Pink and Black goes well Together
Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail, HiroMashima does.
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Chapter 9: Confusion
"I've got to say that you know how to pick them, Ultear." Cornelia mused as she studied Natsu through the viewing glass. The Dragon Slayer naked as the day he was born as he impatiently waited for the scan to finish. "I think I would like to change that free drink into a free ride…" The head of the Magic Research Division paused as the temperature in the room dropped below zero and the viewing glass is caked in ice.
"You may be my friend, Cornelia, but I would make you wish you never hit puberty." Ultear threatened with her voice calm and neutral.
It's been a tiring week since their return after Galuna Island and just as she expected, Mirajane exploded after finding out that Natsu almost died after saving her mother. It was only due to Natsu's intervention that the two women didn't come into blows.
Cornelia raised her hand in defeat, "It was simply a suggestion…" The temperature in the room returned but immediately rose as Ultear's body erupted in flames. "I'm joking, geez! I know you love the guy, but you're being too much of a mother hen. Look my room is soaking wet." She groused looking at the melting ice all around her. "I heard your mother is back. How is she?" It wasn't everyday a powerful magic such as the Iced Shell is reversed leaving the user unscathed.
"I just have too much on my mind this past week." Ultear sighed as she sat on the console and looked down at Natsu. "He almost died returning my mother. The Master's friend couldn't undo the damage he did to himself, and Mirajane has been breathing down my neck after our return." She spat the white haired beauty's name with venom. "I'm at my wits end trying to find out what he did to himself."
"I see…" Cornelia nodded noting how her friend ignored the question about her mother. The scan finished but she didn't tell Natsu on the other side and simply turned to her friend. "I just finished the scan and found out that his magical container is cracked. You know what that is, right?"
"Yeah, that's the theorized container that each mages have where ethernano is absorbed and kept." Ultear answered as Cornelia nodded. "How did he break it?" She already has a clue how but she needed to make sure.
"Well…" Cornelia began as she pressed a button on her console and started taking pictures of Natsu's nakedness without the two's knowledge. Being locked up in a place where the men looked as strange as the magic they used killed any potential for romance.
She extended her hand and a hologram of a human figure appeared with a round container inside him. "He must've used a very powerful spell that required large amounts of magic to be consumed. It sucked up all his magic and forced him to acquire more while releasing it at the same time." A stream akin to water entered the figure from the right and exited into the left. "The strain of channeling large amounts of magic must've been too much for his container and cracked. Though from what I could see, it should've exploded and killed him."
Ultear frowned after seeing her presentation. "So, the reason for his current predicament is because his container is leaking all the magic power he absorbs stopping him from using magic? Can you fix it? Do you have something in the archives that will help him?" She sounded desperate even as her expression remained neutral. Natsu is strong, but there are others that are stronger, and with his loss of magic. His chances of surviving a fight between another mage are slim.
"I'm afraid I can't help you with that." Cornelia shook her head ruefully and informing Natsu that he could get change. "This division only researches magic that are either defensive or offensive in nature. We develop magic spells that helps the council and nothing more." It was the truth that both of them knew, and if they didn't know that the magic council is loyal to the king and maintaining peace. The group of old men could easily rebel and take Fiore for their own. "I really want to help you, I really do, but with this place as it is and Healing magic a thing of the past. My hands are tied. He really must care for you a lot to willingly go through that knowing the end result."
Ultear bit her thumb in frustration and wished she knew where Grandine is hiding. The same Dragon that removed whatever that was done to her before she met Natsu and Igneel. "If only Igneel or Grandine was easy to find." He'll give the fire dragon a piece of her mind for teaching Natsu a very dangerous spell.
Cornelia perked up at the mention of Igneel, "That's the dragon that taught you, right?" She had long accepted that Ultear was really raised by a dragon less she invoked her wrath. "I've heard rumors of a mage called the Sky witch from Cait Shelter. Rumors has it that she has the same kind of lost magic you have, and has the ability to heal…" Like clockwork, Ultear's face exploded in desperation as she immediately transferred the location of the mage through her archive magic.
"I owe you one!" Ultear left in a hurry to see if the information is correct.
"That's two…" Cornelia reminded with a sweat-drop as the woman vanished. She then scanned her room soaked in water. "I'll bill her later…"
XOXOXO
Natsu stood outside the Magic council's research facility as he's unable to stand the creepy vibe the place radiates. "Reminds me of the place where I found Ultear." He mused as he continued to wait. He then looked at his new outfit courtesy of Erza. A black trench coat with gold trim with the left sleeve gone to show his Fairy Tail mark, the coat itself is resistant to magic attacks like one of her armors. "At least I got a new coat from out of it." He then looked back to the day they returned and things between him, Ultear and Mirajane became much more difficult.
One week ago…
"We're back!" Natsu hollered as he opened the guild doors. Losing his magic wasn't such a setback after all since he could still fight like he usually does, albeit without all the flames and explosions.
Mirajane's face lit up the moment Natsu returned as she tackle-hugged her man, "I'm glad you're back, Natsu." She kissed him full on the lips in relief. A week with no news about Natsu frayed the woman's nerves and feared for the worst. It was either he's mortally wounded or Ultear eloped with Natsu.
Ultear frowned at the sight as her mother eyed her curiously. The mother and daughter never really got to talk in the island as Ultear focused her attention on Natsu. Ultear avoided the older woman because of her inability to talk to her and the guilt of trying to kill her in the past. "That's enough, Mirajane. He needs to rest after saving my mother."
Mirajane looked to the side to see a woman that resembled Ultear who waved at her in greeting, "Welcome to Fairy Tail! The master is not here, but I'm sure he would be more than happy to accept a mage of your caliber into our guild." Surely they brought her back so she could join the guild and be with her daughter. "Was it difficult, Natsu?"
Erza tried to stop Natsu from speaking but it was too late. "Well, I almost died and can't use magic anymore, but it was a walk in the park!" He tried to assure Mirajane but did the opposite. "Hey, Mira, are you alright?"
"Natsu… you idiot…" Mirajane's face turned from happy to teary eyed in a matter of seconds as she cried at his chest. She knows that he's strong, but to casually talk about how close to death he is as if it was nothing. It brought her back to that faithful day when Lissana protected her from Elfman. She disappeared from Earthland because of her and the notion of losing Natsu, a person she couldn't live without, brought despair into her heart.
As Mirajane continued to cry on Natsu's chest, her sad thoughts turned darker as she turned her attention to Ultear. The woman that constantly placed doubt in her relationship with Natsu, a woman she knew she couldn't compare. Anger towards the person that Natsu loves more than her consumed her. She pulled back from Natsu's embrace and walked up to Ultear and slapped the woman hard.
Cold sapphire eyes met harsh obsidian as both women glared at each other, "Stay away from Natsu, Ultear! You've only brought Natsu to danger and nothing else, and now he almost died because of you!" Mirajane seethed as everyone tried to calm the two women. "Stop treating him like your personal lap dog!" It was the most apt description she could think in her anger fueled rage.
One word from Ultear and Natsu would come running.
"That's enough, Mira." Natsu tried to diffuse the situation gently by placing a hand on her shoulder. "Besides, that's not true, I'm not Ultear's lap dog." He tried to laugh it off but everyone found it a sad attempt to placate the two.
Ultear wiped the trickle of blood from her lip and stared the woman down. How dare this woman demand she stay away from her man? "You should be grateful that you can still hold unto Natsu. Unlike you, I could keep my love ones alive." She didn't care how crass her words are, even using a dead person in spite.
"That's enough, Ultear!" Erza ordered after sensing the spike of magic coming from Mirajane. Something they all thought the former demon is incapable off, though Natsu knows very well that Mirajane never lost her powers and simply stopped using them. "You're just tired and not thinking straight."
Mirajane stared wide-eyed at Ultear's words and all her anger dissipated. She stared at the floor seething and decided to be as cruel as the woman, "Natsu… I want you to choose between me and her…" she didn't want to add the word love as she knew deep down that she'll lose, so she'll make it as vague as possible without losing its meaning.
"That's not even a question, Mira; Of course, I'd choose you." Natsu replied automatically. In his eyes, Mirajane needs him more than Ultear. He knows that Ultear would shift her focus on him rather than talk to her mother. He did it to help her.
Ultear hid her anger well with a simple narrowing of her eyes. She decided that Mirajane won this round, "Let's wait for the master to return to his office, mother." She started towards her destination hitting Mirajane's shoulder, "We're far from over…"
"I know…" Mirajane whispered back. "Could we take a walk, Natsu? I don't feel very well." She smiled tiredly at the Dragon slayer.
Natsu watched as Ultear silently walked towards the Master's room. Each step she took showed how angry the woman is. "Ok… I bet working all day at the bar could be tiring." He did his best to placate Mirajane.
Present time.
"Thinking of Mira again?" Ultear asked to annoy Natsu. She still couldn't get over the fact he chose Mirajane over her even though he had her best intention in mind. Wasn't she the most important person in his life?
Natsu shot her an angry glare, "Shut up! Is there any news in getting my magic back?" How can she still be angry about something that happened a week ago? He started walking beside Ultear as they head to Crocus.
"Cornelia told me about a mage that knows healing magic. I'll be gone for a few days to see if her information is true." Ultear answered as they walked along the desert.
"When are we going to leave?" Natsu asked excitedly, ready to go on another adventure. A week without doing jobs is making the Dragonslayer go insane. He managed to nag Mirajane into letting him go by mentioning that Erza is in his team. He did wonder why Mirajane's expression became stern at the mention of Erza's name.
"You're not coming with me." Ultear stated flatly, already expecting his reaction. "As much as I hated to agree with Mirajane, there are those that want you dead. The news of the loss of your magic spread like wildfire among the Dark mages, you'll only be a burden to me." She had to be blunt to ensure he understands. He's not immune to fire anymore and could easily get caught in one of her attacks.
"What?" Natsu screamed in disbelief. "I'll show you I could take a hit!" He stood in front of Ultear in his fighting stance.
Ultear eyed Natsu tiredly and took a stance of her own, "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" In a few quick strides Ultear struck Natsu's guard creating a fiery explosion. Natsu is sent skidding a few feet backwards covered in smoke.
The smoke cleared and Natsu is littered with light burns and scratches, his hair took on a nice curly shape, "See, I told you I could take a hit." God! His arms feel like they're going to fall off. He didn't know she hits that hard.
Ultear slowly shook her head and leveled with Natsu, "I'm holding back, you should know that better than anyone, Natsu. If I went at you with full force, I would have broken your arms." As painful for her to see the disheartened look Natsu has, she had to be tough on him.
"How will I protect you from that woman, Ultear?" Natsu demanded as he clenched his fist, not minding the pain that shot from his arms. It's been nagging him ever since their return to the guild.
Ultear closed the gap between them and wrapped her arms around Natsu. He's still as warm as she remembered despite losing his magic. "You can protect me again once you get your magic back," She gently pecked him on the lips, a thing she's been doing more recently and took liberties on. "For now… be a good boy and do jobs with your team, the strongest team in Fairy Tail, ok?" She pinched his nose like a little kid.
Natsu pushed her back and rubbed his nose in annoyance, blushing lightly. "Whatever! Just don't come running to me when you're in trouble!" he shouted at the smirking woman.
"Yes, yes, Natsu." She agreed in a patronizing tone.
XOXOXO
Gray walked towards the Dragneel house early in the morning. He wanted to talk to his master because just like Ultear, he didn't have the time and didn't know how to start a conversation. Since Natsu and Ultear went to Crocus, it left Ul alone in the house.
Arriving at the house, he walked towards the door and knocked since his teacher is the only one in the house. "Uh…," he couldn't even think of what to call her now that she's back. Being a dick to her teacher when he was a kid and only learned to respect Ul when she saved him didn't help his situation. "Teacher…?" Nice one Gray.
"Gray?" Ul voice's came from behind the door that made him bristle. "Come in. I'm in the middle of cleaning the house so it might be a little messy."
"Ok…" Gray replied and opened the door slowly. "Sorry for the…" He then saw his teacher's profile as she wiped the table with nothing but an apron and silk underwear on. "WHAT THE HELL?!" he screamed, quickly closing the door and catching his breath. "Where are your clothes, Ul?" Yup, Ul is back.
Ul looked down on her apron clad body, "Sorry about that!" she laughed at her prized students reaction. "I did tell you I was cleaning, and since I don't have any clothes and my daughter preferring dresses... I don't want to ruin my only pair and decided to strip and wear an apron."
"Just put some clothes on!" Gray screamed and saw a woman with her child staring at him and looked at his own state of dress. "It's not what it looks like." He assured as he saw the mother quickly cover her child's eyes and ushered him as far away from the man.
"You can come in, Gray." Ul called from the other side as Gray made sure he's clothed when he entered. "So, you finally decided to visit. Lyon came a few days ago and told me he would join a guild." She wore one of Natsu's shirt and vest, and Ultear's only pair of jeans.
"Good luck for him, then," Gray sat on the couch opposite his teacher. "Aren't you feeling hot under all that?" He knew that Ul isn't really bothered by the heat since he walks around with a coat on. What really bothered him is Ul wearing Natsu's clothes.
"You two are still the same after all this years." Ul commented finding that some things are still the same. She pulled at the collar of her shirt and looked at Gray, "Not really. Like I said, I don't have any clothes with me and my daughter's bra is a few sizes too big." She snickered at Gray's blush at how uncomfortable he is, knowing that the daughter is more endowed than the mother. "What's with the 'Teacher' greeting earlier?" With the short time she stayed with Gray, he never once called her teacher even in her last moments.
Gray scratched his cheek and looked at the window, "I guess it's the least I could call you since I've been a pain when I was a kid." He admitted. Why the hell couldn't he look at her straight, damn it!
"True…" Ul nodded as she looked at Gray who bristled at her answer. Her friend was right. He really did grow into a hunk like she predicted. "But it was one of the best days of my life after Ultear was abducted." Was he this prone to blushing when he was little runt? "Are you coming down with something, Gray? You're awfully flustered."
"It's just hot today." Gray lied, finding that his teacher is quite open to him. When he was a kid and still under her wing, there was a clear line between his teacher and him. "So… how are you adjusting in the land of the living?"
"Well… I'm still trying to get used to living in a city, especially as large as this one. The cold is something I wouldn't miss. My magic is back as it was; even my severed leg is back. I'm in the same guild as my daughter and prized student. Everything's fine except my relationship with my daughter…" Ul's voice died down at the last part. They only talked once in the island and she found out that she made Ultear feel abandoned for taking in Gray and Lyon. "I think she hates me…"
Gray kind of felt responsible for his teacher looking so down even though none of them could've done anything at the time. "I'm sure she didn't mean it like that. She just doesn't know how to approach you, that's all." He assured, which made his teacher smile at him. "You're a member of Fairy Tail?!"
Ul stared at him for a second, "You didn't know?" Gray nodded and Ul decided to show her mark to Gray. She gripped the hem of her shirt and lifted it up revealing the smooth skin underneath and underside of her full breast. Her mark, the same black color as her daughter rested just below her breasts on the right.
"What the hell?! Cover yourself up!" Gray had to cover his eyes at seeing Ul's full breasts. Didn't she know he's not a kid anymore!
"You're still as shy as I remembered." Ul laughed as she pulled her shirt back down. "You won't get any ladies if you panic when somebody flashes you." Somehow she felt relieved about Gray's reaction to her. He was like a son to her.
"Shut up! It's because you're my teacher that I reacted that way. I've seen enough in my time at Fairy Tail." Gray countered hotly and didn't like the grin Ul is sporting.
"That's the Gray I remember." Ul's grin turned teasing. "Don't tell me you're acting all shy just to see my body." She exploded in laughter at Gray's expression, caught between embarrassed and being found out.
Gray shook his head in annoyance wondering if Ul was really like this before she met him. "I'm regretting my decision to see you." He muttered, but he would be lying if he wasn't attracted to the older woman. "I'm heading to the guild. You should go there, too." He stood and started to leave.
"I will." Ul waved as Gray opened the door. "Though, I thought you'd take me to something fancier for our first date." Her comment made Gray open the door hastily hitting him in the face as he shot her an angry glare.
She wants to play, he'll play. "Get yourself some fancier clothes and I'll take you to Akane." It was now Ul's turn to feel uncomfortable at his words but managed to compose herself quickly. "I'm glad your back, Ul. I really am. Later."
"Gray…" Ul called, stopping Gray from completely closing the door. "Would you accompany me back to my old house? I'd like to get some of my belongings there."
"I'll wait for you at the guild and we could go there today." Gray answered lazily as he closed the door and left. He didn't wait for her reply as he would wait for her all day if he has to.
Ul stood up and started to strip her clothes like earlier and started to put on her apron. "You really have grown Gray, You and Ultear. The both of you grew up without me." She restarted her task and decided to meet with Gray later that day. She felt a mixture of sadness and happiness at the thought. She cared deeply for both of them and wished she saw them grow up, but faith decided to intervene and she end up losing both of them.
XOXOXO
Mirajane meandered from one member of Fairy Tail to another as she handed them their orders. A week after her confrontation with Ultear, she's back to her old happy self. Reason for her happiness is Natsu's return from Ultear's visit from Era to see what's wrong with him and her subsequent trip to the north.
"Well you've been a bastion of happiness these last few days, Mira." Cana observed as she started her second barrel.
Mirajane placed a palm on her cheek while blushing, "Is it obvious?" She asked bashfully as Cana nodded. "Well… it's because Natsu started sleeping with me four days ago."
Cana knew that Mirajane meant every connotation of the word since the couple is sexually active. "Why is that? Couldn't he just sleep in the couch?" She sagely didn't mention Natsu sharing a bed with Ultear knowing how much it would piss-off the demon.
"He did, and I told him he could stay with me for as long as he like. We'd be husband and wife by the end of the year, so what difference would it make if we start living together now." Mirajane answered and Cana could see the happiness roll off the woman in waves. It wasn't that hard to guess that she had sausage for breakfast when she came in a little late.
"You're really sure about marrying Natsu, huh? When's the big day?" Cana inquired taking a swig from her barrel.
"I'm sure, Cana. I love Natsu and he loves me and what better way to show our love than marrying each other." Mirajane said with conviction as Cana eyed her from the edge of her barrel. "I was thinking of before the S-class exams so he would be 'Fired-up' for the exams." Just thinking of the naughty stuffs she would show him on their honeymoon made her a little wanting.
It was quite easy to see that Mirajane wanted to tie Natsu down and sever his connection with Ultear. And whether Mirajane knows it or not, she's marrying Natsu in fear of losing him to Ultear that she'd mistaken it for love. "I'll be expecting a lot of booze from ya, Mira!" She said cheerily. She's not questioning Mirajane's feelings for Natsu but the reasons behind her actions. She's Mirajane's friend and biggest supporter and hoped for the best in her relationship with Natsu, but she wouldn't meddle in their affairs.
"Mira, where's Natsu?" Erza inquired as she walked towards the two while towing Lucy on her skirt. "Lucy is going on a job and she needs company."
"I'm fine on my own!" Lucy cried in indignation as she tried to break free of Erza's grip until a loud ripping sound resounded in the guild.
"I-I-I didn't know they could be that revealing." Erza stuttered as she held the piece of Lucy skirt. Titania's eyes fixated on the black silk underwear Lucy wore with floral designs on the front and frills on the side. "Please punch me for embarrassing you!" She doesn't have to the courage to wear such revealing undergarments which is ironic since most of her armors don't cover much.
"Erza, you idiot!" Lucy screamed as she ran into the backroom.
"Was that Lucy in her underwear?" Natsu wondered as he appeared out of nowhere. "It's kind of plain." All of the men in the guild stared at Mirajane and realized the reason why she always wears her pink dress. None of them knew that he was talking about Ultear.
"So what's this thing about a job? Is it an S-class request?" Natsu asked Titania ready to go on a job.
XOXOXO
"Why do I have to suffer like this?" Lucy sighed as they walked along the streets of Magnolia.
The job was simple. A request to find a missing item, but Natsu and Erza is too overzealous of their jobs and made sure nothing was left unturned. Literally. The two mages overturned carts, tables, trash bins, uprooted trees, and if they're able, lift a house out of its foundations to make sure. In the end she found the item at the river's embankment. She was lucky that the mayor was nice enough to let them leave with her meager reward untouched.
Lucy turned towards the chatting pair, "I don't want to intrude, but why did you two have to come with me? It was my job in the first place." She already knows the answer to her question, but she hoped for a different one.
"We're Fairy Tail's strongest team!" Natsu declared as Lucy rolled his eyes at his answer. "With me, Erza, Happy and underpants man, though he's not here, we're unbeatable!" Oh yeah! He and Erza could take on any one.
"Yes, it gives me assurance." Erza nodded at Natsu's train of thought. With her skill and experience along with Natsu's brute force and Happy's ability of flight. Nothing could stop them.
Both pointedly ignored Gray and Lucy as they're assured of their skills.
"Did you just pointedly leave me out?" Lucy screamed in annoyance.
"Who are you calling underpants man, brimstone breath?" Gray chimed in as everyone looked behind them to see him with Ul.
"Gray! Where did you and Ul go?" Natsu asked as he looked at the two carrying bags with them. "Did the two of you decided to get hitched?"
Gray and Ul looked at each other at the same time before looking away, "Shut it, Natsu! I just helped Ul gather her things." He lifted the bags to emphasize his point.
"Yeah, Gray helped me, but in the end I had to buy a new set of clothes." Ul added as everyone noticed that the bags were quite new. "I hope you don't mind if I used your money." Ultear did tell her that what they owned is hers.
Damn Ultear for keeping her money in a bank! "Sure, it's not like I could do anything about it now. Though you'll have to buy Happy a lot of fish." He added quickly deciding to use Happy's share of the cash.
"What!" Happy screamed in disbelief. How will he buy his fish when he and Natsu aren't fishing for fish!
"No problem, I'm good at fishing, ice fishing, that is." Ul laughed as Gray blanched at the memory. His childhood with the woman was spent eating fish, as part of his training was to fish in a frozen lake while in his boxers. "Aren't I right, Gray?"
"Don't remind me." Gray groused as Natsu smirked. "Are all of you heading to the guild?"
"Yes, we're going to report about Lucy's success." Erza answered as they all started towards Fairy Tail.
"We'll tag along with you then. I'd like to get acquainted with the guild." Ul said as everyone simply nodded not seeing anything wrong with her suggestion.
As the group walked along the streets of Magnolia, they noticed the not so discreet talks about them. They didn't know why but none of them felt good about it. As they reached the crest of the hill, they saw their guild from afar and remembered that it didn't have poles sticking out of it. This caused them to run towards their home and see the damage up close.
"Is the occasional riot in your guild the cause of this, Gray?" Ul asked as she looked at the large iron poles sticking out. She was told that fights would erupt in the guild from time to time but to destroy the building is a bit too much for her taste.
"Phantom…" Mirajane's somber tone greeted the group as they all turned around to see the barmaid.
"Did you say Phantom?" Natsu growled in anger.
"Yes, I'm afraid they got us…" Mirajane admitted as she ushered their group in and had to smile at Natsu's protective nature as he doted on her.
Reaching the basement turned temporary beer hall, all of Fairy Tails members gathered to drink. All of them in a foul mood about what happened to their building.
"Welcome back." Makarov greeted the group as he took a swig on his mug. "You finally decided to visit the guild, Ul, about time." Natsu shouted at Makarov for his laid back attitude but simply ignored him. "How was the job, Lucy… did it go well?"
Lucy nodded as both Erza and Natsu urged Makarov to act, but it was Ul that knocked some sense into the two. "I might not be familiar with guild laws nowadays, but isn't outright conflict between guilds forbidden? Is having my daughter in the council makes Fairy Tail an exception?" She could see that Makarov is simply restraining himself from acting.
"Ms. Ul is right." Mirajane agreed and nodded when Ul corrected her from being too formal. "This is hard for the Master too, but we need to obey the rules." she really didn't care if Ultear gets an earful from the Council.
"But they attacked first!" Natsu raged as he punched a hole in a crate.
"That's enough, Natsu!" Makarov reprimanded smacking Lucy's shapely backside.
"Why me?" Lucy asked tiredly. Makarov's perverse actions got tiring from day one.
"Master, I'll get angry!" Mirajane scolded angrily while Makarov stood up laughing and ran away from the group.
Team Natsu with the exception of Ul and Lucy stewed in their anger. All of them knew that once the Master has spoken, none of them can do anything to change his mind. All of them decided to cool off and stay at the guild to talk and pass time where Makarov ordered that everyone stay in groups to avoid problems.
XOXOXO
"Things sure have gotten complicated, haven't they?" Lucy mused as she walked along the river side that led to her apartment. "Phantom is famous for not getting along well with Fairy Tail. I actually fretted which one I would join since both of their reputations are crazy." Thinking about her situation now and the friends she made only assured her that she chose the right guild. "Because Fairy Tail is…" She opened the door to her room and wondered if she really did make the right choice. "…the best?"
"Whassap!" Natsu greeted seated on the floor.
"Nice apartment you have here." Erza chimed in sitting in front of the table sipping tea while dressed in her white shirt and blue skirt.
"It has a homey feel to it." Ul commented as she examined the room wearing her old clothes. "It's a good thing I took your offer."
"I told you." Gray replied as he waved at Lucy in greeting.
"There are a lot of you!" Lucy screamed as she tossed her suitcase at Natsu's undefended face.
Erza then explained to Lucy the reason for their sudden visit, about Phantom Lord roaming in the city and trying to attack members of the guild. Erza also explained that Natsu and Gray were her decided guardians, and her and Ul's presence will stop the two from trying something.
It didn't take long before Team Natsu wreaked havoc in her small apartment. Natsu found her stash of sweets and decided to pig-out, Erza and Ul found her underwear –the red head blushed while the older woman reminisced, Gray decided to sleep in early. After some of the excitement, Erza ordered the two males to take a bath complaining about their smell.
Lucy found out that Erza, Gray and Natsu used to bathe together much to the two males discomfort. Ul added her own two cents by telling them that she, Gray and Lyon did the same and was always a hand full and came out tired. Both Lucy and Titania blushed madly at her implications as Gray screamed at his teacher for embarrassing him.
Things remained hectic in Lucy's little apartment as unbeknownst to them and everyone that Phantom Lord left them another reminder that they mean business.
The next day they found Team Shadow Gear pinned on the giant Sola tree. This invoked the declaration of war by Makarov. All of them headed to Oak Town where Phantom Lords main HQ is.
XOXOXO
"Let's do some work." A random member of Phantom Lord suggested.
"Yeah, and on our way back, let's pluck some Fairy wings!" His partner added smugly.
After Gajeel's second visit to Magnolia and his humiliation of three members of Fairy Tail, their entire moral is in on an all-time high. That was until the large wooden doors of their guild came flying at their direction taking them on its flight towards the guild's insignia on the second floor.
At the entrance is Natsu "Salamander" Dragneel putting his feet back down after kicking their door open and ripping it from its hinges in a show of strength. Behind him is the rest of Fairy Tail led by Makarov.
"Fairy Tail!" A member of Phantom Lord shouted and became the signal for the fight to begin.
Twenty members of Phantom Lord charge at Natsu wielding all manner of weapons. Natsu ducked under the swing of the first one that reached him and gave the man a savage kick in the back sending him flying in his guildmates. He weaved under the hail of sloppy punches and kicks as he counters with attacks of his own sending his enemies flying in different directions.
"Is that it?!" Natsu roared as he cleared his enemies. "Bring it on!"
The rest of Phantom Lord descended on Fairy Tail and a full on brawl erupted. The members of Fairy Tail easily outclassed the members of Phantom Lord. Erza cleaved through her enemies, dicing and cutting all that gets in her way. Macao and Wakaba took down enemies with each other's help much like Alzack and Bisca. Gray is freezing enemies left and right, even Happy is doing his part.
All the commotion is being watched by the man that destroyed Fairy Tail's building and attacked its members, Gajeel Redfox, the Iron Dragon Slayer. Having had enough of watching his useless guild members get beaten, Gajeel decided to join in on the fun after Makarov left to face Jose.
Landing with a crash, he eyed his target. "So you really lost your magic, Salamader!" Gajeel's voice echoed throughout the guild gaining everyone's attention. "I wonder if you'll be enough of a challenge for me unlike those three I nailed to a tree."
"GAJEEL!" Natsu roared as he slammed two Phantom Lord mages face into the floor with a mighty thud.
"Keh!" Gajeel grinned as he aimed his arm forward as it turned into a pole striking enemy and friends alike as it headed for Natsu. "Get out of my way!" He laughed as he took out everyone he hits.
Natsu jumped to the side to avoid Gajeel's attack while ducking under another phantom mage's swing and struck his attacker in the gut. He then grabbed the unconscious mage by the leg and spun him around hitting everyone that tries to approach him. Natsu saw Gajeel jump and head towards his direction and decided to throw the mage at Gajeel.
Gajeel swatted the oncoming body aside and turned his arm into a sword. "You're pretty feisty for someone that has no magic!" He swings his arm downward trying to bisect Natsu in two but missed as he blocked Natsu's fist. "But a Dragon that has neither fangs nor claws can't do anything against me!" He quickly turned his arm back to normal and grabbed Natsu's head and slammed it on his own.
Natsu staggered from the hit as it busted his head open before receiving a sword in the gut from Gajeel that sent him flying to the wall beside the door he destroyed.
"NATSU!" Erza screamed in horror. Blood stained the path that Natsu came from as Gajeel swung his arm to remove the stain from his blade. She glared death at the iron dragon slayer and all the members of phantom surrounding her. "Requip: Heaven's Wheel Armor! Blumenblat!" Titania cleared all her enemies in a flurry of attacks and focused her attention at Gajeel.
FLASHBACK
"Erza, got a minute?" Ultear called from the second floor while showing a bottle of wine and two glasses. "Care for a couple of drinks?"
Erza shrugged and climbed up the second floor to find Ultear already starting. "What's the occasion?" Titania asked as she allowed Ultear to pour her a drink.
"What do you think of Natsu?" Ultear asked and snickered when Erza turned to the side to spray her drink. "And I'm not asking about what you think of him as a mage. I already know what happened between you and Natsu, so you can't lie to me." She looked at her glass and swirled its contents.
Erza felt a ball of ice form in the pit of her stomach as she looked at Ultear. She didn't know that another person aside from Mirajane saw her that night. "I… Natsu holds a special place in my heart, Ultear. I guess it began when we started drinking together while telling stories," She sagely kept the part were Natsu tells her his problems regarding the two. "But I know that he's already torn between the two of you, and I won't do anything to make things difficult."
Ultear stared at Erza's uncomfortable expression and laughed. "That's the problem with you, Erza. You're never much of a liar and you're too kind for your own good." She teased the redhead who simply took her glass to take another sip. "I lied about knowing something about you and Natsu."
Erza once again sprayed her drink to the side. "WHAT?!"
"You're wasting good wine, you know." Ultear chided as she grinned at Erza's fuming face. "Care to tell me what happened between you and my man?"
Erza blushingly glared at the woman. "I'm not telling you. It's between me and Natsu and I made sure he will never talk." She said confidently to sell her lie. Natsu didn't know that their kiss was one sided nor he has a recollection of his drunken act.
"Tsk! You threatened him, didn't you?" Ultear questioned and Titania nodded. Knowing Natsu's fear of the woman meant that he will never talk whatever she does. "You didn't sleep with him, did you?" Ultear watched as the wine spilled unto the table when Erza moved her glass in shock. "No more wine for you."
"What? No!" Erza's blushed easily rivaled her renowned locks at Ultear's question. "I, I would never… Natsu and I…" Though the thought is wildly appealing, she made a promise to help Natsu not make things worse. "Ugh… I hate talking to you…" She snatched the bottle from Ultear and drank straight from it.
"I know, that's why when I leave, I want to leave Natsu in your care, Erza." Ultear finally grew serious and told Erza the reason why she invited her.
"Why me, doesn't he have Mirajane for that?" Erza asked curiously. "She's capable of protecting Natsu." After Ultear and Mirajane's confrontation after their return, she realized that Mirajane is capable of using her full Take Over powers.
"Do you think Natsu will stop taking missions?" Ultear asked and Erza quickly understood her point. Even Mirajane couldn't prevent him from doing missions. "You're the only other person I could trust with Natsu's safety."
"I'm honored that you're entrusting Natsu to me. But don't you have faith in Mirajane's abilities?" Erza asked as she stared at Ultear whose expression soured.
"I do, actually. She's a powerful and competent mage whose abilities rivaled both you and me, but as a woman, I hate her." Ultear leveled with Erza. Her black orbs showed Erza how much she hates Mirajane for keeping Natsu from her. "I chose you Erza because you're honest and a bad liar, unlike Mirajane who's not above lies and deception, just like me." Ultear eyed her, asking Titania to contradict her.
"But that was before, she's different now." Erza defended the barmaid. They may not see eye to eye after Mirajane's threat to her, but she's still a close friend.
"Is she?" Ultear countered taking the bottle from Erza and pouring some into her glass. "She may be all kind and sweet now, but she's still the same old Mirajane, Erza. She's only acting like that because she feels guilty for losing Lissana." The venom in her voice made Erza feel how much animosity exist between the two. "Will you protect Natsu until I return? Will you protect him for the both of us?"
Erza may not agree with what Ultear said about Mirajane's change, but she knows one thing. They all cared for Natsu. "I will. But what do you mean 'us'?"
Ultear smiled as she stood up and prepared to leave. "You're feelings for Natsu is honest and selfless, and his happiness is your happiness. That's why I said what I said." She could never be as selfless or as kind as Erza. She stopped at the beginning of the stairs and looked at Erza. "If I didn't love that idiot, you two would've made a nice couple together, Erza, I mean it. See you in a few days." With a wave, Ultear quietly started her way down the stairs and out of the guild.
FLASHBACK END
Erza cleared another group with her swords and quickly rushed to Natsu's side to see him covered in a pile of rubble. Blood seeped out of the pile as her heart sank at the thought of his demise. "Natsu!" she started to clear the rubble when a hand grabbed her wrist.
"That hurt." Natsu groaned as he stood from the pile of rubble. His stomach sported a large cut from Gajeel's attack, but much to Erza's relief it wasn't too deep and not as bad as it looks. He unwound his scarf and tied it around his stomach like a bandage. "Sorry if I worried you, Erza."
Erza smiled as she watched Natsu patch himself up. She kept her enemies at bay with her swords that she constantly kept raining on them. "Don't make me worry like that, Natsu. I thought I- we lost you." She tried to fix her slip but Natsu caught it as he beamed at her.
"There! All tied up!" Natsu proudly declared as Erza scanned the battle and inwardly frowned at their situation. "Time for round two!" Salamander bolted towards Gajeel beating up people along the way.
"Natsu! Wait!" Erza called after the dragon slayer as his fight with Gajeel restarted. The whole place started to shake as everyone felt an immense amount of magical pressure surround them. "The master is getting serious, but something doesn't feel right." She placed her doubts to the side when she saw Cana and Wacaba being surrounded by Phantom.
Gajeel suddenly found himself frustrated by fighting Natsu as he dodged his attacks. As their fight continued, Gajeel found out that's he's having a hard time hitting Natsu while his opponent is getting more attacks in. Gajeel received another jarring kick on the head from Natsu that sent him crashing into his guild mates.
"Iron Dragon's Demon Pole!" Gajeel aimed his arm at Natsu who ducked under his attack.
"I've seen you do that attack so many times, it's boring!" Natsu grinned as he caught Gajeel's arm and held on tightly. Natsu widened his stance and tightened his hold. "This is going to be fun. Everybody stand back!"
"What are you trying to pull, Salamanderrrrr!" Gajeel's question turned into a shocked scream as he's spun around and used as weapon to strike Natsu's enemies. He shrunk his pole and quickly closed the gap between him and Natsu, turning his right arm into a sword and aimed it at Natsu's neck. Natsu saw Gajeel's attack and released his hold on Gajeel's arm sending him crashing into the rafters. He spun in midair and attached his hooks on one of the beams.
"Come back here!" Natsu screamed in annoyance as he couldn't propel himself to go after Gajeel like he used to. "That's not fair!" He whined while beating up those that dared to go near him.
"What's taking them so long?" Gajeel growled in frustration. He wanted to fight with his full strength and take on all of Fairy Tail, but with Makarov still around. He can't continue with his fun. That was until he saw something fall past him and landed with a crash. "It's about time." He glanced up and saw where Makarov came from and there stood Aria weeping like before.
"Master/Gramps!" Natsu, Gray, Erza and Cana rushed to Makarov's side as Titania cradled him.
"M-my magical power…" Makarov wheezed as his body turned a sickly green.
The group that surrounded Makarov felt his loss of magical power and worried for their Master. The mages of Phantom Lord heard the news boosting their morale as they pressed their attack. The battle once again restarted and Phantom Lord started gaining the upper hand in both numbers and morale.
"Retreat!" Erza screamed for everyone to hear. "That's an order!" Shouts of protest resounded from everyone as they're willing to fight till their last breath. "No! We cannot defeat Jose without the Master! Now, retreat!" Erza watched as her friends and guild mates retreat except for Natsu.
"Not yet, Erza! Not until I defeat Gajeel and get revenge for the Master and Levy!" Natsu countered as he sent another man flying. He was about to charge at another group of enemies when a gauntlet clad hand landed on his shoulder. "Erza…"
Erza, in a moment of weakness leaned unto Natsu and wrapped her arms around him. "Please… all we could do now is retreat… the hole the master left is too great. You can't continue fighting like this… or we might lose you, too." She felt elated that Natsu listened to her plea, a gesture that endeared him to her, but regretted that she could proceed no further.
Aria appeared on top of the beam that Gajeel is hanging from and informed him of the plan's success. Even though he had to cut his fight with Salamander short, there will be other times he could defeat the powerless Salamander. For now, his master's success is all that mattered.
XOXOXO
"Now, are you sure this is the right direction?" Ul asked as she dragged her captive behind her with a chain and collar made with ice. A mage of Phantom Lord she caught lurking in Magnolia. She saw Lucy's abduction and tried to save the blonde, but she was delayed by a small group of Phantom Lord mages.
"YES!" The man screamed as he felt his extremities go numb. His legs and arms are incased in a thin sheet of ice that allowed movement while he could see them turning blue. "Please release my arms and legs!" He really regretted going up against the woman as the rest of his group is incased inside a large block of ice back in Magnolia.
"Why did you abduct Lucy?" Ul asked ignoring her prisoner's pleas. Being a master of Creation magic, she could easily decrease the temperature to make his opponents feel the effects of hypothermia without it actually happening. "What do you guys want with her, and is she one of the reasons why you attacked the guild?" She lowered the temperature once more for added measure.
"I don't know what the master wants with the girl! I just do what I'm told!" Ul could feel the desperation oozing out of the man behind her. This was one of the reasons why she didn't join any guild from before. Following orders without question never sits well with her conscience. "The girl is most likely at our base! Please, I can't feel my arms and legs!"
Ul stopped and stared at her prisoner then back at the castle at the end of her path. "Pray that I find her there, or I'll hunt you down." She then sealed the man in a block of ice and made sure that there's a space between the man and the ice before delivering a swift kick that sent the man tumbling down the dirt path. "You won't shatter into a million pieces, but it'll be a very painful ride back." She turned around towards her destination and restarted her walk.
As she arrived at her destination, Ul saw something falling from one of the towers of the castle. She immediately realized that it was Lucy and ran towards the blonde's direction.
"Ice Make: Rose Garden!" Ul created a slide that resembled a rose vine that ended in front of her. Lucy landed accurately at her slide as she screamed in confusion as she slid down the length of the vine until she reached the end and landed on Ul's waiting arms. "Did you have fun?" she asked with a smile.
"Ul?" Lucy gasped to see Gray's master carrying her. "How did you get here, and where's Natsu? I heard his voice." She was certain that it was Natsu's voice she heard that gave her the courage to jump to her death knowing he would save her.
"Well, sorry for not being him." Ul said in mocked anger. She placed the younger woman down and scanned her for injuries. "I'm sure you heard him, but they're at the castle downhill with the rest. Are you ok? You're not injured are you?" If she could simply strip her down, it will make her job easier.
"I'm fine!" Lucy assured as Ul started to strip the blonde. "Let's just get out of here before Phantom's creep of a master gets up." She covered herself up and they left as fast as they could.
Reaching the station, they heard the news of Fairy Tail falling back due to their master being incapacitated placing another burden for Lucy. Ul decided to break the silence between them after she had enough of the remorseful look of the blonde.
"So…what gives? Why did Phantom Lord kidnapped you?" Ul began after the train began to move.
Lucy simply looked at her hands clasped together and bit her lip. "It's because of my father, Jude Heartfillia; he wanted me to return home. He offered the master of Phantom Lord a large amount of jewels to bring me back." She explained and felt responsible for Fairy Tail's current predicament.
"So you're rich, yet you wanted to be a mage?" Ul confirmed as she watched Lucy nod. She'd only spent a few moments with the blonde before the attack happened and she could honestly see that she chose to be a mage not because she wanted to experience the life of a mage. Lucy wanted to be a mage because she loves magic. "Then why don't you tell it to your father. Tell him that you want nothing of the life he chose for you."
"I was thinking about it… but I don't think I could stand up to him…" Lucy replied as memories of her childhood came flashing back. Memories of how cold and uncaring her father filled her thoughts and killed any thought of rebellion. "I think its best that I simply return to him and save everyone the trouble of facing Phantom again."
"Whether you return to him or not, Phantom Lord will attack Fairy Tail and finish the job." Ul said bluntly making Lucy wince. "Don't you think that you should stand by your friends who fought for you, even though they didn't know that you're the cause?" She could see the doubt in the blonde's eyes and couldn't help but feel for her.
"That's why I want to head back before they find out that I'm the reason they're being attacked! That I caused all this trouble because I didn't come clean with them from the start! What if… they choose to kick me out because of the trouble I caused…?" Tears streamed down Lucy's cheeks as she balled her fists on her lap. She loved Fairy Tail with all her heart, it's the place she wanted to belong and because of her it might be the end of it.
Ul grabbed Lucy's face by the chin and made her make eye contact. "Now listen to me! Do you really think those people at Fairy Tail would abandon you just because you're in trouble? Your friends in Team Natsu, do you think they'll abandon you? I may not know them very well, but I could see that all of them are good people and would watch out for each other's back." Ul smiled when she saw that she managed to break the blonde's sad thoughts. "Just tell them the truth and I know they'll understand."
"Thank you, Ms. Ul." Lucy bowed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'll do as you say and accept any punishment they'll give.
XOXOXO
Ul and Lucy finally arrived at the guild to find everyone preparing for another siege on Phantom Lord. They were greeted by a very worried Team Natsu who's preparing to depart to come and save Lucy after hearing the news of her abduction from Mirajane. Thankful for everyone's support, Lucy told her story and the reason behind Phantom Lord's attack which gained different reactions from the guild. But the most visible emotion in everyone is anger directed at Phantom Lord for letting themselves become hired guns to hurt and abduct one of their own. After Lucy's confession, the whole of Fairy Tail doubled their efforts to protect Lucy as everyone pitched in to complete their preparation.
"You're the worst, Laxus…" Mirajane muttered after she crushed the communication Lacrima under her fist. Makarov's grandson refused to help and decided to mock their efforts. "Is there any news about Mystogan, Cana?"
Cana threw her divining cards on the floor in frustration. "I can't pinpoint his location, Mira." Two of their strongest members are gone and isn't helping in their current situation. "Even I couldn't find Ultear."
The mention of Ultear's name made Mirajane's expression darken. "I tried to contact her, but she isn't picking up…" In her opinion, they didn't need Ultear. She would fight with them if needed and she would hunt down the man that injured Natsu as she almost lost it upon seeing the gash on his stomach. "Where is Natsu anyway?" she scanned the basement to see no sign of him and Erza. "Could you continue contacting Ultear, Cana? I'll look for Natsu."
"Ok." Cana took the ball from Mirajane and followed after the barmaid with her eyes. "I wish you're doing this on purpose, Natsu, so I could at least get mad at you. But you just have to be close to those three." She shook her head and restarted contacting Ultear. With her help, Jose would immediately stop his assault in fear of the council.
Natsu sat cross-legged at the floor while leaning on the door of the women's showers. He could hear the water running as its only occupant tried to clear her mind. "Are you ok there, Erza?" he lightly yelled when he heard something hit the wall.
"It's my fault, Natsu!" Erza seethed as she wallowed on the moment where she should've accompanied Makarov. "The shame! I should've gone with him!" If she did, she wouldn't feel guilty for allowing Makarov to get critically injured and allow herself to fall further for Natsu. She could still fell his warmth when she hugged him.
"You shouldn't blame yourself, Erza. You know gramps can take care of himself, he must've been blindsided by the enemy." Natsu reasoned as he looked at his bandage body that he made a great impression of a mummy. "If you're going to blame yourself, then I carry the same because if I hadn't lost my magic, we could've defeated everyone before gramps decided to confront Jose." He preferred Erza's emotionless or angry expression than the one filled with guilt.
Erza mentally kicked herself when she realized that she made him remember his loss. She knew him well enough if something is bothering him. "You were impressive back there, Natsu." She praised as she turned around to look at the entrance of the showers. "Even without your magic you managed to takedown a lot of their members. You have to be careful since you're not as tough as you used to, Natsu." And if it wasn't for the coat she gave him, he would've been cleaved in half by Gajeel.
Natsu grimaced at Erza's reminder as his body still ached from fighting Gajeel. "Don't remind me… it's a pain that I can't make explosions anymore and blow things up. I wouldn't mind all this if Ultear would just talk to her mother!" He ran his hand on his spiky locks in frustration.
Erza smiled bitterly at Natsu's words and wished someone would do the same for her. Save her from her troubled past so she could start moving forward. "Ultear is lucky to have someone like you, Natsu. There's nothing you wouldn't do for her, wouldn't you?" Her thoughts landed on a blue haired kid from her past.
"I'd go through anything for you, Erza." Natsu corrected hearing Erza turn off the shower. "Mirajane, too, I'll do it all over again for my friends." He looked behind him to see the door open where Erza stood clad in a towel. "Something wrong, Erza." There was something strange with the way Erza looks at him. It reminded him of the times when Ultear would walk away from him when he would still pester her about first kisses.
"You shouldn't casually say those things, Natsu…" Erza chided her voice uneven. Why now? Was she really that desperate for companionship that she would break her own promise? She removed the armor around her heart once when Natsu drunkenly kissed her, mistaking her for Ultear, and it only ended in heart break. Will she risk it again?
Natsu stood up and stared at Erza questioningly who looked to the side as if contemplating something. "Hey, Erza, are you ok? Are you sick or something?" He noticed Erza's face is a little flush and her uneven breathing made him worry as he took a step closer and saw her flinch. He placed his hands either side of Erza's face and did what Lissana did to him when checking for his temperature.
Erza's eyes went wide as Natsu placed his hands on her cheeks, turning her head to face him, and pressed his forehead against hers. Everything Natsu said went past by Erza's ears as her eyes landed on his lips and his warmth that was always inviting. "Natsu…"
Erza slowly leaned forward, feeling Natsu's breath wash over hers.
"There you are, Natsu." Mirajane's voice carried over the empty corridor. She approached the two and tried her best to contain her anger against Erza. "I was searching all over for you. You know you shouldn't be moving too much with your injuries." Her eyes landed on Erza who looked like a child caught in the act of stealing.
Natsu beamed at Mirajane and made a thumb's up. "I'm all good, Mira. See!" he flexed his arms and legs to prove his point as it made her laugh at his exuberance. "You don't have to worry about me. I'm tough as nails!"
"You can't keep me from worrying, Natsu." Mirajane admonished lightly while pinching his cheek. Her eyes landed on Titania and for a moment her eyes flashed with anger before it disappeared. "Are you ok, Erza? You're not sick, are you?" her voice still remained sweet and caring but didn't lack the edge in them.
"No. I'm fine." Erza replied calmly as she Requiped into her usual attire. Her tone assured Erza that Mirajane saw what she tried to do. How would she defend her words back then? It only drove the point to Mirajane that she's another competition for Natsu. "Have you managed to contact Mystogan, Laxus or Ultear?"
"I managed to contact Laxus, but…" Mirajane's expression soured at the memory of Laxus' demands. "Mystogan is still unreachable as well as Ultear." She tried to sound pleasant, but she almost spat Ultear's name.
A pregnant pause permeated the three after Mirajane's reply. Both Titania and the Demon knew that they are simply beating around the bush and couldn't air their anger, for Mirajane's case, in front of Natsu.
"Natsu, go and help everyone prepare for our counter attack. Mirajane and I are going to talk about our plan of attack." Erza ordered as Natsu gaped at her and stood his ground.
"Can't I stay here and listen to you two talk?" Natsu argued. He didn't want to go back downstairs and see his injured friends. It made him feel responsible for not being able to fight with his full strength. "You know that I don't want to stay in a cramped room with Gray."
Erza gave him one of her patented death glares and Natsu folded quickly. "Go help everyone and be useful!" she pointed at the stairs and Natsu begrudgingly followed.
Once Natsu is out of hearing range, Mirajane's calm demeanor shifted to one of anger and jealousy. "I trusted you when you told me that you're not going to pursue Natsu because your trustworthy, Erza." She clenched her fists tightly until her knuckles turned white. "You're just like Ultear, Erza. Do you intend to steal him from me just like she does, or did she put you up with this?" Even with the knowledge of Erza's one sided kiss from Natsu, Mirajane believed her when she said she'd stay away.
"I simply had a moment of weakness, Mira." Erza admitted. It was the truth and Natsu is the only person she allowed to see it. Since they were children, Natsu is the only person that openly approached her no matter how stern she is or how many times she hits him. "It won't happen again." She couldn't trust her words much like Mirajane.
"I know it won't happen again because…" Mirajane was cut short when the place started to shake as dust and small debris fell from the ceiling.
Everyone from the guild came running out of their destroyed guild and exited in the backdoor facing the lake. There they found, much to their horror, Phantom Lord's castle walking towards their direction as its eight massive spider-like legs took one mighty step forward. The castle settled in the lake and one section of its wall opened and slowly revealed a large barrel.
Erza instantly knew what was going to happen and acted quickly. She Reqiuped her Adamantine armor and stood in front of everyone. "Stand back, everyone!" She knows that she's going to get hurt, but it was a good distraction from her confused thoughts. Erza felt someone tap her shoulder and found Ul standing behind her.
"You stand back. You'll only hurt yourself, Erza, is it?" Ul walked in front of Titania and took the pose that all of them saw Gray perform countless of times.
"You should listen to her, Erza." Gray pitched in as he looked at his master. "With all this water, she's almost unbeatable." It's been awhile since he last saw Ul in action and he had to admit that it made him excited.
"If you insist…" Erza nodded and stood back and listen to Natsu chew her off for doing something dangerous. She hit Natsu in head for screaming at her and remembered Gray's story about Ul, his teacher that the magic council tried to sway to join their midst but declined every offer. If the council was so adamant to have her join, how strong is Gray's master?
Everyone watched as Jupiter finished charging and fired. "Ice make: Rozen Krone" Ul declared and in an instant, large amounts of the lake's water froze and turned into a thick thorn bush with large roses adorning it that blocked Jupiter's path.
Jose angrily watched as his powerful weapon is thwarted by the near endless rose vines that regenerate when his weapon would destroy a layer. It didn't take long before his weapon lost its power. He slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne. "I've heard stories of Ul Milkovich and her mastery of Creation magic… to think the rumors held any credence!" He seethed as he glared at the woman through the projection in front of him. In truth, he only has his position as a saint because of Ul's untimely demise.
"That was a nice workout." Ul wiped the sweat from her brow as the wall she created exploded into small and harmless shards. "Deliora hits harder than that," she turned around to see everyone stare at her in amazement, "Everyone ok?" She had to take a step back as she's been swarmed by the members of Fairy Tail, enthralled by her powers.
Jose's anger is reaching its limit as he watched the morale of the members of Fairy Tail increase. "Do not think that just because you managed to defend against Jupiter once, you'll be able to do it again! Hand over Lucy Heartfillia!" Their resistance only added fuel to the fire. "Have it your way then! Let's see if you're all still as stubborn after I showed you the full brunt of Jupiter after it finishes charging in 15 minutes!" He then summoned his shades to attack Fairy Tail. "Be defeated by my shades or be destroyed by Jupiter!"
Natsu grinned as he tore his bandages. "That's more than enough time to destroy that thing! Happy!" He started running towards the castle only to be choked by his scarf when Erza grabbed unto it. "I almost died, Erza!" he screamed at Titania who threw him another black coat and a pair of gloves.
"It'll grant you some protection and the gloves create explosions on contact." Titania explained as she Requipped into her Dark Wing Armor.
Natsu tore off his tattered coat and replaced it with Erza's new one. It resembled the first one Erza gave him though it now has a complete pair of sleeves. "Let's go, Happy! Thanks, Erza!" he waved and flew towards Jupiter.
"Hey, wait up, Natsu!" Gray called as he ran after the Dragon slayer.
"Don't take all the action, Natsu! Man!" Elfman screamed as he followed after Gray, but just like Natsu, somebody stopped him and he found that it was his sister. "Mira…?"
"Stay here, Elfman, and help everyone protect Lucy. I'll go and help Natsu fight." Mirajane said as everyone close enough to hear boggled at her declaration. "I think I've abstained long enough." Her eyes landed on Erza.
"What do you mean, sister?" Elfman asked in wonder and panic. "Abstain? Didn't you lose all your powers?" Elfman watched as Mirajane took a few steps forward away from him.
Right in front of everyone, a large amount of magical pressure slammed to those close enough and a large magic seal appeared over Mirajane and transformed into the being she was once known for. She turned to Elfman and smiled ruefully at her younger brother. "Sorry if I had to hide this from you, Elfman, but I didn't thought that I'll need to fight again." Especially now that Natsu lost his magic and going to a fight with a deadly opponent, but more importantly, she will replace Erza's place in his team.
"It's ok, Mirajane. I'm just glad that you didn't really lose your powers." Elfman assured with a big grin. It lifted one of his worries of having to protect his last surviving sibling. Maybe he could even ask her to train him to master a full Take Over. "MAN! Don't worry, Mira, I'll protect the guild like a man!"
Ul clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Ok. Mirajane and Erza will be last members that will attack Phantom Lord. The rest of us will defend this place from the shades, understand?" She scanned the mages of Fairy Tail who looked to each other before a loud roar of agreement resounded from everyone.
"I'll help too!" Lucy declared as she held unto her keys. Even though she's responsible for their predicament, Fairy Tail still stood behind her, willing to go out of their way to protect her. "I'll protect my friends." It was the least she could do.
"We'll protect each other, Lucy." Cana supported Lucy's declaration as she drew out her cards. "We'll show them what happens to those that mess with Fairy Tail." It was a shock to find that Mirajane is hiding her powers, but she figured that she had her reasons. But she could easily guess that it involved Natsu.
"How come she's giving us orders?" Macao asked his longtime rival.
"Because she could beat us to the ground without trying." Wacaba pointed out. Even though it pained him to admit it, the new generation of Fairy Tail mages is far too powerful given their age.
"Right…" Macao nodded as he watched Erza and Mirajane flew towards the castle.
XOXOXO
After Natsu arrived at the end of the barrel, he was greeted by Totomaru, a member of the Element Four and a master of fire magic. Natsu immediately charged the man and started raining blows on Totomaru. Fighting the fire mage made him miss his magic, even more so when Totomaru declared that he controls fire.
Natsu really need to thank Erza for giving him his coat which protected him from the worse of Totomaru's flames and attacks. The gloves gave the good expression that he still has his magic, everything he punches explodes, though not as powerful as he used too.
"Ten minutes before Jupiter fires." The robotic voice informed as the lacrima continued to charge.
"Get out of my way!" Natsu raged as he delivered a right hook to Totomaru's face that made the mistake of blocking with his forearms. The moment Natsu's punch exploded on Totomaru's guard, he's flung to the far wall.
"I thought he can't use magic." Totomaru shook the cob webs from his head as he saw Natsu running towards the Lacrima. He made a huge magic circle in front of Natsu and showered him with orange flames.
"Gahhhh!" Natsu screamed as he covered his nose. The flames weren't as hot as the rest, but the smell was appalling and stuck to his clothes. He's really glad that his nose isn't as powerful as before.
Totomaru seized the opportunity while Natsu is still reeling from his attack and drew his katana. "You should always keep an eye on your surroundings." He reminded as he brought his sword down on Natsu.
Natsu stunned Totomaru when he suddenly turned around and stuck his arm upward and blocked Totomaru's swing by the hilt. "Too slow." He grinned and gripped Totomaru's wrist and spun around, swinging him over his head and slamming him to floor.
Totomaru hissed as his body is wracked by pain from his sudden meeting with the floor. He found that Salamander still has a firm hold on his arms. "This is gonna be fun!" It was the last warning he received when everything started to spin and a wave of queasiness hit him and when he was close to relieving himself of his lunch. He found himself sailing into the air before crashing into something hard.
Totomaru shook his head and found himself imbedded in the lacrima and couldn't get out as he watched Natsu run towards him. Natsu jumped and delivered a powerful dropkick to Totomaru, burying him deeper into the lacrima until it could take no more and cracks appeared all over the large orb. Jupiter exploded moments later causing every Fairy Tail mage to cheer at Natsu's success.
Gray, Erza and Mirajane arrived at the scene, delayed by Jose's shades attacking them, and the demon feared for Natsu's safety when she didn't see him. That was until one of the collapsed walls is pushed aside and Natsu crawl out of the ruble with a few cuts and bruises.
"You're late guys!" Natsu beamed at the group dusting his coat. "I've defeated that guy over there," he thumbed towards Totomaru's unconscious form, "and destroyed Jupiter. Can you do that, huh, Gray?" he mocked the Ice mage before focusing on Mirajane. "I thought you decided to leave all the fighting to me? Don't you trust me anymore?"
"I know. And it's not that I don't trust you, Natsu." Mirajane reasoned as she approached Natsu and reverted back to her old self. "I trust you the most, Natsu. But I can't bear the thought of losing you because I simply stood back and watched." She didn't want a repeat of what happened to Lissana, when all she could do was watch as Elfman struck her. She trusted Lissana, but in the end, she should've acted.
"It's ok, Mira." Natsu wrapped his arms at the woman. These are times that he questions himself, if he should cut his ties with Ultear or Mirajane. He didn't know whether to follow his heart or his head because whatever decision he makes will end up hurting the two. "Sorry if I sounded like a jerk." He still has a few months before they get married; all he needs to do is decide before then.
Mirajane smiled as she pecked him on the lips in forgiveness. "It's ok. I know that you're just worried about me. Now, let's go and kick some butt!" She pointed towards the nearest entrance.
"Ok!" Natsu cheered as he and Mirajane ran towards their destination.
Erza watched with disapproving eyes as Natsu allowed Mirajane to manipulate him. Natsu's a puppy in her eyes and Mirajane is his trainer. The sound of the woman's voice is enough for him to come running and a frown on her face is more than enough for him to go out his way to cheer the woman up.
Her introspection of Natsu turned its attention back at her. Erza's mind berated her for thinking ill of Mirajane when she herself tried to join their already crowded group. Using Natsu's trust in her not so subtle advances that he couldn't see unlike Mirajane and Ultear, She's no different than Mirajane.
"I need to get away from him." Erza whispered in frustration. It was the only way to stop herself from falling harder for him. She wouldn't abandon him, but she needed to do this for the both of them.
"Did you say something, Erza?" Gray asked as he stood at the entrance and screams of the Phantom Lord mages in pain echoed from the distance. The couple sure knows how to bring the pain.
"Nothing." Erza replied briskly as she walked past the Ice mage. "Nothing at all." The moment Ultear returns, she'll confess to her what she almost did and tell Natsu that Mirajane will take her place.
XOXOXO
Ultear stood at the entrance of a forest pathway that led to her destination, Cait Shelter, where the person that could help Natsu regain his magic resides. She watched as a steady traffic of people enter and leave the forest path. And from her observation, Cait Shelter could easily have been a merchant or industrial guild than a magic guild as there are no mages coming and going.
The people that came out of the forest path baring the mark of Cait Shelter carry goods and cloth that are to be sold in to the nearby towns while those that entered talked about the food from a restaurant.
"Is that place really a magic guild?" Ultear wondered as she continued to watch the people come and go. During her trip towards Cait Shelter, she fought four different dark guilds and a handful of dark mages that wanted to injure, if not kill Natsu.
Halfway along her trip, she felt that something was wrong and just as when she was about to call back the last group of dark mages that attacked destroyed her communication Lacrima (the same time that Mirajane was trying to contact her). Sadly, all the towns she'd go through don't sell any communication lacrima as the feeling that something was wrong won't leave her. Her last hope on checking on her friends and Natsu lies in her destination.
"Ultear…?" A man's voice broke through her reverie.
Ultear turned around to find someone she hasn't seen for seven years after they separated ways. Shinji Ikari stood behind her balancing two bags of groceries in his arms wearing a white drss shirt tucked in his black slacks. His tie placed over his left shoulder.
"Shinji!" Ultear gasped as she saw the young man standing in front of her. Just like her and Natsu, the years have been kind to the shy teen they once met as he's grown into a handsome young man. She wondered how the weekly sorcerer didn't include him in their weekly rankings. "It's been so long!" she wanted to give the man a friendly hug but couldn't with the things he's carrying.
Shinji smiled at the woman. "Yeah, it's good to see you, too. Where's Natsu? Isn't he always with you?" He may not be an expert when it comes to relationships, but the short week he spent with the two Dragon slayers showed him how protective Natsu is when it comes to Ultear.
"The idiot is back at the guild." Ultear replied as they started walking towards Cait Shelter. "I can't really let him tag along since he lost his magic, and there are people that wanted nothing more than to get revenge." Depression settled on the woman's face as she's reminded of the reason why he ended up losing his magic in the first place. "I was attacked all throughout my journey and not all of them are easy to take on without using magic."
"I'm sorry about what happened to Natsu… you're not injured are you?" Shinji apologized something that Ultear remembered he did quite often.
"Still as kind as I remembered. Women like that in a guy." Ultear winked at the young man who smiled while sporting a small blush. "Don't worry about me. I'm a member of the magic council and an S-class mage to boot." She boasted proudly.
"Right, I remember reading about you and Natsu once in the weekly sorcerer." Shinji informed as he saw his ward once looking at said magazine and telling him she wanted to be as famous as her and the two other women she's with.
Ultear eyed the young man and smirked. "I hope you didn't read about me in the swimsuit edition the sorcerer releases every summer." She teased and grinned at his stuttering replies to deny her claims. "Though I'd be conflicted if you didn't buy the sorcerer to see me clad in a skimpy dress or bikini." Ultear laughed at Shinji's defeated expression.
"You're still as teasing as I remembered, Ultear." Shinji pointed out with a smile. "So why does a famous mage and model heading to Cait Shelter? Are you going there to eat?" He simply didn't mention the fact that he's the reason people are going to their guild to eat. His simple restaurant became quite known in the northern part of Fiore.
Ultear looked at Shinji and assumed that it was the reason he's heading in the same direction. Further driving a point that the guild might really be a merchant guild, but it made her wonder why it's registered in the league of magical guilds.
"I heard there was a mage called the Sky witch residing in that guild. It's said that she can use sky magic, the same magic that helped me once before, and I'm hoping it would help Natsu get his magic back." Ultear explained with an almost desperate look crossing her features. She wouldn't fail Natsu. "Do you know anything about her?"
"Sky witch…hmm?" Shinji mused as he digested the information before a mental light bulb lit up in his head. "Oh, you mean little Wendy!" he revealed causing Ultear to turn him to face her.
"You know her?" Ultear demanded as she stared pleadingly at the man. "Is she really in Cait Shelter? Tell me!" she screamed as the people traveling stopped to look at the scene.
Shinji thanked his lucky stars that he didn't drop the bags from Ultear's rather sudden outburst. "She is." He confirmed and sees the joy explode from Ultear's face. "She's a member of Cait Shelter just like me."
XOXOXO