52-The Dragneels Are Back

                                    

                                          

The weary group trudged back to camp, their bodies battered but their spirits buoyed by the miracle of Natsu's return. The first golden rays of dawn painted the sky, chasing away the lingering smoke and darkness. As they approached the clearing where they had made their temporary base, a palpable sense of relief washed over them.
Natsu walked slowly, supported by Gray and Juvia, his eyes darting between his children with a mixture of love and lingering guilt. Nashi was being carried by Gideon, her new draconic features still prominently displayed. The young ice mage's cool touch seemed to soothe her overheated skin, wisps of steam rising where they made contact.
As soon as they entered the camp, Liddan, Layla, and Jude could no longer contain themselves. With a collective cry of "Dad!", they broke into a run, tackling Natsu with such force that he stumbled backward, nearly taking Gray and Juvia down with him.
"Whoa, easy there!" Natsu laughed, his arms instinctively wrapping around his children. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
Liddan buried his face in Natsu's chest, his small frame shaking with sobs. "We thought... we thought we'd lost you forever," he choked out.
Natsu's heart clenched at the raw pain in his son's voice. He tightened his embrace, pressing a kiss to the top of Liddan's head. "I'm so sorry, buddy. I'm here now, and I'm never leaving you again."
Layla clung to Natsu's right arm, her tear-streaked face a mixture of joy and lingering fear. "Dad," she whispered, her voice trembling, "do you... do you remember what happened?"
Natsu's expression darkened for a moment, flashes of his actions while under control flickering through his mind. He pushed them aside, focusing on his daughter's worried face. "Some of it," he admitted softly. "But what I remember most is hearing your voices. You all brought me back."
Jude, who had been hanging back slightly, suddenly surged forward, throwing his arms around Natsu's neck. "I tried to save you and Nashi," he said, his voice muffled against Natsu's scarf. "I wasn't strong enough. I'm sorry, Dad."
Natsu shifted, freeing one arm to pull Jude closer. "Hey, none of that," he said firmly. "You were incredibly brave, Jude. I'm so proud of you – of all of you."
As the family clung to each other, Gideon carefully set Nashi down on a makeshift bed nearby. Her draconic features were slowly receding, the wings folding into her back and the horns shrinking away. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet Gideon's concerned gaze.
"How are you feeling?" he asked softly, his hand still resting on her arm, providing a soothing coolness.
Nashi managed a weak smile. "Like I went ten rounds with Gildarts," she croaked. "But it was worth it. We got Dad back."
Gideon nodded, his eyes shining with admiration. "You were amazing out there, Nashi. I've never seen anything like it."
Before Nashi could respond, a shadow fell over them. They looked up to see Igneel, his massive form blocking out the rising sun. The dragon's eyes were fixed on Natsu, a whirlwind of emotions swirling in their depths.
Natsu gently disentangled himself from his children, standing to face his foster father. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of their complicated history hanging between them.
Then, in a move that surprised everyone, Igneel lowered his head, bringing it level with Natsu. "My son," he rumbled, his voice thick with emotion. "You have overcome a darkness that would have consumed lesser men. Your strength, your heart – they are truly remarkable."
Natsu's eyes widened, then filled with tears. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, pressing his forehead against Igneel's snout. "I had a good teacher," he said softly. "Thank you for believing in me, Dad."