Chapter 8. Dragon Force
Lisanna cradled Happy in her arms, her body shaking uncontrollably as she knelt in the clearing. I can't lose you, Happy... not like this, she thought, her mind swirling with fear and desperation. The sight of his small, limp form tore her apart. The village around her lay in tatters—houses collapsed, fences splintered, and debris scattered across the muddy ground. Heavy clouds hung oppressively low in the sky. Soft rain drizzled down, soaking through her clothes and chilling her to the bone. The wet earth pressed against her knees, the cold seeping up into her body. The scent of damp soil and smoke lingered in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of her tears as they spilled down her cheeks. Heartbreak consumed her, wrapping around her chest like a vice. She could feel her heart pounding, each beat echoing with pain and desperation.
No... no, it can't be...
The weight of everything. The battles, the loss, the overwhelming fear—crushed her all at once. She felt her chest tighten, and her breath hitching as though a heavy stone was pressing down on her ribcage, making it hard to draw air. Tears spilled freely down her face as she clutched Happy's lifeless form close to her chest, her heart screaming in agony. She didn't dare to look down at the exceed, knowing that the sight of him would be drilled into her very memory. The hopelessness was suffocating, and for a brief moment, she felt as though everything was lost.
In the corner of her vision, Bramblethorn loomed closer. Marching slowly, the tree's gnarled bark cracked and oozed dark sap, its twisted vines writhing like serpents, ready to deliver the final blow. The glowing, crimson eyes bore into the take-over mage, filled with malice. Lisanna's body trembled, and her mind went blank as her life flashed before her eyes. She could already feel the cold grip reaching her.
Meanwhile, Bramblethorn slowly closed the distance.
Was this it? Was she going to die here without ever getting the chance to make things right with Natsu? The regret twisted painfully inside her—so many words left unsaid, so many moments she had hoped to share with him again. The realization that she might never get to tell him how much he meant to her filled her with a deep sorrow that seemed to swallow her whole.
The monstrosity halted before Lisanna, its twisted form towering over her. It raised a gnarled arm, pointing directly at her, as vines slowly coiled around her body, mere inches away, poised to extinguish her life.
Bark creaked. Screech rang in her ears, and then…
It happened.
A brilliant fire erupted behind her, roaring to life with such intensity that the area around her was bathed in a fiery glow. The heat washed over her, making her skin prickle. The light cast long shadows. The heat was almost overwhelming, but there was no mistaking the sheer power it carried. It was a fire, unlike anything she had felt before. Instinctively Lisanna tried to twist her head, but before she could a fiery blur exploded past her.
Natsu…?
Lisanna's eyes tried to follow it, to keep up, but all she could see was a massive ball of fire colliding with Bramblethorn, sending it reeling. The flames slowly dissipated, revealing Natsu still pounding the creature, his fists ablaze with a roaring fire, each strike filled with his fury and determination. His voice was hoarse, filled with raw emotion as he kept pounding and pounding the monstrous creature. "...You took happy from us." His chest heaved as the anger surged, his tears mingling with the fire that enveloped him. The image of Lisanna crying, clutching Happy's limp form, seared into his mind. Hurting her—hurting his family—was unforgivable.
"Ya made Lisanna cry…!" His voice cracked.
"I'm going to make you BURN…!" He clenched his fist tightly. "I'M GOING TO MAKE YOU BURN! YA HEAR ME!?" Natsu growled. The fire around him flared so fiercely and brightly that it torched the air. The ground beneath him trembled and split as the sheer force of his power surged through. He stood in the center of it all, transformed. His skin was now covered with red scales, shimmering in the light of the flames. His eyes narrowed with a burning glow swirling fiercely around his snake-like iris.
Lisanna was dazed. Her heart raced, and for a brief moment, everything else disappeared.
You did it… Relief surged through her, mingling with disbelief—he was back. Her heart ached as she looked down at Happy's still form. The sorrow threatened to drown her, the weight of the battles and the loss bearing down on her chest. But Natsu's presence, his force, held her steady. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything would be alright again. No everything would be alright, because he was here.
"Natsu…" Lisanna's eyes widened in realization. The flames surrounding him were fierce, wild, and destructive, yet somehow controlled. They twisted and burned with a purpose, bending around everything that wasn't Bramblethorn, sparing what mattered. She saw something beyond it. He wasn't angry with himself. He was furious for everyone else's sake. His anger wasn't about his failures any longer. No more fear. No more doubt. It was a selfless fury, driven by the desire to protect, to shield them from hurt. He was fighting for Happy. And that—that was the most powerful force she had ever seen.
The boy before her had unlocked something deep within himself, something primal. He had ascended to new heights. The tears that cascaded down his cheeks did little to soften the hardened expression. The consequences of everything that had happened—the pain, the loss—pressed down on him, but it didn't break him. Instead, the fire in him burned with brilliance until he could not keep it contained any longer.
All of it erupted into one singular burst of barrage. Natsu vaulted into the air, and delivered a sharp axe-kick down on Bramblethorn, burying it into earth with terrifying speed. His flames exploded on impact, and the beast's bark quaked beneath his feet. The air ignited and, his roar tore through the battlefield. Bramblethorn retaliated, launching thick, thorny vines toward Natsu, forcing him to shift backward. For a moment, he had to block the incoming vines with his arms, gritting his teeth against their crushing force. Then, seizing an opening, he jumped onto one of the vines, using it as leverage to launch himself high into the air.
Natsu ignited his fists and legs, channeling his flames to create a powerful propulsion effect. He launched forward like a blazing comet, colliding with Bramblethorn with explosive power, his fiery momentum driving into the creature. Bramblethorn swung its enormous arm at Natsu, meeting him head-on. The impact sent shockwaves and led to a fierce exchange of blows between the two.
Bramblethorn released a thick miasma, the air growing heavy as sinister whispers filled the space. The voices snaked toward Natsu, their tones an eerie mix of mocking and accusatory. They whispered in distorted, familiar voices.
"You are a disappointment, Natsu." Igneel's voice snarled.
The voices grew louder, layering over each other, until they formed a chaotic, overwhelming noise that threatened to drown him. Natsu remained motionless. Then the voice morphed into Lisanna's only it held a venomous tone. "Why didn't you find me?"
The miasma thickened, a choking sensation enveloping Natsu as the whispers grew louder. Among the voices, a new one emerged. Happy's soft yet accusing tone echoed in his ears. "I didn't want to go, Natsu..."
The Dragon Slayer's breath caught, his body trembling as the oppressive weight tried to crush him again. Lisanna's eyes widened in horror, and she screamed, her voice breaking through the malicious whispers, "Don't listen to it!"
At that moment, Natsu's gaze briefly shifted to Lisanna. His eyes met hers, and for just a heartbeat, they softened. A tender glow that seemed to reach across the distance and envelop her in its embrace. It was a promise, that, no matter what, he wouldn't give in. The whispers fell silent. His gaze held Lisanna's, and in that brief connection, there was an unmistakable truth: he wasn't reacting to corruption anymore—he had been withstanding it with ease from the beginning.
The Dragon Slayer snapped his attention back to the giant tree, withstanding its barrage of vines and the relentless miasma. While he showed no signs of faltering, Bramblethorn was weakening. The creature's movements grew sluggish, and its strikes lacked the force they once carried.
It was then that Lisanna realized—Bramblethorn couldn't consume the negative emotions from Natsu because there was nothing left to draw from. Natsu's heart was filled with fierce, positive emotion— an emotion so powerful that it forced the monster to falter. But what could he be feeling right now that was so potent? Was it his bond to Fairy Tail, hope, or something that even she couldn't grasp? Whatever it was, there was no denying it. His eyes were alive, in a way she had never seen before. It was evident in the way they burned. Not with anger, but care. Each drop of tear he shed and each roar that tore his throat was filled with a resolve to shield everything.
He wasn't lost anymore the take-over mage realized. No, he was himself again.
Tears poured down her cheeks, as she realized the truth. Lisanna stood up, cradling Happy close as she ran, and put distance between herself and the all-consuming battle. Her heart pounded in her chest.
Among the hurt villagers, she spotted Borbo, urgently directing people to safety. Even he had realized the magnitude of the battle they were witnessing. There was no space for any of them to intervene. Without hesitation, Lisanna rushed over to him. "Please, look over him," she said breathlessly, carefully placing Happy in the chief's arms. "I have to help Natsu."
The chief nodded, as he took the limp Exceed. "Go!" he urged, but Lisanna was already turning, her focus now entirely on the battle unfolding behind her.
Her eyes burned with resolve as she launched herself into action, her body recoiling under her new take-over form. Light glowed around her silhouette as she sprinted back toward the fight, deftly dodging the incoming vines that lashed out at her. She weaved through the, closing the distance between herself and the duo of Bramblethorn and Natsu exchanging blows. Bramblethorn screeched, its frustration evident, and began lashing out wildly, but Lisanna pressed on, her limbs feeling lighter this time, her mind clearer. Natsu was back, and she wasn't going to let him fight alone.
As she neared the monstrous Bramblethorn, Lisanna saw Natsu being thrown back by the force of one of the wild vines. The earth screeched beneath his boots as he slid backward, but he managed to halt himself. Without missing a beat, Lisanna sped past the Dragon Slayer, her eyes locked on the threat. "Natsu! With me!" she called fiercely.
Natsu glanced up, meeting her gaze. At that moment, she saw something she didn't expect—Natsu smiling, even as he was physically drained. "TOGETHER!" he shouted, pulling back for a moment.
"Aeloria's…." Lisanna built glowing light in her arms.
Taking a deep breath, Natsu In tandem, unleashed a thunderous roar. "Fire Dragon's…"
"GRACE! / BRILLIANT ROAR!"
The torrent of flames and rays of light surged forward, engulfing Bramblethorn and consuming the creature in a harmony of light-infused inferno. The monstrous form thrashed and roared in agony as the flaming lights licked at its bark-like skin, illuminating the night around them. The heat radiated outwards, sending a shockwave through the air.
Seeing an opening, Lisanna charged into the fray. Her hand gleamed under the fiery light as she tore through the vines that lashed out at her, deftly avoiding their grasp. With every strike, she flanked Bramblethorn, matching Natsu's relentless assault with her own.
Side by side, they stood as a united team once again. Blow after blow landed, each hit driven by the cries for having lost one of their Nakama. Their everything. Their Son.
After they finished their relentless assault, Natsu and Lisanna stood back, breathless and tense, watching as the monstrous Bramblethorn stood unmoving before them. Its entire body had turned a deep, charred black, resembling a lifeless husk, the once-writhing vines now limp and desolate. A gentle breeze swept through the area, stirring the remnants of the creature into a fine dust that danced in the air before being carried away.
Natsu's gaze remained locked on the fallen beast, but a heavy weight pressed down on his heart. His fists clenched as he spun around, pulling Lisanna with him, rushing back to where Village Chief Borbo stood, cradling the small, still form of Happy. When they neared, the chief's expression was somber as he tenderly handed Happy over to Lisanna.
As she took him into her trembling arms, Lisanna's body shook violently. Her tears began to fall, uncontrollable sobs escaping her as she held Happy close, her grip tightening as if trying to keep him anchored to this world. She thought of how Happy looked when he was alive—eating more fish than he could bear, laughing freely, his joyful voice filling the guild hall. The memory tore at her, and she clung to the hope that somehow, he would come back to them. "Happy…" she cried, her voice breaking under the weight of her grief. It was too much for her to bear. Her knees buckled beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground, the world around her fading into a blur as she screamed her heart out. The sound tore through the air, raw and desperate, as though her very soul was shattering to smaller pieces with every cry.
All Natsu could do was stand there, watching silently. Tears began to stream down Natsu's face, unbidden and relentless, mingling with Lisanna's quiet sobs. His chest tightened with each tear that fell, but there was no stopping it. He blinked hard, trying to steady himself, but it didn't help. For the first time, he had no words.
Natsu swallowed hard, the tightness in his throat unbearable as the pain settled deep inside him, heavy and unrelenting. Without a word, he reached up, fingers trembling as he slowly pulled his scarf free, the fabric unwinding from his neck in a slow, deliberate motion. Kneeling beside Lisanna, Natsu's hands trembled as he carefully tied the scarf around Happy's small, lifeless form. The familiar warmth of the fabric felt like a final gift—a passing from father to son, just as Igneel had once wrapped the scarf around him. It was a desperate offering, one that could never truly mend what was broken.
His heart ached, and as he looked at Lisanna cradling Happy in her arms, the sight overwhelmed him. Without hesitation, he pulled both of them into his embrace. Happy lay nestled between them, his small form still wrapped in Natsu's scarf, as if somehow, in this shared closeness, they could all be together one last time.
Natsu's embrace was strong but tender, his warmth enveloping them both. Lisanna felt the heat from his body as it pulsed through her like a wave of comfort, softening the numbness that gripped her. Natsu's touch, normally fierce and filled with energy, now held a tenderness she had never felt before. It was as though his fire had transformed into something protective, something meant to heal. As if she and Happy were the most precious things in the world.
Together, they held Happy between them, the little Exceed rested in Lisanna's arms while Natsu's arms wrapped around them both. The moment was unbearably painful, yet full of unspoken love. The world around them seemed to mourn with them. The soft rain that fell from the sky was like tears. The villagers, who had gathered nearby in respectful silence, stood around them for a moment, their hearts heavy.
Natsu's fire erupted around him, setting the ground ablaze and surrounding both him and Lisanna in its fierce embrace. The flames twisted and roared, growing higher as Natsu released a scream that echoed in the still air, raw and filled with everything he held within. The sky darkened, heavy clouds gathering overhead, while the fire continued to swirl, casting an eerie, flickering glow across the clearing.
Lisanna tore her gaze from Happy, her eyes widening as she watched the flames spread, enveloping her and especially Happy in their warm embrace. Instead of burning, the fire felt soothing, a calm warmth washing over her. Slowly, she felt her bruises and scratches begin to fade, disappearing from her skin. Her heart pounded as she quickly turned her gaze to Natsu, confusion and fear mingling in her chest. What is he doing?
The stag's voice echoed in her mind, its tone filled with disbelief "Impossible! He is using magic that shouldn't exist...!"
Lisanna's panic spiked, her voice trembling as she asked again, "W-What is he doing?"
The stag's soul hesitated, its voice carried a subtle edge of uncertainty. "He is... bringing Happy back."
Lisanna bit her lip, her heart pounding as the realization struck her—Happy might be okay. She glanced at Natsu, his voice hoarse as he screamed, pushing himself beyond his limits. He was doing the impossible yet again, enduring the most agonizing pain of his life, and still fighting for them all.
Color slowly returned to Happy's fur, his small body twitching slightly. Lisanna stared, hardly daring to believe. Her breath caught in her throat as his eyes fluttered open, the familiar warmth returning to his gaze. He glanced at her, and in that moment, her cheeks reddened, tears welling up and blurring her vision. It was real. Happy was coming back to them.
Happy's weak voice was barely audible underneath Natsu's anguished screams. It quivered, barely audible, as he called out to them, "Natsu... Lisanna... Don't fight, okay? There's fish for everyone..."
Lisanna gasped, her breath catching as she heard Happy's weak voice. Though Natsu seemed lost, still immersed in his pain, she refused to give up. She shook him, her voice urgent. "Natsu...!" He didn't react at first, his eyes still clouded with rage and grief. But her next cry broke through, ringing out with desperate clarity: "NATSU...! HAPPY IS ALIVE!" Instantly, the flames surrounding Natsu extinguished, the world around them coming to a standstill as her words sank in.
Natsu slowly glanced down at Happy, his eyes taking in the familiar blue fur, feeling the warmth, then shifted his gaze to Lisanna. His lips quivered, the emotions overwhelming him, and for a moment, his hardened expression softened.
In a moment of realization, Natsu looked at Borbo, intending to ask for help, only to see that the man was already moving.
"Amelie," he called, all while his gaze looked for someone in the crowd. "We need to ascertain Happy's condition immediately."
A woman strolled in front, nodded, and quickly followed Borbo as he led the group back to his house. The walk back felt like a blur to Lisanna. Her mind spun with countless thoughts, yet she didn't dare to hope. Even with Happy alive, the questions loomed larger than the answers. How could she even begin to grasp the reality of seeing a loved one brought back from death? It defied logic, defied the very nature that Aeloria had spoken of. And yet, the same spirit was now silent, barely stirring within her, as if even it could not comprehend what had happened.
They eventually reached the Chief's hut, the rain still drizzling down around them. Borbo pushed the door open, ushering everyone inside quickly. The warmth of the hut provided a stark contrast to the chill of the outside, and Lisanna let out a small sigh of relief as they stepped in. The comforting scent of herbs and wood smoke filled the air, and Borbo led the way up the narrow stairs, his steps steady. Happy was swiftly taken upstairs to a guest room by Amelia, while the rest of the group remained outside in the hallway—Lisanna standing near the door, her hand resting on the frame, and Natsu sitting on the floor with his back against the wall, his eyes distant but watchful.
Minutes felt like hours, and now that the two were alone, Lisanna found herself struggling to find the right words. What was she supposed to say? What was she supposed to feel? The last time they spoke, Natsu had pushed her away—rejected her efforts to help. But now, here he was, sitting just feet away, back from the corruption that had almost claimed him.
Lisanna glanced at Natsu periodically. The fire mage remained transfixed on the wall, his expression solemn and distant. To her surprise, Natsu's gaze met hers for a fleeting moment, and she could sense something vulnerable behind it—akin to watching a child unsure if he should speak or stay silent. Before Lisanna could gather her thoughts to say something, the room's door creaked open again.
Amelie ushered the group in with a solemn expression. Everyone gathered around a bed where Happy was sleeping peacefully. The air was thick with anticipation as Amelie inhaled deeply, her gaze meeting each of them before she spoke.
"He'll be okay," Amelie said, her voice calm and reassuring. "He needs a few days of rest, and after that, he'll be back to his old self."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room. Lisanna's body sagged as the weight of her fear lifted, her eyes filling with grateful tears. Natsu, standing beside her, let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.
He turned, his eyes meeting Borbo's. For a moment, something shifted in him—a calmness that hadn't been there before. His shoulders relaxed, and the fire in his eyes softened into something more resolute. His posture was steady, no longer brimming with reckless energy but with a solemn stillness. He wasn't the same reckless boy who had arrived in the village. He had changed. His grin appeared, but this time, it was different—a thoughtful grin, one that reflected everything he had been through. It wasn't the carefree, childlike smile Lisanna had seen a hundred times before. This one held understanding.
"Borbo," Natsu said, his voice carrying a steadiness that matched his new demeanor. "I need to ask ya for a favor."
Borbo replied without hesitation."Anything you need,"
Natsu's grin widened just slightly. "Can ya send a word to our guild ahead of us, and inform them of what has happened?" he asked. "We're gonna stay here a little longer. Until Happy feels better."
Borbo nodded without a second thought. "Consider it done."
Elsy and Amelie exchanged a few more quiet words before they slowly made their way toward the door. Borbo gave a final nod to Natsu, his expression calm and supportive, while Elsy offered a gentle smile, her eyes filled with silent encouragement.
"We'll give you two some time," Borbo said softly as he turned to leave. "Call us if you need anything."
The door closed with a soft click, and suddenly, the hut was filled with stillness. The weight of the last few days seemed to settle as the quiet returned, and both Natsu and Lisanna sighed deeply, releasing the tension that had been holding them tightly bound.
Natsu leaned back slightly, his eyes still on Happy, but his body finally relaxed, the weight of their long battle lifting from his shoulders. Lisanna, beside him, watched him for a moment, her heart filled with uncertainty. She had seen him go through so much—seen him lost and in pain—but now... now he was here, with her, with them. And yet, Lisanna still felt apprehensive, her insides were tangled and heavy. Words remained stuck in her throat, unable to form, until Natsu finally broke the silence.
He looked at her, "I'm sorry."
Lisanna instinctively reacted, her voice soft and comforting. "Natsu... It's okay-"
"No, it's not," Natsu shook his head, "I almost messed everythin' up." He glanced at Happy and then back at Lisanna. Despite the sober tone in his words, his gaze was tender, all while his eyes lingered on his surroundings as if making sure nothing would surprise them.
Lisanna bumped Dragon Slayer's shoulder gently. "Natsu, I've already forgiven you." her expression softened. "Family always makes up after a fight."
Natsu flinched at her words, his gaze snapping up to meet hers. For a long moment, they locked eyes, the intensity of the connection making his eyes strain. His lips quivered, and then he chuckled bitterly. "You said that back when we were kids too, no matter how much trouble I caused. I guess I haven't changed much, huh?"
Lisanna glanced at him all while her lips curved into a beaming smile. She had watched him grow, seen him battle with everything he had, and she knew without a doubt that he was capable of anything. "You have changed, Natsu. More than you realize. And from now on, you will be the incredible mage I always knew you could be." The take-over mage admired.
Natsu blinked, startled, the realization hitting him. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, taken aback. Then he grinned widely and rubbed the bridge of his nose as his usual playful spark returned. "Gotcha!" he exclaimed before turning his attention to Happy.
The silence between Lisanna and Natsu stretched, heavy and contemplative. Lisanna's gaze drifted to Natsu's face, his serene expression almost too calm given everything they'd endured. Memories churned in her mind, vivid and relentless, pulling her back to the moment everything fell apart—and the mysterious, miraculous moment he returned.
One question burned hotter than the rest: What brought him back?
Her chest tightened as she stole another glance at him, the corner of his mouth almost curled in a faint, smile. Of course, it had to be Happy and Lucy. He loved them, after all. That bond, paired must have pushed him over the edge and brought him back. Her heart clenched at the thought, but she swallowed her doubts and let her curiosity win.
"Natsu," she began softly, her voice trembling as she met his eyes. "What did you feel when you came back? I saw Bramblethorn try to poach you, but it didn't do anything."
Natsu peeled his gaze from Exceed, his eyes momentarily softening as he struggled to keep himself from shaking. "Everythin'," he started, his voice quieter than usual, "It's hard to explain... 'Cause when Happy was gone, I was upset... angry to see ya cryin'... and..." He hesitated, his fist lightly drumming against his chest, almost as if he was trying to suppress something. "I felt somethin' burnin' inside me, but this time..." he grinned. "It was amazin'."
His words were vague, almost nonchalant, but they made Lisanna's heart skip a beat. She blinked, apprehension churning within her. Could he mean what she thought? She wanted to dismiss it as a careless remark, but the warmth spreading through her chest and the blush rising to her cheeks told her otherwise.