~One Year Later~

~Natsu~

The air carried a frost that made the world seem frozen. The ground, though chilly and damp, was oddly comforting to lie upon as my eyes stretched to a dark-pitted sky. Stars glimmered, appearing to dance among a cloudless night with no moon in sight. Millions, upon millions of stars, shined down. Whenever I gazed up to the sky...I was always reminded of her. The very beauty of the stars was taken account of her face that I had begun to forget. The dreams of seeing the woman I love slowly vanished to the point I hadn't dreamt of her in weeks. Even then if I managed to dream of her, there was always something off about her appearance. She would be too tall, or too plump. Her hair wouldn't be the right shade of color or her eyes would be too off-putting. As time progressed with my memory failing to remember the details of my late wife, a part of me fears it could be due to her existence being erased. I didn't understand how erasing worked, would I have forgotten her the moment I lost her, or would it take its toll? The second option seemed more likely.

The wind picked up when I suddenly toppled and kicked myself to stand. The wind tore past the field picking the tail of my vest up as I rested my arm over my head. It felt like I was being pushed by some unknown deity to be shown something. The wind was reluctant in stopping so I decided to follow it. I walked without feeling and brushed along the tall grass and weeds that were up to my hips. The field felt like it was made of silk; a bed that was made for a king. I was enjoying lying on the grass, but the wind said otherwise. I kept my pace to keep up with the wind until it suddenly stopped. My eyes, once again, returned up to the night sky. The stars were no longer twinkling or dancing. It was silent. Still.

Until a shooting star appeared with its tail the color blue and yellow. It split the sky apart and came diving to the center of the field where I was. Boom. It impacted the earth throwing dirt and grass everywhere. A light emitted from the crater that was created, a light so extraordinary and beautiful it took my breath away. The light grew, pulsing like a heartbeat. I wanted to look closer to see the star, but my feet were immovable. I could just watch when a figure stood from the crater that let off steam. There was hardly a form about them as they appeared to be made of the very cosmos. They were breathless, ethereal. I swore I could feel their invisible eyes on me when they reached out with their outstretched arm.

Natsu...

It was a whisper. They didn't have a voice, but a humming sound. Such as they were reaching out to me and calling my name I could only watch in fear and awe. I felt...safe. And heartbroken. And somehow...love? The force the starry figure had over me was strong. If my feet weren't glued in place I would have already reached them. The figure continued pulsating with the unknown light.

Don't be sad...

Why would I be sad right now? I know I've been sad for a long time, but where I am now was safe. There was no reason to be sad. I closed my eyes when I felt tears falling down my cheeks. Why was I crying? I hadn't cried since I left the guild. I was better where I am now than before, and yet, what did I have to show for it? I may not cry or show I am in pain...but deep down I'm still broken. Was the starry figure trying to tell me to be happy? I haven't felt happiness in so long. Not since the last time I held my deceased wife in my arms. The last time I ever smiled was when I felt her soul in my grasp.

Please...live...

"Aren't I?" I asked genuinely. The light was growing around us, becoming a beacon of warmth and embrace. The tears falling from my eyes couldn't stop. I watched the figure stand frozen in place, invisible eyes still unwaveringly watching me. I asked again. "Am I not...living?" The pulsating light reached out from the open grass plain as it overtook what was left of my vision. The night sky was gone as was the flatland around me. The figure who was still in the crater was also missing from sight. I felt like I was wrapped by two arms warmly holding me. No one was near me, but I could feel the unknown presence. I caught a whiff of a sweet aroma with a giggle echoing far away in the distance. My heart throbbed when I realized the scent was strawberries and vanilla. A perfume I had not smelled in so long that I thought I would never smell it again. Was she here? Was my wife here with me?

"Lucy..?" Her name slipped past my lips. The sound of her name made a quaking sensation in my arm and my eye struck through my entire system. I suddenly felt like every nerve in my body was torched on fire. My head fell back as the anguished cries of my deceased wife filled the white void. Voices from past friends and friends that have long since left this world communicated when I fell to my knees quivering in fear.

You should have protected her...

She would still be alive if you hadn't abandoned her...

You were weak...

She's gone because of you...

You didn't deserve her...

You didn't keep your promise...

Lucy is dead...and it's your fault...

"STOP!!!" I screamed out to the voices. Must I be reminded of my failures?! Why must I be tortured by my past mistakes!? "Please, I know that I failed her! Stop making me relive this!" My eyes opened when I felt my heart crumble. Yards ahead of me was Lucy, facing away with her scar-torn back open for my eyes to see. Her hands were behind her back as she held her wrist with her golden locks somehow swaying through a wind I couldn't feel. She was wearing a layered white dress that went past her feet and bundled around her. "Lucy..." I staggered with my hands shakily reaching out to her. I had to remember. I had to remember her face, her voice, her touch... I couldn't forget her. I couldn't let the Gods force me to forget her very existence. If I had to be the only one to remember her then so be it; Lucy's life couldn't be forgotten. I ran to reach my deceased wife, but the harder I ran the further Lucy was. She was now miles away. "Lucy! Wait!" The ground was pulling me down until I started to lose sight of her. "Don't go! Wait, Lucy!" The floor was sinking until I was suddenly falling. The sight of Lucy was gone. My only chance to see her face once more...gone.

"LUCY!!!"

~~~

"Master! Master!" My eyes opened when I gasped and shot up. Sweat clung to my clothes as the bed sheets were strewn to the foot of the bed. I kept gasping looking around to recall where I was. I'm in my room in Drakonia. I'm home with the Dragons. It was just another nightmare. Two servants in dark green clothes were on each side of my bed; one holding breakfast whereas the other held a basin with water. They were both matching in appearance as I placed their names. Yeri and Maryi: my servants. The two identical twins that serve my every command, though I never ask much from them. I eventually sighed and then rubbed my eyes with my hand as I gently lay back on the bed frame. "Yeri, I am not your Master. Must I remind you every time to just call me Natsu?"

Yeri and Maryi bowed their head simultaneously like two Siamese Cats. "Forgive me M-...Sir Natsu. As you hold the title of Scale Master we only wish to show respect for your authority." Maryi placed breakfast over my lap then bowed. "Your breakfast, Sir Natsu." Yeri placed the basin on my bedside and proceeded to wet a washcloth. "Shall I wash your face, Sir Natsu?" I picked up the first piece of bacon and shook my head. "Thank you, but I'm alright. You two have done more than enough for me. Honestly, do either of you sleep?" I joked when the twins kept their heads at a low bow. "You need not worry about us, Sir Natsu. We are honored to serve one of the two Scale Masters that protect our city."

"So you tell me every day. Any word from my father? Has he returned?" I asked eating a second slice. Yeri and Maryi shook their head. "There has been no word from Sir Igneel," Yeri said. "but Lady Grandeeney has asked you to join her in the Council Room when you are ready for today. After lunch, Sir Metalicana ordered to meet him at the Training Ground. Your scouts will be arriving back today so be sure to expect a report on your desk sometime today. Shall one of us fetch you if we hear word?"

"Yes, please do that," I said in deep thought. Drakonia is expanding as the city was becoming a country. After I left Fiore I spent three months on foot to arrive in a city that was already growing in power. The Dragons had buildings made of brick with unique architecture made by Metalicana himself. Over the years the Dragons power grew through the city and began reaching out over the lands. With the abilities the Dragons had they were already masters of weaponry and armor with their unique technique in the craft, no one on EarthLand could outmatch. Money wasn't an issue and soon they were buying land to uphold their country. Migrants were moving out here not to just live among the Dragons, but business was at an all-time high. The Capital, where I lived, was the heart of Drakonia and where all the Dragons currently lived. Igneel believes by the end of this year some of the Dragons will move out and begin towns and cities of their own; it's what he and the rest of the leaders hoped for.

Igneel was on a council that "ruled" over Drakonia and its denizens. Igneel, Grandeeney, Metalicana, Weisslogia, Skiadrum, and Dogramag. Each Dragon was placed in the council by their peers like they were "voted" into the council. The Dragons agreed they didn't want a King or Queen to rule over them, but they needed someone to guide them as they had become humanoid. Igneel was the one to suggest a council that would listen and be the voice of the Dragon race. They would be the ones to decide and vote on what would be best as they grew and lived among the world of humans. Igneel explained it was the best way to adapt and fit in; now that they were no longer "four-legged large lizards", his exact words, they would mold into human society.

The Council comes to me when a tie-breaker is needed on rare occasions, thanks to Solantir. When I came to Drakonia almost a year ago I wanted to start over with my life. I joined their small military and worked my way through the ranks despite the slur and gossip that I was cheating because I was Igneel's son. Hell, Igneel didn't know I was in the city until he was doing a survey on the soldiers my second week in. I knew I had months to go over what I should say to my dad, but the moment he saw me in line I almost crumbled to my knees. I saw in Igneel's eyes he was about to do the same until he went into attention and didn't move. Metalicana showed our progress so far, and afterward, I was pulled aside and explained that 'Lord Igneel' wished to speak with me. I expected him to yell or scream about what I was doing here in the Dragon's city. I waited for Igneel to tell me to leave and never return...I think that's why I waited so long to go see him when he unexpectedly found me instead.

Igneel didn't do what I thought he would. He pulled me into a hug and broke all over again like that day in the infirmary. He apologized, more times than I could count, and asked what I was doing here of all places; that and why I was in the rank of their new soldiers. I told him everything. While I should have been back in my bunker with the rest of the soldiers, Igneel and I talked until late into the night. I told him everything that happened. Everything from the day he vanished to why I was now a solider of Drakonia. Igneel never interrupted, he listened. I even spoke about Lucy, like the day I confessed my feeling when she was the Dark One to what happened to her back after the Magic Games. I told Igneel I traversed through the Realms with a Bringer to find the shards of her soul to save her. I told him about my wedding and how happy I was when I married the love of my life. And, I told Igneel while biting my tears back at the day I lost Lucy both on EarthLand and the Abyss. Igneel could see I was tired and ready for a new life. Igneel was even happier upon hearing Solantir's name when I explained I held the Father of Dragons as a piece of my soul. Igneel was happy to see me here and told me I always have a home here with the Dragons.

And now, almost a year later I was the second recruit of being a Scale Master and lived alongside Drakonia's Council in a castle made for them. The denizens urged the council to have a place called theirs, one that was glorious and idolizing as the Council would also have a home. Yusei, the first Scale Master, was a hot-headed bastard that made me want to strangle him sometimes. But he was also loyal to his people and fought his way through the ranks to be where he was; so I give him credit there. Just like the soldiers that degraded me when I joined, Yusei also looked down on me for not being a Dragon like them. Every Dragon had horns, some small or big, of different colors with specks of scales on their skin. The fact I was the first human in their military to be titled Scale Master caused an uproar in the beginning. Igneel would have intervened, but I insisted whoever could defeat me in a skirmish could take my place as Scale Master. So far, I have not known defeat. That made the uproar stop immediately after my twelfth consecutive win, and soon enough, the challenges came to a stop. Yusei still has doubts about my leadership, but he hasn't complained about my decisions yet.

I finished half of my breakfast when I asked Maryi to take away what was left. Yeri scrunched her green skirt in her fists when she began to blush. "Would you like assistance in getting dressed, Sir Natsu?" I threw the covers off myself and sat on the edge of the bed. "No thank you, Yeri. You're relieved of your duties for the rest of the morning. Get some food in you and take a nap. Come get me when you or your sister hear any sign of my scouts or Igneel."

"Y-Yes sir." Yeri bowed with her face the color of a cherry now. Both the servants left which left my thoughts on my dream last night. It had been almost a month since I had a dream about Lucy...they were becoming less and less. I stood up and peeled off my white undershirt to avoid feeling the sweat clinging to my skin. My room consisted of a king-size bed with embroidered sheets and fine silk. The frame was made of dark wood that was sleek and slim with a canopy over it. I had a chest at the foot of my bed that was gold plated and also made of the same wood that carried my weapons and uniform. The floor was stone with a large pelt of an animal sitting in front of a grand fireplace that was always burning day and night. To my left was a balcony that displayed the grandness of Drakonia's Capital. I had a desk to the right of the fireplace with additional bookshelves with books from countries all around EarthLand. The left of my room had a lounge chair with a small table that held a fruit bowl with more bookshelves standing behind it. Lastly, was the door on the left of the fireplace that had my washroom. I decided to sit at my desk and pulled out a paper and quill. It had been a few days since my last letter, and after my dream last night, I feel it was the best time to write.

My dear Lucy,

I had a dream again, but the ending was just the same as the others. Your back to me, your golden hair swaying as you wore a dress. It was white this time, almost looked like your wedding dress. I don't know why you won't face me in my dreams. I'm scared, Luce. I'm scared I'm beginning to forget your face. Could it be because your existence was erased? Do the Gods hate you so much they're forcing everyone that knew you to forget you too? I don't want to forget. I can't forget. I failed you so many times when you were alive, Lucy. I failed you when you were trapped in the Abyss. I can't fail you again by forgetting.
My life...damn it. In my first letter, it said I would be honest. My life is still hopeless. I'm not happy. I'm not the man I once was when I was with you. If you saw me now I'm sure you would be disappointed. I still have so many questions and so many things to tell you. If you were reading these letters you would already know what I'm talking about so I won't bore you through that again. I just...miss you. So much. Grandeeney allows me to have counsel with her and talk about what I'm feeling. It's helped, somewhat. The things I've told her and the scars on my wrists show her I need help. Heh, she was worried at first about me carrying weapons, but I told her it was pointless to worry. It's not like I can kill myself. I can't even do that right...
Ah, sorry. Grandeeney said I shouldn't give in to the dark thoughts. "Speaking it is like doing it," she says. It's still embarrassing to talk about what I'm feeling sometimes. Igneel was the one that told me I should speak to Grandeeney about my troubled thoughts. Igneel was the only person I willingly showed the scars I've inflicted, and he said I need to seek help for my mind. I try to look at the positive things and be thankful for the life I have now. I've been...trying to make friends. It's difficult when you're the only outsider that is one foot away from the Council. Most of the soldiers dislike me, and the citizens seem to not see me even when I'm in front of them. I guess I offended them, but Igneel told me to pay them no mind. Dragons are very prideful creatures, and the fact I'm one rank down from the Council really peeves the majority of the Dragons that have been fighting to get the position I earned. Yusei, heh, he can be an ass, but he means well. We just don't see eye to eye on most things. I'm not as hot-tempered as I used to be. I'm too old to be acting like that. I feel older than I am like I've aged three decades rather than eight years. Yusei reminds me of myself when I was younger. Certainly acts like me when I got angry or irritated.
You're probably wondering if I answered Fairy Tail's last letter. I did, explained about my new rank and I'm doing well for myself in Drakonia. If there's one thing I learned from you it was, to be honest. I can't hold secrets as you did. They hurt too many people and hurt me too much. If anything, I'm brutally honest when I need to be. I don't like to lie, but I'll change the direction of a conversation if I become too uncomfortable. That's not lying, is it? Anyway, you know I told you I left the Guild and in their last letter they wanted me to come back to celebrate your anniversary coming up. I wasn't there last year when I left the day before, and I don't think I want to go there this year either. I know that's where your resting place is and I would come to your mausoleum on the night I chose which Lily to burn. I would find the prettiest Lily and give it to your remains as a way to devote my life to you even after death. Did I mention they never wither? The Lilies I gave you are still in full bloom like I just plucked them from the ground. You left a beautiful gift, Lucy...
Damn, this letter went on longer than I wanted it to. Grandeeney said I should do something you would often when you felt down, and writing to you has made me feel closer to you. I hope writing letters to you will help me not forget. I don't want this to be my last letter to you...even if you can't read it...

Love, Natsu

Lucy wasn't kidding. If I kept writing, my penmanship would be better as I practiced. I folded the pieces of paper then opened a locked drawer to place the letter among the others. There were so many now. During the first two months of being here, all I ever did was write to Lucy. My handwriting has come a long way...I would think she'd be proud of that. I smiled then closed and locked the desk drawer so I could get ready. I did not need to get into uniform for my session with Grandeeney so I decided to go casual. I changed into my maroon vest and white loose-fit pants. I folded my wings close to my back and slid on my sandals. Before I left I grabbed the blue ribbon on my bedside table and pulled my hair up in a ponytail. "Let's make this a good day," I said fixing my wedding ring and touching Lucy's engagement ring that rests underneath my vest.

It wasn't a long walk to the Council Room when I knocked on the door then entered. It was a spherical room with tall columns and a dome for a ceiling. Inside the dome was a tiled mirror of a great, white-colored Dragon overlooking hundreds of smaller Dragons of different colors. The White Dragon had its mouth open and breathed fire that was the same as his scales. It was Solantir when he was alive, looking over his children before the war broke out between his children. In the center of the room was a large, circular table with six delicately made chairs that sat around it. In the middle of the table was a miniature landscape of the country that was growing more as each day passed. Each chair had a unique carving in the center of the back piece that held an element. Each chair for each Dragon proudly showed the emblem of their element. Grandeeney was sitting in her chair when she stood up and warmly smiled upon seeing me. "I'm so happy you decided to join, Natsu. Please, let's sit together."

Grandeeney, just like all the Dragons, was a tall woman that had a face of a caring mother. Her silted irises were ocean blue as she smiled which showed her canine teeth. Her hair was silver like moonlight as it flowed down to the bottom of her back while her horns wrapped like a ram close to her elf-like ears. The garb she wore was a dress that had a blue top that hid her breasts but a snug skirt that reached her ankles. On each arm was a sleeve that went up to her elbows and display her delicate fingers that could be mistaken for talons. She was by far one of the prettiest Dragons I've met. All of the Dragons were bewitching with their looks, but Grandeeney had a soft embrace and could melt any man's heart with a single smile. I sat in Igneel's chair that was next to hers when she placed her hands on her lap. "How have you been Natsu? Do you still not have any dreams?" Grandeeney asked with a soft, caring voice. I shook my head and bashfully looked away. "I uh- I had a dream. Last night." I said swallowing my throat.

"Would you like to share your dream with me?" The kind Dragon asked. I didn't know why I was so embarrassed to speak about these topics. Grandeeney helped me understand what my dreams could mean and reassured me I will get better over time. She's given me advice that has improved my mind, but it feels like I'll never be myself again. I cleared my throat after I coughed. "I was lying in a field watching the stars dance in the night sky. Then a large gust of wind forced me to stand when I looked back up and saw the stars were now still. I was confused, but out of nowhere, a shooting star caused the sky to rip in half when it landed not far from me. The wind returned and I was forced to go see the shooting star."

"Why do you think the wind was forcing you?" Grandeeney asked. I shrugged my shoulders. "I dunno. The grass felt so nice to lie on. I was a little disappointed when I had to get up to go investigate the star." Grandeeney listened whilst nodding. "You were comfortable. Did you simply not care to see the fallen star?"

"I wouldn't say I didn't care. I just...wasn't ready to go see it."

"Were you afraid?" Grandeeney asked. Again, I shrugged my shoulders. "A part of me was scared, I guess? The grass was so nice I felt like I was snuggled in a warm blanket. It was tall grass too; I'm sure if it was real no one would have seen me lying down." Grandeeney nodded as if understanding. "You said it's almost been a month since your last dream of Lucy, correct?" She asked to which I said yes. "Do you think you were afraid of the dream since you hadn't had one in a long while? That you might have tried to be reluctant but your subconscious was urging you to go investigate?"

"Yeah, I think so, now that you mention it. I'm glad my subconscious forced me because it wasn't a star in the crater. It was...alive. It was a figure that had stars shaping it, but it was looking at me even with no eyes. It spoke to me."

"Would you like to tell me what is said?" Grandeeney asked. I nodded as I brought my eyes up to the woman. "It called out my name, and it said things Lucy told me before she sacrificed herself." Grandeeney scrunched her brows when she raised her hand to her mouth. "That hasn't happened in your dreams. Do you think it was Lucy that was the figure?" I sighed when I rubbed my head. "I don't know. Maybe? It didn't sound like Lucy. But when I saw the figure I felt...safe. I felt heartbroken all over again, yet at the same time, I felt love. The kind of love when I shared a kiss with Lucy or when I held her close to me. It was an emotion I hadn't felt...in years." Grandeeney smiled and then gracefully grasped my hand. "Do you think you're beginning to forgive yourself? That you might be ready to move on?"

"No," I said honestly. Grandeeney nodded. "Why do you say that?" She asked now with a worried look. "Because the figure was pulsating with a light that took me to a different place. It was...horrifying. I heard the sound of my wife screaming when I cried out. The phantom pain in my arm and eye came back again. People that died...people that I left behind in Fiore...I heard their voices. They told me everything I ever told myself. All my failures. Everything I still believe about myself and what I should have done differently." My hands clenched tightly. "I know I can't be happy, Grandeeney...but why can't the pain stop? Why...Why do I continue to suffer?"

"Grief is a powerful emotion that is always hungry, Natsu. It continues to eat until there's nothing left of you. To stunt your way to recovery, grief will make you think dark, terrible thoughts. It will kick you down and keep you on the ground so it can feast on your broken mind. I need you to promise me Natsu that you will fight these negative thoughts with positive ones. You need to begin hanging onto the memories that matter. The good memories. Instead of remembering Lucy in her last moments, remember the good moments. Can you give me an example of a good memory?" I took a minute to think. "There's...a time Happy and I took her fishing. She complained for the majority of the time, saying it was so boring while we sat around and waited for a line to sink. Heh, while she was going on about her boredom her line caught something and she was so excited all of a sudden. Happy and I cheered her on until she caught a decent size fish! Lucy was so happy that in the midst of her joy, Happy took the fish and was already eating it." Grandeeney and I laughed as I wiped away oncoming tears. "I hadn't thought of that memory in so long. I don't want to forget the good memories. For a long time now, I've only thought about the dark ones I forget we had happy memories together. Is that...Is that bad of me to say?"

"Of course not Natsu. You've lived with grief for so long that I understand it will take time to heal. Now, did your dream end the same?" I nodded solemnly. "Yes. Lucy was wearing a dress that revealed her scarred back. I couldn't see her face or reach her." I sighed and leaned further back into the chair. "It feels like the harder I try to see her face the harder it is to remember. I should have taken a photo of her. Hell, a portrait of her face would be better than nothing." Grandeeney smiled then also leaned back. "Her face will come back to you in time. Trauma such as your own can make even the most important details seem impossible to remember. As you continue to get better I'm more than positive you will regain the memory of her face."

"Yeah. I hope so." I admitted just as Grandeeney softly smiled. "That's all we can do Natsu. Hope." The woman looked away thoughtfully to herself. "In three months will be the day you arrived at Drakonia's Capital. You've made quite the commotion as the only human in our ranks. Have you made any friends?" Her eyes were staring at me. I shook my head. "Seems like I'm too abnormal to make friends. It's fine though, I enjoy my own company." I laughed noting the sarcasm I said. Grandeeney didn't laugh. "You shouldn't hide your struggles behind jokes, Natsu. There's a reason we hold these sessions because you won't open up to anyone. I'm sure there are many Dragons here that would like to be your friend if you would take the first step."

"I don't need friends, Grandeeney." I retorted quickly. My arms crossed over my chest. I huffed and once more shrugged my shoulders. "I'm a grumpy old man that would rather be alone with his thoughts than force myself to interact with people. It's too exhausting. I'm too tired to talk to people these days." The tall woman tilted her head as she teased me with a small smile on her symmetrical face. "And yet here you sit talking to me. Does that make me your friend, or am I just your counselor? Do you find it exhausting speaking to me?" My arms tightened around my chest. I opened my mouth struggling to give an outright answer. "I-I dunno. I guess I would have to ask if you see me as your friend or if am I just a patient to you."

"I feel that we have a connection now that makes us not only a counselor trying to communicate with a lost patient. You've grown as a person over the months of our sessions; slowly finding yourself again after years lost in a state of turmoil. Personally, Natsu, I would say we're friends now. Outside of our sessions, we talk with the other Council members and chat even if it's just us alone. We all have dinner together now and then don't we? I could have sworn you laughed at a joke I made towards your father the other day." Grandeeney leaned out of her chair with a sly, playful face. My cheeks felt hot when I embarrassingly rolled my eyes. "Then I suppose we're friends. It's kinda lame I'm only comfortable speaking to my dad's comrades. Guess I am the favorite one." Grandeeney let out a sweet chuckle that made my tense shoulders relax. The woman waved her hand then returned to her perfect posture after fanning her face. "Now it's you who appears to be making jokes. You're moving in the right direction towards healing." Grandeeney and I relaxed in our chairs when she sighed. "I know you can talk to people, Natsu. It may be hard at first like it was when we started our sessions, but it's good for the soul to talk to another. You have a personality that can light up a room."

"No, I don't. I can light my hands on fire but my personality is as dull as a doorknob. I can only talk to you like this because of how long we've been talking. We started these sessions around eight months ago." Grandeeney always smiled unless I say anything negative about myself. The kind Dragon disagreed and pointed at me. "All it takes is a little polishing to make a doorknob shine again. You are smart, funny, and a very caring person, Natsu Dragneel. It'll only be a matter of time before everyone else begins to notice." I sat quietly for a minute after what Grandeeney said. She believes everything she told me, and without a doubt, she also believes in her last statement. The woman patted my shoulder then stood up. "I think this is a good place to stop for the day. Don't trouble yourself by remembering so hard about your wife's appearance. Soon enough, her face will come back to you.  Healing will take..." Grandeeney waited for me to finish her sentence. I sighed. "Time," I answered. Grandeeney smiled. "Yes. Time that you have plenty of. If you have another dream or bad thought you know where to find me. If there's anything I can do for a friend I will do my best to assist." I smiled before getting up and thanking Grandeeney for our session. We both bid each other a good day then departed both ways as I went back to my room. There were three hours before noon when I would go see Metalicana at the Training Ground. I was back in my room when I found Yeri making my bed when she bowed upon seeing me. "Hello, again Sir Natsu. Don't mind me I am just fixing your bed with clean sheets."

"Yeri, didn't I say you were dismissed for the rest of the morning?" I asked when she blushed. "That's too much free time for me, sir. I already ate breakfast and finished my chores. How can I be a good servant if you give me and Maryi so much free time?" I sat down at my desk to find new paperwork. "Because, Yeri, if you and your sister don't get rest I won't be a good Scale Master. I'm a grown man that can make my own bed." It was silent for a few moments. "But, I have never seen you make your bed Sir Natsu?"

"Who says the bed needs to be made? It's a bed, it's gonna be messed up in the morning anyways." The servant girl giggled under her breath. "Cleanliness is good for your health, Sir Natsu. You needn't worry about making your bed. I am more than honored to do it for you." Yeri began to fluff my pillows and tuck the sheets into the mattress. Despite rolling my eyes at the servant's words I'll admit it was nice turning in for the day with a clean room. It always smelled nice with a hint of cinnamon and emberwood from the lively fireplace. I went through documents on upcoming structure plans for future towns in Drakonia and additional scouts that will be joining the regiment. No word from Igneel. I know he was busy discussing with leaders from our neighboring countries to buy more land in exchange for Jewels and services. Drakonia was already close allies with Fiore for over six years now. It would only be a matter of time before the Dragon's country reaches out to other areas to befriend and trade with.

I halted when I found a letter from Magnolia. It was the same handwriting of my old guild master from Fairy Tail. For a second I wanted to pretend I didn't see it. I knew what this would be about; their reply to my declining in coming back for Lucy's anniversary. My stomach was suddenly tight with anxiety as I undid the envelope to read the letter.

To Natsu Dragneel,

"Would you like to have lunch early, Sir Natsu?" Yeri asked which broke my train of thought. "Hm? No, no thank you. Can you get my uniform on the bed so I can get ready? I'll be going to the Training Ground a little earlier to meet Metalicana." Yeri bowed as I read over the letter.

It saddens me to hear you decide to not join us this year to celebrate. Though I understand you wish to move forward in life and start over, everyone in Fairy Tail misses you terribly. I understand your reason for wanting to leave, and even now I still support your decision.
My grandson will be turning one in another three months. I wish you could meet Newt when he was born. He certainly got my looks when I was a young lad, but Laxus strongly disagrees. Erza and Jellal are having another child! Layla is very excited about being a big sister; she's also learning her magic now that she's almost eight. It seems she has more of her father's magic touch rather than wielding a sword. Ava and Axel are doing well. They both have taken after their mother and father with Ava showing Script Magic and Axel chewing on steel. Gray and Juvia are getting married sometime at the end of this year! Wendy and Happy are going on missions together with Santos and his sisters. Everyone is going back to their normal routine.
Vivian still asks of you. She continues to wonder when your next letter will come in. Poor child, she's the last one that is trying to move on after you left the guild. She's still taking it hard, but she's getting better as the days move on.
I'm very proud of your success in Drakonia. We hope to someday come to your new home and see with our own eyes the grandness of Drakonia's Capital. I understand if you wish for us to wait for another time for us to consider coming to you. I hope you've been well, body and mind by my meaning. Last I saw you weren't looking so good. I hope that's changed and hope you're happy. I hope we can see each other again, my child. Without you here the guild seems far quieter; though it's been quiet for a long time before you left. Forgive an old man and his long tangent, I am always happy on the days you reply with a letter. We all miss you and hope you are happy. Say hello to Igneel and the other Councilors of Drakonia. Hopefully, we can see each other soon.

  In hopeful regard,
                                Makarov

I finished reading the letter, then reread it. There weren't many letters between me and Fairy Tail the day I arrived in Drakonia; honestly, I was hoping to have no contact with my old guild mates, to begin with. I dunno why, but I sent a letter to them after I was promoted from soldier to Captain. Maybe I wanted to prove to them I was doing well by explaining where I was and what I was doing. Maybe I wanted to prove that to myself when I wrote the letter and sent it to Magnolia. It brings me joy Mira's pregnancy went well despite my departure from the Guild. I wasn't expecting Erza and Jellal to have another child after the first labor was so traumatic, but then again during that time war was outside our doorsteps. Everyone seemed to be going back to their routine, and finally after eight years, so am I. Yeri announced that my uniform and weapon were ready then left to give me peace. I folded the letter back into the envelope and left it on my desk. My uniform was black with gold trimmings and buttoned off centered from the top of my right side down to the bottom left. It was long-sleeved with maroon-colored tassels around the right shoulder and two pendants I've earned so far in my time of serving. The pants were also black and also had gold trims on the sides. I had shiny black boots that had recently been polished and a maroon-colored cape with gold military epaulettes on each shoulder. I discarded my civilian wardrobe and began the process of putting on my military uniform.

The first was the black undershirt. Then I buttoned my pants after checking for any creases. I put on my boots and carefully fitted my pants into them to not create a crease on the boots or pants. Lastly, I pulled my jacket over me and buttoned the front, and flipped the collar down. The tassels on my right were hanging correctly as the pendants weren't crooked or smudged. I threw the cape over my back hiding my wings with the epaulettes sitting comfortably over my shoulders. I sat on my bed and pulled my weapon over my lap to check for any marks or damage along the blade or hilt. Like the Light Goddess's Blade, I hard a longsword but with a broader blade for my build. The hilt was good and encrusted in jewels as a dragon wrapped around the handle. The metal of the blade shimmied with a red glow from being imbued with Dragon Fire. The blade itself was made of dark steel, created by Metalicana himself. The sword was a gift from the Council when I was given the title of Scale Master. Unlike my sword skills, the Dragons were not sword wielders; which is another reason why I could not be defeated so easily during the skirmishes. The Dragons were khopesh-wielders; a sickle-like sword that could not stab an enemy, but can easily cut through one. Metalicana and Igneel explained it was like an extension of the claws they used to have. A Dragon's claw could cut through anything, whilst a khopesh could cut through anyone. Anyone that doesn't know how to wield a khopesh. When I first joined Drakonia's military I had to learn how to wield a khopesh. From how to properly hold the weapon to learning the opening and blocks of a khopesh wielder. While I had the upper hand in knowing the ins and outs of the khopesh blade, the soldiers didn't know the way of a longsword. I returned the sword to the leather scabbard and tied it to my waist.

The Training Ground was close to the West Wall of Drakonia's Capital being a field dedicated to the military trainees and veterans. There was an obstacle course and dummies close to the wall and an armory for the weapons and armor. The bunkers for the soldiers were also there but underground. I went to one of the vacant dueling rings and discarded my cape to begin warmups. I held the blade in my right hand, feeling the weight and focusing on the center of the blade. The red glow of the blade grew until a spark appeared and the sword grew to life with fire. I swiped the blade in front of me going for the opening then attacked the right side of the imaginary enemy. I was better on the offense of battle rather than worrying over the defense of my enemy. If I didn't give the enemy enough time to build a defense, then I could find an easier opening to strike them. My practice went on for a while until I heard someone starting to clap when I maneuvered to a killing strike. I snapped my head behind me with Metalicana leaning over the wooden fence as he grinned. "Not bad for a kill strike, if you were actually fighting something." His deep, rugged voice said.

Unlike Grandeeney that was the definition of beauty and grace, Metalicana was the exact opposite. Though he was one of the tallest Dragons being almost nine feet tall, he had the body build of a brick wall. I'm sure he was more muscular than Elfman if my memory was correct. His hair was pitch black and a wild mane and his horns were tall. His expression was broad and stoic with dark red silted irises on his dark contour face. Metalicana, just like his appearance, wore dark clothes of either black or dark grey. He had metal gauntlets on each of his arms that went down to his hands in the shape of talons. A chest plate with a dragon souring fire was over his chest with chainmail underneath it. He wore dark pants that hadn't been cleaned in days with unkept boots. On each side of his waist was a khopesh that he made for himself. Metalicana was the only Dragon I knew that duel-wield two khopeshes. I sighed before chuckling as I sheathed my sword back in the scabbard. "No one wishes to duel with me, so I have to use my imagination to uphold my skills." I walked over until I was also leaning on the wooden fence. Metalicana grumbled his way of laughing, then pushed off from the fence. "You're here early."

"Had nothing to do this morning. Are we skirmishing today?" I asked. "No," Metalicana replied then pointed up to the Wall. "We're doing flight practice today." My mouth became dry. Shit. I forgot today was flight practice. Metalicana and Igneel have been trying for months now to teach me how to fly with my wings. So far, it's been unsuccessful. "That's today?" I asked this time with uncertainty. Metalicana scrunched his eyes when he tsked his tongue. "You forgot again. We've already been over this Dragneel. Since you've exceeded in the way of the khopesh and longsword it's time to do physical training. Your wings are a part of you, meaning you will train them just like your legs or core strength."

"Sadly," I muttered under my breath. The Dragon's ear twitched. "I may be a human now but I still have ears, boy," Metalicana warned with narrow eyes. The Dragons lost a lot of traits they once had for their whole lives. For one, the Dragons lost the ability to fly. Without wings, there wasn't much they can do when it came to flying. Secondly, the Dragons have been reduced to the strength they used to know. They were still stronger than humans or mages by an abnormal amount, but it's not like they can blow a mountain or burn a forest in seconds. Not only that but their magic was reduced too. Some of the older Dragons retained their magic, but the majority of the Dragons could only use Fire Breath or measly use their fire with their hands. Grandeeney explained it would take time for the Dragons to adjust to their new forms; possibly several generations until they can use the full extent of their magics. Another reason why the picked Dragons for the Council was they can somewhat use their magic to a limit. It might be due to them teaching their adopted human children how to use Dragon Magic. Other than that, the Dragons had great hearing and a powerful nose that could track just about anything. They were still durable without armor or their scales.

Metalicana shoved my head then pulled me over the fence. "Get up the Wall to get ready or I'll whip your ass." The Dragon said showing his canine teeth and glaring eyes. "Fine! Fine! I'm going!" I grabbed my cape and muttered gibberish while going to the stairs inside the Wall. Metalicana was behind me following every step until we were at the top of the Wall. A few soldiers were watching the other side of the Wall when they went to attention upon seeing me and Metalicana. "Hail, Scale Master Dragneel! Hail, Councilor Metalicana!"

"At ease," Metalicana and I said in unison. The soldiers went to parade rest awaiting orders. "The patrollers on this block will be excused for an early lunch break. You're all dismissed." The soldiers bowed and then filed to go downstairs. After they left it was just me and Metalicana on the block. The Dragon came forward with his arms wrapped in front of his chest. "Jacket off." I rolled my eyes and unbuttoned my jacket then tossed it to stay in the post with my cape. My wings unfurled from my back and extended out like taking a breath of air. Metalicana inspected my wings and managed to pull them from their stiff position on my back. "Have you been doing the exercises every morning and evening?" He asked standing behind me. I haven't been doing the exercises.

"Yeah. Every day like the instructor tells me to." I lied hoping Metalicana would find it believable. "Hm." Was all he said. I stood in silence with both wings extended out until Metalicana walked back around. "Alright, let's start with stretching and begin the muscle routine. Your back muscles connected to your wings have to be strong to stay at a consistent pace when flapping. To start flying you have to get stronger."

"Who says I need to fly? I've been fine for the past eight years without any need for my wings. Why should I learn?" Metalicana and I locked in a stare-down. My brows furrowed whereas his nose flared. "To grow stronger and be better you must use every aspect you have. You have the one thing every Dragon lost eight years ago, Dragneel. You can fly. You have the freedom I have known all my life until we were changed. Any person, any Dragon would kill or sell their soul to have what you have. These wings of yours can give you the power of flight. You have the power of the sky within your grasp. It was a power all Dragons had in common, but now, we lost that power. Don't take your gift for granted, Natsu. One day, your power of flying will make a difference for us. With flying, you're faster than the fastest horse or train. You will have the high ground. You can save an innocent soul before the arrow can strike them." Metalicana was crouching his torso to look closer into my eyes. He backed away then turned around placing his hands on the Walls surface. "I'd do anything to fly again..."

"Metalicana, look I'm-..." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I didn't think of it like that. The wings that can save an innocent soul were the same ones that prevented me from saving my wife. My wings have been broken for so long now I'm not sure if they can even fly anymore. Stretching them out like this is already making my back sore." I stopped rubbing my neck when Metalicana looked back at me. "Which is why we will train them. Your wings have an instinct like any living thing. You have to control that instinct, harness and make it your own. To begin, we will stretch. After that, we will start our flap exercises."

"Alright," I said when we began the training session. Metalicana helped every step of the way as we did the exercises for hours. We worked out the stiff bones and joints of my wings then pushed for me to move my wing up and down. I hadn't seen how far the sun moved as we kept the session going until I could barely keep my wings up anymore. My back was sore as were my wings when we finally finished. I was sweating and sitting down when Metalicana looked over the Wall and smirked. "Looks like your old man is back." I huffed and struggled to stand up to look over the Wall. "Is he?" I asked looking over to the entrance of the Training Ground. There I saw my father, still dressed in his battle armor whenever he went outside of Drakonia's Capitals walls. His hair was longer now and flaming red. The horns on his head always reminded me of a crown when he found us at the top of the Wall. "Yo! Are you guys about finished!"

"Yeah, we're done for the day!" I yelled back as I grabbed my jacket and cape. Metalicana knuckle bumped my shoulder with a smirk. "Good work today Dragneel. Remember to do your exercises out of our sessions or I'll beat it into you next time."

"Whatever. I'll do it when I remember." I replied when I felt the back of my shirt being held back. Metalicana was smiling now as his nose flared angrily. "Oh. You think you're gonna forget this time? Think again." Suddenly my vision was distorted when I realized I was thrown over the Wall. My arm dropped my jacket and cape as I screamed bloody murder from the fall. I tried to remember how to extend my wings to catch the drift of the wind, but it all left my mind. I was falling closer and closer to the hard ground. I fought against my sore muscles and stretched my wings out which flipped me over and helped me steady my line of sight. Now I was gliding down frighteningly fast until I impacted in two arms that managed to catch me. Igneel was heartily laughing when he had me over his shoulder after he caught up to catch me. "Well done Natsu! You actually did a glide right to me!"

"Only because I was unwillingly thrown off the Wall! What the hell Metalicana!?" The Iron Dragon had already made it down the stairs and picked up my jacket and cape which was now dirty. "You know why you did a glide? Because of your exercises. Do your stretches and flaps every morning and evening. Don't forget or I'll keep throwing you off the Wall. Understood?" Igneel tried to stifle a laugh. "Better listen to him, son. Metalicana means it when throwing you over the Wall."

"I know Dad. He just did it!" Igneel let out a boisterous laugh as he gently placed me back on my feet. Metalicana handed my uniform back to me and grumbled with laughter. "We will have another flight session in three days. Same time. Same place." Metalicana nodded his head to Igneel. "Councilor Igneel." Then nodded his head to me. "Scale Master Dragneel." After that, he departed ways without another word. I scoffed after Metalicana was out of sight. "He threw me over the Wall. I could have died." Igneel messed with the top of my head and laughed again. "No, you wouldn't have. I was already running to catch you in case you didn't figure it out. Birds throw their younglings out of the nest to learn how to fly. Maybe that's what you need." I elbowed Igneel's side which made him chuckle. "Real funny," I said as we walked out of the Training Ground. Igneel asked me how I've been over the month he's been away. We talked about everything. From what Igneel's seen when he was on the expedition to secure more land and gain more allies. I told him about my dream and my session with Grandeeney this morning. Igneel smiled when he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "It makes me happy to see your mental health has grown better this past year. Your sessions with Grandeeney have been helping I see?"

"It has. Normally I never talked about my feelings or thoughts. I never realized how crowded my brain felt until I started talking about all of it. It's still hard, sometimes, but it's been getting better." I glossed over to the castle's garden while we sat near the fountain that was in front of the castle's entrance. "I uh...I got a letter from Fairy Tail. They were wanting me to come back to celebrate Lucy's anniversary, but I declined. It feels too soon y'know? I left to get away from it all. I wanted to get away from everything. Get away from...Lucy. It hasn't helped much though. I carry her with me everywhere." I trailed away from talking. My chest felt heavy. I closed my eyes then cleared my throat. "November 8th is...would have been our eight-year wedding anniversary. Her celebration is on our six-month anniversary. I mean, I can't get away from her no matter where I run. I don't want to forget her, but I want to stop thinking about her so much. I don't know. It feels so wrong to feel like that. Don't forget your dead wife but stop thinking about her so much. Am I a bad person to think like that?" I realized I was rambling and opened my eyes. Shamefully I looked away. "Sorry, Dad. You're not Grandeeney I shouldn't spout my thoughts on you like I do to her."

"No, no. It's alright. I'm your father, Natsu. The only reason why I pointed you to Grandeeney was for you to not feel shameful about expressing your thoughts. She's a very good healer and a better listener to those that need to talk. I want you to talk to me about these sensitive topics, but I'm your father. It's not my place to force you to talk to me when I want you to. I will always be here for you Natsu. I may not give such good advice as Grandeeney does, but I can listen just as well as she can."

"Thanks, Dad." I bashfully said returning my face to him. Igneel was smiling still, this time that of a proud father. He clapped my shoulder and sighed. "I'm happy we've caught up. It was hard to be away from you for so long. I have so many years to catch up on. So many moments I missed. I want to be there for you Natsu. I want to be in your life like a father should. If there's anything I can do for you, please ask me." I nodded feeling the heaviness in my chest alleviate some. "Well, you can tell me how the process on the land is going. That and if it's true the Dark Guilds are uniting in EarthLand." Igneel's face grew passive. "We bought more land which means we'll begin the process of pushing more towns and cities by next month. Hopefully, by the end of this year, we will have three major cities and around two dozen small towns for future citizens to live in. The Capital is our largest city, but we can't cramp everyone in these walls." Igneel's face grew grim then. "The Dark Guilds are uniting. There's been talk, rumors more like, that they are planning to overthrow a country. We don't know who or possibly when. It's nonsense really. Dark Guilds all over are moving we have no way to track where exactly. It's too early to get a prisoner to extract information, but the leaders of Fiore and Seven have told me all the leaders are growing restless. Whoever is behind the scenes...they have no face. They're unknown and secretive. We don't have a clue where to move yet."

"So we wait. We listen and watch the countries' politics and events. If anything so much as breathes wrong I'll go with my scouts to find the mastermind behind this." Igneel shook his head. "No. You're needed here. Scale Master Yusei and his squadron can go if there's any news about the Dark Guilds." I was about to protest when Igneel cut his eyes to me. "That is an order, Scale Master Dragneel. If anything happens or goes south then we'll consider you and your squad to go. But for now, Drakonia needs at least one Scale Master to maintain peace and order among the Dragons. Yusei was the first, therefore he has earned the possibility of an out-of-country mission. In time, so will you."

"Yes sir," I said with my head down. Igneel bumped his shoulder with me. "Don't worry kiddo. You've made it this far in less than a year. Give yourself a little more time." I agreed and showed my dad a small smile. Igneel stood up and sighed once more. "I'm gonna leave you here so I can go bathe. It's been days since I last bathed and I'm starting to smell it. See you for dinner?" I nodded. "Yeah. I'm gonna go bathe myself too. See you later." Igneel and I exchanged our byes and went to our rooms. I was back inside the castle and closed my bedroom door when I shuffled and fell on the bed from exhaustion. I could do any training session and feel fine afterward. Any session but flight training. It was tiring and mentally exhausting. My back felt stiff and tense to the point I could barely move my shoulder blades. It was to the point I was starting to doze off. I shook my head and pulled myself to sit up. "Take a bath, then nap. Dinner won't be for a few more hours." I sat up and went to my washroom to get the bath ready.

It was nice to sit in the hot water and let my back relax after the long hours of pushing it. I let my wings sit in the water to also feel the relief as my drowsiness grew worse. Normally I wash myself and refuse Yeri or Maryi to wash me, but I was very close to just saying screw it and letting the twins wash for me. My cheeks suddenly burned in embarrassment when I shook my head. "No way. They're women and that'd be wrong. I couldn't do that." I smacked my cheeks to wake up and wash. The bath took longer than I hoped for that by then the sun was almost gone. The sky was dark and stars beginning to show. I looked out from the balcony doors to find one constellation, but I couldn't remember any of them. I'm out of practice. I sighed and shuffled myself to lie down and fall asleep.

What I hadn't seen was a shooting star with a blue and yellow tail, flying over Drakonia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's nice to see Natsu living again. Can you believe almost eight years have passed in the story? Also, here's an image that I think looks the closest to Natsu's new sword.

Wait for the final few chapters my dear Lovelies. Our story is about to conclude.

As always...love you all.❤️