The Lost Dragon Slayer

Chapter 1: Foreshadowing

No. This couldn't be happening.

It wasn't happening.

She had just gotten him back. He had just come back. He couldn't disappear again like this.

Not because of her.

Not again.

Why wasn't she strong enough?

Why couldn't she save the one damn good thing that came into her life?

"NATSU!"

She watched his prone form, beaten and bloodied, take the hit of the attack meant for her but he still stumbled forwards.

Always protecting her.

Always defending her.

When was it going to be her turn to save him?

Seeing him still moving hurt her, but she could do nothing as her leg was crushed beneath something heavy. She saw him turn back towards her, giving her that grin that made her heart race too quickly, while mouthing the words, "I'll see you soon Luce."

No. No. No. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be!

She forced her legs to move, finding freedom in her perch and she dashed for the edge of the cliff trying desperately to get there before he was gone. She reached for him, but tripped over her own broken leg and watched helplessly as he fell backwards in a tackle along with the dark mage she was fighting.

Tears fell from her cheeks as she watched over the edge of the cliff Natsu disappear into the darkness below. Her last glimpse of him was him grinning up at her, giving a mock salute and spreading his arms and legs out, almost as if he was enjoying the fall.

"Natsu..."

"No. No... Natsu."

"NATSU!"

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Lucy sprung up from her sleep and gripped her light pajama shirt over her stammering heart. She took deep, gulping breaths of air as she looked frantically around the room. Her arm reached out to her left seemingly looking for something and she instantly calmed down when her hand met with a head of soft, pink tufts of hair.

Her dream wasn't real.

He was still here with her.

She sighed as she continued to play with Natsu's hair. She knew she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep after that nightmare. It was the same one again that she has had for the past week. The same nightmare that would wake her up screaming out in terror and tears streaming down her face. It felt too real sometimes, being trapped within that dream. She wished she knew what it all meant. Maybe it was because of the pain he caused her when he had left her all alone over a year ago to go on that training trip. Maybe it was her conscience telling her that it was time to tell him just how much he had hurt her – finally get the weight and pain off her chest. But she really couldn't bring herself to do it.

She looked over at Natsu lying next to her and she couldn't help the small smile that played on her lips as she watched him lightly snore. She was thankful he had come back to her and helped her in her quest to find the members of Fairy Tail once again. She would be forever grateful for all that he has done for her.

First bringing her along to find Wendy from Lamia Scale. Then of course the whole Gray and Avatar thing that transpired and finding Erza and Juvia all along the way. And running into Levy and Gajeel who had shockingly joined the Council Guard. Now, being back in Magnolia and seeing everyone gathering around once again had filled her with such joy – especially when she was told it was all because of her letters that had reached everyone.