A Wistful Ocean (Natsu Dragneel Love Story)

I'm Standing Right Here!

Meanwhile, as the two captains make their way to the Royal Capital, the Dragon Slayers destroy the Dorma Anim, defeating the King.

Suddenly, the ground started shaking. "Hey. What's going on?" Natsu asked. "Great. Enemy reinforcements." Gajeel said sarcastically. "I hope not. I used up everything I had left in that fight."

Wendy stares up at the sky in horror. "No. Up there! Look!" Natsu and Gajeel look up, only to see the floating islands falling.

On the other battlefields, everyone was panicking as they saw the floating islands crash down from the sky.

"The islands above Edolas are dependant upon our magic power to stay afloat. If they're falling, our worst fears have been realized." Chagot said, holding some of her citizens close. "Sorry. I wish I could save you from the horrors we've endured today."

As Xena and Knightwalker were limping towards the capital, several streams of light appeared. They stop to stare at the lights in confusion.

"Am I hallucinating?" Xena questioned out loud. "I see it too. Not sure what to make of it." Knightwalker replied. Xena looks to the sky and gasped in shock. "It can't be. Is that our magic?" Knightwalker asked as she realized it too.

"Yes. But what's causing it?" Xena muttered. "Come on! We have to hurry to the Capital." And with that, those two speed up their journey.

~The Capital~

The citizens were frightened by what was happening. On a balcony, Byro was staring at the phenomenon. "So it's finally come to pass, has it?" He commented.

"Byro!" Said man turns to see Hughes and Sugarboy walking up to him, covered in bruises. "You two. Still alive I see."

"It's surprisingly beautiful." Sugarboy noted. "Beautiful?" Hughes questioned, looking at Sugarboy. "What the heck are you talking about man?"

"The magic power, of course." Sugarboy replied. "I guess I'm just shocked. I would've thought the sight of surging power would be frightening but it's actually quite serene."

~Underneath the Castle~

Deep within the castle, the magic power of Edolas was slowly gathering.

"Prince! Princess!" Pantherlily tried arguing with them. "This is for the best Lily. The people have always fought over power." Mystogan stated. "We tried to warn them but they couldn't let go of temptation." Luna said.

"So we shall remove that temptation." Mystogan said. "The last of our power will pour into the reverse Anima. Once it reaches Earthland, it will be absorbed by the already abundant magic power there and become part of nature."

"For the sake of Edolas' future. It must first be brought into ruin." The twins explained.

"Prince. Princess. I agree our dependence on magic has lead to bloodshed." Pantherlily said as he stared at the twins. "But this..."

"We know. The people of Edolas have a hard road to tread. Many will find it difficult to adapt to this changing world and could die." Mystogan spoke.

"It is for that reason, a leader must step forward and guide them. A new ruler for a brand new Edolas." Luna stated. "One who can gather the desperate and frightened. And bravely shepherd them out of these dark times." Mystogan replied after.

"And you're saying... this new leader is one of you?" Pantherlily asked them. "No we can't rule this world. Instead of growing with Edolas as it's prince or it's princess, we chose to recede in Earthland. So we have no right to it's throne." Mystogan explained.

The twins face Pantherlily. "We'll need a hero to unify the masses. One who'll vanquish the villain who caused this." Luna said. "You mean a sacrificial lamb?" Pantherlily questioned.

The twins nod. "Whoever eliminates the one who plunged the world into chaos, is bound to become a true hero to the people. And that hero will unify the scattered survivors. And become their ruler." Mystogan stated.

"So tell me. Who will play the parts in this charade?" Pantherlily asked.

"Look, the writing is on the wall. We tried to overthrow the king with an armed rebellion." Mystogan said. "Now we've stripped the world of it's power and plunged it into chaos!" Luna stated. "It should be obvious that since we were the ones behind these terrible deeds, there's only one role we could possibly play."

"But you are respected on both sides, you could be exempt from predjuce. You are the hero." Mystogan said. "Slay us and become the ruler!" The twins stated. Pantherlily's eyes were wide in shock, disbelief and fear.

"Take us before the populace and execute us for our crimes." Mystogan began. "After that, they will follow you to any fate." Luna finished. The twins stare at Pantherlily with fierce determination.

"As a captain in the Royal Army and a member of the Exceed race, you can quell the chaos, become their saviour. You are the ruler they need. Lead the people into a world without magic." Mystogan says in a fierce tone.

The twins and exceed stare each other down until Pantherlily gritted his teeth in anger. "Do you really think the only way to save this kingdom is for you to die!?" Mystogan and Luna stay silent. "Answer me Prince! Princess!"

Not one of them noticed Nadi watching them from afar.

(A.N. I apologize for the short chapter but I promise to update another one in a few days okay? XP)