I know it took a few chapters but it's finally here! I hope to see this story blossom after this, because after the next chapter. This chapter includes the beginning of the climax for Natsu.

Natsu POV

"Hey, why do you want to be a wizard anyway?"

Natsu crossed his arms, a young 10 year old smiled and replied, "Because I want to be the strongest wizard out there and help people."

"That's dumb."

"What did you say ice princess…?"

"Don't call me that!"

A little 10 year old Gray threw an ice ball and he felt the cold magic slam into him, seeping into his bones.

"Uh-Ah!" Natsu gasped for breath, pulling forward, his eyes gradually coming back into focus. Shaking his head he realized he was shackled and pinned against the wall. Frowning he pulled against them but to no avail.

"Damn.." Clenching his fists he summoned his magic and pulled it forward to melt the bars holding him. But to his surprise- nothing happened. He tried again and again then even tried a fire dragon roar. But no matter how much he yelled or begged, his fire wouldn't return to him. Natsu's heart beat in his chest as he stared at the cuffs that held his wrists together. They flowed a bright orange and he smelled them. They were a magic instrument, but what were they?

Is this why I can't use my fire attacks?

Natsu swallowed and cursed them; glancing around the room his eyes spotted something on the floor and his heart sank.

"Happy!"

The little cat lay curled up, laying against the cold brick floor. Natsu pulled again at his chains, desperately trying to free himself. But it was to no avail.

Happy's shoulder had a massive cut, the blood dried where the metal had pierced his skin. Staring, Natsu saw the ragged breaths the cat took and felt mildly calmed knowing he was still breathing.

They didn't chain him, I wonder if it's because they didn't see him as a threat or..

Clenching his fists he pulled again from the wall, looking out from the metal bars where the entrance of the cell lay.

"Can anyone hear me!?" Natsu screamed and he heard his voice echo back to him in return.

He threw his shoulders forward, hearing the clanging of metal hitting metal, "Someone, anyone, please, my friend is really hurt!" He looked over toward the unconscious cat and growled,

"Please, he needs help!" He threw his arm forward and twisted his wrists, desperately trying to free himself. He felt his skin peel against the metal and he screamed.

Dammit I'm going to rip my hands off before I get out of these chains.

The fire wizard felt his chest tighten as he stared at the little blue cat just a few feet away. His fur almost stained purple from the clash of colors. A minute or two passed and no one answered his desperate call.

Natsu took in a few breaths, head lowered.

"Please forgive me Happy… you didn't deserve this."

"Natsu, Natsu look at me!" Natsu saw the little cat wearing the dragon mask, a smile on his face.

'I was stupid, I let my emotions get the better of me. Now we're both in trouble, aren't we buddy?'

Natsu felt a knot form in his stomach, nausea daring to escape.

Shutting his eyes he felt the tears crowding at the edge.

Natsu, I'm sorry I can't fly…

'No Happy, I'm sorry.'

"This is my fault."

Opening his eyes his vision blurred out the brick below as the tears fell to his feet. He could see the townspeople, their words ringing in his ears.

They're right. I"m not a hero. I couldn't even protect the one I care about.

"My fault…"

"Yeah, it is...you're always getting yourself into trouble when you're all alone, don'tcha?" There was a tsk as he saw a shadow flicker outside the door and heard the release of a latch.

"It's a good thing we're friends."

Natsu looked up, tears staining his face, "Gray."

The two of them stared at one another and the ice wizard frowned, "you really outdone yourself this time…." His voice trailed off when Natsu avoided his gaze. Gray didn't seem to take it personally and instead walked over with a slight frown, casting his ice magic forward.

"Well, in any case, I'm glad I listened to my gut instinct and followed you two."

Natsu watched as he formed ice in the shape of a particular key then proceeded to uncuff him from the wall.

Natsu slid forward onto the brick floor and scrambled clumsily to his feet, his arms still shackled.

Gray snapped his fingers and a second key formed and unlatched the shackles that held his wrists tightly together. The orange glow flickered out like a candle and the metal toppled to the floor with a loud clang.

Natsu wasted no time racing over toward his blue companion, leaning over and scooping up the cat in one sweep.

"He looks rough." Gray noted and Natsu nodded without a response.

Natsu held the little cat who didn't respond to his movements, he was still out cold. I'm sorry buddy, I'll make things right, we'll get you somewhere to heal soon.

Natsu closed his eyes, But not here...Maybe the next town or if I can get to the train we can make our way back to Fairy tail and Wendy can heal you up. The dragon...the quest can wait.

Natsu felt himself shake as he kneeled holding the little cat in his arms.

Everyone acted as though I was the monster not the beast…But...

"Gray, do you think I'm a monster?"

The ice wizard glanced at him, "well, yeah, have you seen what you can eat?"

Natsu frowned and Gray's smirk faded, "wait, was that a serious question?"

When Natsu didn't respond, Gray folded his arms over his chest, "Natsu, what exactly happened? By the time I got here- there was massive chaos and a beast as big as a dragon flying away-."

"-I saw guards dragging you away. I figured it was easier to sneak you away then cause a big scene." Gray threw up his arms in exaggeration. "I figured you just up and got yourself into some major trouble. People were shouting for your head. It wasn't pretty."

Natsu cringed then shook off the pained memory, "So the dragon, it's gone?" Natsu asked.

Gray nodded, "I asked around about the dragon, but no one really knew much about it, and where it was headed. I figured you had ties with it, and the reason you were here."

Natsu nodded and Gray realized he wasn't going to talk openly about the topic and took a couple steps forward.

"Come on, we need to get out of here," Gray stuck out a hand and Natsu took it, pulling himself off the floor, "I'm guessing we need to get to the next town since you're pretty much a wanted criminal around here from the looks of it."

Natsu was quiet after the assumption; Gray gave him a quizzical look before turning toward the wall behind them, icing it and crossing his arms.

"Ok, I made the wall unstable, you think you can break it with your fire fist magic or whatever you call it?"

Natsu glanced up and nodded holding Happy in one arm and pulling back another.

"Fire dragon iron fist….!" Natsu's fist smacked into the wall, eyes wide when the fire magic ceased to appear.

"Ok, that's hilarious Natsu, come on we need to go." Gray chided.

Natsu stared at his hands, eyes wide, "My fire…."

Gray threw out his hands, observing his wrists, "Those shackles are off you Natsu, you should be able to use your magic."

Natsu narrowed his eyes and struck the wall again with extra vigor, pulling back a bruised and scratched hand in the process, balling his fist from the pain.

"Shit." Natsu muttered and Gray stared at him, "you have to be joking me, you can't be serious!" Natsu shook his head, "I'm not joking...I can't feel my power at all. I feel drained like it was sucked clean out of me."

Gray frowned, "Damnit, ok plan b, we need to improvise-here."

Natsu looked up, his vision obscured as the brown fabric was tossed over his head. Pulling it down with his right arm he stared at it, and Gray continued, "put on that cloak, I'm glad I brought it, I don't want to stir up any more trouble than we have to; especially if we're on a time limit." He nodded toward Happy. Natsu looked down at the little cat and nodded, "yeah."

Throwing the cloak over his head he went to tie it around his neck and that's when he realized, heart sinking... he felt around his neck then scanned the room in haste, only to realize that his scarf was gone.

"What's the matter?" Gray demanded, seeing him glance around.

Natsu let his hand fall to his side and shook his head, "nothing, let's go."

I'll find it eventually, it can't be that far...There was a movement and he looked down to see Happy shaking. But you're more important right now.

Gray nodded, "put up the hood, cover your hair, you'll stand out. Follow me."

Natsu pulled the hood up and follow his friend outside the cell, his hand touching the cool walls, feeling the brick crumble under his fingers.

As they turned the next corner Natsu was startled seeing a guard facing him. But when he took a closer look, he realized he was frozen solid. Gray noticed his bewithered look and he waved his hand in dismissal, "I had to get in and get you out quietly, he'll melt...eventually…"

Natsu felt the man's gaze follow him, sending chills down his spine as they continued down the corridor.

"Come on, just down this hall and up the stairs and we'll be outside."

The two wizards made their way between the cells until they found their way outside, pausing to wait for a guard to pass before stepping out.

"There doesn't seem to be a lot posted here right now. Seems like the festival and whatever was going on stirred up the locals." Gray stated quietly.

Natsu glanced over at him, tentatively holding Happy while pulling his hood down further to shade his face. He looked over down the alley they were trekking, water scattered on the ground and they could hear the splash of their shoes as they made their way forward.

"How were we supposed to know that the people who we trusted the most….the wizards… how they would come to ruin our very lives."

Natsu felt his stomach drop.

I didn't join fairy tail to make others hate who we are.

"You ok..?" Natsu jumped at the sound of Gray's voice and glanced over at the ice wizard. "You're being very quiet, it's kind of scaring me." Gray paused and held up a hand, "of course, I'm not complaining, but still."

Natsu blinked then forced a smile toward his way, "of course, just thinking of getting my powers back as soon as possible, and finding a healer for Happy."

Gray nodded, satisfied with the answer.

Of course, it wasn't all a lie. He really was thinking of reasons why his powers didn't answer his call. The cuffs that held him had an unusual magical aurora, if they were meant to cancel out powers, perhaps they just have lasting effects..? He crumpled his hand, shifting Happy's weight to his other arm.

Gray stopped in his tracks and looked back toward the fire wizard before turning another corner down the street.

"Hold up, there's a big group going by." Gray stated, Natsu paused behind him and waited.

As they were about to turn onto the main road Gray looked back, "I'd keep your hood up if I were you, no one knows me, so it doesn't matter. If we want to find help soon as possible it's best if we leave the drama out of it."

Natsu frowned, sneaking around was one of his least favorite things to do as a wizard. Unless of course they were playing ninjas and actually trying to be sneaky. But this was different. Gray was right, they shouldn't waste any time; especially if he was out of fighting commission. Feeling guilt gnaw in his gut he pulled at his hood to make sure his hair was completely covered before stepping out in the light.

As they began to pass around the corner, Gray ahead of him, he felt a sudden weight hit his chest as something small slammed into him. Natsu stumbled back, hood falling off in the shadows of the alleyway, revealing his face.

Natsu squinted his eyes open, black meeting green and saw the familiar dragon outfit from earlier that day. A little blonde girl stared back at him with a dirty green dragon suit to match.

Natsu saw Gray whip his head toward him, lifting his hands, ice forming at the tips of his fingers.

Natsu quickly held up a hand, pushing the girl down, "wait, I know this kid!"

Gray paused and Natsu fully took off his hood and smiled at the little girl who stared at him with wide eyes.

"You're the one with the fire! The dragon!" She stated with a smile.

Natsu nodded and put a single finger to his lips, "you didn't see us ok..?"

The little girl stared as he pulled the hood back over him and patted her head.

She frowned, "But I did see you!" Natsu stood up and the little girl balled her fists, "wait, please don't go, teach us something else! We want to be strong too!" She continued, standing up alongside with him.

Natsu shook his head, "Sorry, I can't right now, can I take a raincheck on that?"

The little girl frowned, her eyes cast down, "I can't actually breath fire...it didn't work. I can't...I can't protect my little brother if I can't breath fire!"

He saw Gray shift uncomfortably on the side and Natsu pulled his hood down farther to shield his face from onlookers who stopped to glance their way in mild interest.

"Don't worry, it takes time, I couldn't breathe fire on the first try either." he patted her on the head again. She bit her lip as if to counter his reason, but Natsu interrupted her, "Do you think you can help us out, dragon between dragon?"

The little girl stared at him, then looked down at the dirt and he saw a tear stain her cheek and whispered, "I'm not really a dragon you know.. I was only pretending."

Natsu frowned and kneeled down to her level with a soft smile, "being a dragon doesn't always mean breathing fire, iron, or lightning. Sometimes it's being that something that protects someone, being free to fly anywhere you want and having the courage to never give up."

She looked up at him, wiping her eyes and he continued, "right now another dragon is needing help, will you help me?"

She stared at him and he continued, holding out Happy for her to see, her eyes grew wide, "kitty…" She reached out with a little hand to touch his ear and looked up at Natsu.

"Is he ok..?" She asked.

"No he isn't." Natsu replied and the little girl's eyes watered, as if she was going to break out in tears.

"Don't cry, it's ok, we can save him, but I need your help, ok?"

The little girl rubbed her eyes with her sleeve and Natsu continued, "remember, dragons are brave and never give up."

She nodded and he held out his hand and she shook it with a renewed smile, "I can help."

Natsu stood up, seeing Gray walking toward them, he pointed toward the ice wizard, "this is Gray, he's our friend ok?"

The little girl saw the ice that formed at the edge of his hands and tilted her head, "ice dragon?"

"Sure, close enough." Natsu replied with a frown from Gray.

"Ok all you have to do is lead us the fastest way out of your town, ok? If any adults try to talk to us I want you to talk to them."

"Talk to them?" The little girl asked and Natsu nodded, "tell them a story or start crying, get their attention, ok?"

"Oh..ok."

The three of them headed out of from the alley, following the little girl who skipped with her dragon outfit between adults as Gray and Natsu tried to keep up with her.

A man glanced their way, a voice reaching out toward them, "hey, come here for a moment, will ya?"

Natsu and Gray paused but the little girl had already turned around and raced up to the man with a wide smile, jumping around and crying out, "I'm a dragon!"

The man paused staring at the little girl and they continued walking slowly toward the front where she was leading them. He heard her chat him up a storm and when the two of them were no longer in site Natsu saw her rejoin them with a smile. Natsu patted her shoulder as she ran past them and she giggled in response.

Gray paused as they began to reach the entrance where guards were held up, escorting people in and out of the town.

"Damn." Gray replied, "I didn't realize how tight security would be."

Natsu frowned, pausing in his tracks as they neared the entrance, hearing one of the guards shout, "all helms and cloaks removed, ids to verify yourselves, NEXT!"

Natsu glanced toward Gray who was looking around the sides, determining a different exit. The little girl stopped as well and looked up before tracing her eyes toward the guards Gray had spoken of.

Natsu was about to say something when an interesting sound caught his attention. A couple of men stood nearby, dressed similarly to the guards. His eyes flicked overhearing their husky voices, almost drowned out from the families passing them by.

"-Yeah it's near Shirtosame."

They leaned against the frame of a bar house, they had those same eyes he saw earlier that day. Anger. Sadness. Revenge.

He frowned, pushing back the memory earlier today that dared to strangle him.

"Do you think it will work? Using the celestial keys like that..?"

Celestial keys? I thought that is what I heard… What do celestial keys have anything to do with this town?

The man shrugged, "if it's to protect the common folk, I say give it a fighting chance. The best we can do is to limit wizards from holding too much power."

Lucy...

The other gentleman nodded, "gathering the keys is smart, but we still have the other slayers to worry about. They didn't even execute the one they caught today." he spit on the side, "a damn shame if you ask me."

Natsu felt bile rise in his throat, tightening his grip around Happy with a shudder.

So they aren't just attacking the dragon slayers, they're going after celestial wizards too, why?

Something grabbed his shoulder and he jumped seeing Gray stare at him who pointed up ahead; the little girl had raced up to the two guards while they stood idly by.

They watched her tug at the closest guard man's leggings, the man looked down with a frown, "Lily, what do you want? I don't have time for your silly games today."

She frowned and suddenly broke into loud tears, causing a commotion. The two guards who stood nearby glanced over, while families trying to get in and out of the town were staring at the scene that was unfolding.

Natsu smirked, that couldn't have been any better timing, he grabbed Gray's arm and hurriedly pulled him through the confused crowd until they found themselves outside the gates and slowed down once their feet touched the grass. Natsu took in a few breaths and looked back alongside Gray.

"Smart kid, to cause a scene like that." Gray stated and Natsu nodded, "yeah, maybe she will be a fine wizard one day."

Looking back he saw the little girl pull herself out of the crowd, fake tears gone, an evil smile on her face. She raced past families, looking around before spotting them far off. She stopped and smiled, waving as alarms suddenly began to blare behind her. She looked back, startled hearing, "prisoners escaped"

"Well, that's our cue!" Gray stated and Natsu nodded with a smile and they dashed away, disappearing in the woods off the path and away from the town. After they were far enough away when they could no longer hear the alarms, the two of them slowed down to a slow walk.

Natsu turned to Gray, "Here, take Happy." Natsu handed the blue ball of fluff to the ice wizard who took him hesitantly.

"What- Why?"

"I need to do something," Natsu replied, taking a step back with a frown without any other information to offer...

Gathering the keys is smart, he frowned from the memory. If they were gathering the keys, they must be looking for the strongest keys. Lucy has a ton of celestial keys, Shirtosame huh? Natsu looked to the North East then back to Happy who lay in Grays' arms. I can't turn my back on this, so I'll need to put my trust in Gray. If what I'm thinking is true, then I can't just run away.

Gray frowned in return, "you're not telling me something." He shifted Happy's weight, glancing at the unconscious cat then back at the fire wizard with concerned eyes.

"I know, but you just need to trust me... and Happy can't wait any longer…" He trailed off, "-it's my fault he's hurt, and he needs someone to look after him." Natsu brushed the cat's ears and backed away avoiding Grays heavy gaze.

Just trust me.

Their eyes meet and Gray sighed, "I can't convince you to say otherwise, will you be ok without your powers?"

Natsu smiled and lifted his arm, "Who do you think you're talking to? I'll be fine! I've got more than just fire power behind these!" He held up his arms and Gray rolled his eyes.

"Alright, whatever," Gray replied, he began to turn around, Natsu smiled, a weight lifted from his chest.

"Thank you."

Gray nodded and put Happy in the small bag he was carrying, "Don't worry I'll take care of him."

Natsu smirked, "you better, that's one of my best friends you have there." He paused, "Both of you are."

Gray cast a side glance toward him, raising his eyebrows in surprise, "you're not going soft on me are you?"

Natsu laughed and folded his arms with a smirk, "not in a long shot, ice head."

"Better than being a hot head" Gray retorted and ducked to avoid a rock tossed his way from the fire wizard.

"Hey!" Gray shouted, forming an ice ball, throwing it to the fire wizard who stepped further away from the pair.

Natsu ducked, paused, the rock slipping from his hand as he saw a vision of the villagers throwing rocks while he was pinned against the ground.

"You killed him!"

"I hate wizards because of you!"

Natsu frowned, Gray paused as well, "hey." he called out. Natsu looked up at one of his closest friends who tilted his head.

"I don't know what happened, but...I'm here for you, we all are. And if you say you need to do something, then I'll trust you to get back to Fairy Tail in one piece, you hear me?" Natsu stared at Gray who threw a hand pointing his finger lazily toward the sky, the sign of fairy tail. Natsu felt a rush of air escape his lips as a small smile formed. He nodded in confirmation.

Gray continued as he began to walk away, "Also...don't let your past control your future...I'll see you later.."

Soon his form disappeared between the trees and his scent washing away with him.

"See ya," Natsu whispered, His voice catching the wind, perplexed at his latest statement. Closing his fists he looked up toward the sun, determining his position then started east. The sun was setting, so it was going to be getting late soon. Feeling his limbs as heavy as they were, he wasn't too sure how long he could keep up with the trek without light or energy. Since he couldn't rely on his fire, this was going to be a little more of a challenge.

"You would think with me going unconscious I wouldn't be so exhausted." He noted, staring at his fists.

Today has been utter garbage. But...I can't worry about that right now. Celestial wizards are the next target and if I know Lucy, she's going to be in the in middle of it.

There is no way in hell I'm going to let her go through the same thing I went through.

He felt the wind rip at his clothes and clenched his fists, he was all alone. But perhaps that wasn't a bad thing. Looking toward the waning moon against the setting sun, he set his sights toward Shirtosame. Each step he took was closer to his best friend. The one he left behind, and if his instincts were correct, she was going to be in trouble very soon.

I might not have my powers, but I'm going to everything I can in my power to be there for you.

If they were willing to go this far with one dragon slayer, I don't want to know what they're going to do with celestial mages.

As you can imagine, the two of them may end up meeting in the next couple of chapters. I wonder what's going to happen, what will happen to Lucy? Will Natsu get his powers back? Leave a review below, and see you next time!

Thank you for everyone who has followed, favorited and reviewed my story. You help continue my story each chapter until I see it till the end.!

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