Ch 10: The Council Steps In
At Fairy Tail:
It had only been about an hour and half since Natsu and Doranbolt left to go and deal with the drake. But thanks to Meredy and Ultear Fairy Tail was once again celebrating the engagement of Alzack and Bisca in the usual Fairy Tail fashion which meant drinking and laughing with of course the occasional brawl breaking out. This was all gone in an instant when the two returned in a manner that no one expected.
"He needs help right now!" shouted Doranbolt as he appeared in the middle of the guild covered in ash. But what shocked the guild the most was seeing that in Doranbolt's arms was Natsu who wasn't moving and had now received more wounds that could easily be seen by the fresh scars standing out all over his body. That wasn't what shocked the guild into silence, it was the fact that Natsu was literally smoldering with smoking coming from his body continuously.
"What the hell are you doing just staring, Natsu needs help now!" shouted Doranbolt with anger in his voice since Fairy Tail wasn't helping him right now.
"Jet go and get Porlyusica as fast as you can, Doranbolt please take him to the infirmary where we'll tend to him as good as we can until Porlyusica gets here." said Macao causing everyone to snap out of their shock and do as Master Macao said.
"How could this happen?" asked Laki as everyone watched Macao and Natsu's usual group go into the infirmary.
"He's always said that fighting drakes was dangerous." stated Max with a frown.
"There's no way a drake could do that to Salamander!" shouted Sting as he glared at the rest of the guild.
"Then what did Sting, because right now drakes are probably the only things that I can think of that would fight Natsu and be able to actually hurt him?" asked Warren.
"I don't know but there is no way that a drake made Salamander start smoking!" shouted Sting as he took off to the infirmary.
"Sting wait just a second!" shouted Rogue as he took off after his best friend.
"Why was Natsu literally having smoke come from him, and I wasn't just seeing things right?" asked Alzack who now had definitely lost all thoughts of celebrating right now.
"No you didn't Alzack, he actually had smoke billowing from his body which is definitely new." stated Bisca with a small frown and was now wondering why this had to happen. Didn't Fairy Tail suffer enough by losing the Tenrou group; they definitely couldn't deal with losing Natsu now after him doing so much for the guild.
"He's going to be okay like he always is right?" asked Kinana who was looking at the infirmary doors where the two young dragon slayers where now just standing.
"Of course he is, this is Natsu we're talking about here who fought and survived against Achnologia." stated Wakaba from the bar.
"I sure hope you're right about that Wakaba because we along with the rest of Fiore need Natsu." said Droy who was waiting nervously for Jet to return.
"So back to Natsu smoking, what do you think could have caused that?" asked Nab with a concerned look on his face.
"That I literally have no idea of how it could happen." answered Wakaba as everyone else also thought for a few minutes trying to come up with a reason but got nothing.
"We could just ask Sting and Rogue." suggested Kinana as she pointed at the two who were still just standing outside of the infirmary not moving around like Sting usually would.
"And how would they know?" asked Max.
"Because they are obviously listening in on what's happening inside of there right now." replied Kinana as everyone now remembered that the two boys were dragon slayers and could easily hear what was being said inside of the infirmary.
"Where is that foolish brat of Makarov's that's always trying to get himself killed?" asked a very grumpy Porlyusica effectively ending the previous conversation with just her mere appearance.
"He's in the infirmary like he always is whenever we've had to call you." replied Wakaba with a small smile.
"I wouldn't call being grabbed and taken here before I've given my response a call." stated Porlyusica as she headed towards the infirmary.
"What does she mean by that?" asked Laki.
"Get out of my way you two." said Porlyusica as she pushed Sting and Rogue out of the way and entered the Infirmary.
"Well you see I didn't want to waste time arguing with her while Natsu's life might be in danger." replied Jet with a sheepish grin that used to be seen on Natsu all of the time just a year ago.
"Thanks for doing that Jet." said Wakaba as everyone else just nodded their heads in agreement.
"So do we know what the hell happened to him?" asked Jet and now only getting everyone to shake their heads signifying that they didn't know.
"We were just going to ask those two to tell us." said Kinana as she once again motioned to the two dragon slayers who didn't move after being pushed to the side by Porlyusica.
"Well lets go and find out." said Jet as he turned to go and ask the two boys.
"Wait Jet, obviously things are still being explained in there right now since those two still aren't moving. Meaning that they are really focused on what's happening in there so let's wait until they've learned as much as possible." suggested Wakaba.
"I guess that makes sense." said Jet as he turned around and took a seat by Wakaba at the bar.
"So who was that lady that you brought with you Jet?" asked Krish with all of the newer members wondering the same thing.
"Her names Porlyusica and she is the unofficial healer of our guild and is old friends with Master Makarov. Otherwise she probably wouldn't help us since she really hates humans." explained Jet with a small smirk, remembering how he used to be so afraid of the older woman.
"Wait but isn't she a human?" asked Krish who was now officially confused.
"Yes she is Krish but that doesn't mean she can't hate humans for being as destructive and stupid as we are." stated Wakaba who had a similar conversation with Makarov a few years back.
"So what are we going to do now?" asked Bisca as she looked at Wakaba.
"I would suggest that we wait until those two fill us in on what went on in there, or what I think is very unlikely to happen is TM Macao telling us what happened to Natsu." said Wakaba as he puffed way on his pipe.
"I really hate waiting around." said Jet with a frown as everyone else nodded their heads in agreement.
In the Infirmary:
"That's all you know?" shouted Ultear who wasn't happy at how little Doranbolt knew.
"Yes and I am sorry that I couldn't help out more." replied Doranbolt with his head hung in shame.
"Lady would you please refrain from shouting like that while I am working on him." stated Porlyusica as she examined Natsu trying to figure out what happened to him.
"Doranbolt you have already helped enough by just bringing him back to us alive and Ultear is just a little worked up right now." said Macao as he tried to piece together what really happened.
"I can't believe that he was fighting two drakes while not having the use of his sight." stated Kagura who still couldn't get over that fact.
"I am just as surprised as you are Kagura, one moment I am passing out thinking that was it for me and then the next minute I wake up to Natsu standing in between the corpses of two drakes being reduced to ash like he always does." said Doranbolt who was wondering how it all happened.
"And you're saying that there wasn't any smoke surrounding you when you woke up?" asked Meredy with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Yeah which was really strange since when I teleported in to try and get to him it was everywhere." answered Doranbolt.
"You don't think he did that do you Meredy?" asked Ultear who now had even a more concerned look on her face.
"That is exactly what I think happened, which would explain everything else." replied Meredy with a small frown.
"Would you two mind filling the rest of us in?" asked Kei who couldn't help but every once in a while look over at Natsu making sure that he was still there.
"I can't believe the idiot would do something like that, especially after what happened at the tower." said Ultear as she looked at Natsu.
"Meredy could you please tell the rest of us what you think Natsu might have done?" asked Macao.
"Of course Master Macao, you all know how dragon slayers are able to eat their own element to replenish their magic?" asked Meredy and getting nods of affirmative as her response.
"Well the reason that slayers don't do that with other elements is because it's toxic to them and could actually kill them." continued Meredy.
"Oh dear god you aren't saying that you think Natsu ate all of the smoke?" asked Macao who easily connected the dots.
"Yes I do because as Ultear said earlier he did something similar at the Tower of Heaven. We all know that Natsu doesn't care about the consequences to himself if he's able to save someone who is in need, which is exactly what he did just a while ago with Doranbolt." answered Meredy with a sad expression.
"Does that mean he might die?" asked Kagura with a very concerned look on her face.
"There's definitely a chance since Natsu did something so reckless again so he might." replied Ultear who looked like she wanted to cry but wasn't letting herself.
"That's where you're wrong lady." said Porlyusica with a slight smile as she looked at all of the shocked faces of the mages in the room.
"So he didn't eat the smoke?" asked Ultear hopefully.
"No I didn't say that, what's your name since you must be a newer member?" asked Porlyusica.
"It's Ultear, that's Meredy, Kei, Kagura and Doranbolt." said Ultear quickly introducing herself and all of the other new members so that there wouldn't be any more interruptions hopefully.
"So as I was saying, Natsu did in fact eat the smoke from those drakes like the two of you thought. But the strangest thing seemed to happen, rather than dying like he should have he's seemed to have bonded with it which is why he's giving off smoke. It appears that right now his body is adapting to this which is why he's not awake right now because it needs to sort all of this out otherwise he could die." explained Porlyusica.
"What does that mean exactly?" asked Kei who didn't follow all of that.
"To explain it as simple as possible, Natsu will now be able to use smoke after all of this. It'll be a part of him just as much as his fire magic, maybe a little more since it's actually bonding with his body." answered Porlyusica.
"I have a few questions for you Porlyusica. The first one is that how are you so sure that he'll be alright since you said that if his body doesn't adapt he could die?" asked Ultear.
"Simple Ultear, that boy still has the will to keep on fighting for the things that he cares about which is half of the battle." replied Porlyusica.
"Okay my other question is what do you mean by bonding because that is the second time you've said that the smoke magic is bonding with Natsu?" asked Ultear who needed to know what the healer meant by this.
"What I meant by that is the smoke magic is literally going into every part of his body and adapting it so that it will be able to go there freely in the future, not only that but possibly be able to actually change that body part into smoke if he trains hard enough." stated Porlyusica as she started to make a new concoction out of the available potions in the infirmary.
"You're saying that Natsu will be able to turn into smoke?" asked Kei in complete shock about this.
"It's only an educated guess Kei, but I have a feeling that I am correct after hearing what he and those other two dragon slayers can do especially that one who uses steel and can actually turn his body into it. What sets Natsu apart from other fire mages is that he can't be burned, which most attributed to having the toughness of a fire dragon, which is true. But I now believe that part of it is that he is actually somewhat made up of his fire magic and for some reason was never taught or didn't think that it was possible to turn parts of his body into fire like the metal dragon slayer does. And from what I've heard, Natsu can literally have fire shoot out of any body part that he want's making it even easier to believe that the fire magic is actually part of him. If you include that and also what I just witnessed happening to Natsu right now, I am confident that he will be able to turn any body part he wants into both fire and smoke now." answered Porlyusica as she continued to work on making some better medicine for the pink haired dragon slayer.
"Wow that's incredible." said Kagura with a small smile on her face at the fact that Natsu should be fine.
"Wow indeed." stated Kei with her own smile.
"He's still an idiot for doing something like that since he knew that it could actually kill him." said Ultear who couldn't help but smile at the dragon slayer still asleep on the bed smoldering as if he was just caught on fire.
"I can't believe that he would do something like that for me, even after everything I have done." said Doranbolt with a frown.
"Doranbolt you have to stop beating yourself up over something that you couldn't have stopped. Natsu even failed at preventing it and he would be the first one to say that you have nothing to feel sorry about since he couldn't do anything either. Also he forgave you a long time ago after realizing all of that and now considers you a close friend that he needs to help save countless lives Doranbolt and would do it all over again if it meant that you would survive." said Macao with a big grin.
"But why would he do that when he's way more important than me?" asked Doranbolt.
"Because Natsu doesn't see people that way, also he's told me everything that he's told you about the drakes. And I am confident that you are his fail safe if he ever loses to one of the drakes, as much as he despises the Council he cares about the citizens of Fiore more and wants them to be looked after if he is no longer with us. Which is why he's been telling you all of that stuff about drakes." explained Macao.
"He's actually said something similar to me." replied Doranbolt with a frown.
"And that doesn't surprise me at all, Natsu is usually very upfront about what he's doing." said Macao with a small smile.
"How can he be so calm when dealing with something like what's going to happen if he dies?" asked Doranbolt who had never even thought about something like that.
"Because he has to Doranbolt, Natsu knows that every fight he gets into could be his last which is one of the reasons he's so good at it. I don't know if it's something that Igneel taught him or if it's something that he learned on his own, but just being able to accept that fact makes Natsu different than most mages, myself included. Because most of us don't like thinking about it being our final moments among the living because if we did we would most likely give up. But as you already know that has never been an option for Natsu who has always gotten back up and fought even harder than before." answered Ultear while staring at Natsu.
"How can he be so happy while thinking like that?" asked Doranbolt who thought it was kind of depressing thinking that you might just die any minute.
"It's actually because of thinking that way that Natsu is as happy as he is. Because as Natsu likes to say you have to make the most of your life while you're still living, which is another reason why he seems to do whatever he wants without thinking of the consequences as long as they don't harm his friends and family." replied Ultear.
"He is definitely one of a kind." stated Doranbolt with a faint smile as he looked at the man that just saved him.
"That he is." agreed Macao as everyone else thought the same thing.
"I just thought of something." stated Meredy loudly.
"And what is that Meredy?" asked Ultear.
"Does this mean that Natsu could do the same thing with a different element other than smoke?" asked Meredy with a small grin.
"That would be a very bad idea for him to ever try." stated Porlyusica as she glared at Meredy.
"And why is that, he's done it twice now and both times he's come out fine? Actually this time he's going to be able to do more than he could before." said Meredy as she glared back.
"It's a miracle that he survived the first time that he did this, and what did he consume that time?" asked Porlyusica.
"It was actually a combination of pretty much all sorts of different magic contained in a lacrima that he ate." answered Kagura having been told everything that happened to Natsu in the Tower of Heaven.
"Actually that was the second time that he's apparently tried something like this, a few years ago he tried to eat Laxus's lightning." interrupted Macao making sure that Porlyusica got the actual facts.
"Then he is even luckier than I thought, because eating multiple magic types at once should have really finished him off. As for what Natsu just did recently, he's incredibly lucky that he did it to smoke since that is a byproduct of his fire magic, which I believe is why his body was able to adapt to it at all and not just poison him like it would have done to any other dragon slayer." said Porlyusica as she finished her potion.
"We'll make sure that he knows all of this once he wakes up." said Ultear as she glared at Natsu for doing something so reckless and should have actually killed him.
"When will he wake up?" asked Kei with a small smile.
"Sorry Kei but that is something that I really don't know. Natsu could wake up within the hour or maybe even a year from now, what's keeping him in a coma right now is his body working on adapting to having smoke magic. Once it's done with that he'll be able to wake up from someone just yelling at him or pouring water on him which is what I assume you guys do to each other." said Porlyusica as she put the potion into smaller bottles.
"That's not good, what if another drake appears while he's still in a coma?" asked Kagura.
"Shit I wasn't even thinking about that." said Doranbolt who then walked away from the group and started to think in the corner.
"We'll deal with that if it even happens." stated Macao before they started to freak out.
"No point in worrying about something that you can't prevent." said Porlyusica with a small smile.
"That doesn't mean we can't get prepared." pointed out Kagura.
"And how do you suppose we do that Kagura when only dragon slayers can hurt drakes. So we'll all just have to have faith in Natsu making a full recovery and that his other plan gets finished before another one shows up." replied Macao who had been thinking about this for a long time and it even came up at the last Masters meeting even though most of the other Masters at that time didn't even believe that they were that big of a threat.
"None of that concerns me so I will be going, oh and give him one of those bottles a day which should help speed up the process while providing him with everything else that he needs to survive. Oh and tell him that if he ever does anything as stupid as this again I won't help him." said Porlyusica who then left before anyone could say another thing.
"She only left enough for a month." said Meredy after counting the bottles.
"Well that means she believes that at max it will take a month for Natsu to recover." said Macao optimistically.
"That's way too long for him to be here." said Ultear with a slight frown.
"Master Macao could we go and talk in your office about how we might deal with the drakes if Natsu doesn't wake up in time?" asked Doranbolt with a very serious expression on his face.
"Why don't you say it here?" asked Macao.
"Because it's something that really shouldn't be said in front of other guild members even though I know that they can be trusted." stated Doranbolt maintaining his serious face.
"What about Ultear, would it be okay if she was there to give her opinion on this proposal?" asked Macao.
"She can if that's what you want." stated Doranbolt.
"If it's okay Master Macao I would prefer if I could stay here with Natsu." said Ultear while taking a seat next to Natsu's bed.
"That's fine Ultear, I'll just get yours and Wakaba's opinion later." said Macao who then led Doranbolt to his office that had noise canceling ruins to make it so that no one could listen in.
"What are we going to tell the rest of the guild?" asked Meredy with a frown, knowing that this wasn't going to be an easy thing to tell them.
"The truth Meredy, but that is for Master Macao to do. Besides there is a really good chance that they already know considering how concerned everyone is about Natsu." replied Ultear as she held Natsu's hand in hers.
"She's probably right about that considering that there are two dragon slayers down there." pointed out Kagura who was hoping that Natsu would wake up soon.
"The only way to find out is if go down there and see for ourselves." said Kei as she turned around and headed towards the door.
"He's going to be alright Ultear, noting is going to keep the Salamander down." said Meredy with a big smile on her face as she stood in the doorway about to leave.
"You're right Meredy, I just want to be here when he wakes up." replied Ultear with a faint smile.
Just shy of a month later:
"Where the hell am I?" asked Natsu as he rubbed his eyes to get the sleep out of them.
"You're in the infirmary Natsu and I would have thought that you would be accustomed to waking up in here by now with how many times this has happened to you." said Macao with a big grin on his face.
"Shut up Master Macao, and I haven't been in here that much." replied Natsu as sat up in the bed.
"Whatever you say Natsu, but man do you have the worst timing in the world while also being good at the same time." said Macao still grinning at Natsu.
"And what in the world do you mean by that Master Macao?" asked Natsu as he cracked his neck and started to do some stretches while still in bed.
"Well you've been in a coma for almost a month Natsu and Bisca and Alzack were about to push back their wedding for you. But you woke up one day before they were going to do that, which also happens to be a big day for the guild since you were out of commission." answered Macao still having the same grin on his face.
"Please stop grinning at me like that Master Macao it creeps me out and what's happening today that is important to the guild because of me being in a coma?" asked Natsu as he got out of bed doing a few more stretches.
"First off how are you not freaking out about being in a coma for almost a month?" asked Macao with a surprised look on his face.
"That's because I know what I did was extremely risky and I could have died, so just losing a month is no big deal when compared to what could have happened." replied Natsu nonchalantly.
"Well a bit of advice don't say that to Ultear or any of the other women in your group because they will put you back in one if they find out that you knew that you might die." said Macao with a very concerned look on his face.
"Thanks for the heads up on that Master Macao and I will definitely do just that." said Natsu as he started to change into a fresh set of his clothes that were folded neatly in a chair next to his bed.
"As for what's happening today we are actually getting a new member." said Macao nervously.
"That's great Master Macao but why are you starting to act weird now?" asked Natsu as he eyed the man.
"Because of who the new member is and your history with him." stated Macao now getting Natsu's full attention.
"And who might that be?" asked Natsu as he rose an eyebrow.
"It's Cobra Natsu, now before you get angry let me explain myself. You were in a coma and we didn't know if or when you were going to wake up so me and Doranbolt had to come up with a way to protect Fiore if another drake showed up since Sting and Rogue are still too young and would only get themselves killed. Doranbolt has been actually thinking about this for a long time now and was actually in the works of getting this done so that you would have support if multiple drakes showed up just like they did. The only problem was that he couldn't figure out a way to get Cobra to not betray you or us for that matter which I am now confident he won't do since you are awake and because of another reason." explained Macao.
"I got no problems with that Master Macao but I am surprised that the Council is actually giving us another dragon slayer. I was starting to think that they might start experimenting on Cobra, which is why I was actually also thinking about trying to get him to join us." stated Natsu.
"Well that's good to hear Natsu." said Macao as he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.
"So how did you get the Council to hand him over?" asked Natsu as he finished dressing.
"That's where it gets tricky Natsu, because they know that we are very protective of our own. So the only way that they would let him join us if the rules that you established with them didn't apply to Cobra until he proved beyond a shadow of doubt that he's changed and won't go back to his old ways. Meaning that he will be on probation for the next two years and require an S-Class mage to be with him at all times when out in the public, otherwise he will be thrown back into jail. And if that happens the Council will be able to check on us once a month whenever they want." explained Macao.
"That's not too bad of a deal for everyone, the Council can now say that they are actually doing something about the drakes other than letting me do all of the work. While we on the other hand get another strong member that can actually help me with the drakes, but what was this other reason that Cobra won't betray us other than me not letting him?" asked Natsu as he leaned up against the wall next to the door.
"We have the only thing that Cobra actually cares about in this world, but don't worry the Council doesn't know that. They just know that I am confident that we'll be able to handle Cobra and if not they get to start inspecting us for things that they could use to get the rest of your deal thrown out." replied Macao.
"You're talking about Kinana aren't you Master Macao." said Natsu with a serious expression.
"Wait how in the world did you know that when Master Makarov kept it a secret?" asked Macoa in surprise.
"No one ever remembers about how good my sense of smell is and I had to fight against the two of them Master Macao and I never forget the scent of someone I've battled." replied Natsu with a quick grin that was then gone.
"So how did you plan on keeping Cobra in line with her Master Macao?" asked Natsu in a growl.
"By keeping her away from him by any means necessary Natsu." replied Macao as he glared back at Natsu.
"And by that do you mean letting the Council have her or are you saying that you would actually hurt her to keep Cobra in line?" asked Natsu as smoke started to come out of him.
"They were only going to be threats Natsu that I would hopefully not have to carry out. I know that this is going to sound terrible Natsu but if one member of Fairy Tail being put in jail saves thousands of lives I am willing to do that, and you and I both know that you would go to jail in an instant if it would save lives. You just don't want to see any of your friends making sacrifices like that because it would hurt you, but guess what Natsu when you do things like that it also hurts the rest of us." said Macao angrily not stepping down on this issue.
"That's different because I am the one making the choice Master Macao." said Natsu as his magic started to increase.
"Natsu I wasn't just going to throw her away as if she was garbage, she's one of us Natsu she's family. I was going to explain to her about what's going on and since she's a member of Fairy Tail I know that she would agree with this decision and go along with it like any other member Natsu. They all are willing to do whatever it takes to protect Fairy Tail and the lives of the citizens of Fiore because that is what they see you doing every time you go out and fight those drakes or any of the other big things that you've accomplished." clarified Macao which caused Natsu to calm down.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me that right way Master Macao?" asked Natsu as he shook his head.
"My bad on that one Natsu." said Macao while chuckling.
"So I take it that Kinana still doesn't remember any of it?" asked Natsu with a slight frown.
"No not all of it, but every once and a while I can see her stop and look as if she just remembered something." answered Macao with a slight frown on his face.
"Memory is a tricky thing and it might be better if you tell her about it before it all comes back on its own." stated Natsu.
"You might have a point there Natsu." said Macao as he pinched the bridge of his nose in thought.
"Well that is up to you to decide Macao, but don't worry about having to tell her because of Cobra coming because I'll handle him. Oh and what did you mean by me having bad timing?" asked Natsu as he traced the scars on his face.
"Yeah about that, well you just so happened to wake up when Ultear wasn't here which has only been for a few hours each day. So she's going to probably be pissed that you woke up during one of those times." explained Macao now having another grin on his face.
"Shit that really was bad timing on my part but it's not like I tried it or anything." stated Natsu with a little grin of his own.
"Well for your sake Natsu I hope she sees it that way." said Macao.
"I bet she'll be happy that I am just awake, oh and why was I out for so long, I assume that Porlyusica as some guess as to why it happened?" asked Natsu still having that little grin.
"She thinks that you can now use smoke just like your fire, not only that but she thinks that you could actually change your body into either of those two elements now just like Gajeel does with his iron." answered Macao.
"Well isn't that a pleasant surprise for once." said Natsu as he looked at his hands with a lot of concentration. Then they both started to have black smoke surround them and stay there since that was what he was trying to do with them.
"That just looks so weird with it not being fire." stated Macao.
"You have no idea Master Macao, but this just means I have more training to do since I now can do this and also almost lost a full month." said Natsu as he got off of the wall and headed to the door.
"Heading straight back to work I see?" asked Macao.
"Nope, I have to apologize to Bisca and Alzack for almost ruining their special day and I think that after their wedding I will be getting back to work. Because we both know that the rest of the world won't sit back and let me have time off even if I need it." said Natsu before he left the infirmary.
"Same old Natsu, never sitting around." said Macao to himself as he followed Natsu out.
"Did you guys miss me?" asked Natsu loudly as came out of the infirmary with his usual grin.
"Natsu!" cheered slash shouted the whole guild that then flocked to him. The entire guild started asking Natsu how he was feeling and if he needed anything to help him get better faster while also asking a whole bunch of other questions that were about pretty much anything and everything.
"I am completely fine everyone, I just apparently needed to adjust to doing something stupid again." replied Natsu still grinning at all of them.
"You wouldn't be Natsu if you didn't do something like that every now and again." said Wakaba with a smirk.
"Hey old man I am pretty sure that you know that you can't do anything to me now that I can just eat whatever you throw at me." stated Natsu now having a smirk of this own.
"Like he could have done anything before." stated a random member.
"Hey who said that?" asked Wakaba as he tried to figure it out.
"HAHAHAHA man do I love this place." stated Natsu as most of the guild joined in with him at laughing at Wakaba.
"So is it true Salamander, I mean Natsu that you can now use smoke?" asked Sting who was with Rogue and standing right in front of him.
"Does this answer your question?" asked Natsu as he had his left hand covered in black smoke.
"Wow that is so cool, I want to get another element." shouted Sting who was about to take off but was grabbed by Natsu.
"Sting you will never try that do you hear me, because I am extremely lucky to be alive right now. And I will not have you killing yourself over something as stupid as trying to get a new element." said Natsu in a deep and gravelly voice as he glared at the boy.
"Okay Salamander, I just wanted to be like you." stated Sting while looking away from Natsu.
"Now that is just stupid Sting when you have the potential to be better than me." said Natsu with a smile as he set the boy back down.
"What, how could I do something like that when you are the greatest?" asked Sting who didn't expect to hear that.
"Because you'll be able to learn from all of my mistakes Sting and with the Rogue by your side I know that you'll soon be able to do things that I could only dream of. All you have to do is keep training and remember why you are trying to get stronger and not let it become for your own selfish desires, because that is not how you obtain true strength." answered Natsu as he looked at Sting straight in the eyes.
"You really think so Salamander?" asked Sting.
"Of course I do Sting I always say what I mean, but you're going to have to watch out because Rogue is going to be your real competition for strongest dragon slayer later on." replied Natsu with a big grin.
"No I won't Salamander because we're partners, so we'll share that title once we surpass you." declared Sting with a big smile.
"And I can't wait for that day Sting." said Natsu with a fond smile as he hoped to see that day which was unfortunately looking less likely with how that last fight with the drakes went.
"We're now able to complete the entire exercise like you wanted Natsu." said Rogue proudly since he and Sting wanted to make sure that they could do that by the time Natsu woke up.
"That's great you two, which means we can get to work on improving your magic. And now it looks like I will be learning right along with the two of you." said Natsu as he patted Rogue on the head.
"What do you mean by that Salamander?" asked Sting.
"Natsu means that he has to train with is smoke now." explained Rogue with a smile since he understood what Natsu said.
"For real, you can't just use it like your fire?" asked Sting.
"Of course not Sting, to be good at anything in life takes a lot of hard work. Which is what the three of us are going to be doing for a long time." answered Natsu.
"They weren't the only two to keep training while you were catching up on your beauty sleep Natsu." said Jet with Krish and Droy standing on either side of him.
"I would have hoped not, because I know that everyone wouldn't let me being in a coma stop their training and all of their hard work. But my question is are any of you able to beat me yet?" asked Natsu as his fighting grin spread across his face causing most of the members to take a step back knowing that it was usually followed by them getting beat.
"Unfortunately not yet Natsu, but we will in a few months or years if that's what it takes." said Jet with a confident tone.
"Now that's what I like to hear, now I need to go and apologize to two people." stated Natsu as he made his way to through the crowd.
"Natsu they're all outside right now training some of the newer members that really want to get stronger." said Jet thinking Natsu was referring to his group of women that were with him most of the time.
"What are you talking about Jet they're right here." said Natsu as he stopped in front of Alzack and Bisca.
"Why would you need to apologize to us?" asked Bisca.
"For ruining the celebration of your engagement and almost ruining the day of your wedding, which I am really sorry about almost doing." said Natsu with his sheepish grin.
"What are you talking about Natsu you didn't ruin anything and we're both just happy that you're up and able to attend." said Alzack with a big smile.
"Fine but you two aren't going to stop me from getting you the best wedding present ever." declared Natsu as his grin switched to his usual one.
"Please don't do something crazy Natsu?" begged Bisca who was afraid that it was already too late.
"Oh come on Bisca you know that I wouldn't do anything like that." replied Natsu as he started to chuckle.
"You already have something planned don't you?" asked Bisca now dreading Natsu's answer.
"That I do and I am sure that you're both going to love it." replied Natsu with a mischievous grin.
"Natsu please don't waste your jewels on something stupid." stated Alzack knowing that some of Natsu's plans in the past were very stupid.
"Don't worry because I know that it will all be worth it even if you don't accept it." said Natsu as he turned to the back door that was just being opened.
"When do you think he's going to wake up?" asked Meredy.
"Hopefully soon." said Kei.
"How about a while ago?" asked Natsu loud enough for them to hear him.
"Natsu!" shouted both of them as they took off and hugged him.
"It's great to see you two and I am sorry about all of that." said Natsu as he hugged them back.
"Just don't do something like that again Natsu." said Meredy as she continued to hug him.
"Sorry Meredy but I can't promise you that, but I will promise you that'll try to not do it again." replied Natsu still hugging the two of them.
"That's good enough for me." said Kei quietly.
"Me too, but I don't think Ultear will be okay with that." said Meredy with a big grin now on her face.
"Oh come on Meredy she's just going to be happy that I'm awake again." said Natsu as he smiled back at her.
"I don't know about that Natsu but we'll have to wait and see." stated Meredy.
"That we will which will be happening pretty soon and Kei I am sorry that I didn't get to go with you on that S-Class mission." apologized Natsu.
"It's okay Natsu, we completed it without you." said Kei proudly.
"Which one did you chose to do?" asked Natsu.
"Both of them." declared Kei proudly.
"Wait you guys took on whatever fire monster that was supposed to be eliminated for the job and you were fine with it?" asked Natsu in disbelief.
"Well I still don't like fire but I am not going to let that stop me from doing anything anymore." replied Kei.
"See Natsu I told you it would work." said Meredy smugly.
"You're right Meredy, but I am honestly surprised that Ultear took you guys on that without me." stated Natsu as he shook his head.
"Ultear didn't Natsu since she didn't want to be away from you for that long in case you woke up." said Meredy hoping that Natsu would leave it at that.
"So you're saying that just the three of you went on two S-Class missions?" asked Natsu as his bangs now covered his eyes.
"Yes Natsu, and we didn't have any problems since Kei and Kagura should be S-Class mages already." replied Meredy nervously as she could feel Natsu's magic building up.
"Master Macao, how could you let them go on those jobs without me or Ultear with them? They could have all been seriously hurt or worse!" shouted Natsu as once again smoke started to bellow off of him while he tried to contain his rage.
"I didn't Natsu because they just snuck off the day after you were dropped off here by Doranbolt and don't raise your voice at me like that Natsu." said Macao calmly as if this was normal for him.
"Sorry Master Macao but we both know what can happen on S-Class jobs." stated Natsu as he thought back to when they all thought Lisanna died on one.
"Yes I do Natsu, but you have to know that you can't always be there to protect everyone. And isn't that the main reason that you started to train the other members of the guild so that they'll be able to protect themselves. Also Meredy is right about those two being at the level of S-Class thanks to your training and their hard work." said Macao as he took a mug from Kinana and took a drink.
"Yes that's the reason behind doing all of that training but I can't help but be concerned about them. Even if they are both at the level of S-Class, they still need more experience in actual fights where their opponent won't stop before they actually do real damage." argued Natsu.
"That's true Natsu but how are they supposed to get that if you don't allow them to go on jobs by themselves?" asked Macao.
"I haven't stopped them from going on any jobs that are within their level, which just so happens to be not S-Class." stated Natsu.
"Natsu you are a perfect example of someone who wasn't S-Class when you should have been, but now look at you." replied Macao.
"Yeah you're right Master Macao, I am the perfect example because I too thought that I was ready for S-Class jobs and that almost got me killed." pointed out Natsu as he was now right in front of Macao.
"But you didn't Natsu and you were actually doing a double S rank mission which is now what the Council classifies drakes at if not triple S since only dragon slayers can deal with them." said Macao who was still not shocked by Natsu arguing with him on this.
"That doesn't really help your case Master Macao." stated Natsu.
"Yes it does Natsu because I looked over those two jobs and they both could have just as easily been ranked at a high level A. But instead they got put into the lowest level of S-Class, also Natsu they had Meredy with them who is an S-Class mage herself." said Macao.
"Fine I can see I am not going to win this one and you're the Master so you make the rules." said Natsu after letting out a long sigh and taking a seat at the bar.
"Why don't we go and start training." suggested Sting not liking the awkward silence that the guild was left in after Natsu and Macao's debate.
"Sorry Sting but I am waiting for someone to show up, and I am honestly surprised that everyone else isn't too." replied Natsu as Kinana gave him a shot of whiskey.
"What are you talking about Natsu?" asked Meredy.
"Wow you really kept this one a secret if Meredy doesn't even know." said Natsu with a small grin.
"That I did Natsu, other than you only Ultear and Wakaba know." said Macao with a proud smile spread across his face.
"Well it'll be interesting to see how they react, but now it would appear that Kagura and Ultear are going to be joining us." said Natsu as the back door opened once again and a few more members came in with the two women bringing up the rear.
"Natsu!" shouted Kagura who then ran to him and gave him a big hug.
"I hear that you've been doing a good job filling in for me." said Natsu as Kagura separated from their hug.
"I've been doing okay but they all miss sparing with you." stated Kagura with a small smile.
"Well they'll have to get used to you being my replacement for half of the time." said Natsu as he looked straight into her eyes.
"And why is that Natsu?" asked Kagura.
"Because I will be too busy to do it every day for a while, well at least until I get a few projects done that is." answered Natsu.
"I don't mind if it's helping you out Natsu." said Kagura.
"It will be Kagura, more than you can possibly know but now I have to see why Ultear is so quiet." said Natsu with a grin.
"Hey Ultear, I am really sorry that I made you worry." said Natsu as he scratched the back of his head with his left hand while having a sheepish grin on his face.
"You're sorry?" asked Ultear quietly.
"Yep, but now I am back and stronger than before." answered Natsu with a grin that was instantly gone when an orb smashed into the side of his face.
"You're just sorry after doing something that you knew could have killed you!" shouted Ultear as she sent more orbs at Natsu hitting him over and over again. Natsu never being keen to losing a fight but not wanting to attack Ultear started to smash the orbs as they were sent flying at him so that he could try and talk to her.
"Ultear stop this now or someone other than me might get hurt." shouted Natsu as he destroyed two more but was hit by three others.
"They're already on the other side of the guild Natsu so one other than you is going to be hurt." replied Ultear as continued to pelt him with her orbs.
"Ultear stop this now so that we can talk." said Natsu who was really getting tired of being her punching bag.
"We're talking right now so go ahead and tell me why I should stop." said Ultear.
"Because if you continue this anymore I'll be sent right back to the infirmary Ultear!" shouted Natsu as he destroyed a few more while dodging some others.
"Maybe that is what I want Natsu, so we know that you aren't going to go back out there and try to kill yourself again!" shouted Ultear as she glared at him while continuing to send more orbs at him.
"That's not what I did Ultear and you know it!" shouted Natsu as his magic skyrocketed and actually stopped most of the orbs coming near him.
"Seems like it to me Natsu since you know that you can't eat another type of magic but you went and did it anyways. So why don't I spare the rest of us the pain of wondering when you're going to try and kill yourself and help you do it right now!" shouted Ultear as she switched to her ice magic and started to send spikes of ice that were razor sharp right at him. But before they even came close to Natsu they evaporated in the blink of an eye.
"I would never do something like taking my own life Ultear because I have way too many things and people that I care about. And I have said this before and I will probably say it again but you don't die for your friends Ultear you keep living for them. That is exactly why I did what I did that day because otherwise it was guaranteed that I would have died to those two drakes along with Doranbolt. So I don't want to hear you ever say again that I would just throw my life away and give up like that when so many people are counting on me!" shouted Natsu with complete rage in his eyes.
"Then stop almost dying on us Natsu!" Ultear shouted back as tears started to escape her eyes causing Natsu to instantly lose all of his rage. And Natsu finally realize how much he means to Ultear for her to actually cry about the possibility of him dying. So Natsu quickly reeled in all of his magic that he was giving off and walked to Ultear without blocking any of the orbs that she continued to send at him.
"Ultear I can't promise that because that is always a chance of happening when fighting drakes, but I will promise you that I won't ever leave you if that's what you want." said Natsu quietly so that only Ultear could hear him since he was right in front of her.
"How can you say that when you just said that you might die?" asked Ultear in just a whisper since she was no longer attacking Natsu.
"So long as you remember someone they are never truly gone Ultear. I really wish that I could make a promise like I won't die but we both know that isn't how life works since we all are eventually going to die someday. But when that day is, is something that no one knows and can only hope that they've lived a life that they are happy with when that day finally comes a knocking." said Natsu as he brought her into a hug that she happily accepted.
"I know that Natsu but I really don't know what I would do if you died." stated Ultear as she rested her head against his chest.
"You'd keep on living Ultear, because you aren't alone anymore like you were at your old guild. Now you have all of Fairy Tail willing to do anything that they can to help and let's not forget Meredy who's your daughter that will stick with you no matter what happens." answered Natsu as he rested his chin on her head.
"And that is because of you Natsu, well except for Meredy that is." said Ultear as she enjoyed the warmth that he was giving off.
"That isn't true Ultear, I only just helped guide you on the path that you were planning on going down." replied Natsu.
"Could you make me a different promise then Natsu?" asked Ultear as she tilted her head so she could look up at him after he got his chin off of her.
"And what promise would that be Ultear?" asked Natsu giving her one of his famous grins.
"That you'll be more careful from here on out and never do something as stupid as that again?" asked Ultear.
"I promise that I will be more careful but I can't promise that I won't do something like that again." said Natsu.
"Natsu, Porlyusica said that you'll definitely die if you try to absorb a different type of magic again and that you are already extremely lucky to be alive." said Ultear as she glared at him.
"Okay Ultear I promise I won't eat another element other than smoke of fire, but that is it because I will do something just as stupid if it means I can save lives." stated Natsu hoping that Ultear would be okay with it.
"That's the best I am going to be able to get from you isn't it?" asked Ultear with a small grin like she usually had.
"Yep." replied Natsu as he grinned back at her.
"Fine then Natsu, I will accept those promises now let go of me before we cause a scene." said Ultear who was now slightly embarrassed for showing her emotions like that in the guild.
"It's a little too late for that Ultear." chuckled Natsu as he let go of her and stepped to the side so she could see what she did to the guild. Pretty much everything on their half of the guild was smashed to smithereens by her orbs.
"That's easy enough to fix." stated Ultear as she focused her magic to return the guild to how it was before their fight.
"Man if I had that magic I could really cut loose without the fear of paying for my destruction." stated Natsu after Ultear finished setting everything back to normal and sat down at the bar.
"Are you saying that you were always aware that you caused all of that damage when Makarov was Master?" asked Macao.
"Yep, which is why I was always trying to keep it low like a did." replied Natsu being completely honest and causing the older members to shake their heads at how Natsu could possibly think what he did before was low on the damage scale. Which then made them realize how much damage he could actually cause if he wanted to like he did at Twilight Ogre's old guild hall which Natsu now owned.
"Natsu no one would call what you used to do as low damage, which also caused Master Makarov loads of grief and paper work." stated Macao who now could sympathize with Makarov about paying for damage.
"Oh come on Master Macao, Gramps was fine with it otherwise he would have told me to stop doing it." replied Natsu with a big grin.
"What in the world did you think he was always yelling at you for Natsu?" asked Wakaba who couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"A lot of things, I was quite the trouble maker back then." said Natsu as if it was years ago when all of this happened.
"Natsu you do realize that it hasn't even been a year since you used to do all of that stuff." pointed out Bisca with a big smile.
"Really, man it feels like it was ages ago for me." said Natsu as he traced his scar which became a new habit for him to do while thinking.
"Well that is to be expected when you've had to battle, what is it now eight different drakes." said Jet with a sly smirk on his face.
"Yes it is Jet but I really wish it was none." replied Natsu as he let out a long sigh.
"Natsu you were talking earlier about someone coming to the guild, who were you talking about?" asked Laki with a smile.
"It's funny that you mention that Laki because if I am not mistaken he'll be arriving here shortly since he just got off of the train." said Natsu with a grin as the got up from the bar and started to stretch.
"You didn't answer me Natsu." stated Laki as she glared at the dragon slayer.
"I know that Laki, but as I have said before life is more fun when there are surprises." said Natsu as he continued to stretch.
"Natsu why are you stretching right now?" asked Meredy since this was even weird for Natsu.
"Because I need to be ready to fight." stated Natsu as he continued.
"Why would you need to be ready to do that if someone is just visiting?" asked Kagura.
"He isn't just visiting Kagura, he's going to be our new member but first he's going to challenge me to a fight to try and prove that he's stronger than me. But I will show him that he is dead wrong about that and make sure that he'll remember it for the rest of his life." said Natsu as he had a feral grin on his face.
"Who the hell is coming to our guild wanting to join but after they fight you?" asked Jet finding all of the really weird.
"That would be him, and honestly he didn't really want to do this but the alternative was going to a cell with no windows to later be executed so he chose this instead. And he is now going to be your problem if he does something wrong which I know he will the first chance he gets." said Lahar as he gestured to a man wearing magic suppressing cuffs with four Rune Knights watching his every move.
"Our new member is a criminal?" asked Sting who was shocked by this.
"Wouldn't be the first time your guild has done something like this." said Lahar as she glared at Ultear who only smiled back at him.
"Everyone I would like to introduce you to our newest member whose main purpose is to help Natsu deal with the drakes, Cobra the poison dragon slayer." said Macao with a big grin.
"You can't be serious Master Macao?" asked Jet who had heard all about Cobra.
"I absolutely am Jet and I will not hear any more complaints about this from any of you. Fairy Tail is his last chance at doing something good with his life which has always been one of the main purposes of our guild, giving second chances to those that need it. Also he's one of the very few people who can actually help Natsu with the drakes which as we all just learned is definitely needed." said Macao loud enough for everyone to hear him.
"I will not take orders from Salamander." stated Cobra as he glared at Macao.
"Yes you will Cobra otherwise you will be heading straight back to prison to wait for your execution." said Macao as he glared back.
"You're bluff won't fool me old man." said Cobra with a sneer.
"I am not bluffing Cobra, we are being kind enough to give you a second chance here so take it and do as you're told." said Macao who was already getting angry at Cobra.
"You do know that I can hear your thoughts?" asked Cobra now grinning at Macao.
"Well then hear this." said Macao as he started to think of Kinana and how Master Makarov helped her.
"Where the hell is she?" shouted Cobra as he lunged at Macao but was brought to his knees by one of the Rune Knights.
"Settle down Cobra all of that will be explained later if you agree to our terms." stated Macao.
"She doesn't remember does she?" asked Cobra with his head down.
"That's correct Cobra but she is slowly gaining it back and don't you think she would be happy if her oldest friend was there waiting for her once she did?" asked Macao as everyone else except for Natsu was completely lost by this conversation.
"Fine but I still won't take orders from that brat." spat out Cobra while still having his head lowered.
"How about we make a wager Cobra, if you win in a fight against me then you will never have to listen to a thing I say. But if I win this fight then you will do absolutely every command that I give you without question while we are fighting drakes, otherwise I honestly don't care if you don't listen to me." proposed Natsu as he made his way to the front of the group and stood in front of Cobra as he looked up at him.
"What in the world happened to you Salamander and why can't I hear your thoughts?" asked Cobra in disbelief at how many scars Natsu was now sporting, showing that he had definitely been busy since the last time that they met.
"Oh you know this and that, but mainly fighting drakes which is how I got most of these scars. As to why you can't hear my thoughts let's just say that we have a mage here that is very skilled in that area and has been actually teaching everyone here how to do this. So there goes one of the two things that gave you an advantage last time we fought and we both know that you won't have the other one either. Oh and I can already guess that you planned on just taking her and running but guess what Cobra, that isn't going to happen while I am still breathing." said Natsu with a big grin.
"I accept your bet Salamander, just because you have a few new scars doesn't mean you have a chance against me." said Cobra who wanted nothing more to rip Natsu apart.
"Man this is going to be great Cobra but I don't want you chickening out on me half way through this fight." said Natsu still grin.
"I will show you who's the better dragon slayer Salamander." replied Cobra as he got back up.
"You know Gajeel told me when we first met that there was only enough room in the skies for one dragon. He was partially right about that Cobra, but what Gajeel messed up on was that there can only be one alpha in the skies with other dragons under him. And guess what Cobra I am now about to show you that I am the alpha here which is never going to change." said Natsu with a feral grin spread across his face.
"I have no idea what you are talking about Salamander but I will show you how wrong you are." said Cobra as he started to come up with is own plan.
"Let's take this out back to our arena and Lahar if you want to stay and watch you're more than welcome to. You can watch it on those screens or you can come outside with us and watch it in person, but could you remove his cuffs?" said Natsu with a smirk.
"They had to come off sooner or later Salamander but I really hope you know what you're doing." stated Lahar as he took off the cuffs.
"Lahar you got to learn to live a little, you and your men can get whatever you want just put it on my tab. Cobra why don't we go and settle this dispute once and for all." said Natsu as he then headed towards the back door.
"You won't be able to get me with a roar this time Salamander." stated Cobra as he followed Natsu outside with most of the guild following.
"That would be boring if I did Cobra and I want to have more fun than that." said Natsu as they made their way towards the arena.
"I have another question for you Salamander that you might not want the rest of your guild hearing." said Cobra quietly.
"Don't you mean our guild Cobra, and don't worry I am pretty much an open book and the things that aren't you definitely don't know about since you've been in prison." relied Natsu.
"Yea because of you Salamander." growled Cobra.
"No that's because of your old guild trying to plunge the world into darkness or whatever it was that you guys were trying to do." said Natsu as they entered the ring.
"You don't even remember that we were trying to turn light into darkness?" asked Cobra.
"Nope doesn't really matter since we stopped you guys and destroyed Nirvana so no one else can try that again." answered Natsu as he went to the other side of the arena.
"You are very strange Salamander." stated Cobra.
"I have been getting similar comments like that lately, so what is your question Cobra?" asked Natsu while grinning at Cobra.
"Well you said it was okay to ask out loud so I will, why do you reek of blood Salamander?" asked Cobra expecting some sort of shocked response from Fairy Tail or Natsu but got none.
"Oh that, don't worry Cobra it's not human blood it's the blood from every drake that I have killed over the last ten months with the addition of a dragons as well. I can't smell it at all but that might be because it's become a part of my scent." said Natsu.
"You were serious about fighting drakes?" asked Cobra who thought that it was some weird joke they were pulling on him.
"Yes I was Cobra and I'll even let you hear my thought about all eight of them that I battled. Oh and why don't I even throw in that dragon that I fought." said Natsu as he took down the barrier that Warren taught him to always have up. And for the next minute Natsu watched the expressions that Cobra made as he heard his thoughts about all of them and couldn't help but grin as Cobra's face settled on terrified after he put the barrier back up.
"How in the world are you alive Salamander?" asked Cobra who heard numerous things that should have been the end of Natsu. Especially Natsu's encounter with Achnologia who he somehow actually caused to bleed when doing that was supposed to be impossible.
"All I'll say is that I have something to fight for Cobra, which is why I beat you before and why I am going to do it again." said Natsu as he started to unleash his magic letting it build up as smoke started to come off of him. All Cobra could think of right now was that he might have made a terrible mistake when he accepted Natsu's bet and decided to fight him.
End of Chapter
Author's Notes:
Thanks for reading everyone and I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. As you can see the next one will start off right where this one left off and I will continue on with other noteworthy things happening at Fairy Tail. Which will probably include parts of the S-Class exams and who got promoted, and with all my stories I love to hear suggestions from my readers on what they would like to see. So as always feel free to leave me a review and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Until the next Chapter
Digem Out!