Chapter 61...

Another productive day in the town of Gracia. Dinner time was right around the corner and everyone in town was getting ready to close up. Mermaid Heel's mansion-like building was still very active, however. The women wizards, coming and going before it got late we're about ready to call it a day. In the dining area of the building, we find Natsu sitting at a table with Beth, who was being caught up by him on the situation with Edolas's presence in Fiore.

"I was wondering how bad it was. But if they can do this much to you without magic, no wonder master took down most of the job board." Beth had a bewildered look on her freckled face. She was wearing her usual overalls and shirt.

"Yeah. If you see any of those guys, run like hell. I'd hate for you to become a prisoner of those creeps." Natsu was leaning on his arm while crossing one of his legs, as he sat off the side of his chair.

"I'll be extra careful. Trust me, my specialty is running away when the going gets tough!" She winked at him with a fist pump.

"Well, that puts my mind at ease." Natsu smiled. The two met up again after Ultear and her S class wizards went to go run some errands before the day was out. Leaving little old Natsu in the company of the young girl. "I'm beginning to think I need to start doing the same thing." He sighed and relaxed.

"I can't really see you running from anything." Beth innocently said.

"Yeah, one of my shortcomings." Natsu slowly face-palmed. "I don't know, Beth. I don't feel like I'm as good as I used to be." He revealed.

"What makes you say that? " The ginger braided girl asked him, lending an ear.

"How many times...have I wound up in your medical office?" Natsu wondered.

"Um...I heard it was 3 times by Meredy. First, when you rescued the Empresses, second when you found out you were poisoned, and your recent visit when you were beat half to death." She counted off.

"I don't know how to describe this to you, Beth," Natsu grunted with frustration. "It's like...I should have seen it coming."

"Really?" She tilted her head. "Well, I suppose even if you did, reacting to it is an entirely different story. Y'know? Like, how sometimes your body can't keep up with your responses?"

"Yeah, y'know that time I got shot, when I was covering Erza at Minetown?"

"Oh, yeah, that was months ago," Beth remembered.

"Yeah. I knew when he pulled the trigger, so I was able to block it. But that was a dumb move cause I didn't block it with my swor-no, I bet Erza could have blocked it if she saw it. She's way more finesse with a sword than me." He took a moment to remember the time the encounter took place. "Then there was the whole situation with Zancrow. He was gunning for me, and I got put out of commission, but not before killing Zancrow. But a lot good that did, because it brought Nevan back to life, and nearly killed them. Then there was the whole situation at Trojan village. I was walking around with a bullseye on my back the whole time, and Kagura had to save my hide, but then I...(sigh) "...am I really just in the way when I try to help?" He began to frown while raking through his hair.

"W-why would you say such a thing?!" Beth was flabbergasted. "You're like a hero around these parts! Whenever there was trouble, you're the first to hop on it! I heard that Ultear said you were already on your way to saving Erza and the others when the princess was too hesitant to make a move!" She tried to give him a better view of himself.

"...I can't tell if my actions made it better or worse. Starting to think I'm just bad luck to have around. " He thought hard about it.

"I don't think you are bad luck. I think you just try harder than most people."

"Or I'm just crazy enough to try." Natsu thought.

"Well, that's what everyone likes about you, I suppose." She smiled happily.

"That's funny." Natsu chuckled. "Speaking of which...where is everyone?" Natsu seemed to notice it was just him and Beth for the most part in the dining hall. Save for a few lingering members that were eating alone. Normally Ultear would be trying to play around with him the first chance she got.

"Well, around this time, everyone is getting ready for dinner, but since it's the middle of the week, they mostly go out for dinner." She explained.

"Not here?" Natsu raised his brow.

"Well, don't get me wrong, we like to eat here, but sometimes we need to let loose every now and then. So, in that case, we just go out for dinner from time to time. Plus it's giving the ones cooking a chance to relax."

"Ah, I guess that would make sense." Natsu nodded. "Oh yeah, do you mind taking me to your training area?" He requested. "I haven't seen a couple...friends, of mine since I got back, and I'm very curious to see how they are doing." Natsu knew he was gonna get an earful from Natsa the second he showed himself.

"Sure." Beth eagerly nodded.

As the two made their way down the stairs to the underground training area, Natsu took the lead.

"Hey, Beth?" Natsu asked.

"Yeah?"

"Um, I think I'll go it alone from here." He barred.

"Mm, alright. Do you want me to stay at the door for you?" She complied.

"You don't need to-" It occurred to him all of a sudden. "Actually, don't you have something better to be doing? I'm sure you got more important things to do then just keeping me entertained."

"Mmm, I don't really have any prior plans. I was just free, and offered to keep an eye on ya." She shrugged.

"..Well, alright." Natsu could accept that.

"Besides, it's not every day I get to see you, so I consider this fun in its own way." She smiled sweetly.

"Teh, if you say so." Natsu couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. They arrived at the bottom, and Natsu was looking around for the Fire Devil herself, and his mysterious counterpart. He then spotted Natsa leaning against one of the walls away from them. She perked up and smiled at him expectantly.

"Hey, look who's out of be-" She was about to walk over and greet him before she got cut off.

"YOU!" Nevan suddenly appeared right in front of him, with the intent to tackle him to the ground. Her long black hair flailing around menacing-like, and her demon eyes in full rage. Natsu suddenly grabbed her wrists with little to no effort as she kept trying to reach his neck with the intent to strangle him. Beth was cowering behind Natsu, with no idea what was happening.

"You? I have a name you know." He just boringly held her in place. "You appear to be in high spirits. I just nearly died, thank you very much." Natsu simply said.

"Do you have any idea what thou hast put me through for the last week?!" She angrily growled at him.

"No." He simply said.

"Would you chill out? He was probably in a life or death situation." Natsa came over.

"I care not! The feelings that thee hast sent to my body were not pleasant!" She gritted her teeth while not being able to strangle him.

"Pfth!" Natsa held back a laugh and turned away.

"Yeah, I have no idea where you are going with this." Natsu rolled his eyes. "I just wanted to check on you two, but you seem to be as lively as ever." Natsu released Nevan and she huffed and crossed her arms. "What are you talking about feelings I was sending to you?" Natsu asked Nevan, not ignoring her rant.

"What Nevan is trying to say, Natsu is that whatever the hell made you feel like your life was threatened, she felt the same...only it had an interesting side effect." She raised her finger to Nevan.

"What? You mean you guys can feel what I feel?" Natsu seemed a bit estranged.

"Yeah. Whatever the link is that you share with us, it lets us know your emotional state at the time." She suddenly sported a serious look in her eye. "So what happened? You fly off the handle again?" She crossed her arms.

"...yeah." Natsu frowned while thinking about it. Regret was written on his face plain as day. The memory of slaughtering the Edolas troops still fresh in his mind. "They cornered me and I couldn't use magic." He sighed.

"...hm. I guess that's normal." Natsa scoffed and faced the wall behind him. "..." She just stood there contemplating something.

"So, thou were fighting for survival?" Nevan calmed down and just stared at him with annoyance. "I never expected you'd be reduced to this state by mere humans. Let alone ones with no magical power."

"You don't need magic to kick my ass," Natsu responded. "I was just played for a fool. I didn't want to mess up. But at the same time, I thought I understood their methods." Natsu thought back to his previous encounters. "I won't make that mistake again."

"Well, as long as you're alive and kicking," Natsa smirked and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry about us. You just worry about that thieving cat Ultear and those scary women of this establishment." She assured.

"Thieving cat?" Natsu raised his brow.

"Well, she ripped me from your mind, and now I got a body of my own. We had the deepest connection than anyone when I was inside you. So, yeah, I'm a little pissed that I can't be with you at all times now." She let out a huff in a pouting way. "I half expected our bodies to be dust after a while, but it's weird. It's like the lacrima that is in our chests is reinforcing these bodies." She looked to the half of the crystal lodged above her cleavage. "I guess the only way to finish off these bodies is to either remove the crystal or destroy the bodies entirely." She shrugged.

"I do indeed feel like this vessel is indeed more durable than the last." Nevan had to agree. "Not only that, it seems to possess similar anatomy to that of a regular human. I'm almost surprised, to be honest." She felt the softness of her long raven black hair. "I wonder just how much power I still retain if I actually tried to fight." An ominous air was about her.

"Don't try it, Devil. You wouldn't even get far." Natsa glared back at her.

"Bite thy vile tongue, sow. Lest we dance till we reduce this town to utter rubble and ruin." Nevan didn't back down and the two sized each other up.

"Cut the crap, you two." Natsu shook his head. "Anyway, is it going to be a problem if you two stay like this?" He decided to ask.

"Well, it ain't like your power is that much different than when you had the lacrima in you. Over the years you've gotten pretty good at expanding the magic in your body." Natsa put her hands behind her head. "If you're asking if your power is cut, then I'd say without the lacrima, you're probably at around, oh..80 percent." She estimated.

"Really?" Natsu had a doubtful expression.

"Dragon lacrima's are unique in their own way. They can do three things." She held up a hand to him. "Enable Dragon Slayer Magic, provide a vast quantity of magic, and force the body to develop physiology similar to a dragon's." She numbered off the reasons.

"Okay." Natsu nodded.

"You forget the last ability." The devilish woman partially opened one eye at Natsa. "It is also capable of sealing an individual." She seemed to gain an annoyed look from Natsa. "Like say, a human, a dragon...or some other form of monstrosity." She shrugged.

"...okay?" Natsu wasn't sure but he could tell tensions rose from her sentence.

"Yeah. Like you for instance." Natsa faked a smile at Nevan, but her ill will toward the raven-haired devil was apparent. "But, besides the point, you've developed a large quantity of magic in your body to the point it almost exceeds the amount that the dragon lacrima is capable of holding." She explained while placing her hand on his chest. "A wizard's greatest feat is the amount of magic he has, or it's potency. But you, you lucky bastard, get the best of both worlds because it is dragon slayer magic." She explained in detail. "You know why dragons don't seek to increase their power?" She eyed him with interest.

"No? Never thought to ask." Natsu looked at her hand on him. "Why is she touching me?"

"Because they are literally born with their full potential. They just grow, and their body just processes it in a way that makes it capable of wielding it." She explained in detail. "But since you're human, you have to train for it. If you tried to use dragon slayer magic without being strong in mind and body, you would turn into one." She made sure to emphasize.

"'Tis not so bad to become a monster in pursuit of power. Humans are weak and frail, therefore they have no right to complain about being insignificant." Nevan sighed. "But you...you are human, yet you wield the power of a monster." She suddenly placed a hand on his back. "...ah, so this is the problem." She randomly said.

"Huh? What are you two-" Natsu felt both their hands on his back and his chest.

"You need me to take off the anti-magic bracelet?" Natsa asked Nevan.

"No. My curses shall prove adequate." Nevan responded.

"What are you two doing to me?" Natsu was now getting worried.

"Your body...it's been feeling heavy as of late, hasn't it?" Natsa assumed.

"?!" Natsu was wide-eyed.

"Do remain calm. We merely seek to lessen the load." She said as if it were a no-brainer.

"What're you going to do?" Natsu was unsure of this.

"Your magic inside your container is unstable," Natsa explained. "Normally it would settle after some rest, but you've been through a lot in the past couple of weeks. You haven't had a chance to recollect yourself." The blue and red lacrima in their chests began glowing and Natsu felt a fuzzy feeling enter him all of a sudden.

"Oo, that was weird." Natsu furrowed his eyes.

"Just like how Venigon taught you. It's different when you got someone else messing with it, eh?" Natsa smiled. "When you have the chance, try properly circulating the flow of magic in your body. You need to be cool as a cucumber when those Edolas scumbags try to pull a fast one on you again. How are you feeling?" Natsa shifted her eye up at him.

"I feel weightless. " Natsu described as he closed his eyes."Although, are you sure both of you should be doing this?"

"Have faith, my vessel. I've had years of experience when it comes to redistributing Ethernanos." She proudly said.

"I'm just surprised you're able to use magic despite having that countermeasure that Ultear put on you." Natsu realized.

"I'm using Curse power. Its nature is not affected by this trivial device." She briefly told him. After a few minutes of this, the two entities stopped and took their hands from Natsu. Natsa spoke up.

"Well, partner? Does that feel better?" She asked him. Natsu opened his eyes and blinked. He looked at his hand and then stood up. His shocked expression showing.

"W-whoa!" Natsu was flabbergasted at this light feeling. It was like taking off training weights, he could practically float at the feeling he was experiencing. "I feel way different compared to before!"

"Yeah, you just forgot the basics that Venigon taught 'ya." Natsa smiled at his face. "You just ran yourself in the ground, we just gave you a kick start. Your magic should be a lot more stable now." She nodded. "Your physical abilities should not be hampered as much now."

"Thank you, you two." Natsu gratefully bowed. "I guess I was too focused on this new enemy, I forgot...or rather didn't care about what was wrong with me." He deduced.

"Goodness, try to not die a dog's death before becoming my vessel, fool." Nevan scoffed. "Also, can you do something about that leering wench in the corner there?" She pointed directly behind Natsu, and Natsu swiftly turned around and spotted Treya poking her head out sideways from the entrance with a hollow expression.

"..." Treya didn't speak a word, but her killing intent was visible as day. All she saw was two women laying their hands on her man. And that simply was not acceptable.

"What's the matter sweet cheeks? Jealous that someone is spending time with your beloved cherry boy?" Natsa had a mischievous look on her face as she wrapped her arms around Natsu from behind.

"Oi." Natsu blushed a little as she pressed her boobs against his back. Even if she was wearing his old vest, he could feel the shape flatten over the area on his back.

"...!" Treya's hand cracked the wall at her.

"Don't mind her, pal. She's just upset cause I kicked her ass when you were asleep." She revealed.

"You what!?" Natsu was shocked at this as well.

"A few days ago, she wanted to see if I held up to the standard at which I held you. So I made a bet." She said while talking at the side of his head.

"And that is?" Natsu wasn't sure he was going to like what she was going to tell him.

"I have the right to feel you up as much as I want, for the duration I'm in this body." She had a toothy grin as she remembered planting her foot on Treya's beaten body.

"Wait...you beat her?" Natsu turned to Treya for an answer.

"She didn't beat me, it was the first person to get hit. And she only punched me once." Treya made sure to clarify. "If it were an actual fight, I would have kicked her ass." Treya tightened her grip more.

"Yeah, yeah, the loser has no right to interfere~ Hahahaha!" Natsa cackled in delight as Treya's ever-growing hatred towards her skyrocketed. "...heh. Well, I don't think you could get as close as we have, so I don't care what you do to him." She patted both his shoulders. "You should go see what she wants, idiot. I'd hate to have to embarrass her any further." She snuck in one last quip before relinquishing Natsu.

"I'll dye this arena with your blood." Treya began drawing her knife.

"Oh, brother." Natsu sighed. "By the way, did anything else happen while I was out?" He asked curiously.

"Not really. Lots of waterworks over your near-dead state...oh, and some little girl named Mero swung on by." Natsa tried to think.

"Yeah, I met her when I woke up. She's a lost Dragon Slayer, go figure." Natsu shook his head. "Anything else?"

"No, not really. We've just been bored, waiting for these bodies to turn to dust so we can go back in your eye, but it looks like it's going to take longer than expected."

"As I've said, these bodies are a lot more resilient than those cheap imitations." Nevan sighed. "Farewell, vessel. I'll be here waiting for the next opportunity to present itself." She went to go sit in the corner.

"Uh...sure?" Natsu wasn't quite sure what she meant by that, but it looked like she had lost interest in talking any further.

"Well, anywho partner, just know that we're doing okay. Although, I think you running around without me in the passenger's seat, is probably not a good idea." She snickered.

"I do admit, I missed your constant bitching in my head." Natsu sarcastically said.

"This guy..." Natsa just shook her head and giggled. "Well, since you just got out of bed, I'll let your little rude comment slide just this once. I'd hate to have to put you back in a coma." She cracked her knuckles.

"I'd love to see if you actually put up a fight." Natsu grinned at the chance of putting her in her place, once and for all. "But, I'm off today. I'm gonna go talk with Treya about something. I'll talk with you later, Natsa." He nodded.

"Hey, Natsu." Natsa got his attention and the two locked eyes. She suddenly moved her mouth close to his ear. "Whatever made you accept destruction...bury it." She suddenly said which made him gasp. "That indescribable pain, and acceptance you had at that moment...don't ever think it again." She clenched on to his arm. "I don't want to be your replacement. I like you too much for that." She ominously put.

"What are you-"

"Just remember this. You are Natsu. Not a flame of destruction." She whispered. "Remember that. I can't help you the moment you decide to just say fuck it all." She had a narrowed look on her, as she discreetly whispered. "Don't burn all your bridges because no one's crossed 'em. Because it might be your only way out." She eased off him and the two stared at each other. Natsu with a worried look on his face, and Natsa with a frown. "You're not undeserving. You never asked for this. You're scared, I get. And that's why I'm with you. To remind you who you are."

"..." Natsu just stayed silent.

"The flames accept you. But don't accept them." She sternly warned him. "...Now! Get going lady killer~!" She suddenly raised her voice and booted him toward Treya. He stumbled a little but looked back at her smirk. She winked. Natsu furrowed his eyes, but then followed Treya back up the stairs. After the two left with Beth and closed the door, Nevan broke the silence with a scoff that echoed in the empty arena.

"What...absolute...utter...sweet nothings you breathed into his ear." She shook her head and couldn't help but laugh softly. "I give you props, vixen. You're probably more suited at being a devil than I am."

"..." Natsa didn't speak a word.

"You act hot-blooded like that fool does to make him feel comfortable around you. Do you really think you can keep him from piecing it all together?"

"..."

"Do you wish for a tragic fate? Does the ecstasy of self-annihilation keep you entertained throughout the years?" Nevan scoffed and her menacing eyes looked away from her.

"..."

"Let's say for instance he figures it all out. What then? Do you take his place? Erasing the being known as Natsu from existence, and replacing it with the very thing that led his life up to this moment?"

"..."

"..hmph. I knew your barbaric antics were just a show you put on. It gets tiresome quickly when you do not answer me back, 'Natsa'."

"..." She stayed silent.

"Fine, have it your way. When we return to his body, I wonder exactly how much longer this..partnership you speak so much of will continue. The lies you speak will be like a slow tare until it is irreparable. But, if you plan to be rid of him, I'll be more than gracious enough to accept the scraps of his being." The demonic diva returned to her meditation, ignoring Natsa once again.

"...it wasn't all lies." Natsa lowered her head with a regretful look on her face.

Treya had led Natsu to a guest room that she was using during her stay in Mermaid Heel. Natsu slowly took the room in while he walked over to a table that had two chairs next to it.

"I'll give them this. They know how to give a welcoming impression." Natsu admired the handiwork done by the young women of Mermaid Heel. Every fiber of cloth and painted surface that decorated the room gave a sense of refined, and classy theme to it. Calming, even.

"Indeed. These young girls know how to put an interior decorator to shame." Treya also admitted.

"Right." Natsu sat down on one of the chairs. "So?" His tone took a more serious turn while Treya sat across from him. She slowly turned to him with her same bland expression.

"..how are your wounds?"

"I bit better. And whatever Natsa and Nevan did to my body, it took a shit ton of weight off my shoulders." Natsu whipped his hand. "But I'm more or less okay now. But I'm gonna take it easy today."

"I see." She nodded slowly. She was silent before she spoke again. "Do you...think you can fight?" She hesitantly asked.

"...yes." He responded in a similar manner.

"..."

"..."

"I need your help." Treya suddenly requested.

"...What's the target?" Natsu answered as if he knew what she was asking.

"Actually..." She slowly rubbed her fingers together, as if by some nervous habit. "..this is more of a personal matter."

"...?" Natsu was confused.

"There will be conflict. There may be killing involved. But you're the only one I could turn to..." She began tapping her finger.

"Is it important to you?"

"...I-"

"Then I will help you." Natsu didn't hesitate.

"But, I haven't even told you-"

"Treya. You've never asked me for anything before. And if it is important to you, all the more reason to." He simply explained. "Yeah, I may not like doing the same things that you're still doing, but if you need someone to watch your back, then I'll do it."

"...thank you." Treya bowed her head gratefully.

"So what is it?" He placed his hands on the table and leaned forth, listening intently.

"You remember when I told you about my mother?" She asked.

"Yeah, you said she's living in secret or something like that." Natsu vaguely recalled.

"Well, she moved." She began to explain. "I went to go see how her current state of affairs was, but it looked like someone was after her." She then placed a piece of cloth on the table. Natsu took it and unfolded it, and under it was a large coin with a skull with tears shaped into the center. One side was gold, and the other side was black. Natsu looked at Treya as if he knew what she was asking. His expression showing a slight disgust.

"Well, I may not get out much in that part of the continent, but if I'm not mistaken, this is the Sorrow's Price."

"Yes."

"So looks like you're dealing with Bojak Flynn. If I'm not mistaken, he's a pirate that recruits ex-navy forces. And only his most trusted men carry these." He flicked the coin back on the table. "You kill the guy that this belonged to?"

"No. My mother did." She swiftly answered. "While you were busy with your current state of affairs, I decided to go check on my...mother." She sounded a bit hesitant when she said the word. "But I found three dead rats in her house, and they had those coins on them."

"Mm." Natsu nodded. "So what happened after that?"

"I decided to go check to see if she returned to the safe house our family used." Treya brought out a map. She pointed to a forest in the middle of it.

"Great. Another forest." Natsu thought while examining the position.

"The safe house is in the center of this forest." Treya pointed.

"You sure you should be telling me this stuff?" Natsu glanced up at her. "I'm not looking to be a loose end in your family's business.

"I trust you." Treya simply said. "Besides, It's not like I have any more relations to this family anymore." She glanced away uncomfortably. Natsu could more or less get the impression that the subject of her family was a touchy one.

"Continue." Natsu decided to move past it.

"When I scouted, I found what looked to be combat that recently took place there." She explained. "My mother and aunt's handiwork. It seems they have been repelling endless assaults on the safe house for about four days."

"Why are they going for the safe house?" Natsu was curious why they would keep throwing themselves at such an expendable location.

"They think it's filled with riches." Treya shrugged.

"So why doesn't your mother just give it up?"

"Because there are valuable documents there, information on people in power. Blackmail material. Stolen, high-grade Magic tools."

"Oh, of course." Natsu face-palmed. "Why is it cobbled all together in one place? Actually, can't they just pack up their shit and leave?" Natsu sighed.

"They were going to, but I'm assuming that they do not want to give it up without a fight." She again had no clue as to why her mother would do such a thing.

"Huh." Natsu nodded. "So what do you want to do?" He asked her.

"Provide assistance in eliminating this person. I took out a force of about twenty before I came back here. I hit them quick, and I made sure they didn't follow." She assured.

"Treya...if I do this...Mindy isn't going to be in any danger, is she?" He seriously asked. "See, I got all these dark mages and criminals on the continent to leave me the fuck alone. But these overseas guys? They don't know anything about me. If they start snooping around for me, and they get wind of who I associate with-"

"I'll kill them all if I must, my mate," Treya said the words like they were nothing. "Your involvement will be primarily a supporting one. I will deal with this other trash." She vowed. "Every single enemy you encounter, kill on sight. Because I will." She got up and sat on the bed. "Your hands have been bloodied enough, I understand." She slumped forth. "I will dirty mine, so yours stay clean."

"..." Natsu looked back at the coin and the skull. "I am anything but clean, Treya." He said while getting up. "...I'll help you. I promise I will not hesitate." He had a darkened expression.

"..before you go..." Treya just faced the floor. "Could you...sit next to me?" She requested.

"..." Natsu sat next to her. Treya then fell and leaned onto his shoulder. Seeking comfort from his body heat. "I wondered if I was ever going to see you again." She sounded sad.

"..." Natsu just stayed silent.

"I've seen you hurt before...but this...I've never seen you so helpless." She didn't change in demeanor.

"Really? Compared to that stab wound Zancrow gave me, this ain't nothing." He waved it off.

"Still, it hurts to see." She responded.

"..." Natsu was silent after that one. He knew the young dragon slayer had feelings for him, but it was just difficult to accept them after he swore to not get too close to anyone ever again. But he was not completely lacking in empathy. He hesitantly placed a hand on her head and leaned his atop the side of her head. She was wide-eyed at his reaction.

"...I don't know if I can return your feelings Treya. But...I can at least offer you this for now." He gave in a bit.

"...Mm. Your embrace is rekindling." She smiled. The two stayed like this for a short time until Treya was satisfied. Natsu took his arm back and stood up.

"We'll head out after I get back from the council. I got some questions I need to be answered." He said.

"I will await you here." Treya nodded. Natsu waved her off and exited the room. Treya let out an exhale and fell back onto the bed. A slight blush could be seen on her cheeks while smiling a little bit.

"Ravalla...I feel...that feeling."

After Natsu left Treya, he was on his way back to the dining area. While he walked back, he could have sworn he felt eyes on him from behind. He turned around and he saw a discreetly open door in the hallway. He then saw two leering red eyes, with red ruffled hair peeking out of the side. But then suddenly shut when they made contact with his. He flinched at the ominous presence behind the door. He sweated slightly and quickened his pace while glancing back occasionally. He turned the corner, while still looking and then faced forward. He was greeted by Mira who was fidgeting with her hands. This caught him off guard and he stepped back out of reflex.

"HOly-oh, Mira! Sorry, you just caught me unaware." Natsu sighed in relief.

"Ah, Natsu! H-hey!" She awkwardly responded. "Funny bumping into you here." She averted eye contact.

"Oh just got done talking with Treya." Natsu simply explained. "I was just on my way back to the dining room."

"Oh, okay, well...uh...say, would you like to come with me for a bit?" She asked.

"Sure. I was thinking of just kicking back until dinner time. I'm free." He smiled and nodded.

"YES!..er-" She blushed slightly, before recomposing herself. "F-follow me." She led the way. "What are you doing, Mirajane!? That was supposed to go so much better in my head!" She mentally panicked over her failed expectations. She was going to pin him to the wall and sweetly ask him to follow her to her room, but she bailed on the thought when he came around the corner a lot sooner than she expected.

"Where are we going by the way?" Natsu asked as he came up to her side, trying to get a better look at her face.

"Oh, uh, I wanted to show you my room. And introduce you to my siblings." She tried to explain, but she was still in a bit of a mess after her whole wall-slam-plan was a distant thing of the past.

"You got siblings?" He raised his eyebrow.

"Yeah, a brother and a sister." She placed her hands behind her back.

"What's that like?" He asked.

"Well...y'know, a brother and a sister. But I'm the oldest, so I'm the top of the hierarchy. Which means I get to pick on them whenever I choose-not that I pick on them a lot." She quickly clarified, thinking that sounded a little immature.

"...huh." Natsu faced forward.

"I-I think you'll hit it off pretty well. Especially my brother. He's a muscle head, and constantly calls himself a man. Even though he can become my personal punching bag at any given moment." She snickered.

"That can't be pleasant. Taking a beating from you on a daily basis." He joked.

"Don't think I forgot about the rematch you owe me. When you get better, we're settling it once and for all." She held her fist up.

"Well, you might actually get to beat me for once." He chuckled.

"Given up so soon?" She scoffed.

"...well, I may not be someone worth beating, Mira. If Kagura's progress is an indication, I wager I couldn't take on more than one of you at this point." He sighed.

"There you go again, being modest. Your cocky attitude only shows when you're actually fighting." She tapped his shoulder with her knuckle. "Just wait, when it gets down to it, you'll be talking more smack then you can dish out." She smirked.

"...Riiiight." Natsu smiled and scoffed.

Mira's room...

"'Alrighty. Be honored. Apart from my brother, no other guy on this planet has seen my room." She blocked his path while holding onto the doorknob at the same time."

"Oh, well in that case, please allow me to glimpse upon the all-mighty demon's room." He sarcastically said with a bow.

"Cute." She played along and opened it up slightly, but suddenly froze. She then nervously turned around and had sheepish look to her face. "U-um, can you give me a second?"

"What's wrong?" Natsu raised his brow.

"It's just I left a few things lying around...j-j-just wait here a minute! I swear, this will not take long! I promise!" She quickly bowed apologetically and shut the door on him.

"...probably a mess." He said to himself and leaned against the wall. While he was waiting there, he glanced at the end of the hall and he saw the same ominous set of eyes staring at him with a creepy atmosphere. He lost his composure and took a step back. And just like the last time, the person whipped away from sight. He sweated a bit nervous from that strange encounter. "Who the hell is that girl?"

"Hey, you're that salmon-haired guy that everyone is talking about!"

"GYAH!" Natsu jumped again from being suddenly talked to out of nowhere. "Oh, shit that's twice in one day." While he tried to get his breathing under control, he turned to greet a tall girl with pale blonde hair. She was wearing short blue shorts and a pink shirt. She looked absolutely stunning or rather had a very beautiful air about her that was similar to Mira. Her hair was done up in a ponytail, and she had gold earrings. "Sorry, you took me completely off guard. I think there's a ghost or something following me." He looked to the end of the empty corridor.

"A ghost?" She curiously looked at the end of the hall. "I don't see anything." She shrugged.

"That's normally how they operate." Natsu nodded.

"..aha haha. You're a funny one." She laughed. "By the way, what are you doing here?" She asked in a friendly manner.

"Uh, just waiting for Mira." He answered. That answer seemed to cause a twitch in the young woman's face.

"O-oh, really? W-what kind of business do you have with her?" She seemed to ask in a more nosy fashion.

"I don't know. Something about meeting her family, or something." He shrugged. The mysterious girl turned pale.

"Wha...wait, are you two dating?!" She gawked.

"No." Natsu simply said. "I'm just killing time before I leave. If I take one step outside this building before Ultear gets back from her errands, she promised me that I would never leave this place again." He recalled her strange threat. Whether or not she would make good on that was something he refused to find out. Given the current state, he was in, anyway.

"That's our master for ya." She had a bead of sweat roll down her head. "Oh, back to Mira! Is she in her room right now?" She quickly asked.

"Yeah?" Natsu nodded slowly.

"Oh, well I see, um, why don't you wait for her in my room?" She offered.

"I'm pretty sure she's just about finished in th-"

"Don't worry, I'm this door across from her's, we'll hear her when she opens up." She insisted.

"I'm not sure if that is a good id-YA!" She jerked him along and into her room, across the other side.

"Sorry, Mira! But I'm gonna make you regret leaving your 'boyfriend' out in the open and defenseless like this!" She sported a secret evil smile as the door shut.

"Geesh, only in a place like this the women have unrivaled strength!" Natsu exclaimed while flexing his arm.

"Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself." She proudly said. "My name is Jenny Realight. I'm a part-time mage here in Mermaid Heel, and a full-time model gunning for Miss Fiore!" She posed with a peace sign next to her eye.

"...okay." Natsu showed little to no reaction.

"Ah.." Jenny seemed a bit shocked by such a bland response. "Y-you know, like the young and runner up for the top spot of Miss Fiore's beauty selection?"

"I don't really read the weekly that often," Natsu confessed.

"Reall-!? The Beauty Queen of Mermaid heel?!" She seemed flabbergasted.

"Never heard of you." Natsu blatantly said.

"No way~!" She tugged on her hair and bawled like a child.

"Wait, Jenny Realight?" Natsu seemed to suddenly recall something. "I've seen that name somewhere." He suddenly entered a thinking state. "I think I read it in a weekly issue a few months ago." He recalled.

"Heh~?" Jenny looked up with stars of anticipation in her eyes. "I knew it! There's not one guy in Fiore who hasn't heard of the beauty queen, known as Jenny!"

"...Oh!" Natsu put his fist in his other hand and remembered.

"Yes? Yes!?" She was getting ready to be showered with praise by his bashful expression.

"You're the second-best model in Fiore! You're that name that was on the honorable mentions that my friend was telling me about. I didn't get to see your picture though, Mira's was the only one on the page."

"FUUUUCK!" Jenny shouted in her mind while banging her head on the floor. Once again, Natsu was surprised at her sudden reaction. It was like every person in this establishment was trying to give him a heart attack.

"Holy crap, what's wrong?!" Natsu innocently asked.

"It's Mira! It's MIRA~! It's always Mira!" She streamed tears down her face. "I forgot about that! That was not fair! The only reason they never used my picture, was because I was sick! I told them to use an older picture, but NOOOO, Mira just so happened to be one of the few that made it to work, they gave her all the re-shoots, and selection for the tenth page!" She practically towered over him.

"I'm...sorry?" Natsu wasn't sure what she was expecting. Did he hit a nerve?

"Don't apologize~!" She felt like any pride she had at this point was completely shattered, as the cruel reality set in.

"You must like to compete." He tried to change the subject.

"(Sigh). I just want to be number one, is that so much to ask for?" She put her lip out as she sat cross-legged across from him.

"You're an interesting one." Natsu chuckled. "I'm Natsu by the way, but you probably already knew that." He formally introduced himself.

"Yeah. You're the talk of the guild whenever Ultear is out and about." She smiled.

"You don't say?" Natsu nodded. "She must have rarely shown herself before I came along. Looks like all the guild members could tell she kept to herself most of the time." Natsu had heard this line and similar ones from each girl he talked to since he started coming here.

"But that aside..." She suddenly got on her knees and crawled forth toward him. "Do you have someone you like here?" She asked simply.

"Not particularly." Natsu shrugged.

"But you're not taken, right?"

"Well no,-"

"Then-!" Jenny had a glint in her eye.

"Oi, Jenny!" Mira shouted from the other side of the door and was pounding on it violently. "I know Natsu is in there with you! Open up!" She demanded.

"Eergh, curses!" Jenny scowled. "I better let her in before she breaks the door." She gave in and walked over to the door and unlocked it. She then opened it up and Mira was there with her hand on her hip, sporting a tick mark on her forehead.

"You little minx, what do you think you're doing with him!?" Mira forced her way in and over to Natsu.

"Hey, it's first come first served!" Jenny argued.

"Exactly! So why did you bring him in here!?" Mira pointed at her accusingly.

"I just wanted a boyfriend! I was just gonna ask him before you barged in here!" She whined.

"Wha-?! You haven't even gotten to know him yet!" Mira thought that was too fast.

"Well if you got your claws in him, he must be worthy!" Jenny pointed at him.

"I don't-! Er...h-he's a good friend of mine! C'mon, Natsu! Don't let this bubble-headed, powdered pestilence sway you! She's just in it to annoy me!" Mira grabbed his arm and began taking him out of Jenny's room.

"W-wait! I was talking with him!" She grabbed onto one of his arms and held on for dear life.

"He's coming with me!" Mira was now practically ripping Natsu's other arm off.

"OW-mother-! Stop it!" Natsu shook them off. He took a deep breath before answering. "I don't know why the hell you're fighting over me, but can you do it without ripping my fucking arms off?" He scolded the two. "I just came out of a coma for crying out loud!" He shook his head. "You're done cleaning, right? let's go to your room, Mira." He sighed and headed straight there." Mira sported a nasty look at Jenny and pointed at her threateningly.

"I'm warning you, do not screw with me!" She said before closing the door on Jenny. Jenny let out a pouting huff and puff.

"I'm not giving up that easily!~" Jenny declared, before going back to her room. The hallway was now silent. But a discreet presence that was following Natsu all over peeked around the corner.

"Heh heh...heh heh..C..cherry...Hair.." They muttered with a strange smile before once again disappearing.

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