AN: Natsu is the master of the fearsome pirate ship, Fairy Tail. He and Fairy Tail's members all sail the seas together. The usual pairings are included, Nalu, Gruvia, Gale, Jerza and so on. I got the idea for a pirate AU from a fanart I spotted on tumblr and couldn't help writing something epic! None of the characters in this actually have magic, in this world they act more as 'Pirates of the Caribbean' themed pirates. I hope you guys like it! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything Fairy Tail! Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima. Since this is an AU, though, I will take some of the creativity credit for writing this.
Sea foam, green as the swamps yet transparent like the sea around it, circulates around the ship's hull. The wind blows viciously, carrying the massive ship across the vast oceans. Gale forces rip the ships flag this way and that. Displayed in dark colors, with a darker border, on the flag is the insignia pirates and fisherman alike have come to fear.
Fairy Tail's majesty strikes terror in the hearts of beasts, every fisherman knows they are danger, their Captains alone could be enough to bring an army to its knees. Fairy Tail carries it's reputation like a badge of honor as the ship cuts through the waters. Red hair whipped around in the wind like the ship's flag, a strong lass with an eagle stare stood at the hull of the ship, barking orders to all hands on deck. She orders to shipmates to sail faster, they must to meet up with their master as quick as possible, wind or no wind.
Water logged and dirt stained, Lucy's boots came down like an iron fist on the chest of their latest victim. She smiled, letting her face conform to show power, amusement and sheer confidence no man could shatter. "We'll be taking this loot from you, now!" She giggled like a mad man whip in hand and ready to strike, her victim stayed on his back fear in his eyes.
"Ha ha ha!" Natsu laughed his arse off while Lucy kept the fishermen from fighting back. "We hit the jackpot this time, Luce! Check this out!" Natsu fished around the cache they had found. Deep in the western seas there had been rumors of the Fishermen from Arbordale harboring an illegal stash of goods but she hadn't believed Natsu until they actually found it. Now the pirate master straightened a large royal crown on his head, glittering with the water droplets that the moist cavern air had placed on it. "Who's your king now?" He crossed his arms, his smile showing everything from sharp pearly teeth to gums as pink as his hair.
"Well if you're the king then let's get this loot back to our subjects." Lucy told him her face still held in an amusing snarl.
Natsu brought out the prepared note from his vest pocket and turned to the blue bird at his shoulder. After securing the note to the birds foot he said; "Happy make sure Erza gets this note so she knows where we are."
"Aye, sir!" The bird squawked the only words he'd ever learned to say and took off. His blue and white feathers a brilliant display of majesty as he swooped out of the caverns opening and headed towards the ship.
"Y-you're not serious?" One of the fishermen spoke up this time, making sure to back away from Lucy's whip before he said anything. Now his back was to the wall, flanked on both sides by his cowering friends. "You're c-calling the whole ship here? P-please we've already surrendered there's no need for-"
"Shut your trap!" Lucy yelled cracking her whip in the air by their faces. Fishermen were always cowards, she had never seen one with enough backbone to even talk properly in her presence. It had been that way since she earned her reputation as Mistress of the Whip when travelling with Fairy Tail. "This loot is illegal anyway! And that crown looks awfully familiar." Natsu walked over to his lady and put an arm on her shoulder, his feet crossing each other in a cool guy stance. "I think saw it on the King's head once before, or is all of Fiore looking for crown that just happens to look like this one?" She knew she had them cornered. There was no excuse for them to have this crown at their loot cache, and she doubted these low life's had even devised the plan that took the crown away from the King in the first place.
The fishermen seemed ever closer to accepting their fate, they may have had strength in numbers but there was no army that could stand up to Natsu and Lucy's tag team. They had both proved that to the world more times than necessary. "Wa-b-"
One of them stammered but Lucy simply snapped her whip again. "Hold your tongue! I don't care what you have to say now. We're taking this loot with us. I think the king will pay a handsome sum for this beauty." She said grabbing the crown from off Natsu's head.
Natsu and Lucy walked away laughing, no longer feeling any need to keep the fishermen in line. Fear could be a powerful tool and their name alone had plenty. They waited by the caverns entrance. Soon Fairy Tail would sail here bringing along enough the crew members to strong man the plentiful chests full of gold onto the ship.
"Another treasure secured for Fairy Tail!" Lucy announced, bringing a long intricate map of the country side out to put an 'X' on the spot they stood. She was always obsessed with crossing off every place they ever looted. Natsu didn't understand it, it wasn't like after looting one place no one would ever again set foot at that place again. Actually he found that more often than not, given enough time, some idiot will come along to reuse a raided loot cache. He guessed it was something personal for her but it didn't look that way, it seemed more like a mission of hers.
Lucy's key's jangled around the loop of her satchel as she folded up the map and placed it back inside her satchel. Not long after Lucy proved herself capable to join Fairy Tail she continued to impress Natsu. First with her skills of the whip and next with that brilliant mind of hers that was able to keep track of every key the ship had on board and then some.
Lucy had become the Mistress of the Whip and the keyholder for everything on Natsu's ship. Nothing happened on board without her knowing and no one went anywhere without her permission. Natsu sometimes wondered if he was the ship's master or if she was. But Lucy never cared much for titles so that had been left for Natsu to carry. It didn't bother him, Lucy was his soon to be wife so it felt natural for him to share equality with her. The rest of this mundane world seemed content with controlling their women, but not Natsu. He, like the rest of Fairy Tail, lived under their own rules, and the wide open sea had no rules. He was happy enough just to sail with her.
After waiting another half-hour their ship finally arrived, not a moment too soon. Lucy began guiding the ship through the shallow waters and picking members from the crew to help them carry the loot aboard. When a wooden ramp dropped onto the sand Natsu immediately recognized the red head in front. Erza, his second in command, was leading the strongest members off the ship and to the cavern. Gray, Gajeel, Laxus, Pantherlily, Juvia and Cana, with Erza in front, came up to report to Natsu. He walked them into the cavern only to see the fishermen had picked up more weapons. They now stood between Natsu and the treasure. They may have looked scared but they held their ground.
"Y-you're not getting our treasure! We worked our whole lives to build up a cache as successful as this and you can't just waltz in and take it!"
Natsu frowned, they had already beaten each fishermen to a surrender but now they stood fast despite their bleeding wounds.
Erza snickered behind him. He didn't have to make a move as his second in command took control of the situation. She sauntered up to the fishermen, glaring down on them, her eyes like flaming daggers. "I would advise you not to get in our way." She spoke, her voice booming in the sea cavern. "Otherwise you'll have to fight me."
Most of the fishermen shifted their feet uncomfortably. One of them took the lead, calling out to his friends. "Don't let this wench intimidate you! We can take them all on! Fairy Tail will not have our treasure!" He ushered a war cry and charged, the rest of the fishermen following him hesitantly.
"What did you call me!" Erza's eyes were set to kill and Natsu knew what was coming next. Him and Gray had seen it enough as kids. Erza was a monster when she was angry, and no one could convince him otherwise.
Natsu stood side by side with his shipmates, all of them cringing as they watched Erza take on the fishermen. She was outnumbered five-to-one, the fishermen wielding daggers and harpoon spears, Erza with her dual swords, but she would still win. No man to ever enter a sword fight with Titania, Queen of the Fairies ever came out alive.
Natsu decided to intervene when she held them to the ground, holding her swords to the general group of beaten men. "That's enough, Erza." He began in a small voice, unsure if she was still raging about being called a 'wench'. "If we take them as prisoners we can hand them over to the King as the thieves that stole his crown. it might just double our pay off."
Erza didn't move; "They stole the king's crown?" She turned her head slightly to look at Natsu. He showed her the crown they found and her smile curled up. "Very well." She sheathed her swords at her superiors command. "Gray, help me get these idiots tied up." Gray and Erza tied up their bounty while Natsu and the rest of the crew each grabbed a chest, carrying it one by one onto the ship.
When each chest was accounted for and the cavern had been cleared out Natsu ordered the fishermen be thrown in the ship's holding cells. "Now!" He called out to his crew. "We sail for Crocus!"
The city bustled with life in every corner. Baker's heated their ovens, fishermen worked their fishing ships, Fiore's national guardsmen patrolled the city at the King's orders. Mother's held the hands of their children as they did their daily shopping.
None of the citizens felt safe anymore, and it showed on the faces around the city, after the royal crown had been stolen the King enforced security. Now a cutpurse could barely walk the streets without meeting with his worst nightmare. This may have made the streets safer but all this extra security left the citizens feeling strangely vulnerable. It was as if their King suspected an attack at any moment, that fear showed in the message he sent with his guardsmen.
Street vendors set up shop as the buyers came out, coin sacks shaking full of money. One jewelry maker/seller had attracted his first customer. "Good morning, sir. What have you got for sale?" The young boy asked politely.
"Come see for yourself!" The vendor exclaimed joyfully, gesturing to his wares. The boy pondered over the goods. "If these are for a special lady could I interest you in this?" The vendor asked taking a small carved wooden box from under his stand. He opened the box to reveal a ring of shining silver, the best jade's to be found this side of Fiore displayed proudly, three to a row in the crest of the ring. It certainly glitters enough… the boy thought. And a rock that big could catch any maiden's eye.
"That's impressive." The buyer said at last.
"Ha ha! Thank you, my boy! Forged it myself from my last shipment. Those jades are the real thing I assure you, and the silver is exquisite!." He showed all his teeth with his smile. It would have been a nice gesture if the vendors teeth were all there, some were missing and those that weren't were crooked and yellow.
"It's nice, but I'm actually looking for something for my niece in my home country. A small trinket at most." There was a pause while the vendor put away the gorgeous ring and the boy spotted a new piece of jewelry. "How much is that one?"
He pointed to iron plate carved out in the form of the insignia the entire country knew by fear alone. "Are you sure you want it? That's a symbol of Fairy Tail you know."
"What's Fairy Tail?"
"You don't know of the fearsome beasts that sail the seas?!" The vendor yelled, flabbergasted. "My boy! They are only the fiercest pirates to sail the seas this side of Fiore! Fairy Tail makes a living off finding people's personal treasures and taking them by force!"
"That sounds evil! Has the King tried to stop them?"
"He can't. Technically they aren't breaking any laws. The poor saps they steal from have no actual rights to the gold they horde. They mostly go after thieves and vagabonds. Not that the King could do anything anyway. All of Fiore knows Fairy Tail. They are the strongest band of pirates ever to sail the seven seas and are bound by no law from king and country! Apparently ever since the previous leader, Markorov died, Fairy Tail hasn't been the same."
"Markorov?" The boy questioned, all these words new to him.
"I've heard rumors they used to be the strongest naval crew the King had at his disposal. But when Markorov died Fairy Tail broke all ties with the kingdom for some reason, and they kept the ship to become pirates. People say their new leader, Natsu Dragneel also referred to as Salamander, has never been defeated in any kind of battle before, especially naval battles. When Fairy Tail was still working for the King he used to be their best strategist. No warzone he entered came out intact. And his second in command is even stronger, they call her Titania, Queen of the Fairies, no one has ever beaten her in a sword fight. Thats not to mention Salamander's partner, she's got the reputation for Mistress of the Whip."
"Mistress of the Whip?"
"Aye! Meaning she can snap your neck before you can even watch her swing her whip!"
"Fairy Tail sounds horrifying."
"Oh and they are! No man I know ever picks a bone with them and if I were you I wouldn't either. This symbol," He said pointing a fat finger to the Fairy Tail insignia. "has been adopted by Fairy Tail for years, since before Markorov even. Only those associated to them wear it. Most folks stay away from this particular piece of jewelry. The only reason I have it is because some creepy hooded man came by and traded it to me."
"Aren't you worried of being accused of associating with them?"
"Nah! Fairy Tail may be feared by they also have some wacko fans. I can't believe it myself how a group of traitors calling themselves pirates would attract such attention. But, hey, whatever sells." He shrugged, finishing his tale.
The buyer walked away with a small necklace and claimed he would then return home to his niece across the world.
"Good luck travelling so far!" The vendor called to him and they parted.
The vendor was about to turn to a new customer when commotion down the street caught his eye. "Speak of the devil…" His words came out a whisper as the commotion turned his way.
Proudly strutting down the crowded street was a group of people that made most citizens run for cover. Dressed in their finest sea captain coats, pockets overflowing with gold, Salamander lead a posse of his core crew members, a group of fishermen from out of town being dragged by their binds.
Doors closed and windows shut, The vendors hid behind their shop curtains and those that didn't buried their heads in their wares. The people who remained on the street looked to Salamander's crew in awe. Children stared, obvious fans called out the names of their favorite famous pirates.
"Titania, you're awesome!" An unknown voice shouted, but Titania didn't bother to turn her head. She continued walking beside her crewmates. The rest of Fairy Tail followed Titania and Salamander's lead. Keeping their heads high as they walked down the street to the King's palace ignoring any and all reactions to their presence.
When Fairy Tail reached the entrance to the palace Lucy stepped up ready to represent her fellow pirates. Because if it was one thing Fairy Tail was known for it was honor among honorless pirates. They didn't have the best relationship with the King but Lucy was confident they could get into the palace this time.
Lucy bowed formally to the front guards, her nose almost meeting with her knees. "Fairy Tail humbly requests an audience with the King." She let her words speak for themselves as she straightened to look the guards in the eyes.
"What makes you think pirates can just stroll up and walk inside the palace?! The only people allowed to pass are guests for the King. And you," The guard speaking bent his knees to look Lucy close at eye level, jabbing a finger to her chest in a rude manner. "are most certainly not guests of the King! Traitor pirates such as yourselves can never hope to attain an audience with royalty!"
Lucy met his stern face with a smile. "I believe this will change your mind." From her fat satchel she took the King's royal crown. When the two guards by the main gate saw what she was holding they reeled back.
"H-How did you get that! Thieves! Arrest them!" He shouted without waiting for an explanation. Luckily before the royal guards could make a formal arrest on them Erza stepped forward.
"We did not steal the royal crown!" Her voice boomed, commanding all guards to halter with it's power alone. "We did however find the real thieves!" She tugged at the fishermen's ropes, forcing them each forward, heads hung in disgrace.
A new voice spoke after a few minutes of silence. "You didn't go through all this trouble for nothing." Titania recognized Arcadios, the captain of the guard. "What is it Fairy Tail wants?"
"Simple." Lucy took the lead again. "We want compensation for our troubles. The reward was staked higher than the total amount of the royal jewels for anyone who can return the crown, right? And guess what, we not only got the crown but we found who stole it."
"That's not true! We didn-" One of the fishermen tried to protest, Erza made sure they stayed quiet with a kick to his chest.
"If you wish to deny the obvious then you wouldn't mind filling us in with how you came across the crown?" Arcadios questioned the fishermen.
"We found it!" He answered almost immediately, causing eye rolls from everyone present.
"Sure ya did." Arcadios sighed. "Let them through. This is of high importance, the King needs to be aware." At his word the guards were forced to open the palace to them. Intricately decorated iron gates swung open and Lucy let Erza take the lead, bringing the imprisoned fishermen to the front.
The palace was nothing less than magnificent. Past the lush, green, shrubbery at front was the foundation for an entire country's worth of power. The palace radiated royalty. Thick stone bricks forming unsurpassable walls, becoming more frequent the closer they got to the palace. When the actual building was before them, Lucy saw how each narrowly pointed tower was adorned with the most gold she'd ever seen in one place, it was just as she remembered it from all those years ago. They entered the gold plated palace doors and were lead to a lavishly decorated throne room.
Fairy Tail presented the King with the thieves. Although Lucy doubted these nitwits could have pulled off a heist such as stealing the royal crown they could still get a pay off from them. And who knows, maybe they aren't as dumb as they look, maybe they did steal the crown? As long as Lucy ended up with coin at the end of the day she didn't much care.
The King was less than pleased to see his former naval commanders show up his very drown in their hands. "What's the meaning of this!" He demanded rising from his seat. "I thought you made it clear you wanted nothing more to do with me or the kingdom! After all these years why are you back?"
"It's nothing more simple than returning the King's crown, your majesty." Lucy spoke through gritted teeth. She remembered all too well how the King had ordered the attack that got her master killed. And though she wasn't too keen to return she would face the King with dignity.
The audience with the King proved to be better than they had thought. Begrudging comments aside, the King took the crown and the thieves, then left Fairy Tail with a sum total of ten million jewel!
Natsu couldn't contain his excitement when the King presented him with all those zeros. "We're rich! We're rich!" He chanted, arms up as he and his parrot, Happy, paraded around the room. One by one guards came in with handfuls of crates, each crate put together, upon closer inspection, held the exact sum the King promised them.
Smiles were all around and high fives were exchanged followed by joyous hugs and happy words. The King left to interrogate the prisoners after giving them the money.
It took every core member Natsu had taken with him to bring all the crates through the city and aboard the ship. By the time the sun set Fairy Tail had retired in one of the cities taverns. Cana cheerily drinked her cheeks red, while the bar was stocked full with Fairy Tail pirates. Any citizens in the tavern had cleared out long ago leaving the tavern all to Fairy Tail, a very frightened tavern owner kicked out of his position by the She-Demon Mirajane.
There were fights and drinks a plenty to be had. Lucy wasn't sure this tavern would survive as more chairs flew past her. It was always like this. Even on their own ship her crewmates could barely help but destroy the place. At least this time they had more than enough money to cover the expenses, both for their ship and the tavern.
Natsu and Gray butted heads as always, somehow managing to knock Erza's cake to the floor and start multiple all-included brawls. Happy busied himself by flying around the tavern ceiling, hovering just above the fights and squawking, "Aye!" over and over again.
By morning's light the tavern was missing all its windows, the serving bar had been broken in half and the ground was left strewn with dismantled pieces of every table or chair the tavern held.
Most of Fairy Tail was too drunk to get up but when the guards finally came to kick them out Lucy was the one to flash them some coin to pay off any expenses. They accepted the coin with a distrusting air about them and left.
Fairy Tail boarded their ship the next day with renewed spirits. Natsu left Erza to get the ship sailing while he searched for Lucy in her cabin.
He was sure Lucy had retired in her cabin last night after paying off the damage they did to that tavern, but as he entered the dimly lit room they only thing he found was the calm sway of the waves. Lucy wasn't in her cabin and the more Natsu looked for her the more he realized the small signs of distress around the room.
Lucy had left her keys and satchel hooked on the wooden wardrobe by the bed. Lucy never left her keys anywhere. The only time she parted with them was when she laid down to sleep. As well as her keys Lucy's favorite pair of boots was left by the door, her journal was open on the wooden desk and above that Natsu could see now the glass from the stained window was missing. It was obviously shattered but someone must have gone to a lot of trouble of cleaning it up because not a single shard could be found.
Natsu didn't like what he saw. Everything about this smelled of foul play, he prayed he was wrong though as he ran out to the deck to inform every member of their Ladies disappearance.
AN: Thanks for reading! This fic takes Fairy Tail from a different kind of view. Since they're pirates I didn't just write in the characters I sort of wrote their dark sides too but I hope it was good anyway. Leave me comments to show what I could improve on or suggestions or anything basically! :)