Natsu's Journal - 1 Week Later

It's been a week since I joined Fairy Tail. I've started to like it here, actually. I still haven't taken any missions, but I did get my guild mark. They couldn't split the color, so I just went with red on my right shoulder. I would have rather had both red and white, but since Draco was the first to teach me magic, I might as well go for him. Plus, all three Strauss siblings already have white marks, no reason to join such a large crowd. Mostly, I have spent the time exploring Magnolia, though I spend at least 2 hours every day interacting with guild members, though that is mostly at Happy's insistence. He seems to love it as well, and they have all fallen for him. I'm a bit worried that they'll press him for information about who I am, seeing as I have yet to feel comfortable enough to remove my cloak, but I trust that he won't talk until I'm ready, or a good reason should arise. He's been my only family for 3 years, and I his. So far, Gray has challenged me to a multitude of matches. I am frequently able to decline, it seems his stripping is a wonderful way of avoiding conflict, but occasionally I am required to engage. I only use magic defensively though. While Gray is strong, he has a ways to go. I am, however, confident that should he continue to improve, he will join the ranks of Fairy Tail's finest. I still like the Strauss siblings. I see a bit of my time at Rösch in them, so it's hard not to. Lisanna is like another little sister, similar to how I view Levi. Elfman is...interesting. I don't have an opinion on him, but he loves his sisters dearly, so he seems alright I suppose. I am quite partial to Mira...hmmm...Mira doesn't sound right, maybe I should come up with a nickname? I believe humans do that. Regardless, she and Erza are currently-

"Natsu?"

Natsu turned his head from his writing to look up. It was evening now, the only light being the fire Natsu had set up. He and Happy were still camping in the woods, Natsu still hadn't considered living in a house. It reminded him too much of Rösch, that was the only time he had lived in a house. Besides, aside from that one year, he had spent almost 15 years of life living outside. Why start living indoors now? Sometimes he missed having a bed, but it wasn't something that he would dwell on. Living on for Igneel's wishes and for his orphanage siblings; that's what he focused on. Not what had happened, but what will happen in the future.

"What is it, Happy?" He knew exactly what Happy was going to ask, but he just didn't know yet.

"When are you going to take off that stupid cloak?" Happy was clearly frustrated. He was glad that Fairy Tail accepted the two of them, and he was accepting of them right back, but Natsu hadn't quite gotten comfortable yet. "Will you please take it off tomorrow? Spend the day there, you spend all your time exploring the city! You've seen everything by now, right?"

"That's not true Happy! I spend several hours every day there with you! Just some of the more...social aspects...make me a bit uncomfortable…" Natsu muttered.

"Natsu…" Happy scolded.

"Ask me again tomorrow, I'll tell you then…"

"Fine! The answer better be, 'yes Happy! And I'll buy you all the yummy fishies you want too!'"

Natsu chuckled, gave Happy a pat on the head, and resumed writing in his journal.

'I really hope he takes that stupid thing off tomorrow,' Happy thought to himself, curling up next to Natsu. 'If he doesn't by the end of the week, I'm ripping it off myself!' And with that, he was asleep.

'He's right, dammit cat!' Natsu thought to himself, sighing as he packed away his journal. 'Why are you always right? I really have no idea what I'd do without him…'

"Thanks, Happy…" he whispered, before curling up around the cat and falling asleep himself.

The Next Morning

"...tsu."

"Natsu! Run! I can't hold him off much longer!"

"...atsu!"

"NATSU! STOP IT! YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR!"

"...Natsu!"

"FOOLISH… (pant) DRAGON... I…. AM ACNOLOGIA…. THE KING….. OF… DRAGONS!"

"IGNEEL!" Natsu woke up with a shout, sweating and panting.

"Natsu! Calm down! It was a dream!" Happy was near tears, hugging him fiercely.

"A...a dream?" he asked, slowly stroking Happy's head.

"It's fine Natsu, you're gonna be ok…" It had been a while since his nightmares were this bad. Not since they started bounty hunting. They were near relentless his first year, but once he started to find work to pour his heart into, it hardened him, and they slowed down to a stop. Or at least, they weren't this bad…

"I'm ok…" Natsu said, releasing Happy. "Let's have breakfast."

The two always ate breakfast in the forest together. Natsu had always had his meals alone in the forest, but Happy decided to start having most lunches and dinners in the guild. He was fine with this of course but asked Happy to have his breakfasts with him. Happy agreed and decided getting Natsu to eat with other people could wait at least a little while.

Happy had dug into his stash of fish, and Natsu decided to have the last of the camping rations he had with him. It was essentially just rice and bits of meat he had cooked previously.

"So...it was Igneel this time?" Happy asked, before starting on his fish.

"Yeah...and the...the wings…" Natsu never really knew what to call his slaughter. It was hard to say it was a slaughter, and no name for it sounded right, so he always said something else. Sometimes he said the fires. Sometimes he said the wings. Other times he said things like his 'trigger' or his 'rage'. Happy understood them all and didn't press on the topic. How do you name something like that? When you blind yourself in rage and slaughter over 50 people, regardless of who they are? It's definitely a challenge.

"Are you ok?"

"I think so," he replied, finishing the last of his breakfast. "It's been a while, but I think that means I'm calming down...It's weird, but I never had them when I lost myself, but if they've started again, I must be going soft again."

"You've always been soft, Pinky!" Happy giggled, finishing his fish as well.

"HEY! IT'S NOT PINK! AND HALF OF IT WHITE!"

"Yeah, sure it is."

"Hmmph."

"So, Natsu?"

"What is it, Happy?" Natsu knew exactly what he was going to ask.

"Do I really need to ask again? You promised to tell me!"

"Fine...I will...Just don't-"

"YAYYY! I'LL GO TELL EVERYONE! THIS IS GONNA BE GREAT! NOW OTHER PEOPLE HAVE TO SEE YOUR UGLY FACE TOO! HAHAHAHA!" Happy did a few circles and flew off.

"Wait, Happy! Don't go-"

"Can't back out now, Natsuuuu," but he was already gone, his voice starting to fade out, even to the dragon slayer.

'Damn cat,' Natsu thought, packing his stuff and preparing to head out. 'I should have waited longer. Who cares anyway, why should they care what I look like? They'll probably just ignore me…'

And so, with his stuff packed, he donned his cloak once again and headed off to town. He may have relented his use of it at the guildhall, but outside of it was a definite NO! Not only did he not really like being seen, but it was also dangerous for both him and Fairy Tail. Should anyone discover who he was-

'No!' he thought, nearing the city. 'Even if I end up telling them I'm the White Crown, I can't let anyone else find out. They'd be in too much danger…'

Fairy Tail Guild Hall

"Time for a morning drink! Gimme my barrel!"

"Cana, already? It's 10 am!"

"How long have you known me for?"

"...I'll go get it…"

"Hehehe, that's what I thought."

It was a typical morning for the members of Fairy Tail. Cana was getting her first barrel of wine for the day, Erza and Mira were across the hall staring daggers at each other, and Gray was trying to find his misplaced pants. All in all, very typical. That is, until…

"EVERYONE! LISTEN!" Happy burst through the doors, shouting.

"What's wrong, Happy? Did something happen to Natsu?" Lisanna asked, walking up to the cat.

"No! He's fine! I finally got him to agree to take the cloak off, so you guys have to-"
"REALLY?!" Mira shouted.

"HE WILL?!" Erza stood up quickly as well.

"Why do you care what he looks like, fire crotch?"

"What about you, white wyvern? I'm interested in the developments of a new guild member!" She crossed her arms, and turned away, trying to not blush.

"Yeah! So am I!"

Not that they'd admit it, but both were extremely curious as to what he looked like. They had known him a week, A FULL WEEK, and the only thing they'd seen were his eyes and his right shoulder. Heck, the only magic they'd seen was the spell he used to punch Gray on the first day, he never used anything else that was really visible.

"Sure you do, Mira," her sister giggled and winked. "Though I'm curious too. Why does he cover up like that, Happy?"

"Er…" Happy stuttered. Once again, he dug himself into a hole. Normally withholding information was much easier, since they didn't ask multiple times a day.

"I BET HE'S A REAL MAN!" Elfman shouted.

"Not everything is about manliness, big brother Elf!" Lisanna replied, walking over to scold her brother.

'Well that was close,' Happy thought flying over to the bar. He had become good friends with Cana, the two of them enjoyed hanging around the bar trying to get stuff for free and making fun of the other guild members. The only problem was he had to abandon their conversation after about an hour when she'd get handsy and pushy about Natsu information, and he wasn't sure if he could dodge the questions anymore. So far he had already revealed that he had 3 scars, had 2 dragon parents, unlike other dragon slayers, not that they were common anyway, and his hair was dual colored. She didn't believe that last part and had told him he was a terrible liar. He hoped that she kept things a secret, but still wasn't entirely sure she wasn't working for the guild as a spy of sorts. Living with only one other person and hiding his whole life had done crazy things to his imagination.

"So," Cana started leaning towards the cat who had landed beside her. "We finally get to see the scruffy dragon boy, eh? Finally gonna see that hair of us, huh," she added sarcastically.

"I told you not to say anything! And it's true, I'm not lying!"

"Sure thing kitty cat."

For the next 15 minutes, they continued to talk, laughing at Gray while he looked for various clothing articles he had lost on his way to a table after finding his clothes the last time, joking at why Mira and Erza had their eyes glued to the door instead of on each other, and consuming their personal weaknesses, fish and wine.

'Is he ever gonna come in? WAIT! WHY DO I CARE?' Mira thought to herself.

'It's quite strange, but I am extremely curious as to what he looks like.' Erza was having a similar dilemma. She didn't know why exactly she was so curious, but she was and would continue to be until her curiosity was sated.

The doors finally opened a few minutes later.

"Natsu?" Mira asked, standing up.

"It must be!" Erza replied, also standing.

"Hey, guys! Been a while!"

"UGH!" Everyone just groaned and went back to their activities.

"It's just Warren! False alarm everyone!" Erza shouted.

"Good to see you guys too, I guess…"

"Sorry, Warren!" Lisanna said. "We got a new member last week and apparently he's finally going to show us what he looks like today! We thought you were him! Some are more excited than others-"

"LISANNA!" Mira shouted.

"Wait, the guys' been here a week and you have no idea what he looks like? Is he invisible or something?"

"Of course not, silly! He just wears a cloak all the time! If you want to know, you can talk to Happy over there, but he's pretty secretive. Says he's not allowed to say too much," she informed him, gesturing to the blue cat on the corner.

"I'm supposed to talk to a cat?" Warren asked.

"Aye, sir!" Happy replied.

"I leave for one month…" Warren grumbled, heading over to the tables.

"He is quite strange isn't he?" Natsu asked him. "That's not even the-"
"AHHHH! WHO ARE YOU?" Warren screamed. One moment he was looking at a blue cat, and the next a very mysterious hooded figure was leaning against the wall talking to him.

"Oh, my name's Natsu. I just got here last week. Anyway, as I was saying, Happy can fly too. I hatched him from an egg about three years ago. Strange isn't it? It would almost make him-"

"Natsu?" Lisanna asked, walking over to the two.

"Wait, Natsu's here?" Mira asked, jolting up from her table.

"When did he…" Erza also seemed shocked, getting up as well.

"Oh, sorry. I came in behind Warren. You seemed disappointed by something, so I figured I would find out wha-"

"TAKE OFF YOUR DAMN CLOAK ALREADY!"

"YEAH! CLOAKS AREN'T MANLY!"

Everyone was rapt attention on the new member, who was supposedly about to reveal his true appearance.

"Happy…" he turned.

"A...Aye?"

"You're dead meat later, cat."

"Quit stalling, Natsu! Show 'em your ugly mug!" Happy shouted, giggling.

"Fine...you owe me big time for this, cat…"

"Aye, sir!"

Natsu reached for the cape, preparing to pull it off and then-

"MORNING BRATS!"

"UGH! STOP INTERRUPTING, OLD MAN!" Mira groaned.

"Natsu is about to unveil himself! Cease your blathering, master!" Erza drew her sword, pointing it at Makarov, eyes never leaving Natsu.

"Is this honestly that important to you guys?"

"YES!" They all shouted.

"Very well…" and FINALLY, he took his cloak off. He was wearing his trademark; knee-length white pants, a black, gold-trimmed vest that was open at the front, the scarf made from Igneel's scales, the necklace made from Draco's talon, and a pair of matching earrings made from the scales of Archon.

"PFFFFT," Cana spit out her wine, coughing in shock. "HE REALLY DOES HAVE PINK AND WHITE HAIR!"

"For the love of..., it's SALMON! Not pink! And why does everyone start with that! I swear, it's just hair color! I never did understand people's fixation on that. Heck, even dragons-"

Natsu continued rambling on, not really paying attention to the entire guild staring at him.

'He's...gorgeous…' Mira thought to herself.

'That scar is huge, but still…' Erza too was stunned into silence.

"ALRIGHT, BRATS! HE'S NOT A PIECE OF MEAT! MOVE ALONG!" Makarov roared from the second floor.

"Oh, I'm sorry Natsu! I didn't-" Lisanna tried to apologize.

"Don't be, I got used to the looks and whispers ages ago. This is the first time I've had silence, though I can't decide whether it was an improvement or not…"

Natsu walked over and sat down, prepared for another usual day, but not for the barrage of questions he was about to receive. Following him, still not able to formulate a sentence, was Erza and Mira. Lisanna joined them, giggling at her sister's obvious ogling, and most of the rest of the guild found spaces as close as possible so they could eavesdrop. Levi broke the awkward silence, sitting near Lisanna and beginning the onslaught.

"So, a fan of jewelry, are you?"

"You could say that, though I consider myself more of a gatherer of trophies more than anything. Not that I consider these trophies really, but I am a collector of sorts."

"I love your scarf! Where'd you get it from?" Lisanna asked.

"It was a gift. I don't know who made it, but my father asked a friend of his to stitch it together for him."
"The...the dragon?"

"Yes."

"Which one," Cana asked from a table nearby.

"How did you…? HAPPY!"

"AHHH! SCARY NATSU!" Happy flew away, having joined the table with Lisanna earlier.

"What did she mean by which one?" Mira asked, finally able to speak.

"(sigh) Damn cat...I was raised by two dragons. One was white named Igneel, and the other was red named Draco. The scales are from Igneel, but it was Draco's idea, as he reminded me several times."

"TWO DRAGONS?" Erza too was now able to formulate short confused chains of questioning.

"Well, that explains the hair, I guess…" Cana muttered.

"That was my theory too, actually. You see, initially, I wasn't sure, since for obvious reasons they aren't my-"

"You're rambling again, Natsu!" Lisanna said, giggling.

"Oh, apologies. One of these days, I'll stop doing that."

"No worries, it's fine! How come you have two of the same scar? Is that some sort of dragon ritual or something?"

"No, that was two separate incidents, actually. I'm quite lucky to have any eyes left at all."

"You got two identical scars…" Mira started.

"From two separate incidents…" Erza finished.

"Correct," Natsu replied.

"What about the one on your chest? That looks like it hurt!" Levi chipped in.

"Indeed, that one was my own fault actually."

"What happened?" Levi pressed.

"Uh...well...I got distracted…" Natsu stuttered.

"What about the jewelry? Where'd you get that stuff? It makes you look primal!" Lisanna asked him. "Would it be too much for me to see the necklace a bit closer?" she added, gesturing to it.

"Uh, I suppose so…" He said slowly. This was a first for him, not even Happy had held these things before. They were on him at all times. "Just be careful, they're enchanted, but no one has ever touched them before…"

"Really? Thanks, Natsu! I feel all special now!" She giggled, reaching, and carefully taking the necklace. It was well made. A shimmering silver chain through the center of an enormous...well...she wasn't sure. It looked like a claw or talon of some kind.

"So how'd you get it?" Mira asked, taking the necklace from her sister.

"I had it made from a claw from Draco…" Natsu muttered.

"Oh…" They seemed to get the message.

"I thought you said Draco was red, and Igneel was white. How come your earrings are made from black scales?" Erza asked.

"These are from a different dragon."

There was a sound of coughing and a few surprised gasps throughout the hall.

"How many dragons did you know?"

"Personally? Three. I've seen five though, I didn't know this one."

"FIVE?" Mira and Erza yelled together.

"Yes, though honestly, I'd rather have stuck to three…" Natsu was suddenly struck with a look of anger, and the air around him started to heat up slightly.

"Natsu! Why don't you tell them about your magic!" Happy said, quickly trying to quell the situation.

"Oh, right. I suppose the cats out of the bag now, isn't it...What did you want to-are you guys ok?"
Everyone at his table had backed up slightly, all with slight fearful looks on their faces.

"What the hell was that!" Mira demanded.

"I must concur with the demon, what just happened?"

"Oh, right. I didn't notice. Sorry. My magic can be assisted with emotion, and I seemed to gotten lost in thought momentarily, and let some of it out…"

"Right, anyway," Lisanna was always the conversation shifter. She liked him, but he was a ticking time bomb of things not to bring up. "So you use dragon slayer magic, right? Which dragon taught you magic?"

"I read a book about dragon slayers a little while ago, it said something about a 'Dragon Soul Ritual' that was performed to give magic to a human. Which one gave you theirs?" Levi added.

"You seem quite well informed, Levi! I was unaware that our customs were so well known by other humans. Anyway, to answer your question, both."

"That's possible?" Levi asked. "It didn't say anything about that in the book…"

"Well, your book is likely incomplete, but according to Igneel, it had never been tried. Draco brought me in and proposed the idea. They figured they had nothing to lose and neither did I, so might as well give it a shot."

"Wow! That sounds cool! I don't suppose I could ask you some questions about dragons later, could I?" Levi asked, excitedly.

"Of course! I always told them I'd write a book about our customs one day, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Perhaps I'll start on that soon…"

"If you do, I definitely want to read it! I'll be your first customer!"
"I appreciate it, Levi! I'll be sure to inform you."

"Hold on, if both dragons did this fancy ritual thing, what changed?" Mira asked.

"Indeed, did your magic power double?" Erza added.

"I suppose something similar to that, but no. I got both magics. Draco was a fire dragon," he said holding up his right hand, which was engulfed in orange flames. "And Igneel was the White Fire Dragon King," he said holding up his left hand, which was engulfed in white flames.

"WOW! It's so pretty!" Lisanna was in awe.

"Indeed, that is quite impressive, Natsu," Erza added.

"Oh, it's really nothing. I should be saying that to you. The only user of 'The Knight' in Fiore!"

"Oh..uh..thank you…" Erza stuttered.

"Wait, did you say Dragon King?" Mira asked.

"Indeed. The white flames are only used by the royal white fire dragons. Well, and me, I suppose…"

"White fire...that sounds familiar…" Levi mused.

"NO! No, I'm sure it's nothing at all!" Natsu interrupted quickly. "Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
"Uh...sure…" 'Mark that on the list of stuff not to bring up!' Lisanna thought to herself. "Maybe you could give us a demonstration? I'll bet Mira would spar with you if you asked herrrr," Lisanna added, winking at her sister.

"LISANNA! STOP!" Mira blushed.

"Hmm, I would not be opposed to a spar with you. I don't think Mira would be enough of a challenge for you."

"WATCH IT, GINGER KID!"

"QUIET DEMON GIRL!"

"ARMORED ASSHAT!"

"WINGED WENCH!"

"Actually, that sounds like a good idea," Natsu said, ruffling a hand through his hair.

"Are you gonna spar with mee, Natsu?" Mira asked, leaning towards him.

"I asked first, do not inject yourself into my matches!"

"I'm not injecting myself into anything. Natsu would way rather spar with me than someone as weak as you!"

"SAYS THE BRAND NEW-"

"Actually," Natsu interrupted. "I wouldn't be at all opposed to sparring the both of you."

"Fine by me! I'll go first, but you won't manage to win that easily!" Erza declared.

"Why do you get to go first? You won't even be a warmup!"

"I had been referring to both at the same time, however, if you would like to go one at a-"

"WHAT?"
"HE'S GOTTA BE JOKING?"

"HE WANTS TO GO AGAINST BOTH TOGETHER?"

"Sorry, did I say something-"

"I accept your challenge, Natsu! However, you're going to regret not accepting me by myself!" Erza declared.

"Yeah! Just 'cause you're new, don't think I'll go easy on you!" Mira added.

"Very well. I shall attempt to the best of my abilities to make it an even match. Shall we go outside? I don't have enough funds left to pay for any damages."

"AYE! You gave all my fish money to Makarov months ago!" Happy shouted.

"That wasn't your fish money! You didn't even know I hid it from you! And it was supposed to be anonymous!" Natsu retorted.

"I'm getting the master! This is gonna be great!" Cana shouted. The only thing that would make her abandon the barrel of wine; a chance to watch a new guy get in over his head and get beaten to a pulp.

30 Minutes Later - Outside

"Alright, brats! Rules are simple! Continue until one side gives up or is knocked out! No killing blows or cheap shots! And remember to have fun!"
The guild had all assembled out back, a betting board had been set up and everyone was excited about the match. Unfortunately for Natsu, the only one betting on him was Happy.

"I'm gonna use all this money to buy fishies!"

"In your dreams cat! You're buying me a barrel when this is over!" Cana retorted. 'Well, this is a new one. Never thought I'd be betting against a cat.'

"LET THE MATCH BETWEEN NATSU DRAKENEEL AGAINST THE TEAM OF ERZA SCARLET AND MIRAJANE STRAUSS: BEGIN!" Makarov shouted, beginning the match.

"Requip: Heaven's Wheel Armor!" Erza shouted, initiating the conflict. "Circle sword!"

"Interesting! A wide-area attack to prepare for an off-angle attack by Mirajane, quite clever, however predictable." Natsu dodged the swords by jumping through the center. He charged past Erza, dodging a swing from her sword, and turned skyward to face Mirajane, who was now in her satan soul form.

"EVIL EXPLOSION!" she shouted, shooting out an explosive purple blast from her hands.

"Ah, the famed she-devil of Fairy Tail. Truly a remarkable sight, in power and appearance," he noted, quickly dodging to the left, preparing for Erza's chain attack.

He was correct, and Erza attempted to strike him with her swords, but Natsu was quick on his feet and dodged them all before catching one wrist and disarming her.

"Your sword skills are exquisite, Titania! Much better than any other I've seen!"

The fight continued, everyone surprised that he had lasted this long, as he blocked or dodged every blow the two could fire at him.

"Natshuuuu! This is boring! Can you at least try a little!" Happy whined.

"HE'S NOT EVEN TRYING?"

"THAT HAS TO BE A JOKE!"

The rest of the members were surprised enough that this new kid was still standing, let alone not really trying.

"Come on Happy, I was just enjoying the view! They are truly exquisite fighters! I never see anyone who's as good-"

"Natsu! Stop hitting on them and fight! I want fishies!"

"I wasn't….very well...If I don't have to buy you fish for a while, maybe I won't go broke…"

Natsu managed to separate from the two and gain some distance. The two were spread out, Erza currently in her Flame Empress Armor, preparing for his spells, and Mira floating nearby in her Satan Soul Form.

"I must agree with your cat! While the flattery is...appreciated...this is a match and compliments will not win you a war!" Erza declared, blushing slightly.

"Very well, let us begin." Natsu took a stance. His feet were spread apart, with his right side facing his opponents. He placed a weight preference on his left leg, his right arm down near his right leg, with his left arm extended in the air. "Fire dragon's BLITZ!" he called, dashing forward with immense speed.

'He's so fast!' Mira thought, before taking a punch to the stomach and getting knocked back.

'What is this speed!' Erza thought, barely turning in time to watch Mira get punched in the gut. Before she could even react, he was behind her and kicked her, sending her flying towards Mira.

"NO WAY!"

"HE'S SO FAST!"

"MY MONEY!"

The guild was shocked. They could barely even keep up with his speed, there was a thin line of flames that made up his path, but that's it. All they could see clearly was the after-effects of both the strongest women in the guild getting knocked around.

"Fire Dragon's ROAARRR!" He shouted, unleashing a torrent of orange flames at the two mages. Erza was hardly affected due to her Flame Empress Armor, but Mira took quite a hit. She had burns on her arms from blocking and a bruise on her stomach was definitely going to form.

"Not bad Natsu! But you'll have to do far better than that!" Erza shouted.

"Not even close, hotshot! Bring it!" Mira taunted.

"As expected! I may have had to reconsider my opinions of you two had that been enough. Very well, let us continue!"

The three mages charged each other in a clash and brawled it out. Natsu using his flaming hands and legs to block strikes and deliver his own. He was pushing them back slightly, but Mira managed to get a few solid strikes in and Erza cut his arm slightly.

"Let's turn up the heat a bit, shall we?" Natsu said, releasing a bit more of his magical power, causing even the spectators to start sweating.

"It's so hot!"
"This guys' a monster!"

"Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame!" He called, shooting a fireball at the two.

Both were pushed back both from the heat he was producing as well as the pressure from the fireball he had thrown.

"NOT ENOUGH, NATSU!" Erza roared, as she charged forward. She used her fire sword to fire back a few volleys of fireballs at Natsu, though not nearly as big as his own.

"Lunch! I thought we were having that after the spar?" Natsu asked, gobbling up the flames.

"He eats fire?"

"Oh man, I've seen it all now!"

The crowd was almost out of hope for their female warriors.

"SOUL EXTINCTOR!" Mira shouted, using the distraction of his feast to build up and fire a large black orb of magic.

"Hmmm...that looks less delicious...let's end this! Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Crimson Lotus Exploding Flame Blade!" Natsu shouted, releasing streams of fire from his arms, and swirling them around to form a spiral blast of power in front of him. It destroyed the spell immediately and engulfed the two in flames.

"AGHHH!"

"RRRRRRGH"

When the smoke settles, Mira was out of her satan soul form, her clothes smoking a bit, kneeling on the ground panting. Erza was standing, but clearly running low on power and stamina. She'd likely be out cold if not for her Flame Empress Armor.

"You've both done brilliantly, however, any spells stronger than that could seriously injure the two of you," Natsu said, worried for the two's safety.

The two glanced at each other and nodded. They had been beaten. This guy was too strong.

"Very well, Natsu. I concede defeat."

"Yeah, whatever. You win this round."

"FISHIES! WOOHOO! THANKS, NATSU!" Happy shouted, flying in circles around the stunned guildmates. It happened. Their two S-Class females, the Fairy Queen Titania, and the She-Devil Mirajane had been beaten by a newcomer.

"No way!"

"He got them both!"

"He really is a monster!"

"The winner is Natsu Drakeneel! Alright, brats! Pay the cat and get back inside!" Makarov announced. 'I figured as much,' he thought to himself.

"Well done to the two of you. Your reputations precede you, truly worthy foes. Also, you may want to...uh...cover up a bit more, Jane. Here, you can use my vest." He said, handing her his vest.

"EEEK!" she shouted, grabbing his vest and covering herself. She was still mostly covered, but the fire he had unleashed certainly didn't leave her clothes in good condition. 'Did he call me Jane…?' she wondered, smiling to herself. 'Jane…I like it...'

"You are truly a warrior, Natsu! Your strength is quite fearsome, though next time I won't go so easy on you!"

Natsu laughed and put a hand on her shoulder. "Of course! I'm sure the next time won't be so easy for me, but don't think I'll hold back too much!" With that, Natsu headed inside after the other guild members, the recently defeated women outside by themselves.

"UGH!" Mira groaned, falling over. "That guys' insane!"

"He truly is impressive. I gave him everything I had, and he managed to burn me through my Flame Empress Armor."

"Yeah…" Mira whispered, clutching his vest.

Later That Afternoon

At the request of both Happy and Lisanna, Natsu agreed to eat lunch at the guildhall. They had a pleasant conversation about what the missions were like at Fairy Tail, and after a while, Lisanna left to go help her sister patch up a bit. That left Natsu by himself, which he enjoyed nonetheless, and he took the opportunity to write a bit in his journal.

"What's that?" Levi asked, sitting on the seat next to him.

"It's a journal, I tend to document important things throughout my travels. Call me a trophy hunter I suppose. Though, maybe it helps a bit with my rambling. I frequently get lost in thought, which tends to lead to me talking in a rather circular way-"

"Like you're doing now?" Levi giggled.

"Yes...that would...be a good example…" Natsu muttered.
"You have white flames too, right? Why didn't you use those? I figured they'd be stronger than your orange ones," she asked him. It'd been on her mind since the fight ended. She saw first-hand that he was able to use some sort of white fire, but didn't use it a single time during the match.

"I do indeed! However, those flames are much more dangerous. If the opponent cannot protect themself properly from the orange flames, the worst is a nasty burn. However, the white flames could melt the flesh off you and do serious damage, so I avoid using those unless necessary. A spar is no place for permanent disfigurement, right?" Natsu replied.

This was even more of a shock to Levi. "So...you were going easy on them?"

"Well...a little...I didn't want to hurt anyone. They are both extremely talented wizards, and can definitely take a hit, but the white flames are not something to be toyed with."

"I...I see…" As surprising as this was, some part of her had already guessed that. He did say they were some kind of royal flames or something. "So, could I ask you a few questions about dragons now?"

"Ask away!"

And that's how Natsu spent his afternoon, chatting with Levi about anything and everything dragon-related. Though he never answered her questions on what happened to his dragons, which she found rather strange. She guessed that Draco had likely died, and perhaps Igneel too, but the black scales and the events surrounding the two's lack of presence were surrounded in mystery. Maybe one day, he'd tell her. But that day was not today...