It was a normal day in the kingdom of Fairy Tail. The sun seemed to glow on the vibrant activity. Townspeople went about their business, trading magical and non-magical items and striking up their own friendly conversations. Traders came in with large caravans, eager to sell their merchandise to all the happy citizens. To any observer, the kingdom of Fairy Tail was one of the most prosperous, and lively places in all of earthland. In all of the commotion, one cloaked figure ran through the streets unnoticed; his movement's swift and silent. Or, at least, he believed he was unnoticed.
After reaching the tree line, the boy stopped and lowered his hood. Pink hair glowed vibrantly under the sunlight for a few moments before he continued moving into the forest and its surrounding shade.
The figure moved among the trees, dodging them faster than any other child he knew, as he did take everything as a competition and would certainly never lose. When he finally reached a clearing he let out a loud whoop of joy. After jumping around with happiness for a few moments, the boy reached into his bag and brought out a small amulet, reflecting with pure crystal.
When the boy could suddenly hear splashing, he froze and a grin creeped across his face. Thoughts of childish revenge danced in his mind. He covered his head and creeped over a hill to stare at the occupants of a small pond.
A small girl could be seen splashing in the water; her face wearing a stunning smile. She was joined by an older woman, with long blue hair. The woman's face was filled with mild disgust as the little blonde girl splashed her with water. The patient observer gradually came out from his hiding spot and creeped behind the blonde girl, near the edge of the pond. A smirk came from the older woman as she had saw him approaching long ago and clearly approved of his devilish plan. The boy reached down and tickled the girl with all his power as he attempted to avoid the now deathly splashes.
The blonde's reaction changed from scared to surprised to amused.
"Natsu! If you wanted to join me, you could've just said!" She reached behind her and dragged the assailant into the water. After a few fits of coughing and laughing, the soaked boy pulled himself onto the bank and lay on his back, defeated by the small girl.
The older woman watching laughed at the scene, "You should've seen that coming, Natsu. You should know Lucy's never one to go down without a fight!"
The young boy laughed, but he felt a little annoyed that someone as small as her could turn his own trick against him. He decided the change the subject.
"Lushi! Lemme see your fins!" Lucy looked slightly appalled.
"One, my name is Lu-CY and two, it's called a tail, not fins!"
"Why, aren't you a fish?" The older woman moved between them before a fight could break out.
"Natsu, be careful of what you say to Lucy. She's a princess, you know."
"I'm a prince! Aquarius, she should be my wife!" There was a large sigh from the elder fin lady.
"I wish it was that simple. Now treat her with respect and," She turned to Lucy," you do the same for him. You're both royalty in your own kingdoms." Natsu looked a bit scolded before he perked up over his original question.
"Lucy, may I see your tail please?" The blonde's face dashed with a light blush at the boy's sudden change in tone.
"M-m-yeah, I guess." She swerved her body around and brought her tail out of the water. The scales were bright pink, and glittered in the sunlight. The water glossed over each scale in a rippling sheen.
Natsu found his mouth wide open.
"It's rude to stare at a lady, Natsu." Aquarius teased the small boy. Having being found out, the boy became very flustered and reached into his bag quickly.
"I-I-I got this for you." Natsu placed the shiny amulet on the bank and sprinted away. "See ya later, Lucy!" As he sprinted through the trees with a happy grin on his face, he was unaware that this short meeting would be the last he would see of his friend in a very, very long time.