Song: In That Smile
Composed by: Mattia Cupelli

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~Natsu~

There was a dense fog before me. How I ended up here I couldn't recall, but I was standing on a cobbled street with dim streetlights barely lighting the pathways for pedestrians. I looked back only to see the same anomaly of the fog. Where even was I? Something about this place seems, familiar? I believed to have actually been here before, but where this place was I couldn't find out. The buildings were hiding behind the fog that I couldn't even see two feet in front of me. "Hello?" I called out only my echo answering. "Is anyone there?!"

No one replied.

The invisible tug, still leading me to my destination, I followed along counting the dim streetlights as I made turns left and right. I figured to be in a town of some sort as the smell of the ocean was nearby. The waves of the high tide could be heard from my keen dragon hearing when I found myself at the port. The port was beginning to rot of mold and rust while a sign was dangling by a rusted chain to welcome any boats that would arrive. "Welcome to...Hargeon?" I said bewildered of what's happened to the fishing town. "What in the Gods name happened here! How did I end up in Hargeon?!" I was speaking out loud already knowing there was no one to tell me the meaning of this. I pressed on leaving the docks to find the end of the tug. While I walked feeling uneasy of the fog there were abandoned booths that were wilting away due to the extreme humidity. I halted, recognizing where I was. "This is where we first met." I breathed, heart seizing as I noticed the fog was damn near impossible to see through. The closer I was getting the more the fog seemed to become dense and almost impassible to walk with ease. My lungs felt heavy as my skin was stung by the humidity and my hair also damp. I used my muffler to cover my nose before moving forward.

It wasn't another minute until I took notice of a person. The stranger was incredibly small as they were hunched over with their back facing me. They seemed to be talking, or was it singing? I took note of the hood they were wearing to completely conceal their appearance. Subtly I came forward with my hand outstretched. The closer I was the more I can hear of what I knew was singing; it being a lullaby in fact. My hands clasped the hood of the cloak then swiftly pulled it off to reveal the mysterious stranger.

A gasp came out of me.

~~~

My eyes immediately opened when I sat up in my seat. I saw the outside world moving fast that I wasn't able to focus on the trees until the sickening feeling of transportation came back to me. I groaned, holding my stomach and already in need of a doggie bag. "You're awake!" My blue feline Exceed exclaimed with glee. "You've been asleep for awhile Nat-zu. I'm surprised that you were able to be so out of it for that long."

I'm still on this train after two hellish days...

"Where in the hell are we?" I moaned curling into my stomach. Happy scratched behind the back of his ear whilst thinking. "Well, we're nearing The Calm Sea now. You feel your tug growing stronger right?" I felt it alright. It was pulsating like music growing into the climax. "I know where we're going," I grunted searching for Hades or anyone else in our small party. Other than me, Happy, and Hades I had Ice Freak in our group, as well as Erza and Jellal, and Levy. The closest person I saw was Levy as she read a book. After having issues I managed to get the bluenette's attention and called her over to me. "Levy, we're going to Hargeon." One of Levy's eyebrows perked up. "Hargeon? Isn't that where you and Lucy first met?" I nodded to answer her. "We stop for Hargeon. We have to go there."

"Alright, let me go tell the group and we'll be sure to go." Levy leaned back up and left with only my thoughts to entertain me. I remembered my dream again; reliving while I walked through Hargeon lost in a sea of fog. Somehow, I knew that's where I had to go and find Lucy.

I managed to get some more sleep for a few more hours until we arrived in Hargeon. When I woke up I found that it was nighttime seeing no moon and very little stars. The glass window was clouded after I pulled myself to sit properly. "Strange, it's a little foggy outside." Said Erza rubbing the window with her hand. My heart dropped for a moment until I coughed forcefully. Unlike my dream of it being a thick fog, there was a fog that was steadily creeping through the cobble streets of Hargeon. Hades stood up getting his small bag that consists of his formal attire and the cane in his other free hand. "Let's go find an inn for the night. We won't be much help for Natsu as of now. He looks completely drained." Hades placed his gloved hand on my shoulder to help me stand. I was struggling after staying on a train for two consecutive days that I was exhausted despite sleeping so much. "Here, let me help." The asshole Ice Mage offered until I pushed both parties away from me. "I'm fine! I can stand on my o-own-..." When I tried to walk the world still felt like it was moving. I tried to find one the booths to grasp onto, but to no avail I found myself falling when someone caught me by my arm. "Come on big guy, let's get you to an inn." It was the scarlet maiden that came to my rescue.

"Thanks." I slurred still feeling queasy. Jellal insisted on helping Erza, which meant I looked like a drunk being hauled away by a man and a woman at my side. Happy grabbed my backpack and carried it along the way as we finally stepped out of the deathtrap. To feel solid ground beneath my feet was like night and day, however, I was still affected by my motion sickness. The fog left a trail of us walking past closed restaurants and stores. I noticed that it seemed to grow as we made it closer to the heart of Hargeon. 'What is going on? I'm not dreaming still am I?' I asked myself until we stopped in front of an inn. Erza leaned me onto her husband when she talked to us. "I'll get us rooms for the night. I will share a room with Levy, Jellal you'll be with Gray, and Hades and Natsu can share."

"Like hell, I'll stay in the same bedroom with him." I snapped glaring at the Bringer. "Natsu, I don't sleep." Said Hades with his lavender eyes looking at me. "Doesn't matter. I don't want him as my roommate." Erza just rolled her eyes. "Alright, Jellal and Hades switch. Is that better Natsu?" I gave a weak thumbs up. "Much better." Gray stifled a laugh. "How long are you going to keep this stupid thing up? He kept a secret just like I did Natsu."

"I'll stay mad as long as I want to." I retorted giving him the same angry eyes I gave to Hades. "Alright everyone, let's all just calm down. We're all stressed and sleep fatigued which means we're cranky. Let's get our rooms and get a good night's sleep." Levy tried to mediate for the group with her hands up. "Come on Erza, I'll help you." Erza gave Levy a thankful smile. "Thank you, Levy. Come on, I'm ready for a bath; my feet are killing me." The girls went inside with only the remainder of the group now outside. While I leaned on the brick wall for my support, the fog looked to be growing denser beneath our feet. "Do any of you feel that?" Gray asked kicking the fog as though it would send it away. Jellal traced his eyes downward before nodding. "This isn't a regular fog. Whatever it may be, we will have to search for the source tomorrow. It doesn't seem to be a threat right now but that can always change." Hades dropped his bag when he swiped his hand to as if to feel the fog. "It's unusually cold to my touch. You're correct Jellal, this isn't no ordinary fog."

"What could be doing this then?" Happy asked when everyone's eyes settled onto me. I looked back and forth until I pointed at myself. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked while the rest of the group continued to stare. "Well, Natsu, you did tell us to come to Hargeon and now there's an unsettling fog. You tell us what could be doing this." I glared at the Ice Mage when I scoffed. "How could I know!? I'm as lost as the rest of you are. It is a little weird, however." I thought back to the dream I had. The look of an abandoned fishing town in a sea of thick fog, then the stranger that I couldn't remember. "I had a dream, or maybe a premonition, of walking in a dense fog." I shifted uncomfortably by everyone looking at me. "At first I didn't know where I was, but as I was strolling I saw a sign that was welcoming travelers to Hargeon. And, I also found someone in my dream."

"A person? Do you know who?" The Bringer questioned. By the way he looked he was hoping I knew, or that he hoped it was Lucy. My shoulders slumped. "I don't know. I can vaguely remember them hunched over and being covered by a cloak." Hades's eyes fell. "I see..." He whispered returning to his passive state. "Well, at least we know that you dream of your locations when the invisible pull is strong enough. That's a good sign that this plan is working." The blue-haired man said with optimism to try and cheer us up. Gray, on the other hand, glanced back down to the fog. "But what will we come across in order to find the missing shard of Lucy's soul?" There was no answer to be given. I didn't know what was to come tomorrow; only I hope the fog doesn't become monstrous and incredibly dense to where I lose sight of even myself. At last, the girls came back outside holding three room keys in hand. "Come on in, gents! We have a night of restful sleep and sweet dreams ahead of us." I felt that stupid Droopy Eyes stare right at me. "Well, most of us will have sweet dreams."

"You really want your ass beaten, Don't cha'?" I kicked myself off the brick wall and stomped inside after taking my room key out of Levy's hand. "That's Gray and Hades's room, Natsu!" She exclaimed while I raised my fist. "Not anymore!" I declared taking that room for my own. Happy flew beside me when he sighed. "Natsu, when are you gonna forgive them? They only did what Lucy asked them too." I closed my eyes in frustration, faintly hearing the sound of Luce's heart. It was growing slower every passing day. No matter what, I had to do whatever it takes to bring her back. "I'll manage to forgive them when Lucy wakes up. Until then, they are dead to me."

~•~•~

There were no senses. It was all a blank, dark sheet. Even when I extended to grasp for anything to touch, there was only nothing. Not even my lungs were moving because I couldn't feel the movement of my chest. It wasn't hot, nor even cold in this empty space. I sometimes tried to speak only to remember I didn't have a voice. My skin wasn't even skin. The hair follicles that I had weren't real either. The eyes to the soul were closed, dare I say, nonexistent. Whoever, or whatever I am, I was just a blank canvas. Pristine, clean, nor even tainted. And yet, I want to be touched by something. Anything.

I want to be real.

~•~•~

~Natsu~

I was awake again after a long hardship of sleep. The window to my shared bedroom showed the sun only dawn as the pink and purple sky painted my dark bedroom. I scooted over after gently patting Happy, who was still asleep, to get up and get dressed. There were no dreams this time, only a thoughtless sleep that couldn't help me find any answers. Even if I was tired I didn't want to go back to bed. The connection I felt woke me and was prepared to lead me to my goal. What that goal could be was still yet to be told.

I was on my feet as I grabbed my vest and slipped in my sandals to take a walk. "I'm going out," I whispered even though I knew no one would hear me. Jellal was still asleep on his twin size bed and Happy was snoring. "I'll be back in a bit." I swiped the room key off the dresser that was in between mine and Jellal's bed to leave the bedroom. After I locked the door securely and dropped the key into my pocket, I was more than ready to ease my troubled thoughts with a nice stroll. Walking always helped me when I was overthinking, which doesn't happen a lot, but it was still nice to take a walk.  I was already in the lobby when I felt a wave of chills crawl down my arms and back to my legs. It was like a small jolt of lightning when I noticed the outside world.

We were enclosed by fog.

I stood face to face in front of the glass window not being able to see the other side of the sidewalk. It was a wall of fog that looked to be impossible to pass through. "What the hell?" I murmured in astonishment. The fog looked exactly like my dream or what I can now confirm was a premonition. "So I can see premonitions. This is too crazy to be real!" My logical sense was screaming at me to turn back and wake someone up. Yet another sense, one I'm very familiar with, eased me to calmness and explained I was okay to go alone. If my premonition was correct then I would be fine the entire way on my journey. The ending was another story. I still couldn't remember who I saw, or even if everything would be alright for me. This must be how Carla and Lucy feel. I'm left with countless questions of the what-ifs and what's going to happen- that I may as well tear my hair out. Then I recalled what I told myself the moment I saw Lucy.

I will do anything to bring her back...

With my fists clenched, I left the window and pulled the entrance door open for me to walk out of. The guys were right last night when I felt a strange stream of power float with the fog as if they were one. It was heavy in my lungs and on my shoulders already and I wasn't even out the building. Could I really do this? Am I even doing the right thing?

"Natsu..."

I let out a quick gasp before clenching my heart. "Lucy?" I wheezed as a warm sensation came over me. "Please," I muttered, teeth grinding in desperation. "give me another sign. Tell me that was really you!" I waited for minutes snapping my head back and forth for any sign from Lucy. I swear I heard her voice calling me. I swear on my life it was my love trying to lead me in the right direction. "Luce..." My voice cracked when I finished counting the minutes of no other sign. "Is it you, or was it the Souls Connection? Am I going insane from not being close to you for so long? It's so much worse now than it was before. You're not here with me. Your spirit is somewhere I can't reach you. But if you can reach me-" I attempted to swallow the lump in my throat. "then show me that you can."

I was answered by silence.

Her voice didn't caress my ears, and the sweet sensation of her warmth left me all those minutes ago. If I don't find the source of the fog now, then I may never feel her warmth ever again. I wasn't afraid of this being the wrong decision anymore, but now determined to find whoever this person may be. I took my first step outside. My hair became damp after I closed the door behind me and attempted to search the roads for any sign of life. It must've been too early for anyone to be awake, then again shop owners would be going to their business to prepare the daily grind. Somehow, it felt like I walked into a maze of some kind. The fog had particles of this unknown energy to it so it was possible that my mind was being deceived by the fog.

It was like I was reliving my premonition. I was walking the same road, called out to anyone that could hear only for silence to answer back to me. This was absolutely insane that I am reliving this very moment. I was at the dock, but unlike my premonition, it was rusted or dirtied; it was just a clean and lifeless port that would welcome travelers. I was growing closer to the ending of my premonition, the one thing I don't know what's to come. If that person would even be there I had no clue.

"Natsu..."

"Lucy!?" My voice echoed her name. There it was again, her voice and warmth gently coming over me like a soft breeze. "Where are you?!" I ran past the port while pushing through the dense fog. At that point, I didn't care about glancing at the abandoned booths or even the fact no one was out. It being so early in the morning someone would have been out, but it was just me. All I wanted was to make it to the end of my premonition and see what would happen, or even who the cloaked stranger was. Hoping, that it could somehow be Lucy, reaching out to me and explain how to fix all of this.

"Natsu..."

"I'm coming Lucy!" My heart, racing out of my ribs, felt the tug become incredibly strong. The only direction I faced was straight only running further in the wall made of heavy fog. Until I stopped. Due to the atmosphere I was heaving, shifting left and right when I saw where I was. The very spot Lucy and I met. After I broke her out of the love spell, and she thanked me while at the time I had no clue what she was talking about. All those years ago I was just a kid searching for a lost father, now I'm back at the beginning, searching for a lost lover. There was no cloaked person to find, where they should be hunched over and singing the lullaby. Was my premonition really only a dream? Why can I no longer feel the invisible tug anymore? "I thought...I thought it would actually work." I laughed, tears brimming in my eyes as my hand swiped over my hair. "How stupid could I have been? Hades, you moron, it didn't work!" I slumped, having once again felt defeat. When I put my hands in my pockets, I looked back at what Lucy was wearing when I first saw her. Those pure brown eyes looking at me, and her hair dolled up to a one-sided ponytail as her keys chimed on her hip. Her outfit reminded me of an adventurer, awaiting excitement and exploration as she showed me her signature grin. At the time, before she was awakened as the Balance. Before the Light Goddess. Even before the Dark One. Before everything in her life became so chaotic.

"Natsu." A warm breath tickled my ear when I jumped back in fear. The cloaked entity was actually there, standing right before me. It was her. It was Lucy. She pulled her hood down as she brought her head up. Those eyes...her sweet, innocent gaze, was just the same the day we found each other. Lucy unclipped the hood around her shoulders before letting it fall to the street. "I was wondering when you would arrive. You certainly know how to make a lady wait." She chuckled at her small joke as she dusted away any wrinkled in her blue skirt. Even her outfit was the same as the first day we met. "Are you really Lucy?" I whispered, inching closer to inspect her better. Lucy gave me a confused, raised eyebrow. "Well, that's one of the strangest things you've asked me."

"I'm serious. You're acting like you before the first nightmare! Before reawakening the Dark One and Light Goddess. Before becoming the Balance!" Lucy, still confused, only smiled. "I haven't changed at all, silly! I'm still me ya know?" Was this a piece of Lucy that wanted to be Lucy Heartfilia before she changed? Was this her in denial? "But, you did change. You've changed a lot." Lucy scoffed. "No, I haven't. I'm still the Lucy you know and love!"

"Lucy, I'll always love you and you know that, but you have changed. You're a being that had defied fate. You defied the Gods wishes." The fog crept closer around us. The blonde in front of me tried to laugh off what I was saying when she brought herself closer. We were only a foot away from each other. "You're not being funny. I'm not a being, Natsu. I'm a human just like you! A human like any other person on EarthLand."

"But you're not. Lucy, you are different compare to the people of EarthLand. You can travel all Five Realms. You are the Balance that keeps Magic alive." I watched as her brown eyes darted away when she clutched herself. "Stop it. You're freaking me out." Lucy started to tremble. "I'm not different. I'm the same! The same like everyone else!" I drew nearer to Lucy, outstretching my hand to touch her. "Being different means you don't belong. If I'm different than everyone then I don't belong with Fairy Tail! It would mean I don't belong with you too!" I placed my hand on her arm. She didn't even feel real on my skin. When I touched her, Lucy became transparent for mere seconds until solidifying again. She didn't even have a temperature, nor was her chest moving to clarify she wasn't breathing.

This was the shard of Lucy's soul.

"What's so wrong with being different? Just because you are doesn't mean you don't belong with us! I mean, come on Luce, look at Fairy Tail. We're all pretty weird in our own way. We have a guy that strips bare-ass naked." I managed to make Lucy laugh. "True, but that's not what I mean. There's a line where being different means you're a freak. That's why I'm not different at all, just the same old Lucy Heartfilia!" She repeated like a broken record. "Lucy, you are not the same Lucy Heartfilia I first met." Her eyes peered into mine, shining despite the fog surrounding us. "But that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. People change all the time and it's something we have to live with. When we first met, you were a human, but now you're not. You've woken a piece of you that's been locked away. This new you is what you were always meant to be."

"But I want to go back to the way I was. If I change then so does everything else around me. I'm so scared that I'll lose Fairy Tail; I'm scared that I'll lose our relationship." My other hand pulled Lucy into my chest when she snuggled her face in the crook of my arm. "Changing can mean so many things. How can I know the outcome will be good if I change?" Even with all her hardships, Lucy to me looked complete. There was a side of her that wasn't there at the time like she was incomplete. Maybe it was like sleepwalking if I thought more into it. Walking, breathing, but never really there since you were still in a deep sleep. Now, she was awake. "It's only you that can decide the outcome, Luce. Unlike us humans, you can decide your fate. You have a choice in the matter." Lucy looked up, a smile on her porcelain face. "I choose to be with you."

The fog, which was consuming us, slowly began to dissipate when a ray of the sun touched Lucy's cheek. The sun went through her skin as she was now translucent as a ghost. A shimmer grew around her pale figure when Lucy used the tip of her toes to reach my lips. It felt like a warm, gentle, aura that tickled my lips when she pulled away. "My eyes are open now, Natsu. Wake me up soon." I was no longer holding her in my arms when she dispersed from her physical form. All that was left was a small flame, and in the center seemed to be a shard of pure light. There was the pulse in my eardrums, a heartbeat drumming deep in my very core when I outstretched my hand. The shard gently laid itself in my palm, then faded away after I closed my fist.

I could feel her heart grow somewhat stronger for mere seconds.

"One down," I said watching the remainder of the thick fog draw itself back. The sun was now over me bathing its warmth on the buildings and cobbled streets of Hargeon. "Four to go." I stuffed my hands in my pocket still feeling the linger of Lucy's kiss on my lips.

~•~•~

A soft breeze whispered one word in my ear. Even in my paralyzed state, I swore by the sight of blond and grey he was the one that spoke to me. He was the one that carved me. He was the one that molded my very shell. With his hands, he placed them over my cheeks.
"What?"

He wiped away something from me. I didn't know at the time, these were my tears.

~•~•~

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Hmm...interesting. I suppose you guys know who is speaking. Let's see what else happens. ^-^

As always my dear Lovelies...love you all!❤️