DISCLAIMER: I'm going to place it here, since I believe that I can't fit it anywhere down below… so, I don't own Fairy Tail… HIRO MASHIMA DOES!
Raven: hey there… I forgot to turn of the television so that cost me a lot on electricity. Anyway~ OH MY FREAKING GOD! I can't believe you guys! You're sooo awesome! This story's already more than a hundred reviews? Are you serious? I mean, I wasn't even expecting to receive at least 40 reviews… but 135? I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Soo~ some people asked why nobody recognized Lucy when she entered the guild… remember the part 2 of chapter four? When she was transforming into someone else? Aside from that, the rest of the explanation shall be, erhm, explained during the next chapters.
And - forgive me for making Lucy sound too powerful. I guess I rushed things a bit, sorry again. But I really do hope you get comfortable with the idea, because I need her to be stronger than before to make the story work. And then there will be some parts of the story where I will be placing bits and pieces of how she grew.
REPLY CORNER:
Chrys stone: you are an awesome person. Thank you for getting what I was trying to say, at that time I couldn't put a word to how she knew stuff… now I know, it's INTUITION (I'm so stupid, O.O) And thank you for thinking it's not a bad thing for Lucy to be able to kick Gajeel's ass, also, I believe that a punching scene would occur soon. Because of your awesome review, you made my day (which is Sunday by the way). Thanks again for the review.
TitaniaScarlet: Oh God. I just realized that I confused Evergreen's dress from her hair! How silly of me. Anyway, thank you for that correction… LoL, that comment you made about Freed was hilarious… teehee. Finally! I found someone who loves line breaks! Wee~ (twirling around with me rolling chair)
TheRandomGirl: I also like Lisanna, but nor for Natsu. And I'm going to apologize ahead of time, since I'm going to be making her a very bad guy… er… girl. Lisanna doesn't recognize Lucy at that time because of the old woman. She did something to everyone, but that would be explained further in the story. Thanks for the review!
birthdaychat: Wow! Thanks! The story LOVES you too! Hahaha… Ooh~ and I'm glad you like the idea of Gajeel and Lucy becoming friends because I like that idea too! I hope it does happen. And yes, Edo-Lucy and Edo-Natsu liked each other. But when Edo-Natsu became sort of close with Lucy Heartfilia, Edo-Lucy kinda got jealous so she acted like a bitch around him… that's when he got tired of her attitude and saw Lucy Heartfilia in a different light (drama much?) But if that wasn't clear in the story, I hope it's clear now.
vampire-fetish15: hahaha, I'm sorry but I really like cliff-hangers… they always make it fun to write, plus it makes you want to read more! XD I also think old Lucy is cool, but I HAD to change Lucy for this story. Don't worry though, I'm not gonna go too far with her new persona… Lucy took it because – it will be explained down below. And of course she knows that Natsu has a great sense of smell!
EminaRukiax: The fic loves you too for loving it… and… Awwww… you think I write professionally… thank you so much… (tears of joy). I'm also sorry for making you uncomfortable with this new Lucy… I just need her to be that strong and different. She might end up going back to the old Lucy we all know and love, and she might not. Still, please understand… Thanks. And I'm really gonna update soon because of you people!
To The others: I'm sorry for not adding you here, cause I think I took up too much time or maybe space or maybe I was just too lazy to answer yours (nervously laughs)… but I do want to thank you for reading and reviewing my story! You make me so happy that it gives me the energy to write faster than usual… thanks again!
AND WITH THAT, I GIVE YOU CHAPTER SIX!
Normal POV
"So how old are you Kourin-san?" Lisanna asked as she sat in front of the iron dragonslayer's cousin. They were seated in one of the guild's round tables with Gajeel standing behind Levy and Lucy who sat right next to each other.
"18" Lucy answered, giving off the aura that she didn't want to have a conversation with anyone. Gajeel smirked at Lisanna while Levy smiled brightly. Lisanna's smile faltered, but only for a bit and it reappeared a moment later.
"Oh, we're the same age! So, where are you staying?" She tried to make a conversation. But before Lucy could even think of answering, the guild doors were kicked open. Everyone took a look, and saw Natsu standing there with his eyes blazing fire. He sniffed around and stopped, looking directly at Lucy. Natsu stomped towards her and pointed an accusing finger.
"You! You took it!" he exclaimed, shouting at her face. Lucy backed up; irritated that her personal space was trespassed by the idiot. The whole guild watched with anticipation. It wasn't everyday Natsu would yell at a person, and accuse them of something. Especially to a person they were sure he never even met. Gajeel was beside her in an instant, acting like an overprotecting cousin. Levy was confused, Lisanna was shocked, and Mirajane was frowning.
"What the hell are you talking about? I don't even know you." Lucy pointed out, pushing him away from herself. Natsu stared at her, and then sniffed her. It was exactly like the smell from the piece of cloth, and the scent led here. He wondered who she was, and what she was doing in his guild but that was cast aside by his anger.
"You took my book!" he blamed her, his hand shooting up and pointing at her again. Gajeel glared at him, shoving away his hand. The iron dragonslayer was pissed, and other than that, he was enjoying acting like an overprotective cousin. It was fun. Very Fun.
"Stop accusing bun- er - Kourin. What book are you talking about anyway? I didn't know you could read…" Gajeel taunted him, relieved that he caught himself from saying bunny-girl. Natsu's nose flared and fire started forming around his fists. Mirajane saw this and interjected before anything else happened. If you're wondering about Erza, she left earlier to meet up with Jellal.
"Natsu… she's a new member in this guild. She just got here today with Gajeel, so I don't understand why you're accusing her of taking your book. What kind of book is it?" She asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. Slowly, the flames disappeared and the fire dragonslayer's anger lessened. He still glared back at Gajeel though, and narrowed his eyes at Lucy.
"I know you took my book, and I'm going to take it back." He spat, ignoring Mira's earlier questions, and just focusing on the new girl. She was familiar looking, and the smell she had was driving his mind nuts. It was a mix of something sweet and spicy. Her eyes, even if they had that edge on it, reminded him of the blond busty chick. He didn't even know why. Blonde girl had chocolate brown eyes that were round and kind. This chick had intense red eyes that were slanted upwards.
"I told you, I don't know what you're accusing me of! What the hell is this book you keep mentioning anyway?" Lucy grumbled, slightly amused at his obvious irritation and anger towards her. She really knew what that book was. It was the album. She knew he would be able to follow her scent, but she didn't know why the album seemed important to Natsu. It wasn't like he knew who the blond girl was anyway. Lisanna watched Natsu and a thought came to her mind. He always reacted that way whenever she touched one particular book.
"Is it the album Natsu? The red leather bound album you got from someone you don't even remember?" Lisanna asked, not knowing that she hit a sore spot on Lucy's heart. The celestial mage looked anywhere but Natsu, and Gajeel caught on this. He secretly cursed at Lisanna, and wanted to just tell her something that might make her end up crying, but he wasn't that insensitive. After all, what if someone did that to Levy?
"Yeah! It's not in the tree house! And this person's smell was all over the place when I got there!" Natsu shouted, folding his arms over his chest with a scowl on his face. Lucy stiffened. How would she explain that?
"It was? Kourin-san, is that true?" Lisanna was curious now. Most of the guild on the other hand went back to what they were doing, deeming their discussion boring. Mirajane stayed with them, standing beside the table.
"Yeah, so? I found that tree house while looking around. And I didn't take anything there, much less an album. Stop accusing me pinky!" Lucy answered with venom in her voice. Natsu shot up from that retort, and his eyes were back at where they started.
"My hair's not pink! It's red! You- you-" he couldn't find anything to taunt her with. She was undoubtedly beautiful, and he knew that much. She even dressed like a ninja, and he loved ninja's. There was nothing on her that he could tease.
"What? Cat got your tongue?" Lucy smirked, satisfied with her effortless victory. Natsu was about to yell at her, when a thought came to him.
"Fight me." He challenged, serious with his dare. He was going to make a bet. Lucy arched an eyebrow and stood up, eyeing him. She found resolve in his eyes, and she didn't think he'd back down.
"Sure…" She answered coolly, earning worried glances from some members of the guild. They didn't know her strength, but they did know that Natsu was one hell of a monster when he fought. Lisanna glanced at the two, and her face twitched nervously. What was she going to do? She never guessed that, that album was so~ important to Natsu that he'd want to fight Kourin-san. They didn't even know her magic. When she looked at Mirajane, she was surprised when the older take-over mage wore a smile of pride.
"Well, if I were you… I'd rather not fight in here." She smiled at the two, giving them pats on the back. Lisanna gave her a curious look, to which the elder Strauss shook her head as a response. Natsu smirked and ran outside, excited to fight this new person. He didn't even know who she was, but she seemed strong. That was all that counted. And he wanted to make a bet with her. Lucy sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. She groaned, and shut her eyes tightly. She never meant to fight Natsu, but it's came to this and she knew him enough to conclude that he'd have his fight with her no matter what.
She followed him soon after speaking with Gajeel, and giving the people around her a reassuring smile. Gajeel smirked, well aware of bunny-girl's abilities. Levy was quite surprised with herself when she realized how worried she was for the new member and Gajeel's cousin. They just met after all, and it startled her about how fond she was of the girl. Kourin-san seemed like someone she would get along with, and she had an inkling suspicion that Kourin-san loved books. She didn't even know where that came from.
When Lucy stepped outside, she found Natsu already burning, literally burning, with excitement and anger. He was so going to win this, and he was gonna force her to give his album back. Lucy shrugged, and stood there. Using her keys and whip would be out of the question, and all she had left were the swords, daggers, and kunai's she got from the old woman who helped her back at Clover Town.
"Bring it." She taunted Natsu, unsheathing the swords from her back. They made a silent sound, making it even more exciting. The guild members came out of the guild to watch the fight, and were very much excited as well. After all, battles occurred daily in Fairy Tail, but this battle was a different and no one can determine who will win. There was a huge possibility that Natsu would, but since they didn't know Kourin's strength, they couldn't assume he would.
"I'm all fired up. And I wanna make a bet" He sneered, slamming his fist into his palm and charging at her with a battle cry of his own. Lucy raised her eyebrows, and also ran forward, her arms behind her like the way ninja's ran with the blades hitting the ground making sparks as she bounded forward. The guild fell silent as Natsu's fist clashed with Lucy's blades. Both skidded backwards, and everyone saw that each had gained a wound of their own.
Lucy had burns all over her hands while Natsu received cuts all over his fists. He growled, and was about to attack her again when he was caught off guard by a pain on his hip. He looked down to see that a dagger's hilt was sticking out from it with blood trickling down his trousers. He hissed and pulled it out of his hip, burning the wound closed as not to lose too much blood. Natsu glanced up and saw that the new girl was now covering her hands with the bandage around her arms.
The fight has just begun, and the first attack has been made. It seemed like they were on par, but that was only the beginning. Lucy smirked while her head was bowed low. She was very happy. Back then, when she was still the naïve little Lucy Heartfilia, she would never have dreamed of being able to fight Natsu. Now, there was even the possibility of her beating him. She was satisfied, and was all fired up as well.
"That all you got? And what kind of bet?" She goaded him, earning a fire ball just inches away from her face, and it would've been burned to crisps if she hadn't dodged it. At the same time, they ran forward with their own distinct cries of battle. Natsu was about to kick her on her abdomen, but she leaped up avoiding the blow. He was not finished yet, as he punched her on the shoulder, landing the attack. Lucy suppressed a cry of pain, and stumbled backwards. The guild cheered for Natsu, but was worried about Kourin. She seemed fine when she stood up, even wearing a smirk on her face as she brushed off the dirt on her clothes.
"That all you got? If I win, you give me back my album" Natsu copied her, cracking his knuckles. It was just starting, and he was really getting all riled up. Lucy grinned, sheathing one of the swords and running forward. She slashed her sword forward, barely missing him by a centimeter as he jumped back. Natsu then inhales deeply and puts both hands over his mouth. Lucy caught on this and leapt somewhere safe.
"Fire dragon's roar!" Natsu yelled, aiming it at Lucy. She ran side ward, trying to avoid it but Natsu just followed her until he caught up and got her legs. Everyone gasped, and waited for the dust cloud to subside. When it did, they all wore worried faces.
Lucy was on the ground curled up in a fatal position, and it was obvious how badly burned she was. You could clearly see the flesh, almost as if it was cooked meat and blood was oozing out of it continuously. Levy made a move to run up to her, but Gajeel stopped her. He shook his head and squeezed her shoulder.
"This is their fight." Gajeel said his mouth set in a straight line. As much as he wanted to run up there and help Lucy, he respected her as a fighter and his friend. Levy nodded sorrowfully, and watched the poor ebony haired mage. She began to stand, and more blood trickled down her thighs and legs. She stumbled as she struggled, placing both hands on the part of her thigh that wasn't burned, to rest. Her breathing was heavy, and when she looked up there were gashes and cuts around her face.
Everyone watched her with worry and pride in their eyes as she ignored her state and began staggering towards her sword which was meters away from her. Natsu was amazed at the girl, and he acknowledged her strength. But he still felt anger towards her, anger for denying ever taking his album when all the clues and signs pointed to her.
Lucy stopped walking when she reached her sword, and all the people watching caught the small grin on her face. Suddenly, a golden light enveloped her appendages and in a flash of that intense golden light, her burns and wounds were healed.
"WHAT!" They gasped, leaning forward to try and get a closer look. It was gone. Her lesions were gone. But the shiny skin of the healed burn was ever present on her legs. Natsu gaped at her. Gajeel smirked, already aware of that ability. Levy racked her brain for any magic that could have done that. Lisanna was open-mouthed. Mirajane watched in amazement.
Lucy now looked as fresh as when she just joined the guild, the only thing off about her appearance was her burned and torn clothes. She smirked at everyone and picked the sword from the ground.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" Lucy asked, resting the blade of her sword on her shoulder while she placed a hand on her hip. They were giving her weird looks, but she couldn't blame them. She was shocked to the bones when she first learned about the glowing golden light from Loke.
"Y-you…" Most of them stuttered. Well, this was the magic world anyway, so they should get used to surprising things like that. And there were a lot of magic types they didn't know about so maybe this was one of them.
"Yeah-Yeah… come on pinky-kun… I was just getting started. So… if I win?" Lucy taunted him, even if she knew he was surely going to win. Natsu smirked, and fire blazed around him.
"Oh yeah… this is what I've been waiting for… bring it! If you win, I'll be your slave for a month! Which would never happen." he yelled, putting one fist behind him and running full power towards her. Lucy did the same, as she sheathed her sword and decided to use her fists.
She threw a quick jab that hit him square in the abdomen and sent him a few centimeters back. He sneered and hit her on the side. Lucy wasn't able to dodge it, but she took the momentum of the impact to her advantage. She grabbed his fist and made him punch his own face, and then as swift as she did this, she revealed a hidden dagger from her arm bandages and was about to slash at him when fire licked her skin.
Natsu melted the blade with his fire, and kicked her on the stomach. Lucy grunted and flew back. She landed first on her left hand, and pushed herself up and landed feet first on the ground. She didn't waste time and ran towards him, aiming four kunai's towards Natsu, each one burned and melted by the fire dragonslayer. But this was expected by Lucy, as she made a move to kick his feet off the ground. Natsu hadn't anticipated this and fell flat on his face as Lucy took an arm and twisted it behind him. She settled behind him with his body in between her legs and she leaned down to smirk at him.
"Yo…" She whispered to his ear. Natsu shivered, but he was not gonna give up that easily. He let out a small flame where Lucy's hands held him and startled her. She dropped to his back, and Natsu took this as a chance to turn things around. He grabbed Lucy's wrists and pulled her off the ground and then pinning her there afterwards.
Everyone who was watching made hooting sounds and whistling sounds. The fight was one hell of a brawl, and they thought it ended pretty nicely. Kourin-san was probably on par with Gray, and maybe even stronger than him and they even hadn't figure out her magic yet. The only magical ability she showed was her power to heal herself and that didn't give them any hint. Now, most of the men were grinning like crazy at Natsu while the women (except Cana) were embarrassed by the position the two battling mages were in.
Lucy lay on the ground glaring at Natsu, who was on top of her wearing a mischievous and a little angry grin. He held her hands above her head with his right hand and had his left one placed near her right ear. Her legs were trapped between his and she couldn't even mover them. Lisanna had a jealous look on her features, while Mirajane was gushing. Gajeel smirked at bunny-girl and glanced down at Levy who was blushing.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? Huh? Pinky?" Lucy growled at him, trying to free her hands. But he held them so tight that she feared she would have a bruise there later on. Natsu narrowed his eyes at her.
"I win. Give me my book." He said, putting his face merely inches away from hers. Lucy turned to look the other way and tried to hide the blush on her cheeks. Sheesh! After a long time of not seeing this idiot, I still blush like school girl when he gets too close! What's wrong with me! Lucy thought, shutting her eyes closed.
"The fight's not over yet…" She hissed, trying ever so hard to get free. She tried squirming away but when she glanced at Natsu, he was smirking at her. A smirk that told her that no matter how much she tried to escape, she never would be able to.
"Oh really? Cause I think it is…" he teased her. He felt somehow drawn to this girl, and even if he was still angry at her, he confessed to himself that he probably could never stay mad at her for long. He wondered why that was, and shrugged it off.
"Well that's what you think!" Lucy yelled, head butting him while he was still in that dazed state. Natsu let go of her for a second but that was all she needed. She clutched his own wrists, pulled, and forced him down. She then quickly unsheathed her swords and crossed them over his neck. She placed her leg over both his legs and pressed down so that he couldn't escape.
Everyone stared at them, and forced themselves not to laugh at the surprised look on Natsu's face. But they were also shocked. Gajeel laughed mockingly at Natsu. Mirajane was still gushing and giggling. Levy was blushing, but she had on a smile. Lisanna… she was over the top jealous.
"Now… the fight is over…" Lucy said, glaring at him. This time, it was Natsu who was blushing. He didn't think she could easily push him down and pin him to the ground, but he didn't think anyone could fight him like that. He didn't even get to use most of his tricks on her, but she was a girl and didn't they say she was a new member of the guild? He could never intentionally hurt his family, even if they were new.
"Tss… this isn't over." He clenched his teeth. He was actually beaten by a girl who barely used her magic, and now he had to comply with their bet. He was so sure he was going to win that he even offered himself as a slave. Oh the humiliation! He was sure Gajeel and Gray would never let him live it down.
"Sure it is." She stood up. She then smiled at him and offered her hand. He stared up at her and then grinned, accepting it. They both stand there looking at each other, and then they laughed.
"I can't believe I got beat by a girl!" He chuckled, dusting himself. He smiled as watched her re-bandaging her arms and legs. She really was beautiful, and it was his first time appreciating someone's beauty… aside from the blond girl in the album. And then he suddenly remembered the album.
"Hey, uhmm-" He paused since he didn't know her name. Lucy noticed that.
"Ah, Kourin Redfox." She filled in. He nodded and was about to continue what he was about to say when her name replayed in her mind. Kourin Redfox. Redfox.
"REDFOX!" He shouted, earning himself a spank on the head from out of nowhere. Suddenly, they realized that the guild was surrounding them. And when he looked behind himself, he saw Gajeel smirking at him. He instantly knew what the iron dragonslayer was thinking.
"Yeah. Redfox. Problem?" Gajeel sneered at him. Natsu looked from the black haired girl, and then to Gajeel. Kourin Redfox. Gajeel Redfox. Redfox.
"Wait… you never told me you were married!" Natsu exclaimed in surprise. Everyone sweat dropped, and Natsu earned himself a boot mark on his face from Gajeel, a slap on the face from Levy, and a large bulge on his head from the Lucy.
"We're not married dumbass! We're cousins! COUSINS!" Lucy growled at him. She was ultimately taken by surprise from his idiocy. She thought that from the length of time she was gone, he would've at least gotten smarter. Everyone ended up laughing at the end, and walked back inside the guild. Lisanna looked at Natsu with sadness in her eyes, but she knew it was her who Natsu loved. That's why they were boyfriend and girlfriend. That's why they lived with each other now. And nothing can change that. She walked inside with the others, and peered behind her. She saw that Natsu and Kourin-san were now having a conversation.
"They're just setline things Lisanna… don't need to get worried. Natsu loves you." Lisanna heard her sister. She instantly blushed and shook her head.
"I'm not worried! I just… I…" But she stopped when Mirajane gave her a knowing smile. It was no use making up reasons to her sister. Mirajane knew her all too well. She sighed, took a last look and saw them glaring at each other. A smile etched itself to her lips when she saw this, and she unknowingly rejoiced.
Meanwhile… at Lucy's side
"I won, now you're my slave pinky!" Lucy rubbed her victory in his face and folded her arms over her chest. She was very happy, and nothing else could make her any happier. Not even when a person who looked exactly like the pink haired bastard approached her from behind Natsu. Not even when she noticed the goggles on the look-alike's forehead. Not even when she recognized that wide goofy-grin she knows all too well.
"Lucy?" She heard him mutter her name and at that instant, Natsu decided to turn around.
Raven: Oh yeah~ since I was so happy that FMN reached over 130 reviews, I ended up finishing it this early (I usually update on Friday's and today's Tuesday!). WEE! (Twirling around with my rolling chair).
So, I know that I did bad in this chapter, and it's boring but I hope you leave a review and tell me what you think! And if some of you comment that Lucy's too strong for your liking, i shall repeat myself and say that I need her to be strong... besides, it's my story... I'm sorry if I talk like a bitch, but I'm getting tired of people PM'ing me and complaining. Someone actually did that, and they used bad words on me!
Also, there might be a lot of spelling errors and weird words like cou... that might mean count... it's cause my keyboard's destroyed and I have to either press hard or adjust it so that it could work. Please forgive me, I'm gonna go buy a new one as soon as get the money. promise.
BTW: who do you think was that Natsu look alike? And what will happen next?
If you have an idea, please tell me so I can put it in. I'll even dedicate that chapter to you! Teehee… I'm getting ahead of myself… anyway, thanks for the read!
