natsu blinked as her question bounced around in his head. He looked down at his queen who was looking right up at him, wide brown eyes seemingly staring into his soul.

Dragons weren't much parents considering hatchlings were born knowing how to walk and take care of themselves in that aspect. They were beasts born from fire and magic and in the end, they were considered part of the animal kingdom. They still had to be taught how to read and write and fly but hunting came naturally and flying took a little to learn. Technically, hatchlings couldn't transform into humans till they were at least thirty years old and those who were able to learn how to control their magic and have the strength to could at an earlier age.

So he didn't put much thought into how humans really did it and what would be of him once a baby were to be produced.

He practically had hundreds of siblings at this point and while his mother still did nurse and take care of him, he was pretty much on his own from day one. And once he learned the basics of life and was able to hunt his own meals and use his magic in a nondestructive manner, he was grown.

But human babies take longer and need much more attention and care than hatchlings and while this baby will be half-dragon, he knew it would probably take more qualities of its human mother than anything. He had no idea what would happen or what were to make of it since there hasn't been proof or record of half-human half-dragon children.

Clearly it was possible since he's on day twenty seven plowing this human into the ground.

"Natsu?" Her voice brought him back and he blinked stupidly as his vision focused back on the worried looking woman. "Are you well? You blanked out for a moment."

The gentle caress of her hand against his cheek had him melting and he grabbed at her hand to plant a kiss on her delicate fingers. "Yes, my queen, I am well. Just thinking is all," he murmured. "Dragons are not one to raise children." He began and he brushed her hair away from her face when he saw her frown. "But that does not mean I do not wish to be a part of their life."

"I was thinking…" she casted her eyes down so she wouldn't be looking into his own. He recognized the emotions as nervous and he waited for her to continue while running his hand up and down her side to sooth her discomfort. "Maybe you could come visit us every so often? That way you could see your—our child grow." Her cheeks were heating up and he found himself smiling at her bashfulness.

Truthfully, if Natsu were to leave, he would most definitely return every so often to see his queen and his own hatchling. He had decided that from day one where he began to find Lucy irresistible.

And what kind of father would he be if he never came to check up on his little one?

"You do not have to worry, my queen, I will watch our child grow." He leaned in to bump foreheads with her and the bashful smile she gave him made his heart skip a beat.

She threw herself on him, practically tackling him onto the mattress where her lips pressed against his in a fury of hungry loving kisses.

He didn't want to tell Lucy he didn't want to leave because he didn't know if she wanted him to stay. He didn't want to beg her to keep him and she always spoke to him about what's next so he tried his hardest to ignore the throbbing pain and try to come up with a plan.

Where would he go next? What happens if he can't find his nest? It's been years and he has yet to come up with anything and it's been years since he had such comfort and affection from someone. Lucy gave him more than he deserved and he didn't want to leave her side but… but what did that make him?

It was harder every day and every time Lucy spoke about his departure. Almost as if she wanted him gone and it made him upset at the thought she didn't want him around.

After all, she was the one using him for an heir so what more did she need from him once she was with child?

During the last day of his heat, Natsu had grown very angry. He didn't know why he woke up in such a bad mood—maybe it was because they were speaking about his departure and what he was going to do next the night prior or maybe because he had woken up to an empty bed.

He hadn't woken up to an empty bed in nearly a month and to see his queen had snuck out without his knowledge made him angry. He wanted to hunt her down and lock her up in his room so nobody could ever hurt her or take her away from him.

Even when breakfast was delivered, he could only glare at the nice spread as he waited for his queen but she never came. She didn't come for breakfast nor did she come for lunch and he was itching to go straight to her. He could smell her and knew where she was at all times and he knew he could probably drag her back to his room without much of a struggle.

But he knew he couldn't do that. She was the queen of this kingdom and she had her duties as ruler but it was totally unfair that she was leaving him in the dark like this.

And then it hit him and he was spiraling out of control because he wondered if Lucy was abandoning him. Now that it was the very last day of his heat, was Lucy getting ready to kick him to the curb? Was she plotting to get rid of him now?

This is what he signed up for. He knew what he was doing when he agreed and signed the contract with her but why did it hurt him so much to think Lucy had abandoned him? That she did not want him as much as he wanted her? That he burned for her in ways she would never know because she was his queen.

No matter what, Natsu felt hurt and confused as he rushed to get outside.

Take a breather.

His father would always encourage him to clear his head when he would be down in the dumps by taking to the sky. What better way to clear your head than soaring through the clear skies?

He's taken Lucy flying a couple of times and while they have yet to go during the day, he knew his way around and knew how far he could go. He just needed some time to think and mourn his time in the Celestial kingdom. Hell, mourn what was the best time of his life in many, many years.

Mourn his queen.

With his wings and tail sprouting, Natsu took off into the wind where he dove high up into the sky. Thankfully, it was a cloudy day so he could keep off from being spotted by too many people and as long as he kept to his path, he should be fine. Regardless, the Celestial kingdom was not one to be hostile and shoot him down from the sky, especially when the kingdom knew about the queen's special guest.

As soon as he felt the wind whipping at his odd colored locks and he felt the breeze of the beautiful afternoon, he felt a bit better. He didn't feel so bitter and upset but the lingering pain of his abandonment was still fresh and solid inside of his chest.

What if his nest abandoned him, too? What if nobody wanted him for him? What if this was what was best? Being abandoned by the people he loves?

Love.

The surprising thought of this had Natsu falter slightly but he was quick to dive up higher into the cloud and run his fingers through the white puffs of air.

Love?

Is that what this feeling was? Is that what he felt for the queen? Love?

He's never been in love before and for him to try and figure out why he was feeling this way only pointed to that sacred word. Feeling. Addiction.

He was in love with the queen of the Celestial kingdom and there was no way out. He was in too deep and he knew this was one thing he could not escape.

No matter how far they were apart, his love for her would soar and grow and he would only be miserable without the company of his queen. Miserable without her gentle caresses and bubbly laughter. Miserable without her comforting company as they sipped tea and ate all sorts of snacks. Miserable without her sweet kisses and even sweeter voice.

I miss her.

All he wanted to do was turn back and return to his queen where he could hold her close and tight in his arms. Hoping she would never want to leave him or send him away. Hoping she loves him as much as he loves her.

My queen.

The irresistible urge to find her and hunt her down to bring her back into his arms grew and as he swerved around in the air, he kept his sharp eyes out in front to find his way back.

He knew he wasn't too far away and he could still smell the faint aura of her magic and scent nearby so he began to turn to return back to his castle.

But the strange scent of something familiar caught his nose and Natsu felt his body grow cold at the scent.

Without thinking, Natsu went straight for the scent he knew way too well and he couldn't even think about the dangers of what this could be. He had been searching for his nest for far too long and to have caught the scent of someone familiar had his heart racing inside of his chest. He flew as fast as he could, ignoring the alarm bells that rang in his head because if his nest was near, that meant he could finally be with his family once again.

And to think they were this close to the Celestial kingdom—he could definitely be with Lucy then! Him, her, and their little hatchling.

He dove further down to the ground, a mass amount of trees and foliage covering the vast land and he sniffed the air to follow the scent. He dodged everything in his path, flying faster and listening to the pounding of his heart.

They're here! I'm finally home!

The blurry vision of seeing the large massive bodies and scales came into view and Natsu's body tingled with joy and excitement.

"Guys!" Natsu shouted happily, a wide grin stretching across his face. "I'm home! I'm here!" He flew right into the opening and as soon as he stopped to flap his wings, the dust swirled around them.

But then he came to realize that what he saw wasn't scales and large bodies. It wasn't his nest that he was smelling nor was it anyone he recognized.

No.

Because as soon as he came close enough, the massive bodies and scales disappeared into an allusion of flames and he was caught off guard when a net came flying right at him.

Natsu let out a screech as the ropes tangled around his body and he fell back against the dirt ground. He struggled with the ropes and hissed as he tried to free himself, clawing and tugging but coming to realize it was enchanted and his magic was dulling rapidly. His wings began to disappear and his horns retracted, leaving him in his human form as he struggled against the weighted thick rope.

"Let me out! Show yourselves, coward!"

"My, my, guess the rumors are true…" A deep voice rumbled from behind the trees and Natsu twisted around to look, sharp eyes and trained ears following the sound. He turned to see a dark, tall figure emerge from the trees with two men behind them and Natsu bared his teeth at them, growling. "To think the Celestial kingdom was harboring a real life dragon this entire time."

Natsu growled at the tall figure, hands curled into his fist as he watched the men circle him.

"He is certainly built and young. Healthy, too. They must be keeping him well fed over there."

"Probably to use him as a weapon against all the other kingdoms."

"Who are you?! What do you think you're doing?!" He shouted, following their every move. "You are on Celestial land and you dare capture me against the queen's orders?!"

The laughter from the men made Natsu tense, especially when the tall one leaned towards him and bared his own teeth as if he wasn't the dragon here.

"Let me educate you, you filthy reptile," he spat. "Does not matter if we're on Celestial land, Ice land, or even the goddamn moon. We're part of the Balam Kingdom where rules do not pertain to us and we have armies of men who would and could overthrow every kingdom there is." He hissed and Natsu bared his teeth once more, feeling his skin prickle with the idea of him attacking Lucy. "Your little queen here ain't ours nor does she scare us. Rumor had it she had a secret prisoner here who may or may not be the last dragon alive so we just came through to see how real these rumors were."

"Don't you fucking touch her! I'll burn you all to ash!" Natsu roared, trying to rip through the thick ropes but his magic was suppressed and he couldn't untangle himself while the men laughed at him.

"Like that little bitch can stop us," he laughed out loud. "Hope you said your goodbyes because you're never going to see her again."

Natsu thrashed in his spot before he was kicked from the back and shoved onto the ground. He tried to wiggle himself free but the men piled on top of his back, pinning him down and yanking a sack over his head to muffle his shouts.

His heart pounded and he was beginning to panic, his mind flashing to his queen who surely knew he had disappeared by now.

"Throw him into the truck! We got ways to go… and make sure he's tied up really tight. We can't risk letting this one go."

His entire being was being jerked around and he hissed when he felt rope digging into his wrists as he was bound once again.

He shouldn't have left. He shouldn't have gotten so upset and traveled so far away from the castle. He shouldn't have thought so irrationally and lost his only chance at real freedom. Real life. Real love.

Lucy, I'm sorry..!

x

.

tbc