The Princess And The Dragon

Chapter 12: Where we must belong

Carrying Lucy along the broken path, Natsu uncovered his shielded eyes and grew increasingly more resistant to the dying light. Though the ground was still glowing, the air was clearer than previously. The yellow flames burned out from around and within the beast which now lay dead behind them.
Natsu's P.O.V
"Luce, it's okay now." He whispered in her ear as he gave her a reassuring squeeze.
Natsu saw her peek one watery eye open, scanning the area.
"Natsu...?" She then stared up towards his face with a look of pure confusion and almost fear.
"What's wrong?" He set her down and took her hands in his.
"Y-Your eyes, they are...glowing!" She took a step closer towards him and peered into his shocked expression.
"Glowing? What color?" He let go of her hands and shadowed over his eyes.
"Grey. Like the-"
"The beast!"
With a quick rumble, the familiar shake underneath their shoes, welcomed them once again.
"What? Again?" Natsu pulled Lucy closer to his body.
The existing cracks shown brighter, as the once defeated creatures clawed their way up.
Breaking the surface, they surrounded the duo. Glancing from man to woman, the Mini beasts tilted their heads.
"What's going on?" Lucy whispered to him as she waited for them to attack.
Feeling a sudden burst of power, Natsu stepped closer to the beings.
The creatures flinched when he so much as moved, making Natsu question their motives.
He knelt down, cautiously, in front a small, slimy being. The things eyes were seeping with fear as Natsu's new orbs grew brighter.
"Natsu, your flames..?" Lucy's shocked tone made him glance down. His fire was once again intertwined with the yellow ones.
The creatures then bowed, submitting themselves in front of the dragon.
"You are the new leader." Lucy walked up to Natsu, placing a hand on his shoulder, thus making the creatures hiss at her.
Lucy's P.O.V
Swiping her hand back, she clutched it in confusion.
This earned the crowd a murderous growl from their new leader.
They once again tilted their heads, eyes piercing through them.
With one swift movement, Natsu pulled Lucy into a kiss, caressing her body in a gentle manner.
Widening her eyes, Lucy quickly snapped out of it as she leaned into the kiss, blushing lightly.
Breaking their lips apart, Natsu once again glared around.
"She's mine! Don't you hurt her!" He snapped at them, making them press their faces to the ground and nod.
"Natsu...?" Lucy stared out beyond the crowd.
"What?" He softened his voice towards her.
"Was that always there?" She pointed towards the intact building in the distance.
"Is that what those grandmas were talking about?" He grabbed her hand and made the creatures clear the way.
"Go to sleep." He tossed over his shoulder as he saw them scurry underground.
Picking up her pace, Lucy ran with Natsu towards the structure of security.
"It has to be empty, right?" Lucy panted as they approached.
Giving her a nod, he reached for the door. Touching the handle of the door, his flames erupted, making Lucy jump back.
"Lucy!" He stared back in worry.
"I'm fine, you didn't burn me." She held her hands up and walked towards him again.
"Look." She opened her mouth in bewilderment as she turned her gaze towards the now glowing building.
The black building suddenly shimmered with orange and yellow lights from outside and in. Wrapping around the building, his new powers danced.
"This is ours now." He pushed the door open, letting the light shine.
"Trust me." He held his hand out to her as the flames consumed his body.
Feeling nostalgic, she felt her heart flutter like the very first time.
Nodding and smiling, she placed her hand within his burning one.
"Ouch." She hissed as the flames climbed up her arm.
"That is only temporary..." He turned red, leading her into the first room.
"Temporary?" She gazed at the back of his head.
Natsu's P.O.V
Pretending not to hear her question, he searched around.
"How do you like it, Luce?" He smiled back at her.
"I love it." She returned the smile.
The stone floor glistened as they tapped their feet upon it. The almost castle was practically empty, but comfortable enough.
There must have been 8 levels, judging by the height and length of the stairs.
"Let's pick a room." He saw the discomfort on her face as the flames hugged her body.
Taking her upstairs, they headed to the top, where there just so happen to be only one room.
"How much does it hurt?" He sat her down upon the newly awakened bed.
"I can handle it." She clutched her hands into fists, balling up old sheets with them.
"I can take it away." He moved closer.
"How?" She saw his blush creep upon his cheeks.
Lucy's P.O.V
"Do you trust me?" He neared as his hot breath brushed against her face.
"You know the answer to that." She felt her own heat rush through her veins.
"Just making sure." He closed their gap and leaned into her space. Pressing his lips to hers, she sighed contently.