01 : Falling from the Sky

In the vast expanse of the world, under a clear sky stretching for miles, the fresh air nurtures all forms of life.

Ripples dance across the green waves, encircling a massive lake. Under the sun's radiant glow, the water sparkles brilliantly. Every so often, fish leap freely from the water, embodying the preciousness of life.

Suddenly, a blue kitten, flapping its pristine white wings, soars across the sky. Its small paws clutch a fat fish, larger than itself, before it plunges into the lake.

"Natsu, save me! I'm about to be devoured by this fish!"

In a state of panic, the blue kitten thrashes in the water. Despite its fear, it stubbornly holds onto the fish, refusing to let go.

"I'm on my way."

The temperature around the lake rises abruptly. On the shore, a boy with cherry-colored hair, dressed in a black short coat and sandals, and wearing a white plaid scarf around his neck, ignites orange flames in his hands. He directs a punch towards the struggling kitten in the lake.

"Natsu, are you trying to kill Happy?"

Beside the boy stands a girl with beautiful blonde hair and a lovely face. She's dressed in red and white short sleeves and a white short skirt. Her eyes, clear as a tranquil lake, exude a lively charm.

At this moment, the girl watches the boy with cherry-colored hair, her expression filled with horror.

"Lucy, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

"Boom..." The lake water surges, creating a misty white fog that gives off a hazy sensation. Of course, this would be a mesmerizing sight if not for the sight of the blue kitten on the ground, its body emitting black smoke and its eyes turning white.

"Natsu, you're a murderer!"

Covered in soot, the once dying kitten springs to life, pointing an accusing paw at the grinning boy.

"Poor Happy," the blonde girl says sympathetically, looking at the pitiful blue kitten.

"Well, lunch is sorted."

"That's mine!"

"We're companions, aren't we? You're not planning to eat alone, are you?"

"I caught this."

"Happy, I'm going to sever ties with you."

"Hmph, go ahead..."

Watching the squabbling pair, the girl sighs, rubbing her forehead. She attempts to separate the quarreling duo, playing the role of a peacemaker.

However, her efforts are in vain. Instead of separating them, she gets pulled into the argument. For a moment, the man, woman, and cat each hold their ground, escalating the argument.

Just as the trio is engaged in their noisy dispute, a thunderous noise echoes from the sky!

"Wait, did you hear something?"

Pausing their quarrel, the girl frowns, her ears twitching.

"What did you hear?" The man and cat, each pulling at the other, turn to look at the girl.

"It sounds like... a noise. It's getting louder."

"It seems to be true!" Listening attentively, the man and cat cease their quarrel, also hearing the noise.

"Boom..."

The lake water rises to the sky, the waves raging. Countless droplets rain down, soaking the entire shore and drenching the man, woman, and cat.

"Natsu... Lucy, did... did you see that?"

Stunned, the blue kitten swallows hard, even dropping the fish it was holding.

"It should be a person!" Scratching his head, Natsu seems uncertain.

"And he fell from the sky. From such a height, he could be dead!"

"So, do we save him?"

"Of course!"

A few minutes later, the man, woman, and cat stand on the shore, frowning. They gaze at the unconscious person on the ground, lost in thought.

Lucy shivered, her hands hugging her shoulders as she tried to shield herself from the rain. The wet fabric clung to her skin, revealing more than she intended.

On the ground lay a figure with disheveled, soaking black hair. A lock partially covered one eye, and sharp eyebrows furrowed over closed eyelids. Despite the scar that marred the right side of their face, there was an inexplicable allure about this person.

Most strikingly, he was completely naked except for a cloth covering his lower abdomen. But what held Lucy, Happy, and Natsu in silence was the intricate web of scars that crisscrossed his body—bullet wounds, knife marks, and countless others. It was as if this person carried a lifetime of stories etched into his skin.

And yet, despite the scars, he appeared young—perhaps no older than sixteen or seventeen.

Lucy's gaze lingered on the vulnerable person before her. A heaviness settled in her chest, and her flushed cheeks betrayed her inner turmoil.

"Could he be dead?" Lucy whispered, her voice barely audible.

Happy's syrupy voice broke the silence. "I don't think so."

Natsu and Happy exchanged uncertain glances. "I remember," Happy said, "drowning victims need artificial respiration. Lucy, you're up."

His bright blue eyes fixed on Lucy, who blushed even deeper. "Artificial respiration? But—"

Lucy hesitated. Her first kiss—could she really waste it on a stranger?

"Lucy," Happy chided, "you're the only female here. Should Natsu and I perform mouth-to-mouth respiration?"

Natsu recoiled. "No way! I'm not doing that."

"So, Lucy..." Happy's eyes sparkled with mischief.

Lucy's internal struggle intensified. The scarred man on the ground was oddly handsome, despite everything. But this was her first kiss.

Finally, she relented. "Fine."

Kneeling beside the unconscious stranger, Lucy leaned in. As their lips met, something shifted. The man's previously closed eyes snapped open, locking onto hers.

His pupils—deep, hollow, and filled with loneliness, sorrow, and pain—held her captive. It was like staring into a black hole, drawing her in.

Then, unexpectedly, those empty eyes sharpened with vigilance.

Lucy gasped, feeling an otherworldly pressure. But before she could react, pain shot through her, and she was flung backward.

"Lucy!"

Natsu and Happy stood dumbfounded as Lucy lay five meters away, clutching her chest, her face drained of color.

"Damn it!" Natsu's anger flared. "We saved you and you attacked lucy? Unforgivable!"

His fists ignited, and he lunged at the mysterious stranger.

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