Wow you guys are awesome! We're at 65 reviews and we're almost at 200 followers/favorites, and I'm not even on the fourth chapter yet. That's absolutely amazing to me. I'll leave the poll up on my profile until the next chapter, so you have until then to cast your votes. This chapter will deal with the Macao arc. So I hope you guys are ready for some NaLu bonding time :) Without further ado let's get to the chapter.
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
Magic
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does :(
(10 a.m. the Next Day)
After successfully escaping the military Natsu, Lucy, and Happy boarded a train bound for Magnolia. As they took their seats, Natsu was already feeling a bit nauseous.
"Hey Natsu, are you alright?" Lucy asked with a concerned look. "Because you look a little green."
Natsu merely groaned, and leaned his face against the window.
"Natsu always get like this." Happy said, as he stifled a giggle. "He has motion sickness."
Lucy covered her mouth with her hand to stop her own giggles.
"Are you serious? You took out that Bora guy and all his goons without breaking a sweat. Using some ridiculous magic that I've never seen before no less. But then you turn around and get motion sickness?" Lucy asked with a raised eyebrow. "That's really lame man."
"Ugh, don't remind me." Natsu whined just as the train started to move.
Almost instantly Natsu was on the floor, as he clutched his stomach in pain.
"Someone just kill me already." Natsu moaned in pain, as his stomach started to do backflips.
"Is there anything we can do to help him?" Lucy asked Happy, who was happily staring out the window.
Happy turned his head away from the window, and looked down at Natsu. The dragon slayer was on lying the floor, groaning from the pain every few moments. Happy then closed his eyes, and rubbed his chin.
"When he got like this on missions, Erza would lay Natsu's head in her lap and gently stroked his head." Happy said, as he nodded his head.
"Like what I did back in the restaurant?" Lucy asked, as she started to blush slightly.
"Pretty much, but Erza would also whisper nice things to Natsu. He would something like that to Erza when she was a kid, back when she used to get nightmares a lot. It seems to work really well on Natsu as well." Happy replied, making Lucy blush an even brighter shade of red.
"And you're sure that that will work?" Lucy asked, as she snuck a quick glance at Natsu.
"Aye!" Happy cheered with a raised paw.
The celestial spirit mage turned her head to look at the dragon slayer. Natsu looked like a mess, and Lucy couldn't help but feel sorry for him. So with a deep sigh, Lucy decided to take pity on Natsu.
"Natsu?" Lucy called softly. The dragon slayer groaned, as he turned his head to look at Lucy. "Come up here."
Lucy patted the seat next to her. With great effort Natsu got off the floor, and slumped into the seat next to Lucy.
"Now lay your head in my lap." Lucy said in a motherly tone.
Natsu turned to look at Lucy with wide eyes.
"You don't have to do that Lucy." Natsu said as he forced a grin onto his face. "I can tough it out until we reach Magnolia."
Lucy looked at the dragon slayer skeptically. A sudden bump caused to suddenly dry heave.
"You won't last another five minutes." Lucy stated with a sympathetic look. "Just lay your head down. And if you throw up on me, I'm throwing you off this damn train!" Lucy hissed the last part with narrowed eyes.
Natsu hesitated as he blushed slightly, but he ultimately relented. With a groan Natsu laid his head down on Lucy's lap. The celestial spirit mage had to hold in a moan when she felt Natsu's warm skin press against her thighs.
"He's so warm, it's nothing like the burning heat from earlier. It really feels nice, kinda like a heater." Lucy thought with a smile and a bright blush, as she started to slowly run her fingers through Natsu's pink hair. "And the static electricity in his hair is sending tingles throughout my whole body."
A low moan from Natsu pulled Lucy from her thoughts. She looked down at the dragon slayer. He looked better, but he still appeared to be in a slight amount of pain. Lucy then remembered the other thing that Happy had told her.
"Erza would whisper nice things to Natsu."
Lucy's blush brightened several shades, as she thought about what she was about to do.
"Shh," Lucy said a little awkwardly, as she continued to stroke Natsu's head. "Y-You'll be fine Natsu."
Natsu groaned again, and buried his face in Lucy's lap just above her knees. The dragon slayer then curled up into a ball and closed his eyes. Lucy smiled warmly down at the now passed out dragon slayer.
"He's really cute when he's asleep." Lucy thought as she laid her head against her seat. With a content sigh, Lucy closed her eyes. "I could get used to this."
Lucy slowly started to drift off to sleep, as she continued to absentmindedly run her fingers through Natsu's pink locks.
Happy watched the pair with a small smile.
"Hmm it's like they were never separated for seven years." Happy thought, as he turned his head to look back out the window. "It's looks like she's already as close to him as Erza and Mira. I wonder how they'll handle another girl fighting for Natsu's affections."
Happy grinned as he watched the countryside roll by. Things were going to get interesting very soon.
(5 hours later)
It was a little past three in the afternoon when the train pulled into Magnolia Station. The sound of the loud whistle awoke Lucy and Natsu.
"We're here already?" Lucy asked, as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
"I guess so." Natsu replied, as he stood up and stretched.
Natsu helped Lucy with her bags, before they stepped off the train. Lucy marveled at the large bustling city before her. She could see shops and restaurants lining both sides of the street. Then Lucy saw it, a single building towering over the rest. She could see the Fairy Tail banner blowing proudly in the wind. That had to be where the guild hall was.
"You ready Lucy?" Natsu asked with a massive grin.
There again was that stupid grin that she loved so much.
"Of course Natsu lead the way!" Lucy cheered with a smile of her own.
After a short walk the group had arrived at Fairy Tail's front doors. Lucy marveled at the building that was in front of her.
"Wow, it's huge," Lucy breathed out with wide eyes. A massive smile started to spread across her face. "It's everything I've ever dreamed of and more."
"Welcome to Fairy Tail, Lucy." Natsu said, as he gestured to the double doors that lead into the building.
With a cheer Lucy rushed forward, and reached for the door handle. She could hear the cheers and laughter inside from out here, and she wanted to get inside a quickly as possible. But Natsu's hand grabbed her wrist before she could open the door. She turned her head to look at Natsu, who had a wolfish grin on his face. She raised a single blonde eyebrow in confusion.
"Let me do it," Natsu said as released Lucy's wrist. "Now step back."
Lucy was still confused, but she obeyed and took a step away from Natsu. The dragon's slayers grin widened as he raised his foot, which was aimed directly at the door.
"Mira-chan can we get three beers over here?" A guild member called out, as he raised three fingers.
"Sure thing," Mirajane said with a smile, as she walked back towards the bar.
"Mira-chaaan!" Wakaba called out.
"Yes, what is it Wakaba?" Mirajane asked, as she stopped in front of Wakaba's table.
Wakaba smiled as he blew three smoke hearts into the air.
"Let's go out on a date sometime." Wakaba said, earning several glares from the other male guild members.
Mirajane sighed before she was surrounded by a cloud of smoke. When the smoke dissipated Mirajane was replaced with Wakaba's wife.
"You have a wife don't you Wakaba?" Mirajane scolded, as she wagged her finger.
"AHHH! DON'T TRANSFORM INTO MY WIFE!" Wakaba screamed, as he quickly averted his eyes.
All the surrounding guild members burst out laughing at Wakaba's expense. Mirajane giggled as she dropped her transformation.
"Besides Wakaba, I already have my eyes set on someone." Mirajane said with a wink, before she walked off.
The jaws of all the male guild members simultaneously hit the floor. What lucky bastard could Mirajane possibly be interested in? The white-haired beauty had walked off before they could pry any info out of her.
Mirajane blushed madly, as she set the tray of empty mugs down onto the bar.
"I can't believe I just said that!" Mirajane thought, as she pressed a hand against her flushed cheeks. "There is no way I can let anyone know I've got a crush on Natsu."
As if on cue the doors to the guild burst open.
"WE'RE HOME!" Natsu screamed, as he stepped into the guild.
Lucy stood off to the side wide-eyed. She had no idea that Natsu was going to literally kick the doors open, almost blowing them off their hinges in the process.
"Natsu, Happy welcome back!" Mirajane said with a warm smile.
"I'm so glad you're back Natsu." Mirajane thought just as she spotted Lucy standing in the doorway sheepishly. "Now who is this girl, and why is she with Natsu?"
"Hey Natsu! I overheard what happened in Hargeon." Krov said, as he closed his eyes and grinned. (A/N Turns out the guy who gives Natsu the tip about Salamander has a name. Actually a lot of the back ground guild members have names, and are kinda fleshed out it's pretty interesting) "Don't you think you went a little over..."
When Krov opened his eyes, he was meet with the sight of Natsu's foot inches away from his face.
"...board." As soon as the words left Krov's mouth, he was sent flying across the guild by the force of Natsu's kick.
"That's for giving me false info you bastard!" Natsu said with a grin, as he stood over Krov's unconscious body.
"My, my now that Natsu is back the guild may be torn apart soon." Mirajane said with a warm smile, as she watched Natsu brawl with several other guild members.
"It's already torn apart!" Wakaba yelled, as Natsu slammed a guild member into a table.
Lucy watched the chaos unfold before her with rapt attention. A smile was on her face, as she watched Natsu throw another guild member into the wall.
"I'm finally at Fairy Tail." Lucy said to herself, as she clutched a hand over her racing heart. "I finally made it."
"Oi!" A voice yelled out from besides Lucy, causing her to jump in surprise. She looked to see a dark-haired boy, who was only wearing a pair of stripped boxers and a silver necklace with a small sword on the end. "Did I hear that Natsu is back! Let's settle our fight from earlier, you flame-brained punk!"
"Gray," a feminine voice called out. "Have you been walking around like that?"
The boy, now identified as Gray, looked down and noticed that he was only wearing his boxers.
"GAH! WHEN THE FUCK DID I EVEN DO THIS! CANA SAY SOMETHING SOONER NEXT TIME!" Gray screamed, as his eyes widened.
Lucy turned to the person who had addressed Gray. She saw a brown-haired woman sitting on a nearby table. The woman named Cana was dressed in a bikini top and a pair of brown pants.
"Tch, another one of those undignified guys..." Cana said, as she hoisted a large barrel of alcohol over her head. "That I really hate."
Lucy was flabbergasted when she saw Cana start to drink directly from the barrel.
"HEY! NATSU! FIGHT ME!" Gray yelled, as he walked towards the dragon slayer.
"What trash," a voice from behind Lucy said. When Lucy turned around she was shocked to see a white-haired man towering over her. "Arguing and squabbling in the middle of the day. You're all not little kids you know."
The man stepped forward and cracked his knuckles.
"Real men fight with their fists, not their words!" The newcomer exclaimed, as he prepared to take a swing at Gray and Natsu.
"STAY OUT OF THIS ELFMAN!" Natsu and Gray yelled, as they punched Elfman clear across the guild. Elfman crashed into the far wall, and immediately fell unconscious.
Lucy sweatdropped as she watched the now named Elfman slump on to the floor.
"I guess he was just all talk." Lucy said, as she heard another person speak up from besides her.
"Hrmm it's so noisy in here." The man said, as he adjusted his glasses.
Lucy went wide-eyed, as she recognized the mage.
"No way, that's Loke the top ranked "Mage you want to have as you boyfriend." he looks so cool." Lucy said just as two girls suddenly hugged Loki's sides.
"For you two ladies, I'll join in that fight." Loke said with a charming smile.
"Good luck!" Both girls cheered with hearts in their eyes.
"And his image is ruined for me." Lucy said with a sigh. "What's with this place? Is no one here normal?"
"Oh, you're that new girl that showed up with Natsu."
Lucy turned to the new voice, and was surprised to see Mirajane standing beside her. The white-haired bar maid was smiling sweetly at Lucy.
"Yo-You're the real M-Mirajane!" Lucy cheered like a schoolgirl. A chair smashing into the wall nearby drew Lucy's attention back to the guild wide brawl. "Don't we have to stop them?!"
"Don't worry," Mirajane replied sweetly. "This happens all the time. "And..."
Out of nowhere a bottle came flying in, and struck Mirajane in the head.
"KYA! Mirajane-san are you okay!?" Lucy screamed with a horrified look on her face.
But Mirajane was back up and smiling a few seconds later.
"...Besides, isn't this really fun?!" Mirajane said with a smile, as a small trail of blood tricked from her forehead.
"IT'S INSANE!" Lucy yelled, just as Gray landed next to her.
But Lucy now stood slack jawed, as Gray turned to face her. He was now completely naked, and he stood a mere few feet away from her. On the other side of the guild Natsu twirled Gray's boxers around his index finger triumphantly.
"You son of a bitch, not again!" Gray screamed, as he quickly covered himself.
Gray spotted Lucy and smiled at her.
"Excuse me miss, may I borrow your underwear?" Gray asked, but he was immediately met with Lucy's fist.
"NO FUCKING WAY!" Lucy screamed as she blushed madly.
Suddenly Lucy felt herself being scooped up and carried. She looked to see that Loke was carrying her in his arms.
"People with no grace are so annoying, don't you think?" Loke asked with a wink. "By the way, which modeling agency do you work for?"
"What the hell is going on!?" Lucy exclaimed, just as Loke was punched in the face.
Lucy quickly scrambled to her feet, and hid near the back of the guild.
"MEN FIGHT WITH THEIR FISTS!" Elfman exclaimed, as he rushed back into the brawl.
But Elfman hadn't ran more than ten feet before he met Natsu's fist.
"I said you're getting in our way damnit!" Natsu exclaimed, as he hit Elfman with a strong right hook.
"AH! It's so noisy. I can't even drink in peace." Cana said, as a vein bulged on her forehead. "It's time to end this you guys."
Cana suddenly pulled out a tarot card, and it started to glow with magical energy.
"I've had it!" Gray exclaimed as he punched a fist into his palm. Frost and ice formed in the air around his hands. "Ice Make..."
"RAAAH!" Elfman roared, as he raised his arm into the air. A magic circle surrounded his arm, and transformed his normal arm into a stone one.
"What a troublesome bunch of idiots." Loke said with a sigh, as he twisted the ring on his index finger. The ring started to glow, as a magic circle formed over it.
"COME AND GET ME! HAHAHA!" Natsu laughed wildly, as he engulfed his hands in flames.
"They're gonna use magic!?" Lucy exclaimed, as she felt the magic power in the room skyrocket.
"Oh my, it looks like things are getting a little out of hand." Mirajane said with a sweatdrop. "I hope Natsu will be okay."
Lucy turned her head, and gave Mirajane a questioning look.
"Why is she focusing solely on Natsu?" Lucy thought with slightly narrowed eyes.
"THAT'S ENOUGH YOU IDIOTS!" A new voice boomed, as a monster sized foot slammed into the ground.
Lucy slowly turned around, and what she saw nearly made her pee her pants. Standing in the center of the guild was a massive shadowy figure, the figure was so tall that it almost reached the ceiling.
"CUT IT OUT!" The figure roared, making everyone freeze in place.
"HE'S HUMONGOUS!" Lucy screamed, as her eyes bulged.
"Oh, you were here Master Makarov?" Mirajane asked, as she looked up at the towering figure.
"That's this guilds master?!" Lucy exclaimed, as she pointed a shaky finger.
"HAHAHAHA! You were all scared shitless!" Natsu laughed with his hands on his hips. "I guess I win this one!"
Suddenly Natsu was crushed underneath the shadowy figure's foot. The towering creature turned it's head towards Lucy.
"AH! I see we have a newcomer."
"Y-Yes," Lucy stuttered out, as she started to shake uncontrollably.
Lucy was shocked when the massive figure started to shrink and shrink. After a few moments instead of a large, shadowy figure there was an extremely short old man.
"Nice to meet you," Makarov said with a wave. "And who might you be?"
Before Lucy could speak Natsu had run up and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Jii-chan, this is my good friend Lucy HeartHMPH!" Before Natsu could finish, Lucy had slapped her hand over his mouth.
"Would excuse us for a sec?" Lucy said with a smile, before she dragged Natsu off.
"What are you doing you idiot?!" Lucy hissed, as she slapped Natsu's arm.
"I was introducing you." Natsu said with a confused look. "What? Was I not supposed to?"
At Natsu's look of utter confusion, Lucy was instantly regretful for getting angry at Natsu.
"No, it's not that Natsu." Lucy said with a sigh. "I just don't want people to know my last name."
"Why?" Natsu asked, as he raised a pink eyebrow.
"My family runs a very profitable and powerful company, so we have lot's of money." Lucy explained, as she looked at the floor. "I just don't want people to treat me special just because I'm a Heartfilia. I want them to treat me as my own person. I want this guild to know me not as Lucy Heartfilia, but just as Lucy."
Lucy was surprised when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Natsu smiling warmly at her.
"Don't worry Lucy I understand." Natsu said as he started to lead Lucy back towards Makarov. "I won't say anything, you can tell people when you're ready."
"Thanks Natsu," Lucy said, as she gave Natsu her own smile.
"No problem Lucy, we're nakama right?" Natsu said with a wide grin.
For some reason that word made Lucy's flutter, and a small blush spread across her face.
"Yeah, of course we're nakama Natsu." Lucy replied, as she tried to fight her blush.
Natsu and Lucy returned to Makarov, who was waiting for them patiently.
"Sorry about that," Natsu said, as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Like I was saying, this is my good friend Lucy."
"Hello!" Lucy said with a big smile, as she waved at Makarov. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine, dear." Makarov said, before he jumped into the air.
Doing several flips through the air, Makarov was about to land on a railing on the second level. But he misjudged his angle, and hit the railing head first. After grumbling a few profanities, Makarov rose and stood on the railing. Sighing, Makarov pulled a large stack of papers out of his jacket.
"You've damn fools have done it again." Makarov said, as he shook the papers in his hand. "These are all complaints from the council."
Makarov then started to list all the complaints he had received. Gray had walked around a town naked after he had wiped out a smuggling organization, and he ran away after he stole drying underwear. Elfman assaulted the VIP he was assigned to escort, after the man told Elfman that "men were all about education." Cana drank fifteen barrels of alcohol, and charged them all to the council. Loke flirted with a council members granddaughter, and damaged a talent agency. After listing most of the complaints, Makarov hung his head and released a heavy sigh.
"...And then there's you Natsu." Makarov said, getting the dragon slayers attention. "You destroyed the Devon Thief Family, but also destroyed seven other houses. Then you leveled a historical clock tower in Tuly Village. Burning down a church in Freesia. Damaging part of Lupinus Castle. Nazuna Observatory has collapsed, and has stopped working, and lastly you destroyed half of Hargeon's port."
Lucy sweatdropped at Natsu, who was looking at the floor in embarassment.
"So most of the articles in the Weekly Sorcerer were done by Natsu, huh." Lucy thought, as Natsu kicked a small piece of debris in frustration.
"Everyone," Makarov called out, getting all the guild member's attention. "The council is seriously pissed off at me this time."
Makarov clenched his fist, and he started to tremble slightly. Lucy was afraid he was going to start yelling at them. But she was surprised when Makarov started to chuckle. Makarov raised the pile of complaints into the air. His hand was suddenly engulfed in flames, burning the papers.
"Screw the council." Makarov said, as he tossed the burning pile of paper. Natsu was quick to react, he ran up and grabbed the flaming pile of complaints. With a content smile, Natsu started to eat the flames. "Listen up you brats. The power to overcome reasoning comes from reasoning. Magic is not some miracle. When the magic flow within us connects with the magic flow in nature, they will form an embodiment for the first time. You all will need to have strong mentality, and a lot of concentration for that. I mean pouring everything you've got into something is the magic. If you're always worrying about being scolded by the higher-ups, you'll never improve your magic. So do not fear those idiots on the council."
Everyone one in the guild was grinning from ear to ear. This type of speech was a common thing for them, and they all knew how it would end.
"DO WHATEVER YOU THINK IS RIGHT!" Makarov cheered, as he raised his arms into the air. "THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FAIRY TAIL MAGE!"
The entire guild burst into a chorus of cheers and applause. Makarov's speech roared life back into the guild, and eventually everyone started partying.
Several hours later, after the party had died down. Lucy was placing her hand on a table in the guild, as excitement raced through her veins.
"Do you want it here?" Mirajane asked, with a magic stamper in her hand.
"YES!" Lucy exclaimed, as a grin spread across her face.
"And what color would you like?" Mirajane asked, as she flicked through a few different colors. "We've got a lot to choose from."
"Hmm," Lucy said, as she looked around. She was trying to find something to spark some inspiration for the color she wanted. The she saw it, across the guild hall Natsu was chatting with a few guild members, and shoveling flaming food into his mouth. "I'll take pink."
"Pink?" Mirajane questioned, as she followed Lucy's gaze. She saw that Lucy was gazing intently at Natsu, with a small smile on her face. Mirajane sighed as she pressed the stamper down onto Lucy's hand. It looked like she had another girl vying for Natsu's attention. Erza was bad enough already, but now she had to deal with this blonde newcomer. What surprised Mirajane was how close Natsu and Lucy looked already. Mirajane could remember Natsu mentioning Lucy once or twice off hand, but he hadn't seen her in years. But the minute Natsu and Lucy reunite, they're acting like they were long lost best friends or something.
"Try as hard as you want Lucy, but I won't let you take him from me. The same goes for you Erza." Mira thought with a smirk, as she walked back to the bar.
"Whoa!" Lucy's eyes were shining, as she gazed at the pink Fairy Tail marker on her hand. "Natsu! Look! Mira-san gave me a Fairy Tail marker."
"That's great Luigi," Natsu said, as he barely paid attention.
"IT'S LU-" But Lucy was cut off when Natsu quickly spun around to face her, a wide grin on his face.
"I was just kidding Lucy," Natsu said with a laugh. "That's great to hear though, and it looks good on you."
"T-Thanks," Lucy said with a blush, as she clutched the hand with her Fairy Tail marker.
"Welp, I guess I should go on a job." Natsu said, as he walked towards the request board. "I need to pay for food somehow."
Natsu's eyes narrowed, as he scanned over the wide variety of quests.
"Hey Mira, is Erza in town?" Natsu called out, as he picked up a request.
"No, she went a mission a day after you left. She wanted to do something to pace the time until you came back," Mirajane replied with a smile, as she wiped down a beer mug. "She should be back in a few days."
"Okay," Natsu said, as he grabbed another request. "160,000 jewels for exterminating some thieves, sounds like we have a winner."
Just as Natsu was about to hand the request to Mira, a small boy ran into the guild. The boy ran right through guild, and straight up to Makarov.
"Is my daddy back yet?" The small boy asked, causing Natsu to turn and look at him.
"Your father is a mage Romeo, have a little faith in him. So stop being annoying, go home, and wait for him." Makarov replied, in a calm tone.
"He said he'd be back in three day." Romeo said, as tears built up in his eyes. "But it's been a whole week since then."
"Macao's job was at Mt. Hakobe, right?" Natsu thought, as he watched Romeo plead with Makarov.
"It's not that far!" Romeo exclaimed. "Please look for my father!"
"No way! Your father is a competent mage!" Makarov said, making Natsu clench his fists. "We have no mage who can't take care of themselves. Just go home and play or something!"
Romeo fought back tears, as he started to shake. Suddenly Romeo started to glare at Makarov.
"IDIOT!" Romeo screamed, as he punched Makarov in the face. Wiping away his tears, Romeo ran out of the guild.
"Huh, I never thought it would be so strict here." Lucy said, as she sat at the bar.
"Master is like that sometimes, but he's actually very worried about Macao." Mirajane said, as she stocked a few shelves.
Natsu crushed the request in his hand, and slammed it into the request board.
"Hey! Natsu! Don't break the damn request board." Nab said, as he looked at the smashed portion of the request board.
"What's he doing?" Lucy asked, as she watched Natsu walk over and grab his pack up off the floor. Then Natsu silently walked out of the guild.
"Master, Natsu's gonna do something stupid," Nab complained.
"I can guarantee he's going to help Macao." Makarov said, as he smiled with a pipe still in his mouth. "No one can change Natsu's mind once he's dead set on something. So just leave him alone."
"That's strange, I've never seen Natsu act like that." Lucy said, as she took a sip of her drink.
"The same thing happened with Natsu." Mirajane said, as she filled a couple mugs full of beer. "Maybe he saw himself in Romeo-kun. Natsu's father hasn't come back ever since he disappeared seven years ago. Though by father, I mean a foster father."
"You're talking about Igneel and Valinor right?" Lucy asked, making Mirajane's eyes widen.
"Yeah, did he tell you about them already?" Mirajane asked with a surprised expression.
"Natsu told me that he was raised by two dragons, and that they had disappeared. But he didn't tell me that they had been gone that long." Lucy answered, as she looked down into her drink.
"Well Igneel found Natsu in the forest when he was little." Mirajane explained with a small smile. "Natsu learned words, cultures, and magic from Igneel. We're all Fairy Tail mages, and we all carry something...wounds...pain...suffering...Even I carry pain in my heart as well."
"Huh?" Lucy said, as she perked up a little.
"Oh, no it's nothing really." Mirajane said as he put on a fake smile, but Lucy could hear the pain in her voice.
"It's about Lisanna isn't it?" Lucy asked with a sympathetic look.
Mirajane gasped as she felt tears sting her eyes.
"H-How did you know?" Mirajane asked with wide eyes.
Lucy sadly smiled, and grasped Mirajane's hand.
"Natsu told me what happened." Lucy explained, as she gave Mirajane's hand a slight squeeze. "I'm so sorry for you loss Mira-san. If you ever need anyone to talk to I'll gladly listen with open ears."
"T-Thank you L-Lucy." Mirajane stuttered out, as she held back her tears.
After giving Mirajane's hand on more squeeze, Lucy stood up from her seat.
"Well I better head out." Lucy said, as she stretched.
"Where are you going?" Mirajane asked, as she wiped away the tears that had formed in her eyes.
"I'm going to find Natsu," Lucy said with a smile. "Someone has to make sure that idiot doesn't blow up half that mountain. Bye Mira-san!"
With a quick wave, Lucy bolted out of the guild in search of Natsu.
"Hmm, maybe she isn't so bad after all." Mirajane thought with a small smile, as she watched the guild doors close behind Lucy.
After running for about five minutes, Lucy found Natsu on the outskirts of Magnolia. She spotted him just as he was stepping into a carriage. Right as the carriage started to move, Lucy quickly hopped inside surprising Natsu and Happy.
"Lucy?! What are you doing here?!" Natsu asked, completely shocked to see his blonde friend.
"What does it bother you?" Lucy replied with a smirk.
"N-No nothing like that!" Natsu quickly denied, as he waved his hands defensively.
"I'm just kidding Natsu," Lucy said with a chuckle. "I just wanted to come, and help you out. Also I had to make sure you didn't go overboard again."
"Oh, thanks LuHMPH!" Natsu was cut off as a sudden wave of nausea hit him.
Lucy sighed and patted her lap.
"Come on hothead, I'll help you out." Lucy said with a sympathetic smile.
"You're an angel Lucy." Natsu groaned out, as he laid his head in Lucy's lap.
"J-Just s-shut up, and relax." Lucy demanded, as her face turned bright red.
Like on the earlier train ride, Lucy started to gently run her fingers through Natsu's hair. They stayed like this for a majority of the carriage ride.
"Hmm I'll have to find a place to live after we help Macao-san." Lucy said mostly to herself after a while.
"You could live with Natsu and me." Happy suggested.
Lucy's face immediately flushed a deep shade of red at Happy's suggestion.
"T-Thanks for the offer, but I'd rather try and find my own place." Lucy said, as she tried to calm her blush.
A few moments later the carriage came to a stop.
"IT STOPPED!" Natsu yelled, as his head shot out of Lucy's lap.
"We're here already?" Lucy questioned.
"I-I'm sorry," Came the voice of the carriage driver. "I c-can't take you a-any farther with t-the carriage."
When Natsu opened the back doors to the carriage, they were hit with a strong gust of freezing wind. Natsu stepped out unfazed into the raging snowstorm, while Lucy started to shiver uncontrollably.
"What's going on?!" Lucy yelled over the harsh wind. "It's supposed to be summer time, why is there a raging snowstorm."
Lucy hugged herself to try and control her shivering.
"It's so cold!" Lucy said through chattering teeth.
"Well it's your fault for wearing so little." Natsu said, as he gestured toward Lucy's state of dress.
"It's not like you're all bundled up either!" Lucy screamed.
"My body is naturally heated, so I don't get cold." Natsu said with a grin.
"Can I borrow your blanket?" Lucy asked, as she pulled on the green blanket on Natsu's pack.
"Sure, just don't lose it." Natsu said with a smile.
Lucy immediately wrapped the blanket tightly around herself.
"I'm still c-cold." Lucy said in a dejected tone.
"Here," Natsu said, as he extended his arm. "Come closer, and you can share my body heat."
"N-NO! That's okay!" Lucy said, as her cheeks flushed in embarassment. "I-I have an idea."
Lucy reached onto her hip, and pulled out a silver key.
"O-Open Gate of the Clock! Horologium!"
A magic circle appeared in front of Lucy, as a grandfather clock materialized in front of her. The clock sprouted a pair of arms, leg, and a head. Before is stood up off the ground.
"WHOA! That's cool!" Happy cheered.
Lucy immediately crawled inside the clock, and wrapped herself in Natsu's blanket.
"I'll stay in here, she say." Horologium spoke for Lucy.
Natsu stared at Lucy for a moment before he shrugged. The dragon slayer started to walk in search of Macao, with Lucy and Horologium following behind him.
"What job did Macao-san come here for anyways? She says," Horologium asked.
"You came after me without finding that out?" Natsu asked with a raised eyebrow. "Macao came here to subdue the crazy monster, Balkan."
Lucy's eyes widened when she heard this, and she started to shiver in fear instead the cold.
"I want to go home, she says."
"You're free to leave anytime you want Lucy." Natsu said, as he turned to face her. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to."
"I'll stay, because someone needs to keep an eye on you, she says."
"That's the spirit Lucy!" Natsu exclaimed with a grin. "MACAO! ARE YOU HERE! DID BALKAN KILL YOUR SORRY ASS?!"
Natsu's shouts echoed throughout the mountain, but he received no reply in return. Suddenly a large figure landed in front of them. It was a large, white humanoid monkey. The creature quickly took a swing at Natsu, but the dragon slayer quickly flipped out of the way.
"THAT'S BALKAN!" Happy screamed as Natsu and Balkan stared each other down.
Quickly rushing forward, Balkan shoved Natsu out of the way, and headed straight for Lucy.
"AH! A human woman!" Balkan cheered, as he hoisted Horologium over his shoulder. "I'm definitely taking you with me!"
"Natsu help, she says!" Horologium called out, as Balkan carried Lucy and him away.
"So he can speak huh?" Natsu said with a grin, as he punched his palm, flames licking at his hands. "Come Happy let's go save Lucy, and I guess we can save Macao's sorry ass as well."
"Aye sir!"
"How did this happen," Lucy cried, as she continued to hid inside Horologium. The celestial spirit mage watched as Balkan danced around her. "And why the hell is this stupid monkey so hyper?!"
Lucy pressed her face against the glass on Horologium's chest, and sighed deeply.
"Natsu please hurry." Lucy whispered, just as Balkan pressed his face against the glass.
"Woman," Balkan said, as he tapped the glass.
Suddenly there was a poof, and Horologium was gone, leaving Lucy unprotected against Balkan.
"WAIT! Horologium don't disappear!" Lucy screamed, as she backed away from Balkan.
"I'm sorry, but my time is up, farewell." Horologium said, before he completely vanished.
"I NEED AN EXTENSION! PLEASE GIVE ME SOME MORE TIME!" Lucy screamed, as she cowered before Balkan.
"Pretty woman," Balkan said, as he reached out to touch Lucy.
"Don't touch her you monkey bastard!" Natsu screamed, as he burst into the cave. (A/N You have no idea how badly I wanted to make a Planet of the Apes reference, but I managed to restrain myself XD)
"Natsu!" Lucy exclaimed, as relief washed through her.
"Get the hell away from Lucy!" Natsu yelled, as he charged forward. "And where the hell is MacAHH SHIT!"
Natsu yelped as he slipped on the cave's icy floor. Doing several tumbles, Natsu slammed into the ice wall just past Lucy and Balkan.
"God damnit Natsu," Lucy said with sigh, as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Can you not make an ass of yourself for five minutes?"
"Hey you stupid monkey!" Natsu yelled, as he shook the ice shards from his hair. "Where is Macao?!"
"Huh?" Balkan said, as he turned away from Lucy to face Natsu.
"I know that you can understand me, I'm talking about Macao! A human man!" Natsu exclaimed, as he glared at Balkan.
"A man?" Balkan asked with a confused look, as he scratched his head.
"That's right!" Natsu said, as he pointed at Balkan. "Now where did you hide him you bastard?!"
"He thinks the monkey hid Macao-san?" Lucy asked herself, as her eyes suddenly widened. "Is Macao-san even alive?"
"Come, come!" Balkan said with a grin, as he gestured for Natsu to follow.
"I guess he understood me." Natsu said, as he followed Balkan.
The giant snow monkey lead Natsu to a hole in the whole. Once they reached the hole, Balkan pointed through it.
"What? Is he in there?" Natsu asked, as he peered through the hole.
Taking Natsu by surprise, Balkan grabbed the dragon slayer and threw him through the hole.
"YOU SNEAKY MOTHER FUCKER!" Nasty screamed, as plummeted down the mountain.
"NATSU!" Lucy screamed, as she shot to her feet.
"Me no like man," Balkan said, as he waved to the falling dragon slayer. "Me likes woman."
"NO! There's no way that Natsu is dead," Lucy said, stepping away from one of the openings in the wall. "We just reunited, and he's an amazing mage. He's fine, I know it in my heart that he's okay."
"Me no likes man. Me no likes man." Balkan chanted, pounding on his chest. "Woman, woman, woman."
"Woman! Woman! Is that all you can say you perverted bastard!" Lucy exclaimed, as she reached for a golden key. "What are you gonna do if Natsu got hurt?!"
Lucy grabbed Taurus' battle axe shaped key, and it started to glow with magical power.
"Open! Gate of the Golden Bull! Taurus!"
"MOOO!" Taurus roared, as he rose out of the ground in front of Lucy.
"A bull?!" Balkan asked, glaring at Taurus.
"Taurus, the most power celestial spirit I have will fight you!" Lucy yelled, as she pointed at Balkan. "You pervy monkey!"
"Lucy-san! You have nice breasts as always. They're moo-re amazing than ever." Taurus said with heart filled eyes.
"Ugh I forgot, he's a giant pervert too." Lucy said, as she rubbed her temples.
"HEY! Don't take my woman!" Balkan roared, with an angry expression.
"My woman?" Taurus said, as he turned his head to glare at Balkan. "What you said is moo-st unforgivable."
"That's right Taurus! Kick his ass!" Lucy cheered.
"You should have said my breasts instead of my woman." Taurus said, as he stalked towards Balkan.
"WHAT THE HELL! That's so not right!" Lucy screamed, as she covered her breasts.
"Horologium used up a lot of my magic power earlier. I just hope I have enough to make Taurus last for a while." Lucy thought, as she clenched her fists.
"I'm moo-re than ready!" Taurus yelled, as he charged towards Balkan, raising his massive battle axe.
"How dare you push me off the cliff!" A menacing voice said.
Everyone turned to see a shadowy figure standing in the hole Natsu had been pushed out of.
"NATSU!" Lucy called out, as a wave of relief washed through her. "You're okay!"
"Hrm?" Natsu said when he spotted Taurus. "WHAT?! There are more monsters!?"
Natsu ran up and kicked Taurus in the face. His powerful kick sent the celestial spirit flying back. With a crash, Taurus impacted onto the ground.
"I can't...take anymoo-re." Taurus said weakly, as he slumped onto the floor.
"KYA! Natsu what the hell was that for!?" Lucy screamed at the dragon slayer. "And to think I was worrying so much about you!" Lucy fumed for a few more seconds, before realization hit her. "Wait, how did you survive?"
"It's all thanks to Happy." Natsu said with a grin, as he pointed to the flying blue cat.
"You're welcome Natsu!" Happy said, as he waved at Lucy.
"That's right Happy can fly." Lucy stated, as she waved back at the cat.
"Aye! It's my magic ability!" Happy said with a smile.
"Wait, you can't handle transport, but you're okay with Happy?" Lucy asked with a confused look.
"What are you talking about?" Natsu asked, as he quirked his head. "Happy isn't transportation, he's my friend. You're weird sometimes Lucy."
"R-Right, I'm sorry." Lucy said with a sweatdrop. "Tch, can't believe he called me weird again."
"Listen Lucy, all of Fairy Tail's members are nakama." Natsu explained, as he turned to face Lucy. "From Jii-chan, Mira..."
As Natsu continued his explanation Balkan started to approach him from behind.
"N-Natsu it's coming!" Lucy said, as she pointed at Balkan, but the dragon slayer wasn't paying attention.
"...Then that icy prick Gray and Elfman..."
"I GOT IT NATSU! JUST TURN AROUND!" Lucy screamed, as Balkan neared Natsu.
"...To Happy and you, Lucy, we're all nakama." Lucy's eyes widened when he quickly spun around. "That's why I'm bringing Macao home!"
Balkan reared up, ready to slam its fists down onto Natsu.
"Lightning Dragon's Claw!"
Natsu delivered an electrically charged roundhouse kick to Balkan's face. The attack sent the large snow monkey flying past Lucy.
"Now tell me where Macao, or I'll burn you black as charcoal and pump you so full of electricity that you'll explode." Natsu threatened, as flames burned in his right hand and lightning sparked off of his left hand.
Balkan quickly shot up, with electricity still coursing through its body. Reaching up, Balkan grabbed several sharp icicles off the ceiling. Rearing back, Balkan hurled the icicles at Natsu.
"HAHA!" Natsu laughed, as his body became encompassed in bright flames. "Your ice won't work on my fire!"
Balkan looked for another weapon, and spotted Taurus' axe laying on the ground. Grinning wildly, Balkan picked the axe up, and hefted it onto his shoulder.
"Oh shit, that looks painful." Natsu said, as he started to sweat a little.
"RAHHHH!" Balkan roared, as he charged Natsu.
The snow monkey started to swing the massive axe wildly at Natsu. But the dragon slayer was effectively dodging all of the attacks...until he slipped on the ice again.
"Fuck again!?" Natsu exclaimed, as he lost his footing.
Smiling in victory, Balkan raised the axe and swung downward at Natsu, who was lying on the floor. But Natsu managed to catch the axe just a few inches from his face. It immediately became a battle of strength and endurance, as Natsu tried to keep the large axe from impaling him. Seeing that Natsu was in trouble, Lucy quickly sprinted over to Taurus.
"Taurus! Wake up and go back to the celestial spirit world!" Lucy exclaimed, as she frantically shook the large cow man. "If you disappear, then your axe will go too."
"You're not winning this, you monkey bastard!" Natsu yelled, as his hands became engulfed in flames.
The blade in Natsu's hands quickly started to melt under the intense heat of his flames. Natsu began to eat the liquified metal that dripped down.
"No way, he's melting the blade." Lucy whispered in awe. "He's eating it too."
"Here I come!" Natsu exclaimed, as he tossed the melted axe to the side. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Natsu cocked his flaming fist back, and punched Balkan in the face. Balkan went flying back into the wall, its face charred and burned.
"Uh, weren't you supposed to ask it where Macao-san is?" Lucy questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Ah shit! I forgot!" Natsu exclaimed, as the flames around his fist died out.
"Man, he's out for the count." Lucy said, as she scratched her head.
Natsu's eyes widened, as he watched Balkan slowly start to fall apart.
"GAH! What the hell is going on?!" Natsu screeched, as he jumped back.
When Balkan completely disappeared, Macao was left in his place.
"That monkey became Macao!" Natsu exclaimed in complete shock.
"Oh!" Happy cheered, as he jumped in the air. "So Macao was 'taken over' by Balkan."
"Taken over?" Lucy repeated with a confused look.
"It's a type of magic that let's you take over somethings body," Happy explained.
Just then the wall behind Macao gave out, and her fell through the opening.
"Son of a bitch!" Natsu exclaimed, as he rushed forward.
The dragon slayer managed to catch Macao's leg just before he was out of reach. But Natsu's momentum carried him through the hole as well. Luckily Happy was quick to react, and grabbed the back of Natsu's pants.
"I can't keep holding you two up!" Happy said through grit teeth. "My wings are about to disappear."
"SHIT! THIS ISN'T GOOD!" Natsu screamed, as he felt Happy's grip slipping.
"Don't worry guys!" Lucy exclaimed, as she grabbed Happy's tail.
"Lucy! Thank God you're here!" Natsu exclaimed with a grin.
"Crap you guys are heavy!" Lucy groaned out, as her muscles began to burn.
"No moo-re need to worry Lucy-san." Taurus said with a smile, as he began to pull everyone up.
"Thank you Taurus, you're just in time." Lucy said, as she let her aching muscles relax.
"BULL MAN!" Natsu cheered. "You're a good man!"
Taurus pulled everyone back into the cave, before he returned to the celestial spirit world. Natsu gently laid Macao on the floor, as Lucy began to inspect his wounds.
"Here," Natsu said as he handed Lucy a small box of medical supplies. "These should help."
"Thanks," Lucy said as she took the box. "It looks like he fought fiercely before he was taken over."
Lucy began to clean Macao's wound, and put bandages on him. She gently swabbed Macao's cuts with alcohol.
"This wound here is really serious." Lucy said, as she did her best to clean the large laceration on Macao's side.
After cleaning the wound, Lucy got a solemn look on her face.
"The wound on his side is too deep." Lucy explained, as she fought back tears. "We can't do anything else with the first aid kit we have."
Natsu sighed and raised a flaming hand.
"Wai-"
Lucy was cut of when Natsu pressed his flaming palm against Macao's side.
"What are you doing!" Lucy exclaimed in shock.
"I'm cauterizing the wound," Natsu explained. "It's the best we can do to keep right now! Just be a man, and take the pain Macao! Lucy hold his ass down!"
Macao began to wreath and scream in pain. Lucy did her best to hold the thrashing man down, as Natsu cauterized the cut on his side.
"Don't you dare die on us!" Natsu exclaimed, as sweat dripped off his brow. "Romeo is back home waiting for you!"
"GAH!" Macao roared in pain. "*Cough* *cough* shit...what a shame."
Wave of relief flowed through Natsu, Lucy, and Happy when they heard Macao speak.
"I managed to...get 19...of them." Macao said, his voice was hoarse and weak. "Ugh! I was taken over by the 20th one."
"I understand, but don't speak anymore!" Natsu exclaimed, his voice full of irritation. "Your wound might open up again!"
"What?!...There was more than one of those monkey things?!" Lucy thought, as her eyes widened. "I can't believe Macao-san took on such a dangerous job by himself."
"I'm so angry at myself." Macao said, as he put his face in his hand. "Damn it...How can I possibly face Romeo now?"
"I SAID SHUT UP!" Natsu yelled in anger. "DO YOU WANT ME TO PUNCH YOU?!"
"Tch, you're the same as always." Macao said with a chuckle. "Now help me up, I have to get home to my son."
Lucy smiled, as she watched Natsu support Macao.
"Amazing I'm really no match for them." Lucy thought, as she quickly followed behind Natsu and Macao.
(Back in Magnolia)
Romeo sat on a bench outside the park in the center of Magnolia. He sighed, as he looked down at his feet.
"Dad, Natsu-nii, Lucy-nee please come back soon." Romeo said, as he felt teas sting his eyes.
"Hey buddy did you call for us?"
Romeo slowly raised his head to see Natsu, Lucy, Happy, and his father standing in front of him. A smile spread across Romeo's face when he saw his father. But then he remembers that all this was his fault. Romeo remembered how other kids kept on teasing him.
"What's so great about Fairy Tail mages?"
"They're a bunch of drunk assholes!"
"No they're not!" Romeo yelled at the kids that were picking on him.
"Mages are cowards!"
"I'd rather become a knight when I grow up, not some stupid mage!"
"Mages reek like alcohol."
All these hurtful words stung Romeo, so later that night he confronted his father.
"Daddy! Go do something great! Show those bullies that they're wrong!" Romeo exclaimed, which shocked Macao greatly. "I-I don't want us to be insulted like this forever!"
Tears filled Romeo's eyes, as he saw that his dad was badly hurt.
"D-Dad...I'm so sorry...I" Romeo stuttered out, as he started to shake slightly.
Suddenly Romeo felt his father hug him.
"I'm the one that should be sorry Romeo, I made you worry." Macao said, as he held his son tightly. "I'm sorry that I scared you."
"I-It's okay...I'm the son of a mage after all." Romeo said, as he returned his father's embrace.
"Hey, if those little shits tease you again." Macao said, as smirked at Romeo. "Ask them if their old man can defeat 19 monsters by himself! Okay?"
Romeo grinned at his father, as a few tears fell from his eyes. When Romeo turned around her saw Natsu, Lucy, and Happy walking away.
"Natsu-nii! Happy! THANK YOU!" Romeo shouted to the retreating trio. "AND!...THANK YOU TOO LUCY-NEE!"
"Come Lucy," Natsu said with a grin, as he grabbed Lucy's hand. "Let's find you a place to live."
Lucy's face burned bright red, as Natsu lead her through the streets of Magnolia.
"I haven't even been in Fairy Tail a day, and I've already had my first adventure." Lucy thought with a warm smile, as she looked at Natsu. "And it's all thanks to you Natsu. Without you none of this would have ever happened, thank you."
And that's chapter 3 down! Wow that was a long one to write. I was planning to write the Dear Kabby Arc in this chapter too. But then this chapter would have been around 16-18 thousand words long, and it would have taken me a lot longer to get out. So instead I opted to just do the Macao arc. Remember that I'm gonna leave the poll up on my profile until the next chapter so please vote. So what did you guys thing. Please remember to follow/favorite, PLEASE REVIEW I NEED FEEDBACK, BECAUSE IT MOTIVATES ME TO KEEP WRITING, and PM me any ideas you might have for this story. So until next time I'm outta here.