Wow! We had an incredible turn out for chapter one! I'm glad you guys took to this chapter so well! As usual you guys have so many fun theories! Of course we're not going to tell you anything! Lol some of y'all are little shits though. God some of your comments were so funny. I didn't miss that underhanded crack about Twilight on the sly, you know who you are.

THIS FIC UPDATES ONCE EVERY THREE DAYS: Post, Break, Break, Post!


CHAPTER 2

Volcano

A mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are being or have been erupted from the earth's crust.


It was a week later when Lucy noticed the first rumble.

She was jarred out of bed by the ominous sound, her forehead smacking straight onto the windowsill positioned by her pillow.

Groaning over nearly bludgeoning herself, she shoved open her rickety wooden window panes. Squinting, she stared up at the sky, but there were no thunder clouds hanging overhead or on the horizon.

Taking a moment to admire the bright expanse of stars overflowing in the sky, Lucy felt her heart rate slow. It always calmed her to look at the stars, and they were much brighter here than in the mainland.

Here it was like a bright, glittering blanket was rolled out overhead every night.

Another rumble echoed ominously in the distance.

Not knowing where it came from, Lucy shrugged and curled back into her bed. This time though, she left the window open.

The rumbling continued, though there were no clouds of any kind in sight, all the way through the rest of the morning. It was actually kind of soothing in a way, like thunder, and had lulled Lucy back to sleep until a much more obnoxious noise in the form of her alarm clock went off.

Glaring balefully at the device, and resisting the urge to throw it against the wall, Lucy reluctantly got out of bed.

The first thing she noticed was that the rumbling was still going on, and glanced out the window. It was as clear as it had been when it first woke her up, which confused her. What was causing the rumbling if not actual thunder?

Puzzled, but unable to ponder the mystery for long lest she be late for class, Lucy pulled away from the window and started getting ready.

However, she was in for another surprise as she headed to the dining hall for breakfast.

Gajeel, whom she rarely saw around campus except from a distance, was standing outside the dining hall glaring at something.

Curious, she deviated from her path and went over to join him, "Morning Gajeel!" She greeted, "This is a surprise. I don't ever see you around the dining hall at this time."

The tall welder shot her a look that made her want to back away nervously before turning his attention back to whatever he was glaring at, "He's pissed."

Lucy blinked a little as she tried to follow his gaze, but all she could see was the island's single volcano. Now that she thought about it, she remembered that it was semi-active. The geologists said there was no sign of an impending eruption, but it would sometimes rumble or puff smoke.

"Oh! I'd forgotten about the volcano!" She exclaimed, "Is that's what making all the rumbling?"

Gajeel gave her a look as if she was a few nuts short of a squirrel and Lucy tugged on a lock of hair.

"Guess you could say that," Gajeel grunted. His steady eyes returned to the volcano, "Wonder who pissed him off."

The second part was said more to himself but to Lucy, but she found herself curious nonetheless. She took a brave step closer to the intimidating man and squeezed the strap of her messenger bag for courage.

"Who's 'he'?" She asked.

Red eyes flicked to Lucy, and a smirk lifted the side of his face. Gajeel had only one strap of his bag dangling on his shoulder, the zipper cracked open. His attention drew inside his bag and he dug a hand inside.

"The Salamander," Gajeel answered, as if it were obvious. Lucy frowned, but before she could ask him anything more, he shoved something in her face.

Curious, Lucy pulled it from his fingers. It was a small metal shape of a flame, dangling from a chain. It had a roughness about it that made her believe Gajeel had made it.

Clarification swept over her face as she realized what it was. Gajeel was very superstitious and a devout believer of the old stories. In his own way, this was his way of extending a hand in keeping her safe.

She didn't know what this flame meant exactly, but she gratefully slipped it in her pocket. Just because she didn't necessarily believe in it or understand it, didn't mean she would dismiss the gesture for what it was.

"Toss it or keep it Blondie, I don't care what you do with it," Gajeel muttered, but Lucy could tell he secretly approved of her keeping it. Without any words of explanation, which was expected of Gajeel, he turned and walked off to class.

Not having anything better to do, Lucy shrugged and headed inside for breakfast.

Her curiosity wouldn't let her leave Gajeel's words alone however. Just who was this Salamander guy he'd talked about? Surely he had to be some sort of local legend associated with the volcano. But what?

The question gnawed at her until she got a little free time in the library later that afternoon, and she had a chance to sit down and actually start delving into it. She couldn't remember a mention of a Salamander in Levy's book, but that didn't necessarily mean anything. She hadn't had time to read the whole thing while she was working on her project.

And an hour later she was wishing she had.

The stories she'd skimmed through had been interesting, if a bit standard for any culture, but the second half was a whole different story. It contained fascinating accounts of the magical creatures that inhabited the island, and their interactions with humanity, but was written from their perspective. Almost like a diary or chronicle.

There weren't obvious lessons or morals to be taken away from these stories. They simply were things that happened. And the most prominent of all was Salamander. The dragon that lived at the heart of the volcano.

He was the most powerful denizen of the island and ruled it completely. The magical beings of his territory answered to him, and humans only lived peacefully among them as long as he suffered them to. Supposedly, most of the time he was a relaxed and benevolent guardian type ruler, but on occasion something, or someone, would make him angry and that was when the volcano would rumble and smoke.

It explained why Gajeel had been a bit on edge when the volcano decided to start rumbling. And in fact, aside from the occasional rumbles Lucy heard from it, she had never heard it at such a consistent level before.

She wondered if the volcano would finally go active.

A lot of people, at least those with sense, all seemed extremely concerned by the volcano. It hadn't begun to smoke yet, but it certainly was drawing attention.

All save the tourists that Lucy still had to keep an eye on after school during the day time shift. She groaned as she watched them laughing and carrying on without a care in the world.

Did they not see or hear the volcano right behind them?

Lucy had to admit. If she was this Salamander guy, she would be pretty pissed in general over the drunken idiots screaming and laughing during their spring break.

She couldn't wait for her own break, but she certainly wasn't going to waste it getting drunk on the beach and accidentally smashing a brick through someone's car window.

Lucy made a face as she headed into the shop for the day, ignoring the wolf whistles and calls of admiration in her bathing suit. Really, she would be more flattered if they weren't ten sheets to the wind and drooling over themselves like a bunch of animals.

Cana, the surf shop owner, gave Lucy a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and gave the drunken idiots a withering glare.

When Cana thought you were drinking too much, that was saying something.

"Drunken morons." Cana snorted derisively as she ushered Lucy behind the counter, "I'm not letting you head back to campus alone. They're worse than usual this year. I know you can handle yourself against one or two, but you might have problems if they try to gang up on you."

Lucy shivered a little at the idea and nodded, "Thanks Cana. You be careful too alright?"

Cana smirked back at her, "Don't worry. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve if they try anything. Not to mention a cranky boyfriend. I'll be fine."

Lucy grinned, "You know, one of these days you're going to have to introduce me to this boyfriend of yours. I've never even met the guy."

"Maybe when you're older." Cana grinned wickedly, "And speaking of boyfriends... what's this I hear from Levy about you going on a date with Natsu?"

Lucy blushed, "It wasn't anything like that!" She protested, "I ducked out to grab a shaved ice and he joined me. We just talked while I took my break."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's this place's equivalent of getting coffee on the mainland." Cana cackled, and waggled her eyebrows, "I never expected you to go after our resident pyro though."

"Our resident what?" Lucy asked in surprise and Cana raised an eyebrow.

"You mean you didn't know?" She asked, "Natsu's business is making things explode. He makes fireworks. All the stuff you see on holidays and stuff is his work. Heck, most of us don't even bother to buy that crap from the mainland. His stuff is way better."

Lucy's eyes widened, "But.. he's always here surfing! Shouldn't he be making fireworks and running his shop?"

Cana shrugged, "He's got Erza to run the shop for him, and she takes care of everything business related. Which is probably just as well. And according to her Natsu generally spends his evenings making the fireworks. I guess because it's easier to see them then or something."

Lucy's mouth opened in surprise and nodded. At least that was one mystery solved about the enigmatic Natsu.

She watched Cana secure the latch on the other side of the surf shack, before pointing at Lucy.

"No ducking out for shaved ice today, you hear me girl?" Cana frowned at the group of boys ogling the women passing by, "the creeps are out in numbers today." She patted the counter at Lucy's somewhat offended look.

"Don't worry, there's a nice swell coming in today," Cana smirked, but her expression firmed a moment later, "I'm serious though, close up by 6 and wait for your escort."

Lucy rolled her eyes and nodded.

"Yes ma'am," Lucy grinned when Cana reached over the counter to pinch her cheeks.

"Better be good," Cana said dryly, "With as much rumbling as that volcano has been doing, there's a good chance we're gonna close up early tomorrow too. Best not to push our luck."

Lucy nodded as Cana gave one last wave before heading off with a sway to her step. And profanities thrown from her mouth at the leering men who followed her with their eyes.

Lucy snorted and pulled open her book, eager to read more about the islands history and legends.

Of course, no sooner had Cana left than some of the bolder drunks decided to come try and slobber all over her in person.

"Hey honey." One oozed as he leered at her swimsuit clad chest, "Why don't'cha come out from behind that counter and join us? I'm sure your boss won't mind."

Lucy gave an irritated sigh and looked up to pin him with a glare, "Actually, my boss, the lady you were just eyeing, gave me very clear instructions to stay here." She replied with false sweetness, "Instructions I fully intend to follow as I'm not interested in losing my job. Sorry."

The hard look in her eyes must've convinced him that serious pain would be headed his way if he didn't back off because he pushed away from the counter with a scowl, "Fine ya frigid bitch." He grumbled, "I was just trying to be friendly..."

"Sure you were." Lucy muttered, relieved he was gone, and went back to her book.

For a mercy, no one else that wasn't interested in renting a surfboard bothered her the rest of the afternoon. She still thought they were idiots for going out with the volcano growling like it was, but she couldn't entirely fault them either. It was their vacation, and she had to admit, if only to herself, that she would probably do the same. Minus the excessive drinking.

At 5:45 she started shutting things down, eager to get home. The beach held no appeal to her today between the partiers and the lack of Natsu, and curling up with her book sounded much better. At least that was fascinating enough to keep her attention.

Salamander was an interesting character. He was revered as a god by the more traditional locals, who often set off fireworks as an offering to him. Supposedly he liked the sound and the pretty colors, and would favor any mortals who set them off. Which, ironically, explained why the locals were adamant about having regular displays, and Natsu could afford to have someone run his shop for him.

That was a pretty steady source of income, and a tradition she didn't see dying out soon since the tourists lapped it up.

Considering how Lucy had been here for a while and never saw hide nor scale of a mysterious dragon, it was all very interesting. And she really was looking forward to going home.

So when six came, she was certainly more than a touch impatient to be heading home.

She gathered her bag and purse, got them on and locked up the stall for the evening. Not thinking about waiting or Cana's urging for her escort, she jingled her keys around her finger.

The new addition to her charm collection on her keyring glimmered orange in the setting sun. Gajeel had done good work with it. Lucy admired how it caught the light.

As she walked up the sandy slope, distracted by the chain and how similar it looked to an actual flame in the low light, she never saw the company following her up.

It wasn't until she'd gotten past the shops on the boardwalk, most of which were mirroring her and closing up if they hadn't already, that she realized something was wrong.

The sensation of eyes on her had been prevalent all afternoon, and had only intensified as she'd closed up and left the beach area. But she was past that now and the eyes still hadn't let up. Sure, there were still a bunch of spring breakers around, but this wasn't someplace that hosted the hoards of teenagers like other places did, and those not on the beach were probably at their various hotels doing who knew what.

There weren't too many in between locations, and suddenly Lucy was extremely aware of that fact. Especially when she heard the distinctive sound of someone stumbling a little behind her.

Alarmed, she whirled around and felt her blood freeze at the sight of the creeper from earlier and his friends approaching.

"Well, well..." He smirked, "If it isn't the frigid bitch from before. Not behind your counter now are ya honey? You sure you don't wanna join us?"

Lucy backed away, terror pumping through her veins. She was pretty good at fending off one or two guys that wanted to get handsy, but there was no way she could take on this many.

"I'm not interested," Lucy said stiffly, her mouth dry and throat tight. She looked at the swaying men, trying to think about what her odds were of out running them.

She didn't have to come up with a plan though, because the volcano let out a threatening rumble, far louder than any of the others.

Distracted, Lucy and her would be attackers looked up at the cap of the volcano. It had begun to smoke.

"There a problem here?" A new, but familiar voice asked.

Breaking her gaze away from the volcano, which seemed like it was almost snarling off in the distance, her eyes landed on the end of the street.

A rush of relief pulsed through Lucy when she spotted a familiar mop of spiky pink hair, the slope of broad shoulders, and dark eyes glaring just past Lucy at the men following her.

Natsu walked towards Lucy, his steps measured, but something daring and almost dangerous in his stride. He came up by her side, his customary smile wiped from his face.

He looked furious.

And Lucy had a feeling that Natsu was spoiling for a good fight by the look on his face.

The drunks seemed to sense that too, and weighed their options. Their leader just lifted his hands and backed off.

"No problem," he grunted. Natsu gave him a disbelieving glare but said nothing. Lucy saw the area around his eyes tighten and his nostrils flare, an angry huff drawing from the back of his throat.

Cautiously, they backed away, heading back the way they came. Lucy almost sagged in relief, keys shaking in her hands.

Larger, warmer, hands immediately curled around hers, easing the shaking, and Lucy smiled as Natsu shifted fully into her view.

"You okay?" He asked softly, his angry expression having melted away into a genuine concern that melted Lucy's heart, and she smiled wanly at him.

"Just a little shaken is all." She replied, and her heart fluttered a little when Natsu gave her a little smile in return and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Well why don't we head over to my shop until you're steady then?" He asked, "Cana told me you didn't know about it, and I'd love for you to see it." He suddenly grinned, "I can even treat you to the best island fare you've ever tasted without all the obnoxious brats around!"

That startled a small laugh out of Lucy and she smiled, "I'd really like that Natsu. Thanks." She paused as something he'd said hit her and mentally backpedaled, "Wait... you know Cana?"

Natsu laughed, "Sure! Cana's an old friend. She told me you were probably going to have problems with the losers, and asked me to make sure you got home safe." He shrugged, and gave her a smile that had her insides melting, "I definitely don't mind." He cocked his head slightly, "Though I'm surprised you didn't wait for me?"

Lucy's blush was visible even in the waning light, "I wasn't thinking about it." She confessed sheepishly, "I've been reading about the island lore all afternoon, and was more interested in getting home so I could keep reading."

"Oh yeah?" Natsu asked with clear interest, "What lore were you reading up on?"

"All of it." Lucy admitted, and showed him the tome, "Levy lent it to me, and it's got all kinds of stuff in there. Especially about the volcano dragon Salamander."

"The volcano dragon," Natsu echoed, looking a tad amused by that.

"What's so funny?" Lucy asked him as they walked further inland. Natsu's heavy arm around her shoulders acted as a warm shield to the chilly ocean night.

"Nothing," he laughed, his smile widening into something more natural on his face. He seemed to be relaxing the more time he spent with her.

"He's a fire dragon, Salamander just sleeps in the volcano. It's nice and cozy," Natsu grinned.

Lucy shot him a disbelieving look, "I think you're the only one that would call a volcano 'cozy'."

Natsu laughed at her dry expression as they walked further and further towards the center of the island where the volcano loomed in the distance.

They chatted together, Natsu asking her question after question about her interests and schooling. The time absolutely flew by, and their trip ended with them at a sort of duplex building that was joined side by side.

On one side was a restaurant with the most aromatic scents coming out. Lucy's mouth watered with hunger. On the other side was a fiery looking sign that read 'Fairy Tail.'

"That's my place!" Natsu said proudly, "Mira and I own the building so we set up shop side by side."

"Strange name for a firework shop," Lucy observed.

Natsu just grinned, "Were you expecting 'Snap, crackle, and pop'? Because Erza wouldn't let me name it that. Something about cereal."

Lucy laughed, "I'm surprised it's not your favorite cereal." She teased as Natsu guided her to the restaurant next door, which was every inch warm and welcoming. It had a nice large porch, was decorated with a traditional island theme without going overboard, and looked like exactly the kind of place you'd want to take your family to eat.

"Oh this is nice!" She breathed happily, "Makes me wish I'd come sooner!"

"Well let me just say welcome now then!" A bright voice chirped and Lucy looked over to find herself staring at a white haired girl about her own age with a nice smile.

"Hey Lisanna." Natsu greeted, "This is Lucy. Could you ask Mira for a couple of her specials to go? Neither one of us wants to deal with those idiots on vacation tonight."

Lisanna grimaced sympathetically, "I'm sure." She replied softly, "Big brother Elf has been running interference for me and Mira all afternoon." She smiled at Lucy, "It's nice to finally meet you though Lucy. Natsu's talked a lot about you! I hope you'll come back by once your spring break starts?"

Lucy glanced at Natsu, surprised he'd been talking about her, but smiled at Lisanna, "Yeah, I'd love to. It'd be fun to meet the people Natsu knows."

If she was lucky she might even be able to afford a meal here every now and then.

Natsu's cheeks looked a little pink as he gave Lisanna a somewhat grumpy look. But she disappeared into the back with a bright smile and a wink.

Lucy bit her bottom lip, unsuccessful in smothering her grin when they were left alone.

"Been talking about me?" She asked.

Natsu's eyes narrowed at her sly grin, but conceded with a smirk of his own. He bent onto his elbows against the porch railing, his smile widening past his sharp canines.

"Could be" he conceded, leaning towards Lucy with a fondness radiating off of him, "You're really nice."

His arm brushed a little against hers, the heat from his body warming hers in the evening air.

"You're really nice too," Lucy confessed, her weight shifting from foot to foot, "I'm glad you came to get me, I wasn't expecting to see you today."

Natsu grimaced a little, "Sorry." He apologized, "I wanted to come, but something pretty urgent came up today."

Lucy shook her head and smiled, "No, it's okay." She replied, turning to face him fully, "I understand. Life happens sometimes." She slipped her hand into his and squeezed, "It makes me even gladder that you still came by to see me."

Natsu stared at her for a moment, a smoldering heat behind his eyes that Lucy instantly recognized, and that sent the best kind of shivers down her spine, "I'll always be there for you Lucy." He rumbled softly, "Any time you need me."

There was a world of implication in his tone, and Lucy's heart thumped harshly against her chest, "Natsu..." She breathed, stepping closer to him, but not really sure what to say.

The air between them thickened as Natsu reached up and gently curled his fingers in a lock of her hair, "Whatever you want Lucy."

Those words, spoken with the soft growl of restrained desire, slammed into Lucy and her breath caught as she stared into his dark eyes. Eyes that had a fire in their depth, and a heat that scorched her skin. She felt herself move a little closer, and he shifted to accommodate her, the fire in his eyes growing by the moment.

"Lucy..." He growled softly, and suddenly his scorching lips were pressed against hers.

Lucy had no idea who had moved, or if maybe they both had at the same time, and she didn't care. All she cared about was the feel of his lips against hers and his strong arms circling her waist to pull her closer.

Lucy's breath caught, her hand curling into the thin material of his shirt while the other looped around the back of his shoulders. Her insides felt like they had turned to jelly and her knees felt weak.

It was a good thing Natsu held her though, because she wasn't sure she could support herself.

His mouth was warm against hers, firm but gentle in the way they moved. Her heart skipped at the way she could feel him smiling into it, her breath catching when they parted.

His forehead rested against hers, for once his body heat had nothing to do with how hot she felt. It was like her entire body was tingling.

"I've been wanting to do that since Cana hired you," Natsu confessed, a crooked smile lighting his face.

Lucy bit her lip and couldn't help but laugh. Her fingers toyed with the pink hair at the nape of his neck, another nervous giggle bursting from her lungs.

"Is that why you come to the shack so often?" Lucy asked.

Natsu looked falsely affronted, "Oh no. That's definitely for Happy."

Lucy laughed a little at that and thumped him playfully on the chest, "I'm way better looking than that cat!" She mock huffed, and was rewarded with a toothy smirk.

"True, but I'd have a really hard time surfing on you."

Lucy blinked and dissolved into laughter, which was probably his intent all along, just as Lisanna came back out with their food. Her eyebrows climbed towards her hairline as she took in their fairly intimate pose, but she just smiled as she held the boxes out, "Here you go! Big sis says you can settle the bill later."

"Thanks Lisanna." Natsu replied as he reached out and snagged the bag, reluctantly shifting Lucy off him, but held his hand out to her anyway, "C'mon, let's go eat."

Lucy smiled as she took his hand, and nodded, "Yeah."


Alright everyone, that's it for chapter two! Just a reminder, this fic updates the day after Golem and it's only 8 chapters long plus an epilogue! It's VERY short!

SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE W HO REVIEWED

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30 REVIEWS EQUALS A SNEAK PEEK

They stopped in the local grocery store to get some drinks to go while they browsed. Lucy grinned broadly at some of the friendly faces she recognized.

They were busy looking through the selection when a loud, rumbling noise drew in from outside. Lucy ignored it, thinking it was maybe the volcano making noises again, but Levy looked up.

Her friend gasped and yanked Lucy by the arm, just as a whole car went smashing through the glass store front.

"What the-?" Lucy yelped in shock from where Levy had managed to safety, hardly able to process what she was seeing as she stared at the car now lodged firmly in the display window. The sound of screaming quickly drew her attention however and she looked up only to scream herself.

Lumbering towards them was a bipedal collection of rocks in a rough humanoid form. It had the barest hint of facial features, and some sort of glowing energy spilled through the cracks left by the rocks. It looked like something out of a fantasy video game bestiary. Only it was real.