A/N: Hi, welcome to A Hidden Vocal. To those New Reader's: I have wanted to write this story for so long, like a decade or some. So, I really hope you enjoy mystery, drama, anguish and happy endings!
And to those of the favorites and following reader's variety: Welcome to a new and up to date on my newly approved writing style; going to college for a Writer's diploma really helps! XD
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail, the characters and original manga story all goes to Hiro Mashima.
Chapter. 1 – Revaluation
"Oi, listen up you brats!" The loud, but the very wise voice of Makarov Dreyar, the Master of one of the notorious light guilds of Fiore; Fairy Tail, "I have an interesting announcement to make, now settled down!"
In response and high respect for their master, the chatter of the guild had ceased in volume, that also included the wild and fierce, Team Natsu. Lucy, a skilled Celestial mage; beautiful blonde women quirked her thin brow at the Master. Her hands in the process of lowering her book she had been absorbed in, to listen. Beside her, Natsu had turned away from a conversation with Happy to fully engage and listen, which if the Celestial mage had not known the Dragon-slayer for so long; it was probably the first time that she witnessed it first hand. Upon the urgent silence that had blanketed the guild, Erza paused in her strict and over the top lecture towards a certain ice mage to come to attention, leaving Gray to scowl. His ice-biting glare pinpointed harshly at the back of the Requip-mage's head.
Standing silently atop the new stadium in the far back, Makarov smiled before giving a nod. Accompanying him was the white-platinum demon, Mirajane, her large blue eyes sparkled in the overhead lightening as she smiled at them. Hands folded patiently in front of her, standing ever loyal behind their Master, Lucy took noticed to the brown-papered scroll held firm in Mira's hands as the Master cleared the back of his throat.
"Alright then, starting today will begin the six-week trial regarding The Grand Talent Show. Which will be hosted here in Fairy Tail this year, on this very stage," Makarov spoke, his voice light as he scanned the vast area and was not disappointed in the number of confused and surprised features that dotted the guilds majority, " This is a traditional contest that started fifteen years prior to our disappearance, the contest itself usually is held in the capital but the King has given us a special honor of hosting it this year in Magnolia."
Mirajane nodded as she stepped up to the floating mic, Makarov making room as the Take-over mage began to unfurl the scroll from its tight coil, making the parchment paper crinkle as she leaned over to speak.
"During these six-weeks, Mages from all over Fiore have the privilege to compete, and all talent is expectable. However, this year will have different set of rules that must always be upheld: the first; all males of very guild must participate, second; there will be no use of magic during or before performances," In the corner of the guild, Gajeel scoffed at the challenge, but not all were ecstatic of the news as some deflated immediately. Some even paled in color, the Iron Slayer chuckled as he sat back watching the panic rise. With Team Natsu, the Fire-mage felt a smile twitch at the corners of his mouth as he fiddled absently with his muffler, the Dragon-slayer watching Mira's features brighten, her mouth moving as she read out aloud from the scroll again, effectively silencing the crowd, "The award for winning First Place will consist of $923,000. Jewels, including a newly refurbished house on the outskirts of Crocus; completely free of charge!"
Natsu whistled as he leaned back in the cushioned bench, his eyes trailing over to his blonde teammate, who was frozen stiff in her seat; speechless and stunned. He smiled, before the small spark of happiness he felt was snuffed out, a dark sick feeling blossomed deep in his chest, eyes taking on a hazy film as he became silent in his seat. Nobody noticed the strangeness which overtook their Fire Dragon-slayer as the volume of the Guild built up to shouts; some were protests and others were deep discussions. It was Happy that noticed, his fur puffing up like flesh bumps as he turned around from his position in Lucy's' arms, his small face pinched in alarm but trying to not make a scene as he wiggled out of Lucy's grasp. The women did not react, still stuck on the last thing Mirajane announced; as the blue feline quickly reached out to his friend. He slowly applied pressure to the Slayer's face, eyes wide and glassy from unushered tears as he pulled back when Natsu flinched, his breathing coming in short labored breathes which only a trained ear could really detect. The Dragon-slayer's hand reached up to clutch at his chest, through the fabric of his clothing, eyes shut tightly. The exceed wiggled his way in Natsu's lap, feeling the small tremors that racked the mage's body.
"D-Do you want to leave, Natsu?" Happy whispered, voice soft with concern but stern. His eyes flickering to the four people seated beside and cross from them, proximity. Happy's ears laid flat on his head as he listened to his friend's constant battle to even breath right, Natsu slowly shook his head in answer to Happy's question.
"I-I-I," Natsu gulped, his chest felt heavy, his magic twisted like a violent wave as he tried to speak. Squeezing his eyes, he swallowed the anxiety, "I will be okay, promise, l-little bud-d-dy."
Happy nodded slowly as he turned away from Natsu, who ducked down a little more to hide his face. The Dragon-slayer still reeling from his episode of PTSD, his breathing still unsteady but better than what it was moments ago. He couldn't pinpoint what caused it, but it sucked all the same. His eyes stung painfully from keeping his tears in check, throat tight from holding his screams in as he slowly began to compose himself. He thought he was in the clear, and so did Happy but things weren't in neither's favor.
"What's wrong Flame – idiot, though you had a chance?" Natsu felt dread pour down his throat, he looked up through his damp fringe, to find Gray smirking smugly at him. Natsu's throat clamped shut, making it hard to breathe yet again as he remained quiet. Happy stayed silent but was horrified by the Ice-mages unwelcomed timing to open his mouth.
Gray was still simmering from his scolding from Erza, but to his luck, he noticed the Fire-mages subdued nature across the table, how his shoulders shook but face overshadowed from his hair. The subtle change was perfect. Jumping at the chance to ruffle the Dragon-slayers feathers, maybe get a good fight out of it. He straightened himself up, leaned over and spoke the first perfect insult that came to mind.
Lucy tampered back to listen in on what was going on at their table when she raises a brow in concern as Natsu didn't even budge against the usual insult. Instead, he stayed eerily quiet, which also drew the other female in the group to attention. Erza noticed how Natsu was hunched, his eyes were hidden so she couldn't gauge his intentional reaction to the jab, but Happy was an open book to her analyze on the situation. The blue exceed was paler, his eyes blankly- and with a haunting aspect to them- stared at Gray. She turned to face the Ice-mage to find Gray disgruntled towards the behavior Natsu was displaying as he folded his arms over his chest and leaned back into his seat.
Gray frowned, his plan not taking any effect as he observed Natsu shifted in his seat, it wasn't until the Dragon-slayer looked to the side did he see Natsu's face twist into one of discomfort. The Fire mage's eyes filled a hollowness that deeply disturbed the Ice mage, his face creasing with his concern, mouth positioned to speak but was beaten to the punch when the Protestors began another uproar. Gray saw that he wasn't the only one to notice their friend's strange behavior, Erza and Lucy both had the same frown doting both their features as the noise drowned out their- would -be questions regarding their fellow teammate. During the exchange, Natsu remained hunched, his tremors becoming less and less as the noise levels kept him grounded to the present.
"I call unfairness, what if people don't have the time, or don't want to participate? It's simply unfair, illegal to human rights!" Someone shouted out within the crowd, some agreed, however, the Master in response to the protesting bunch simply waved them away. His old, but wise face plastered with a neutral façade as he disappeared up the stairs and into the solitude of his office. This did not silence the protestors, but people chose to ignore them in favour of coming together, picking and choosing partners; and planning the arts that best suited them. Which only left Team Natsu to their own demanding, and creative minds, that is until Natsu stood up from his seat in one fluent motion; startling his team.
"Is something the matter today, Natsu?" Lucy questioned softly, the Dragon-slayer remained quiet before he looked up, face bright with color and a grin planted on his face.
"Not particularly, just needed to stretch my legs, that's all." He replied easily, before stretching his back and plopping down into his seat, arms folded down on the table, eyes wide and filled with childish wonder. Happy went back to take his place in the empty space between Natsu's chest and his arms, a soft purr vibrating from his chest. Erza monitored the Dragon-slayer's behavior with a sharp eye, and the things she picked up on weren't encouraging. This newly developed behavior Natsu exhibited was unpredictable, tapering off from an enthusiastic childish manner to the dark; hesitant, explosive demeanor that dived into quick bouts of unstable panic-attacks. This has been going on for years, often frightening her, despite these off and on episodes; he seems to stabilize relatively quick and return to his usual normalcy.
It was concerning, secret factor to her everyday schedule; sleep, eat, observed Natsu, missions, go home, etc. She was jerked back from her amusing, her eyes traveling over to her adoptive brother, her once controlled features exploded into one of surprise. Natsu was humming to himself lightly, eyes glued to the small black leathered bound book in his dominant hand, his other sporting a blue ballpoint pen. Happy was half-asleep in his safe-haven, as the Dragon-slayer continued to dignity write. It was silent until Natsu slammed the book shut, eyes not seeking out anyone as he slipped the items into his satchel, Happy jolted slightly but otherwise staid laying. Erza shared a look with Lucy who shrugged, both silently questioning as they watched the Dragon-slayer leaned back into his seat.
Gray could only eye his rival warily but dropped his gaze as soon as the Slayer lifted his own. Natsu's features were light and his eyes shone with their normal warmth, but his expression morphed into shock as soon as he noticed all the stares he was receiving.
"What were you writing about?" Lucy popped the question as she leaned forwards, curiosity dancing in her chocolate glaze.
"I just remembered something I had to put on my grocery list. I and Happy are going tonight." Lucy's smile faltering, disappointment blooming in her chest, have thought she had another friend who enjoyed writing as much as she did. To the downcast look that spread across the blonde's face, Natsu could only prove his honest apology along with the shrug of his shoulders. Lucy seemed to understand, she smiled and waved him off and away from the subject, which made him glance over to Erza. He did not like what he saw, the scarlet warrior stared suspiciously at him, her eyes squinted when they made eye contact. He immediately played stupid, masking his panic with false happiness as he casually lifted up a brow, his hands absently going to scratch behind Happy's ear. He let a grin spread across his features, going along with his façade of many tiring years.
Erza, meanwhile, wasn't expecting the cocky smirk that adored the Slayer's face. His eyebrow lifting up, warm olive eyes piercing into her own like speaking a challenge. She let out a huff, he was good at hiding things, better than she could even. So, to make it worth it, she watched how he presented himself, taking in his posture and the way he held himself. He was on edge, thoroughly on guard but laidback at the same time, how he held himself was different; it was strong and defensive like a stubborn wall. However, his eyes spoke something else, a lifetime of sleepless nights and haunting terror; plus, wisdom beyond her years despite her older age.
"Say Natsu, have you been getting enough sleep?" She poked experimentally, watching closely. At first, Natsu didn't respond but when he did his face scrunched up cutely.
"Yes, Why?" Erza rolled her eyes, causing his face to split into a grin before that innocent playful look returned.
"It's just, you have noticeable bags underneath your eyes? Something to tell us? Does it have to do with is the Talent show?"
Erza instantly caught when she mentioned "Talent Show" there was a brief flicker of some unknown emotion before it vanished, Natsu's hand traveled down Happy's back absently before snorting, eyes wrinkling in humor.
"Oh, that? Truthfully, I don't particularly care about Talent shows, but if I need to participate which compliance with the rules; then yes, I guess I am anxious. You know." Natsu responded, his eye twitched when Gray snickered but his words seemed to have relaxed Erza enough. Suddenly and without much warning, she shot up and out of her seat and with a demanding tone pointed over towards the (newly put up) sign up sheets at the back.
"Then sign up, I want to see that pen in your hands and your signatures on that sheet!" Gray choked on his laughter before becoming ridged in his own seat. Natsu found himself stuck to his own seat as well, a bead of sweat rolling down his paling face, this was bad. He was compilating on running. He never got the chance as they both jumped when Erza slammed the flat side of her palm on the table, drawing some people's attention but not all, Natsu exhaled the breath he had held in his startlement.
"Come on, Erza, you know us, we have zero talent!" Gray protested as he looked across to seek the Fire mage, for as long as he knew the boy Gray knew for a fact that Natsu didn't possess any talent. It was honesty on the Ice-mages subconsciousness when Natsu came to Fairy Tail, he couldn't even read. No, the Dragon-slayer wouldn't be any problem. But that did not reassure his own talentless ass. Ezra's face darkened with a scowl which made both boys boost from their seats as they headed to the signup sheets.
"I cannot believe this, I know from the bottom of my magical core that I am talentless! Gramps playing unfair and he knows it, so does Mira," Gray whined, frustrated as he picked up the first black pen from the table, Natsu doing the same shortly after but not responding to the Ice-mages words. His own turmoil was a headache in itself as he lifted his arm to sign, making it purposely bad and uneven, "She knows she's good, singing and playing the guitar, I have no doubt she's dancing in her skin at the prospect of winning."
"Just stop comparing yourself to other's." Natsu snapped in a relatively calmer tone than what he was originally aiming for, which stirred up Gray.
"Are you just saying that to make yourself feel better because you have nothing to share?!" Gray spat but instantly regretted saying those words at all; in that moment Natsu took a step away from him, his face a mask of sheer disbelief. Gray did not have time to apologize before Natsu's face morphed into swift anger, eyes darkened a shade as he circled around the Ice-mage.
"If that's what you want to think, then that's what I said," Natsu growled before pushing his way past the Ice-user, his mood darkening along with the sick tinge of magic he felt coil inside his core. Calling Happy over so they could depart, Natsu felt like punching something but did not know what as they exited the Guildhall and out in the dark street of Magnolia, Fiore.
Under the silver glow of the moon, the Dragon-slayer let everything out. The façade dropped quickly in awake of his foul mood, magic crackled around his shaking body. Happy whimpered, ears flat against his head but remained silent. Wine- red eyes flashed under salmon colored hair before staggering back to those dangerous but strong Olive. Natsu flung his head back, looking up at the sky as he sucked in the cold air of the night; desperately trying to compose and control his wayward magic. Happy decided to speak, but his tone was filled with unending worry.
"Natsu, are you ever going to tell them?" Natsu sighed, no longer playing to keep the image of an innocent teenager alive and well. Natsu's features sharpened, less of a child and more of a man as his footsteps carried him in a direction that was all too familiar; it was as familiar as walking to the guild or his house. You never forget it.
"Happy," Natsu whispered, his voice dripping with sadness as they walked, "I wish I could, it's been so many years since the incident…. I-I don't think I can voice the tale, I'm j-just not ready to yet."
The exceed felt crestfallen, the person in front of him was Natsu, but wasn't. But it was a Natsu the blue Exceed had gotten quite familiar with over the years. It was tiring to both individuals.
"I don't want you to feel this way anymore, I hate it." Natsu could only offer the cat a sad smile, Happy didn't try to question it again; they talked about seeking help many times.
"Happy." Natsu's usually happy voice went flat, the conversation was over. In front of them was the silhouette of a large brick building, they entered, a lady sat behind a desk in wait as she looked up from her computer. Her smile was welcoming as she stood up from her spot and came around to bow before them.
"Welcome back, Lord Phoenix. We've been waiting for your arrival." Natsu's previous expression morphed into a warm smile as he followed the women who pushed open double doors to his right.
"Thank you."
