Okay... So, I closed the poll after I posted the sneak peek at The Perfect Bride. It seems that Gift of the Dragon God won by a single vote. So to keep my word, and because I'm a nice person, I'm posting the first chapter of Gift of the Dragon God for your viewing pleasure.

My beta really likes this story and I hop you all feel the same way. If you don't, then why are you here?

Anyway, I present to you the winner of the poll.

Even if I found out too late.

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize isn't mine. If it were, I wouldn't be driving an 88 Volvo.

Chapter 1

Invasion

(Lucy pov)

I couldn't stop the shriek that tore from my throat. I skipped along the ground, like a flat stone on water, before coming to a sudden stop at a brick wall. Rubble fell around me, dusting my skin in red and gray powder. I climbed back on my feet and shook of the pain. I have been dealt much worse. This pain was nothing. The Dragon was no longer focused on me. Instead, it's attention was kept on the Iron Dragon Slayer that had come to my rescue. Well… he did what he could. He could only watch as the Dragon's clawed hand swung at me and threw me into the air. Gajeel began his attack on the… what kind of Dragon is he anyway. Water? He does have fins.

I can't think about what Magic they wield! I have to help the others! The ones that aren't Dragon Slayers are being pushed back!

I ran down the uneven cobblestone, weaving past fallen wreckage and jumping over cracks in the ground. I heard a baby wailing from inside a house and immediately went to investigate. What I found was heartbreaking.

The baby lay beneath the curled body of its mother, who was pierced with several bits of wood and glass. She had died protecting her baby, still doing so in death. I picked up the whimpering child and ran out before the building collapsed. I tied my hair ribbon around a jutting beam of wood and continued running. I summoned Pyxis and had him lead me away from danger. We weaved through the streets, avoiding fights and leading any survivors out of the decimated city. We didn't get far before the danger we were avoiding found us. Along with a member of Team Sabertooth.

The cat in the frog costume, Frosch I believe, was running from a dark scaled Dragon. I figured that the only reason he wasn't flying was because he ran out of Magic to fly. I directed the crowd following me into the cover of leaning buildings. A woman took the baby from my arms and I ran to help the fallen exceed. The poor guy had tripped and cried as he awaited his death under a Dragon's foot. I pulled out a Key and threw myself over the exceed. Frosch screamed and clung to me as the Dragon's paw fell upon us. A Wool Wall engulfed us inside it's warm and fuzzy embrace. The feline stopped trembling as he realized we were safe. He stroked the soft barrier with his cute, little paws.

"It's so soft." He said softly.

"Yes, but it won't hold out for long. Aries, give me an estimate!"

The pinkette cringed. "It can only take a few more hits. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Aries! You did great!" I grabbed another Key and poured my magic into it. "Open, Gate of the Maiden! Virgo!"

Poof "Punishment, Princess?"

I shook my head at her usual greeting. "No, Virgo. I need you to dig us out of here. Aries Wall won't hold for much longer."

Aries cringed again. "Hurry!"

Virgo nodded and fell into a hole. I carried Frosch through the tunnel and up, back into the smoky air. Frosch looked around at the sound of his name. When he saw his partner, he squirmed until I released him and ran into Rogue's open arms. "Rogue! Fro was so scared! Then Lucy came and saved Fro! Lucy made Fro safe!"

Rogue gently squeezed his companion to his chest. "Thank you, Lucy."

I smiled wistfully at the scene they made. How could someone so sweet turn into something like… that? Why is it that Rogue is the only Sabertooth that isn't a stupid, mean jerk? Orga seems rather quiet, but boy, is he arrogant! Well, there is Yukino, but she must have a dark side to be in Sabertooth.

A loud roar brought me back to my dark reality. I turned to see the giant Dragon growling at us. Rogue put down Frosch and joined Orga and Sting. All three of them began hitting it with their strongest attacks. I called Virgo to my side and told her to dig a tunnel and help the survivors evacuate what was left of the city. Once I saw her leave, I cracked my whip and jumped into the fight. With a the slightest bit of Magic, my whip stretched and wrapped itself around the Dragon's back leg. I tapped Orga and gestured to the water whip. A look of understanding flickered in his eyes and he sent a strong wave of Black Lightning into the whip. Not a second later, the Dragon roared in pain. I took advantage of his shock and pulled with all my might. The Dragon lost it's balance and toppled over, shaking the ground as it connected to the ground.

I whooped with victory and held a hand up for a high five. Orga gave me a large grin and slapped my outstretched hand. Sting and Rogue landed next to us.

"That was awesome!" Sting shouted, pumping his fist.

Rogue nodded in agreement. "That was an excellent move. I did not know you possessed such strength."

I shrugged my shoulders. "When you've been in Fairy Tail for as long as I have, you pick up a few things. One of them being Gray's clothes."

"Yeah… What's with that? Lyon does it, too, but where the fuck did they pick up that habit?" Sting scratched the back of his head.

A movement behind Orga alerted me to danger. "As much as I'd love to talk about Gray's stripping habit, I believe our friend is waking up."

All three turned to see an even angrier Dragon. It's attention was on me.

A giant tail smacked the ground only a dozen feet from us and made us fall to the ground. The men around me shouted as I was lifted into the air by a clawed hand. Next thing I know, I was thrown high into the air. I turned mid-air and nearly shrieked when I noticed my quick descent was leading me into an open mouth. I gripped my whip tightly.

As I neared the gleaming fangs of the Dragon, I was grabbed by two thick arms. My body was overcome with a sense of tingly lightness. Never in my life had I felt so alive. Cold fire danced in my veins and my skin tingled deliciously. I felt my core tighten and come to life under the onslaught of the barely restrained energy.

Unfortunately, it ended as soon as it began. I was on the ground once more, light tingles dancing under my skin and making my womanhood weep with desire. The only difference was that I was surrounded by four men. A familiar figure towered over me. "You okay, Blondie?"

"Just peachy, Spark Plug." 'For the love of the Stars! Do NOT notice my arousal!'

Orga, Sting, and Rogue ran to us. "Lucy! Are you alright?"

'I beg of you, please don't let them smell my wet-as-fuck pussy!' "Everything is A-OK! Let's focus on the threat, please!"

Gajeel appeared next to Rogue. "Cobra took over for me. Is Lucy okay?"

Laxus leveled his blue-orange gaze at the Iron Mage. "Aren't you supposed to be dealing with a Dragon?"

"Look who's talkin'." Gajeel glared at the older Slayer.

'My pussy is as wet as a hot tub and twice as hot! For the love of the Gods! DO NOT NOTICE MY AROUSAL!' A movement in the air. "TAIL!"

The men scattered, Laxus taking me with him as he rolled away from the giant tail that landed on the space we were standing in only a second ago. Laxus kept me tucked into his chest until he had regained his equilibrium. He set me down and held me as I gained my footing. The others joined us once more, Rufus tagging along with Orga. "As memory serves, we are still under attack. We shouldn't be gathering into one big group."

"Oh, shut your trap, Rufus!" Sting snapped at the Memory Mage.

I saw the Dragon's cheeks puff out. "DUCK!"

We crouched just in time to miss the wave of darkness fly over our heads. The writhing mass of shadows radiated a bone-deep coldness that felt almost alive. I swear I felt it's icy fingers brush the back of my neck. The dark cloud vanished and we were free to stand up again.

"Oh goodie!" Sting cheered sarcastically. "A Shadow Dragon!"

Gajeel tapped Rogue's shoulder. "Great! We've got a Shadow Dragon Slayer. Now go fight fire with fire and grow a pair!"

Well, that seems a bit asinine. Wouldn't it just...? 'Wait a second…' "Gajeel, say that again!"

The men looked at me as if I'd grown an extra head. "Grow a pair?"

"No, the other thing!"

"Fight fire with fire?"

I had an idea. Theoretically speaking, we were fighting a roaring fire with a water gun. From what I can tell, Dragon Slayers aren't all they're cracked up to be, and neither are the God Slayers. We are losing, even with nine Slayers on our side; seven Dragons and two Gods.

Fight fire with fire.

It's a long shot. I used up quite a but a Magic and it's also against the rules. If I did manage to pull this off, we would either be saved or completely and utterly screwed. If we do win, then I will suffer whatever punishment the Celestial King decides to dole out. Do I dare take the risk?

Images flashed across my mind's eye. Laxus and the way he defeated his father's Guild for me. Gajeel and that stupid bunny costume he tries to make me wear. Natsu and my never-full-for-long pantry. Wendy and her innocent smile. Erza. Gray. Happy. Charle. Lily. Cana. Mira. Levy. Elfman. Bixlow. Makarov. Sting. Rogue. Orga. Hibiki. Sherria. Bacchus. Jura. Yukino.

Yes. The prize is worth the fight.

I tap on my forehead brought me back. "Alright, Bunnygirl. What's going on in…"

"Gajeel! You are a genius!" I gripped his face between my hands and kissed him. "No matter what happens, keep those Dragons off me. I've got an idea!"

I dodged the Dragon's hand and ran back to the tunnel Virgo made. I needed a quiet place for what I was about to do. It wasn't big enough for the being I was going to summon sans Key, but I couldn't do it out in the open. Not with Future Rogue gunning for me and seven Dragons to worry about. The buildings in the city were collapsing, so I couldn't stay in a building. I would make do with what I have. Just as I've always done.

I slid into the hole and situated myself into a comfortable position and began meditating. If it weren't for my concentration, I wouldn't have heard Virgo's silent entry. "The people are safe and sound, Princess. Is there anything else I can do?"

I did my best to focus on my Magic and answer her at the same time. "Yes, I need a bigger area. It wouldn't do Draco good to be summoned into such a cramped space."

I heard the gasp, but chose to ignore it. I needed all my attention on my Magic. Virgo, bless her, used her own Magic to make the tunnel deeper and wider. I had never seen Draco, so I trusted her to know the right measurements. She finished and left without a word, though she did hesitate before departing for the Celestial Realm.

I took a deep breath and began pouring my Magic into an imaginary Gate in front of me. "Open the Forbidden depths of the Celestial World. Open, Gate to the Dragon's Nest! Draco!" The golden Gate glowed brightly. Something banged against the door, but it wouldn't open. Not yet. "Open, Gate to the Dragon's Nest! Draco!" BANG "Open, Gate to the Dragon's Nest! Draco!" BANG "Open, Gate to the Dragon's Nest! Draco!" BANG BANG BANG "OPEN, GATE TO THE DRAGON'S NEST! DRACO!" Click

A giant, glowing circle appeared in the air. It was the largest I've ever seen! Even bigger than Mira's upon entering her Satan Soul! The thunderous toll of a bell echoed in the cavern as a giant, scaled body filled the void. His long, serpentine body circled the cave many times before settling to face me. Draco was everything ever written, and more. His scales gleamed in the muted lights that filtered in through the holes in the roof of the Maid-Made cave. Even in the low lights, I could tell the coloring of his skin.

The scales along his back and sides shifted between sky and navy blue. His belly, from chin to tail, and claws gleamed a vivid gold, shining with a light from within. A vivid green, similar to the color of Orga's hair, down collared the base of his neck and feathered the tip of his tail. His wings were the same hues of blues as his back, green and gold veining the thin membrane. The same green of his downy feathers hemmed the space where blue and gold collide. The green scales vined the sides of his long and powerful neck to edge his jaw. I flash of Sting's Holy Ray brightened the cave, illuminating the red undertone of this beast of legend. He finally opened his eyes. Bright orange orbs gazed down at me, brimming with eons of knowledge and experience.

"Who dares summon me without my Key?" I felt more than heard his voice. It danced under my skin and vibrated in my head. It was low, quiet, but I did not mistake the soft timbre of a gentle question. He is mad. If his voice wasn't enough, the Magical pressure in the room certainly portrayed his ire.

I crawled to my knees and bowed until my head brushed the earth. "Forgive me, Draco! I have summoned you without your Key to beg for your help! Seven Dragons have invaded Fiore and their leader threatens to annihilate all of humanity!"

My body vibrated as he hummed in surprise. "Acnologia wiped out most of the Dragons in this Realm. How did these Dragons appear?"

"Through a Gate, Draco! Yukino and I shut the Gate with our Magic, but seven Dragons had come through before we could! Please, Draco! Help me… help us push back the Dragons!" Several moments of silence passed before I sat up to stare at the Dragon God. "Please! Every second wasted in this cave is second that my friends grow weaker! I will give you anything in return for your help! I offer my life as forfeit for your help!"

The God of the Dragons said nothing. He looked, really looked at me with those unreadable eyes. The slits narrowed and flared as he pondered things I could never hope to understand. "You are Lucy, are you not?"

"Y-Yes."

He hummed again, making my body tremble. We stared at each other, both of us refusing to back down. I nearly fell flat on my face when his mouth stretched into what resembled a grin. "Alright. I've decided I will help you. Life has been rather dull for the past hundred years and I could use a bit of excitement!"

I jumped to my feet. "Really? You'll help us?"

He moved forward, moving his back as close as he could to the ledge. "Jump on my back and hold on tight. It's gonna be a bumpy ride!"

I crawled onto his broad back, perched between his wings and furry collar bone. I clenched the soft strands as he began moving. His muscles bulged underneath my legs as he prepared to take flight. I was slightly… really… worried about the ceiling of earth above us that was blocking our path into the air. He jumped into the air, shattering the earthen roof. His powerful wings held him aloft as he let out a roar of challenge.

Movement on the ground ceased and seven Dragons turned our way. I got to my feet, shuffling up Draco's neck until I stood between his pointed horns that were as tall as Laxus. I cupped my mouth. "Hey, Shadow-Boy! Now I've got a Dragon, too! What are you gonna do about it?!" I heard cheers from below and peered over Draco's face. Natsu, Wendy, Laxus, Gajeel, Sting, Rogue, Orga, and Sherria were grouped together. All of them were waving at me and cheering for me. I smiled, shooting a wink at Gajeel. I cracked my whip and screamed, "Let's fight fire with fire!"

Draco roared again, challenging the Dragons to a fight. None of them stepped forward. Instead of answering his call, they backed away, bowing their heads in submission. It reminded me of a wolf pack. An Alpha dominating his family. The Dragons shuddered under Future Rogue's mental probing. I'm certain the Future Slayer was urging them to fight Draco. The only one who followed his order was MotherGlare, a particularly nasty Dragon that carried Future Rogue atop her back.

Draco stretched his neck, rising to his full height and spreading his wings. I had to grab hold of a horn when he threw his head back and puffed out his cheeks. His head fell forward, nearly throwing me off his head, and he unleashed Blue Lightning from his mouth. The Lightning hit MotherGlare and he screamed in pain. MotherGlare fell from the sky and crashed into the earth, causing the ground to shake. Future Rogue had leaped off of MotherGlare before he crashed. He was now standing on a surprisingly intact building, and boy, was he mad.

Draco, taking note of the seething Slayer, glaring down at him. I didn't actually see his face, being perched upon it and all, but I did see Future Rogue shudder from here. If it was enough to make a man like that shake in fear, I am super glad I was not on the business end of Draco's rage. His low voice was enough.

"So, you think yourself a God, do you?" Draco's voice was smooth for a beast that towered over all the other Dragons. Though softly spoken, his voice traveled through the smoky air to penetrate the minds of all in the city. If no one noticed Draco's entrance, they sure as hell saw him now. "What gives you the right to hypnotize my Dragons and lead them to attack the humans of Earthland?"

To his credit, Future Rogue didn't back down. "Your Dragons? Just who are you to claim such a title?"

Draco puffed out his chest. A distinct air of smugness and pride radiated off his form. "I am Draco, the God of the Dragons! Every Dragon born is under my rule as God and King. My word is their law. You have insulted me by taking my Dragons without my ruling, and you shall die for your insolence."

As Draco spoke, I pondered the situation. These Dragons came from the future through a door created by a mislead Princess. What if… If we destroy the door, will the Dragons vanish? Without that door, they wouldn't have gotten here in the first place. Rogue grows up to be evil, but we can change that.

I scratched Draco's ear to get his attention. "Draco, do you think you can destroy that giant, golden gate over there? That's how the Dragon's got in from the future."

The head beneath my feet vibrated. "You think that demolishing the gate will change the future?"

"Yes. The man that took your Dragons is from the future. The real one is so completely different. I don't know what happened that caused him such pain, but I know that I can stop it from happening! The future this Rogue comes from will cease to be."

"Hm…. Your theory is sound. Very well. Leveling that pile of junk will be fun."

A patted his horn. "Just don't use Magic. It absorbs Magic."

Draco hummed again and shot a bolt of Blue Lightning at Future Rogue. While he was distracted (and in a staggering amount of pain), Draco soared over to the Eclipse Gate. With a roar and a swish of his mighty tail, the Gate was no more. I watched as all seven Dragons sparkled and faded away. Even Future Rogue, though shouting away and making empty threats, disappeared. The danger that had loomed over us was but a dream now, leaving behind wreckage and broken families. It would take time for the wounds to heal, but humanity was built to rise and conquer.

We would be fine.

Mages and Rune Knights swarmed the dais, clapping and cheering for Draco. I was waving at the group of Slayers when Draco sneezed. Since I wasn't anticipating the sudden movement, I was thrown of his head. I didn't scream on my way down. I was used to falling from ridiculous heights. I was thinking about how my lack of fear due to repeated actions wasn't a good thing, but all thoughts screeched to a halt as I was wrapped in a warm embrace accompanied by high doses of Lightning. My body froze again, my womb tightening with a want I was scared to indulge. Thankfully, it ended quickly, but the Lightning left an impression on my skin, making my core quiver. I dashed away from Laxus and the other Slayers to rejoin Draco, hoping they couldn't smell my desire.

"I apologize for that, Lucy. I am rather allergic to stupid." His eyes narrowed on Princess Hisui. "Oh, there it is."

The woman, and her guards, grew red in anger. "I beg your…!"

"Watch yourself, human." Draco's face was in front of her in a second. "Do not forget it was your naivety that created this mess."

She shook in fear and suppressed rage. "I can punish your summoner for…!"

His deep chuckles filled the air, causing those who heard to shiver at it's cold amusement. "Do you want all of the Celestial Realm after you? There may be only 88, but each one is powerful with the right motivation."

I waved the Dragon God down. "Draco! Don't bother with her! She made a mistake! A mistake that anyone in her place could have made!"

He nodded and stretched. "Alright, Lucy. Let's get this over with."

I cocked my head in confusion. What needed to be done? The Dragons are gone.

Then it hit me.

I offer my life as forfeit for your help!

"Of course, Draco." I spread my arms out and closed my eyes. "Make it quick."

A Celestial Mage always keeps a promise.

Even if it costs me my life.

Natsu's voice could be heard over the crowd. "Hey wait! What do you mean make it quick? Make what quick?"

Draco turned to my partner and friend. "You smell of Igneel. You wouldn't happen to be Natsu, would you?"

Three Dragon Slayers perked up. "You knew my dad?!"

"I did. Igneel is one I consider to be a friend. Grandeeney and Metalicana I knew as well. Gajeel and Wendy are here, I presume?" The two stepped forward. "Ah, I see. Grandeeney spoke fondly of you, Wendy. And Gajeel, I feel as if I already know you with how much Metalicana rattled on about you."

"He told you about me?" He seemed kind of surprised.

"I jest you not! A part of me is glad Metalicana disappeared. He would rant on and on about how powerful his boy, Gajeel, is and how he could defeat Igneel's boy. Then Igneel and he got into it and then Weisslogia and Skiadrum joined in the argument. Let me tell you, I still get headaches every time I remember that blasted gathering. I'd swear on my tail that Grandeeney is the only sane one of the bunch!"

Gajeel looked damn near close to tears. "He… He was proud of me?"

Draco nodded. "He said that you were the best son he could have ever wished for."

"Hold up!" Natsu shouted in frustration. "What did Lucy mean by 'make it quick'?"

Natsu looked between Draco and I. I turned my head away from his innocent gaze. I couldn't bear to see his eyes when he learned of my offering. He would be so mad.

Draco lifted his head so that he could be heard by all. "Lucy summoned me without my Key. We had no contract and I had no obligation to help her. She made me an offer that intrigued me."

I peeked from beneath my lashes at the crowd. Laxus was staring at me with a mixture of admiration and anger. Cobra's eyes, focused on me, grew wide. I remembered his little talent of reading minds. He must have seen the deal I made. "What offer?" Natsu looked as confused as ever.

Draco held Natsu's unwavering gaze. "She offered me her life."

Hope you enjoyed the sneak peek. I will be working on this, writing and editing, until it is pure perfection.

-SPN :3