I unfortunately do not own Fairy tail. Character credit goes to Hiro Mashima.
Y'all asked for a second chapter and I agree it wasn't really set up for a one-shot. Hope you enjoy it!
The song I used in the first chapter is The Parting Glass by The High Kings
"Natsu, we're going to miss you when you leave" Erza said as a few members were sprawled out in her living room.
"Yeah matchstick, any idea how long you'll be gone this time?" Gray asked 'nonchalantly.'
"We're...we're not sure. They believe 4 years….minimum" Natsu said hesitantly, knowing it was going to hurt for his friends to hear that.
"Four years?!" Lucy exclaimed. "But your last tour was two and you witnessed so many things no one should have to!"
"I know Lucy, but it's what I signed up for. As long as what I'm doin will keep you guys safe, I'll continue to fight" Natsu said soothingly as the girl grabbed him and held on tight.
"Are you headed to the front lines this time? Or is your battalion being held back as reinforcements?" Erza asked.
"Probably as backup for the first year then we'll rotate to the front" Natsu answered. "I could be wrong though. Could just stay back the whole time."
"I hope you do" Mira said quietly. "I can't imagine how it is on the frontlines. With how it's reported on the news the war is becoming bloodier the longer it goes on."
"I wouldn't want yah to be able to imagine it Mira. It's not exactly a nice time" Natsu replied. "But if me going up saves even one soldier I'd gladly do it."
Erza couldn't help the small smile at this. "We know Natsu. Your selflessness has always been admirable."
"Nah it's not a big deal. I just do what I'd want other people to do for me" Natsu said with a light pink dusting his cheeks. "Well I'm gonna get a soda. Anyone want anything?" Natsu asked as he untangled himself from his blonde friend.
"No sit Natsu, we'll get some drinks for everyone" Mira replied sweetly.
"I'll help Mira, it's no big deal" Natsu said.
"No Natsu, relax. You need to take advantage of all the downtime you can" Erza replied assertively.
"Okay, okay. Thanks" Natsu said with his hands up submissively.
"No problem~" Mira sang as she nearly skipped to the kitchen.
"So when's everyone else comin? It's almost 6" Natsu asked Gray and Lucy.
"Hmm I'm not sure" Lucy said with her finger on her chin in thought. "I thought they said close to 6 though."
"Cana said she'll be here in 10 and Jellal and Laxus said they'd be here in 5ish" Erza said from the kitchen.
"Still can't believe she kissed you" Lucy grumbled.
"Why Luce? Jealous?" Gray asked while wiggling his eyebrows.
"Gray~ stop~" Lucy whined with a pout. "No teasing tonight."
"HAHAHA oh c'mon Lucy, it's not like I have someone like that and I'm not lookin for that now. Especially since I'm leavin" Natsu said while chuckling. To which Lucy crosses her arms and deepened her pout.
"Still.."
"Juvia's here~" a new voice sang out.
"We're in the livin room Juv" Gray shouted.
"Hello everyone!" Juvia exclaimed.
"Hey Juvia! How've you been?" Natsu asked while grimacing at the welcome kiss shared between Gray and Juvia.
"Juvia has been good! Juvia has been working with the new research sent from the team out to sea. We may have found a new species of shark!" Juvia explained excitedly.
"That's awesome!" Natsu said. "I always like watchin shark week when home."
"Yeah I remember you used to lock yourself in your home for the whole week every year in high school" Lucy said while rolling her eyes.
"Hey! I invited everyone to come watch with me!" Natsu said with a pout. "Not my fault no one came over. I even bought snacks!"
"Hello~" another voice rang out.
"In the living room Lisanna!" Natsu called out
"Not just her flame-brain" Laxus said as they all walked in.
"Oh..well sorry guys" Natsu said while scratching the back of his head.
"It isn't a problem Natsu. How you holding up?" Jellal asked.
"Uh...fine? I'm not worried about going" Natsu said. "Yeah it sucks to leave you guys and the family behind but I'm happy to do it to help keep the war away from home."
All the new arrivals features slightly softened at this. Of course Laxus hid it immediately but he knew how strongly Natsu felt about protecting those dear to him.
"You're still so brave for going back Natsu" Lisanna said. "After what you must have witnessed I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to stay."
"Well yeah I'd rather stay home. But if I don't go they'll send someone else. Maybe someone younger and greener that could get hurt or worse" Natsu said seriously. "I couldn't forgive myself if I let that happen."
"Natsu sometimes it okay to put yourself first too" Lucy said somewhat pleadingly. "No one will blame you if you want to protect yourself in a bad situation."
Natsu sighed at this. "I know Lucy I know. But it's just how I am."
"Please Natsu. Please try to take care of yourself. I'm not saying put yourself first but we need you to come home to us" Lisanna added while thinking 'to me.'
"Yeah Natsu. Everyone loves you too much. Just think of how Wendy or August would be" Cana added. "Oh, and hi everyone."
"Oh hey Cana when'd you get here?" Natsu asked desperately trying to change the subject.
"While your attention was on Lucy" Cana said as she sat next on the armrest next to him which got her glared at by two other girls. "Can't believe you didn't notice me Natsu" she said with a fake pout as she ran her hand up and down his arm.
"I..well... I mean…wait. You're messin with me aren't yah?" Natsu deadpanned.
"No~" Cana sang as she ran her hand up his arm to rest on his shoulder.
"Yah know I give my attention to whoever talks to me. Stupid result of the military boot camp" Natsu sighed as he suppressed a shiver. He may not have been looking for anything but he enjoyed whatever Cana was doing to him.
"Okay we made some lemonade and brought some soda and ice" Mira listed off as she and Erza returned.
"Awesome!" Natsu cheered. "I'll have some of the lemonade!"
Erza poured him a glass and handed it to him. "Here you go Natsu. Anyone else?" She asked as she looked around. A few people have her their choice and some others helped themselves.
"Anyone hear from metal face and Levy?" Natsu asked.
"Yeah they should be coming soon. Levy closed the store around 5:30" Lucy said as she checked her phone.
"We're here now" the gruff voice of Gajeel sounded from the doorway.
"Hi everyone!" Levy said excitedly as she hugged Natsu then everyone else.
"HAHA hey Levy. How was the store?" Natsu asked.
"Quiet. Not many people today. Probably going to get busy soon. People will start coming in to get holiday gifts within a few weeks" Levy answered.
"Ah crap! I gotta finish gettin Wendy's gifts wrapped up!" Natsu cried.
"What do you mean Natsu?" Mira asked.
"When I deploy or go to trainin durin the holidays I always get Wendy a few gifts I think she'll like so she has somethin from me to open. I got her four presents since I'm probably going to be gone for four holidays-"Natsu explained.
"Four?! Four years?! You're gonna be gone four years?" Cana and Lisanna cried out.
"Oh…right. Not everyone was here earlier" Natsu said sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head. "Uh haven't been given a true time yet. I'll find out when I get over there. But they said it'll probably be four max."
"Oh" Lisanna said quietly. "I hope it's sooner than four."
"Yeah well now yah see why I didn't really try to start a relationship with anyone since I got back. I knew I was gonna go for a second tour and every time I go I have to watch everyone else's' wives, girlfriends, husbands, or boyfriends break down. It's not heartwarmin like the welcome homes are. It's painful enough watchin my family sad. I'd hate for someone else I hold close to break down" Natsu said seriously. "Plus I had a long talk with Gildarts about it. He told me about how hard it was on Cana's mom and how she left him because he wouldn't leave the military. How he was floored he didn't know he had a kid until she was grown. He regrets choosin the military over his family and says he'd give a lot."
"I...I didn't know that's how he felt" Cana said shocked.
"He knows you'll feel like it's your fault. He doesn't want that. He's happy yah told him at all. He's reached out and is trying to repair his relationship with your mom now that he's home for good."
"He is? Mom didn't tell me that" Cana said quietly as she tried to process everything.
"So you'll never have a family?" Mira asked sadly. "But you'd have the cutest kids!
"HAHA Mira you've been sayin that since we were in high school!" Natsu laughed out.
"Well you were so cute! It was only natural you'd have cute kids!" Mira defended with a pout.
"I remember yah only saying I was cute when you were tryin hard to make me cry" Natsu deadpanned.
"Hehehe~ you did look so~ cute then though." Mira awkwardly chuckled.
"You were quite the demon before high school Mira" Erza commented.
"Well what can I say? You brought out the demon in me 'red'" Mira said using air quotes.
Erza hummed in response. "That true. I guess we both were a little out of control when we were little." Everyone else shared looks at this, knowing they're still monsters when they want to be.
"Anyway~" Levy drawled, "you didn't really answer the question Natsu."
"Oh.. uh.. I'd like a family someday. My contract with the military is up after this tour and I was thinkin about not re-signin…" Natsu trailed off.
"Really? What would you do if you didn't re-sign?" Erza asked.
"Uh.. not sure really" Natsu said sheepishly.
"That's not true~" a new voice sang out. "You've been taking online classes and stuff Natsu."
"Wendy~" Natsu whined. "I didn't want everyone to know~"
"Hehehe oops" Wendy giggled.
"Well I guess that my cue that mom wants me home" Natsu said.
"Yeah. She wants to have the family all together again before...before the morning" Wendy said as she began to tear up. Natsu was up and had her enveloped in a hug in a flash.
"Hey Wends, it's not gonna be forever yah know. I need you to be strong for me home so I can be strong while I'm away" Natsu said soothingly while everyone watched on.
"I...I know. But I can't help it. I don't want you to go Natsu! I want you to be here to help me move in to my new dorm. I want you here so I can ask questions about what stuff means. I want to be able to have our talks like we always have" Wendy cried.
"Hey now sis. We can still have those talks. And… and I know I won't be here to do that for yah. I wanna be yah know that right?" Natsu asked and felt her nod against his shoulder. "This just means you'll have to take pictures and take notes so I won't miss a thing. I'll try to schedule a Skype time for your move in day so yah can show me around your room and I can help yah decorate." He finished with a toothy grin that Wendy gave a small smile back to.
"Okay.. that doesn't sound too bad" Wendy said through her sniffles.
"I'll be back before yah know it Wends. Just like last time" Natsu said as he broke away from his sister and turned to the room seeing some of the girls had tears in their eyes.
"Well...uh.. this is goodbye I guess" Natsu said awkwardly. At this everyone got up to wish him goodbye and good luck. All of the girls have him a kiss on the cheek for luck which made him laugh. The guys either have him a hug or a firm handshake telling him to take care of himself. After this he slowly left and leaned against the door to collect himself for a minute.
"Anyone else catch what he said?" Natsu heard Erza say.
"Yeah the idiot said goodbye. He hates saying goodbye" Gray answered.
"You...you don't think he believes he isn't coming back so you?" Mira asked and it sounded like she was about to breakdown.
"I...no.. I can't think like that. He has to come home. He has to!" Lucy cried out.
"He will come home. Cmon guys this is Natsu we're talking about. He'll be fine" Cana said trying to reassure herself as much as everyone else. At this point he had to walk away. He was hoping no one noticed him slip but he realized his friends always were so much smarter than he is.
At this point Natsu felt the world was shaking. "...wake up sir…."
Natsu slowly opened his eyes and looked around. It was just him and his spotter. They were in Alvarez.
Right.
That happened almost two years ago. He's almost been gone for two years. He wondered how everyone was doing briefly before he got up and did his morning stretches and body weight workout.
For the first 6 months his battalion was used as reserves and reinforcements in tight situations. The next 5 his battalion were on the frontlines. He saw battle at least once every three days as both sides tried to out maneuver each other. Eventually phase 2 began and three two man squads of the best shots out of the deployed troops and any of the spotters that volunteered. The squads had a few days to get their calls sorted out together before they set out.
"Alright McBride. The groups we've been followin recently have all been headed the same way. I think we're close to finding their command center now" Natsu said.
"That's great news sir!" McBride exclaimed. "I can't wait for this to be over so I can go home. My daughter's birthday's in a couple months."
"Oh yeah? How old's she gonna be again?" Natsu asked as he finished packing his stuff up.
"Three, sir. I can't believe how big she's gettin" Will said.
"Yeah they grow fast. Especially when you're away as often as we are" Natsu said.
"Oh I didn't know you had some sir" Will said.
"Oh, I don't. I'm talking about my nephew. He was so big two years ago I couldn't believe it. I bet he's even bigger now" Natsu said offhandedly. "I'm hopin to settle down when we get back. Gotta try to find someone willin to put up with me."
At this Will laughed. "If you really have such a problem, I'm sure one of my wife's friends would be more than happy to take a good looking man like you out."
Natsu thought of the three women that had been somewhat fighting over him at home. "Uhh..no thanks man. I kinda have my hands full at home. Plus I told you to call me Natsu or something. It's just us. I don't care about rank."
"Alright I'll try Natsu" Will said with a smile as they continued on to get a good vantage point on a grassy hill overlooking a main road and a large lake.
Once they laid down in cover Natsu started. "Okay. So accordin to the intel we got this mornin, the Alvarez troop movements have been different. They seem to be searchin for somethin... or someone. The other two teams behind enemy lines have been pulled out. We leave tomorrow. We can't risk it, so we have to hope we can find a patrol to follow that'll lead us to their command center today. If we find it today we can hopefully force Alvarez to surrender soon."
"Okay we've got movement to the east" Will said looking through his binoculars. "Looks like a convoy two vehicles with mounted guns and two transports with some air support."
"Looks like those transports have some big ammunition. They might be the flak ammo or the artillery shells we heard that group talking about the other day" Natsu said as he watched through his scope. "Either way, I'd guess they're goin to refill their depot at the command center."
"The chopper is veerin off course!" Will whisper-shouted. "Shit it looks like it's coming right at us!"
Natsu has to do some quick thinking. "They're probably searchin for us now. Hide your gun and binos under your body and don't move." Both did as Natsu suggested and the chopper flew over them without slowing down. They heard it round back on them and braced themselves for the coming wind blasts.
Once the chopper left they both let out a sigh of relief. They saw the chopper move out and head to where they believed the enemy base was. The convoy was making its way past the two when they finally got their binoculars out to watch them pass.
"Will, didn't you say there were foot soldiers with the convoy?" Natsu whispered.
"Yessir. I counted about 10" Will replied.
"Shit! Get up and run. Go go go!" Natsu yelled as they both scrambled up and started running. As soon as they got up they heard the tell tale sounds of gunfire from 100 yards away from where they were just rested.
"Shit, shit, shit!" Will yelled as they ran. They quickly got back to town but their pursuers never stopped. The two saw the jeeps entering the opposite side of town.
"In here quick!" Natsu exclaimed as they busted a door in and quickly closed it behind them. They raced up to the top floor of the four story building knowing they didn't have a lot of time before they were swarmed. Once up to the top floor they quickly set up a small defensible area and radioed in that they needed anything to get them out of there. Just as they finished they heard the car doors opening and closing. The tell-tale signs of reinforcements arriving.
Will peeked his head up over the windowsill to look down. "I'm counting close to thirty now sir" Will whispered. Natsu didn't bother correcting him this time. He was trying to figure out how to get them both out of there. They moved away from the exterior wall slowly. As they were far enough both slammed to the floor as the entire face of the house came under fire from the mounted guns.
"Ah! I'm hit" Will called out. Natsu turned his head to look and see a spray or red coming out of Will's leg. "AAAHH!" Will screamed. As Natsu went to move over to him, he felt pain rip through his lower abdomen and his leg.
"AAAHH!" Natsu screamed. The gunfire stopped and they braved themselves for the foot soldiers. As the soldiers made their way through the building the two raised their guns and readied themselves. The door they braved began to get slammed into so they opened fire on the door. They heard the screams coming through the door.
"They're still alive? These guys have to be crazy lucky!" They heard someone yell out. "That's five down, oh no...retreat!"
The two slowly pick themselves up when they hear this and look outside to see what's going on. Both widen their eyes in disbelief. Their military is going to bomb the area to take out the enemies. Natsu gets Will up and to the other side of the building. He then throws Will out the window onto the fire escape before he hops out himself.
"Can you stand?!" Natsu asked urgently.
"No sir, I was hit pretty bad" Will said weakly.
"Shit. Alright Will. I need you to think about your wife and daughter. Think about how badly you want to see them and how happy they will be to see you when we get home" Natsu said as he threw his gun over his shoulder and lifted will in the fireman's carry.
Natsu then made his way down the fire escape hoping their bombers would notice the enemies fleeing in cars and wouldn't drop on them. He sprinted down the fire escape and praised any god that would listen that the stairways went straight to the ground in Alvarez. No ladders that he'd have to drop after getting to the final level. His leg was ready to give out but he pushed forward knowing any hesitation could lead to both of them dying and they both had people to return home to. Just as he began to slow down, the pilots dropped their payloads. A squad of five pilots decimated the area Natsu and Will both were just in and covered a lot of area.
The explosions sounded and Natsu didn't have time to look behind him as he was blasted forward and into the bushes across the street. He could feel blood rushing out of his abdomen, leg and now back from the shrapnel and rocks. He struggled to look over at Will, and saw he kept him safe. 'Thank the gods he's alright' was Natsu's last thought before the world faded to black.
(Elsewhere)
The Dragneels were lounging around their house. It was towards the end of a Saturday in summer. It was a day before the two year anniversary of Natsu getting deployed. Igneel was stretched out on the couch, while Grandine was taking cookies out of the stove. Wendy was watching t.v. with her father but she was sitting on the loveseat. The cats were curled up with Igneel and Wendy. It was a somber, peaceful afternoon. They hadn't heard from Natsu for six months. Last they heard he was going behind enemy lines to try and find a way to cut off Alvarez' reinforcement routes or something. They were waiting to hear from him again.
Just as the movie they were watching finished and the credits began, there was a knock at the door. Being the only one up, Grandine answered it. She broke down immediately which grabbed the attention of the other two who rusheed to see what happened. Once they reach their doorway they see what caused Grandine to become the sobbing mess that she is: there's a casualty notification officer and a chaplain in their dress blues at the door. Immediately the other two members of the family begin openly crying and grab Grandine in a family hug while they let the men talk.
"Mr. and Mrs. Dragneel?" One of the men ask.
"Y-yes that's us" Igneel choked out.
"We...We're sorry to have to be here today but it's been reported that your son, First Lieutenant Dragneel, has been declared missing in action" The chaplain said as he hung his head. The CNO hands over a stack of papers to Igneel who raises a shaky hand to accept it.
"Mr. and Mrs. Dragneel, just know we are doing and will continue to do everything in our power to bring your son home" the CNO said as he stepped back from the family. "We will notify you of any changes, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to call, email, or however you want to contact me. My contact information is there but if you would please allow us inside, we'd like to inform you of the incident we lost contact with Lieutenant Dragneel."
The Dragneels slowly make their way back to the living room where the CNO describes what happened to Natsu from the information they were given. Once finished, the Chaplain led the family in a prayer so that they may find Natsu swiftly and bring him home. What went unsaid was that if he was dead, that his soul may rest in peace. After the prayer, the two men left after hugging every present member of the family one last time.
"And remember" the CNO stated, "If you need anything do not hesitate to call me."
"Thank you Officer" Grandine said in a hoarse voice.
"Don't thank me until we bring your boy home ma'am" he replied as the two walked away.
The door was slowly closed by the family as they returned to their living room to grieve some more.
A few hours later the family decided that they had to call Zeref and Mavis. Igneel texted Zeref saying he had to talk to him and it was a matter of utmost importance. Zeref agreed to call them when he got home and put August to bed. At 9 o'clock, Zeref asked his father how he wanted to do the call. Igneel told him to go into his office with Mavis, they were going to video chat.
"Hello every-" Zeref started before he saw their faces.
"Is...what's wrong?" Mavis asked.
The trio looked at one another then the two girls nodded at Igneel. They knew this was going to be emotional for the family but they had a right to know.
"Natsu's gone missing" Igneel croaked out. This caused Wendy and Grandine to restart their waterworks as tears filled the eyes of both Zeref and Mavis.
"W-Wha-What d-did you say?" Zeref stuttered.
"Natsu is...he's missing in action" Grandine cried. At this mavis dug her face into her husband's chest and began sobbing uncontrollably. Zeref grabbed her and held her close as he began to cry into her hair.
"We'll be there tomorrow" Was all Zeref said before the call ended.