The Princess And The Dragon

Chapter 9: The future

Natsu and Lucy exited the castle, leaving behind every painful experience they could, but not the feelings behind them.
Natsu's P.O.V
Natsu couldn't fly anymore, yet this didn't bother him, he looked full human now. He only wanted Lucy to have a life as normal as possible. Not that he's saying he wants her to be ordinary; no his Lucy is far beyond, farther than the stars beyond ordinary. And he loved her for it, she was different. Never had it crossed his mind, a princess, would fully accept him, love him, even consider killing family for his sake. But he was lucky, within his lifetime, he met his one and only.
Now they walk, not only towards a unknown destination, but towards the future, their future.
Lucy's P.O.V
"Do you need to sit down?" She eyed him carefully, as his wounds still posed a threat.
"I'm fine Luce." He smiled directly at her.
"Just let me know ok?" She warned him with concern.
"When did you wake up from your...?" Natsu changed the subject.
"It wasn't really my choice, I heard you screaming, so you brought me back." She gave him a guilt ridden frown.
"I never wanted you to hear me.."
"I can't imagine the pain...I'm so-"
"Lucy we talked about this." His stern look surprised her.
"I know. I'm just- happy he didn't kill you." She pressed herself closer to him.
"How did you get your father's men to obey you?" His face boggled with questions.
"Well, it wasn't easy. But in the end, threatening their positions worked out." She gave an uneasy smile.
Both Natsu and Lucy, walked for weeks. By then, Natsu was fully healed, to his standards. Though they didn't have a home, they had each other. They slept under the stars every night, protected by their small shimmers of light.
They could have easily gone back to their mountain, but Natsu couldn't bare the memories and Lucy thought it might prove a difficult life, since he could not fly anymore.
Natsu's P.O.V
And so, more weeks had passed, they had visited many regions they never heard of. But one in particular stood out. While crossing through a small village, Natsu overheard gossip. Usually he wouldn't care, but they were discussing a certain unoccupied landscape. One that was up for grabs.
"What is this about land?" Natsu interjected between the older women.
"Whomever clears out the landscape within the fire regions domain, gets to settle there." They huffed.
"Fire region?" He asked, in utter confusion. He has never heard of such a place, yet it excited him, he was in fact a fire dragon.
"We don't know the real name. We only call it that because of the location, it is surrounded by solidified volcanos."
"And we are to clear what?"
"It is infested with horrid creatures, ones that show no mercy." They cringed.
"Natsu, what's going on?" Lucy walked up to him, grabbing his hand.
"How do you feel about this Fire region?" He then proceeded to explain the details.
"Creatures...I wonder what kind." She placed a hand over her chin.
"I can clear them out quickly, then I will come back here to get you." He tried to kiss her goodbye, but she tightened her grip on his hand.
"Luce, what's wrong?"
"I'm coming with you."
"Lucy...you know-"
"I'm not leaving you alone again." Her words struck his heart.
"I know we have a promise, but...if you go alone, how can I try to protect you." She continued.
His expression softened as he leaned in a gave her a long, passionate kiss.
"I won't abandon you, where I go, you will. This is our new promise." He embraced her.
"We can kick ass together from now on." She giggled.
Ahead, lies a monster infested chunk of land. Together, despite worries and fears, they walked towards what could possibly be their new home, one that could be permeant. This mission won't be easy, but in the hearts of both, all they need is each other to support them.