Chapter 7...

It was now the middle of the day, as Natsu was walking in town. After the events yesterday, he wanted to go to bed early because he wanted to be in top form for his fight with Mira. He found a bench at the fountain and sat down on it."Oh brother, I gotta fight Mirajane today. Not that i'm all for it, but I got to deliver that shield to that old guy soon. Sigh..I think this is the longest I actually stayed in one spot. I guess it's not so bad. Maybe when this job is over, I could use my savings to buy a house...meh, we'll see." He had liked Gracia, it had lots of traders, the town was abundant, and everyone was nice.

"I wonder what I should do? The fight doesn't begin till two hours, maybe I'll just.."

"Hey little miss, how are you today?" Natsu's hearing picked up a voice not to far from him, as he turned his head towards the source. Their were three guys surrounding a white haired girl, who looked uncomfortable.

"Look, I said please leave me alone." She said as she tried to leave.

"Hey now, don't worry. Why don't you make time for me little miss?"

"Yeah, we're not so bad once you get to know us." One of the other guys said, as he put his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't touch me!" She shouted as she slapped his hand.

"Ow! You little bitch!" He was about to hit her, but someone tapped his shoulder.

"Ehhh?" He turned as he was about to make who ever was bugging them pay. But the last thing he saw was someone punching him, and then darkness.

"What the-?!"

"Hey you punk, whats your deal?! You wanna get killed?!" One of them shouted angrily. The girl was surprised.

"I'd like to see you try." Natsu smirked.

"You pink headed brat! I'll put you 6 feet und-" He was then sent flying into a wall. The other guy was sweating as he looked towards Natsu. Natsu had tick marks all over his head as he looked wickedly at the other guy.

"Go ahead, I fucking dare you, just try to make another smart ass comment. C'mon, i'm waiting~." He was starting to catch fire, as the thug looked at him in horror.

"H-hey man, I had nothing to do with-"

"BEAT IT!" Natsu barked at him which made him turn tail and run for fear of his life. Natsu then sighed. "Geez, what a bunch of pansies."

"Um..thank you."

Natsu then turned to the girl."Well, they looked like they were bothering you so, I just decided to step in." He said as he smiled. He then made a noise of surprise."Hey, I think I have seen you somewhere before."

"Ah yeah, we never got a chance to meet yet. I'm Yukino, a mage at Mermaid Heel." She said as she smiled. "Thank you, i'm not very good at dealing with these kind of situations." She said as she looked at the knocked out thugs.

"Heh! Names Natsu, nice to meet you Yukino!" He said as he extended his hand. Yukino then shook it as she thought."His hand is really warm."

"...Uh, you can let go now."

"Oh, sorry." She quickly took her hand from his, as she was a little red."Anyway, allow me to thank you for earlier."

"Oh, you don't have to-"

"I insist!" She said as she took his hand.

""Uh, well if you say so." Natsu said. She then was happy."Good, follow me!" She then led him off somewhere into town.


Yukino's apartment...

"Huh, nice place." Natsu said as he looked around. The apartment had a lot of blue themed objects. It had plants, and things like sky themed paintings. But what also caught his attention was how neatly everything was placed.

"Thanks, I don't live in the guild hall like everyone else, so I don't have to worry about anything getting misplaced or broken."

"I know what that's like. At the guild I work at, everything is always missing, or stolen. So I go out to find more supplies." He chuckled.

"I see, well please take a seat, I'll be in the kitchen." She said as they walked in. Natsu then sat on a couch as he continued looking around.

"She must really love blue." He thought as he looked around once more. He then saw something else, it looked like a lady with wings on a painting, as he got up and walked forward and looked at it.

"It's a angel." Natsu made a noise of surprise, as he turned around. He was face to face with a older white haired girl who had longer hair. "A pure being, something that I wish to one day become." She walked past Natsu and looked at the painting."But alas, some things in this world can't be achieved so easily."

"Who are you?"

"I believe you are the one who must introduce himself, seeing as how you are in another woman's apartment." She said as she turned and looked him in the eye.

"I'm Natsu."

"...Oh yes, I know who you are now. Ultear told me about you, says your...different then other men. Is this true?" She said as she leaned closer.

"Huh? I don't know. I certainly am not a creep if that's what your asking." He said a little confused.

"Hmm, what brings you here then?" Natsu told her of the story with Yukino. "Ahhh, that girl always thinks she has to make everyone happy. Not that I don't like it, but I am grateful for your assistance." She bowed.

"Uh, its cool." Natsu nervously chuckled. She then giggled a little. She found Natsu quite...amusing."I believe I should introduce myself, i'm Sorano, but my guild mates call me Angel." She said, as she lifted her dress a little."I am also Yukino's older sister.

"Really?...Yeah, I guess I see the resemblance. " Natsu said as he looked at her, she did indeed look like a older version of Yukino.

"I'll have lunch ready in a min-SORANO!?" Yukino came out of the kitchen, she was surprised to find her older sister in the apartment. She thought she was gone.

"Ah, Yukino. I just got back, and I find out you brought a boy over to our home, that's bold even you ." She said as she giggled.

"I don't know why your here, but i'm just paying him back for helping me out earlier."

"Oh my, you almost have the perfect setting. A boy comes over to a girl's house, the two are alone, they're primal instincts awaken, and eventually that leads to-"

"That's not what is happening here!" Yukino shouted in annoyance.

"It's ok, even if you don't want to admit it, I perfectly understand." She said as she smiled.

"Geez, for someone who fantasizes about being an angel, you have a impure mind." Yukino said as she sighed.

"So, you two live here?" Natsu asked.

"Yes, Sorano and I have lived here for quite a while. We share the rent along with the chores. Although she leaves me with most of them."

"That's not true~. I always do my best to look out for my precious younger sister." She said as she hugged her from behind. Natsu just smiled, as he thought they got along very well."They look like they're very close...I wonder what having a sibling would feel like?" Angel then noticed Natsu thinking, as she let go of Yukino and walked towards him. He then realized she was close to him, as he felt a little uncomfortable. "W-what?"

"Between the two of us, which do you think is more beautiful?" Yukino then turned red, as she couldn't believe what her sister had just said.

"S-Sorano!? What are you-"

"Just a simple question, which one do you like more?" She waited to here Natsu's answer, as he looked like he was unsure.

"Uhhh...I don't know. I'd say you two are about equal." He said. The two then made a noise of surprise, they didn't expect that to be his answer.

"Y..you mean..we're equal?" Angel said, a little stunned.

"Really? Usually it's Sorano..but..me too?" Yukino was a little happy and surprised that Natsu thought that she was on equal terms with her sister's looks. Angel then chuckled as she smiled happily.

"Well, you've certainly surprised me. At least their is someone who finds my sister attractive as me." She said as she was in thought.

""What's that supposed to mean!? Sigh, c'mon you two, lunch should be done." Yukino said as she went back to the kitchen. Angel then whispered in Natsu's ear.

"I look forward to see if fate smiles on the both of us, Natsu~." She blew in his ear, as he then blushed. She then happily walked over to the kitchen. Natsu shook his head, and then went in the kitchen. After he sat down, Yukino was across from him, while Angel was on the side of the table. Yukino had cooked up some stew, as she handed bowls to Natsu and Angel.

"Thank you." Natsu said as he took the bowl. He took a sip from his spoon. "H-how is it?" She fidgeted. "It tastes great!" Natsu said with a smile. Yukino was glad, it was her first time bringing a guy over, so she was a bit nervous. Angel smiled, not only did he help her sister, he also was a nice person, and not too bad of a catch.

"Say Natsu," Natsu turned his head to Angel."how did you come by our little guild in the first place?" Natsu then told her and Yukino about the jobs, and how he met Ultear and everyone."Hm, I see. That would explain a lot. So as soon as the shield is fixed, your leaving?" She asked."Yeah, I got to earn a living some how." He said, with a sad smile.

"I see...well, I guess I'll bet on you after all."

"Huh, you mean..?"

"That's right, we both will, rrright Yukino~?" She looked at sister.

"S-sure." She said as she turned away.

"Thanks guys!" He said with a toothy smile.

"Well, I say we hurry up and finish. Your match with Strauss will start soon." She said, as they looked at the clock.


Mermaid Heel...

"Alright! The match between Natsu and Mirajane, will begin shortly, everyone, please find your seats!" Ultear announced. It was finally time, the fight between the two mages was about to start. Angel and Yukino were standing, as they awaited to see the match.

"Hey, Sorano?" Yukino asked, Angel then looked at her, wondering what she was going to ask. "Do you really think he can win?" Angel then smiled as she put her hand on her little sister's head as she rubbed it."Of course he will, don't forget he also beat Kagura. And she's very strong." Yukino then smiled."Yeah, your right." They turned they're attention to the field, as Mira was waiting for her opponent. Ultear was with Erza and kagura, as they stood waiting for Natsu to show up.

"Where is he?" Ultear said, worried that he wasn't going to show up.

"No idea, i'm pretty sure he was with Yukino and Angel when they showed up." Kagura said, as she remembered him walking in with the two.

"If he doesn't show up soon we'll have to lo-"

HOLD UP, I'M COMING!" Everyone turned they're heads to Natsu as he came in running. He stopped as soon as he reached the field, as he was almost out of breath."S-sorry! Just had to take care of something."

"Heh, I thought you might have gotten scared and ran away or something!" Mira mocked as she shouted across the field.

"Their are only two things that I am afraid of, one is transportation, and two..." He then made a sound of surprise. "Well, two is not relevant. The point is, i'm here so lets get this started." Everyone was wondering what he meant, but decided to ignore it, and focus on the match.

"Alright! Just like last time, if one of you gives up, or the other person can't continue, the other person wins! Take your places you two!" Ultear shouted as Natsu and Mira took there places.

"Go Mira! Take him down!"

"I bet on you, so win!"

"Show him how strong a female wizard can be!"

"Do your best, you two!" Everyone in the crowd were cheering on Natsu and Mira, despite the fact that they all bet on Mira, they also thought Natsu may have a chance against her. As Ultear checked the betting board, she noticed two people had also bet on Natsu. "Yukino and Sorano? Since when did they..?" She turned to the two, as Angel noticed her as she waved.

"Something wrong Ultear?" Erza asked.

"No, just checking the board is all!" She said happily."How come you two didn't bet on either of them?"

"We did, I bet on Mira, and Kagura bet on Natsu."

"Oh.." She then noticed Kagure's name written in small letters on board"..Wait, Kagura bet on Natsu?" She then looked at her, as she turned away.

"I-I just thought he should have some more support is all." She said as she was a little red."Yeah, and if one of them wins, we both get the money either way." Erza said as she smiled.

"HUUH?! But, that's like a sure fire way for you two win! That's cheating~!" Ultear protested.

"It's called strategy, right Kagura?"

"R-right, Onee-sama." Truth be told, she just bet on Natsu just because after her fight with him, she thought he was strong, and that she wanted him to win against Mira.

"Alright you two, you may begin when ready!" Ultear shouted.

"Heh, your going down!" Mira said confidently. She then transformed into her Satan Soul.

"Well, lets see if you can put your jewels where your mouth is!" Natsu smirked as he got in a stance. A few moments passed and they just stood there. "Well, I guess i'll start!" Natsu then shot forward as a trail of dust kicked up behind him. "Azure Dragon's Fist! Natsu punched her with a flame engulfed fist. Mira barely blocked it. She then grabbed his arm which surprised him and punched him in the face which sent him flying back a little, he landed on his feet and looked up, Mira was just smirking as she motioned him to "Come on!"

"Well she is stronger then Kagura, that's for certain." He then ran forward as he jumped."Azure Dragon's Claw!"He then spun and delivered a kick to her gut, she skidded back and looked up.

"Not bad." She then charged forward as Natsu and her exchanged multiple blows, both of them blocked each others strikes. Mira then placed a hand on him."Evil Spark!" A surge of blue electricity went into Natsu's body as he grunted in pain. She then backed off and started building up dark energy in her hands."Demon Blast!" A stream of dark energy then was sent his way, he recovered from the earlier attack as he stood up and had an outstretched arm as the blast then had hit him as a small explosion engulfed him.

"Got em'!" Mira then stared wide eyed, he was standing with a arm out stretched, as he slowly opened his hand dark energy had escaped from is as it dissipated in the air.

"He blocked it?" Yukino said.

"It would appear so." Angel said as she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Ah, I think that tickled a little." Natsu said mockingly, which angered Mira.

"Tch! Don't get cocky, i'm just warming up." She said as she then held out her hands as dark energy gathered in her hands."Evil Explosion!"Natsu's eye widened as he quickly jumped out of the way of the dark energy, it created a explosion as dust kicked up around the area Natsu was. He was in the air, as he managed to jump out of the blast area.

"Eeesh, that was close." He said.

"I'm not done yet!" Natsu then realized Mira was behind him as he turned around and barely blocked her punch, as he hit the ground and slid back. The spectators were cheering, as Mira looked like she was beating Natsu.

"That's the way Mira!"

"Keep up the pressure!"

Erza and Kagura were watching them as they were unsure of how this would turn out.

"She's pushing Natsu back." Erza said.

"When she's in Satan Soul, she is faster,stronger, and can take a lot of hits." Ultear said as she watched.

"She hasn't even used her stronger spells yet. Is she just playing around with him?" Kagura asked.

"No." Erza and Kagura then turned they're heads to Ultear who had a serious expression on her face." I think Natsu is the one playing around."

"Huh?" They both said in unison.

"He could have dodged that attack, but he just stopped it with his hand, and he landed a hit on her earlier, but now he's being pushed back. I think he's assessing his opponent's strength before he makes a move." The two then looked at Natsu as he and Mira were staring at each other.

"Hmm, he's not showing the same amount of strength he did with my fight...so why isn't he taking this seriously?" Kagura thought as she gripped her sword."Am I...not that strong?" Erza noticed Kagura looked a little flustered.

"Kagura?"

"It's nothing, Onee-sama." She said as she paid attention to the match. Erza looked at her for a few moments before returning her eyes to the match. The mages were having a stare down, Mira was floating in the air, while Natsu was on the ground.

"Your not doing too bad, I thought you would have been toast by now, but you seem to be able hold your own, considering your up against me." Mira said as she crossed her arms.

"...Y'know I think I underestimated you." Natsu said as he looked down.

"Oh?" Mira said with a smirk.

"Normally I like to play around with my opponents, but you seem stronger then most of the guys I fought." Natsu said as he looked up at her.

"Should I take that as a compliment?" She said as she raised her eyebrow.

"If you want too. I'm just trying to figure out whether or not I should get serious." Everyone made a noise of surprise. He had to be bluffing right? He clearly was being pushed back against the wall.

"Hmph! Go ahead, if your holding back, i'll just kick your ass." She said as she taunted him.

"Heh, lets find out!" He then jumped as he rocketed towards her . Her eyes then widened as the two we're now close to each other.

"What!? When did he-!?" She didn't have time to finish thinking, as Natsu then kicked her in the face with a Azure Dragon's Claw, which sent her flying back into the wall. Natsu then landed back on the ground, as he kept his eye on Mira.

"Fast." Erza noted.

"Urk!" Mira wasn't expecting him to be that fast, she thought she knew how fast her opponent was."Lucky shot."

"That's a first for me." Natsu grinned. She then charged him, as they were back in a another clash.

"His vision should be limited to only the right, and his guard isn't that well on his left. Alright i'll go for that!" Mira thought as she analyzed him in they're clash. After a few moments, she found his left side open. "Now!" She aimed for his head as she spun to dodge his punch, and then was about to kick him in the head. "Got em'!" Her foot connected to his head as he was sent flying. He then tried to regain his balance as he skidded back, but Mira wasn't done as she had chased him down as she was close to him now."Evil Push!"Dark energy was spiraling in front of her as Natsu felt like his body was shoved back with a great force as he was sent flying farther.

"Not yet! "Evil Explosion!" She fired of another blast of dark energy as it hit Natsu and sent him crashing into the wall. She smirked, as she was panting a little. She landed on the ground, waiting for the smoke to clear.

"Wow, she really unloaded on him." Yukino said in astonishment.

"Only goes to show how seriously shes taking this match." Angel said, as she looked over to the smokey area where Natsu landed."But was it enough?"

"Did she beat him?" A guild mate asked.

"She must have, no one could get up after that barrage of attacks."

"Does this mean we win the bet?" Another said. They all then looked at Ultear, smirking. Ultear then started sweating nervously.

"Uh Natsu? Your still up right?"

She got no answer.

"Uhh, now's not a good time to be fooling around!"

...Still nothing.

"Natsu~!" She whined. Mira was still waiting, but nothing seemed to be happening."Well, you weren't to bad. But I win this time" Mira said as she started walking away. All of a sudden, a blue shock wave shot out of the smoke, and was heading straight for her. She barely dodged it as she looked back. Natsu was up, and had his sword out.

"Oi, don't turn your back on me." He said as he smirked. Everyone was shocked, how could this guy still be up after all those hits?!

"Your endurance is impressive. I thought for sure you'd at least be limping after something like that." She said as she faced him a with a serious expression.

"Meh, I've survived worse." He said as popped his neck."That was a smart idea, going for my left side, I can't really see that well on that side, so I tend to keep my opponents on the right." He explained as he stretched his arms.

"Well looks like my instincts were right then." She said proudly as she crossed her arms.

"But..." Natsu then held up his sword as he looked at it. "..that was a mistake." He then made his sword disappear.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Mira asked.

"Cuz now I know how to deal with it now." He said as he smirked."Why don't you try that again?" He said as he got in a stance.

"Teh! You think you can stop me this time? Don't count on it!" She said as she charged in, they were now in another close quarter battle, Mira found another opening and was about to punch him, but he caught her fist. She then stared wide eyed.

"H-he actually caught it!"

"I got you~." Natsu said mockingly, as he then pulled her forward and kneed her in the chin, he then thrusted his outstretched fingers at her gut, as he blasted her back with a flame enhanced hand."Azure Dragon's Fang Thrust!" She then gripped her stomach, as she cringed."Azure Dragon's Burning Knuckle!" He charged her, as he then used his large flaming fist to knock her back."And for good measure! "Azure Dragon's Roar!"He then let loose a large stream of flames, as they hit Mira and exploded.

"Y-you got kidding!" A guild member said shocked.

"He just...breathed fire!"

"That guy is a monster!"

Mira was on her knee, as she was panting."Crap..I think he hit a vital or something. It hurts just moving.." She gritted her teeth, as she forced herself to get up. Natsu narrowed his eye at her.

"Hey, you ok?" He asked a little worried.

"I'm fine..lets continue." She said as she got ready again. Natsu then crossed his arms as he stood there looking at her."Your very stubborn you know that?"

"Keh, look whose talking." Mira chuckled."I think it's time I ended this." She then was charging dark energy in between her hands as it got bigger and bigger.

"Oh crap. She's using her finishing move." Ultear said. "Everyone, stay where you are!"Ice Make: Shield!"She then created a large barrier of pink ice in front of the audience as they all got behind it.

"Mira! What are you doing!? Are you trying to kill him?!" Erza shouted.

"This guy is strong. I'm sure he can take it." She said as she got ready to use the spell.

"Mira!"

Natsu just looked at her with emotionless expression. She then aimed at Natsu."It's over! "Soul Extinction!" She then let loose a large torrent of dark energy at Natsu, as he just stared as it headed straight for him.

"Why isn't he moving?!" Kagura exclaimed.

"Does he intend to take it?" Angel thought as she watched as the attack headed for Natsu. Natsu then got into a position where he then jumped directly in front of the blast which shocked everybody.

"Hey you idiot, what are you doing!?" Mira shouted.

"Natsu stop, what are you doing!?" Ultear shouted.

"Natsu!" Yukino cried out.

"Why did he jump at it!?" Mira thought. It was too late she couldn't stop." I just wanted to scare him, I didn't actually want him to go at it head on!"

"Azure Dragon's Scorching Javelin!" He was enveloped in flames as they formed what looked like a giant spear as he rocketed towards the attack. The two then collided, as Natsu and the beam were in a power struggle, but he was pushing it back, as he then shot through the beam and at Mira, as the two collided and were sent into a wall as it exploded and debris was sent flying everywhere. Everyone was coughing from the smoke as they were trying to figure out what happened.

"W-what happened?" Kagura asked, as she coughed.

"I'm not sure, I think Natsu took the spell head on." Erza said, as she recalled the last few seconds. But who won? Everyone was still waiting for the smoke to clear.


Inside a small cave..

Mira was out of her demon form, as she she tried to open her eyes.

"D..did I ..lose?" She remembered that she was hit by Natsu and they both hit the wall, and next thing she knows is waking up on the ground in the darkness.

"You awake?" She slowly turned her head as she saw Natsu lying right next to her.

"Yeah...where are we?" She asked as she wasn't familiar with the surroundings.

"If I had to guess, a cave. After we went through the wall we fell quite a ways." He said as he tried to get up, but he cringed.

"Whats wrong?"

"I think..my wound opened up." She looked down and her eyes widened. He was bleeding.

"Did I..?"

"Oh no, It happened when we fell." He said as he sat up. He then took off his jacket, and unzipped his vest as he got a closer look. It looked like a piece of sharp rock punctured it.

"Y-you got to get that looked at!" She said as she crawled over to him.

"I-it's fine, I just need to pull it out."

"FINE!? You need to get a doctor to remo-"

"AAAAAGHHH!" He shouted in pain, as he pulled it out. Mira was surprised, as she flinched.

"Y-you idiot! Your just making it worse!" He then ripped a sleeve off his coat, as he applied pressure to it."Here, let me do it for you." She said as she took the cloth and pressed it on his wound. The only sound was his breathing, as the two didn't say a word for a few moments."He must have protected me when we fell. I mean, I don't feel like I hit the ground. Can I ask you something?" Mira said, as Natsu turned to her.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why didn't you just dodge it? I think we both know you could have gotten out of the way and then attack me, so why didn't you?"

"Cause I felt like it." Natsu said plainly.

"You felt like it?"

"Yeah, I wanted to see how powerful you really were, so I jumped in to see."

"But that's stupid, you could have gotten killed."

"Did you mean for that to kill me?" He asked. She then made a sound of surprise.

"N-no."

"Then its alright."

"But how did you know? We don't even know each other that well, i'm just a person who wanted to fight you." She asked confused. Natsu then looked up at the light coming in from the arena.

"Let me tell you something my father told me long ago. He said, Don't look at your opponent, look inside them."

"In..side them?" Mira was a little confused.

"Yeah, I didn't quite get what he meant. But after our battle I think I get it now.." He then looked at her and smiled a toothy grin."...Your a very nice person, Mira." She then blushed as she made a noise of surprise.

"Th-thanks..

"Mm!" He then was feeling a little cold, as he started passing out, but Mira caught him, as she laid his head down on the ground.

"You wait here! I'll go back up and get help!" She then transformed into her Satan Soul, as Natsu watched her fly away he slowly closed his eyes as he smiled.

"Yeah..a very nice person."


Alrighty! I must say I like this chapter the most by far! I hope I did a good job on the fight!

Oh yeah, the lucky winner for Natsu's harem member in Rise of a Dragon iiiiiiiiis...KNIGHTWALKER!

I kinda saw that one coming actually. lol! So any way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, keep leaving reviews, and keep on reading, and I'll cya all

in the next chapter!

Laters!