Hey, beans. Welcome to my second story, Future Me. This takes place during the Grand Magic Games. As you all know, during the arc we meet Future Lucy! What if it was some other future Fairy Tail mage? How much would this future Fairy Tail mage of changed compared to their present day counter part? Well, I'm guessing you're reading to find out.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Fairy Tail. I wish I did, cuz that'd be awesome, but I don't.
-FT-
A cloaked figure watched carefully as a certain busty blonde mage was thrown around inside a watery orb. She was bruised, bleeding, probably broken as well from the looks of it, but the figure knew she'd be fine. It still hurts to watch it though... Minerva, the daughter of Sabertooth's Master was the one causing Lucy pain, throwing her around like a rag doll. Every inch of the figure itched to leap out and attack the black-haired beauty, but they knew they had to keep silent.
The figure looked to the Fairy Tail guild, their Master standing tall and angrily, Master Mavis looking on with a cold stare. Countless others looked ready to kill, but none moved an inch. The figure slumped back a bit.
Their eyes trailed down to the infamous Team Natsu, named after the hot headed fire mage himself. Said teen was ready to leap over the ledge into the arena, and probably beat the shit out of Minerva, but another mage kept him in place. She was Titania, otherwise known as Erza Scarlet, but she looked ready to murder all of Sabertooth. Lastly was Gray, and ice mage. He was calmer than the two, all but his eyes that sent a glare full of hatred at the woman.
Soon, Lucy fell from the bubble and Natsu was running towards her in seconds, her name on his tounge. The cloaked figure reached out a bit too, letting his arm extend slightly, mimicking the dragon slayer. The figure shook his head, dropping his hand back to his side as Erza and Gray followed after Natsu. Soon. I'll get him before his battle. The pinkette soon had Lucy cradled in his arms, the male racing towards the infirmary to keep himself from murdering Minerva. The figure sighed slightly. What I would give to hold her again. He promptly shook the thought from his head as quickly as it came. That's not what I'm here for. Focus man. With that, he turned around and left the stadium's crowd to follow the mage's.
-FT-
To the figure's annoyance, Natsu didn't leave Lucy's side until Wendy came to check on her, and when the fire mage came out, he went directly to the center arena. After the match. The figure sighed again for the umpteenth time. Quickly, the cloaked man followed the pinkette, staying far away from the dragon slayer's brilliant nose. It probably doesn't matter. He can still smell me. He's just not paying attention. Maybe I should keep guard over Lucy. The figure fell back, retreating back to the infimary. A man, round and short, was there at the door. The man's eyes darted about the small hall, his chubby hand on the door knob.
"Excuse me," the man looked up startled, "you aren't allowed to be here." The fat man gave the figure a sneer, showing off yellowing teeth, (not that he had a full set.)
"Say's 'hoo?"
"Say's me." The figure's arms crossed beneath his cloak, and his back straightened.
"My name's Burron. I'm sure you've heard of me. And if you've heard of me then you know, no one get's to tell me what to do!" Burron pulled an orb from his pocket, and with a sickening grin, he tossed them at the cloaked figure. The ball exploded mutely, letting flames erupt from it's shell. "Got 'im!"
"Try again..." The darkened words were followed by a slurping noise. "Thanks for the meal, but I still have to remind you," In a flash, the figure was in front of Burron, fiery fist digging into the man's face. "DON'T TOUCH MY LUCY!" Burron flew back, skidding across the floor.
He stumbled to his feet and waddled away. Slowly, the infirmary's door creaked open, revealing a small blunette. "Wh..what?" Her eyes saw the familiar flames licking against the figure's arm, the hood of the cloak resting on his shoulder's. "..Natsu?" Wendy murmered in fear.
His hair, pink as sakura petals, had crimson tips, and his left eye was red as blood. It didn't seem to see her, but his right focused only on her. An X shaped scar crossed over the left eye, hitting the cheek and forehead. His face had a blank, yet emotional, expression that made her stumble. "No.. I'm not him..." His voice was quiet and wooden. As the man's eyes grew misty, he cast his head down. "I'm him in a way... You may call me... E.N- Ether."
"Ether..? What do you mean by in a way?" Ether fixed his cloak, pulling it closer together to hide his body.
"I'll tell you soon. Forget you ever saw me." He lingered for a moment longer before mumbling, "Keep watch over Lucy..." Wendy watched as Ether stalked away, back to the arena.
"Ether.."
-FT-
"Natsu... I believe in you."
Ether blinked lazily, shooing away the tears in his eyes. You never should've placed your trust in me... Lucy... Natsu's tag team battle had ended, so now he was camping out for the night. Natsu never seemed to be alone. He was always with someone, whether Erza, or Gray.
"Excuse me..." Ether nearly bolted up in his seat and fell to the ground, but instead he fell into a battle stance. His hand rose up to pull at his hood as he focused on the man. He was also cloaked, just like Ether.
"Who the hell are you?" Ether struggled to keep his voice level, to keep the sorrow from his voice. The other man pulled down his hood showing off his blue hair and his red tattoo. "Jellal...?"
"Jellal Fernandes. Part of the independent guild, Crime Sorcière. Now, please, tell me who you are." Jellal gave Ether a tired look, eyes full of pleading needs.
"...I..." His hand ghosted against the hood.
"Please. I've revealed myself already. There is no need for fear," the blunette sighed.
Ether grabbed his hood and pulled it down, slowly looking up to Jellal. Jellal gasped. "My name... is Natsu Dragneel... I come from the future."
-FT-
That's a wrap for chapter one! Quick note, both stories will be updated on alternate weeks. One week will be this story, the next will be Dreams and Nightmares, the next Future Me, and so on until I introduce a 3rd. Thanks for reading and please feel free to follow and review!