Beast of a Hero

Lady Countryrose

Ch. 4

The next morning found Lucy waking up to see Elfman lost in his thoughts. She had taken a moment to really look at him. His sharp features, could only show how much strength he truly held. She could see because of his massive strength. He also had sever sense of rein when dealing with said strength.

'What could he be thinking about? Is it something that I should do the same?' It was a least a couple of thoughts that had rushed through her brain. But the one that stood out was, 'Am I worth all of his worrying about?'

It wasn't because of Natsu and her team that had caused some of her backlash of these thoughts. But it was also her father. The one man who nearly ripped herself away from her Fairy Tail family. 'I really had poor growing up choices in life…'

A deep sigh left the man's lips. "I know you're awake, Lucy." Causing the said woman to nearly jump off of him, before he wrapped his arms around her. Keeping her close to him as possible. "What were you thinking…?"

"I could say the same thing about you, Elfman." She gave him a glare. Before a small smile graced her lips. "I was trying to figure out what's causing you to worry, so much."

The muscle man sighed deeply. "Mainly, where I would like to take you and my sisters to. I was told that we have a vacation of sorts…" His eyes sparkled with hidden knowledge. "There are so many places I would like to take you to. Somewhere far and secluded…"

Lucy hummed. "Those things sound good and all." Her eyes turned towards the window, where she saw Happy sleeping at. "I'm worried…"

"About," he asked kindly.

"Natsu," she whispered, with a hint of fear in her voice. "What if he breaks out...hunt us down after hurting the rest of Fairy Tail. I wouldn't live with myself...if many were to be harmed." She glanced down, not really wanting to see his sorrowful eyes. "All because of me…"

"Lucy," he called out to her calmly. It was enough to get her to glance up. "What happened during Phantom Lord? Did either one of us in Fairy Tail back down from that challenge…?" He shook his head. "No...we didn't. We were there when you needed us the most and we didn't back down." He smiled towards her, like nothing that she had seen before. "Like we'll not back down now…"

"Thanks Elfman," she smiled, as she tried to fight back the tears. Knowing that she wanted to do nothing but cry.

"Anytime." He glanced around the room for a moment. "We should get up and get the day started. Sadly, it won't start itself."

Elfman helped Lucy to her feet before he made it to the bathroom with his clothes. After a few minutes, he came out fully dressed before he left to cook breakfast. He had taken Happy with him. Knowing that Lucy should need some time to herself.

He had just made it down the stairs, when he heard someone knocking at the door. Elfman took a deep breath. Really hoping that it wasn't Natsu. Even though most of Fairy Tail. Had taken the fire-breathing human dragon away, the night before. When he had opened the door, he was surprised to see who it was.

"Gajeel," Elfman gasped at the man before him. "What brings you by this morning?"

"Hello Beast Man," stated the grumpy dragon slayer before him. "Master wanted me over and travel with you. As you're all on your...vacation. I'm just coming along encase...Salamander decides to break out."

At that moment, Happy woke up in Elfman's arms. "Gajeel," the little blue cat spoke up. "Lucy will be happy to know that you'll be traveling with us."

The dark-haired man grumbled, "She should be happy." He pushed his way into the house. "I wasn't planning on traveling...not like this at least." He shoved his backpack that he was carrying to the floor. "I wanted to get out-of-town for a few days. But not because I wanted to follow Bunny while I was at it…"

Elfman shoved the door closed, releasing a sigh before making into the kitchen. "Have you eaten anything," he asked kindly.

"Yes, I already ate my fill of iron thank you very much." Gajeel had made with way into the kitchen and sat down at the table. "But I'm willing to have a cup of coffee if your offering."

"I'm sure you would," stated Elfman dryly. Before he turned and started on his breakfast duties in the kitchen. Including making coffee and tea for the household.

Happy spoke up, as Elfman was making noise with pots and pans. "Is Pantherlily coming as well?"

"He should be here soon," stated the iron slayer, as he leaned back in his seat. "He wanted to pack...his own way." He shook his head before closing his eyes. "One never knows that that cat has up his sleeve…"

A few minutes later, the girls came downstairs with smiles upon their faces. Lucy walked over to Elfman and gave him a brief hug before grabbing a cup of coffee of her own. "Virgo has packed everything that we may need. Including some tents."

"Good," stated the massive male, as he cooked. "Can you get Gajeel a cup as well?"

"Gajeel," she asked before turning towards man. "What are you doing here?" As she was picking up another cup of coffee. Knowing that guy liked his black.

"Here to travel with the lot of you." He tone held no emotion. Just stating the facts as what they were. "Master wants me to keep an eyes on you, encase something else happens."

Lucy carried his cup over to him, giving him a smile before sitting next to him with her own cup. "Well, I'm make sure to pick up a book for Levy then…" She smiled brightly, as her eyes sparkled. She knew who to thank for allowing him to come along. "She's still needing books in runes...especially when she wants to out smart Freed lately."

The iron slayer took a deep drink of his scolding cup. "You can say that," his voice grumbled. "I swear, Shrimp wants to see if she can break his runes. It started right after that...contest that Sparky had caused." He shook his head. "Here I thought that he would be the only corrupted Dragon Slayer in Fairy Tail."

Lucy closed her eyes, trying to fight off the images from the night before. Even the images from a couple of days ago for that matter. She had her run in with many men that were bad before becoming friends. But having her best friend becoming bad. That was a bit much for her to even remotely imagine.

'I don't think I have ever saw the signs… Were there any signs of him going to do this?' She was trying to calm her rushing thoughts, but more seemed to pop up. 'What did he even hope to accomplish for even following through with these plans of his?'

"Don't worry, Bunny." Causing Lucy to pop her eyes open to see Gajeel's red eyes. "We'll sort this out...but until then. You enjoy a few days away from the guild." He allowed a small chuckle to leave his lips. "We might even turn it into a training vacation for you."

"A training vacation," she asked. Her eyes flickering as many thoughts came rushing through her eyes. "I don't think I can leave another beat down from you, Gajeel."

The man smirked, "No worries Bunny. I was think like...exercising. Get your body conditioning to withstand long distance run. To out run your enemies. Then...we can see about hand-to-hand combat."

Lisanna smiled as she sat down at one of the open seats as well. "I wouldn't mind doing that myself." She smiled brightly, as her eyes sparkled with possibilities in her head. "It would help fighting someone off...to where I can run away from something."

Gajeel glanced at the women in the room with raised eyebrows. After seeing that all three of the them had wanted to know how to fight, other-ways. "I guess I could also teach you how to use a short sword. Something long enough from your elbow to wrist that you could carry one you…"

Mira gave a thoughtful look. "I don't know…" She glanced towards Lisanna and Lucy. "I don't know if they can handle something like that. Maybe a bow...something long distance."

Lucy smile softly. "I'm already learning the bow with my star dress with Sagittarius. He had stated that I should carry a sword or knife, encase I was faced at short distance battle. Because bows are a disadvantage because of the distance to work with them."

Gajeel nodded, with a smirk on his lips. "Short swords are lightweight but durable. Please, you wouldn't have to use so much magic when battling with someone." He glanced towards Elfman with a raised eyebrow. "I mean, it's up to you if you want them to learning something like that."

"As much I believe that battling is a man's sport. I can't fault that they should learn to defend themselves." Elfman finished up with the cooking and set everything at the table before sitting next to Lucy. "But I must advised that...we start slow."

"Of course," stated Gajeel with a gruff, before grabbing a bacon. "As my dragon had once said. Battle is an art form, it shouldn't be rushed…"

"I thought you said you had your breakfast," asked Elfman, with a raised eyebrow and smile on his lips.

"Iron was my breakfast," he stated with a smirk. He pointed towards the bacon. "This is just a snack, man." Everyone chuckled at Gajeel's ruff sense of humor before there was a knock on the door. The Iron Slayer had gotten upon his feet. "That's for me anyway…"

Footsteps were making their way towards the door. A moment later the door had opened and then closed. Hearing low voices making their way towards the kitchen. Where everyone saw that it wasn't just Pantherlily that came but also their guild master.

"Hello children," Makarov stated in low tones.

"What are you doing here, master," asked Mira with a raised eyebrow. "You wouldn't come here unless it was important."

The elder man nodded. "You're right," he glanced around the room. Seeing his children, at least a few of them looking worried.

"What's happened," asked Happy, who had sat on the table. "It's Natsu, isn't it?"

"Happy," Makarov simply spoke. "You of all people should know, what he could be up to." He closed his eyes, shaking his head. "He hasn't even tried to break out of Freed's barriers. Not even running at them like he had done before."

The elder man took a deep breath, before looking into the blue cat's eyes. "I hate to ask this. But you've known him the longest and the best." His eyes pleading for the cat to answer his questions. "What do you think he may be doing?"

Happy glanced around before his eyes rested on Lucy. Before he turned his eyes back to the Master of Fairy Tail. "He would conserve his energy...until everyone forgets about him." He took a deep breath. Before a couple of tears had leaked out of his eyes. "When everyone would believe that he is no longer a threat, he'll strike."

"Do you know how he would do it," Makarov asked the flying cat.

Happy shook his head. "No. He could do anything that he believed that he was able to do. Even the impossible outcomes had gone to his favor." He glanced towards Lucy. "Even back when he fought with Cobra. It was an impossible that got him to overcome the poison slayer."

"That's true," stated Gajeel with a nod of his head. "Back when...we weren't all be friendly. It was an impossible outcome that got him to win over me." He shook his head, as he glanced towards the ceiling. "I had hated having him as an enemy back then. Now…," he glanced towards the nearest window. "...I would hate to see him win now."

Makarov then turned towards Lisanna with a sorrow look in his eyes. "What about you, Lisanna? You grew up with Natsu. Was there anything that would have jumped out at you? Anything at all?"

"No master," her voice sounded hollow and distant. Something that none of them would have ever describe the poor girl of being. "He isn't the Natsu that I had grown up with." She shook her head, as she gave a harsh glare. "He would also yell at me, whenever I brought up marriage as a child. But he would never...kidnap a person out of their free will. It isn't like him."

Gajeel grumbled, "I have to wonder if it isn't his hormones kicking in."

The elder man glanced towards the slayer in the room with worry in his eyes. "What now?"

The raven-haired male sighed. "Dragon Slayers go through...periods of horror episodes. Having an over indulgence of wanting to mate. Causing the said slayer to become drunk until his needs...becomes quieted." He gulped, as he became uncomfortable as he talked.

Lucy glared towards the man next to him. The one who was providing answers of Natsu. "Are you saying that Natsu...is going through...puberty?"

"In an insane way, yes."

Elfman grumbled, as he bit into some bacon like a savage. Lucy could tell that he was angry. She just didn't know in what way he could be angry about. Was it towards Natsu and his imbalance of his control. Or was it because of her, being the focus point for Natsu.

Makarov closed his eyes. "I was afraid that it was something like this." He glanced up to look into Gajeel's eyes. "What can be done about this…" He waved his hands about. "About all this…"

Gajeel drank the rest of his coffee before getting up to get more. "Nothing," he stated calmly.

"NOTHING," yelled everyone within the room.

"I can't just run and hide for the rest of my life," exclaimed Lucy. She knew that she was having a hard time believing what she was hearing. "I really CAN'T live this WAY!"

Gajeel gave Lucy a harsh look, which quieted her up. "I didn't say that it would last forever, Bunny." His voice coming at a deep and threatening. "It will only last for a couple of weeks. We should be gone for at least a month."

Everyone was gasping and about to say something more. He raised his hands up. "To allow it purge out of his system while we're gone." Everyone had calmed after hearing what he was saying. It was only to safeguard everyone's safety. "It isn't safe for Bunny to stay any longer. We should start heading out."

Makarov nodded, "I agree. You all should get going. I'll keep everyone informed about what was discussed today about Natsu. I'll keep as many eyes on him, while you're gone."

Lucy looked towards Gajeel with sorrow in her eyes. "Will I ever get my friend back?"

"We can only hope, Bunny." The Iron Slayer drank the rest of his coffee before placing it in the sink. "Because I'm not looking forward on the rematch of dominance with Salamander anytime soon."

Virgo popped out of her flash of light into the room. She had picked up the rest of their stuff. At least some food and drink. Along with Gajeel's and Pantherlily's things as well.

The Celestial spirit had turned towards the Iron Slayer with a knowing look in her eyes. "I've picked some of these for you, Sir Gajeel." She then placed something in his hand.

He opened his hand, causing the man to gasped at what he was seeing. "Pure iron ore!" He glanced up at the spirit with a raised eyebrow. "Where did you get this? This is so hard to fine."

"In my world, there is so many of it there." Her lips pulled back, enjoying the dark dragon slayer's lack of words. At least more so than normal. "I can provide more for you...while on the road."

Gajeel glanced up towards Lucy with a hopeful look. "Can you and I become partners. I don't care you don't have much experience with anything… But I'm willing the teach you!"

Lucy was gaping at him. She had in the past, had asked him for a bit of training help before. But he had always shot her down. Now that she knew that her spirits knew about the pure ore. She almost felt hurt that it could have been easier and sooner, if she only knew about it sooner.

"Yeah," she gave a small smile. "I'll look forward to it."

Virgo gave a smile that spoke volumes for something...darker in mind. "The rest of the spirits and I, are also willing for training too, Sir Gajeel."

"If you provide more of this ore, I'm willing for anything." Gajeel responded with a dark smile of his own. Which only caused Lucy to shiver.

"Just to be clear," stated Elfman with a harsh look in his eyes. "Lucy is mine! She's not yours, unless it's a coworker on a job, is that clear?"

"Crystal," stated Gajeel with a hint of a purr. "I only want the iron, nothing more. I already have a little blue-haired woman to look out for." He shook his head, shivering with whatever was causing him to do so. "I don't need something else to fuck up my life…"

"Alright children," the master called to them. "I'll see the lot of you, when you come back. I'll call if things...go either way." He then left the house.

"Alright, let's get going." Mira had gotten up on her feet, leading everyone out of the house. Knowing that it was just safer to just head out and decide while on the run.

xXx

After many hours. Hopping trains from towns and cities away from Magnolia. The group as a whole had decided to head for the hills, into the far off mountains near the Tower of Paradise. Even though Lucy didn't want to be near there, because of the memories of almost losing Erza.

The rest of the group had believed that it was far enough away to cause Natsu not to follow. One because of the long train ride it would have caused him to travel. The second would because of Lucy's reasoning of not wanting to travel past the tower. The third would because they would be away from anyone that would give Natsu a reason to give chase.

Lucy had thought about those reasoning in her head. She really couldn't find any fault in their logic of choice. It was mainly because she didn't want to see the tower again. Not after knowing how much it had caused so much pain. For Erza...Jellal...Cobra...Midnight...and even more.

It was because of that tower that she found reason in wanting to find the good in people. People like her were locked up in some kind of cage. Her's was nothing more than more golden than the rest.

Mira glanced towards Lucy with worry in her eyes. "What's the matter, Lucy?"

"Like I said, I really hate being close to the tower."

It was then that the rest of the group felt an evil presence radiating from the crumbled tower. They trekked on, trying to keep the tower at their backs. The farther they went, the calmer the air became. By nightfall, they camped in valley that would lead them where they needed to go.

Gajeel glanced around, causing many to do the same. "I don't know about this place… If the tower seemed dark...don't you think that the surrounding area would be the same?"

Elfman gave a deep sigh. "I think...between the two of us… We should keep a lookout." He glanced over towards Mirajane and saw that she was bit uneasy. As she was helping picking up some loose sticks and logs. "No one travels alone… Not in this place."

Gajeel gave a nod, "Agreed." He walked off, using his arms to change into something that would give them more logs for the night.

Elfman walked over to where the girls were. Seeing Lucy's spirit Virgo had come out and setting up all the tents and food for the night. Lucy gave Elfman a smile.

"GAJA!" They heard the call of the Iron Dragon Slayer calling from the nearby wooded area. Causing all the girls to jump from where they were.

Lucy gave a small giggle. "I see Gajeel is at work," she glanced towards Elfman and saw his eyes had darkened a bit. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not liking this area," he glanced around, feeling something off. "Gajeel and I, are going to play lookout while you girls sleep. I think Pantherlily and Happy are going to be helping us to stay awake. I don't want anyone to travel alone...at least not until this heaviness stops."

Mira gave a small thoughtful look. "Whatever you think is best, little brother." She walked over towards Lucy and wrapped an around her shoulders. "We trust your judgement," she smiled towards the massive male.

"Yes," Lucy gave a small smile. "Whatever is best." She glanced around the area as well. She could understand why Elfman and Gajeel were being who they were. Since the moment that Natsu had come around and destroy her home, she was second guessing herself.

Virgo had gotten the camp together, even brought chairs and a table for everyone to use. As well as setting the tents close to one another. Making the middle to have a fire-pit, for cooking and lighting.

Lucy found herself sitting in a chair, in front of the fire. Allowing it's glow to warm her up. Trying to fight off the chill that the place seemed to have covered the area with. She couldn't place the chill, it was only one other time in her life that she had ever felt it.

'The night that my mother died… This was the same chill...that I felt then.' Her eyes popped open wide as she whipped her head around, to where her eyes found Elfman. "I think I know this feeling… Death...is in the air...here."

"What does that mean," asked Gajeel, with a load of wood in his arms that he had brought into camp.

"It means," Lucy glanced around. Not really seeing everyone's disturbed faces. "That this place is covered with ghosts...ghosts of the dead." She had gotten up from her seat, as others had done the same. "Ghosts...of those that are long dead…"

Elfman glanced towards the Iron Dragon Slayer. Noticed that the well established rugged man began to shiver as he stood. While his red eyes scanned the area. "I think I'll have the first watch," his voice came out raspy.

The muscled man nodded his agreement. The rest of the night the group ate around the campfire. Keeping their ears open for the unknown. Because the uneasy feeling hadn't gone away, it only became more known as the sun setted over the hillsides.

When it was time for bed, Lucy crawled into a massive tent, where she would be sharing with Elfman and Happy. There was also another bed further away from where they would sleep, for Gajeel to use after the watch. They agreed to take turns sleeping in the tent with Lucy.

Lucy found herself in her cot, with Elfman lying next to her. Wrapping his arm around her. "Sleep, Lucy. For morning won't becoming too soon…" Her eyes flickered closed. Allowing her breathing to shallow out. Causing a small smile to pull at his lips.

He must have fallen asleep, because he was shaken awake by Gajeel. "You need to see this," stated the gruffed whispered sound of the only Dragon Slayer in the group.

Elfman grunted softly before pulling himself out of the cot, bringing Happy with him. Knowing that since he was awake, he might as well changed watch with Gajeel. Once outside, he couldn't believe his eyes. All round the two males and the campsite were transparent beings.

"What do you want," he called out the dark of night. Seeing all the ghostly beings glanced at one another before one came towards them. It was a figure of a man, who looked a little more than that.

"Why are you traveling this way," asked the transparent man. He glanced towards the tent behind the two living men. "With a Cestrail Mage as that?"

"We're out for training…," he glanced behind him to see that no movement was coming from the tent. Letting him know that Lucy was still sleeping. "She was nearly attacked by someone, who was thought as a friend." He turned to where he could see the ghostly man again. "She needs to be stronger...and I need to protect her…"

The transparent man nodded, before glancing around. "We…," he waved his hand towards all the ghostly beings around them. "...are willing to offer you a gift...beastman." A few of spirit creatures gave a deep bow.

"Humm," Elfman felt uneasy. He was used to fighting with a beast and end up with their soul after the battle. He glanced around and saw a few normal creatures, creatures of myth and legends. He had a lot to pick from, but for some reason, one seemed to be calling him more than the rest.

The man spoke with a smirk on his lips. "Oh...I see that one has called to you already." He glanced towards the creature as well. "He will do nicely for any...tough opponent. Even the likes of a dragon slayer…"

Gajeel allowed a gulp to sound from him. "Shit beastman! Do you really want to handle something dangerous...like him?"

"Why not," Elfman turned his eyes towards the red eyes of the Dragon Slayer beside him. "It would also keep you slayers inline if one of you acts up… Especially Natsu…"

"No kidding," the red eyed male chuckled. "Salamander is going to wet himself if he finds out about this…" He shook his head, chuckling some more. "Might as well make it a done deal."

"Agreed," stated Elfman with glee in his eyes. He turned towards the legendary spirit creature. "If you agree to be my...partner. I'm willing to have you…"

The massive creature nodded in agreement. "I wouldn't mind being your...guardian creature and added mate to the Celestial Mage."

"What do you mean by that?"

Gajeel hit the massive man on the head, growling at him. "Don't you remember our conversation about your beasts being Bunny's mates?" When Elfman nodded, with his eyes glow in understanding. "Your added beast...is also another mate of Bunny's. Meaning, you won't have any of them fighting against you for having her as a mate. Just more added protection for her…"

Elfman grumbled, as he rubbed the back of his head. "I sometimes forget the idea of mates, Gajeel." He closed his eyes. "I just want to make her happy...and protect her from...all that comes her way." He glanced up as the creature came closer to him. "Will you help me to do that?"

"I will…" The creature gave a deep nod for a massive being at it was.

"Shit," whispered Gajeel with warmth in his voice. "You and I are finally going to be able to train with one another and not having to hold back." His lips pulled back into a scary looking smile. "Well, what are you waiting for...get blending with one another."

Elfman grumbled but raised his right hand towards the creature before him. Closing his eyes, allowing his inner magic to call for it come into him. Without much of convincing or battle, the creature jumped into Elfman's body. Causing the muscle man to stumble and fall onto his butt.

He raised his hands and pet across his chest. Not believing the sensation he was feeling. "Wow...that has never happened before." A lighthearted chuckled left his lips, as he glanced up towards his Fairy Tail friend. "An over sensation of acceptance. It's like…," his lips pulled even more. "...it's like feeling the sunshine for the first time…"

The spirit man chuckled. "I'm glad that he will be of service for you." He glanced around. "Don't worry about lookout for the night. We will keep an eye out for you...as you camp in our mountains."

Elfman smiled towards the man before him. "We…," he glanced towards Gajeel, who had nodded. "...appreciate that very much."

Gajeel glanced around them for a moment. "Is there a place...where we can train that you wouldn't mind us...destroying?"

The man chuckled, "Allow your new spirit to guide you across the mountains. He knows where you could train…" He turned around, singling for the others to do the same. "We shall leave and allow you to rest. For tomorrow is going to be a long day…"

In turn, Gajeel and Elfman, as well as the cats had turned in for the night. Rest was needed after the encounter that they had. They knew that they would have to explain things in the morning.

As Elfman closed his eyes, he heard the sound of purring of the new creature, as he wrapped his arms around Lucy. As she sighed into the warmth that he was providing for the two of them.