Chapter Text
Lucy Heartfilia gained her soulmark when she was 10. It lay right above her heart. Layla gasped when she saw it and Jude turned white.
Her mark was a demonic looking dragon that was surrounded by flames in every shade of red. To everyone but Lucy, it was the mark of a monster. Lucy knew it was not a monster. It was clear to her that her soulmate was guarding her heart. The flames would protect her and she would be damned if she didn't try to help her soulmate. After all she was no damsel in distress.
Just one problem, her father wanted the mark to be removed. Lucy was beyond angry and no words could describe how much she was afraid of what might happen. Removing soulmarks cut the connection between soulmates. She wouldn't be able to soulbond, and it could potentially kill her soulmate from the backlash of their souls fully separating. No pleading had been able to change her father's mind.
Layla was too sick to convince Jude that he should leave Lucy's mark alone, and the servants agreed with Jude. It was at that point Lucy realized something, no one else was going to help her. She was going to have to help herself.
Over the next couple of days, Lucy stocked up on food, jewels, and play clothes. No one noticed that something was off, they were too worried about her mother. Layla was dieing and she knew that there wasn't much time.
Jude had been called to an emergency meeting about a derailed train.
Layla grasped the opportunity. She gave Lucy the keys and three memory lacrima.
Layla told her daughter to run. And run Lucy did, until her legs were trembling and she kept on running.
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Natsu searched for two things, Igneel and his mate.
Everyday Natsu looked at the mark on the right side of his chest. It was beautiful, a shining gold key with stars dancing around it. He knew that his mate was someone who was as bright as the cosmos, and could probably kick his ass. It didn't matter how long it would take, they would find each other.
That kept him going on many long days and when he got the chance he saved as much jewels as he could.
His mate was strong and probably lonely as he was. Natsu wanted for them to have a home where they were together and not alone.
Fairy tail soothed some of that ache. It was his family and friends. When his mate arrived and he found Igneel, his family would be whole.