Upon the ruins of an ancient castle, forgotten by all except nature, resided the Fae. The forest had taken its place back, wounding roots and branches though the massive stones. Flowers of undescribed beauty fought their way through the tight joints of the enormous walls. Their buds glowed with faint lights, giving away the position of the myriads of tiny changelings that slept within. Older fairies were flying here and there, dancing like fireflies on the sweet wind, as music travelled among the leaves.

The moon shone bright, delighted by the lush celebration the King had prepared for the summer solstice and his daughter's coronation. All-day they had cared for the land, blessing the massive fields, the high mountains and deep sea. Now it was time to celebrate. No creature was forbidden to join the fairies. It was a reoccurring gathering, ever since the beginning of time, meant to strengthen the bonds between all. In front of the palace, pillows and blankets were laid out, occupied by all species. The largest group of them all was that of the Kings and the Queens of the realms.

"It is good we have these gatherings once in a while." An old voice, heavy with wisdom that comes with age spoke. Makarov was one of the oldest among them. Born from the very first of gods that graced the earth, the man held much more power than his appearance let you imagine. He had been mistaken once too many for being an elf, yet his actual form was gigantic. It was just inconvenient to cross land without destroying a village, or ten, now that humans sprouted everywhere. As the King of earth and subterranean, he ruled over the all creatures associated with that element.

"It's a celebration of all elements coming together." The King of Aether smiled at his guests. He was always happy to celebrate the Summer Solstice since it was his wife's favourite day. Only once he had not joined in the celebrations, the year of her death. His daughter had made sure he didn't make a habit out of it.

"It's an excuse to drink and have fun, Jude! Loosen up! You act older than the fossil there!" Coming from the Fire King, who had indulged in more drinks than usual, they all knew he meant no insult for neither of the men. He was a dragon, one of the last that could shapeshift into a more humanoid appearance, to hide from humans that hunted them. Igneel was a notorious prankster, his childish side never really going away, unless someone messed with the people he thought of as family.

"It's better than acting younger than the changelings." The gruff baritone of his brother's voice caused the red-haired man to snap his head around in challenge. In their humanoid forms, the two dragons could only bear their enlarged canines in a display of dominance. Metalicana's scales glinted in the moonlight, a variety of metallic hues colouring his bare chest and arms.

"Watch it, Metal Face!" Igneel's red hair usually was the first thing to be lit on fire when he was irritated. The King most of the time was walking around with a headful of flames. His brother loved to see him fuming, yet he could be easily irritated if Igneel was involved.

"Who did you call Metal Face, Flame Brain?" The two batted heads, a poor decision from Jude's part to allow them to sit next to each other. With a wave of his hands, he restored the singed grass near the two men, while his magic scratched off the metallic parts that appeared on some grass blades.

"Enough both of you!" All gathered cowered as a gust of wind knocked the two men of their seats. As fast as it came, the blast of the wind ceased, retreating to the white-haired woman, now sited between the two males. Grandeeney was as fierce as the wind she ruled over and never took lightly to her brothers' quarrelling.

"Fine!" For men centuries-old to sound like scolded children was an amusing feast not many could say they witnessed. The fire still covered Igneel's hair, while Metalicana's scales even if they lessened in number, they were still very prominent in some places. A misty aura gathered above the head of the Fire King, slowly gathering until it created a mass of water. The unaware man did not have much time to react when he finally noticed the ball of water floating above him.

"Oh no! You! Don't!" Their sudden burst in laughter caused all creatures present to turn their attention on their table. It was amusing seeing the Fire King drenched in water, while around him the other rulers were rolling around unable to contain their laughter. "When I put fire on something, it's bad and I shouldn't do it. When Silver floods everything all is merry!" Crumbling, Igneel raised the temperature around him, successfully evaporating the water. Guilty of drenching Igneel, was no other than the King of Water, who was being patted in the back by Makarov for a job well done.

"Afraid your joints will rust?" Silver's laugh was more controlled this time, barely a chuckle, as his frenemy sent him a glare. Moving his hand, he burst out laughing once again. Igneel ducked under his sister's feathery cape, in an attempt to avoid the none existent threat coming his way.

"Metalicana…", "Is more likely to rust." Weisslogia and Squadron, the two brother's governing over Light and Dark. Even if they were twins, they looked nothing alike. They were also the youngest of the family of the dragons. Not by much, yet enough to be treated like children all the time by their siblings. It was also a habit for them to complete each other sentences since Squadron rarely spoke, while Weisslogia was more outgoing.

"Ah, and the twins have spoken! We are almost complete, where is Erza?" Makarov's question earned seven raised brows from the other leaders who looked around for the leader of the Valkyries. Erza was the youngest of them all, having acquired her crown only three centuries before. The woman had worked hard to prove she deserves to be standing among them, yet was still shy to sit with them as they all held at least a millennium of age over her.

"Leave her be Makarov. She's only around six hundred." Igneel's comment was met with several rounds of agreement. They could all remember their earlier five hundred's when the time had been much tougher and war had still been going on back then.

"A perfect age to get married and give me a grandkid or two to watch over." The old giant and Erza might not have any blood relations, but since they met, the two had formed a strong relationship like a father and a daughter. He was the first one she turned to for advice, even if his suggestions were not always the best.

"When you were her age, you were chasing after Succubi." Grandeeney's smile might have been accompanied by a smile, yet they all knew better. She was the oldest one of the dragons so she had heard all stories that their parents decided were not for their ears. It gave her a great advantage when dealing with Makarov and his tendencies to get them to marry.

"And look where I am now! I have a grandson from my son, another one from Metalicana, even if Gajeel refuses to admit he likes me. Weisslogia and Skiadrum gave me grandsons and Silver too. A granddaughter from you, that I will spoil rotten, and one from Jude that I already did and will keep doing. Why not have another one?" It was hard to argue with the elder when he had made up his mind. The conversation though had caught the attention of all the mentioned.

"That's the reason I'm retiring." Jude's mumble was heard only by Igneel who was right beside him. The man rubbed him comfortingly on the back, offering whatever support he could. It was not the sole reason the Fae King was giving up his role.

He had come to realise that his daughter's powers had come to excel in many ways and mentally she was more than prepared to take on the mantles. The winter that passed was hard and she had proved to be a very efficient leader. Others had tried to argue that being five hundred and a half was not sufficient enough for a leader, yet he could see that the council needed some refresh after being in their hands for so long. In a private discussion with Makarov, the giant had confided in him that soon he would be also retiring and let Laxus, his grandson, take the reins.

"The only ungrateful brat that has not given me any grandkids, is this one!" All eyes turned to Igneel who was scratching the back of his head. It was true he had no offspring, yet that was because he never found one woman to stir the idea of settling down with. He preferred roaming the earth alone, even if he craved sometimes to pass on his experiences to someone.

"I have a niece and nephews for that reason, Old Man. Don't include me in your matchmaking!" Waving his hand to dismiss all the ideas floating around, he grabbed with the other his glass, taking a big gulp of the heavenly liquor Jude had provided them with. Setting it back down, he noticed a napkin fluttering as a gust of wind blew. "Grandeeney…"

"That's not me." The whisper drew his attention to where his sister was staring at somewhere far of in the sky. Every mythic with enchanted hearing or smell, turned as the sound of wings flapping grew closer. The music gradually loosed its tempo, making everyone present stared at the new guest that had arrived. The sons of the dragons barred their teeth in warning at the mythic, earning them a warning growl. Tension rose higher when it straightened up, after being motioned to by the Fae ruler who was watching him warily.

"END what a pleasant surprise." Even if he said that nobody agreed with Makarov, not even he. They had not expected for the brother of a Sorcerer like Zeref to make an appearance.

Many tales of the demon were heard. A creature created by Zeref; a human who devoted his life in the dark arts. As everyone studied him, they could not fault the rumours going around of his appearance. Scales covered his whole body and two massive draconic wings sprouted from his back. Two horns were sticking out of his head, black like the talons on his hands and feet. The most striking feature was his eyes, reptilian in appearance travelling between all of them and studying them.

"Why did the music stop Father?" A sweet voice laced with honey penetrated the air, breaking the tension that had choked them. Descending the staircase of the palace, the woman drew all attention on her, many forgetting the hideous creature that stood among them.

The woman shone brighter than the sun, as the moonlight bathed her skin with a silvery glow. END was watching as she smiled at the myriad of different creatures that made way for her to pass. Her long gown dragged behind her. Its colour, the same as the blush on her cheeks from receiving that much attention. The bodice hugged her like the embrace of a lover, while delicate blossoms decorated all of its expanses. Her appearance was ethereal, imperceptible.

The demon stepped back when she stood right in front of him, never realising how he had missed her moving so close to him. Her delicate hand extended; it took him much not to think of how easily it could snap if he touched her. He was a monster, an abomination his brother had created and a day did not pass that he did not hear stories of the destruction he left when he passed. His eyes never left hers, like a challenge of whose will would break first. At least that's how he perceived it.

"Your wound is healed." Like a spell broke when her soothing voice reached his ears, END could breathe again. His nostrils filled with the scent of flowers, one so purely hers, and stardust, for he knew she was the goddaughter of the Celestial King. He did not offer any words, nodding mutely as his eyes darted to where a wound had been on his side only moments prior. It was not one that bled much, or even fatal, so it was baffling why she would choose to heal something unimportant.

"Should we expect your brother to be making an appearance as well?" As she made her way to the table, he was left to study the complicated way hundreds of tiny flowers woven into her hair. Looking down, he took notice of all the greenery growing were he stood, among the burnt patches of land he created due to his abnormally high temperature.

"I'll be his representative." The thick, heavy voice that left him filled the air around them. Studying the other rulers in front of him, he could fell how unwelcomed he was. The dragons had yet to give up their growling, a sound unnoticed by those with less heightened senses.

"Then enjoy the festivities, I hope you feel at home tonight." Her tone hid behind a warning not meant for him. It was for all those she had noticed were being wary and challenging. END bowed, taking once again in the sky and towards the tree line. Lucy watched him as he settled upon a thick tree branch, away from all the creatures present.

"Maybe it is time we held the coronation?" The sudden appearance of the Valkyrie had everyone's heart rates spike. Her suggestion, after the initial shock passed, was met with unanimous agreement. The leaders got up, making their way towards the altar prepared for the ceremony. With the moon sitting high on the sky and the music playing a soothing tune, almost like a whisper, the coronation began.

END was watching from a faraway corner. Surrounded by the bravest of fairies, he could see all the gathered creatures. It was peculiar how his sole interaction with their new Queen, made them think they were not in danger. Close to his position were also the children of the rulers. All standing stiff as if he would attack any moment. Only a little blue-haired girl was not that cautious of him. At one point she even offered a small, awkward wave, that he decided to return.

From his spot, he watched as Jude kneeled in front of Makarov. The giant, removed his crown, bringing it to a lit pyre and letting it emerge in flames. Then, Lucy kneeled in front of the two men, as a cloud of tiny lights, brought forth her crown. A new crown, for a new beginning, that's what Jude whispered as he placed it on top of her head. Offering his hand, he helped the Queen stand, while her crown bloomed, like a rose under the caress of the sun.

"I present you, your Queen! Lucy Heartfilia of the Fae, Queen of Aether! May her reign be fruitful!" The Queen curtsied in front of her subjects and the other rulers, one by one offering their blessings.

"Excuse me, mister demon sir, won't you join the celebrations?" A timid, innocent little voice cut his planning short. Looking down from where he was perched, he noticed the little girl from earlier, avoiding his eyes, as she drew circles with her foot on the grass.

"Haven't your parents told you, not to speak to strangers?" Taking a sniff of the air, he made the connection of whose child this was. Mother and daughter did not look that much alike, only some facial features that would develop when she became centuries older.

"Well, for you to be here, you are not that much of a stranger." END had to give the little dragon some points for sticking so long around him. He could hear some growls coming from the other dragons' present, the younger ones since the old rulers had returned to their table.

"Have you heard stories about me, little one?" Jumping down from the branch, he gracefully landed on his two feet in front of the blue-haired girl. He could immediately sense the raise in power some of the other guests let loose as a warning. No matter how much destruction he brought, he had enough morals not to harm a kid. Letting gravity pull him down, he plopped on the ground, leaning his back on the bark of a tree. Drawing on his power he felt the red scales residing, as did his talons. As a precaution, he chose not to have his wings retreat, what was he without his ability to fly?

"No, but I can tell from your scent that you are a demon and something else." It was entertaining to see her wrinkling her nose in an attempt to figure his race out. He also had to applaud her abilities, since she couldn't be older than three centuries.

"Will you be standing or night, or is it an attempt to get taller?" Wendy did not hesitate to sit down, even if his subtle invitation came out as an insult. Pixies floated around them, the mischievous little creatures, playing with her hair and END's horns.

The man noticed, how the grass moved in front of them. A root of the tree he was leaning onto sprouted out, taking the shape of a low table. Fairies, no bigger than the palm of his hand followed, depositing treats and refreshments on their table. Looking around, he noticed the new Queen, subtly coaxing her magic towards them. He appreciated the gesture even if he did not show it. His brother had made him a lethal weapon, not a being with emotions.

"Have you travelled the world, mister END?" The innocent question brought him out of his thoughts. Scratching his head in thought, he recalled all the memories he had of roaming the planes. Mostly fire and destruction came in his mind, yet those were not appropriate stories for a kid.

"Yes, I've travelled." Taking the cup placed in front of him, he sniffed before downing its contents. Getting poisoned was not his priority for tonight.

The excited squeal coming from the child, had his eyes widening looking at her frightened. What he had not expected, was the tirade of questions that followed about his travels and the world. He could barely keep up with the speed words tumbled out of her mouth. A long while was spent, trying to provide her with answers. Not all of his stories were exciting and he had to censor some details out if he wanted not to frighten her, but she seemed eager enough to hear him describing the lands she had yet to discover.

At some point, even her cousins joined, with the first one being the son of Metalicana. Looking between the two, he wondered what kind of sorcery made them so much alike. The raven-haired dragon, was far too protective of the younger one, baring his teeth with a warning gleam in his eyes, one too many times. Then there was Weisslogia's son, all light and irritating, and Squadron's, who by far was his favourite since he rarely talked and kept his cousin in check.

END could feel their wariness and the analytical stares they shoot him. He did not fault them for being cautious. Had he been in their place, he would have done the same. His torture amplified, when Gray, the Ice Prick, joined them. He had met the Amarok, before when he had been left alone on a mountain, after demolishing a village. They had fought, they had collapsed and none knew who had won.

"So, demon, why do we smell dragon on you?" Left alone with the males, after Wendy had sated her curiosity about the world, END had been prepared to flee any moment. That question grounded him on the floor like he was trapped in Gray's ice. It was one he had not come to answer. His brother was far too evasive when it came to him asking.

"And a familiar dragon too." Sting's afterthought, was met with a raised brow from the half-demon. He had yet to answer Gajeel's question and now all eyes were on him. From the corner of his eye, he could see Igneel shooting them spare glances, the old dragon probably stressing his ears to spy on their conversation.

"Ask my brother, I never tried to play god." Standing up, he left the table, ignoring the questioning looks he received. Spreading his wings, that had gone numb all the time he had spent sitting, he took off into the starry sky.

"Care to explain, why END fled? Quite literally, I may say." The sweet tone caused shivers to run down their spines. No one had ever managed to go against an enraged Valkyrie and come out with his life. Erza was a terrifying woman, especially when she had been drinking. All four head reluctantly, turned towards her, wincing to find her polishing one of her dear swords. Raising their hands in surrender, they hoped interrogation did not end with them impaled.

As the night went on and music kept on playing, the dancefloor started filling. Caught hand in hand, they all followed the lively rhythm of the band. Even the Kings and the Queens had stood up. Joining the wide circle as the sound of the flute and the guitar penetrated the air. When the song came to an end, the newly appointed Queen bowed to her dance partner and excused herself. Lost in the lush greenery of the forest, only a pair of eyes were following her closely. It gave him enough chance to fulfil his cause for tonight.

Lucy made her way through the trees, humming a song of blessings for the spirits residing inside them. Some moved as she passed, opening her way by moving their roots, while others extended their branches, feeding on her power. Her feet took her to an old willow tree in the middle of a pond. Next to the water, the air was more refreshing, giving her time to calm her flashed skin. Gathering her dress, she tried not to drench it as she dipped her feet on the pond. Some fireflies abandoned their hiding spot, leaving the tree leaves and flying around her.

"I can feel you," Her voice was no more than a whisper, yet his senses were too good not to hear her. With a flatter of his wings, he was behind her. He could sense her nervousness and see it with his own eyes how her shoulders were a bit tenser now. "Thank you for entertaining Wendy. You didn't have to." She still kept her back to him; END did not know whether to think her decision was foolish or not.

"She's just a curious little dragon." The demon decided to sit down, studying the Queen in front of him. Her hair reminded him of the gold he hoarded, the dragon part of his unable to resist collecting trinkets that shone like small stars.

"From what I gathered you are one too." The sound of the water splashing as she got out, was calming. Silence met her words, the only sound filling the air around them was that of the crickets and the faraway tune of the band. "Igneel mourned for his cousin, who he shared the same power with." He did not know what to answer her. One part of him was ready to execute his brother's wishes, while the other was battling for not to.

"Zeref also mourned, but here I am today." END was aware of his brother's experimentation with life and death. His whole existence was proof that Zeref Dragneel, a Sorcerer of the Black Arts, had managed to create life from nothing. Well, not exactly nothing, the body of his younger brother was there, preserved in etherano.

"Part of mourning is accepting the loss and letting go." Her tone held knowledge the demon did not realise she had. Then, it struck him like lightning. There was no queen to follow through the coronation before, only her father. At least, they had something in common. His tongue caught in his throat, unable to come with a good enough answer. If he offered his condolences, would that be of help?

"My brother wishes for your death." The words tumbled out of his mouth without him realising. Only when Lucy took a small step back, did they down on him.

"Should have figured as much, when you appeared out of thin air." Power rose in the air, making END taste the fairy dust gathered.

"I'm not here to harm you." Tiredness was evident in his words as he exhaled deeply. He dared not move, even when he could feel vines crawling up his legs.

"I cannot know that." Lucy didn't know whether to trust him or not. She had figured the unexpected visit was not for good. So far, the Dragneel had done anything suggesting he was here to cause trouble.

"I could have killed you by now. Isn't that enough?" The vines stopped ascending but did not retreat. It was a safety measure he knew, this time though he would not sit down and wait. He understood that in his full height, with the horns, the wings and the reptile-like eyes, he did not appear that friendly. Drawing his power back, even more, he managed to make the horns disappear, a painful process, but he stood his ground firmly.

Next time he opened his eyes, Lucy was not looking at a yellowish pair of reptilian eyes. His eyes were very dark, almost like charcoal in colour. They were much warmer though than in his previous form. She could see the sincerity hiding inside them. Reluctantly, she made the vines retreat, freeing his leg.

"Why does your brother wish me dead?" The woman was in desperate need for an answer. Stars above twinkled a bit brighter knowing that if she needs them, they will come to her aid.

"I do not know his reasons. What I know is that I was the one assigned to do it." Fear flashed through her eyes, only for a brief moment. Then they were filled with something else, something he could not express.

"Then, has my existence threatened you, look me in the eyes and fulfil your mission." Her words were firm, taking END by surprise. Staring her straight in the eyes, he studied the emotion dancing inside them. She was determined to take him on if needed, even if they both understood he a weapon of mass destruction would immerge as the winner.

"I have sinned many times for his sake. It is time I find my salvation." Taking a step closer, he felt immensely proud of seeing her unmoving. The dragon soul within him purred at the look she was giving him, so powerful and unyielding.

"I do not understand." Lucy crossed her hands under her chest, her eyes never leaving his even when he had fully invaded her personal space. The unnaturally high temperature surrounding him, caused a shiver to run down her spine, something not unnoticed by the man.

"I wish to pledge my life to you, Your Grace. Let me be your follower and your guard and protect you from my brother." He did not kneel or lower his head; his pride was far too big to allow that. Just kept starring at those big brown orbs that called him in, like a moth to a flame.

"How can I trust you that this is not an act?" Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, different kind of scenarios passed through her head. One fool decision and she would be damming all of her kind.

"You take a risk and let me prove you the sincerity of my intentions." END could not help watch as a stray lock of hair went loose from her braids. It came to frame her face and the dragon within longed to feel if it was as silky as it looked.

"Even if I do you, you have no reason to stay here." Her cheeks grew hotter when she felt the tip of his fingertips, caressing her cheek before he put a lock of hair behind her ear. Something ancient was brewing between them, an attraction not easily explained since they did know of one another before today.

"I have a reputation in my Kingdom of being an uncontrollable man." Rumours that were not false, seeing as under Zeref's influence he had demolished anything that crossed his path. The woman appeared aware of that, her stance never wavering even if he started closing in on her, like a predator his prey. "I only love to drink and celebrate." Something not true. Those two things got on his brother's nerves. "Many Ladies have fallen victim to my charms." To avoid completing his orders, he had enjoyed once or twice more himself than necessary.

Sparring a glance to make sure he was heading right, Natsu was surprised they had not stumbled upon a root or so. For him to stay beside her, he would take any punishment she saw fit. Caging her against a tree, he fought hard to restrain his draconic part from immerging and grabbing the handle.

"Forgive me, my Queen, for I will sin." His lips found hers in a scorching kiss. The tension brewing between them burst in an explosive exhibition of passion. Goosebumps covered her skin when his sharp teeth nibbled on her bottom lip, tearing a gasp from her throat.

As his lips started descending towards her throat, a breathy moan escaped her. She could feel a smirk forming on his lips before he resumed his treasuring of her neck. Both of his hands, wound around her waist, bringing her even closer. Her flowery scent was addicting, as were the sounds she made when he paid attention to a sensitive spot of her neck. If he stayed by her side, he hoped he could keep worshipping her every day.

Content with the visible mark he left there, he went to recapture her lips. One deft finger of hers had slithered his way between them, touching his lips and preventing him from reaching his goal.

"Give me your name." Knowing that the cause of her breathless voice was him caused an explosion of proudness deep within him. The dragon soul, typically absent when he was with someone, was encouraging him to mark her more. Her request hung between them. Everyone knew what it meant to give your name to the fae.

"Etherious Natsu Dragneel."

A/N Thank you all for reading! I would appreciate reading your constructive criticism or any other comment you may wish to leave me.