Beautiful Monster

Chapter 8: Beauty and the Mirror.

"We don't like, what we don't understand, it frankly it scares us. But sometimes we should take a leap of faith."

I exited from the West Wing side in a glittering (f/c) ball gown. I descended the grand staircase, and reach the landing. I look up at Natsu, who is standing at the top of the stairs in his dressy clothes.

I'm surprised they made the clothes go around his wings as well.

He descends and meets me at the landing with a bright smile. Arm in arm, we descend the last section of stairs and continue on their way to dinner, stopped momentarily by Plue. Mrs. Strauss singing from her cart with Lissanna on board.

"Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends unexpectedly.
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared, beauty and the beast."

After dinner Natsu and I moved into the ballroom, where we move through a perfect dance. Well as perfect as I manage.

"Tale as old as time,
Song as old as rhyme,
Beauty and the beast."

As soon as the song was over Natsu led me outside to the balcony under a starry night. We both looked at the stars until he grabbed my hands looking in my eyes.

"(Y/n)? Are you happy here with me?"

"Yes." You said hesitantly. But you then look away from him off into the distance, remembering your father.

"What is it?"

You look at him desperately before speaking sadly.

"If only I could see my father again, just for a moment. I miss him so much."

"There is a way."

We went into Natsu's lair, where he hands you a mirror.

"This mirror will show you anything, anything you wish to see."

"I'd like to see my father, please."

The mirror shines into life, and you turn your head away as it flashes. It then reveals your father fallen in the woods, coughing and lost. You were shocked as Natsu looks at you with concern.

"Father. Oh, no. He's sick, he may be dying. And he's all alone.."

"Then...then you must go to him."

Shocked, you didn't think you heard him right. "What did you say?"

"I release you. You are no longer my prisoner."

In amazement you smiled making sure you heard correctly. 

"You mean... I'm free?"

"Yes."

"Oh, thank you!" You smiled excitedly before looking at the mirror. "Hold on, Father. I'm on my way."

You turn to leave, then turn back and push the mirror back to Natsu.

"Take it with you, so you'll always have a way to look back, and remember me."

"Thank you for understanding how much he needs me."

You turn to leave once again and Natsu looks down in depression. You touch your hand to his cheek and rush out. You rushed past Carla as well, who has entered the room.

You get on Monmo and ride off. From the castle you could hear the dragon roar from the castle, you could hear the pain and anger within it but it doesn't matter.