Song: No Matter How Far You Are, I Will Be Here Waiting For You
                  By: Epic Music World

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~One Month Later~

~Natsu~

"Today, we're reviewing the basics of defense. Your khopesh is not just a weapon. It's a part of you. It's the extension of any Dragon's talon. It is your lifeline." I marched back and forth in front of the newest recruits with my hands behind my back, staring into each set of eyes that stared ahead in attention. "The khopesh will cut through anything so long as its wielder can properly carry such a blade. Yes, every Dragon knows the best line of attack is offense and to continue to attack until the enemy is simply cut down." A few of the recruits snickered when I glared causing them to fall silent again. "But, you are no longer the Dragons you were. You're smaller, less durable, and quite frankly, weaker." I stopped marching then turned now staring at all of them. "You're all at every human's level now. All it takes is one arrow in your chest, one blow with a sword, or even one magic spell and you're dead. Defense will save your life as well as your comrade standing next to you. Your khopesh can give you another day worth living so as long as you learn these techniques. Master them. While offense seems more fun in the midst of battle, it will be defense that keeps you alive." I unsheathed the wooden khopesh from my belt loop and threw it to the recruit standing closest to me. "Starting with you. Come up front soldier." The recruit juggled their hands until they managed to grip the handle of the practice weapon. I waited with an eyebrow raised until they shimmied up front with both hands on the handle of the blade. "Which hand?"

"Pardon, Sir?" The soldier asked. His colleagues snickered under their breath when I glared again. I pointed to the handle. "You do know the khopesh is a single-handed weapon, don't you soldier?" He nodded to my question. It seems my patience was going to be tested today. "So, if the blade is for one hand only, you ought to use your dominant hand to hold the weapon; instead of using both hands."

"That's right." The soldier said, nevertheless, still holding it with both hands. I huffed at this point pinching the bridge of my nose. "Recruit, if you don't put the khopesh in your dominant hand in less than two seconds I'm going to make you run around the Wall until the sun sets by tomorrow." The other recruits couldn't hold their laughter in at this point whilst the one in front of me blushed from embarrassment and moved the khopesh in only his right hand. "Well done Recruit! You know which hand you write with!"

"Apologies, Scale Master. I'll be better next time." The recruit mumbled holding the khopesh tightly. I clicked my tongue and pointed to his wrist. "Come on soldier you should know how to wield the blade. Move to defensive position! I want to see for myself how far along this fleet of soldiers is with the basic formations. I won't use any weapons but my fists. If I strike you at any point and you can't deflect or counter my attacks, you're dead." The soldier nodded whilst bending his knees and carried the khopesh out in front of him. The wooden khopesh was somewhat shaking in the recruit's hand. For a Dragon, this one seemed to be scared shitless of me. "Alright, show me what you got."

All in all, he died six out of ten times for the basic defense maneuvers. After the tenth time, the soldier was panting with sweat beading down his face. I huffed again then began to unbutton my military jacket to hang it over the fence. "Not bad," I began saying as I strolled to hang my jacket. "I'd say you have a forty percent chance of surviving had I not been so easy on you." The jacket was over the fence post now when I looked back to the recruit who was still trying to catch his breath. "You—You were being easy on me?" He sputtered out wiping his forehead clean of sweat. I motioned my hand for him to hand over the practice khopesh. He returned the blade in my possession when I swung it around before holding it out in front of me. "Let's try a visual demonstration. Your offense is comparatively better than the defense position. I will show you these maneuvers. Try to land a hit on me. I'm going to play defense and deflect your attacks from hitting me."

"You want me to hit you?" The recruit asked skeptically looking back to his comrades with a questionable look. Some of the recruits also looked at him confused by my idea, whereas some of the recruits became excited at the idea to have a freebie throw down with a Scale Master. "Come on Zen land a punch!" A soldier yelled excitedly despite his peers shushing him. The recruit, Zen, looked back at me again worryingly. I stifled a laugh and moved to a defensive position. "You can try, but you will fail." I said cracking a grin. Zen changed to offense. His face grew hard when both hands curled into fists. "I will do my best, Sir!" Zen jumped first attempting to create an opening when I moved the khopesh to catch his ankle and caused him to flip on his back with a loud grunt. Zen rolled and pulled himself back up throwing punches and kicks that were all being deflected by the practice weapon. We were dancing within the ring moving to and fro as Zen was beginning to tire out in his attacks. I was keeping up my defense line ready to start kicking back when I notice a pair walking into the Training Ground.

Sunny was holding Nashi in her chest, swaddled and napping. Elain was chatting as she held a wicker basket when she pointed at my line of direction and grew excited. Sunny smiled when she saw me. I was about to smile back when a sudden force hit me in the jaw and made me eat the ground. There was a loud gasp from all the recruits that witnessed their Scale Master get hit for the first time by a recruit. Zen had also gasped and was frozen in place. He quickly put his hands up and bowed repeatedly in remorse. "I'm so sorry Sir! I was so focused on the battle I hadn't realized you became distracted and I wasn't even thinking until I had hit you—!"

I began to laugh at this point. My hand clasped Zen's shoulder and patted him on the back when I stood back up again. "Well done Zen! You helped me show a great demonstration of what happens in both cases of distraction. If your enemy is ever caught off guard you go for the kill. You did the right thing and landed a hit while I didn't have my focus on the battle. This should also show everyone to never fall distracted under any circumstance." I peeked over and saw Elain giggling as Sunny bashfully looked away and shushed her. I handed the khopesh back to the recruit. "Well done again. Since I lost I'm willing all of you to take a quick break while I fix my jaw. Dismissed." The recruits hesitated for a minute. I glared at all of them and pointed to the Barracks. "I said: dismissed. Be back in 15 minutes!"

"Yes sir!" They yelled and hightailed out of the Training Ring. It was just me in the Ring when the girls made their way and were standing in front of me by the time I finished dusting myself off. "Hi, Mister Natsu! That was so cool! How did you learn to fight like that!?" Elain said jumping on the fence post with the basket being held in the crook of her elbow. Sunny cooed Nashi and bashfully looked at me with a small smile. "Hello, Natsu."

"Hello, Sunny." I replied leaning over the post to be closer to her. Sunny's hair had grown some to the point it touch her shoulders. It was up and hidden by a dark blue head scarf that was tied in the back and flowed over her shoulders. She wore a dark blue dress that ended at her ankles and her sleeves stopping at her elbows. She was wearing black flats that had become dirty. I frowned noting she hadn't used any other shoes she had been given, but returned to smiling when Sunny smiled in my direction. "I hope we didn't disturb you." She said shyly. A laugh came out of me just by listening to the sound of her voice. She always made my day brighter. Sunny has made my life better over the last month. Her and the girls. "You—and the girls, of course, could never disturb me. I'm happy to see you." I said wanting to reach out and caress her cheek. Sunny became bashful again and looked down at Nashi. "She hasn't been fussy so much this week. I think her colic has gotten better. The wet nurse has done amazing work." Sunny smiled, but her eyes had a touch of sadness. I didn't need to ask that she wished she didn't need to rely on a wet nurse to care for her baby. Sunny wanted to be able to feed her child like any mother should, but her body was still recovering. It was still hard for her to produce any milk for her baby. Grandeeney had been consoling her in my place. Just like me, Sunny has been doing sessions talking to the Dragon about...everything. Grandeeney doesn't want to break Sunny's trust by telling me what they talk about, and I know I should respect that, but I want to know what my wife is feeling. I want to know everything and talk to her like we used to. I have to remind myself that Sunny isn't my Lucy.

"I'm happy she's feeling better." I said back eventually looking at the baby. Gently, I held my hands out. "May I...hold her?" I asked wishing I didn't have to ask to hold my own child. Sunny nodded. "Of course." Sunny rocked the baby and then handed Nashi to me. Immediately, once Nashi was in my arms, showed a toothless smile and grasped my index finger that played with her small chin. Sunny stared, somehow always amazed that only I could make her child smile like this. "She really likes you." She whispered, smiling sadly this time. I didn't want to upset her more. "Eh, kids seem to like me. I'm a child at heart!" I said listening to Nashi let out a jolly laugh until clapping her hands. Elain gasped as if remembering something. "We came here to give you something!" The child said jumping off the fence and digging in the basket until pulling a waterskin out. "Sunny here was worried you'd get overheated and wanted to bring you water!"

"I—I wasn't just worried about him." Sunny stammered as her cheeks became rosy pink. Elain winked at me. "Suuuuure you weren't. You also weren't worried about him being hungry and "didn't" want to bring him lunch that you cooked yourself!" Elain pulled out a metal container and handed it to me. Sunny, who was becoming beet red at this point, stammered out her answer. "I...noticed he didn't eat breakfast in the Dining Hall like he usually does." She fidgeted by playing with her dress skirt.

Truth was I didn't eat breakfast in the Dining Hall until a month ago. It was another way for me to be close to Sunny and to chat with her. I used to eat breakfast in my bedroom.

I warmly smiled and opened the container smelling grilled salmon with seasoned asparagus and fresh rice. The smell was divine. My mouth began to salivate when I looked back up to Sunny who analyzed my reaction to the food. "If it's too overcooked please don't eat it. I've only made this recipe twice, and the first time I burnt the poor fish." The baby in my arm turned to smell the delicacy that was in my other hand and reached out to grab some rice. Sunny quickly took the baby out of my arm and shushed her. "That isn't for you silly girl."

"It's perfect. I can't wait to try it." I grabbed a slice of salmon and took a bite. The seasoning, the right amount of char and smoke reminded me of home in Magnolia. Had Lucy made this recipe long ago? I stared at my wedding ring starting to reminisce of my marriage that felt like a lifetime ago; Sunny took notice of the wedding band on my left finger. Her skin suddenly became a ghostly complexion and she held her stomach as if she had become gravely ill. "I forgot...Nashi has to be fed in less than an hour. And Elain is about to have a study session with the private tutor." Her voice became small and her eyes looked far away. "Thank you for that, again. For Elain's education. For...everything, really."

I went to touch Sunny's hand, but the slight reaction of her flinching away caused me to pull back. "There's no need for you to thank me, Sunny. I only wish to see you and the girls happy." I whispered wishing now there wasn't a fence to keep us apart. I wanted to pull her face to look at me. I wanted her to understand she wasn't entitled to return anything to me. How could I let her see that her presence is all I could ever want? Maybe that's why she made me a meal. It was a small act of repayment...nothing more. Sunny simply nodded then smiled again. Her smile this time wasn't as radiant; it was forced. "Still, I am very grateful for all you've given to us." Sunny snuggled the baby closer to her chest then grabbed Elain's hand who seemed stricken by the sudden change in Sunny's behavior. "Let's go, Lanie. It's almost time for your session with the tutor."

"But—But Sunny—"

"Come on. Nashi's getting fussy." The pair began to walk away. Elain looked back at me with a startled look then pointed at me then back at Sunny as if saying 'what just happened' with her reaction alone. I just waved goodbye to the little girl then resumed eating the delicious meal. I have to tell Sunny how yummy it is, and to maybe make it for me again. By the time I finished eating and taking a sip from the waterskin, a scout came running with an envelope. "Urgent message for you Scale Master Dragneel!" The scout stopped running and handed me the piece of paper when I nodded in thanks. I opened the sealed envelope noting it was Dahlia's handwriting.

Scale Master,

The mission has been successful. The extraction and removal of the scum that had undergone this project has also been done. The girls we have saved have been sent home under security. With the last bit of cleanup, we will return in a fortnight.

Also, I hope to share some information you'd love to hear in person. More will follow upon my return.

Your favorite,
Dahls

"Well done, Dahlia." I said grinning from ear to ear. She had finished her mission in a month! Better than I could ever ask from my Assist Commander when I folded the letter and put it in my pocket. "Thank you for delivering the letter. You're dismissed." The soldier saluted then promptly left leaving only me on the Training Ground. I ruffled my long hair and redid the blue bow to keep my hair out of my face. I thought back to Sunny who suddenly seemed hesitant to be around me. Had I somehow upset her? Was she not comfortable around me? Sunny hasn't gone out of her way to display affection; she hasn't gone out to so much as touch me. Not even a caress of our hands has happened. It's been platonic. Friendly. As if we had met for the first time all over again. I wanted my wife back, more than ever. As much as her being here with our child has helped my phantom pains and my guilt, it hurts to see her only see me in such a friendly manner. I'm happy to have Sunny, but I wanted to see Lucy again...

I shook my head. "I should be grateful to have her back in the first place. One way or another I'll win her heart. If it's Sunny and not Lucy, I still love her." My recruits were coming out of the Barracks falling in line to resume training. I pushed aside my thoughts also falling into attention. "Let's get back to defense tactics!"

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

~Sunny~

"Sunny! Why are we leaving so soon I thought you wanted to talk to him!?" Elain asked keeping up with my brisk walk. The coils in my stomach grew tighter by the second thinking back to seeing the wedding ring on Natsu's finger. I couldn't help but feel this sense of nausea hit me every time I'm reminded of Natsu being married. I've never seen him without his wedding ring on his left finger, mocking me at the fact he's only being kind to me and my children out of pity. I was unable to even care for my two kids without the charity of a married man no less.

Perhaps I really am a mistress.

"It's almost time for your study session. Go get changed and be at the library so your tutor is ready to teach when she comes." Elain puffed her cheeks out already building up her defiant rebuttal. "He obviously likes it when you talk to him Sunny! We can go back and see him—"

"No Elain." I cut her mid-talk and let go of her hand. "It was childish of me to even think of seeing him. Mister Natsu is too busy to talk to us. It was rude of me to distract him while he was teaching." And a reminder I should steer clear of the man. How can he be so kind, so gentle, and sweet when he has a wife? What's even worse is I can't help but feel like I'm about to turn into jelly when he so much smiles at me. I'm an awful person for not putting a stop to it in the beginning. This entire month has made me the happiest since waking up. All because of him. He's somehow... completed me. Which is why I plan to leave after I saved up enough Jewels to make it to Fiore. I haven't spoken to Elain about leaving Drakonia, but I heard word that some refugees are ready to press forward and meet the other Joya refugees in Fiore. I'm sure Elain is ready to see her friends, and to hopefully find a family that will love her and take good care of her...

I didn't want to cry now. Not while we were walking into the entrance of the castle where maids and any soldier could walk by us. I didn't want to worry Elain about adult things she shouldn't think about. Her life was finally starting to return to normal with schoolwork and a sense of safety. She's even made a couple of friends in the center of the Capital that were quite excited to have a "human" friend to call their own. Who was I to take all of that away from her? How can I break the news to her that we would be leaving the security of the Capital's Walls? I didn't want to think of that future conversation right now. I dropped Elain off at our room and told her to make sure she was ready and in the library before her teacher was. The little girl jokingly rolled her eyes. "Alright, Moooom~." She said in a silly matter. I couldn't help the smile that uplifted me. "Go on then Lanie. Every mother knows what's best for her child." I opened the door waiting for her to walk until she wrapped a tight hug around me and hid her face in my dress skirt. Since I was still holding Nashi I could only return the hug with one arm. "Elain?"

"I love you, Sunny. I don't remember my real mama, but I hope she was as nice as you." Elain said squeezing me tightly until she looked up at me. I had to fight back a set of oncoming tears and smiled at the little girl. "I love you too Elain." The thought of her leaving me for a better family clawed my heart out in the most painful way imaginable. "Now, go on and get changed. I'll see you around supper time, okay?" Elain nodded then let go of her hold and closed the bedroom door. Elain was getting ready for school and now I had to give my baby to a wet nurse. I wish my body would already recover so I could be doing what every mother should, but I can't. Not right now at least. Councilor Grandeeney said it'll take time and plenty of nutrients to help my body fall back into the state of being able to feed my baby, but it's taking so long. How much longer did I have to wait and rely on another woman to feed my baby?

Nashi babbled and gnawed on her fist. Her face was full as were her cheeks the color of a pink rose. Her bright brown eyes were full of life and always curious to see everything. She was usually quiet, but when a certain someone held her she would always laugh cheerfully and smile at him. Only him. It was another reason why I couldn't help but see him so much because Nashi seemed to be so much happier whenever she was in his presence. "What's so special about him, hmm? You love him more than your own mother?" I asked Nashi only joking thinking no one was around to hear me. "Love who more?" A voice asked in return which caused me to gasp and turn to find the voice.

A playful smile and slitted onyx eyes watched me. His hair was the color of fire that seemed to sway as such whenever he walked. His skin was kissed by the sun, and his armor was that of a king. "Councilor Igneel!" I exclaimed, bashfully laughing then bowed my head. "I apologize, I didn't know anyone was so close. Just, talking to a baby, y'know? Talking to her even though she can't talk back." I cooed her when Nashi excitedly saw Igneel and let out a high-pitched scream. Igneel laughed and softly pinched Nashi's chin. "She's very beautiful." He complimented admiring the little baby. I couldn't hide my blushing cheeks. "I wonder where she got her looks from. She has my eyes, but everything else about her is a mystery."

"Do you remember the father?" Igneel asked somehow sounding hopeful. I sadly shook my head. "No. Despite all Miss Grandeeney has done so far my memories haven't returned. All I know is that whoever her father was...he must have been a very handsome man." Igneel held his smile, but a sense of sorrow overcame his features. "Would it be alright if I hold her?" He asked cautiously extending his arms out. I hesitated but then reminded myself that there was no reason to be afraid. Nashi was safe. I nodded then handed the baby to the man when he let out a gentle sigh. "Goodness, she is absolutely beautiful. I can see who she gets her eyes from." Igneel looked at me for a brief second then back down to Nashi. "I'll ask again because I must know who this baby loves more than her mother. It doesn't seem right at all that you, a nurturing, young woman, can be placed second in this baby's eyes." Igneel said playfully when he extended his arm out for me to take. He wanted to talk. I accepted his arm and latched my hands around him as we began a stroll through the corridors. "I'm afraid I must blame you, Sir Igneel. Nashi has grown very fond of your son. It seems whenever she sees Na—Sir Natsu, she can't help but smile."

It wasn't just Nashi that has grown fond of the stoic Scale Master that can't seem to help but smile whenever I look towards him.

I smiled at the thought when Igneel seemed to take notice. He looked very happy about the thought of me interested in Natsu. "I can't be given all the credit." Igneel admitted guiding our walk wherever he pleased. I trusted him enough to not do anything that could harm my baby. "Natsu was seven years old when I had to leave him to return to a deep slumber where the remainder of the Dragons were. Our Father called us home, and so any Dragons left had to return whence they came to go to sleep."

"But you're here now," I said looking up to the tall Dragon. Igneel glanced down to see me and beamed joyfully. "We're all here now. Dragons and humans can live together in peace thanks to the Savior that prevented the End. It is her that I must thank." Igneel lost his smile when his eyes became sad. "She's gone now. Before I could thank her for everything, she gave up her life to save every living thing. She saved the Cosmos." Thinking of what he was saying caused my head to pulse with a sudden headache. I held my head trying to suppress a pained moan when Igneel stopped to look at me again. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm alright." I think I was. "Councilor Grandeeney said I'm not fully healed yet. It's to be expected that I get flashes of headaches or migraines." Igneel nodded not seeming to be attentive with his eyes elsewhere. "Of course. Forgive me, I shouldn't have forced you to walk had I realized."

"Not at all!" I said quickly picking up the pace to keep our stroll going. "I'm happy we can share a stroll together. I can personally thank you for taking us refugees into your glorious city. Had it not been for you and the other Councilors...I fear the worst would have happened."

"Indeed. Good things have happened since your arrival." Igneel smiled whilst I wondered what he meant by that. I was hoping he didn't mean what I think he meant. That would make him a bystander watching as I come in between his son's marriage. Would he tell me about Natsu's spouse? Was I allowed to ask such a question to the Councilor? We had walked into one of the many courtyards with a fountain spewing out water. Flowers were arranged in every corner of the courtyard when Igneel extended his hand out for me to sit on a stone-cut bench. I sat down and let the man sit next to me still holding Nashi with one arm. "If you don't speak now dear child I'm afraid you will turn purple before you can say it!" Igneel joked whereas I put my hands over my cheeks feeling the heat radiate from my skin. Had I been blushing this entire time? "Ah...I have a question, actually."

"Then ask." I shook my head. "It's...it's more of a personal question...when it comes to your son..." Igneel's eyebrows rose upon being surprised. "Then perhaps you should ask him yourself."

"I would...but I don't want it taken out of context. I only wish to satisfy my curiosity so I can drop the topic. You can stop me now before I offend you or your son." Igneel childishly grinned before waving his hand. "Please, proceed." I let out a long sigh shortly after clearing my throat. "I...I would like to know when Sir Natsu will introduce me to his significant other..." I whispered. My hands clenched thinking of the mere thought that he was with another woman. It shouldn't be my place to feel this way. I hardly know the man and yet I can't stand the thought of him being with someone! The one time a man has shown me kindness I suddenly start to develop a possessive feeling for him. It was ridiculous. The sooner I met his wife the better I'll be to stop feeling this way. Igneel blinked, however, before howling with such a boisterous laughter he had to use both hands to keep Nashi from falling. Igneel kept on laughing, more and more that I was growing from embarrassment to humiliation. I didn't upset the Councilor. I just made a fool out of myself. I must have already met her that it should have been obvious. If it weren't for the fact Igneel was holding my child I would have walked away without another word. "Forgive me for asking." I muttered now fighting against even more tears. The Dragon managed to get ahold of himself then resumed to holding Nashi with one arm. "No! No, no. Forgive me, Sunny. I shouldn't have laughed. I'm very sorry if I embarrassed you." I didn't move my eyes in any way to look at him. I was more than embarrassed. "Is it so obvious that I have met her already?"

"What? No. You're mistaken, Sunny. My son...Natsu was married. A long time ago." That made me look at the Dragon once more. He was smiling, always smiling, and yet his eyes held more to the story. I wanted to know more when it came to it. I fidgeted wanting to ask more, but Igneel beat me to it. "It isn't my place to tell you. If you want to know more about Natsu then simply talk to him. He enjoys your company far more than you realize."

"So...he isn't married?" Igneel shook his head. "No. He isn't married." Why did a sense of relief flood over me? I'm an even worse person for feeling this flutter in my chest. All the times Natsu has smiled whenever he had seen me. All the times he had visited even if we were out of his way. All of the times he has asked me if I needed anything and still surprised me with gifts. New clothes with all sorts of colors, and shoes I hadn't dreamt of at my very doorstep. It all felt like a dream. The very fact he replaced my bird in my dreams made me all the more angry at myself for becoming so infatuated over him. This wasn't a fairy tale. This was the real world. Even after the comfort he had shown me when I first woke up had made me feel so much better, I knew they were only words. I am still sullied and tarnished. When I leave these Walls that's how I will be seen again; how I will be treated again. I've grown too comfortable. The sooner we left the Capital the better it'll be for everyone. My face fell into my hands. "Gods forgive me." I murmured. Igneel spoke. "I hadn't known how much the thought of him being married worried you Sunny. I apologize again for laughing."

"You have no reason to apologize, Sir Igneel. Sir Natsu has been a true gentleman and has helped me without a second thought. It—sometimes I fear I will anger the Gods for wanting...something. I don't know if I was a Joya citizen in my past life, and to be honest I hope I'm not." I rubbed my arms sitting back up again to not hide my face. "In Joya, we are taught to have faith in the Gods and we shall be rewarded. To follow the laws we will not be tarnished. The children of the Gods will not be abandoned so as long they didn't ask the Gods for selfish desires." My hands gripped tightly into fists. "I...don't know how to explain it. I don't know if I can. I shouldn't want this! The Gods would be disappointed knowing what I had felt!" Igneel puffed his chest out then forced me to look at him by grabbing my shoulder. "Enough of what the Gods want! What does your heart say, Sunny? What do you feel towards my son?" He asked this time eyes so serious I thought I would melt under the intensity. My voice began to stagger that I had to clear my throat. I moved my hand over my chest where my heart rested. It was beating so fast it felt like it was jumping out of me. "My heart," I said, thinking about the man that smiles for me. The flutter in my chest returned. I suppressed the feelings back. "I feel...safe." I answered. My eyes wavered away from Igneel's strong gaze so I wasn't reminded of Natsu's eyes. "I feel that no matter what evil tries to harm me...he would do everything in his power to protect me and my children." Slowly, I began to smile. "Almost as if they were his own. I'm very happy being near him. He's so kind, and thoughtful. His eyes are very beautiful," I was losing focus! My head shook to get my feelings out of my thought process. "but I've done nothing for him in return. All I've brought is nothing but a burden for him to worry over. I don't know how I could ever repay him..." The truth came out. I wasn't lying when I thought of how I couldn't ever repay him for all he's done. He saved not only me but my children as well. He and so many others were there for my kids while I was unconscious. We could have died if it weren't for Natsu. My hand clasped over my mouth in a last attempt to not cry in front of the Councilor. Igneel's finger picked my chin up so I could see him again. He had a childish grin on his face this time.

"You wish to repay him? Bah!" The man exclaimed letting my chin go. His gentle eyes grew warm now smiling ear to ear. "Sweet Sunny, do you not understand all you are doing for him right now?" I was confused again still staring when I shook my head no. Igneel ran his hand on the side of my face as a father would do to his child. It was like he wanted me to understand him. To really take in what he was about to say. My attention was all on the man in front of me. Igneel still smiled when he spoke. "You heal him. And, just maybe, he can do the same for you."

"I...heal him?" Igneel smiled and just shook his head. "You'll understand one of these days. The heart heals to what it desires. Sometimes, those desires everyone craves for is not so selfish. Not if the other one wishes for the same thing." Igneel extended his arms out and returned Nashi to me. He placed a small kiss on the crown of the baby's head and patted the top of my head in a fatherly manner. "I hope you come to understand what you truly want Sunny. All I ask is that you don't hurt my son. He has been through enough."

"Of course not. I would never..." Igneel still smiled when he bowed his head. "I'm beginning to see that." The Councilor wished me farewell and left the courtyard. The baby in my arms was getting fussy for real now. I shushed and cooed Nashi then also left the courtyard; my mind asking more questions than I could find answers too.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

~Natsu~

"A Ball? You want us to have a Ball three months from now?" When I was told two days ago of an emergency meeting that needed all the Councilors and Scale Master present the last thing I expected would be Grandeeney wanting to throw a Grand Ball. Grandeeney clapped her hands together hearing the very words roll off my tongue. "Yes! A Grand Ball would be perfect for morale and to help the Joya citizens feel more welcomed in the Capital. Plus, Drakonia has never had such a festivity like a Ball before. I think it would be a wonderful idea if the Capital orchestrated a night of dancing and celebrating!"

"Plus the Ballroom can be used for once." Metalicana muttered rolling his eyes. Grandeeney ignored the Metal Dragon's complaint. "It would be a celebration for Scale Master Yusei and the Protectors of Fiore that fought back against the Dark Mages in Bosco. It's because of them we had only needed to send so few of our soldiers to defend Bosco and keep our alliance with the king there. It would be nice for all us us to celebrate as a country."

"Councilor, you mentioned the Protectors of Fiore, are you suggesting they will also be celebrating here?" I asked to which she nodded. "Of course. We asked for any volunteers to fight with us in Bosco. Not only are we going to compensate for their efforts but also celebrate their victories as well." So there's a chance I'll be seeing my old guildmates. Normally this wouldn't concern me, but with Sunny being here now...how am I going to explain to any of them what's happened? I knew it would be a matter of time before I had tell the guild of Lucy's...no...of Sunny's return. I had hoped I could help regain her memories before then. That was selfishness on my part. I knew I was going to have to send a letter; to at least explain that before any one them wandered off and came across Sunny that there was something important I needed to tell them. "Scale Master?"

I blinked realizing I hadn't answered Grandeeney. "Apologizes, Councilor, I have a few matters to attend to before we begin sending out invitations."

"I know that, Scale Master Dragneel." Grandeeney crossed her legs then rested her chin in both of her hands when she suddenly grinned. "Another reason for the Ball is we wish to help you."

"Help me? With what?" I asked breaking attention formation. Had the meeting finished minutes ago? Why was everyone holding back laughter? My old man snickered now hiding his mouth. "Natsu, it can't be more obvious how you follow that poor girl like a baby hatchling!" The other councilors were now snickering, some looking at each other then giggling again. "Or in the human term: like a lost puppy." Skiadrum said elbowing Weisslogia to which laughed some more. My face became hot. Has it been so obvious? "So you're all trying to help me get close to my long lost wife? How thoughtful of you." Sarcasm dripped from my tone. Grandeeney giggled again then waved her hand. "Natsu we only want to see you happy! Ignore these bachelors and know we're here to help you if you need anything. We haven't seen you smile so much until she came back in your life." Igneel crossed her arms over his chest when his gaze fell on me. "It's true. This place has become brighter ever since Sunny and the kids have entered your life. I like her, by the way. It seems like she cares about you very much."

"As nice as all of that sounds," I began saying somehow feeling small out of nowhere. My ears were burning when I felt my cheeks blushed pink. "I'm not going to force her to go to the Ball if she doesn't want to go with me. As much as I'm happy to have her in my life again...she isn't my Lucy." I unconsciously rubbed my arm wanting to look away from the Dragons' gaze. Igneel snickered again. "The way you look at her tells me otherwise. Yes, we know she isn't Lucy, but I can confirm that she feels something towards you."

"What?! How could you know?" My old man put his hands up as an act of surrender. "Because unlike you, I talk to her." I gawked before pointing at Igneel. "I talk to her!"

"Oh yes how could I forget! "Hello Sunny how are you? Oh, good? Wonderful! The weather fairs nicely doesn't it? My goodness your baby is cute!" Is that what you mean by talking to her?" I managed to sink my neck into the collar of my military jacket now shuffling in my shoes from embarrassment. "I get it." I muttered. My arms crossed over my chest then stuck my head back up to retort the old man. "Look, I don't want to say the wrong things, like saying something that I shouldn't know. Or admitting my feelings for her all over again and scare her away. She's back in my life again, and, I don't want to mess this up."

"And that's good. You're being cautious for her, but playing it too safe can mean something else to her. Sunny might think you're hiding something or that you don't trust her." Grandeeney explained now expressing concern. "I know. I get what all of you are trying to say, but it should be me that tries to handle this situation with Sunny. Who knows, anything she feels towards me could mean nothing but friendship. All I want now is to make sure she and the girls are happy and contempt with life here." I finished explaining. Igneel stood up, walked around the round table until he was in front of me, placed one of his hands on my shoulders and said, "I don't want you to lose her again. Your happiness is what matters most to me. Believe me that I know she feels something towards you, son. It may not be love right now, but it's something that makes her think of you very often." Igneel squeezed tightly where he held my shoulder. "Play it safe Natsu, but don't let opportunities slip away. For me, just ask her to go to the Ball with you. The worst she can say is no, which she won't." I rolled my eyes before shrugging off my father's hand. "I'll think about it." I answered with a thin smile then turned to leave the Councilor Room. Igneel called out one last time. "You got three months to get a date! Don't let your old man show you how it's done!"

"Yeah, yeah! Whatever!" I called back walking through the heavy doors until it closed behind me. I withdrew my military cloak and sighed in relief after extending my wings out to stretch. I've been lacking in my morning exercises for which I have to make up doing double evening exercises. My wings appeared to have grown some since the last two years of training. The flap training doesn't causes much strength of stamina anymore whenever my feet were on the ground. Sometimes I'd attempt to fly when I was alone to see how my attempts have progressed. Flying is...difficult. The longest I had flown was a total of four seconds, and that's only because it was during a storm so the wind was basically carrying me. I didn't have a sense of balance between my wings. I could easily lose wind flow because one wing might be higher than the other. I'm still trying to figure it out.

On my way back to my room I noticed the wet nurse holding Nashi. She must've finished feeding her and was taking her back to Sunny. Without knowing it my feet were already chasing after the Dragon holding the baby. "Hey!" I shouted which stopped the wet nurse in her tracks. She looked back and saw me running to catch up with her as she smiled. "Good afternoon Sir Natsu. The little one here has finished eating and I was on the way to take her back to her mother."

"Yes," I replied catching my breath. "I was wondering how she was doing. Is Nashi healthy? How much has she been eating?" The wet nurse patted the baby's back helping her burp. "Nashi is very healthy. It was scary at first when she came into my care due to lack of nutrition and her colic was severe. At some point...I thought she wouldn't make it." My blood became cold. The sheer thought that Sunny...that we could lose our baby girl...I couldn't think that. Losing Nashi would break me. The wet nurse helped Nashi turn to look at me. When the baby saw me her eyes lit up when her hands reached out for me to hold her. Her smile was pure and her rosy cheeks held the smallest dimples. My dimples. I didn't want to take the baby from the wet nurse, considering it'd be rude of me, but the Dragon grinned and let out a theatrical sigh. "Sir Natsu, I hope I wouldn't intrude your busy schedule, but could you take Nashi back to Miss Sunny for me? I have other matters to attend to for the refugees that still need tending to."

"Are you sure?" I asked with my hands already out to take the baby. The wet nurse nodded, still grinning, and handed Nashi over. It was like my arms were molded to fit her perfectly in place. The baby laughed and clapped her hands as her eyes never left me. I wouldn't mind standing here for the rest of eternity holding my baby daughter like this. I didn't acknowledge the nurse thanking me for doing this when she left us. I took my time going to Sunny's room once again taking I could when it came to Nashi's appearance. Her hair had grown a little over the month now starting to stick out on every direction like mine used to do before it became too long. The smile on her face curved to where it seemed like she was almost grinning if it weren't the fact she didn't have teeth yet. Nashi took my finger again and bopped her tiny hands on top of my wrist. "If only life was so easy." I murmured. Despite my slow walk I made it to Sunny's door and gently knocked to announce being here. "One moment!" Sunny called out on the other side of the door. A sound of things being thrown and a get of feet running abound could be heard until the door quickly swung open. "Thank you—Natsu?" Sunny realized who it was then became beet red. She quickly closed the door leaving me out with Nashi still in hand. I blinked, not understanding what just happened. Her feet ran away from the door with even more things being thrown around. "Uhh, Sunny?" I called out not wanting to knock on the door again. "Sorry! I thought you were the nurse!" She said through the door. "Yeah, she was on her way but I ran into her and she asked me to bring Nashi back to you."

"Oh! She did?" Sunny asked. "Yep. She said she had some things to take care of with the refugees." The door opened again, this time slowly with Sunny still blushing the color pink. "I'm sorry about that."

"About what?" I asked genuinely confused. Sunny blinked. "I—I was just—nevermind. I wasn't modest, but I'm fine now." Sunny was wearing an evening dress that was the color of twilight blue. Her sleeves reached to her wrists and the skirt stopped just above her ankles. She wasn't wearing shoes this time. "You seem modest to me."

"Natsu, I got out of the bath. I was just wearing a bathrobe."

"Oh." I said now also blushing pink. Once again I'd forgotten I shouldn't know every speck or portion of her beautiful body. Sunny bashfully looked away turning red again when she saw Nashi. "Hello my sweet girl. Are you finished eating for now?" Sunny grabbed the baby from my arms and dotted on Nashi with a warm smile. "You're getting so big now! To soon and you'll be too heavy for me to carry."

'I'll carry her for you.' I thought when a sense of vacancy passed over my heart. Sunny returned her attention to me as her body stepped aside. "Would you...like to come in?" Sunny asked. Her eyes weren't focused on me, but I could notice her voice became strained, as if she suddenly lost her voice. I stepped back. "If you don't feel comfortable to have me in your bedroom it's alright." Sunny's unfocused eyes snapped after she blinked a few times. "No. No, it's alright. You've done so much for me and the girls. I trust you."

I trust you.

Hearing those words meant the world to me. It was a start. The woman I love, the mother of my child trusted me. I didn't want her to notice my legs became jelly when I leaned on the door frame to keep myself from melting into a puddle. "If you want me, I'd be happy to come in." Sunny's eyes fell to her feet with her cheeks still flushed. "I do." She whispered when her eyes became wide. "I do! I would love for you to come in, I mean. You can see the mess that a nine year old and two month old can do." Sunny laughed yet seemed too tired to cover the burden that she was struggling. I wanted her to have one of the biggest guest rooms so she and the girls could sleep together. The bed was on the South wall, larger than a king size, that faced a fireplace that hasn't been lit once. Close to the bed was an infant bed that was on four stilts and round like a basket. There was just firm mattress for Nashi to lie on with a bassinet to veil her from the sun or to keep her warm. In the center was a plush lounge couch with a dark wood table that was long and too heavy for a child to move. There was embodied blankets on the floor that was placed for the baby to lie on without risk of hurting herself. Clothes were strung all over the place, mostly it being children or baby clothes. There were books everywhere that came from the private library, some on one of the bedside tables and more on the coffee table. Sunny placed her hand over her head and let out a long, tired sigh. "I swear I try to tidy the place. It seems the second I turn my back around I look back and it's back to being a mess."

"I could ask one of the maids to help you clean." I suggested but Sunny shook her head. "It's okay, thank you though. You've done more than enough for us. I need to try and be more tenacious with Elain to pick up after herself. If the nuns were here I'm sure one of them would have croaked."

"It isn't an issue Sunny. The maids that work here are more than willing—"

"No!" Sunny yelled which made me stop talking. The woman gasped at her sudden outburst as we both began to hear Nashi cry. "No, no, no. I'm sorry. I'm sorry please don't cry." Sunny sat down on the chest that was at the foot of the bed and rocked the baby in her arms. Nashi continued to cry even in Sunny's attempts to soothe her. I crept closer afraid to ask if I could help when a small hiccup crushed my heart.

Sunny was crying.

"I—I'm sorry. You should go. There's n-no reason for you to s-see this." Sunny chocked back her tears. I knelt to the ground and grasped the woman's hand. Sunny flinched, but she gripped my hand back tightly. My thumb caressed her knuckles which seemed to help Sunny from being tense. My other hand went to Nashi's head and with my fingers, I stroked her head until Nashi gradually stopped crying. Sunny laughed, but more tears erupted from her eyes. "She loves you." Sunny cried. I let our hands go and pulled her face to look at me. "She doesn't love me more than her mother, Sunny."

"Really," Sunny sobbed now biting her lip. "because it feels like she loves everyone else more than me. I can't even feed her. I'm still trying to learn how to change a diaper properly, and babies really don't know how to sleep! Elain needs an education and you were the one to help her get a tutor. You were the one that fed and clothed my children. It was you that stepped in when I was unconscious for who knows what! I'm trying to be a mother they deserve, but it's so hard..." Sunny placed her hand over her eyes to hide her tears. "How can I be a good mother if I can't provide the necessities they need without needing to rely on the kindness of strangers? How am I going to do this when we depart for Fiore?" My stomach coiled up. They were leaving? "Fiore? Why would you want to leave for Fiore?"

"Because that's what the nuns told me. Fiore would be kinder to people like me, and Elain needs to be with her friends. She needs a home and a family that will love and take care of her. I can barely take care of myself, but a newborn and a child? I don't know if I can do this! And you—" Sunny pulled her head up and moved her hand from her eyes to her mouth. The trail of tears fell freely as we both stared at each other. "What about me?" I asked with a gentle voice. I didn't want her to think I was upset. I wasn't upset at her for thinking this. To me, Sunny and the girls were my whole world, but to Sunny I was still a stranger she's known for a month. How far could a stranger continue to provide before you begin feeling like a burden? Sunny removed her hand from her mouth. "You are the kindest man I have ever met, Natsu Dragneel. Kinder than any man I have ever met save for the couple that saved me when I woke up. I don't want to trouble you anymore. Soon enough you'll begin to think I'm leeching off you so I could provide for my kids due to your generosity."

"It's not trouble if I want to take care of you and the children. Lu—Sunny, I care for you and these girls. I don't expect anything in return from you. If you think you 'owe' me then all I ask is for you to stay here. Stay in Drakonia."

'Stay with me.' I internally thought. Sunny cocked her head to the side with a forlorn gaze. "Natsu..." Sunny said. She sounded heartbroken. "Do I remind you...of someone special?" I froze. What made her think of asking me something like that? Just how much did she and Igneel talk about? Her face grew more heartbroken. "Natsu..."

"I...I would never think of replacing my wife. I love her, even after all these years. That's something that I can't stop from feeling, but I will never, ever, make you think I'm trying to put you on a pedestal where my wife was. I—" I pulled back and stood up on my feet. What was I saying? I'm trying to bring my wife back. Am I just saying this to feel less guilty? Should I feel guilty to begin with? I was told by the Gods that I could heal her; that I could bring Lucy back if I help her find her memories. But Sunny, she wasn't ready to remember. What happens if she's never ready? Was I being a hypocrite for saying this? Meaning one thing but saying the other? I shook my head then bowed in apology. "I'm sorry." It was all I could utter before needing to leave. The room felt claustrophobic as it was growing smaller. I had to get out of there. Sunny called out to me, but I kept walking, once again running away from my fears.

~~~

"NATSUU!!!" Dahlia yelled before jumping on top of me for a bear hug. It was the longest two weeks I've ever lived, but seeing Dahlia brought some light back into my life. "My favorite Commander has returned! How was your travels?" Dahlia stood up and pulled me back up on my feet. The Dragon puffed her cheeks out while stretching. "Ah you know, long and boring. Bosco was okay for the most part, but when we went to their capital it was a shithole! Don't know why anyone would live there, but what you sent us out to do is done. Every ring we could find is dismantled, and...the other mission was successful." I nodded. "Both of them?" I asked. Dahlia grinned proudly. "Both of them, and plenty more."

"Thank you for that. Knowing men like that are off the streets will protect future women and girls from having to ever live such horror. I am sorry though for having to send you in my stead." Dahlia rolled her eyes. "It wasn't all that bad. It was strange at first, having to be the one to lead instead of follow, but I got used to it quick. And... there's something I should have mentioned, but I decided against it." I furrowed my brows. "What happened?"

"Scale Master Yusei found one of the scouts. He came to our headquarters demanding why we were in Bosco."

"Ah, shit." I said rubbing the bridge of my nose. Dahlia placed her hand up as a 'just wait there's more' gesture. "I told him what we were doing. Yusei was angry at first that we were sent before the Council could all agree to the matter, but he understood why. We all actually ended up working together." I looked at Dahlia in an aghast kind of why. The young woman rolled her eyes. "I know, I know! Why would I ever agree to work with that pain in the ass? First of all, if I didn't agree then he would have told on us,"

"Fair enough." I replied. Dahlia smirked. "Secondly, our numbers went from six of us to eighteen. That's how we were able to get this mission done so quickly! Hate to say it, but Yusei is actually good at what he does in spite having a stick up his ass." It was my turn to smirk. "Was that a compliment I heard from you? About Yusei of all people?" Dahlia bit the inside of her cheek. "That's why I hated saying it." She retorted then rammed her shoulder into mine. We both began to walk from the Gate to the Barracks where the new recruits would be. Dahlia's eyes lit up. "Oh! Rumor has it there's a Ball in the making?" I groaned. "Ugh, not you too!"

"Hey! I am a soldier and a natural warrior, but I will not deny my femininity for pretty dresses and a Grand Ball to dance!" She said with a smirk. I feigned a gasp. "You mean to tell me you are a woman with brute strength!? My gods I thought of you as a man for awhile there!" Dahlia punched me in the arm, not playfully this time. "Screw you man I have plenty of men ogling to get a piece of this!" She waved herself from her head to her legs. "And that's a fact!"

"Uh-huh. Okay. Sure. Please tell me that again when I see a line of men fighting over your attention." I flicked Dahlia in the nose then started to walk away. She yelped and had both hands over her face where my finger hit her. "Ass wipe." She muttered. "And yet somehow you're still my favorite despite all the name calling."

"I better be. I'm the only one that's ever on board with your shenanigans." Dahlia replied catching up to me so we can walk together. We made it to the Training Ground seeing Metalicana and Dogramag working together to teach the new recruits. "Your form is the worst I've ever seen! If you didn't have horns on your head I'd think you were a scaled fish walking on land the first time! Fix your stance!" The Earth Dragon shouted whilst the Metal Dragon berated another recruit. "The khopesh is made of the finest metal with the handle carved from bamboo wood and wrapped with the leather of three-horned boar. The fact you think of chipping this weapon makes me want to chip one of your teeth! I want you to run laps around the Capital Walls until I feel tired of watching you! GO!"

"Yeesh, and I thought you were a tough instructor to train with. Sometimes I forget how hard those two are to the new trainees." Dahlia said as we both walked past to go to the Barracks. "That's because your brain repressed their teachings, Dahls. Metal and Earth are a scary combination, so I suggest we move on before they notice us." Dahlia nodded as we both quicken the pace to avoid being seen. We went into the Barracks and went straight to the office that was at the end of the hall. The door was closed when I let out a gasp of air. "That was too close. You almost got us caught."

"Says the old man that took his time getting to the Barracks." Dahlia shot back grinning like an imp. We both sat down when I leaned back into my chair waiting to hear more details. "So, the information you wanted to tell me in detail?" I asked. Dahlia also leaned back in her chair crossing one leg over the other. "I heard of talk about the Dark Mages when I was looking for the two men you wanted dead." The Dragon's eyes squinted when a serious look came over her. "The Dark Mages has heard of the Savior being seen in Bosco. Information, rumors, you know the whatnot, went through the grapevine until a certain so and so said he saw the Savior in the flesh."

"The man in Lucy's memory. It was him and one other." Dahlia nodded. "Well, some Dark Mages wanted to know more and it seems like the two groups were about to conspire together until we stepped in and eradicated the trafficking rings. Yusei and his group managed to get another informant and are working on the information as we speak. But, based on the image of seeing Drakonia soldiers, we suspect that the Dark Mages are beginning to place their attention on Drakonia. The last thing we need is our towns and cities being destroyed by some Dark-wanna be-Mages. How do we bring this to the Councilors attention?"

"By telling them the truth. It was brash and unlawful of me to ask you and Igneel to do this mission without consulting them as well. I wasn't lying when I said I would take the punishment of what the Council sees fit Dahls. This was my mission and I used my rank to do all of this under the Councilors table. I broke my oath. If I'm stripped of my rank then I'll give it willingly."

"If you think you're going down alone, think again Dragneel." I looked at Dahlia with a questionable look on my face. Her face was stoic as she kicked her leg that was on the ground on my knee then leaned back more in the seat. "You didn't force me to go to Bosco. Had I known what was happening there or found out that your wife was—" Dahlia stopped herself then took a sharp breath. "No woman should endure something like that. I would have gone and done it myself even if you had ordered me not to. And, I'm honored you trust me enough to tell me these things. I would've been pissed at you if anyone else but you told me about what happened to Lucy."

"You're my best friend Dahlia. I trust you with my life." We both smiled. I could feel our kinship weave tightly together. Dahlia had done me the biggest favor, and now she was ready to sink with me if the Council wishes to release me of duty. The Dragon scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Okay, and you're my third best friend. Sad to say I'm your best friend when your wife is here." Said Dahlia. My smile fell thinking about Sunny. Sunny and I...we haven't really tried to talk to each other these last two weeks. Most occasion if we somehow bump into each other it was a cordial greeting then bidding each other a good day. I had been thinking about everything; all from the moment Sunny fell into my life. I'm still happy to have her back, but I don't want her to feel like I'm forcing her to be in my life. I didn't want Sunny to feel I was trying to control her life. "She, uh, she doesn't remember me." Dahlia leaned up from her seat. "What? After a whole month and two weeks she still doesn't remember you?" She asked worryingly. I shrugged my shoulders. "She might not ever remember me Dahls. I'm beginning to accept I may never see Lucy again." Dahlia ran her hand over braided hair. "Have you tried talking to her? Or, or maybe explain everything?"

"We...Gods, I honestly don't know where to begin. We last talked two weeks ago. I can't tell her everything because if I do I might as well scramble her brains and serve it with a side of pancakes. It would destroy her, Dahlia. Sunny isn't a living God anymore. She's human...fragile. Telling her all she's lived through could hurt her more than helping her remember."

"That's...damn," My Commander slumped in the chair. "that really sucks. You get her and your child and all for what, you being on the sideline and watch her be even more lost? She's an arm stretch away and you can't pull her in?" I shook my head. "Not unless I want to hurt her."

"Natsu, shit, I'm so sorry." I brushed away Dahlia's apology and cleared my throat. "The only thing I want is for her and the kids to be happy and healthy. I don't want Sunny to think I'm pushing her to be with me to replace her with...her. Gods, I dunno anymore! I love her and want to be with her, but I don't want to push her and drive her away!" Dahlia shook her hands. "Wait a minute! What makes you think you're replacing your wife with...your wife?"

"She isn't my wife Dahlia! Sunny is a new person that I've never met before. Who am I to try and force her to remember memories she doesn't want to remember!" Dahlia showed me a look that said 'are you kidding me' with her hands out. "Gee, I don't know man, maybe your freaking wife?!" It was my turn to look confused. Dahlia waved her hands whilst shaking her head. "No, no! Think about it! Really think about it Natsu! Why else would Lucy come back with your baby in the first place? Do you honestly think she would rather forget and let you suffer with the fact that she is alive but you can't be with her, than try to remember her memories even if they hurt her in the process, but be with you, the man she loves, at the end of it?" I was baffled. I was so caught up by the fact Lucy was alive that I didn't give any thought to the reason she was alive. "I—I'd assume she would come back so we could be together again?" Dahlia groaned. "Solantir's balls! You are so stupid I'm surprised how you managed to become Scale Master. No offense."

"None taken." I answered then also leaned back with my hands on the crown of my head. I've been overprotective of Sunny. For over a month it's been about what would be best for her and not for Lucy. Sunny couldn't take Lucy's place, because I have to remember they are both the same person! "I'm such an idiot." Dahlia made a  pfft sound with her eyes looking elsewhere. "You could say that again."

"I'm serious though! What will happen if her memories are too much to handle? What could I do if her memories hurt Sunny?" The Dragon lazily looked back at me. "Would your Lucy go through any amount of pain to come back to you?" She asked. I hesitated before showing a subtle nod. "She waited in the Abyss for seven years for me to find her. If that wasn't...she must've felt so alone."

"I'm sure she feels alone right now, you ding-dong. Instead of talking to me you should go see her and say something. It could be an apology, or a real conversation. I dunno! Just...talk to her! I'm gonna go see Igneel and inform him about what I've learned." Dahlia stood up and patted my shoulder. "For the record, you aren't an idiot. You're just over-worried about doing or saying the wrong thing. You won't do anything that will hurt her Natsu. Everything that you say or do at this point is a way you're trying to help find Lucy. I haven't met Sunny yet, but I can't wait to meet Lucy." The Dragon left after closing the door. I placed my feet on the desk to lean some more and rest my arms behind my head. "Thanks Dahls." I said knowing she was too far to hear me. To think I couldn't find the meaning to all of this sooner without Dahlia's help, it's so absurd it was almost funny. I knew what I had to do, and now I just can't be scared to do it.

I left the Barracks, avoiding the two Councilors that were breaking the recruits' backs, and ran ahead to go to the castle. The jog wasn't long, and before I knew it I was in front of Sunny's door. I knocked on the door waiting with anticipation, but no one came to open the door. "Sunny?" I asked knocking the door again. It was a risk, but I opened the door and stepped inside. The room was spotless. Books were gone, the blankets on the floor were put up, clothes were missing, and on the freshly made bed was a letter addressed 'To whom it may concern.' I was already across the room and opened it not noticing I was shaking.

Thank you for helping us.
Goodbye.

"No!" I dropped the letter and felt both of my hands go to my head. The room was spinning and I was about to fall through it. The next thing I knew I was out of Sunny's room running as if my life depended on it. But it did depend on this. If Sunny and the girls left my life was over once again. It wouldn't just be Sunny I was losing; it'd be two beautiful girls that I love dearly. I ran past the soldiers and servants. I ran past Grandeeney that called for me. I ran past Igneel and Dahlia that were privately conversing in one of the courtyards. I ran across and down the stair path to go to the East Gate where I knew they'd be, either gone or waiting for a group to go. My feet didn't stop once, but dammit I wish I could fly more than ever to go faster. 'I want to provide for you.' The buildings were a blur. 'I want to protect you.' The East Gate began to appear over the hill. 'I want to do things with you.' Two figures stood hand in hand, looking out the Gate with a small group already leaving. One of the figures was holding a baby. My baby girl. 'All I ask in return...' I reached my hand out. "WAIT!" My voice cried out.

'Is for you to stay.'

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

~Sunny~

I planned to go today. It was perfect timing; the Squadron Natsu watched over returned today and I knew everyone would be distracted to see their welcoming back home. The bag of clothes for the children was already made, I had a couple books that Elain could read as we traveled to Fiore, and my body was beginning to feel better to where I could feed Nashi without help. Our stay was over. I couldn't look at Natsu anymore without guilt engulfing me. I brought up the topic of Natsu's wife without a second thought, and from the paleness that swept his face when I so much mentioned made me realize too late I was in the wrong for it. He couldn't even look at me, and I was too much of a coward to face him. I felt like an even worse person for just leaving a letter with my poor handwriting. The least I could do is thank him in person, but I couldn't do it. I was too scared to even do that.

'The least I can do...Hah. The least I can do is get out of his life.' I said to myself holding Elain's hand as we walked together to meet the group that has decided to move on. It was around 30 or so people that wishes to move on, and I wanted to make sure we were with a group to make the journey. "Come on Elain," I said having to almost drag her. Elain had been weeping from the moment I took her from the library when I explained what was happening. "I don't understand! Why are we leaving!?"

"Because we have to. It's time for me to take you to Fiore." I had to pull her to keep up with me again. "But we don't need to go there anymore! I thought we were happy living here." I stopped and turned to face the child. "Elain, you can't possibly think we were going to live in the castle forever did you? We were guests of Sir Natsu! Be thankful that we were able to stay there in the first place!" Tears fell from both of our eyes. Elain placed her hands over my cheeks and studied my face. "But Drakonia is our home."

"No Elain. It isn't." I grabbed her hand again and started to walk. Some of the refugees stared at me with disgusted looks. "Of course, the whore in the castle also breaks the law of veiling." Someone muttered but loud enough for everyone, including me, to hear. Elain snapped back.  "Leave her alone! The Dragons said everyone living in Drakonia is of the same status! We're just like the rest of you!" The little girl shouted. I pulled her aside after many of the Joya citizens gasped at Elain's commotion. "Elain! What has gotten into you!?" Nashi, who was sleeping in a tied swaddled around my chest and back, began to cry also. Elain rubbed her nose across her sleeve. "Mister Natsu said you don't have to hide your face here! He wouldn't want us to leave! He cares about us! And I know he'd want us to stay here!"

"We can't stay!" I snapped. Elain stopped and backtracked on her defiant tirade. "We can't stay anymore. He's been too kind to us, and we'll only continue to burden him with matters that aren't his to worry over. I will always be grateful that Sir Natsu took us in, but we can't take his generosity for granted. I won't let him take pity on us anymore."

"Then why are you crying?" The child asked wiping away at her eyes. Truth be told, I knew I would miss living here. The people were kind, they'd treated my kids wonderfully, and I was treated as a human. Not some scum of the earth that didn't know a clue why; I was just like everyone else here. I'd miss the comfort of the Walls, and the boisterous laughters that filled the castle walls. I'd miss Natsu's smile most of all. He didn't smile once the last two weeks. I think that's when I knew we needed to leave. I told Igneel I would never hurt his son; so by leaving I knew I wouldn't hurt him in such a way again. "It's nothing." I eventually answered. Elain pulled against me as she used both hands to hold mine in place. "Why do you lie about your feelings Sunny? I know you want to stay here, but you're too scared to be happy! You're too scared to want something that can make you happy!"

"Enough Elain! I may not be your mother but I am doing everything I can to do what's best for you. The nuns wanted you and the other children to have a better chance at life in Fiore. Respect their wishes, and respect my authority to do what's best for you." Elain let go of my hands. Her hands were at her sides clenching until her frame was shaking. "I'm happy here. Nashi is happy here. I don't know what happened, but you're running away from a chance at happiness. Happiness like this doesn't come often in life Sunny. You're going to throw away that chance all because you're too scared to see where it takes you?" The group leader whistled signaling it was time to leave. My lips pressed in a thin line when I turned my back to Elain. "It's time to go." My hand was out waiting for the child to take it. She did, but her face utter sadness. We made it to the group being in the very back as the marched was starting. Feet shuffled and chatter lifted the air, but my heart became the heaviest thing to hold. Every step closer to the Gate my legs grew weaker to walk. 'I have to leave. Do this for Elain. For Nashi. Do this for Natsu so he can be happy.'

We were at the gate, and I realized my feet wouldn't take another step. The group carried on without looking back and here I was watching them trail forward. Elain tugged on my hand. "Sunny?" She asked looking up at me. I didn't return an answer to her. My heart hurt too much just thinking of leaving. I couldn't bring myself to take the first step to leave the place I've been the happiest. I already missed Natsu. I missed him so much I hate admitting it. How could I turn around and face him again? I hurt him for thinking he was replacing his wife with me, but in reality Natsu must have just cared. I don't understand him...why care about me? If it wasn't to be the woman he loves then why did he care and go out of his way for me and my children?

"You heal him. And, just maybe, he can do the same for you." Igneel's voice said when my breath hitched. I dropped the carrier in my hand and held myself. We were both two broken souls that needed to find solace. He was the candle in my dark thoughts, and I was his way to cope for a marriage he lost. We were healing each other in our own ways. There must be more to his reasoning for wanting to care for me, but knowing why would have to wait for another day. He may never tell me what happened to his marriage, but I decided I don't care anymore. Natsu had always been there, and for that I pushed him away. Silent tears fell down my cheeks. I was wrong. Drakonia is our home. Natsu was the light at the end of a dark tunnel I've been trapped in for too long. I shouldn't fight whatever my heart is struggling to understand, but embrace it.

"WAIT!"

I took a sharp breath. It couldn't be... My head didn't have time to even look back when two strong arms hugged me around my waist. A hard, chiseled chest pulled my back close to him when his head rested in the crook of my neck. Elain stumbled away and put her hands over her cheeks. "Mister Natsu?!"

"Stay." He begged holding me even tighter. "Please, stay here Sunny. Don't go. Don't leave me." I felt him shivering saying those words. I bit my lower lip and allowed the tears to fall freely. 'I'm so sorry for hurting you again.' I thought subconsciously. A hiccup tore from my throat. "I'm sorry." I cried out. Natsu pulled away and used his arms to turn me around to see him. He was on the verge of tears himself, but they never fell. "Don't say that! You belong here! This is where you're meant to be. Right here! With me! I can't bare the idea of you leaving. Please," Natsu begged with his head falling on my collarbone. "Please stay here Sunny. Stay with me." My arms attempted to hug him back, but I pulled away before he would notice. I weakly nodded before attempting to smile. "Okay." I replied before being pulled into another hug with Nashi safely tucked away between our chests. My arms rested on his biceps with his hands crossing from my waist around my back. I felt his fingers softly caress my shoulder blades causing me to shudder from the electricity that coursed my veins. I hadn't known how perfectly I was molded to fit his body. From the way he held me I felt like he was holding everything together inside me; like a glue that's keeping me intact. I didn't understand what my heart wanted from this. Not yet, anyways. But if Natsu was willing to wait for me, I was ready to understand. "I'm so sorry." I said again and pulled away to look at him. Natsu smiled yet his eyes were still heartbreaking. "Just promise to never say goodbye. I'll do anything for you and the girls if it means you'll stay. All of you."

"You've done so much for us." I replied with my voice cracking halfway. Natsu pulled my hands into his and held them close to his chest. "I wish to do even more, if you'll let me?"

"You'll let us stay? Even after what I said, what I did was inconsiderate and cruel, after everything you've done to help us. How can you easily forgive me?" Natsu pulled away from his hug but kept his hands around my waist. His eyebrows furrowed with his eyes in deep thought, looking anywhere but here where we stood. "You have nothing to be sorry for." He explained returning his eyes back to me. Natsu's hands trailed up to my arms until he was holding my hands. His fingers were so calloused and warm. The wedding band on his left finger was dirty from never being taken off. On his right hand was what I first thought was a burn mark, but upon closer examination it was a tattoo that was pink. My thumb traced the tattoo's tail that pointed up his wrist. His eyes followed mine when he noticed I was looking at the tattoo. His hand moved over and placed my palm over his tattoo. "It's a guild mark." He whispered. "You were in a guild?" I asked with my head suddenly starting to throb. I pulled my hands away to massage my pulsating headache when Natsu seemed to step back in what looked like fear. "Are you alright?" He asked with shaking breaths. I just nodded. "I'm okay. It comes and goes." He didn't say anything but I could see he was still concerned. The headache was gone as quickly as it came when I gingerly touched his hand with the tips of my fingers. "You really wish for us to stay? It's no trouble on your end to keep us?"

"I want you and the girls here. It would mean the world to me for you to stay."

"Okay." I said again. I smiled, this time not having to force it as it uplifted my heart. My cheeks began to hurt from smiling so hard. Elain, who must have watched the scene unfold, hugged Natsu then me next. "Thank you." The child breathed a sigh of relief and looked up from my dress skirt. "We're not scared anymore?" Elain asked as I shook my head. "No, my sweet Lanie, not anymore." I was about to reach down and grab the carrier, but Natsu had beaten me to it and was carrying it over his shoulder. "Come on little ladies, let's go home."

Home. A place I thought I would never have. It was thanks to Natsu once again I can have a place to call home. Then I thought of something that made me feel a flutter close to my heart whilst watching Natsu talk to Elain and holding her hand this time. Elain was talking about the curriculum she was learning and he bobbed his head not really understanding the subject, yet nevertheless showing he cared. I held my baby closer to me and welcomed the flutter in my heart. Home could be anywhere for me; as long as I had my girls...and Natsu to share it with.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

~Natsu~

A month went by quicker than I could grasp. The truth of what I conspired in Bosco came to light to all the Councilors, and today they are to decide of my punishment for foregoing through without their approval. Igneel's vote was counted out as he signed the paperwork without discussing the reasoning of the mission, and Dahlia was currently suspended until the decision of my punishment was made. It was me standing alone on the floor and the Councilors sitting at the round table, all of them each staring at my choice. Igneel was the only one that kept his eyes on the table with his arms crossed over his chest. Either he didn't want to give any sign what choice the Council made or was just upset he was in timeout.

"I wish to say we were all together under better circumstances," Grandeeney began saying. Her hands were clasped together on top of the table as her eyes were showing disapproval for my actions. Metalicana hadn't said a word and idly laid his head on his hand leaning more into the chair. The other Dragons were either staring at the table writing some form of notes, or just watching me stand at attention. Igneel was about to talk before Weisslogia smacked him upside the head. "You're still grounded." The White Dragon muttered like a tired parent. Grandeeney sighed before rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Scale Master Dragneel, is it true under your authority you allowed your Assist Commander and five other scouts to go to Bosco and do an extraction mission on trafficking rings?"

"It is." I said with no remorse. The Dragons looked at each other. "Is it true you proceeded with the out-of-country mission despite not gaining approval of the Council?" Skiadrum asked. I nodded yes. "It's true. I decided rather than waiting for your votes in the mission I sent my team out to handle it alone. Councilor Igneel had only signed off on it because I had given him no choice." Igneel looked up from his sulking behavior. "What?" My father asked until he was smacked again by Weisslogia. Dogramag spoke this time. "So you're admitting you had forced Councilor Igneel to sign off on it?"

"I knew the extraction mission wouldn't be processed faster had I not at least one Councilor sign off on the paperwork. I didn't want to waste any time while the lead was still fresh."

"I see..." Grandeeney murmured and leaned back into her chair. The room grew silent and became thick from the suspense of the Council's decision, until Metalicana cracked. He let out a deep chuckle that sounded more like a growl. "Can we all stop being serious? We know everything Dragneel. Igneel told us." My eyes widened. "Wait? You all knew?! Since when!?"

"The morning Dahlia and your scouts left. Had we been told what happened we would have signed the documents and veto the need to even vote. You stopped not only trafficking rings but found valuable information from the Dark Mages. We had only wished you didn't need to feel that you had to hide this from us Natsu. We're not angry, just very disappointed. If anything, we're more mad at Igneel." Grandeeney gave a side-eye look to the Fire Dragon. Igneel scoffed. "How many times must I say I'm sorry!?"

"Until we feel like accepting it." The other Councilors said at the same time. I broke attention and stepped forward some. "So all this time, everyone knew?" I asked again. Igneel nodded. "Yes, yes everyone knew. Turns out I'm not the best at keeping secrets with my fellow Councilors." My face softened. "Then...that also means..." The female can Dragon raised her hand to stop me. "Igneel didn't tell us that, but Sunny talked to me about some of it during our sessions. It all came to light as to the reason why you wanted it done fast. I won't go into details to respect Sunny's privacy, but everything made sense as to why you did it." I had to look away just from thinking back to the memory. The horror Sunny had to endure, to suffer through, I wouldn't allow that to happen again to anyone. "It still didn't give me the right to abuse my rank to do this. If you wish to strip me of my title I understand. All I ask is Sunny and the girls are still being taken care of." The room fell silent once more as the Dragons looked back and forth to each other. "We believe the punishment should fit the crime." Dogramag said now grinning like a dog. Grandeeney stood up and slammed her hand on the table. "As of this day, Scale Master Dragneel must protect Sunny and her two children from now until the Dark Mages are put to an end!"

My jaw dropped. "This is my punishment for trying to do this behind your back!? Guarding over my wife and children?!"

"Correction, Sunny isn't your wife. That is Lucy. The Dark Mages know she was a Joya refugee and we're still looking for her in Bosco. Because of Drakonia soldiers dismantling the trafficking rings it will only be a matter of time before we start seeing sight of them. They're going to come, sooner or later, after the Savior. The 'Savior' that doesn't remember who she is or why anyone would hunt her down for a reason she doesn't understand. As of now, you're protecting an innocent woman that doesn't know any of this."

"Plus, it'll be funny to watch you squirm knowing you'll have to be next to her the whole time." Metalicana chuckled smirking at the inevitable awkwardness I'm going to to display. Grandeeney smiled. "So we're all in agreement?"

"Aye." The Councilors agreed bringing this to a close. My jaw dropped twice in one day. "So you've all agreed to put me on guard duty!"

"Again, punishment fits the crime. You wanted to protect Sunny from scums like them, and now you'll protect her from scummy dark mages. It's a win-win!" Dogramag stood up boastfully laughing as he walked out of the Council Room. The Councilors left until it was just me and Igneel left; my father stood up from his chair and looked at me. "You actually thought you were going to take the fall?" My father asked. I was still flabbergasted about what just happened. Igneel moved around until we were standing face to face. Igneel shook his head whilst laughing until his hands rested on my shoulders. "Thinking about covering your old man's trail when they knew the entire time. Honestly, I'm surprised none of them said anything to you for awhile. Figured one of them would crack and pull your leg of knowing."

"Why did they let me get off scott-free? I know I deserved worse."

"Because you did it not to your own benefit. You pulled strings to save others, and to avenge someone dear to you. Yes, they are ashamed you hadn't told them, but they understand your reasoning. Why punish a good man that did something that was good for the world? Doesn't make all that much sense if you ask me."

"But what about my oaths?"

"You made an oath By the People, For the People. You took it to a literal sense. Next question." Igneel deflected. I scoffed, but eventually shook my head. "Thank you." I said, grateful to be given another chance. I was still Scale Master and I won't take advantage of the title again, that I made myself promise. Igneel ruffled my hair whilst grinning like a child. "Don't thank me. Literally, you shouldn't thank me I was vetoed from voting what should be decided for all of this. I had a feeling they were going to be easy on you, but I was given the cold shoulder from them for about a week!"

"Yikes. Sorry about that." I said combing my hair back into a ponytail. My old man waved it off. "Ah, it's all good now. Now, go on and do your guard duty for your little lady. Have you asked her to the ball yet?" Sweat suddenly trailed down the back of my neck. My hands became hot and sweaty as my cheeks grew warm. "N-No...Not yet." Igneel groaned hearing my answer. "Son! The Ball is happening in two months! I dunno what ladies need to do to get ready for a Grand Ball, but Grandeeney is still searching for a ball gown to wear! You gotta ask her."

"I will! I'll ask when the timing is right. It'll happen." Igneel blew a raspberry. "And while you're waiting for the perfect moment someone else will swoop in and ask her." That irked me some. My eyes snapped to the Fire Dragon when he said that. "Who's thinking of asking her?!"

"Ooh, I dunno? A few of the recruits, a couple veterans...maybe I am."

"You wouldn't dare." My father's smile twisted upwards like a cheshire cat. "I think I would if my boy doesn't find the man parts to simply go ask her to be his date to a Grand Ball. Don't make me have to act like a wingman because I will go out of my way to embarrass you." If I was blushing before then I must have looked like I was running a fever now. Knowing Igneel, he wasn't lying about embarrassing me. "Alright! Alright fine I'll ask her!"

"When?" Asked Igneel. I clenched my teeth with a blood vein in my head about to pop. "Soon." I answered. The Fire Dragon subtly nodded his head. "Alright. Soon. I'll take your word for it." Igneel said smiling his normal way and left shortly after. I leaned on the table to catch my breath; hadn't even noticed I was barely breathing during what should have been a trial and punishment. I was ready to walk away from everything I worked for to avenge Sunny, but this...this was something I never expected. The Council forgave me in their own way and for that, I was forever grateful. Now I needed to find a way to ask the woman I love to go to a Grand Ball with me.

I expected Dahlia outside the Council Room waiting for me, but I didn't see any purple-haired Dragon anywhere. I shrugged my shoulders before moving on to go change. The maids had already cleaned and tidied up my room with a welcoming lit fireplace. The room smelled of emberwood and fresh linen. I walked in and took my military uniform off. My body was desperate for a quick rinse as were my wings wanting hot water to relieve the sore muscles. I walked across my room into the bathroom and began to run the water. While waiting, I noticed my reflection in the mirror and decided to look. To really look. My complexion was normal again. I saw in my face that some fat had returned and didn't look like a sick patient with the bags under my eyes almost gone and my cheeks not so sunken anymore. I looked down at my hands that were rough and calloused like leather, but didn't appear to be bony or sickly. I have grown stronger in the last two years. My attention went back to my reflection in the mirror. With my hair down I saw it pass down my shoulders and was pretty much a messy mop. Perhaps it was time to cut it? "Not now," I muttered. Not to delay the fact it was past due for a haircut, but knowing I'd do a poor job cutting it by myself. I would have to ask for help from someone that could at least hold a pair of scissors correctly.

The bath was ready when I stopped looking at the differences in my appearance. The water was hot and already doing wonders on my muscles. I leaned further in with my wings also sinking into the large bath until I was almost under the water's surface. The steam made the volume in my hair nonexistent and helped my eyes feel heavier. Why did a bath always make me sleepy? I worked on my hair and body with the soap Yeri provided for my bathroom. It was a rich musk that smelled clean and earthy. Maybe pine? Or was it the smell of the rain? If I remembered I would have to ask Yeri how she made a soap that smells like rainwater.

As quickly as I was in the bath I was out and drying myself off. A towel was over my head while I worked on drying the best I could for my long hair. That was another reason to have my hair cut; no more need to constantly work out all of the water from my hair. My civilian clothes were my usual baggy white pants and red vest, but I also wrapped bandages around my forearms to my wrists to hide the self-inflicted scars for anyone to see. 'Or to hide what you did yourself from Sunny.' I thought mentally. It wasn't the scars I was ashamed of hiding, but the reason why I did it. If Sunny saw these...I didn't want her to know about them. Not yet, at least.

There were no reports on my desk so I took that as a sign I was ready to leave. After closing my door I was on my way to go find where Sunny was, that is until I smelled something so delicious I was already salivating. "What is that smell?" I asked going the opposite direction and heading to the kitchen. The kitchen was on the bottom floor and was the biggest room on that floor. There were herbs drying overhead and wood-ovens on every wall. The floor was stone and the counters were made of wood that had years of cuts and dents from kitchenware. It was already hectic that lunch hour was starting and the cooks had not only needed enough food to feed an army, but that army was all Dragons with big appetites. What I didn't understand was where the smell was coming from when the cooks were only prepping the ingredients to cook, yet I smell something wonderful. In the corner of the kitchen that was somewhat empty was the woman I was just looking for. Sunny pulled what appeared like a pie out from the oven and sat it aside as Elain licked her lips hungrily. Nashi was sitting in a high chair with a bottle in her hands. I evaded the cooks that were rushing all around the kitchen and made my way to the woman that was now wiping Elain's face clean with her apron. "I told you to take it easy on the grapes. You'll be too full to eat lunch."

"Nuh-uh! I'm so hungry I could eat not just one but two horses!" Elain exclaimed holding two fingers up. Nashi babbled gleefully and slammed the bottle on the high chair table causing it to fall. Sunny bent down and grasped it to give it back to the baby. What Sunny hadn't noticed was I was standing behind her casually leaning on the kitchen counter. "What'cha making?" I asked causing the woman to gasp from my sudden appearance. Elain whipped her head around and smiled. "Natsu!" The child squealed as she jumped on me for a hug. I returned her hug still looking at the woman that was holding her chest from fright. "Where did you come from?" Sunny playfully asked now smiling which made me smile more. "I was on my way to find you, but the smell from the kitchen decided I had to know what was being made. What is it?"

"Chicken Pot Pie." Sunny replied. She poked at the beautiful flakey crust which wafted the sweet breading straight to my nose. I wiped my hand across my mouth afraid I was starting to drool. Sunny's hair was again hidden by the blue head scarf with a few bangs hanging around her ears. She was wearing another dress that was dark green with her black flats. The dress apron was dirtied from flour and splotches of other colors from veggies she cut up. All I could see was the essence of perfection that made a beautiful pot pie. Sunny drew back the wisps of hair that managed to escape the scarf. "I...I was going to ask around to find you so we can eat together."

"Really?" I asked noting my voice went up a couple pitches. Sunny nodded. "I'm no cook like the ones here, but I enjoy cooking for the girls...and...for you." Sunny's face grew red. Her lips trembled as her fingers fidgeted. "Unless, you're too busy?"

"I'd love to have lunch with you and the girls." I smiled and stepped closer to make the gap between us smaller. Sunny didn't make a move to also be nearer, but she didn't back away either. Her eyes crossed over to my face when she blinked. "I hadn't known how long your hair was until just now." She reached out and caressed a strand of my damp hair between her fingers. "Did you always keep it this long?" She asked. I grasped her hand that was still playing with my hair and smiled some. "No. Truth is I couldn't find a pair of scissors and forgot to cut it." Her face became surprised. I couldn't keep the laughter from coming out and chuckled pulling her hand to my chest. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I was kidding!"

"O-Oh! I thought you were joking!" Lucy said giggling behind her hand that hid her mouth. She pulled her hand away from my chest and wrapped her hand around her neck, her fingertips gently trailing the curvature of her neck down to her collarbone as she once again bashfully looked the other way. Elain, without letting Sunny see, waggled her eyebrows with the biggest grin I've ever seen on a child. "I'm suddenly not feeling so hungry anymore. Can I go play with my friends?"

"Lanie, I told you you would be full before the pie was done!" The mother sighed as Elain shrugged. "I'm a kid. I'll be hungry an hour from now. Save me a slice?" Elain hugged and kissed Sunny's cheek then turned around and hugged me. "See you guys later!" Elain shouted after running through the kitchen and grabbing another fistful of grapes. Sunny let out a breath whilst shaking her head. "That child is something else."

"She's got a fire under her that's for sure. Speaks her mind, follows her heart. I like that." Sunny looked at me with an expression only a mom could make. "Tell me that again after the sass that comes with it. Elain is the sweetest, yet brutally honest, and kindest girl I know. I wouldn't change her for the world but goodness I'm going to turn grey before the end of the year." I leaned against the counter once more to just listen and talk to Sunny. "I'd be happy to save you from some grey strands and lend a hand." I said eyeing the Pot Pie. Sunny hid her mouth behind her hand again. "I know. You've made everything wonderful. Our life here is wonderful because of you, Natsu."

"And don't think of thanking me. If anything I'd love to have a slice of this pie while it's piping hot." I licked my lips from the smell alone. Sunny looked around then stared at me with a questioning look. "No tables. Should we go to the Dining Hall and eat there?" I thought about it for a second then shook my head. "Nah. The smell alone will make people want a slice and I don't feel like sharing. Let's go to the library where it's quieter." Sunny's eyes glimmered for a moment. "Alright. I'll have to grab some plates and utensils, but if you grab the oven mitts you can carry the pie."

"You're cute." I said without thinking. In unison our cheeks flushed cherry red. "N-Not in that way I mean! It's just I'm a Dragon Slayer and I don't get burned like most people! I was saying you're cute because you wanted me to grab the oven mitt when I didn't need it!"

"Oh! Oooh! I hadn't thought about that! Haha, silly of me to say." Sunny turned around and stiffly walked away to go look for plates and utensils. I, on the other hand, dug my face into my hands and internally moaned. 'Great. Just great! You speak before thinking and say she's cute! Gods, when will my mouth ever shut up!?' Nashi clapped her hands and babbled with a smile on her face. I pulled my face up to look at the baby. "I'm glad you think this is funny!" Nashi let out a jolly laugh. Sunny was back moments later with a wicker basket that carried everything we needed for lunch. "All set! Do you think we can ask for help to carry the high chair?" I grinned despite my shame sticking out like a sore thumb. "I'm your man! Let me carry the pie and high chair for you!" 'Please, just stop talking.' I said to myself wanting to facepalm my face into the Abyss. Sunny softly chuckled and picked up Nashi. "Well, thank you good sir! I don't know how we ladies could do this without your help." Sunny wrapped her arms securely around the baby and played with Nashi's tiny fingers. Both of their sweet chocolate brown eyes watched and waited for me to grab everything. I grabbed the pie in one hand, not even feeling the heat of the pan or pie, and hooked the chair in my other arm. We left the kitchen after Sunny thanked them for letting her use the space and made our way upstairs to go to the library. Maids would move out of the way and bowed to address me and wish Sunny a good afternoon. I had grown accustomed to the staff and citizens bowing to me with respect, but when I looked at Sunny her head was down to avoid eye contact by the gesture.

We made it to the library and set aside a chair for Nashi to sit at the end of the table. Sunny sat opposite to me as I placed the pie in front of us. The blonde woman pulled out two plates and a set of utensils then a waterskin and two cups. She uncorked the waterskin and poured us each a glass to drink. I watched her hands work with the butter knife to cut a big slice of the chicken pot pie from the pie pan onto my plate. I didn't pick up my fork until Sunny had her much smaller slice on her plate and handed Nashi another bottle that was in the basket. The baby greedily grabbed the milk bottle and was already sucking it down. Sunny's eyes looked at mine when she reached for the fork. "Shall we?" She asked. I blinked out of the trance of watching this beautiful woman. My hand went to the fork and cut the edge of where the golden crust was. "Thank you for the meal."

Sunny smiled, and we took a bite together.

It was the best meal I had ever eaten. Sitting, and eating with Sunny and Nashi was something I thought I could never experience. We both talked about anything that came to mind, Sunny mostly wanting to know more about me. It was hard to talk about yourself when you can't remember who you are. Sunny didn't seem to mind it though. She seems utterly infatuated of the kind of person I was. Three slices for me and only once slice for Sunny later, I rubbed my stomach which growled with satisfaction. "That," I began to say as I helped Sunny put the plates and utensils back into the basket. "was the best meal I've ever eaten."

"You're very kind." Sunny replied. She thinks I'm just teasing her, or trying to be overly polite. I grasped the tips of her fingers when she was reaching for my glass cup. "I mean it Sunny. Thank you for sharing your lunch. It was the best meal I have had in a long time." Sunny swallowed when she withdrew her hand away. "I—um...Thank you." She touched her hand that I held. For a second, I swore I could see tears threatening to fall down her face. Was my praise over the line? Had I made her uncomfortable? "Did I upset you?" I asked with my heart beating in my ears. I couldn't live the same two weeks like last time. Sunny quickly shook her head. "No! No you haven't upset me." Sunny's breath shuddered. "I—I never thought...that happiness like this could exist."

I didn't know wether to cry out of joy or heartbreak. Sunny laughed yet she had to wipe her eyes before I could see her streaming tears. "I shouldn't trouble you with the past I can remember. I'm not too sure who I was or if I was being looked for by someone that cared for me. No one showed up at the convent looking for me. No one ever stood up for me, save for Elain, when I was outcasted. There's...things...I wish I can forget." Sunny shook her head. She wiped at her eyes again and sighed. "But being here, with you, in a city that I can call home, and to know Elain is safe to run in the streets and be a child again...it makes everything that happened worth it. It feels like I was meant to come here." Sunny laughed, but a cry choked in her throat. "And a month ago I was about to throw all of this away!"

"Hey, hey...that isn't true." I whispered and skirted around the table to stand in front of the woman. Sunny rested her hands on my biceps to be an arm length away from me. I respected the distance she wanted and laid my hands under her elbows. "You had reasons, valid reasons, to want to leave. I made you feel unwelcome for what I did."

"But you didn't do anything." Sunny whispered when her head shook. Her face looked down to the ground to avoid eye contact. "It was me that pushed you to feel like that. I asked questions that wasn't my place to ask, and...I'm so sorry Natsu. Even now I feel terrible for acting so cold about something that wasn't my business!" Hiccups tore from Sunny when she began to lean on my arms for support. I held her steady and remembered what happened all those weeks ago. My lost marriage. Igneel explaining to me that Sunny was feeling something when it came to me. Was Sunny jealous? "I'm not married anymore Sunny."

"I know, and I shouldn't care, but I do! For some reason I had to know if you were! It was like a constant tick that wouldn't stop. I shouldn't care if you're married or not, but your kindness and warmth was something I hadn't realized how much I needed until I met you. You were the first man," Sunny inhaled a breath. "No. You were the first person to treat me like I was something more! To me, it felt like it didn't matter what I had endured or who I was! You cared about me! You cared about my children! Natsu...you made me feel like I was lov—" Sunny gasped and gripped both sides of her head when her legs fumbled where she stood. I called her name and grabbed the sides of her arms and fell to my knees with her. Sunny's nose started to bleed. "It—hurts!" She cried out still clinging to her head. Nashi began to cry from the sight of her mama on the floor. In a panic I called out for anyone to hear me in the hallway to get help while having to listen to the sound of my wife whimper in agony. "H-Help! Too—painful. It hurts..."

"Hang in there Sunny! Hold on for me!" The door opened with two patrol soldiers at the entrance. "Scale Master!"

"Get a doctor! Get Grandeeney! One of you go! NOW!" The soldier on the right ran out to find aid whilst the left soldier ran inside and knelt down to me. "Scale Master, what do you need me to do?" I looked around in a panic, unsure what to do myself. For a moment, I was lost with the ghost of my wife trying to fight her way back to me; having to endure a pain so great it bright Sunny to her knees. I was back in the cathedral nine years ago witnessing the death of my wife. Watching her die all over again. I would lose her if I continued doing this. I would lose Sunny if I allowed her to face the trauma she lived through. The trauma she died from. For a moment I relived it all, second by second, and was close to falling in despair.

Until Nashi bawled too loud for me to ignore.

I was back in the library with a soldier awaiting orders and a baby that was bawling for comfort. I gripped the now unconscious woman in my arms then directed my attention to the soldier. "Hold onto Sunny so I can be with the baby. Don't drop her head!" I handed Sunny to the soldier that was now holding her. Nashi had her hands stretched out to me with her hands flexing to grab hold of something. I softly shushed her and picked her up from the chair. "Shh, it's okay. It's okay Nashi." The baby's eyes looked at her mama and cried harder when I snuggled her more into my chest. Grandeeney and her two assistants ran through the door what felt like minutes later. The beautiful Dragon was already on her knees and took Sunny into her arms to check vitals. "Irregular heartbeats, and shallow breathing. Sudden fever too. We're going to take her to the Hospital Wing and stabilize her."

"What's happening to her?" I said thinking I was too quiet to be heard in the chaos. Grandeeney looked at me with panicked eyes. "I don't know." She said. Sometimes, I hated how honest Grandeeney was. One of the assistants was already carrying Sunny through the library and out the door. The soldier and other assistant was a step behind while Grandeeney was closely following the crowd. She stopped at the door and looked back at me. "I won't let anything happen to her." The Dragon promised and left not a moment later. With a baby still crying in my arms I felt the weight of the world return on my shoulders. "It already did..." I murmured in answer of what Grandeeney promised. I fell back onto my knees to rock the baby and myself as we both cried out our hearts with each other.

~~~

One day.

I sat in the Hospital Wing for one day waiting for Sunny. Nashi never left my arms the entirety this all happened. Anytime a wet nurse or a friend went to take the baby from me Nashi would cry and I would pull her away before someone could hold her. We both needed to lean on each other as we waited for her to wake up. Elain was asleep using my arm as a pillow when she came back in a rush hearing what happened. I know Elain explained this happened from time to to time on their travels, but it never happened this badly before.

Igneel and the other Councilors would come by every other hour to know of any updates as well to check on us. My father would try to cheer me up and take Nashi so I could rest, but I refused to leave. I knew this was my fault Sunny was here. I knew she wasn't ready, and yet, I let her get to that point. I should have stopped her before it got out of hand. I should have done something like all the times before. Sunny was just talking about her feelings, and about memories...look where it got her.

Someone placed their hand on my back when I saw Dahlia crouching to see me better. "Hey," Dahlia said in a hushed whisper. Why when being in a hospital did it make everyone want to talk quietly? "Hey," I said back also being hush-hush. Dahlia looked at the three of us and frowned. "You can never catch a break can you?" She asked when she sat beside me. Elain stirred for a moment then went back to sleep. "Life can't be easy for someone like me." I said flatly, meaning what I said. Dahlia just nodded, solemnly. "Good men grow during tough times."

"How many times do I have to go through something like this to be a better person?" I snapped immediately regretting my harshness. I apologized. "Sorry." Dahlia just waved it off. "You're not wrong. If anyone deserves a break it's you. We don't know what going on, but the fact Grandeeney hasn't come out with bad news must be a good sign." I shrugged. "She hasn't come out with good news either. Only her assistants go in and out of Sunny's room. I haven't seen Grandeeney leave once and I've been here the entire time."

"You should get some rest." Dahlia said with concerning eyes. I just shook my head and pulled Nashi closer to me. "I can't. I'm not going to be able to rest no matter where I am. It's best if I just stay here where I can hear word of Sunny's condition." My Commander nodded and leaned back where we sat. She rubbed the back of her neck whilst rolling her shoulders. I glanced over to her. "I'm surprised I didn't see you waiting outside while I was in the Council Room."

"Huh? Oh! Oh yeah, I was...I was busy." The Dragon murmured when she suddenly looked away. That's strange. I've never seen Dahlia act this way before. I leaned over some to see what she was trying to hide. Her cheeks were vaguely blushing as she was hiding a smile. Behind her eyes was a look I remember seeing in myself many years ago. It dawned on me when I returned to leaning back in my seat. "Ooh. I get it." I said when Dahila looked back at me. Her voice became panicked as if I knew her darkest secret. "What!?"

"Who is it?" I asked. Dahlia looked the other way. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Sure you don't. Maybe I can ask around and see who you decided to go sneak off and play around with."

"We were discussing about the incoming reports." I rolled my eyes at that excuse. "Wooooow! You think I was born yesterday because that's a lousy excuse and you know it!" Dahlia blushed cheeks grew ten times darker. "We we're talking about reports, and then talked some more." I scoffed without meaning to. "Sure, I'm sure you two "talked" plenty. The look on your face says it all." Dahlia looked back and slapped my shoulder. "Shut up you idiot!"

"Gods Dahlia, I leave you alone for one month and you became all mushy on me. Now you have to tell me who it is." The Dragon muttered illegible words. I pressed closer to hear her better. "What was that?"

"How about I shove my boot up your ass, Dragneel?"

"Ou! So that's how it is. Alright, I'll find out eventually. Something you'll learn as you get older is I have all the patience to wait and see." Dahlia was biting the inside of her cheek when she started to fiddle the ends of her braid. That was a new habit. "He asked me to the Ball. You'll find out then, okay? We wanna keep it under wraps for a little bit. Please, don't tell anyone you know I'm seeing someone, okay? If I could tell you I would, but we're still trying to see if this will work out or not."

"Dahls, it's okay. Keep your love affair a secret. I can wait two months to meet him." Dahlia slapped my shoulder again. "There's no affair going on asshat! If there was I'd kill him." That helped me laugh. I wrapped my arm over Dahlia's shoulders and patted her head. "Nice to know who wears the pants in the relationship." Dahlia glanced away but let her head fall on top of my shoulder. "It's all new to me. I thought I could never feel this way. It's not love, at least I don't think so, but I feel something for him." I released my arm from around her and rested my head on top of hers. "Take your time in exploring this, Dahls. Once you find love it's hard to ever want to let it go." Dahlia hummed in agreement. "I'm only agreeing 'cause you and your wife take the cake on that statement."

"That we do." I said as the droopiness in my eyes grew heavier. I wasn't sure when I fell asleep, but when I woke up to someone's hand softly shaking my shoulder I saw the sun had moved quite a bit. Grandeeney leaned down with her hand still on my shoulder. "Natsu? Hey, how was your nap?" I looked at both my sides to find all the girls still asleep. Elain was still snuggled on my right side with my arm holding her around her shoulder. My other arm held a soft-snoring baby that used my vest as a binky to suck on. Dahlia was sound asleep on my shoulder where I used her head as a pillow. "I think we all needed it." I admitted wishing I could stretch some. Grandeeney smiled, yet her eyes were very tired. "Sunny's awake."

"She is?" I asked about to jump from the chair. Grandeeney shushed me and kneeled lower to my eye level. "Yes. Sunny's stable again. She's still fighting her fever, and the pressure on her brain appeared to cause the nose bleed. I asked her what was the last thing she remembered and it was talking to you in the library." I gulped. My throat was constricted like cotton balls were lodged in my mouth. "Does she...remember?" I asked with hopefulness. Grandeeney shook her head. "No. No past memories came back to her. She's still...Sunny."

"Ah, I—I see." Grandeeney squeezed my arm after seeing my disappointment. "I think it's still too soon, but she recovered at a fast pace. She's still recovering from her fever, but the worst has passed."

"That's good to hear." I swallowed down the knot in my throat. The feeling came back to me when I was in the library, holding Sunny as she cried and pleaded for help. She wasn't ready...at this point... I don't think she'll ever be. 'Who cares if Sunny isn't Lucy! She brought me back Nashi and another beautiful girl that needed a home. I should be happy that she came back.' I thought grimacing at myself. The Dragon shook my shoulder again. "Natsu?" She asked. I looked at her again. "Would you like to see her?" Grandeeney asked to which I bobbed my head. "Will seeing me be alright? Sunny talking to me is what got her here in the first place."

"I'm not sure." Grandeeney said with honesty. "Sunny remembers talking to you, and having lunch, but her memory grew fuzzy of the last thing you two were talking about. Was it something about her past?" I shook my head. "She apologized to me about what happened last month. And, she said she didn't think happiness like this could exist. I think..." My teeth gritted at the memory. "I think she was about to confess her feelings." I finished. The Dragon lady nodded after hearing this. "I see..." Grandeeney said. Her hands grabbed the baby from my arms before helping me up avoiding waking anyone. I stretched my arms and back, even unfolding my wings to properly stretch them, and took Nashi back in my arms. Grandeeney didn't fight against my desire to hold her. "Her psyche is still too fragile to remember. As much as her heart wants a connection it's too dangerous. I healed Sunny the best I could for her physical body, but it's her soul that is still hurting. Only you can heal her soul, Natsu."

"Look what me trying to help her did Grandeeney. Had you not come and helped her—I don't know if anything I'm doing is healing her soul. Sunny, she...she was crying and begging for help. All I could do was hold her and wait. Just like all the other times before."

"This is different." Grandeeney intercepted. Her eyes looked between Nashi and me before looking back to the patient room. "Although she fell ill at a rapid decline, she managed to pull herself out of it. I watched her vitals fall and would do everything in my power to help her, but Sunny would be the one to lift herself. I didn't do much but watch over her the entire time. You are doing something Natsu. You are giving her the strength she needs to face her past traumas. The time for her to remember isn't today, but I can feel it happening soon. She's growing stronger every day the more I see her, and the only reason why she is, is because of you." I just stared at the beautiful Dragon. Every word she said lifted me up and opened my eyes to the realization that what she was saying was true. Sunny has grown more than just a person or as a mother. Sunny was growing to face against herself. "I—I didn't even notice." I murmured. Grandeeney grabbed my chin and shook it. "Because you still look at things in a negative light. I thought I whipped it out of you, yet old habits die hard."

"At least I'm not a negative Nancy anymore." Grandeeney smiled. "No. Not for most of the time." The Dragon pointed her thumb to the door and patted my shoulder again. "Go see her. You both need each other to lean on. Go on. I'll take care of Dahlia and Elain for you."

"Thank you." I whispered then went to the door to head inside. Sunny was sitting up looking outside the window. Her hair had been braided to the side as her head was wrapped in ice packs to fight against the fever. Her cheeks were very flushed and her skin was still glistening from sweat. I saw in Sunny's eyes a hidden sadness I hadn't noticed before. After I closed the door to alert the woman of my presence the sadness in her eyes was pushed away to where I couldn't see it anymore. Her lips curled upwards upon seeing me and Nashi. Nothing was said between us as I sat down on the edge of the patient bed. Sunny gripped the edge of the sheets before gently releasing them. "Hi." Her voice was timid, and small. "Hey." I replied also talking with a small voice. I didn't want to pop the silence of the patient's room. It was comforting to sit in the quietness as our eyes just stared at each other. It was obvious Sunny had questions, but her voice couldn't bring herself to ask them. "How are you feeling?" I asked sadly having to break the silence. Sunny leaned back into her bed. "Confused, and tired. I feel like I battled the flu and nearly lost."

"Good thing you're a lot tougher than you think. Grandeeney said she was surprised at how fast you overcame your sickness." Sunny laughed in effort. "It doesn't feel like I overcame much. I'm still struggling with a fever. I must have gotten something without feeling symptoms."

"Haven't you been through something like this before?" I asked. Sunny shrugged as if it was nothing but an inconvenience. "I woke up in a crater in the middle of nowhere. For all I know my immune system is shot to dust. I just get sick easily; nothing to it." I wanted to retort her, but in the end I bit my tongue to avoid a disagreement. The last thing I wanted was to stress Sunny. "How're my girls? Is Elain okay? Has Nashi eaten?"

"They're fine. Both of them are tired. Nashi hasn't eaten in about six hours but she's refused to eat since then. I think she's been worried about her mama. Elain came back as soon as she heard word you fell sick." Sunny sighed and cupped her hands to her cheeks. "I worry them too much. I'll feel better in no time, and when I'm better I'll have to do a special day for them. Maybe I can take them to the Northern Market and get them a gift." Sunny mumbled to herself. "First I'll have to find work to earn Jewels."

"Jewels? What about the allowance?" I swore after I brought them back from leaving I explained to Igneel to start an allowance on my pay for the girls. Did he forget? Sunny waved her hands in front of her. "I refused Igneel's offer."

"But why?" I asked out of curiosity. Sunny bit her lower lip when she started to pick at her hands. "It's nothing...the money isn't mine and...I just can't accept it." She averted her eyes when a fogginess diluted her irises. It clicked for me. If I wasn't standing in front of Sunny I'd wring myself for doing something so upsetting. How foolish was I to even think she would willingly take money after what happened!? "I'm sorry." I said now grabbing the back of my neck in shame. Sunny blinked from her trance and shook her head. "Don't be! I want to contribute to the castle lifestyle. I can clean and cook to some extent. That's all I'm really good for until I learn more on how to read and write. My mathematics isn't that great but I'm still trying to learn." It was just a thought that came to my mind, but it was so brilliant and so wonderful I said it before I could really think it through. "Cook for me."

"What?" Sunny said blinking at my proposal. I was massaging my neck at this point as my cheeks grew hot. "I love your cooking. It would be nice to have a personal chef that just cooked for me...I'd pay you handsomely." I earnestly said now wishing I would combust from existence. Sunny cheeks also appeared to grow warm but not from her fever this time. "You like my cooking so much you'd pay for it!? My goodness that Chicken Pot Pie must have blown your mind."

"You have no idea." I said not talking about the Pot Pie. Sunny didn't seem to notice when she giggled. "I'm honored Natsu, but I have no real experience as a chef. I cook poor meals that I learned living in the convent, and even if you didn't pay me I'd still cook for you!" Sunny clapped her hand over her mouth at that last statement. She was stark red that I swore I could see steam coming off her head. "A-Anyways, how could that be fair to the actual chefs that work in the kitchen?"

"Are you kidding! Knowing they have one less mouth to feed is a blessing for them! Look, what if I don't pay you but give you the Jewels you need to buy whatever you need for ingredients. If there's any Jewels left over you have to keep it as a tip for cooking my meals. That way you don't have to work and keep your focus on the children and you still earn Jewels without me paying you." Sunny grumbled under her breath. "Your personal chef? What if I make a dish you don't like?!" I blew a raspberry. "I'm not a picky eater. I'll eat anything you make!"

"What about dietary restrictions? I don't know if you're allergic to anything."

"Can't seem to recall being allergic to anything. I think you're in the clear." I winked now grinning ear to ear. Sunny looked like she sucked on a sour lemon when she hissed between her teeth. "Alright! I'll be your chef! But you have to promise me that if you don't like a dish you better tell me! You're my one and only critic so I expect to be treated like any chef here would." I stared dumbly at Sunny, madly in love as she stuck her hand out for me to shake. She was still sulking but a glimmer made her eyes brighten from her fevered face. I took her handshake as my fingers wrapped closely around her small hand. We both shook on it when Sunny rolled her eyes. "I can't believe you made me agreed to this."

"We just shook on it!" I said laughing at her pouty tone. Sunny leaned back into the pillow when she held her hands out. "Can I see her? I don't think what I have is contiguous, is it? Miss Grandeeney didn't specify." I shook my head and handed Nashi over. "It's alright. Hold Nashi as long as you like." Sunny played with the peach hair locks on Nashi's head; also making silly faces as Nashi began to bubble at the sight of her mama. "She's happy to see you." I said. Sunny reluctantly looked away to face me. "It's surprising to say the least. I never thought Nashi would be happy when it related to me."

"Why would you say that?" I asked as my face fell in concern. Sunny shrugged her shoulders returning her eyes to the baby. "I could never make Nashi smile. Granted, our life wasn't suitable for children or a baby. I tried everything to make her happy and...got nothing. Nashi was either a quiet baby or a sobbing baby. No in between. To be honest, I think the first time I heard Nashi laugh was when you held her. She adores you." Sunny hugged Nashi when the baby began to tug on the blonde's hair strands. Sunny pulled her hair away to avoid the hair tugging. "Despite the circumstances I'm happy to see Nashi look at me this way. It's like she's trying to talk to me for a change." I leaned further on the bed watching the two girls look at each other. Sunny grasped the baby's hands and pushed her thumb into the tiny palm which outstretched Nashi's fingers before she grabbed her mama's thumb in each hand. Nashi giggled at the game whilst Sunny couldn't help her smile from glowing any brighter. I felt like this was my chance. It was peaceful, everyone was happy, and it was still just us in a room to ourselves. I can ask her to go to the Grand Ball. I flexed my hands then gripped tightly. "Sunny?" I asked unaware how soft my voice became. Sunny looked at me. Her eyes were beautiful and full of life and her cheeks were still flushed the color pink. "Yes?" She asked in return, patiently waiting and still holding Nashi's hands. I swallowed my throat.  My hands were suddenly sweaty whilst the feeling of butterflies tickled my ribs. "I wanted to ask you, if you want that is..." I was beginning to fumble. 'Come on! Nine years ago this would've been easy to ask! Just say it!' I bit the inside of my cheek to focus. The woman holding our child leaned closer, as if anticipating something. "Yes?" She asked again this time almost singing the word. I hadn't felt the way my body began to lean towards her. Sunny held Nashi close to her chest as her breath wavered. It felt like my heart was about to beat out of my chest. My body felt like it was about to catch on fire. I took a quick breath to brace myself. "Sunny..." I whispered. Our body was the closest it's been. She was reaching out to me. Sunny was leaning in for me. "Natsu..."

The door opened so loud and quick we both jumped back before the sound of a child came running through. "SUNNY!" Elain cried out and jumped on the bed. I slipped away from the mother that cooed and wiped away Elain's tears that came as a downpour. Elain hiccuped and hugged Sunny around her neck never seeming to let go. "I was so worried." Elain blubbered to her mother figure. Sunny shushed the child and smiled. "I'm okay, Lanie. I'm feeling much better." They both shared a hug again each of them holding the other tightly. Sunny looked back at me with an apologetic smile. I waved at her and pointed at the door to tell her I was leaving. Elain would have countless questions for Sunny and I knew it was respectful to give her the privacy they needed. I closed the door behind me back outside the corridor with my face to the ground. My hand slapped over my head when I let out a low groan of frustration. "I was so close!" I hissed internally kicking myself for not asking fast enough.

Grandeeney came running back and spotted me still grumbling to myself. "That child of yours is faster than a hatchling on fire! I put her to bed but she woke up and came running back. Is she inside with Sunny?" Grandeeney asked whilst catching her breath. I nodded. "Yep. I left to give them alone time." The Councilor exasperatedly sighed. "I take it that something was about to happen?" The Dragon asked when I snapped my eyes to her. "What makes you think that!?"

"Natsu I've never seen your face blush scarlet before. Were you about to ask her to the Ball?" I hid my face in my hand to not look at the Councilor. It seemed like we were going to do more than talk about a stupid Ball. Sunny was accepting in meeting me halfway. We were so close! I almost had a taste of paradise, and the opportunity was pulled out like a rug underneath my feet! I groaned again this time louder at the thought of what I missed. The Dragon took notice of my reaction and giggled. "You'll get your chance next time." She winked. "You're not helping me feel better at all, Grandeeney." I walked away from the door and Dragon when she called out to me. "Where're you going?"

"Gotta go hit something!"

~~~

Why couldn't I just ask her to go to the Grand Ball!?

All week I've been waiting for a perfect moment like the one in the Hospital Wing, and so far I've got nothing! We eat together three times a day, I walk her and the girls through the Northern Market, hell, I walk Sunny to her bedroom every night and bid her a goodnight! Every interaction I've had with her was never the right timing to ask! Either one of my scouts magically appeared asking about reports, Elain and her friends would pop up like gophers and steal Sunny away, or just bumping into someone that was there at the wrong place and time. I've beaten my head into every column I could find and skirmished with my scouts until it wasn't even enjoyable anymore. I'm at my wits end!

I was leaning over one of the Training Grounds fences with my face glued to the ground. It'll be lunch soon, and although our conversations hadn't become awkward to a sort, I knew it was beginning to wear on me of how much I wanted to just ask Sunny to the Ball. Igneel wasn't helping either with his constant nagging. Everyday it's always the same, "How soon until I can ask her for you?" Igneel would ask. It was his way of greeting me until I man up. I don't blame him; I'm starting to think I'm not much of a man if I can't ask Sunny if she wanted to go to the Grand Ball with me. I moaned at the thought again.

"Well don't be too happy to see me." My Assist Commander announced herself when I saw her face looking up at mine. She had a big smile on her face as her usual braided hair swept over her shoulder. Dahlia and I looked up but I sagged more into the fence post. "Dahls, just make it quick and kill me." I said with a deflated voice. Her head tilted upon my reaction. "Bad day?" She asked. "More like frustrating week." I answered and pulled myself to stand up straight. Dahlia swooped between the wooden fence until she made it on my side. "Lemme guess!" She said excitedly as if it were a game. Dahlia closed her eyes and placed her fingers over her temple with a hard, concentrated look on her face. If I wasn't so bummed out I'd make fun of her for looking constipated. Dahlia gasped and snapped her fingers. "You still haven't asked Sunny yet, have you?!"

"Dear Gods, how could you possibly come to that assumption!?" I said in the most sarcastic tone I could manage. Dahlia just laughed at me some more. "Wow. If I'm speaking freely I'm gonna say you are officially the most pathetic man I've met." I glared in return. "Good thing you aren't speaking freely." The Dragon just rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah and I'm not your favorite. Hey! Why don't I help you ask her? I'm sort of a romantic myself y'know." Dahlia wagged her eyebrows and demonstrated herself. I couldn't help but laugh at her poor demonstration. "You're seeing the first man you came across in Bosco and now you know everything about romance? Why am I not surprised?"

"Hey man! I'm a sucker for romance novels!" Dahls crossed her arms in a huff. "I just happen to keep my taste of books behind closed doors. Don't want word getting out that I'm secretly a lover of romance."

"Barf!" I pointed my index finger in my mouth. Dahlia punched me in exchange of my childish behavior. "Alright Dragneel I see how it is. I came here to be a good friend and help out but I see the disrespect. Good luck trying to ask Sunny to the Ball when it's close to being a month away." Dahlia was about to go back through the fence when I grasped her wrist. "Hey now you know I was joking. I'm sorry, I didn't mean any offense." My Commander bit her cheek whilst her eyes glared at me in her peripheral vision. "It's a good thing I like your company." She returned to her spot and we both leaned to rest on the fence together. I lazily put my arms on the fence to relax more. "What do you have in mind?"

"Well it's obvious you want to do it while you're both alone." Dahlia began saying. "And knowing you for so long I assume you want serenade her. Maybe you should do it with a sunset over you two, and do it outside where there's hardly anyone!" We both looked up to where the top of the Wall was. At the same time we both spoke. "Dinner on the Wall." We both looked back at each other. "Yes! It's perfect! I'll make sure there's no guards and have a place set up for you guys to eat! Maybe we can even have some music playing."

"I dunno about music. I don't want her to think I'm proposing or something. Besides, I like to hear her talk. I don't want it to also bring a passerby hearing music at the top of the Wall." Dahlia nodded. "That's true. Alright. No music, but I can get a nice place set up for you two to have dinner. What'll you two be eating though?"

"Sunny cooks my meals. We usually put it in a basket and decide where to eat; so it won't be hard to convince to eat somewhere else besides the Dining Hall." We both conspired more about when this would take place; Dahlia especially being persistent that it happens as soon as possible. "Preferably I want to do this tonight, but when would you like to have your 'perfect moment' done?" The Dragon asked. As hard as it was to admit Dahlia was right about it being done as soon as possible. I scrunched my face already waiting to see the shitty grin she would show. "If you can get everything set up by tonight we'll do it. I want to ask Sunny to the Ball so she'll have time to get ready."

Dahlia showed her shit-eating grin. Bastard.

"Consider it done. Make sure it's you two around seven o'clock tonight! It'll be perfect." Dahlia jumped over the fence and started to run out of sight. "Leave it to me!" Was the last thing I heard and watched her figure disappear. I left the Training Ring to also head to the castle to get a few things done. After returning to the castle I cleaned up and changed from my military uniform back into my civilian clothes. I had Lucy's ribbon tied my hair back to a ponytail and put effort into looking nice for a change. Instead of my red vest I decided to wear a blue tunic that was sleeved on my left arm but sleeveless on my right side. I also decided to keep my boots on instead of wearing sandals to which I neatly snugged my white pants into the cuffs of the boots. I checked my appearance over in the mirror be more time until I felt confidant enough to leave.

My first objective was to talk to Elain of all people. Her schedule was that of a child, so either I would find her in the library or she could be running around Gods knows where in Drakonia. Luck was on my side because I found her in the library finishing up in her studies. I knocked on the door to announce myself then walked closer to her table that she was using. "Hi Natsu!" Elain said happily just about jumping out of her chair. She took notice of my change in wardrobe. "Who are you dressing up for?" She asked now grinning like a chesrire cat. "Hello to you to Elain. I'm in need of a favor from you."

"Me? Don't know how helpful I can be but I'll try." The child replied. She closed her study journal as I sat myself down next to her. "I want to take Sunny out for dinner tonight so we can talk. The thing is, I was hoping it could be just us adults." Elain's grin became bigger. "Are you going to talk to her about everything?"

"No. No I'm afraid she still isn't ready." Elain's grin faltered. "Oh...then why do you wanna talk to Sunny alone?" Elain innocently asked. I scratched the back of my neck. "I...was wanting to ask—"

"Are you gonna marry Sunny again!"

"What! No! Sheesh child wait for me to finish speaking!" Elain put her hands over her mouth. I chuckled whilst shaking my head. "If you'll let me speak," I eyed the child waiting if she'll interrupt again. When she didn't this time I continued. "I wanted to ask Sunny to go to the Grand Ball with me." Elain's oceanic blue eyes sparkled. "You wanna take her to the Ball!" Elain squealed and jumped in her chair some more. I attempted to quiet her down so no one would hear the commotion. "Yes! Yes I do. I want to take all three of you to the Grand Ball if Sunny's alright with it. I gotta ask her first."

"And you wanna ask in private? Meaning no children around you two tonight." I held my neck again. "You're making it sound like I don't want you around." I mumbled. Elain just laughed at me. "No I get it. Even adults need a break from kids. Don't worry, I was invited to a slumber party by my friends in the Northern District so I'll be leaving the castle tonight. Sunny wanted to drop me off but my friends are coming here so we can walk together."

"Are they nice?" I asked her. Elain tilted her head before nodding. "Deeve is my best friend, but don't let Ashliv know that. I love all of them! They're the nicest Dragons I've ever met. Save for Miss Deeney and Mister Igneel. Oh! And you of course Natsu!"

"That's so good to hear. You're happy in Drakonia, I take it?" Elain nodded. "We're all happy. We have a home now." I looked at the child in pure admiration. Elain endured so much heartache after the loss of her home country, yet here she was smiling and happy about her new home. It made me all the more determined to keep this place safe for her. Nashi was my biological daughter, but Elain was also my daughter. I rubbed the top of her head messing up her hair to which she complained. "Natsuuu!" She huffed and patted down her disheveled hair. I stood up and smiled. "Thank you Lanie."

"For what?" She asked. I smiled more. "For everything. I'm thankful to the Gods that brought you in my life." Elain's cheeks blushed. Her lips curled upwards and lifted her face  "I'm thankful too."

~~~

Dinner time was close. Elain was at her slumber party and Nashi was eating her dinner curtesy to the wet nurse. I was waiting at the bottom of the entrance sitting on one of the stair steps. Sunny was supposed to be here soon. As every minute went by I had to force my knee to stop jumping and pull my hand back from scratching the back of my neck. It was quiet for a change, but for once I wanted to hear something other than silence. I sighed and stared at the clock that sat above the entrance doors seeing that it was cutting close to seven o'clock.

Footsteps echoed the vacant corridors when Sunny appeared behind a corner. She was holding her wicker basket in her right hand as her left hand went up to her face to swipe away any hair that was out of place. Sunny wore a light blue dress, it was a change in her choice of color, as the sleeves stopped at her elbows and the skirt ending just above her ankles. She was even wearing a change of footwear. Instead of her worn black flats Sunny was wearing leather sandals that braided around her feet. I stood up to greet her as she seemed to also take notice of my appearance. "You look..." She began to say when her face blushed. "Too much?" I asked playfully. Sunny shook her head. "Perfect." She answered.

"I was about to say the same to you." We both grew flustered. My hand went out to Sunny as she accepted and held her hand around my arm. "What're we having this fine evening?" I asked her. Sunny giddily shook her head. "You'll know after we sit to eat." She replied wagging her finger at me. We left the entrance of the castle as we took our time to walk together. "Tonight will be different. I wanted to have a change of scenery, if you don't mind that it." Sunny shook her head. "Not at all. Please proceed."

I asked about Nashi and how she was doing. We talked about Elain and her education that she seems to be flying through. We talked more about my past, particularly when I was with Igneel as a child, and more about future plans for Drakonia. "I was thinking of saving up to buy a home in the Northern District." Sunny said when we made it to the Training Ground. Without thinking my grip grew tighter. "Is the castle not to your liking?" I asked her. Sunny's eyes looked as if I accused her of a crime she didn't commit. "No it's perfect! It's wonderful." She said quickly. Sunny leaned closer to me. "Elain has friends there. I want her to be able to be near them. I know the city is safe at night, but I hate the thought of children running alone at night. Especially if Elain is one of them. She isn't a Dragon so I worry about her safety. I'm sure her friends won't rope her into trouble, but— I don't know. Now that we have a home I want to protect it. I want to protect my children."

"If you wish to have a home in the Northern District I can help you." Sunny squeezed my arm. "You don't have to do that. You already give me so much Jewels. I'm sure if I saved up I could buy a home within a year!" We both laughed and walked close to the Wall. "I want to make sure you and the girls are well taken care of." I said and pulled her up the narrow stairway that was tucked in the Wall. Instead of me leading and Sunny following behind me we both tucked close to each other so that we wouldn't leave one another's side. Sunny didn't seem to mind. "You've done more than anyone could ever do Natsu. My girls are happy and I'm happy." I pulled her closer until her head was on my shoulder. "That's all I want to hear is how happy you and the girls are. That's all that matters to me."

We made it to the top of the Wall when Sunny gasped. "Oh, Natsu..." Sunny released my arm to look all around her. Candles were placed on both sides of the balconies as there was a round table covered in a white table cloth with a red rose in the center. There were two chairs just for us to sit. I looked at the ground and saw rose petals when I started to kick them down the steps. "Too romantic Dahls." I hissed whereas Sunny placed the basket on the table and looked back at me. "It's all so beautiful! Did you do this for me?" She asked with her hands hiding her lips. I felt my cheeks growing warm. "I had a little help." I admitted when Sunny came to me and threw her arms over my neck. "Thank you." She whispered. The warm feeling became to hot to handle. I hugged Sunny back and prayed she didn't notice I was becoming a tomato. We both stayed that way until she was the one to let go. "Let's eat." Said Sunny as she pulled my hand to follow her. I did so without question.

Sunny set the table with our plates and utensils as I readied the glasses for a drink. I helped Sunny into her seat then took mine. She pulled out a metal canister that was almost to large to fit in the basket. She opened it and I had to stop myself from drooling. "Seared filet mignon that's marinated overnight, with a side of seasoned greens and diced baked potato." Sunny set our plates, mine having the bigger portion than hers, and set the canister and basket on the ground. It was still hot and steaming a godly smell that was to good to refuse. "Where'd you learn to cook like this Sunny?"

"I've been reading recipe books. After some talking around I learned you prefer protein meals that consist of meats. You need to have your veggies though so I made extra sides." I cut into the filet that was easy to cut like butter. The aroma of the spices and smoke that charred the edge was overwhelmingly good. I wanted to cry from having a meal that was so delicious. "Thank you for the meal." Sunny smiled at my appreciation. "I hope you enjoy." We ate our meal as slow as possible. Sunny enjoyed the view of the sunset that close to an end whereas I was eating a second portion of sides. I watched Sunny slowly chew her dinner as she watched the sky change colors until nighttime would soon take over. I set my utensil down and pulled her hand in mine. "Sunny?"

"Yes?" She asked grasping my hand tightly. "Do you...remember?" She looked confused by what I meant. "Remember what?" I said nothing for a minute. It all came back to me; the feeling of how much I missed Lucy. Everything that I wished we could talk about but unable to. The fear of Sunny getting hurt due to my selfishness. The longing of wanting to hold my wife close to me and pull her lips to mine. I just wanted her to remember. I wanted her to remember me. "I think I'm nervous." I laughed it off to avoid the feeling of dread. Sunny smiled at me. "Natsu, you don't ever have to be nervous around me."

"I won't scare you off?" Sunny shook her head. "You haven't given me a reason to be scared. Is everything alright?"

"Go to the Grand Ball with me."

I blinked. Sunny blinked. We both blinked at my straight forwardness. I backtracked and pulled my hand away this time. "I mean, will you go with me? I meant to say it like that, but I've been jumping around asking for so long and—dammit I'm not good at this. I wanted to not make you feel forced but I've done a good job at not not doing that. Oh for Gods sake—"

"I'd love to." Her voice answered faintly. I stopped stammering and looked at her. Sunny eyes hadn't left me as she warmly smiled. Her hand stretched out and grabbed ahold of mine when her breath wavered. "I would be...so happy to go with you Natsu. I'm honored you would ask me to be your partner for the Grand Ball." My body relaxed as I clasped my hand closer to her. "Really?" She nodded at me question. "I don't know how good of a dance partner I'll be, but if it's you that I'm dancing with, I think I'll manage."

"We can bring Elain and Nashi along. They may not be able to stay awake for the whole night but I'm sure Elain will have fun dressing up." Sunny agreed. We stared into each others eyes as we both searched into the depths of our souls. I could tell she had so many questions yet she didn't know how to ask them. There was so much she wanted to know, but the time wasn't right. Not yet, anyways. Maybe Grandeeney was right. Maybe Sunny is getting closer to being ready to remember. I wish I could test this theory, yet I didn't want to risk it. I pulled away and stood up to help Sunny out of her seat. "There's a possibility you'll meet some of my old guildmates."

"Really? How many are coming?" Sunny asked and stood up. We both began to clean up our table. "I'm not sure. Many of them have children so it won't be everyone. I'm certain my old Guild Master will be here, but if anyone else comes I haven't heard word." Sunny nodded and placed the remains of dinner back in the metal container. "Can I meet them?"

'No!'

"If you wish to." I answered warily. What would happen if Sunny sees them? Would she collapse again? Would my old guildmates try to talk to her as if she was Lucy? I had to send the letter to them explaining all that's happened. They're going to be meeting Sunny, not Lucy, after all these years. And for them to also know I'm a father...I have to do this in person. I'll be vague but I'll tell them it's urgent and that they must see me before they wander around the castle or city. Sunny touched my forearm halting me from thinking any further about the situation. "Thank you for tonight Natsu. I'm quite excited about next month!" I smiled at her and placed my hand over hers. "Me too."

I had to prepare for calamity when my guildmates arrive.

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

~Sunny~

It was three days before the night of the Ball. After an entire month of dress fittings and Councilor Grandeeney helping me every step of the way with dance sessions and proper etiquette of the do's and don'ts for a Lady, it was almost time. When I first came to Miss Grandeeney for guidance she was utterly ecstatic that Natsu and I were going together. "I thought he would never ask you! That boy knows how to keep a woman waiting!" Was her words when she went down an entire list of what we needed to do to get me ready. While most women had three months to prepare, I only had a month to get myself ready for the Ball. Grandeeney had been by my side helping me every step of the way; if it wasn't for her I'm sure I would have succumbed to the tight schedules and every other day dress fitting to make sure I was still the same size. The beautiful Councilor helped me get back into my regular evening gown after the tailor finished checking my sizes. "Everything seems to be in check!" The female tailor exclaimed. I sighed a breath of relief. "That's good news. So, does that mean we're done with the fittings?"

"Oh heavens no! You'll need a dress fitting the night before the Grand Ball and on the morning of! I may have to make quick tune ups for any reasons necessary." Grandeeney rolled her eyes at the tailor. "It's a pain. But since your dress had to be made so quickly she only wants to make sure it fits you well." I rubbed my hands. "And you're sure it's modest? I was a little worried about the cut being to revealing." Grandeeney sat me down at the vanity and began to brush my hair. "I assure you my dear, you will look perfect in it. It's a twist or modest and revealing. A perfect balance."

"And the color? Are you sure-"

"The color is what makes the dress. You'll look radiant when you wear it that night. No one else will outshine you." I blushed. "I don't know about that Miss Grandeeney. You're not in a ball gown and you're already beautiful." The Dragon smiled at my compliment. She placed the brush down then started to braid my hair. "You dilute yourself too much Sunny. There are many beautiful people that live on this world, but none could shine like you do." Grandeeney bent over until our face was side by side. She looked into the vanity whilst pointing at me. "Don't you see it? You glow with beauty." I tried to find what Grandeeney was talking about, but I just saw myself. Brown eyes, blonde hair, and a small faint scar that stuck out like a sore thumb on my upper lip. I placed my finger over the scar and tried again. Still nothing. I looked at the Dragon in apology. "I can't see what you mean Miss Grandeeney." Regardless of my poor ability to see what she meant, the Dragon softly squeezed my shoulders still staring into the vanity's mirror. "You will Sunny. You'll be breathtaking."

A knock came from the door when a maid entered. "Councilor Grandeeney, more guests have arrived. Shall we prepare their quarters in the upper level?" The Councilor stepped away to speak to the young maid. "Please. How many are there and under whose name?"

"Six. The King of Fiore and his daughter. They brought the Princess's personal guard and three more soldiers for security." The maid explained. Grandeeney looked back at me to see if I was listening. I pointed my direction elsewhere on the vanity table and picked up a perfume to pretend I was looking at it. The Councilor looked back to the maid. "Have their Majesties have their own rooms at the upper level. If Princess Huisi wishes to have her guard with her have a room for him, if not, let him stay in the Barracks."

"Yes ma'am." The maid left a moment later. I opened the perfume top and smelled it to avoid suspicion. I wondered why Grandeeney wanted to make sure if I was listening or not. Did she not want me to meet the King or Princess? I was already going to avoid them to not make an embarrassment of myself. It's already nerve wrecking that I'm going to have to dance around these politically powerful people. The less I look like a bumbling fool the better. I was wanting to see Natsu today, but yesterday he said he was going to be busy welcoming guests and allies from other countries. It was his and Scale Master Yusei's duty to greet the travelers outside the Wall. The Councilors wanted to be cautious about who enters or leaves the Walls. Natsu explained it was nothing I didn't need to worry over. Him saying that made it all the more to worry about. I thought the Dark Mages were still in Joya. I recalled some Dark Mages following our refuge group when we left Bosco, but that was only because we were Joya refugees. What other reason was there to worry about? I haven't heard any word or seen signs of the Dragons talking or worrying over the Dark Mages.

And yet, there was an uneasy feeling that followed the higher-ups. There was something they didn't want to show to their people. They were anxious about something.

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

~Natsu~

"Dahlia, if you don't stop moving I swear to Gods I'm going to smack you." My Assist Commander muttered profanities and scratched underneath her breast plate. "These formal military uniforms are always so itchy. Why are we wearing them again?" She muttered as she returned to attention formation. It's not like I've told her three times already. "For the last time, we're showing our guests a sign of respect. Everything about this armor is for appearance only. We're not at war and we're showing them that by wearing this."

"Could've fooled me." Dahlia muttered under her breath. The other Scale Master snickered with his Assist Commander also by his side. "Having trouble keeping her tamed?" Yusei asked breaking his eyes to look at us. "No Sir, just having issues with my vision due to looking at your appearance." I replied to which Dahlia stifled back a snort. I expected Yusei to snare back at me, but he just rolled his eyes. "Always playing the jester Scale Master Dragneel. Suits you quite well."

"He does play it well Scale Master Yusei. Which means you also play the fat lady exceptionally well. I hope to hear you sing at the Ball." My Assist Commander commented. Yusei's Commander couldn't hide his snicker. Yusei lazily rolled his eyes. "Scale Master Dragneel, put her on a leash. Or must I do it for you?" Dahlia raised her eyebrows. "I'd like to see you try to leash me, Master Yusei." The other Scale Master narrowed his eyes at her. "You wish to challenge me?" He asked now grinning. Dahlia waved her hand over her face like a damsel. "How could I, a weak, fragile lady even dare to challenge the strong and courageous Scale Master Yusei! I could never dare dream of such a thing!"

"Alright you two cut it out. I think I see more guests arriving." I stepped forward to look closer at the two oncoming traveling carriages. I squinted to find any sign of who it was until I noticed the crest on the center of the door. It was Fairy Tail's insignia. "Shit." I cursed under my breath. It was now or never. I looked over to Dahlia. "It's my old guild. Let the coachman know they're going to the castle where I'll be waiting for them."

"You're not going to greet them here?" My Commander asked when I was already starting to run towards the castle. "No! I have to make sure everything's in check for them at the castle! I owe you Dahls!" I left back inside the Walls to get a head start to the castle. First, I had to make sure Sunny was still in the castle with Grandeeney. She and the other Councilors knew about the commotion that was about to happen. My family was about to explode when I tell them what has happened almost half a year ago. I had to make sure they don't meet Sunny until they know that this is Sunny and not Lucy. How am I going to explain this? If Lucy was back already this would be so much easier.

At the front of the castle were maids and butlers welcoming those to the castle. I found Yeri and pulled her aside after catching my breath. "Tell Grandeeney Fairy Tail has arrived. Make sure Sunny doesn't come near them until I say it's fine. Alright?" Yeri nodded. "Yes Scale Master." Now it was time to wait. I stood at attention at the top of the stairway waiting to see the carriages again. My gloved hands wrung the tight leather unconsciously tightening my fists. It was only minutes later when I saw the two carriages pull around until they both came to a stop. The coachmen stepped off the and opened the doors as I now held my breath. The first person stepped out of the front after thanking the coachman.

It was Gramps.

He had hardly changed in appearance or attitude. He might've been a little shorter but I couldn't really notice when the other person started to step out. Jellal stepped out of the front carriage and held his hand out for someone to take. Erza, holding a dark red-haired child took her husband's hand and stepped out of the carriage. Layla, now almost ten years old jumped out and grabbed her dad's hand. The second carriage I saw Gray helping a very pregnant Juvia out of the carriage as two Exceeds flew out of it. Carla and Happy, each of them bickering about something. Wendy was talking to the boy Santos I recalled when they also stepped out of the second carriage. I hadn't noticed one more person was in the front carriage when she shyly stepped out of it thanks to the help of the coachman. It was Vivian, now even more beautiful and grown. Her strawberry blonde hair was a pixie cut and her emerald  eyes was the only one that searched around until they landed on me. Her eyes alone showed she was still in love with me. Everyone gradually fell silent when they saw who it was standing not even ten feet from them. Erza was the first one to break the long silence. "Natsu?" I smiled and took the steps down to greet them. "Welcome to Drakonia." I warmly stated and outstretched my hand. It's been almost three years since I've seen any of them. For all I knew they were angry with me for leaving. Erza stepped forward to get a closer look at me. Her face became hard; her eyes investigating everything I had on me.

She cracked with a choked sob.

A second later I felt her free arm wrap around me into a soft, warm hug. "You stupid, stupid dumbass! How could you leave us like that!" She sobbed and cried more into my shoulder. My face was one that was surprised of this outcome, but I quickly recovered and returned her hug. "I missed you guys too." Layla hugged my torso along with her mother. "Uncle Natsu!" Layla bawled not seeming to let go anytime soon. Erza let go and it was Gray and Wendy next. Wendy wiped tears away from her face whereas Gray was fuming. "To busy to write back to us, huh?" The Ice-Mage accused. It cut me like a knife to hear the coldness in his voice. "Gray, I didn't mean to upset—" Gray cracked a smirk. "I can see why. Your Assist Commander shared a few of the craziest stories I've heard in a long time. You'll have to tell me everything." Gray clapped his hand on my shoulder then pulled me into a brotherly hug. I returned the gesture and hugged him back. "I'm glad to see you here." Gray let go and rolled his eyes. "I was expected to come. I was one of the many mages that volunteered to fight against the Dark Mages in Bosco and Stella."

"You volunteered?"

"The only people here that couldn't were Erza and Juvia. One's a mother and the other is about to be the mother of my child." I stared at all the wizards before me that volunteered their lives. They all looked back at me with the same recognition, as if I had never left. Happy flew forward and hugged me around my neck. "I missed you." Happy whispered as his paws tightened around me. For a second I lost the ability to breathe. I held my lost Exceed and returned his hug tenfold. "I missed you Haps. So so much."

"Natsu, we received your letter a month ago about an urgent message. What was so important you needed to speak to us in person?" Gramps asked after wiping away remaining tears. I held my Exceed when I looked to the entrance of the castle. It was too risky to still go in there. "Can we speak in private? Follow me." I turned to my left and proceeded to walk listening to my old comrades follow in silence. We went through a path of rose bushes and a gazebo until we made it to a quiet courtyard with a fountain in the center. I looked around finding no sign of anyone being nearby. My attention returned to Fairy Tail. "You all might want to sit down for what I'm about to tell you."

"Is everything alright Natsu-san?" Wendy asked. Vivian held her arms not looking at my general direction. I scratched the back of my head as I tried to somehow gently lay the news upon them. "Before I tell all of you, know that the reason why I didn't say this sooner is because I didn't want the entire guild to be here. It's already confusing and unbelievable as it is." I ranted starting to walk back and forth. Happy left my arms and returned to Wendy and Santos's side. "Natsu, if you've found someone then that's wonderful! We only want you to be happy." Erza explained with an openness in her voice, as if she's trying to keep a balance between me and everyone else. Vivian looked at me. "You've moved on?" She asked. I could hear the sadness in not only her voice, but I could see it in her posture. Everything about her held a longing and heartbreak that happened almost three years ago. I sucked in a breath of air. "Okay, the best thing to do is just say it out loud. Everyone, around five months ago I met a woman-"

"That's wonderful!" Juvia exclaimed with joy. My mouth began to feel dry. "No! Please let me finish! Five months ago I found—"

"Natsu? Are you talking to someone?" My heart froze. Everyone, aside from Vivian and the children, all seemed to have also freeze where they stood. They heard Sunny's voice. A moment later, Sunny turned from the corner and entered the courtyard then halted in her steps. She was holding Nashi in her arms that was slowly falling asleep. "Oh! I'm sorry, are these your old guildmates?" Sunny came forward then bowed to the ghost-stricken group. They must have thought they were seeing a living ghost, because it's what I was thinking too when I first met Sunny. Vivian's eyes dilated when she realized who it was. I cleared my throat to gain everyone's attention. "Minna, this is Sunny. She came with the Joya refugees and is my guest. This...is her daughter. Nashi."

"Sunny?" Gray wheezed being the first one to break free from seeing Lucy. Sunny blinked until she chuckled. "It's a strange name, isn't it? My other daughter named me that, but that's such a long story. It's not my real name. I don't remember my real name." Sunny out her hand up to shake Gray's hand. "Who might you be? Natsu hasn't mentioned much about his old guild or guildmates."

"You don't...remember us?"

"Gray!" I snapped and placed my body between Sunny and everyone else. "Sunny has amnesia. She doesn't have any recollection of who she is or where she came from. Show some respect!" I didn't mean for it to come out harshly, but I had to make them understand they cannot know her. Gray shook his head. "What do you mean amnesia?"

"Have I said something wrong?" Sunny asked. I turned back around to face her and Nashi. "No. This is all a sentimental moment for us. It's been years since we've seen each other." I rubbed my hands up and down her arms. "I'd be grateful if you could give us a moment to catch up alone. Don't want you to see my nakamas get all teary-eyed." Sunny smiled. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude." We both looked back to my guildmates who were on the brink of either screaming at me or crying to see Lucy alive after almost ten years. Sunny bowed again to depart. "I hope to be good friends with all of you! Any friend of Natsu's is also a friend of mine." Sunny waved farewell and left with Nashi who was now asleep. I watched her walk away and turn the corner to go back inside as I mentally swore that I would have to ask Grandeeney how she managed to leave her sight. Before I could turn and explain myself, I felt a punch throw my face to the ground. Gray hovered over me, eyes that I swore hued blue, with his fist tightened and ready to throw another. "Explain what we just saw. Now." Gray demanded. Erza was sitting on a nearby bench bawling her eyes and hyperventilated that Jellal had to coo and talk gently to her with Layla crying from the fact her mother was. Gramps had his hand clenched over his chest. Wendy had fainted and Santos was helping her from falling. Happy and Carla stood stiff still in shock. Juvia was crying into her hands. And Vivian, seeing my long lost wife in the flesh with my child, I saw the light in her eyes gone. She out of everyone was the only person that didn't cry.

I rubbed my jaw to ease the immediate throbbing. "Like I said, I didn't want to tell you guys until she recovered." I explained. Gray had to hold himself back when he turned around and held his fist. "Were you going to tell us!? Natsu how could you keep us in the dark about this!?"

"Because she doesn't remember anything! She came back, but not as Lucy. She has no memories of anything when she woke up." I stood up and began to explain everything. The reason as to why Joya fell, the Dark Mages looking for the Savior, speaking to the Gods one last time in the Abyss and what they told me, finding Sunny when she came to Drakonia as a refuge with my biological child, and explaining to them of the reason why she has no prior memories from when she died years ago. By then everyone had either stopped crying or calmed down to listen, but it was still the same as to how we all felt. "Lucy's alive," Gray admitted now also sitting on a bench. His eyes fell to the ground. "but she isn't here." Gray finished. I nodded. "If I force her to remember when she isn't ready...I can't risk it. If we say or do anything it could potentially harm her or even worse! The best way to go about this is that you're meeting Sunny. Not Lucy."

"Could we try to heal her? Maybe there's a way other than waiting for her to remember." Santos suggested, but I shook my head. "Grandeeney did everything she could, but it isn't physical. It all comes down to her spirit. And...so much happened when she woke up in Joya, minna. Terrible things. Sunny is beginning to heal from her trauma when she came back. Can't you see what you're asking her? With all that's happened you want to add more to her burden. It would be too much for her to carry. It could kill her!"

"Natsu..." Vivian said and put her hands over Layla's ears. I grimaced at what I just said. "I'm sorry. I know how all of you feel. Believe me, I was in your shoes when I found her in worse condition than she is now. I also know the fact you will have to look at Sunny and talk to her as if she's a stranger. It was damn near impossible for me. I, of all people, want Lucy back. But we can't have her with us right now. For now, and for Lucy's sake, her name is Sunny and you don't know her. You have no idea who she is and you're meeting her for the first time. It's for the best we keep it that way until she's ready."

"Still, you should have told us. We could've been here sooner!" Gray shouted. I narrowed my eyes. "And what?! You wanted me to torment the fact our nakama came back only to not remember a damn thing about any of us! Would you have done the same if the roles were reversed?" Gray opened his mouth to speak, but nothing was said. He closed his mouth and looked away. "That's—it would be different."

"That's what I thought. Everyday, I look at my wife and can't tell her how badly I missed her. Or how much I love her. It nearly broke me. I didn't want to hurt any of you with the news when you have your own lives to live. You were able to move on and be happy! I couldn't forgive myself if I forced any of you to drop everything and come here and to do what? Nothing!? More of us would have been suffering!"

The courtyard fell silent with only the sound of water gushing from the fountain and song birds that flew over us. Vivian spoke first. "What do we do now?" Her question was for Fairy Tail. Did they even want to stay after what I told them? Gramps looked to me with serious eyes. "Is there a reason to worry about Sunny's safety with the Dark Mages?" My old guild master asked. I rubbed the back of my neck now wishing I had my reports to show. "It's unlikely they'll be able to get over the Capital's Walls, but we have seen sighting of Dark Mages in our territory. Thank the Gods none of our towns or our cities have been attacked, but we're aware that that's been multiple sightings of Mages crossing our border. As of now we've sent multiple scouting groups to scout near the Great Plains and do a focus point of the forest around the Capital." I crossed my arms over my chest. "I would appreciate it if you didn't tell Sunny about anything relating to the Dark Mages. She's already had to flee from Joya due to Dark Mages once; I don't want her to think she has to run away twice in fear of safety."

"With the walls protecting this city I don't think anything can get in. I get it though. You don't want her to worry about the children's safety." Jellal said. I agreed then looked back to Makarov. "We found the reason as to why the Dark Mages are uniting and where they're moving to next. With news of the Grand Ball I don't want the Capital to become vulnerable to any potential attacks. It's not just Sunny's safety I worry over but all of the Capital's citizens."

"Then we must stay. If there's any potential threat that will be at the Ball then we have to do all we can to assist Drakonia. Also, to make sure a child of mine is kept safe from the clutches of Dark Mages is our top priority." Gramps stated with a firm nod. I softly smiled. "Thank you." I said. My old comrades were ready to see their rooms as I showed them through the castle where they would be staying. Each couple had their own room, save for Gramps and Vivian that had their own to themselves. Gramps stopped me from leaving when it was just us in the hallway. "How is this possible Natsu? Do you truly believe this is Lucy?" He asked. Makarov's face became older the longer I looked at him. His eyes had sunken in over the years and more wrinkles stretched over his skin. I saw in his eyes a flame of hope that was a breath away from being distinguished. I nodded with certainty. "I know it's her Gramps. She's our Lucy."

"Forgive me for being hesitant. The last thing we expected when coming here would be...this." Gramps's face grew solemn. "You need to speak to Vivian." I pulled away from the old man. "Why? I think everything was said when I left the guild."

"She's heartbroken Natsu. Poor girl has never moved on from you and now she knows there isn't a chance." I peered away and leaned on the doorway. "I told her there was never a chance to begin with. Why should I have to fret about someone's feelings when I told her already?"

"Because you should know of all people what love does to someone."

He had me there. I begrudgingly sighed pinching the bridge of my nose. "Fine. I'll talk to her." Gramps sighed in relief. "Thank you. You should know that Vivian was one of the first to volunteer to fight back the Dark Mages in Bosco. You would have been proud."

"I am proud. I'm proud of all of you for your sacrifice to help Bosco and Drakonia. The Council will greatly reward all of you." Gramps opened his mouth to speak more, but quickly shook his head and waved me away. "We'll see you tomorrow." Gramps bid me a goodnight and closed his bedroom door. I stood there, a sudden gaping hole growing in my chest after all that had happened today. I knew it would be an emotional reunion, and yet there was a disconnection on my end. I missed all of them, there was no doubt about that, but I didn't know them like I used to anymore. Just like finding Sunny I was meeting strangers for the first time. None of them would admit it because it was obvious I was also a stranger to them. "Three years." I said as I turned to go to my room.

Three years has been too long.

~~~

Tonight was the night of the Ball. It had been the longest three months for everyone in the castle that all came down for one night. The Ball Room was decorated with the finest silk banners of Drakonia's emblem and gold accents. The champagne glass were made of crystal as was the large chandelier that had been cleaned and polished the night before. Maids and butlers were running through the corridor preparing any last minute critique that Grandeeney noticed. She examined the foods that were going to be served and taste tested the wine. She was an unstoppable machine to say the least.

"Remember to have these wine glasses out on the Ballroom floor to be served. Music will begin playing at seven, but hors d'oeuvres will be displayed at eight. The sweet dishes come out thirty minutes after, hopefully after everyone begins to feel the bubbles from the bubble champagne." Grandeeney was surrounded by the Head chef and Head butler and maid. The group talked more until Grandeeney dismissed them to get back to work. I looked around astonished by the beauty of what the Ballroom has transformed to. "I had doubts about this Grand Ball idea Grandeeney, but you've proved me wrong." The Dragon smugly smirked hearing her victory. "I'm glad you think so." She stepped forward shifting from a smirk to her sweet smile. She looked me up and down then shook her head. "It's time Natsu."

"Time for what?" Grandeeney picked up a strand of my hair. "It's time for a haircut." She dropped my hair back to my shoulder. I ran my fingers over my head, snickering. "I've been saying that for months now! Haven't gotten around to doing it." The Dragon tsked upon hearing my answer. "Well let's change that. Come, I'll answer your cry for help and take care of that mop of a head for you." Grandeeney pulled me by my arm as we both began to walk out the Ballroom. Grandeeney would stop to inspect decor or speak to a maid that was walking by to ask them a question about something I wasn't interested listening to. We made it to my bedroom and walked in when she set me down on my desk chair. "You have a pair of scissors?"

"Somewhere in my desk." I said while taking the ribbon out of my hair. My ponytail fell past my shoulder blades while I scratched my head. The Councilor found the pair of scissors after digging through reports and letters I haven't read yet. "Natsu Dragneel! For a Scale Master you have a very disorganized work desk!" I rolled my eyes. "Some people are too busy to throw a Ball and play dress up Councilor!" Grandeeney slapped the blunt end of the scissors on my head. "Ow!"

"Hush now. Take off your jacket while I get a towel." I mumbled under my breath to mock the Dragon lady as she went to the bathroom to grab one of my towels. Quickly taking off my military jacket I extended my wings out and let out a relaxed sigh. It was always refreshing whenever I could stretch my wings out. Grandeeney came back then put the towel around my shoulders. "Alright. How short do you want it?"

"Did you see the Ice mage from my old guild?" I asked her. Grandeeney nodded. "Around that length."

"Then let's get to work."

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

~Sunny~

It was seven o'clock. In just under an hour I would be surrounded by powerful wizards and influential Royalties that all wish to see the wealth and strength of the Dragon kingdom. I would be the dance partner of one of their Scale Masters. I blushed thinking of Natsu and how he would look in this very formal occasion. My thoughts wandered on thinking of the salmon-haired man when my ribs felt they were about to crack like a walnut. "Gah! Too tight!" I wheezed clutching the bed post to secure my footing. The maid pulled harder on the corset ribbons. "Too tight means smaller waist. Catch your breath because you won't be breathing for the rest of the night."

"Must beauty cost my ability to breathe?!" I gasped and hung on tighter to the post. The maid grunted then tied the remaining ribbon to secure the corset. "Yes! You are Scale Master Dragneel's partner tonight! You are part of his image and must be perfect! Now, let's move on to the skirt."

My dress was rose pink with a princess skirt that fell past my ankles. The sleeves fell over my shoulders with intricate floral lacing covering the top bodice piece of the dress. The skirt also had an array of lacing that moved down to the ends of the soft fabric. Grandeeney helped design the dress to shape my figure and compliment my contour. Whatever that meant. I trust Councilor Grandeeney. She said this is the dress for me, and how could I object a Dragon as beautiful as her?

It was a chore into getting the dress. Felt like a torture device if anything! The dress must have weighed 30 pounds with all the fabrics layering the skirt. I was close to tears when the dress was finished and in place. I let out a deep breath, as deep as I could muster, and was led to the vanity. Another maid came in to help with makeup and hair. "Madam, Scale Master Dragneel had me come to give you a gift for the Ball." The second maid extended her hands out to give me a small red velvet box. She opened it to show two pink diamonds earrings. They were in the shape of hearts and shined with all the colors of the rainbow. I felt my jaw fall when I gently took the box from her hands. "He got this for me?" I asked looking to the maids that awed and admired the gift from Natsu. She bobbed her head. "Yes madam. And here's a letter." She pulled a letter out of her apron pocket to a small letter with beautiful handwriting. I opened the envelope to read the letter.

A small gift for the woman that deserves so much more. I await to see you tonight with anticipation. Please accept these diamonds if you wish to bring me joy.

Until I see you again,
Natsu Dragneel

"Oh my..." I put the box on the vanity to scared to touch them. They were gorgeous and too perfect for someone like me to wear them. Knowing myself I would happen to lose one of the earrings and never find it again. How much Jewels did he spend on me!? "I shouldn't accept this."

"But you must! It's a gift from Master Dragneel! Never in my years of working in this castle has he done something like this for any lady. It would be an insult to the Master if you meet him without wearing them."

"But what happens if I lose them!" The maid pish-poshed with a wave of her hand. "Then he'll gift you another set of earrings." I wanted to faint. "Dear Gods I hope not." My eyes looked back to the earrings again. They were gorgeous. I'd hate myself if I lost them, yet I wanted to wear them for him. Natsu must have put so much time and care to have picked these, or maybe he had them made, I didn't know. All I know was the fact it would be rude of me to reject his gift. I was about to pick one up from the box, but pulled my hand away before touching them. "Please be careful putting them on. I don't trust myself to even touch them." The maids were understanding then helped me with the delicate pieces of jewelry. The two Dragon ladies were gentle and assuring of everything they were doing. They did my makeup, styled my hair in a low bun with placed strands to shape my face. I had a necklace with a smaller diamond in the center of the thin silver chain. The first maid came forward and handed me elbow length, white silk gloves. This was the only thing I wanted to have on as part of my ball gown hence I wasn't used to being so bare for the world to see. I slipped into my short heels that matched the color of my dress and was finished before eight o'clock.

"Are you ready madam?" The maids asked. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. After brushing my skirt and checking my appearance one last time, I knew I was ready.

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

~Natsu~

The Ball had started as the spokesman announced the arrival of guests. I anxiously waited just by the door waiting for Sunny to make her appearance. Elain waited next to me, spinning in her baby blue ball gown with all the frills and bows I could count on a dress. "Are you sure Nashi couldn't join us?" Elain asked when I shrugged. "She's a baby Elain. Nashi is with the wet nurse and will be in bed asleep by the time the dancing starts." Elain groaned like an exasperated child. "How is she going to dance with me if she's not here!"

"I don't think she could dance with you, Lanie."

"Not with that attitude." I facepalmed at her reply. Elain stopped twirling and stared at me once again. "Why did you have to cut your hair Natsu? I liked it long." I ran my fingers through my spiky hair locks. It's been years since I had my hair like this. I touched my wrist to caress the ribbon I had worn for so long. "I was ready to cut it. Having long hair is a hassle." Elain thoughtfully put her finger over her chin until she agreed. "Yeah. Maybe I should cut my hair like yours!"

"Ask Sunny first before you barber your hair, 'kay?"

"Okaaaay." She bellowed then started to twirl again. I went back to waiting; my newly polished boots tapping the cobbled ground as I fixed my topcoat that was adorned in metals. I had my gold epaulettes on each shoulder that held my cape that was maroon and carried Drakonia's emblem in gold accent. My attire was my black uniform save for new gold buttons that trailed down my jacket. My wings were uncomfortable due to the tightness between my clothes and back, but I could suck it up for one night. "Sunny!" Elain shouted then ran to meet her halfway. I followed where Elain was running to when I felt my breath leave me.

For a second all I saw was Lucy.

Her dress was perfect. The way her hair sat made her look like a princess. I cursed myself for getting her earrings and not a tiara. Sunny's slender arms were wrapped in white silk from the top of her elbows all the way to her hands. She was the epitome of beauty. Sunny hugged Elain and dotted on the child's dress before taking her hand and meeting me at the doorway. Sunny seemed to be struck by something when her feet faltered. Her eyes looked around my face and my figure until we were now face to face. It was like she lost the ability to speak. "Hi." I said childishly smiling at her. She took a moment to catch her breath. "H-Hi." Sunny whispered when her hand reached up and touched my hair. I felt her fingers tickle my scalp when I softly grasped her hand and pulled it to my chest. "You cut your hair." Sunny murmured taking a tentative step closer. "Do you not like it?"

Sunny just stared. Her eyes were searching something deep within the depths of her chocolate irises; like a sense of déjà vu. "You look...amazing." It was all she could find the words to say. I folded my hand around her hand. "And you look beautiful." I notice a shine next to ear and saw the heart-shaped earrings. My thumb caressed her knuckles. "You're wearing the earrings."

"How could I not? They were from you."

"Would you have worn them if someone else gave them to you?" Sunny raised her eyebrows. A small smile curled her lips. "From someone else...I don't think so." Our arms wrapped together when we moved in front of the Ball Room doors. "Then I'm honored. I hope you like them." Sunny squeezed my arm between hers. "I love them. They're so pretty; I only hope I can sell their appearance on my complexion."

"Don't sell yourself short Sunny." I leaned closer to where my lips almost caressed her earlobe. "I'm afraid I'll have to fend off the countless men that would dare ask you for a dance." I heard Sunny's breath stutter. Her heart beat quick against her chest that she leaned on me to catch her breath. "I think you're over-exaggerating."

"Then you must be blind. How can you not notice the way you light up a room? Or how many eyes watch you when you enter the Training Ground to visit? How can you be so oblivious to the affect you have on everyone you meet?"

Our eyes were locked in a stare down. Sunny searched to find any hints of doubt, but I held firm on what I said. There was nothing I said that I didn't believe. What I said was true. "Natsu..." Sunny whispered. We held our gaze for a few more moments until the spokesman announced us. "Entering is Second Scale Master Natsu Dragneel! The Duel-Sign Salamander and once Guardian of the Savior! Formerly a Protector of Fiore and veteran of the Final War! Accompanying him tonight is Madam Sunny!"

Elain took Sunny's other hand. The three of us stepped forward and walked through to enter the Ball Room. Music filled the ambiance of the large space as countless faces talked and bodies danced. The three of us sticked together for the first hour chatting with old and new comrades. We greeted Kings, princes and princesses and noticed where the Councilors were. Grandeeney was in the center of the Council chatting around a group of Royalties and her Councilors with a glass of wine in hand. The lady Councilor waved us over to join her. Sunny tapped Elain's shoulder. "Why don't you go dance with some of the children? Have some fun while the adults speak." Elain bobbed her head then slipped away to go find a friend as I lead us to the group. Sunny clenched my arm. "Don't worry. I'm sure Grandeeney wants to introduce them to you."

"Me?! Why would she want to introduce them to me?" I glanced at Sunny barely holding back a smile. "Have you seen yourself?"

"Might've been told by someone." Sunny replied smiling back. We greeted the Councilors and guests. "It's a prize to have his Highness make an appearance to our get together." Igneel chatted when he caught sight of us. "Natsu, my boy! And our dearest Sunny. You look ravishing my dear! You must save a dance for me." I glanced down at Sunny with a 'I told you so' look. She smiled with her cheeks growing pink. "For you Councilor, I might consider it." We were welcomed into the conversation as the old people returned talking politics. I would chip in here an there to acknowledge on their statements or future plans whereas Sunny would brush her head to rest on my bicep. My heart was beating rapidly when Sunny caressed her hand around my wrist. I was starting to lose focus. All I wanted to do was admire the woman that stood by my side.

"Natsu?" A voice called for me to which I and Sunny turned around to find. Vivian held her arms over her stomach as she looked at me in visceral pain. "Vivian. How are you?" I asked and for a second reluctantly stepped away from Sunny. Vivian shrugged. "Fine. Not much of a dancer so can't say I'm to comfortable, but the wine is helping with that." A butler happened to walk by with a tray carrying wine glasses. Vivian snatched one before he got to far away. I wanted to take the wine glass out of Vivian's reach; the smell of alcohol was present on her breath meaning this wasn't just her first or second drink. She might have been on her fourth. "Vivian, that's a unique name. I've never heard such a name before. Does it have any meaning?" Sunny asked in hope to break the ice. Vivian took a large sip. "It means: Alive." The tipsy wizard said. She laughed into her wine glass then shook her head. "My mother had trouble bearing children and I was her miracle child." Sunny's eyes fell in heartache. "I'm so sorry about your mother."

"Don't be. It was a long time ago." Vivian finished her wine. "So...Sunny. Any meaning to that?"

"Vivian." I hissed. The mage rolled her eyes. "What? I'm getting to know her!" Sunny just laughed at the question. "I have amnesia so my adopted daughter named me Sunny. Elain said I smiled as bright as the sun so she decided Sunny would be my name."

"But what about your real name?"

"Vivian, enough." I pulled my arm out of Sunny's hold and grabbed Vivian by her elbow. "You're going to make a fool out of yourself if you continue drinking." Vivian hardly tried in pulling away. "Oh so now you care?" I groaned then turned to apologize to Sunny. The beautiful blonde waved her hand with a sympathetic smile. "I think your comrade needs help. I'll wait for you."

"Thank you." I said then proceeded to drag Vivian with me until we were outside the Ball Room away from the crowd. I threw her arm from my hand and pushed her to the wall. "What the hell is wrong with you!?" I vehemently growled to which Vivian flinched back. She puckered her face then pointed her finger into my chest. "What's wrong with you! Can't you see what you've done to me?! Can't you see that all this time we could have been happy together?! I could have given you everything you wanted! I would have given you love and a family! Instead you keep tormenting yourself all because of her!"

"You are speaking about my wife, Vivian."

"Only she isn't your wife. Sunny is a stranger and will most likely never remember you. I would have given you everything, Natsu, but you threw me aside just like Lucy did to you!"

Suddenly my hands were on the wall with her head trapped between my arms. My face barely hovered close to hers. "You have never known love. Love can hurt. Love can be merciless. Love is not for the faint hearted." I drew my face closer until our noses almost grazed. "But it's true love if your devotion is eternal. Lucy and I never stopped loving each other even after death. She came back and brought my child back for me. I gave seven years of my life to find her. What you feel is nothing compared to what we endured. I'm sure we've loved each other longer than you've been alive."

"But you wanted me. I know you held feelings for me. The train, remember?"

"And it was due to those feelings towards you that made me realize I could never break my devotion to Lucy. I liked you, Vivian. I cared about you and I still do; it's just platonic now. There was a feeling of attraction when it came to you, I won't lie about that, but I knew it could never work between us. I could never fully give you what you deserved. I couldn't hold you or embrace you like I would for Lucy. I couldn't...I couldn't bring myself to do it."

Vivian's eyes became wet. She threw her fists on my chest which did no effect on me. Vivian cried now tears streaming g down her face. "You've ruined me!" I let her throw every punch she could until her legs have out. Quickly I grabbed Vivian by her shoulders to prevent her fall and helped lean her on the wall. Vivian bawled some more. "You ruined my life. I hate you...I hate that I still love you after everything you did. "

"If hating me lessens the pain in your heart then so be it. Hate me forever Vivian. If you have to scream your heart out and declare your unbridled hatred to me everyday then I will listen. For every punch you throw I will take them with open arms. If you have to draw my blood I will bleed out to help you heal." I let my hands go of her shoulders. Vivian struggled to stand on her own for a moment until she regained control of her balance. "You would let me hurt you for the sake of me getting over you?"

"Sounds fair enough." I said as in agreement of her simplifying what I meant. Vivian scoffed. "I forgot how much of an idiot you can be." She crossed her arms then darted her eyes away. "I won't hurt you to make me feel better. I've been dealing with this for a long time now. Someday, I'll be able to let this go."

"Vivian," I said when she moved my arm and stepped away. The fortune teller just shook her head. "No. I don't want you to worry about this. This is my feelings we're talking about, and I think it'd be best if we didn't talk about it. You're right. I don't know the level of love you and Lucy felt, and I might never will, but I don't resent you for being truthful to me. You didn't lead me on or cross any lines. You...you were faithful." Vivian deeply sighed. She shuffled her feet that of a tipsy person then started to laugh. "I'm gonna be alright. Tonight, I'm going to drink and be happy for a change. I think we both deserve to be happy, eh?"

"I think we do." I answered softly. Vivian bobbed her head. "Have a great life Natsu. Keep your happiness close, and I'll find mine with time." The mage saluted and proceeded to go back to the Ball Room. I followed shortly after and found her dancing with Wendy holding her fifth wine glass. I scanned the room until I saw sight of Sunny dancing with Igneel apologizing for stepping on his toes. "Have a good life, Vivian." I whispered and made my way to Sunny and Igneel.

"Sorry! I swear I practiced a month beforehand." Sunny said while stepping on Igneel's left foot. The Dragon laughed when he caught sight of me. "You're doing amazing dear Sunny. I believe it's time to hand you back."

"Huh?" Igneel spun her and led her until I found her around my arms. The song had only reached halfway when I took control and proceeded to pull Sunny closer to me and take the steps of the ballad. "Oh! Hi again." Sunny tightened her hold when she saw it was me. Instead of the complicated dance Igneel started, to embarrass my poor girl, I switched us to a simple 3-step waltz. "Having fun I see?"

"More like making an embarrassment out of your poor father."

"Trust me, he was enjoying the mess of a dance you were doing." I whispered close to her ear. I felt Sunny hold my hand tighter whilst gripping my shoulder to prevent herself from tripping. "Your father's sense of humor is pure evil."

"Well that's just rude. At least he didn't purposefully trip you so he can swoop in and save you." I spun Sunny around then returned her close to me. "Has he done something like that?"

"Who do you think taught me? Sure wasn't Grandeeney. She's been too busy to set all of this up!"

"I'm sorry you had to endure those miserable dance lessons." Sunny said despite her giggling. I clicked my tongue. "Just don't tell anyone he made me dance as the woman." Sunny trailed her hand until she touched my cheek. "Tell who what?" I felt goosebumps trail over my shoulders up to my neck. Her silk gloved hand set a fire over my skin as I held her tighter to me. I wanted to pull her in and kiss her. I wanted to kiss away the trauma in her soul until there was only joy. I want her... I gingerly pulled her hand away from my face to catch my breath. I haven't felt that way in a long time; I almost let my guard down. Sunny stared at me through her lashes when I took a step away. "Let's go."

"Go where?" Sunny asked yet willingly followed where I lead her. I opened a balcony door that was closed and stepped out to a vacant balcony. The night sky was clear of clouds and open with a full moon. I moved closer to catch my breath whilst leaning over the railing as the cool air washed over me. When was the last time I felt like this?! "Natsu?" I looked back at Sunny who held her hands. "Are you alright?"

"It got hot inside." I said in hope to excuse my sudden behavior. Sunny agreed. "I'm not used to large crowds either." She replied and came forward to where our shoulders almost touched. We didn't speak, just stared at a clear, starry night sky. I pointed at the sight of a constellation. "There's Aquarius." I said out loud. Sunny looked up and squinted her eyes. "You know the Celestial Constellations?" She asked in wonder, but her question made my stomach feel tight. I swallowed and nodded. "I-...I only know it because... because of my wife." Sunny looked at me whereas I kept my eyes to the sky. She looked down at her hands. "Oh."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything." I was about to turn to go back inside when Sunny caught my arm. She pulled me back to her side and held my arm close. "I...I would like to know her. You must have loved her so much to never even be with another woman so...why me? What makes me so special?" I stared at Sunny who was fidgeting at her question. She didn't look at me due to the personal questions that she wanted answers to. A part of me felt it was too dangerous to talk about Lucy to Sunny. What would happen if it triggered another attack on her psyche? Would it be best if I decide I wasn't ready?

"I-I'm sorry. I told myself to never bring it up again. It doesn't matter. I know you're not trying to replace her or put me on some kind of pedestal. I shouldn't care and I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable-"

"She was the most beautiful woman I ever met." I said interrupting Sunny. She stopped talking to listen to me. I clenched my jaw and told myself to be honest. If I see the signs that it's starting to hurt her then I'll just stop. I'll be vigilant. "My wife was a Celestial Mage; one that makes contracts with the Celestial Spirits and summons them by using keys." I turned away to look back to the stars. "She loved the night sky. Every night, around summertime mostly, she would want to look at the sky just to say goodnight to the constellations. It was a way for her to also say goodnight to her mother and father."

"How come they're not here with you?" Sunny asked. I gripped the railing and cleared my throat. "She...She lost both of her parents. Her mother passed away due to illness when she was a child, and her father died not long after."

"I'm so sorry for your loss." Sunny hugged my arm to console me. 'I never met them.' Is what I wanted to say. I just shrugged my shoulders. "She had Fairy Tail. To be honest, after her mom passed away she wasn't happy living where she grew up. She ran away and found Fairy Tail. Well, she found me and I brought her to Fairy Tail."

"Was it love at first sight?" Sunny asked warmly smiling at the thought. "I like to think it was, but we were so hardheaded we never realized it to begin with. Both of us were afraid to admit our feelings to each other, afraid that neither of us liked the other." Sunny and I both laughed. She tipped her head to look at me. "What did you love about her?"

'Everything.'

"She...She had this way to make a room shine whenever she walked into it. A way to draw away the darkness that was in everyone's mind and soul. She made people happy, and brought everyone together even in the darkest moments. She was my world." I leaned more into the railing. "It was the darkest day when I lost her. I remember it being such a cloudless, sunny day. It was beautiful, and I hated how beautiful it was. It was like while my world came to an end, everything else was just fine. I hated that the world was still going on like nothing happened." I glided my hand to hold Sunny's. "For the longest time, all I knew was anger. It took me years to let that anger go...and I like to think because of no longer living in darkness I was able to find you." I turned to face Sunny who watched my every move. Tentatively, I lifted my hand and cupped the softness of her cheek. She leaned herself into my calloused palm when she wrapped her hand around my wrist. "I've lived in darkness, willingly, because it was the only comfort I could find. There was no sense of light...not until I saw you."

Sunny closed her eyes. "I'm—I'm so sorry for your loss." I pulled her close to me and wrapped my arms around her small waist. Her hands enveloped my shoulders until we held each other in a hug. Nothing was said. All we did for those long minutes was hold each other. I shouldn't have found it so hard to talk about Lucy, especially with her being next to me. Only...it wasn't her. This was Sunny in my arms, the woman I'm holding and my heart beating out of my chest for. It was Sunny that was here. "I miss her so much." I held her closer and hid my face in the crook of her neck. Sunny softly shushed and cooed me like a mother. "It's okay, Natsu. It's okay to miss her. A love like you and she felt is irreplaceable. It's undying." Sunny pulled away and caressed my face. Her sweet chocolate-brown irises stared past my eyes and into my soul. She was seeing through me. "I...care for you. Very much. My heart—I don't know how to explain it. This feeling, it fills me to the point I might combust. It's so much, yet I don't think I can ever have enough." Sunny's cheeks grew pink, but she continued on. "I may never be able to have all of you, but I will be there for you, Natsu. I think—"

"Sunny." I placed my thumb over her lips. Seconds later, a stream of blood fell out of Sunny's left nostril. "You're bleeding!" I pulled out the handkerchief in my pocket and dabbed Sunny's nose. The woman crossed her eyes to look at my hand helping her nose bleed. "I am?"

"Yes! Are you feeling okay?" I pulled the handkerchief away to get a better look. Sunny blinked and touched the side of her nose. "I feel fine. I don't have any headaches or migraines. Could it be allergies?"

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" I waited for anymore blood to ooze out of her nose, but that was it. If someone didn't see the handkerchief in my hand no one would have ever noticed the nose bleed that just happened. Sunny shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not hurt. Which means...I'm okay?"

"I don't know. Let's go see Grandeeney just to make sure." I wrapped my arm around Sunny's waist to make sure I could catch her if she suddenly collapsed. We returned inside to the ambiance of the Ball Room and chatter amongst the partygoers. I looked around to find any of my peers when I saw a maid come up to me in a panic. "Scale Master, your presence is needed in the Study Chamber. The Councilors are there waiting along with Miss Dahlia and Scale Master Yusei!"

"What's wrong?" I asked gripping Sunny closer to me. The maid looked around her then shook her head. "You must come with me now."

"Where's my daughter?" Sunny asked as she stepped away from me. The maid turned her attention to her. "Miss Elain was taken to bed by one of the butlers around an hour ago."

"I have to go check on my girls. It's so late I'm usually with them in bed." Sunny looked at me with pleading eyes. "I'll return to the party and wait for you. Tell me what's going on when you find me." I took Sunny's hand and placed a chaste kiss over her gloved knuckle. "You have my word. Yeri, escort Sunny back to her room."

"Yes Scale Master." Sunny blushed pink when I let go of her hand. "I'll see you in a minute." Sunny nodded and smiled. "One minute and not a second more." She replied then left to go check on our girls. I cursed under my breath then went the opposite way to go to the Study Chamber.

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

~Sunny~

The maid and I walked step by step together as the sound of the Ball Room music sounded further away. I took my silk gloves off to touch the knuckle Natsu kissed; my cheeks burning at the image of him bowing to place the delicate kiss on my hand. The maid showed no signs of stress from what happened earlier in the Ball Room. I twisted the gloves in my hands when I spoke up. "Is something wrong?" I asked her. The Dragon perked her eyes up then returned to looking ahead of her. "No madam. It's none of your concern. The Councilors just need to discuss details with the Scale Masters."

"But you said Dahlia would also be there. Isn't that Na-I mean- Sir Natsu's Assist Commander?"

"Scale Master Dragneel always wishes to have Miss Dahlia's companionship when these things happen. He's able to have a better insight at meetings when he has his Commander with him."

"Ah, I understand." We resumed our silent walk until we made it to the corridor my room was in. I stopped when I noticed the maid continued walking until she looked back. "Madam?"

"You can go back to the Ball. I'm sure some of the maids and butlers are beginning to join the festivities." Yeri returned to my side whilst shaking her head. "Scale Master Dragneel ordered me to escort you to your room. I will also see you be escorted back to the Ball Room."

"Oh. Alright then. Is it okay if you stay outside by the door though? Sometimes if I cause to much ruckus Nashi will wake up with a fuss." Yeri nodded then we proceeded to move through the corridor. We stopped at my door as the maid stood four steps away. "I'll be here when you're ready madam." Yeri said with a bow. I thanked the Dragon then quietly opened the door to sneak. I went back first to make sure the door wouldn't close too fast or too loud to disturb the girls sleeping. After I closed it shut I turned to look at my girls asleep.

Only what I saw almost made me scream.

Before anything could escape my mouth I felt a cold metal touch my neck and a hand wrap itself around my mouth. A man wearing a black cloak that covered his large-framed body, was holding my Nashi. He shushed me with his finger over his mouth. "Don't wake the baby. You know how hard it is to put them to sleep." His voice was that of ice. Cold, and bone-chilling. I looked around the room and saw more figures hiding in black cloaks. There were two standing over the fireplace, both smirking ear to ear. Over the bed, where Elain was sleeping, was a forth figure playing with a dagger in their hand. The blade shined against the moonlight every time they flipped and twirled the blade between their fingers. Five people invaded my bedroom, and both of my children were at their mercy.

I wanted to scream.

The man holding Nashi stepped forward and roughly grabbed my chin. "Will you scream?" He asked in a threatening tone. I thought of the idea for a second deciding it was too risky to scream for help. I shook my head. The man grinned. "Release her." The unknown fifth person let me go as I rubbed my neck. No cut. The large man circled me like a vulture, as if inspecting a work of art. "You have the appearance of who we're looking for. Blonde hair. Brown eyes. Hm..."

"Don't hurt them." I whispered feeling the stinging sensation of tears. The man rubbed the skin of my bottom lip until he let my face go. "It's not the kids you have to worry about. It's you."

"Why are you doing this? What do you want? I have Jewels. Just take them." The man curled his mouth likely to stop himself from laughing. "You think we did all of this to get Jewels? No. No, no you have have it all wrong." My necklace was ripped off my neck when he shoved the jewelry close to my face. I attempted to step back but was pushed closer to the man. "This means nothing! It's you we've been looking for."

"There's someone on the other side." A second voice spoke which made me jump. It was a woman that was behind me and sounded like a snake. The man glared at me as his large knuckles brushed my baby's hair. "It'd be a shame to have to throw her off the balcony."

"No!" I whispered loudly then covered my mouth. Nashi stirred for a second then fell back to sleep. The man stopped brushing her hair. "Get rid of our uninvited guest, or else the baby's not gonna wake up again."

I felt I was about to throw up. My vision grew dizzy I was sure I would fall over any second. I bit the inside of my cheek to regain what little conscious I could muster. My legs became so wobbly I had to catch myself. "Please...don't hurt her." The man roughly grabbed my arm and pulled me up. "Then get rid of whoever's on the other side."

"O-Okay." I was pushed closer to the door. My head leaned against the doorframe to catch my breath when I felt the blade of a dagger in the center of my spine. "No hints. Don't need any Dragons coming to your rescue." The snake woman hissed and pushed the blade closer. I shakily cracked the door open. "Y-Yeri?" I called the maid until she appeared. "Yes madam Sunny?"

"I'm...not feeling well all of a sudden. Earlier, I had a nose bleed. Now I'm feeling I have a headache. Could you inform Sir Natsu that I will be going to bed early?"

"Of course madam. Would you like me to bring you tea?" The blade was shoved closer to my spine. "N-No thank you. I'm just ready for bed."

"What about your dress? Do you need help getting undressed?" The snake woman mouthed 'tick tock' with her other finger waving. "No. I'm tired. Just, tell Sir Natsu I wish him farewell and goodnight...please." Yeri looked at me for a moment. A part of me pleaded she would press further in questions, but in the end, she bowed her head. "Yes madam. Goodnight."

"...Goodnight." The snake woman closed the door. As the light from the corridor was shut closed, so was my hope dwindled. I was forced to turn around with the blade coercing me to look back at the large man. The man put Nashi back in her crib and played with her chin. "They truly are the Gods greatest gift. Every child, born out of the love between a man and woman." He knelt up. "But, do you know what's even better than that of a baby's life?" My arms were pulled behind my back with both of my wrists being restrained by one hand. The man stepped forward until he was towering over me. "Power."

"What do you want from me?" I asked with my voice trembling. The man smirked showing his yellowed teeth. He scratched the scruff on his chin, now chuckling under his breath."Is it true? Have you truly lost your memories? Hm, the old bat wasn't lying this time." The woman holding my hands hissed. "We must prepare the glyph. Mustn't waste time." She said. The man glared past me as he motioned to the open balcony doors. His followers went outside leaving only the man left. I heard the sound of scratching being done on the ground whilst they muttered among themselves. The man pulled my face to look at him closer. His eyes were black as ink which was a contrast to his pale skin. "She told us of your forthcoming, Sunny. After having to break that old lady's bones and rip her nails out she eventually cracked and told the possibilities. She was, oh, so helpful."

My head quaked in pain for a split second. "Wh-Who...?"

"Don't make me spell it out for you." He leaned his lips close to my ear. "She was your guardian, after all. Sewn eyes. Hump of a back...Giver of the future's possibilities."

My head felt a pang of unwavering pain. I could only gasp when I fell to my legs, suddenly having trouble breathing as I felt a warm sensation flow from both my nostrils. "S-Stop—it...hurts."

"Does it hurt to remember? Awww, poor, poor Sunny. Luckily for you, we don't need you to remember. We just need the body. Your body. Our Master will have the power you kept to yourself. The power you had hidden from those worthy to wield it." Suddenly my neck was pulled close to the man's face. "You will bleed for the Master."

I felt a strong impact hit me in the stomach taking away my breath. I gasped for air, not able to breathe, and clutched my stomach where I realized I was kicked. The taste of blood filled my mouth. The man licked his lips. "I will enjoy bleeding you to death. It will be a momentous day when you die a second time!" The man grabbed me by my bodice ripping the fabric with a loud rip. My low bun was now loose until I was thrown on the balcony with all the Dark Mages surrounding me. I coughed, spitting blood out when the floor began to glow a malevolent red. "Teleporting to Joya." One of the mages said as his hands also glowed red. I closed my eyes, praying that my girls will forgive me, and praying that this wouldn't be my last day on EarthLand.

"Sunny?" My eyes snapped open when I saw Elain sitting up in bed. She blinked a couple times and then saw the evil that had me surrounded. The man didn't have time to warn the child. "SUNNY!" Elain's voice screamed when the other mage cursed. "Shit!"

"Light 'er up! Burn down the castle! We must escape at all costs!" The man ordered when one of the mage's set their hands ablaze. My heart stopped beating. My children. Elain! Nashi! "NO!" I begged reaching out to stop the fire mage. But it was too late. The room caught fire faster than anything I've ever seen. "The teleportation glyph isn't ready! We have to break out through the Wall!"

"Let's go! They'll be too distracted in finding the remains of the little rug rats!" The man picked me up and pitched me over his shoulder. "Let go of me! Nashi! Elain!" I screamed out and hit with all my strength on the man's back. I could only watch as Elain ran to get Nashi...until a charred wood post fell where Elain was standing. My heart lost the ability to beat. Tears were now freely falling down my cheeks. My hand reached out in vain at the death of my children. In one night, I lost my world. I lost my home. I lost everything. All I could do left was scream.

"NOOOO!!!"

The last of my vision was overrun by my never-ending tears.

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

~*Minutes earlier*~

~Natsu~

The Study Chamber was a large room. The table was long and made of the same dark wood that was found throughout the castle. It could seat a total of 18 people as the walls were surrounded by bookshelves, all of them full of books. The Councilors were seated side by side murmuring to each other. Yusei and Dahlia chatted alone in the corner. My presence hadn't been noticed by anyone as I snuck in the Chamber. Dahlia whipped her braided hair showing off her neck to Yusei as his lips curled upwards.

That's strange. Never seen Yusei smile before.

Oh. OOOOOHHHHH!!!!

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?" I pointed at my Assist Commander when she and Yusei just about jumped out of their skins. Dahlia stuck her tongue out. "Took you a while to find out!" Yusei grinned before giving Dahlia a sloppy kiss on her mouth. My jaw dropped; all the color left my face. Of all people! Of all DRAGONS! "Dahlia! You betrayed me!" I screeched with my jaw now hitting the floor. My Assist Commander rolled her eyes. "Oh Dragneel he's not all bad. He's got a sweet side when you get to know him."

"Yeah. I'm the sweetest Dragon here." Yusei said with a playful grin. I wanted to retort their statements, but the Councilors called us to attention. "Children! We didn't call you here to argue!" Skiadrum shouted. Dahlia reluctantly pulled herself away from slimy Yusei as we fell to attention. The Councilors faces were grim, like they just learned someone dear to them has passed. Seeing these strong Dragons in this state made my chest hurt.

"Scale Masters. Dahlia. We may have a crisis."

"Crisis?" Igneel nodded at my question. "We were given news that two of the guards posted by the garden were found unconscious. Thankfully unharmed, but they remembered being hit with blunt force trauma."

"The point is," Dogramag interjected. "someone has trespassed! Someone has managed to find a way to bypass our Walls and attack our patrols." The Earth Dragon looked like he wanted to break something. Yusei was seething. I was seething of the fact that we had been invaded right under our noses! We took every precaution imaginable! "How is this possible?" I asked glancing at the Councilors once more. "We're currently looking into it. Right now, we have enemies walking amongst us...and I fear it's the worst." Grandeeney said fists now clenched. Yusei, Dahlia, and I looked at each other. "The Dark Mages." We all said in unison. Igneel agreed before speaking, "Yes. We need to know where Sunny and the children are!"

I looked at my father, fear struck my heart like a knife. "She went back to her room to check on the children!" The Councilors were standing and walking out of the Chambers. We walked close behind them when Grandeeney whispered behind us. "Do not cause a scene. Our guests cannot know about the circumstances until we get Sunny and the children to a safer location. We don't want panic to arise-"

"NOOOO!!!"

The cry echoed throughout the entire castle. I felt my knees lock in place; the pit in my stomach being warped to the point I wanted to vomit. I didn't see anything else. I just ran. I tore through the confused partygoers who looked around them. I practically jumped over the stair steps and out of the Ball Room. Yeri, my maid, was outside the corridor looking behind her where the cry was. "Scale Master!" She yelled, but I was relentless. I continued to run. 'Not again.' I thought over and over. 'Not. Again.'

"SUNNY!" I made it to the corridor where her room was. The small gap underneath her bedroom door had smoke escaping out of it. There was a fire! "Sunny! Elain!" I ran and pushed the door to open, but it wasn't budging! Now I was beating the door with my shoulder with no luck. I gritted my teeth until I stepped back and felt my legs change into Dragon Scales. Mustering all my strength, I kicked the center of the door. The solid wood exploded into splinters from the impact. With the door torn down, I ran into the smoke immediately feeling my lungs burn from the smoke. I coughed into my arm. "Elain! Sunny!"

A feeble cry answered my call. "H-Help..." Elain coughed in the center of the room. I ducked down below the smoke to see Elain on the floor using her body to protect Nashi. Nashi was gasping for air only to cough and unable to catch her breath. I crawled through the room to make it to the girls when I saw a wood post had fallen over Elain's leg. "I can't move. It hurts!"

"Don't worry, I'm getting you two out of here!" The wood post was charred but thankfully not on fire like everything else was. With both hands, I was easily able to lift the post enough to get it off Elain and toss it to the side. The smog was growing worse. My eyes were now stinging in pain and my nose running with sinus fluid. I coughed again. "Grab my arm!" I took Nashi with my left as Elain clutched for me with my other arm. After both girls were safely secured I put both their faces over my jacket to protect them from the smoke. Not a second longer I stood up and sprinted back through the smog and heat-waving flames. The corridor now had a group of bystanders who were watching. Grandeeney and the Councilors moved through the crowd when they saw me escape the flaming bedroom. I had no time to swat away their hands when both of my girls were taken from me. Grandeeney was shouting out orders whilst Igneel grabbed my shoulders. "What happened?! Where's Sunny!?"

"I—" I let out a gravelly cough. "I don't know!" I looked back into the room. "I have to go back in. She might still be in there!" I was on my feet again and ran back inside ignoring Igneel shouting for me. The room was destroyed. The fire was crawling over the ceiling; the smoke now touching the ground. At this rate, if the fire wasn't stopped, the entire floor of the castle would be overwhelmed. After rubbing my tear-streaked eyes, I began to inhale. At first, my lungs were suffocating from the smoke, but then the fire came. I inhaled the fire. All of it. It tasted awful meaning it was a mage's fire magic that started the blaze; which also meant someone was in here with Sunny and my children.

Someone was in here.

My blood was boiling as the last bit of fire was eaten. The smoke was still unbearable when Igneel dragged me back outside the corridor. The Councilors were herding the bystanders to return to the Ball Room whilst Grandeeney checked Elain and Nashi's vitals. My comrades made an appearance. "Natsu! What happened!?" Gray shouted making his way to me. Wendy and Santos went to Grandeeney to help her. My other old comrades came over to me and my father. Igneel was patting my back as he worried over my breathing. "Deep breaths, son. Take a deep breath!" I felt like I was about to hack up my lungs. Gray and Jellal looked to Igneel. "Councilor Igneel, what's going on?!"

"We've been attacked! Search the room to see if you can find sign of Sunny. Grandeeney, how are the children!" Igneel ordered and set his attention to my girls. The Dragon lady was talking to the two healers and pointed to Elain's leg. "Thankfully they don't seem to have smoke poisoning, but I'm going to move them to the Hospital Wing after Elain's leg is healed. She has burn marks."

Burn marks. Sweet, innocent Elain had burn marks.

Dahlia and Yusei had finally made an appearance with weapons in hand. My sword was in Dahlia's possession until she knelt down to me. "Natsu, are you okay?"

"Fine! I'm fine!" I swatted the group away and stood up. I thanked Dahlia for my sword and placed it at my hip when Gray and Jellal came back from the scorched room. "The place is done for. Everything is burned, save for the balcony and bathroom. We couldn't find Sunny." Gray explained. Jellal stepped forward. "But we found a glyph etched into the balcony. It seems like they were going to teleport out of there, but we're unable to in time."

"They left on foot! We can catch up with them! Hell, they may still be in the city if we found this in time!" Yusei said then turned to his Assist Commander. "Have every soldier scout the roads and along the Walls. No one is permitted to step foot out of their homes until they're found!"

"They won't be in the city," Dahlia explained when we looked at her. Her hand was on her chin as she shook her head. "We didn't find the fire in time. With the smoke coming from the castle I'm sure every guard within the city left their post to come here to help. During that chaos, it would have given whoever snuck in enough time to abduct Sunny and break out without anyone noticing."

"Those bastards..." Everyone looked at me. My feet dragged inside the bedroom until I was on the balcony to look at the etchings myself. It was circular with symbols on the outer and inner lines but was incomplete as it was missing a few symbols. I looked closer to where the railing was when I noticed something that wasn't part of the etching. I touched it, realizing it was wet and warm. I brought the liquid to the light to find red staining my fingertips.

Blood.

My blood-stained fingers curled into a tight fist as I stared past the Walls. They took her. They beat her. In my own home! Where our children were sleeping!

Their death has been sealed.

I snapped my head back and called for Dahlia. She came over to me with a hard look in her eyes. "Natsu?"

"My nose can't find her scent! Damn smoke is overwhelming my sense of smell. Can you find any trace of Sunny's scent?" Dahlia knelt down and touched the small puddle of blood. She brought her fingers up to her nose and inhaled deeply. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the scent until she was ready to track. "Hmm, vanilla and strawberries?"

"Yeah. That's her." Dahlia stood back up and pointed forward. "The trail indicates they jumped off the balcony. Her scent is strong so this must've happened almost half an hour ago? Maybe an hour?"

"Can you follow the trail?" I jumped onto the railing as I ripped my cape off my back and unbuttoned the jacket over me. Dahlia scrunched her nose in the air. "Maybe. The smoke is starting to make it difficult to track, and I worry about the wind, but if she's still...bleeding, there might be a chance."

Sunny shouldn't be bleeding. She was supposed to be here dancing and enjoying her night. She was supposed to be safe! I won't let her down again. Not this time!

"Give me your hand Dahls." My wings unfurled from my back, extending out to their full length that Dahlia had to move around to grab my hand. "What are you doing?" She asked. I looked back one more time to Igneel and my old comrades that watched in confusion. "Natsu?" Gray asked when he reached out to us. My face contorted to that of fury. "I'm not losing her again!"

I jumped, and my wings flew.

Dahlia screamed at the sudden airborne whereas I was solely focused on my wing span. I was flying. For the first time in nine years, I was flying again. The phantom pain was nonexistent as if it was just an old memory. My Assist Commander held on for dear life with both her hands holding my wrist. "Naaaatsu!!!" Dahlia shouted over the wind. I flew across the housing and over the Walls without a sweat. Now the hard part begins. "Follow the trail, Dahlia! We're bringing Sunny home!" Dahlia watched me with wide eyes, a look of respect falling over her until she nodded. "Alright! Continue heading straight! We're going into the forest!"

The forest...that's where whoever took my wife will rot.

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

~Sunny~

I wish I was dead.

How could everything I love, everything I care for be taken from me in one night? How could I live on knowing my children were killed due to me being weak. I should have fought against them. I should have cried out for help the second I saw them. I should have done something. Now...they're gone.

The tears in my eyes never wavered. From the moment I saw the wood post fall on top of my children I couldn't find the strength to stop crying. The world around me was a blur as the Dark Mages ran through the city and between the Walls. The dark forest surrounding the Capital was all that was left. They kept running. Running, and running until there was no sight of the city walls. The forest was silent, save for my bawling outbursts, until they came to an agreement to stop for rest. While the Mages all sat around a warm campfire, I was bound to a tree root that was sticking out of the ground. My hands were restrained by rope and tied to the tree bark over my head leaving me little space to move. I wasn't going to attempt to escape my captors. They took the only thing that was precious to me in all of EarthLand. I was defeated...and broken. Another outburst of tears ripped me open, my shoulders jumping and my chest not ready for another onset of hiccups. One of the Mages let out a shout. "AAHH! Will you shut up already!? How long are you going to cry for?!" The Fire Mage, the murderer, stood up from his spot and pulled out a long cloth. He hovered over me and then grabbed me by the neck forcefully wrapping what was now a gag around my mouth. "That'll shut you up. Cry quietly. Some of us are talking over there!"

I couldn't stop my faint cries.

The Fire Mage gritted his teeth and yelled as his hand slapped my cheek. "YOU ARE PISSING ME OFF!" His voice was muffled by the hard impact as the loud ringing was all I could hear for a split second. "Ahh let her cry. Listening to her is like music to my ears." The large man said poking at the fire. The Fire Mage huffed with his nostrils flared then turned to sit back down. I coughed in my chest due to the gag around my mouth. In an attempt to pull against the rope my numb fingers held the knot, feebly tugging on the rope to stand. My bare feet had trouble standing due to my legs being too weak to pick myself up. The dress skirt wasn't helping my chances.

"So...you really think this is her?" The snake woman questioned the leader. The man was chewing something when he nodded. "Course it's her. She has the same appearance that matches what the old bat said." He stopped chewing. After licking his fingers clean a malicious grin crossed his face. "There's another way we can be sure."

"How?" One of the Dark Mages asked. The large man stood up. "You all know the story. 'Cept for our prisoner here we all know the story of her marred back." He undid the other end of the rope and dragged me closer to where the group sat. Their hooded faces were grinning or stoic. All of them were faceless. I was pushed to my knees as his hands wrapped around my arms. "Her back was whipped by those who feared her powers. She was called a demon for so long by the people who now worship her. She was hated, and to make sure she always remembered the people's hatred...they nailed her to the ground and ripped her open."

The back of my bodice was torn as well as the corset. Although I was able to breathe again I felt my head hit the ground and could only watch the people circle around me. The man skimmed his hand over my bare back, counting the scars with his fingers. My scream was muffled. There was nothing I could do but endure. "It's a shame you don't recall such a traumatic memory. I heard it made you cry out. Some said you begged for mercy, but you don't seem like that type. At least, not back then." My hair was yanked which caused me to sit on top of my knees again to look at the man in the eyes. "You've grown soft. Too weak! Come on, I know they're still in there! How else could you have come back if it wasn't for that power of yours! Show them to me. I want to see it for myself."

'I have no powers. If I did, I would have saved them. I would have stopped you from killing my children.' It's what I wished I could say. I wanted to spit on the man's face that waited for something to happen. He waited, all of them staring with anticipation for something I didn't know what. The man frowned. "Still wanting to keep it all to yourself, eh? You're one selfish bitch you know that! You just take and take never expecting the consequences to return a favor! Well...I think it's time for some payback." The large man pushed me to stand with my hands still bound until he kicked me square in the chest. I was thrown back and hit the tree root until I skidded to a stop in an overgrown patch of grass. I wheezed out blood in hopes to spit it out. The large man pointed at one of the Dark Mages with a sinister look in his eyes. "Ready the teleportation glyph! I want the Master to have his prize after I'm through with her."

"Don't kill her. The Master needs her alive." One of the Dark Mages urged when the large man beat the one who spoke. Watching this beast of a man attack his own followers made me tremble where I was lying. I felt a blood trail behind my neck not even feeling the wound that was on my head. I just watched as the leader kept punching and attacking the one who talked back to him. "I won't kill her! I just want some fun is all! The Master will have her bleeding and ready by the time I'm finished! Don't you even think of intervening!" The Dark Mage that was brutally injured coughed before wiping his mouth. "Y-Yes sir."

"Get the glyph started. I want it finished when I'm done with her." He grabbed me by my arm starting to take us away from the camp. I struggled to walk and keep up with his long stride. His fingers held a death grip around my arm which made me fight against painful tears. We kept walking until I couldn't hear the group or see the light of the campfire. The man halted and I stopped two steps behind him. My body was convulsing. I felt the cold air cause goosebumps up my arm all the way down my bare back. The rope in his hand was yanked resulting in me being pulled forward when he spun around and hit me across my ribs. I screamed through the gag and fell on my side now wriggling away. My ribs felt like they were on fire. The man stood over me again glaring down as he cracked his knuckles. "Although the Master promised to share with us the powers you selfishly held onto, I want to ensure I get a piece of my share." The rope was jerked again and I was pulled closer. He grabbed me by my cheeks and shouted. "Show me the Balance!"

My head quacked. I felt a pulsing sensation throb against my skull when I was punched in my gut. I cried, not able to breathe anymore, as he kicked me in my sides. "I know they're in there! Must you die again to give it to me!? I didn't wait nine years to get nothing!"

'Nine...years?' What was he talking about? I couldn't think about it when I felt something snap in my body. A scream tore out of me and the taste of iron was evident in my mouth. Blood oozed out of my mouth and down my nose and head. The inside of my guts were throbbing. Something was broken but I couldn't place where. The large man was now on top of me and pushed me to turn to where my back was facing him. "I'd be happy to add some additional touches to your back! They missed a few spots right here!" He jabbed his fingernails in one section of my lower back. With a muffled scream, I started to kick my legs. He jabbed at another section. "Right here too!"

'Please, merciful Gods, end my suffering. Guide me home and return me to my children. Watch over Natsu when I take my last breath.' My hands strained against the tight rope as the last act of defiance. I knew I couldn't escape, but if I could attack my assailant, and leave a trace of me behind, then maybe I could give my children justice. I curled my fists then twisted my body enough to cut at the large man's face. In my hand was one of the earrings Natsu gave to me tonight. The man cursed and held his cheek which was now cut by the sharp-edged diamond. "You little BITCH!"

He attacked me to lie on my back and face him. The next thing I felt were his hands around my neck squeezing the remaining life I had in me. I couldn't even gasp for air or hit my hands on him. I was trapped between the rope and his body on top of me. He didn't relent; only wringing harder that my airway couldn't even exhale. This was it.

I was dying.

His hands had released me, but even being free I couldn't breathe in air. My airway was damaged, maybe even broken, when he hissed under his breath. "What the hell?" He looked back towards where the camp was leaving me on the ground.

There were screams, and silence following afterwards.

He backed away at the last scream. "What's going on? It couldn't be the Dragons! They could never catch up to us this quickly!" He came back and picked me up. The man held me against his chest as one arm was over my neck and the other held me up by my waist. Even in my hazy vision, I noticed traces of fire that appeared and then disappeared in the edges of my peripheral vision. As quickly as the moving fire was there, it was gone. The small flame jumped from one spot to another so fast I couldn't register where it was coming from. The man gripped my waist tighter which made me hold my bounded hands onto the arm around my neck. I started to whimper. "Shut up!" The man yelled backing us away from the open.

All of a sudden, a circle of fire trapped us. It was a wall of flames with no chance of escape; not unless we were willing to get burned. The large man sputtered out still backing us now under a large tree. "Whoever's out there I know what you're after! If you so much burn a hair on me I'm not afraid of killing her!"

The sound of the wind being sliced in half stopped him from talking further. The man snarled and picked my body up which made me scream from the hasty movement. "My guess is you want her alive, huh!? I've broken plenty of necks before! This little neck of hers will be just as easy to break." The wall of fire grew even greater almost touching the leaves of the trees. We backed away some more. In front of us was now a figure of someone standing on the other side of the fire. The shadow was menacing that could make any man cower. The figure's irises were glowing red when he took a step forward through the flames. He remained unharmed stepping through. We backed closer to the tree. I blinked to get a better view of who was standing in front of us. He was tall and his angelic wings were predominantly displayed on his back. His jacket was open which showed his once-white undershirt now stained with streaks of blood. His salmon hair danced around his head like a flame itself. In his right hand was a sword bathed in white fire. My eyes widened when I recognized who it was. It was my Dragon.

It was my Natsu.

"It's you. The Duel-Sign Salamander. We were told you couldn't fly!" The man's hand gripped around my neck again. "If you even think of taking a step closer I will kill her. Do you wanna lose her again!? I'm not going to be taken down like this!" Natsu said nothing to my kidnapper. His eyes scanned me from head to toe when he gripped his fists. The glowing red in his eyes grew brighter after stopping at my face. He didn't need to speak to tell me what he was thinking.

I'm going to save you from this Hell.

Natsu raised his sword to the man slowly stepping to us. The large man backed further into the tree. "I'm not scared of you Dragneel! The Salamander long ago might've made me surrender but I know you're just a military puppet now! You have your oaths and orders! You won't kill me...not while I have your little bitch as my hostage." Natsu's jaw twitched. He continued walking forward until the man's back hit the tree. His fingers held onto my throat like a lifeline. I cried against his hold which stopped Natsu in his tracks. 'Do what you must Natsu! Avenge Elain and Nashi! Do it!' I screamed internally. The man pointed at the sword. "Drop the sword!"

I shook my head to tell Natsu not to. At this point, I felt the man shaking in fear when he pointed again. "I said: drop the sword! NOW!" Natsu let go of the sword; its flame extinguishing from the blade. My shoulders sagged at Natsu's surrendering. I already lost my girls...was I about to lose Natsu next? I began to thrash my body to break the man's hold on me. He picked me up and screamed, "Stop fighting me! I am leaving! I will have what's rightfully mine! No one is going to stop me! No—" The sound of flesh meeting steel made the man gasp. He began to choke, letting me go to grab his throat and fall back on the tree.

I fell forward ready to hit the ground, but was caught by a pair of strong arms that held me gently like a baby. Natsu held me close to him and fell to his knees to lessen the fall. "It's okay, it's okay. I got you." He whispered into my ear and placed his hand on the back of my head. He looked back at his hand to find more blood. I heard him growl at the sight. Natsu undid the rope around my wrists and gag around my mouth. He wanted to examine my injuries, but at that second I didn't care. I threw my arms around his neck and bawled my heart out. The hiccups came back and the tears were never-ending. Natsu hugged me close to him before rocking me. "You're safe now. You're safe, Sunny." I cried over the grief of my children. I cried over the horror that happened tonight. And I cried to know I had been saved. I was alive. I was here barely being held together by the man that I realized I was in love with.

I love Natsu, and for a moment, I wouldn't have been able to tell him.

A loud crunch from feet hitting the ground made me whip my head back fearfully. I expected it to be the man standing, but his body was lying on the ground with a deep slit going across his throat. Blood pooled around him as the one who made the sound inspected the body. Dahlia, with a khopesh in her hand, wiped the blade on her dress and spat on the man's body. "Lucky bastard. His death was quick." She returned the weapon to her hip belt and then came forward to us. I hid myself in Natsu's neck, not wanting either of them to see the damage done to me. Natsu pulled me away to look at me. "Sunny..." Natsu swallowed his throat as he caressed my cheeks. I looked away. "I-I'm...s-s-sorry..." I choked on my tears. Natsu's face twisted like he was about to fall apart. "Don't be sorry." Natsu insisted placing his hand over my cheek. "We're here. You're safe now." Dahlia wrapped something around me that covered my bare back. It was Natsu's cape that he wore to the Ball. "You're freezing," Dahlia said as she started ripping the delicate fabric of her dress. She began to wrap my head to stop the bleeding. Natsu kept his hands on my face never looking away from me. There was an intense gaze in his eyes that I wasn't able to look at him for long. I grasped his shoulders to steady myself. He hugged me again. "I have to get her back to Grandeeney. Gods know what they did to her." Natsu gathered me up into his arms whilst Dahlia agreed. "Don't worry about me. I'll take care of the bodies. Plus, I want to make sure there aren't any more of them around the Wall. Something like this can't happen again." Natsu nodded to Dahlia's proposition. "I'll inform the scouts of your location so they'll be able to meet up with you."

"Thanks. Be careful okay? She's had a rough night." Dahlia said. I felt Natsu hold me closer to him. His face contorted to that of a man that was dealt a deadly blow. How was he able to stand? Was he hurt from attacking the Dark Mage group? I wrapped my hands around him to check if there were any injuries. My fingers swept his back until I just kept them there. Here, in Natsu's arms, I felt safer than any castle could provide. With my arms holding the man I'd fallen in love with I knew nothing could ever hurt me again. "Too much." Was all Natsu said to his Commander. Natsu turned and proceeded to walk away from Dahlia. I caught a glimpse of the Dragon kneeling to the body one last time until the trees blocked my viewing of Dahlia.

He walked in silence. I held him with my arms around his neck and my head resting on his broad shoulders. Natsu stopped walking when we made it to a clearing of the road back to the Capital. "Sunny?" Natsu asked to which I hummed back. "Hold on tight to me." He didn't have to tell me twice. My arms tightened around him while he gripped me closer to his body. For my body being abused so much tonight, I felt no pain when Natsu held me. Did he have healing magic, or was his touch alone comforting me? His angelic wings took flight when the ground was now far away. I closed my eyes for a split second never feeling the way my body felt this light before. The air was cold, but I wasn't shivering. I hadn't noticed how warm Natsu was until just now. I managed to find the courage to open my eyes and see us flying over the trees. The sky has never looked so vast and beautiful before now. It was like we were one step away to walking on a field of stardust and moonlight. I reached out to the stars. Natsu stopped flying in motion and looked at me in visible terror. "What hurts?"

"What?" My voice didn't sound right. It sounded broken. I thought I saw tears in Natsu's eyes, but it must have been my imagination. "Where do you hurt the most Sunny!" I thought about it. My ribs is were the pain radiated the most, but so did my stomach. My back was sore as were my wrists. I had a terrible headache, my throat was just about shattered, and my cheeks was still stinging from being hit. But where did I hurt the most? I clutched Natsu tightly and whispered into his ear. "My heart," I answered. I would take all the beatings in the world if I could have my children back. The fact I was being taken back to where they were killed was rotting me within. "My children...Elain...Nashi. Did you find them?" I asked not wanting to know the answer. Natsu nodded. "We found them." I closed my eyes to cry in silence. At least their bodies were found. I could give them the burial they deserved. "Did they suffer?" I cried. Natsu scrunched his eyebrows. "Elain was burned on her right leg, but thankfully they didn't have smoke poisoning. Grandeeney wanted to keep them in the Hospital Wing overnight to watch their vitals, but I think they'll be just fine—"

"Wait..." I looked at Natsu in confusion this time. "They're alive?" Natsu seemed confused now. "Yes...they're both alive. Sunny...did you think..." His eyes widened when he watched me fall apart again. I was bursting into tears again, this time in gratitude that my children were still here with me. I thanked the Gods for watching over them. "Oh Gods! I thought—I thought..." I couldn't even say it. Natsu's gaze softened when he embraced me closer to him. "Oh, Sunny. I'm so sorry! I should have said something the second I saw you. You thought they were gone and suffering even more! Please forgive me..."

There was no reason to forgive Natsu. Deep down, I knew he was the one that saved my girls. Something in my heart told me he saved them from a fiery death. I owed this man my life. I love him even more that he was willing to jump in a fire to save my children. 'No...Our children.' I said internally. Even if Natsu didn't reciprocate what I felt towards him I would trust him to take care of the girls if I were to die tomorrow. He loved them. That I was certain of. "Take me home," I said and hugged Natsu around his neck again. Natsu caressed my back, eyeing me as I hid in the crook of his neck until he began to fly in motion again back to the Capital.

~~~

To say how many people were happy to see me when I was brought back would be an understatement. Some were soldiers that apologized in their failure to ensure my safety, and some were Natsu's old guild mates that were very happy to see me. I was hugged, cried over, and overall a little perplexed. The Fairy Tail mages were something else. They treated me as an old friend that wanted to catch up. Two of them were healers that wanted to do whatever they could to help me have a speedy recovery. The Councilors even came by to check on me in the Hospital Wing, aside from Grandeeney that has been here since I arrived, to not only share their joy of my return but to also speak to Natsu. Natsu wouldn't leave the room so they spoke to him across where I was laying. They talked about what happened and how many Dark Mages there were. The Councilors and Scale Master talked more for report entries and said they were going to meet up with Dahlia to asses the situation personally. Igneel held my hand and gently squeezed. "I'm so glad you're here. We'll never forgive ourselves for what happened. Consider this a promise that something like this will never happen again." The Fire Dragon caressed his knuckles down my jawline and left shortly afterward.

When I was brought back Natsu hadn't left my side once. I was in a hospital bed out of my bloodied clothes and tended to for my injuries. Grandeeney explained I had internal bleeding and a ruptured spleen that was bleeding out. It was a good thing I was rescued or otherwise, I wouldn't have lived to see tomorrow. Natsu flinched at every diagnosis like he was the one who had the injuries. Grandeeney said I also had a couple of fractured ribs, but she was mostly worried about my airway. "It would be best if you didn't speak for a couple of days. Your esophagus has been bruised with brute force. To make sure you don't lose your voice it would be best to not speak so much." I pointed at my head which was now wrapped in thick gauze. The Dragon Lady pointed at the back of my head. "A deep cut, but nothing severe. It looked like you were bleeding out but that's how head injuries go."

"What about risk of concussion? Is it safe for her to sleep?" Natsu asked with his arms over his chest. Grandeeney moved her head back and forth. "There's always risk of a concussion when someone's head experiences that level of trauma. It would be wise for Sunny to stay awake."

"My children..." I said. Grandeeney smiled. "They're safe and well. Elain's leg is all healed up as if she was never burned. All their vitals are good and they're breathing healthily. They're asleep, but tomorrow morning I'll be sure you see them first thing."

"Thank you." I glanced towards Natsu that was sitting beside me in a chair. Grandeeney stared back and forth to each of us when she cleared her throat. "You'll have another healing session tomorrow. Most of your wounds will be gone save for your esophagus. I'd give it a few days and we'll see how you feel." The Dragon Lady stood up to see herself out. "I'll let you two have a minute. You can speak but don't overdo it too much. I'll see you in the morning Sunny." Grandeeney shook my hand and bid us a goodnight. It was just the two of us now in the hospital room now. Natsu didn't look at me at first. "I can't... I can't believe how close I was to losing you."

"Natsu..." I pulled his hand into my lap. He turned his face to finally look at me. Speckles of tears were battling the edge of his eyes. He held my hand, his thumb rubbing the bruises that wrapped my wrists. I watched him shake his head. "I'm so sorry Sunny. If I hadn't been able to fly...if I had just stayed with you..."

"It's not your fault." My hands encased Natsu's cheeks. Tears fell down his gorgeous irises. "I'm here because of you. The girls are alive because of you." I wiped away his tears with my thumbs. Natsu moved himself closer to the bed now resting his head on my collarbone. "I'll never forgive myself." Natsu whispered. I pulled away and grabbed his face to look at me again. "Then I'll give you forgiveness." My heart was rapidly beating against my chest. I inched closer to Natsu whose eyes widened when he noticed me moving.

I wanted to kiss him.

When our lips were about to meet a knot in my stomach appeared. I cowered where I was sitting. My hands had become shaky I unconsciously changed course and placed a kiss on his head. Natsu closed his eyes and smiled. I, on the other hand, was blushing the darkest red imaginable. "See? Forgiven." I stuttered. Natsu touched where I placed the kiss then opened his eyes. "Thank you." He smiled for the first time since saving me. I wished to always see him smiling. Weariness overwhelmed me as I fell back into the pillows. Natsu held my hand. "We have extra soldiers watching over the Walls tonight and more that are posted in the Hospital Wing. We wanted you and the girls to feel safe." His hand released from me when he stood up. For a second all I felt was dread. The sense of security was gone when I soon realized Natsu was leaving for the night. "Don't go!" I cried then held my throat from raising my voice. Natsu was halfway near the door when he stopped. "Please stay... please don't leave me..."

The man I love returned to my side. He sat down on the edge of the bed wiping away what I hadn't realized were tears. "I will never leave you." Natsu promised and placed a kiss on the crowning of my head. My hands slid to his chest fingers locking around his new clean shirt. "Can you stay with me tonight? I don't want to be alone."

"If that's what you wish, I'll stay." I didn't let his shirt go and scooted over for him to have room on the bed to lie down. Natsu stared at me for a moment, asking without needing to speak if this was alright. I nodded at him with a smile. Natsu shuffled himself on top of the bed until he was lying on his back and I was on my side. He looked at the ceiling with one arm resting under his head and the other over his chest. His eyes closed as his breaths were slow and steady. I couldn't understand how he was able to sleep so easily. With us sharing this small hospital bed together it felt like my heart was about to jump out of my chest. I found it difficult to even close my eyes to attempt to sleep. All I wanted was to stare at this gorgeous man next to me. What did he see when it comes to me? What made him want to help me and my girls? Why did he care about me?

"It's okay. I'm nervous too." I just about jumped out of the covers when Natsu spoke. His eyes were still closed yet he continued to speak. "I haven't shared a bed with anyone in nine years. Not since my wife died."

'Nine years...'  I thought to myself. The man earlier mentioned something about waiting nine years. That, and of me having to die again... What did he mean? I had so many questions that I wanted to ask. It seemed the man knew me somehow; knew of my history. If I wasn't about to be killed by him I wish I could have at least attempted to ask what he was speaking of. Could Natsu know? 'Is there a chance we met before I lost my memories?' I shook my head at that thought. If Natsu knew me then wouldn't he have told me? Then I started thinking back months ago. There was a time when we were talking, but whatever it was we were discussing it made me fall ill. I excused it for my poor immune system, but thinking back on it now my head was the only part of my body that hurt. What was the conversation? 'His marriage. I brought up the topic. I was about to express my feelings. I didn't know at the time though that I love Natsu, and yet, I wanted to tell him he made me feel like I was loved.' It wasn't what we were taking about. It was what I was feeling.

"You'll always be safe with me. No one will hurt you again." I blinked out of my thoughts. Natsu hadn't moved once the entire time I was thinking to myself. His voice was drowsy now as sleep seemed to be taking hold of him. I curled myself closer to where our bodies almost touched. Natsu wasn't sleeping with covers over him which meant I couldn't wrap my arms around him. I wanted the same sense of security again. I wished instead of the covers it was Natsu's warmth that covered me. "Thank you," I whispered to Natsu. He said nothing back when his breaths were heavy and slow. He falls asleep so fast. I knew sleep wasn't going to come easily for me tonight. Not only was I still shaken about what happened but I was also in deep thought about what I'd learned.

I tried to place the missing pieces together; to get a sense that there must have been more when it came to my memories and my past. The man said I was hated, then worshipped. He said I was a demon and had powers. He wanted me to show him the Balance.

"Ah!" There went my head again, pulsing in pain from thinking about this. I wanted to pull away from it, the pain that was overly tremendous and too heavy to hold. It was so painful. Was I strong enough to conquer what my psyche was hiding? Was there a reason that I was mentally preventing myself from remembering? I clutched my chest considering what I should do. I gave up on wanting to remember. What good was there to remember a past that didn't want me? 'What if it's not like that?' I said to myself. Maybe I'm thinking about this all wrong. It might not be the past that didn't want me, but me not wanting to remember the past.

'I want...to remember.'

I glanced over to see Natsu again. He was deep asleep with his soft lumbering snores breaking the quietness of the room. I smiled. Slowly, I withdrew the covers and slid off the bed to not wake the Dragon Slayer. My bare feet hit the cold floor as I backed away without making a sound. After covering Natsu with a blanket I snuck out of my room. Thankfully I didn't see any sign of soldiers which meant they must be patrolling through the corridors. I tiptoed down the long Hospital Wing until I made it to my girl's room where they were resting. Their room was dark save for the moonlight that shined through the glass windows. Elain was curled in a ball sleeping on one of the hospital beds tucked closer to the corner of the room. Nashi was in a crib, sleeping on her belly with her knuckle in her mouth. Seeing them made it all the more real that we made it through. My girls were stronger than any person I ever met. For them, I had to be stronger. I had to face what scared me and remember. If it's true I have this power, I could use it to protect them. I could protect everyone that had cared for me.

I had to face my fears.

I decided I had to go to the library. My reading level is lower than Elain's but I had to make sense of this. I must be someone of importance if the Dark Mages kidnapped me. If I was feared and loved then maybe there is something about a powerful Wizard that might be related to me. It was the only idea that made sense so I had to just go with it. I crept through the corridors to avoid the guards on patrol. When I made it to the secret stairway that Natsu and I used to move through the castle, I went down to the large library.

The library was vacant. If there weren't candles lit I would have a hard time getting around the bookshelves to find what I was searching for. 'B...B...Let's start with looking for the Balance.' Aisle B had too many rows of books. I skimmed the spine of the books, some old and worn whilst others looked to have been made just recently. I stopped on a certain book. 'The Balance between Man and Realms.' I pulled the book out. 'It's a start.'

For as long as we have known, Magic was always considered a neutral energy between man and EarthLand. We came to the conclusion that Magic was always energy and the Mage was the energy rod. However, after the Savior's sacrifice for the Realms, can we as mages and scientists come to the term that Magic may not just be energy? Is Magic, in a smaller sense, alive? On May 8th, the year the Savior died, did Magic also die with her? The Balance, as she called it, were two indescribable entities that lived within her. They were one mind and body. Magic only existed due to the Balance's very existence which raises the question: what happened to the Balance after the Savior's passing?

'The Savior. Igneel said something about the Savior. Actually, a couple people have said something including the Savior. Thanking her or saying very little.' I closed the book and returned it back in its rightful place on the bookshelf. 'Maybe there's a book on the Savior.'  Walking to the S aisle my head began to throb. 'I'm not backing down this time.' I continued on now needing to lean on the bookcases to support my balance. There weren't many books that I could find when it came to the Savior. It seemed some books were missing or pages torn out of them when I did manage to find something relating to the Savior. 'Gods & Myths: Volume 3'

'This seems promising.' I flipped to the index until I saw what I was looking for. The Savior. After flipping to the page I began reading.

The Savior, formally named Lucy Heartfilia (Dragneel), was an anomaly. Some believed she was a God that walked amongst humans, others believed she was a mortal with Godly powers. Sadly, there was never time to determine what she was when she sacrificed herself to save the Five Realms. Before her upbringing to being the Savior there was very little known about her. All we have learned was she was once a Celestial Mage from Fairy Tail. She was the wife of Natsu Dragneel.

'...what...' The book fell from my hands. The world began to spin as my head felt like it was splitting open. Lucy...Fairy Tail...Natsu. Those names. These powers. Were these something I once knew about? But that would mean...have I been dead for nine years?! "AH!" My head was burning! The inside of my body was on fire! I wanted to run away from it, I wanted to forget! 'NO! Not this time! I won't run away! I WILL remember!'

Nine years...dying again...the Balance. Everything was starting to make sense. The way people would stare at me as if they were looking at something else. The way Natsu's comrades reacted when seeing me. Nashi...her appearances were similar to Natsu too. The hair, the dimples, the sun-kissed skin...

Oh Gods!

'Natsu, if you knew all along, why didn't you tell me?' My vision wavered until I felt the pain in my head wash away. My body fell to the ground as the last of my vision went black.

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

~Natsu~

Birds chirping and the first rays of sunlight was a nice way to wake up. I stretched my limbs, reaching out to find Sunny to see if she was still asleep or not. My eyes opened when I didn't feel her next to me. She was gone. "Shit!" I threw the covers off me and left the hospital room to go where the girls were. It was the only idea where Sunny could be! Where else could she have gone?!

I checked the girls room. No Sunny. Nashi and Elain were still asleep so I gently closed the door and ran through the corridor to find the missing mother. Was there a chance she went to her old bedroom? We searched if anything had survived the fire, but there wasn't anything left to salvage. I cursed under my breath. It wasn't possible that she was taken again! After running up a set of stairs and through what felt like a maze of corridors I made it to the soot-encrusted door. The door was hard to open that I had to used my shoulder to bust it to unlock the latch. The room was covered in black soot and still smelled like embers. Sunny wasn't here either. Panic began to ensue. "Sunny!" I went to the terrace. I looked where the garden was down below not finding anyone. I was about to start screaming for her until I noticed a speck of someone walking away from under the gazebo. Using my wings I flew down towards the entrance of the garden to save time on exiting through the castle.

The garden was in full bloom. Colors of all kind surrounded every bush and circled the gazebo. Standing underneath the gazebo was Sunny. Her back was turned from me when I noticed she was shaking. I jogged past the flower bushes until I made it to the gazebo steps. "Sunny!" I exclaimed in relief that she was alright. Sunny's body stiffened. She slowly turned herself until I saw her face. Tears were evident on her face as her eyes stared at me. My heart clenched in pain upon seeing her in this state. "Sunny?"

"Natsu..."

I was one foot on the gazebo floor when she said my name. It was the way she said it that caught me off guard. The tone, the pitch...the way her voice made me all the more gravitate towards her. The last time I truly ever heard her say my name was the last time I spoke to Lucy. My throat felt like it was being choked around vines. I took a moment to breathe. Sunny stepped forward as her hand tentatively reached out for me. Was this Sunny? Who was I staring at? Who is this? Her face became more heartbroken. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for what I put you through..."

I felt all the weight in my life leave me. For the first time, I knew how to breathe. We both stepped forward until we were a breath away from touching. I looked at her, searching for all the things I had previously missed. There was a light in her eyes that showed familiarity as if she knew me. There wasn't a hesitancy in her posture. There wasn't anything that made her a stranger. Sunny was no longer here.

"...Lucy?"

She cracked a smile before nodding. "Oh, Natsu...I'm so sorry..." I didn't hear anything else when I pulled her into my chest. One of my hands held Lucy around her waist whilst the other cupped the back of her head. I didn't think twice. I drew her lips to mine and held her there. She had her arms around my neck and pulled me close to her leaving us no space to spare. The summer wind came through wafting the air of floral scent and Lucy's sweet perfume. Neither one of us could let go. After almost a decade apart, we were finally reunited. I held her even closer until I begrudgingly pulled my lips away. We wiped away our tears together and smiled. I moved my head until I whispered only for her to hear. "I love you, Lucy." Lucy hugged me and whispered back. "I love you more, Natsu."

At long last, the world was good again.

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

Thus, concludes the story.

Thank you everyone for being on this journey with me. I started this story back in 2015 never even considering all of the love and pain this story would give to me. Now, after eight years, I'm happy to say The Savior Series is done. I would love to go back and do my final editing, but where I am right now in life I am ready to complete my series once and for all. Again, thank you to my wonderful Lovelies for coming along with me on this journey of my first fanfic series. I love each and every one of you and couldn't have done this without your love and support.

One last time, as always, I love you all.❤️

-Bella