Chapter 8: The Slayers

Dear Laxus.

I know that we have not all ways seen eye to eye on many things. But I am glad that after the whole fighting festival thing, I was finally able to knock some sense back into you. You don't know how glad I was that you joined back up with Fairy Tail after the seven year time skip. It meant that there was one more strong person that I could set my sights on to someday surpass, because as we both know that strength isn't based on magical power alone. And believe it or not you were the one that beat it into me when I had just joined the guild. Which is why I was so set on making you remember that during the fighting festival, it wasn't about trying to prove that I was your equal it was all so that you could come back to the guild and be like it used to be when we were kids. Now I am just guessing that you might not remember the day that you taught me that lesson all those years ago, because it probably wasn't that significant to you but it really changed my life for the better, and I can't thank you enough for that. I had just gotten myself beaten by both Mira and Erza, for ruining Erza's cake and being annoying as Mira put it. Of course those things just made me get really angry and start yelling things at the whole guild that they would be sorry if Igneel knew how they were treating me. This caused the whole guild to start laughing at me and telling me that dragons don't exist and you know the rest.

So I stormed out of their and headed off to the woods to start training with the sole purpose to become stronger. What you might not know that at that time I was really close to leaving Fairy Tail. I was just so feed up of always being beaten up and no one except for Lisanna believing in me that Igneel was real. Then you came strolling through my training area after I was half dead from training, and asked me what I was doing. I told you that I was training so that one day I would be able to beat, you, Mira, and Erza, so that everyone would have to believe me about Igneel. Your response was to just start laughing at me, which caused me to get even angrier at you. Which you then pointed out to me saying, look here Natsu right now you are showing me that even if you do get really powerful with magic you still won't be stronger than me, you are letting your emotions get the better of you which will cause you to make mistakes in a fight. Now I am not saying that you shouldn't have emotions Natsu, what I am trying to say is that you need to learn how to harness them and use them to your benefit. Oh and a quick pointer for when you fight trust your instincts more, I have been watching a lot of your fights and I can see that you are very observant during your fights and are a quick learner and should rely on those attributes of yourself more. You aren't like the other mages; you aren't a mage that needs to plan ahead. You are able to adapt faster than anyone else I have ever seen, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't ever plan things out, Gramps would kill me if he learned that I told you that you don't need to think ahead and come up with a strategy. You should also learn to let what they say at the guild roll right on over you, I mean come on most of them are drunk and if they aren't then they are just one of those stupid brats that doesn't know anything about the world. If you can do that you will then start seeing Fairy Tail as the family that you never got to have. I mean live a little Natsu, smile like you used to when you first came to the guild, and just so you know Lisanna isn't the only one that believes you about being trained by Igneel. And as you were leaving you said, Oh and if you tell anyone about our conversation Natsu, I will have to kill you, so I guess I will see you around the guild Natsu. And after that you were gone.

And as you know I didn't leave the guild back then, and from that day forward I have done pretty much all of those things and you were right about them all, especially about them becoming my family. Oh and as per your request no one knows about that speech that you gave me back then, mainly because I was really afraid of you back then. I was really tempted to tell Gramps that you were the one who gave me the hints about my fighting style, of just diving straight in, because right after that I started to destroy more stuff on my jobs. Which if you think about it, all of the things that I destroyed over the years can be traced back to that day and the blame lands squarely on your shoulders, Laxus my man. But now it seems like it is my time to branch out and do something else, which I hope you can understand since you too had some time away from Fairy Tail, and it would seem that this is now my time. So I am now counting on you and a few other people to keep Fairy Tail alive and strong in my absence. And who knows I might come back someday wanting to join and you might even be the new Master at that point. So I know this is going to kind of be weird but I did get you a gift, which is a new headphone set because you and me both know that the one you keep carrying around with you right now is broken, and has been so for a long time. Now I know that you have kept it around for sentimental reason, you big old softy, whom I completely understand I mean look at my scarf, it was the last gift that Igneel gave me. So I can understand why you have kept those headphones around so long, they were the last gift that Lisanna gave to you before we thought that she died. But hey she is back with us now so make a move on her man you don't want to miss out if she happens to be your mate, now do yoy? Shit how did I start talking about girls with you of all people, oh yeah the headphones, well I got you a new pair because it was the only thing that I could think of that you might actually like. They should be in the chest ant would be really hard to miss, oh and that medallion that was with this note, I thought that I should leave some way for you to get into contact if you need me, which I find it hard to believe that you ever will, but you never know. Better to always be safe, I think Erza says when she is packing that huge cart of hers, and have it then to not have it at all. All you need to do is destroy it which shouldn't be hard for you, and then I will know that you need my help and will get there as soon as possible.

Oh and just so you know, no hard feels about the whole exam thing. I saw how you were somewhat regretting not letting me pass, which became pretty obvious when you didn't tell me to shut up and listen to Gramps. You don't know how much that little action means to me right now. I have never told you that I have always seen you as a big brother figure right. Well if I haven't I did just now, see you around big bro, and you should talk with her some at least.

Natsu Dragneel.

Laxus quickly wiped away a single tear so that no one would notice and thought to himself. I do remember that day Natsu, at least now, and I don't really want to believe that it I was one of the main reasons that you turned into who you are today. But if it is true then maybe there is still hope for me, too one day become the Master of Fairy Tail, and if that day ever comes I hope you know that you will always be welcome at Fairy Tail. And thank Mavis, that you didn't tell Gramps about that, Laxus thought while chuckling to himself.

He then got out the medallion that Natsu left him, that was just a simple circle that had a dragon on it, which looked like it was chasing its tail with its wings spread wide. All of this was set on the background of flames, but there was no color to this medallion it was all just simple silver. As Laxus looked at it he thought, not bad Natsu, not bad and quickly put it over his head and let it fall down to where it could no longer be seen. He then made his way to the bar to see these headphones Natsu got him.

Once he got to the bar he easily spotted them, they were pretty much the newest version of the pair that he has always kept with him. Pretty much the same design with a few small changes here or there, they were the same colors as his old ones and even still had the spike on each side. The only major difference was that on the inside of them where the speakers were there was now a gold Fairy Tail emblem. Laxus looked at the new ones and then back at the old ones, he kept on doing this for a few minutes, but when he looked up he saw that Lisanna was smiling at him, which almost caused Laxus to blush. Right then he decided two things, first that he was going to now use the new headphones, which he did by replacing the old ones, but decided to still hold on to them so he slipped them into his coats inner pocket. The second thing that he decided that Natsu was right, and that he was going to go and talk to Lisanna as soon as she was free.

This once again caused Laxus to chuckle out loud, thinking how in the world this happened, Natsu Dragneel the poster child for being clueless about women gave him advice, and the worst part he was actually listening to him. Which made Laxus start wondering if Natsu was as clueless as everybody thought he was in that area, no he couldn't be, could he, thought Laxus. But then Laxus decided that it truly didn't matter to him, but he was still curious, so he walked off to his table on the second floor laughing to himself, waiting for Lisanna to be alone so that he could talk to her.

Dear Gajeel,

Or should I say metal head. Man have we had some fun together haven't we, looking at how we interact with each other now no one would be able to tell that when we first met one another we were out for blood. But as Master always said yesterday's enemies are tomorrow's friends, and boy was he right with you. Think about all of the times that we had to team up together just so that neither one of us would die, the whole fighting festival against Laxus, the against the King of Edolas, also during the Grand Magic Games when I pushed you on that cart, oh my god I am laughing right now just thinking about it. To think that the first things we said to one another when we were just became guild mates was that we both were never going to work with the other one, it's funny how fate has a way of proving you wrong when you thought something. Like how I thought that I was always going to be a Fairy Tail member.

Boy was I so wrong on that one, and because of that I need to ask you to do a huge favor for me. Could you keep an eye out on Fairy Tail, you know how they are always getting into big trouble and life or death situations, but hopefully since I won't be around that shouldn't happen as often anymore. But knowing that you are there if something does happen will make me feel a lot better. Oh and I know I don't even need to ask you this because I know that you care about her just as much I do. But please look out for Wendy, try to make sure that she doesn't turn out like you or me, Mavis help us if that happens. Make sure that when she starts looking for a mate that he is up to your standards I trust that they are pretty similar to mine. Also make sure that she knows that this is not her fault in any way shape or form that I left. I have of course told her this in the letter that I wrote her, but you know how she is always trying to take the blame when anything goes wrong. Don't let her do that this time, or so help me the next time I see you I will kick your ass all across Fiore and back again.

Oh and congratulations on being promoted to S-Class you earned it man, I never got to say that to you did I? Well I did now, and thanks for not being an asshole about it, like some stripper that we both know. Oh and also thanks for not siding with the master like most of the guild that means a lot to me. So I thought about getting you something but honestly I couldn't think of anything to get you except for some rare metals that I have started to collect ever since you became part of our family and part of the very exclusive dragon slayer family of Fairy Tail. So yea it is in one of the smaller chests and should open up to just you. I at one point was going to give you a medallion so that you could get in touch with me but then I realized that there was no way in hell you would ever ask for my help, that stupid dragon slayer pride that we both have would rather have us die than ask the other for help. Also you would have probably just ate it anyways, so I guess if you do need to reach me you will have to ask someone else, perhaps Levy. Oh and you better tell me when you two finally decide to get married, otherwise the whole kicking your ass across Fiore threat again.

Oh and don't even try to follow after me and try to bring me back. You and I both know that I am the better tracker and if I don't want to be found then I won't be. And right now that is how I am feeling. Oh and I know that you are not for any of that sentimental bullshit, but sorry Gajeel I feel the need to tell you that I see you as my brother, it just had to be said. So until we meet again.

From the Salamander

PS. I just thought of the best gift I could give to you, every time we met up we can fight to see who is the strongest and see how far we are both coming along. That is only if you want to, it is all up to Blacksteel.

Geehee was Gajeel response after reading the whole letter. Of course I will watch over Fairy Tail you idiot, they are my family now too and you know what a dragon will do for his family, thought Gajeel, I mean come on Salamander you are a perfect example of what a dragon will do. He also thought about what the Salamander said about Wendy and came to the conclusion that he was right and she was going to try and take the blame for this. Dammit Salamander we are so going to fight when we see each other again thought Gajeel as he made his way to the bar.

Once there he was given some money and then found the chest that opened up for him, considering that there was only three of them it wasn't hard to find. He then made it back to his table where Levy was still sitting there and reading Natsu's letter to her occasionally letting out a small sob every now and again. He then started to taste test some of the metal that the Salamander had given him thinking, Dam you are so going to pay for making my mate cry, but dear Mavis all of these metals taste fucking awesome.

Dear Wendy

I need to say this right away but none of this was your fault; there was absolutely nothing that you could have done to stop this. Oh and just so you know I told Gajeel to make sure that you understand that it isn't your fault, so if you don't want to deal with his terrible methods of trying to cheer you up and making sure that you don't blame yourself, then you are going to have to be the strong sky dragon that both me and Gajeel know that you are and get through this. Also it's not like I died or anything I will still be around I just won't be a part of Fairy Tail anymore, and no you can't quit also just to come after me. Fairy Tail will need you; they wouldn't be able to deal with losing two of their strongest wizards if you came after me. They would probably have to shut down and then poor Gajeel wouldn't be able to find any work and would probably starve to death which when you think about it would be pretty impressive considering he can eat any sort of metal and that stuff can be found everywhere.

So Wendy I wanted to let you know that since I first met you, I instantly saw you as my little sister and was willing to do anything for you and wanted to make sure that you are safe. Which is why I want to apologize for the whole Edolas thing again and I know you said that it was okay, but I feel like because of that I have failed you as a big brother. Know you are right now thinking no you didn't Natsu, and you are probably right but it is something that I don't think I will ever be able to stop regretting. But let's move on to happier things, like the things that I will be leaving behind for you.

The first thing that I will be giving to you is my little cottage out in the woods, under the one condition that if Happy still wants to live there with you he can. Now I know that you would have no problem with that because you love him almost as much as I do. But there is a certain exceed I know that might not be okay with it. The deed for it should be a small roll of paper tied with a red ribbon and keys. If you do choose to except the cottage feel free to make it your own, do any home improvements to it that you want. It is completely paid off which might take some of the stress off of your shoulders not having to worry about paying rent, all I can say is that not having to ever pay rent made me feel really relaxed most of the time. I wonder if that is why most people always seem to be on edge or stressed when compared to me, whatever, that is something that you can figure out for yourself. All I do know is that it is definitely not making Lucy look any younger always stressing over rent.

So another one of the gifts that I am leaving you are some scrolls that I found on one of my quests, one contains some pretty complex air moves on them, while another one has some healing techniques on them that I have no idea if they will be of any use to you at all. The final scroll is something I made and am pretty proud of, it contains my entire dragon slayer moves, even the secret arts and forbidden moves, on it and how I preform each one of them. This is very valuable and am only trusting it to you, it is written in the draconic language which I sure hope you remember, if not I just gave Levy a book that should be able to teach you again. So the reason that I am giving this one to you is that I am confident that you will be able to learn all of those moves while applying them to your sky magic. It is definitely going to be tough at the beginning but I have complete faith in you Wendy. And when we meet up again you will be able to show me all of the moves you have learned.

The last and final gift that I am giving you is a really special one. I have been giving most of the people who received letters some way of contacting me, but yours is one of two that I am giving that will allow you to actually speak directly to me. It is an armband in the chest you won't be able to miss it, it has three dragons on it. So let me explain how this on works, in order to call me all you have to do is push down on the head of the red dragon, and as long as I am free it will set up a telepathic link between us, oh and it will draw off of your magic to accomplish this. Now on my end I have a device that allows me to turn on or off these calls, if I have it set off it probably means that I am doing some sort of mission or something like that, if that is the case my device will show me that I missed a call from you and I will try and call you back and soon as possible. I am told that for you to answer a call from me it is the same as you calling me just touch the red dragon's head when the armband heats up, it should feel like my magic. The last and final thing that this armband can do is mainly for me since I will always be concerned about you, is if it gets destroyed or can no longer detect your magic it will pretty much send a distress signal alerting me of your last known location, and then I will be there as soon as possible. And if you are concerned about sleeping with it on it should be able to still detect your magic as long as you are in the same room, which reminds me about another two cool features it has, dam this armband is complicated. It can fit anyone which means, as you grow it will grow with you, and the final feature is that it will only come off if you want it to come off, unless someone breaks it of course but that means that they will then have to deal with me. And I will most likely not be a happy camper, so that is about it Wendy, oh and don't tell anyone about all the stuff the armband can actually do, because there is a good chance that they would then start pestering you to use it and this is mainly intended for you and me too keep in touch. Of course you can tell the two exceeds as long as you think they can keep it a secret. So I will talk with you later Wendy, I am assuming that you will probably call me tonight after you leave the guild, if so I definitely will answer.

Love Natsu Dragneel

As Wendy started to read she started to cry, but that soon turned into little giggles at what Natsu-san was saying to her in the letter. It was really just like having a conversation with him at the beginning. And only Natsu-san could get Wendy to smile and giggle at such a sad moment for her, but he knew how to do it by making fun of Gajeel-san while also telling her how strong he thought she was. She once again got a little sad at the part that he considered her his little sister and that he thought that he let her down, and just like he said in his letter, in her opinion he could not have been more wrong. He was the best big brother that she could have asked for. He instantly accepted her and then brought her back with him to his family, at one of the lowest points in her life, and gave her a new family that cared deeply for her.

The next part of the letter really startled Wendy, within a few seconds she got her own home completely paid off. She also got new things to learn that were going to help her get stronger, but from these new learning materials by far the one that she cared the most about getting and keeping safe was Natsu-san's homemade scrolls with all of his moves. This truly showed how much Natsu-san loved her and thought of her as his sister; it was pretty much the equivalent of actually adopting her as his sister. Because these were the moves that Igneel taught Natsu-nii, and a few that he came up with on his own, and in the dragon community you only passed on your moves to family. Reading this part about him passing on his moves to her, brought her tears of joy and she decided that there was no way anyone else was going to get their hands on that scroll, and that she was going to master all of those moves as fast as she humanly could.

The last gift that Natsu-nii was giving her, made her have a huge smile on her face after she reading all that it could do. It was just about as good as getting his moves; she really couldn't decide which one she liked more. The armband was going to allow her to keep in contact with Natsu-nii whenever she wanted, and if anything bad happened she now knew that he would come and save her, which was actually one of her major concerns with Natsu-nii leaving. She thought that it meant that he might not care about her anymore, which would have killed little Wendy. But thankfully she didn't even have to think about that anymore after the last two gifts she was receiving from him.

So with a smile on her face now Wendy made her way to the bar to make sure that she got all of the gifts that Natsu-nii left her. As she got there, Master Makarov had to ask her why she was so happy right now while everyone else was so sad, he thought that with what just happened that she would be an inconsolable wreck. But here she was walking with her head held high and even a smile on her face.

"Wendy I am glad to see that you are taking this better than I would have ever suspected, but do you mind me asking why or how?" asked Master Makarov while giving her the money that Natsu was giving to everyone.

"Not at all Master, let's just say that I now feel like I am a Dragneel!" she replied happily while now looking for all of the gifts that Natsu left for her.

"How so?" asked Makarov "If you once again don't mind me asking Wendy?" while he looked at her, being truly lost on what was going on. Just learning a bit ago that Natsu left the guild, to now Wendy saying she feels like she is now a Dragneel, whatever that means.

"Well it is actually hard to explain Master without telling you, which I can't." Wendy replied while sliding the armband to the middle of her right bicep. The armband had a gold trim with a blue and white background that looked like the sky with clouds, and over top of this were three dragons that were chasing one another, a white one, grey one, and finally the red one. Which she made sure was situated on her arm so that she could easily press its red head if she needed to. When Wendy first looked at it her smile grew even more, because she now realized that the three dragons represented her, Gajeel-san, and Natsu-nii. This really warmed her heart again that Natsu-nii put so much thought and effort into this gift for her.

"Let's just say Natsu-nii is giving me something that in the dragon community you only give to family." said Wendy becoming proud that she was able to answer the question, while also not giving away what Natsu-nii gave her.

She then grabbed the deed with keys and the three scrolls said to the Master, "If that is all, I have a lot to do, I have to move into my new place, relearn draconic, and a whole lot of training to do so I don't disappoint Natsu-nii."

"Oh no I don't have anything for you to do, well good luck on all of that." replied Makarov being once again surprised at how Natsu's departure was affecting people. Thinking as he watched Wendy head to the table that had all three exceeds at it with also Gajeel and Levy. Makarov couldn't help but think, and be amazed at how positive some guild members were becoming after reading their personal letters from Natsu, which made him really curious at what they contained. Some members like Wendy, Romeo, and Asuka looked like they were ready to take on the world after Natsu's letter and gifts. While some members seemed to just go back to their normal selves like Gajeel and Grey. One member's reaction that really concerned the Master was Laxus, he was chuckling while reading it and once he got his new headphones he was actually laughing as he went off to the second floor. One thing that Makarov new about his grandson was that he never genuinely laughs at anything, it is hard as hell to get him to even chuckle, and here he was doing both of those genuinely after reading Natsu's letter and getting his gift.

He really wanted to read Laxus's letter, but unfortunately not all of his letters seemed to have such positive effects, such as Happy, Lucy, and Erza. There letters seemed to just make the sadder, but they didn't have the worst reaction. That honor seemed to go to Mira which really surprised Makarov; he thought that the other Strauss girl would be taking it harder.

End of Chapter

Author's Notes:

Well once again didn't plan on it being that long, but what can I say. I like these letters because they allow me to do some flashbacks if I want, while also establishing the relationships between Natsu and some of the characters at the guild. But don't worry I should be able to hopefully finish all of the letters within the next three chapters, and then we will once again return to Natsu and see what his plans are. I am probably going to make this somewhat a NatsuXMira, but I don't know how good I will be at that so we will have to wait and see. As always feel free to leave any sort of feedback.

Until next Chapter

Digem out!