Here's a flashback chapter on the whole background of Natsu, Gray, and Lisanna.
Dated to three years ago, just before Natsu joined the Dragon Slayer gang.
"That's some pretty good skating there," came a voice off to the side. Natsu came to a stop, flipping his board up. He wiped the sweat of his head as he looked over. A guy around his age with blonde hair stood there, flanked by one other guy on either side of him.
"Uh, thanks," Natsu said, and met eyes with Gray for a second in a look that seemed to say 'that was random.' Lisanna sat off to the side of the skate park on the bleachers. She sent him a questioning look, and Natsu just shrugged. He made as if to start skating again, but was suddenly cut off in his path by the blonde guy, who zoomed by him and into the bowl. Natsu watched as the guy did a pretty big front side air, coming back down and up the other side of the bowl. He came to a stop in front of Natsu.
"That was a nice air you got there," said Natsu, not really sure what this guy wanted.
The blonde guy scoffed, but then abruptly held out a hand, "I'm Sting," he said.
"Natsu," answered Natsu, shaking his hand, still confused.
"So today seems to be your lucky day," said Sting.
"And why is that?" Asked Natsu warily.
"Because," said Sting, "We are the Dragon Slayers."
At this Natsu was surprised. He exchanged glances with Gray once again, who stood off to the side by Lisanna, skateboard in hand. They had heard of the Dragon Slayers- who hadn't? They were a group of skilled skaters who had come together to form a gang, which they called the Dragon Slayers. The leader was Laxus, until recently, when rumor had it that he had to quit the gang to join with his father's business. Now Gajeel Redfox was in charge.
"What are you guys doing around here?" Asked Natsu, now interested in where this was going.
"Gajeel sent us out to scout to find someone else for the group, since Laxus left," Sting smirked, "So what we're saying is that we've been watching you, and we think you have what it takes to be a Slayer."
Natsu was taken aback, "Wait- are you serious?"
There was a snort from a the brown haired guy who had come with Sting, "Duh."
"You guys...want me to join your group?" Natsu repeated.
"Yep," said Sting, "So what do you say?"
Natsu looked over at Gray and Lisanna, who both had astonished looks on their faces. Natsu looked back at Sting.
"What about my friend over there- he's as good as I am, so he can join too, right?"
"Afraid not," said Sting, "We're only in the market for one skater. But I'm sure your friend understands- this is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Sting looked over at Gray, "You understand, right?" Gray stood there motionless.
"See?" Said Sting, "It's all good."
Natsu thought for a moment. Sure, it would be cool to be a Dragon Slayer- wasn't that every skater's dream? But...Gray was his best friend, not to mention Lisanna. They were a group in their own- his friends- he couldn't just leave them.
Natsu sighed, "If Gray can't join, then I can't either. I can't leave my friends."
Sting looked a little surprised, as did the other two guys with him, "Now really? You're missing out on a big opportunity."
Natsu shrugged, "I'm sorry."
The brown haired guy from before snarled, "Dude, who do you think you are? You can't just refuse to-"
He was cut off by Sting, "Now Cobra, maybe he just needs a little time to think about it, eh?"
Natsu was about to deny it, and that he made made his decision, but Sting spoke up again.
"We'll be here at Friday evening at five when you change your mind. We'll be here." And with that he threw out his skateboard, jumping onto it and leading the other two guys away and down the street.
"That was weird," said Natsu as he walked home with Gray and Lisanna.
"Yeah," said Gray, "Why would they want you and not me?"
Natsu shoved his arm, "Obviously because I'm better," he grinned. Gray rolled his eyes.
He nudged Natsu with his arm, "I knew you wouldn't betray us like that, we're your friends, and friends don't betray each other."
"So what are you going to do about Friday?" Asked Lisanna.
"That's easy," said Gray, "He just won't show up. That'll let them know exactly what's up."
Natsu nodded absently as Gray continued, "Besides, with it being three days away, Natsu'll probably forget about it anyways." All three of them laughed. When they got to Natsu's place, Natsu turned to them, interrupting a discussion between Gray and Lisanna that he had zoned out of.
"You guys want to come in?"
Gray glanced at Lisanna, almost too quick for the eye to see. Natsu didn't notice.
"Nah," said Gray, "I should probably get home."
"Me too," said Lisanna.
"Okay," Natsu said, shrugging, "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
Lisanna smiled before turning away, "Bye Natsu!"
"Seeya, flame-brain," said Gray.
"Whatever, ice-freak," Natsu replied with a grin, heading inside. It was a secret inside joke that he and Gray and Lisanna had. One time they had been out skating during the middle of summer, and Gray had taken his shirt off, like usual. Natsu had teased him about being a stripper (also per usual) and Gray had made some comment about Natsu being a prude. They had then proceeded to chuck their beverages at each other. Gray had ice-cold water, while Natus had red kool aid, hot from being left out in the sun.
It was three days later, Friday, when Natsu, Gray, and Lisanna had decided to meet to go to the water park at two. Natsu left a little early, trying to escape his mom's tirade on helping her clean the house. He was walking over to the big tree in the park that they usually met at when getting together, expecting to wait there for his friends. He was confused, however, when he spotted two figures already over there. When he decided that they hadn't seen him yet, he went into Ninja mode, creeping ever closer along the bushes to see who had stolen him and his friend's spot. He was surprised to find that it was Gray and Lisanna, and was about to reveal himself when he noticed something.
They were standing awfully close, and Natsu didn't know why that had caused him to feel the need to keep hidden. But then he saw Gray reach forward and grab both of Lisanna's hands in his. He shifted on his hind legs, peering through the bushes. What was going on?
"I've been wanting to tell you this for a while," said Gray. Lisanna flushed.
"Yeah?" She said, not trusting her voice for any more words.
"I...uh...I really like you, Lisanna," Gray confessed, lowering his head a little as if embarrassed. Natsu was confused- what was the big deal? They were all friends, so they all liked each other, right?
Lisanna was smiling, looking at Gray with an expression that Natsu had never seen before, "Me too," she breathed out. Gray grinned, and leaned in to kiss her.
Natsu froze, eyes wide. Seeing his two friends kiss, struck something inside of him, and he realized just what they had meant by 'like.' But... that couldn't be...they were all just friends! Natsu suddenly found himself angry. How could they do this to him? This was like...like breaking their friendship! It wash't fair to the group! And if Gray and Lisanna were together, then where did that leave him?
Natsu made a choking noise in the back of his throat as the two shifted closer- still kissing- and Gray wrapped his arms around her waist. Natsu stood, effectively revealing himself to the two, but they didn't notice- what with being...preoccupied...and all. He stepped back slowly, disbelief on his face, and stepped on a twig.
That seemed to bring them out of their trance. Breaking off from him, Lisanna opened her eyes to see Natsu, a shocked expression on his face. Her dazed countenance quickly changed to one of horror, causing Gray to turn and see what she was looking at. He stopped.
"Natsu," he said uneasily, each second making him more aware of what Natsu had just witnessed, "I-"
"Friends," spat Natsu, "Friends don't betray each other. Who's betraying who now?"
Gray looked taken aback at Natsu repetition of Gray's earlier words.
"I wasn't-"
"Natsu," cut in Lisanna, "We were going to tell you, it just took a while for us to get up the courage to-"
"A while?" Repeated Natsu, "Just how long has this been going on?"
Lisanna lowered her eyes, glancing at Gray. Gray stood there, speechless.
"You know what?" Said Natsu bitterly, "Whatever. I get it, you guys don't need me anymore now, right?"
"No, Natsu," Gray and Lisanna both said, stumbling over their words.
"We still want to be friends, Natsu," said Lisanna, "This doesn't have to change anythi-"
"Doesn't have to change anything? This changes everything," Natsu said in a strangely calm voice. A voice like stone.
"Natsu," said Gray.
"No, Gray, just don't even. I can't even believe I trusted you guys."
"Trusted us?" Gray fumed, "Of course you can trust us! Do you think we planned this?"
Natsu shrugged, "Does it really matter?" He said, shaking his head, "Whatever. Do whatever the heck you want, I'm outa here." He turned on his heel and stalked off. No one followed him.
Once Natsu was out of sight, Gray turned to Lisanna. She was crying.
"Lisanna!" He said, surprised. He went to her, wrapping her in his arms. He raised his left hand, wiping the tears from her eyes as they came.
"He...he...he hates us now!" She sobbed.
"No, no," Gray said softly, "He doesn't hate us. He just needs some time to cool down. You know how that hot-head is," he said, trying to make her crack a smile. Lisanna pressed a face against his chest, nodding.
Natsu was fuming. How could they just ruin their friendship like that? Some friends. He stopped in his path, realizing that he had been walking for quite a while in no particular direction. He looked around him, recognizing the street that the skatepark was on. He didn't have his skateboard with him, unfortunately, but headed there anyway, needing some place to think.
As he approached the park, he realized there were a few skaters there. He was about to turn away when someone called out his name. Natsu turned, wondering who it was that knew him.
Sting was walking up to him, skate board in hand.
"Natsu, dude," he said, "You're a little early. It's only four fifteen."
Natsu blinked. Had he really been walking around for nearly three hours? Well actually, it made sense. The skate park was in the opposite direction of the water park. He probably even passed his house without noticing.
Natsu must of made some reply, because then Sting said, "Hey, where's your board?"
Natsu looked down at his empty hands and opened his mouth to say something, but Sting interrupted again. It seemed to be something he did a lot.
"Well, whatever dude. Hey Gajeel!" Sting called out to one of the guys over at the skate park. An older guy with multiple piercings and shaggy black hair headed over.
"This is Natsu- that kid I was telling you about?"
"Hey," said the Gajeel-guy in a voice like gravel, "So you're our knew recruit, huh? Don't look like you're made outa much." He gestured to Natsu's significantly shorter form.
Natsu looked at him for a moment, remembering suddenly that today was the day Sting wanted to meet him at the park. He had forgotten about it- in fact he wasn't supposed to come because he had promised his friends-
His friends.
Natsu raised an eyebrow at Gajeel, "That would be me. Why don't you hand over your board and I'll show you exactly what I'm made of."
Gajeel grinned at him, showing slightly sharper teeth, "Nice pick, Sting. I like this kid," he gave Natsu a hard pat on the back, "Welcome to the Dragon Slayers."
"I thought you said he just needed time to cool off?" Lisanna said to Gray, sitting at her customary spot on the bleachers.
"I know. Just relax, he'll be here. He can't stay away from the park for too long," Gray said, but didn't sound too convincing. He looked around- suddenly spotting something.
"There he is!" Lisanna looked over, and they both inwardly relaxed at the sight of him. So all hope wasn't lost after all...
"Wait, who's with him?" Lisanna said, furrowing her brow. Gray looked at the approaching skater again, noticing that there were indeed other guys with him. He narrowed his eyes.
"Crap," he said, glancing over at Lisanna. She looked pale.
"That's the Dragon Slayers, isn't it," she said. Gray could only look on as the group approached.
"Well, looks like someone's already here," said Gajeel, "Sorry kid, but we're taking over this park for the next little while, so scram."
Gray stood his ground, turning to look at Natsu, who looked decidedly unperturbed at seeing them here.
"Natsu, what are you doing here?"
"Oh ho," said Gajeel, "You know our newest recruit? Who is this kid?" His last question was directed at Natsu.
Natsu cocked his head casually, "Nobody."
Gray stepped forward, raising a fist at him, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Natsu simply shrugged.
"Oooh, drama," said Cobra, "You guys gonna have a skate-off?"
Gray crossed his arms, "I'm up for it- if Natsu isn't too scared to skate against an old friend."
Natsu raised his chin, "Hah? Scared? In your dreams."
Rogue spoke up for the first time, "So what are your bets?"
"Bets?" Natsu and Gray said at the same time. They glared at each other. Lisanna had yet to say anything, watching her two friends fearfully.
"How about your girlfriend here," suggested Sting.
Gray narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean?"
Sting scoffed, "What do you think? Skate-off for the girl, of course."
Gray growled, "She not just some trophy that can be fought over."
Natsu cut in, "No. I like that idea. We skate-off, and whoever wins get's Lisanna."
"No way," said Gray, "She's already mine anyway, so if I win, nothing changes."
"So? What do you want then?" Said Sting.
Gray was silent for a moment, "If you lose, you have to quit the Dragon Slayers."
The other guys all guffawed.
"Hah. Deal," said Natsu.
"Full park," said Gajeel, "You can use the whole thing. Who ever does the coolest trick in their run wins."
"That's seems a little unfair," said Gray, "Considering Natsu's with you guys."
Gajeel shrugged his shoulders, "If he can't been you, then I don't want him with us anyways. You don't havta worry about it being unfair."
"Whatever," Gray said, "Natsu goes first then."
Natsu stepped up to the edge of the bowl and entered in one swift motion. He quickly completed an Incredible, and then a gingersnap, before hopping out of the bowl.
Gray took his place. He dropped in and did a nice air over one of the skatepark edges. His other trick was one he had been practicing for a while. Picking up speed, he flew into the air and flipped his board, sending it in a spiral motion under him.
"Crap," Natsu muttered under his breath. He remembered Gray had been practicing this trick for a while, but hadn't been able to land it. Which meant if he landed it here, he'd definitely win. Sting seemed to be thinking the same thing, because it was that moment that he decided to push an unsuspecting Lisanna into the bowl. Natsu had no idea why she was standing so close, but didn't have time to do anything but watch as Lisanna fell into the bowl- fourteen feet. Her cry distracted Gray, and he stumbled with his board, loosing his footing and rolling his body into the cement as he landed, hard. His board skittered a few feet away, and Gray had long red scrapes up and down his arms.
Lisanna cried out again as she made contact with the bottom of the bowl. There was an audible crack, and every one froze at the noise.
Gray pushed him self off the ground, stumbling over towards her. Natsu jumped down into the bowl, racing over to her. He got down on his knees and was reaching for her when Gray tackled him. He raised a fist and punched Natsu in the nose before getting off.
"Stay away from her," Gray said, venom in his voice. Natsu sat up, holding his now-bleeding nose.
"You jerks!" Gray shouted from his perch by Lisanna, "You broke her ankle!"
"Dude, let's get out of here," said Cobra. Natsu stared at Lisanna's ankle, wide eyed as she cried. It was bent at an odd angle.
"Natsu," Rogue said, and he look up to see the guys all looking at him. He scrambled up the side of the bowl, blood running down his face. The guys grabbed him and hauled him up and over to the street where Gajeel's hummer was, all clambering in.
"I'm gonna beat you until you can't feel anymore," said Gajeel to Sting, "What the crap was that back there?!"
"What?" Said Sting, "She tripped."
"Like heck she did," said Natsu. Sting turned to him.
"What? You wanna go back? I'm sure your friends will welcome you with open arms," he said.
Natsu glowered. There was no way Lisanna and Gray would ever want him back after this. And Sting knew it.
"Sorry dude," sniggered Cobra , "But you're stuck with us."
And Natsu knew it.
Gray sat next to Lisanna in the hospital, staring at the cast on her foot.
"Why didn't you tell them Sting pushed you?" He said angrily, "Why did you say you fell?"
Lisanna looked down at her hands.
"I didn't want Natsu to get in trouble. If he's involved with them, he would have gotten in trouble if I had told."
"You still care about that bastard? Your ankles broke because of him!"
Lisanna turned to him, fire in his eyes, "I know that!" She yelled, then more softly she repeated, "I know that."
There was a long silence.
"My ankle may be broken," said Lisanna finally, "But we broke Natsu's heart. He wouldn't have joined the Dragon Slayers if it wasn't for us."
"So you're saying it's our fault?" Gray accused. Lisanna remained silent.
"Maybe..." she began, and then sighed, "Maybe this isn't going to work."
Gray looked at her, confused, "What do you mean?"
She met his eyes with hers, and pointed back and forth between them with one finger, "Me and you," she said, "Maybe it won't work."
His eyes widened, "Wait...what are you...are you breaking up with me?"
Silence.
"What the crap! We've gone through all of this, just to break up? No...that's retarded!"
Lisanna was crying now, "No...look at all the bad things this has caused! It can't be a good thing to be together if it hurts everyone."
Gray stood up, "So you're just giving up?"
Lisanna wiped her eyes, and nodded, "I'm sorry."
Gray steeled his jaw, "Me too."
He walked out of the hospital room, nearly running into Mira and Elfman on the way.
"Oh no! Is it hurting? Don't cry! We'll get some pain relievers from the nurse!" Gray heard Mira say, "Elfman! Ring in the nurse!"
Gray kept walking. He walked out of the hospital, walked down the street, walked to the bus stop.
And the three that had once been one, were three once more.
Yeah I know, kinda depressing. It just wanted to let you know the whole background story on why Natsu's with the Dragon Slayers, since some of you were wondering why he was with jerks. BTW, Natsu wasn't in love with Lisanna or anything, he just felt really betrayed and hurt, since they were all supposed to be best friends. He thought that since Gray and Lisanna were together, it would all be different. I changed this story to rated T, just so you know. Just for the little bit of violence. There won't been any wearing or making out or anything- I just felt like it's turned into more of a teen story than before, so yeah. Let me know if that's a problem for anyone.
Anyway, I'm going to be gone doing this Northwest Youth Corp thing for five weeks- and it's no technology so I won't be able to update. Sorry! If you could do me a favor and log in when you review, so that I can read all your beautiful reviews when I get back (since I won't be able to moderate guest reviews in time). This story isn't over by the way! I'm going to add some more chapters with the stuff I mentioned before, so yeah.
Seeya in five weeks! ;)
