Natsu knew that he couldn't escape...

He had been battered and bruised beyond compare...

All he could do was sit there and have his enemy approach him...

The figure came closer and closer to the fire dragon slayer...

Natsu couldn't panic and he couldn't scream...

All he could do was to let the figure come and kill him...

"Sorry, Luce... Not only am I not going to be able to make it to your birthday tomorrow... I'll never be able to tell you how I feel..."

Natsu did the only thing he could think of...

"LUCY!!!"

The last thing Natsu heard was blood splattering...

And the cries of a horrified Lucy...

"NATSU!!!"