Merry Christmas everyone. In more positive news, I have my leave mid-Jan and will have a little bit of time to write. I have actually managed to keep writing throughout the year and while there were months where I got very little, there were also months where I managed almost four a month. I've also been making sure to update all my stories and with one more update to be written I'll have an update for all of my stories with less than a year between updates. Still a long time, but better than two or three. Unfortunately, I have not been reading much this year for obvious reasons. I have also noticed that a lot of stories have also been left aside for a while. While I reaffirm that I will always come back to my stories, I also hope some of the other writers who have written some of the best stories on this site (FT and others) do come back as well. Either way, you will have me, but you will also have my frustratingly slow update speed. The tortoise did beat the hare though and similarly I will finish my stories eventually. To wrap up, I hope 2020 has not been too demoralising and hope 2021 will be a better year for all. SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan. (P.S. Drink responsibly too, I'd much rather people spend the holidays at home than in the Emergency Department).
This is one of my only days off for the past week and I'll be working until New Years after today.
I know this year has had its ups and downs for all, but we've made to the finish line.
Previously:
Having been called by Sayla to decide what to do with their spy, Natsu, under the guise of E.N.D., confronted Ultear to ascertain her motives for seeking him out. Learning of her desire to reunite with her mother, Natsu, after telling her it could be done, left her to her own devices, his identity still a mystery to the dark mage. After a brief verbal exchange with a Tartaros guild member, who claimed Natsu had led to his family's death, Natsu ran into Leo the Lion. Deciding to hear out the Celestial Spirit, Natsu eventually invited him to Fairy Tail. Upon arriving, Loke joined Fairy Tail, before Natsu left with Erza, Mira, Lisanna and Happy.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
FlashbackTechniques
Chapter 9 – Reality check
'Now then, this looks like a good spot. Yeah, why don't we all have a seat here?' Suggested Natsu, to his audience who were literally captivated by the Dragon Slayer.
'Works for me.' Said Lisanna, with Happy giving an "Aye!" of agreement.
'I don't understand why this talk is even still relevant.' Pondered Erza.
'Well, until I can see Lisanna is no longer demonstrating behaviour which is dangerous, I'm afraid I can't release her back into the wild. It's a safety issue you see.' Explained Natsu.
'I see.' Nodded Erza, getting a snort from Mira.
'You don't see anything. For all you know, Natsu could have been talking about running with scissors.' Interjected Mira.
'That's absurd! Surely Lisanna knows that is dangerous already. Do you mean to tell me you didn't teach your siblings common sense safety advice?' Commented Erza affronted.
'Of course I did! This seems to have been an exception to the standard, "don't talk to strangers" logic.' Said Mira.
'What? Why would you not talk to strangers? They could have important information.' Protested Erza.
'So you would just go up to anyone and ask them a question and assume they are telling the truth?' Retorted Mira.
'Of course, why should they lie to me?' Answered Erza.
'Why should they have to tell you the truth, they don't know you? You could be a criminal for all they know.' Pointed out Mira.
'As amusing as this conversation is, I think it is time we address the reason we are here today. Now then, Lisanna, why did you think talking to an out of control beast without any means to protect yourself was a good idea?' Asked Natsu, setting the three girls down in front of him, as his tails disappeared, with Happy floating over to Natsu's side, before leaning against a tree with a big yawn.
'I didn't.' Replied Lisanna, sitting with her hands in her lap, legs crossed.
'I see. It seems you've gotten temporary amnesia.' Said Natsu, also sitting cross-legged, crossing his arms over his chest.
'Maybe it's because you took so long, I don't remember why we are having this talk.' Teased Lisanna.
'Mira, if Lisanna has amnesia, why didn't you ask to see Porlyusica?' Questioned Erza, sitting in a rigid seiza position.
'It isn't real amnesia.' Said Mira, sitting out with her legs outstretched in front of her, resting her hands behind her.
'Besides, I don't have amnesia at all. You asked why I was talking to an out of control beast, I wasn't, it was Elfman. Elfman isn't an out of control beast.' Said Lisanna.
'Yeah… no… at this point in time he was.' Said Natsu slowly.
'I guess we just have to agree to disagree.' Chirped Lisanna, causing Natsu to sigh.
'Aren't you supposed to be the responsible one in this couple?' Questioned Natsu.
'I am, I swiftly resolved a difference of opinion with a suitable outcome.' Answered Lisanna immediately.
'Uh, that's… not exactly what happened… but I guess I'll just have to settle for someone chaperoning you until you learn when a thing is trying to kill you and when a thing is only trying to maim you a little.' Said Natsu.
'Oh, does this mean we're going to make use of your Shibari powers? I've heard a lot about them.' Said Lisanna.
'From who?' Asked Natsu, causing Lisanna to point to the two beside her.
'You two are still going on about that? Plus, now you even got Lisanna roped in.' Asked Natsu.
'Pun intended?' Asked Mira in amusement.
'In this case no, but I'll remember that for later. Now then, explain yourselves.' Ordered Natsu.
'It's not my fault. Every time we come back to the topic of you, Erza becomes a bondage masochist.' Defended Mira.
'I resent that!' Huffed Erza.
'Still doesn't change the truth of the matter, asking people to hit you and enjoying being tied up doesn't exactly work in your favour here.' Retorted Mira, causing Erza to flush.
'As fascinating as this is, no sarcasm intended by the way, I will make use of this in good time; how exactly did Lisanna become involved?' Asked Natsu.
'The whole guild knows; it isn't just me.' Interjected Lisanna.
'Aye! The whole guild wants to see if you can actually make a lasso and use it too. If you do make a lasso, can I use it afterwards to catch flying fish?' Added Happy.
'I see… well, looks Lisanna isn't the only one who needs a talk, I think the two of you need to learn about indoor voices.' Said Natsu.
'An indoor voice is for someone too scared to be heard.' Declared Mira.
'I do have an indoor voice; it is my normal voice.' Added Erza.
Natsu sighed and palmed his eyes, slowly moving his hands down his face, before resting on his chin.
'Okay, it seems progress here is going to be slower than I thought. In that case, why don't the three of you tell me what I've missed these past few months?' Requested Natsu.
'There have been four new additions to the guild, five now including Loke since you left.' Started Erza.
'Yeah, but the only one really worth mentioning is this elusive guy called Mystogan. No one has actually seen his face, since he knocks everyone out with Sleep Magic. Apparently, he is strong enough that Master might actually let him compete in the S-Class Trials. Since you aren't going to enter, he is probably the top pick to win to be honest.' Said Mira.
'While I don't believe disregarding the other members is wise, Mira's assessment of Mystogan is accurate.' Agreed Erza.
'So wait, you mean the two of you haven't seen his face either?' Asked Natsu.
'No, but it isn't a big deal, only master has seen it and he takes all his jobs solo.' Answered Mira.
'He does also seem to disappear for a while. All his jobs are finished quickly, but he takes a few more days to return. No one really knows why.' Added Erza.
'Really? I need to meet this guy then.' Said Natsu.
'Why? He sounds like your complete opposite?' Asked Mira.
'I'm just naturally curious. Besides, if he is going to be competing in the S-Class Trials, he must be something special.' Reasoned Natsu.
'Well, I suppose that is true.' Agreed Mira.
'Anyway, who else is going to be in the S-Class trials this year? With the two of you already S-Class and my voluntary withdrawal, or I suppose because I don't care anymore, who else is in the running?' Asked Natsu.
'Well there is Mest, Cana and Mystogan as you know. Master was also thinking of recommending you and I think Gray may also be nominated potentially.' Answered Erza.
'Hmm, more than last time, that's interesting. I wonder what the old man is up to.' Muttered Natsu.
'So why don't you want to be S-Class Natsu, there must be a real reason for it?' Asked Lisanna, causing Erza to also glare at Natsu.
'Yes, your initial reasoning was not one that I can easily accept.' Added Erza.
'Firstly, how could you doubt me Lisanna?' Asked Natsu.
'I know you. If there is one thing I know about Natsu Dragneel, he doesn't hide from the spotlight and if anything, being S-Class would make it easier for you to go find Igneel, since you'd be able to travel further for missions. That is still your main goal, isn't it?' Asked Lisanna.
Natsu blinked for a moment, taken aback at Lisanna's quite sound reasoning, briefly forgetting her poor judgement in confronting a crazed Elfman in the past.
'Well, that's mostly right I suppose.' Started Natsu, before Erza interjected.
'Then why are you refusing this offer?' Asked Erza.
'Well, I suppose it comes down to what I learned on my job with Mira. Being S-Class also means you have to be responsible. After all, you saw what I did on our job, Erza. If I did that during an S-Class job that I had taken myself, there could have been serious consequences. I'm not saying that I'm scared of being S-Class. Not to sound too arrogant, but I'm pretty sure if I competed in the trails I'd win, even with this Mystogan guy thrown in the mix. Like Lisanna said though, I want the freedom to go out and search for things and since you and Mira can both do S-Class jobs and take me with you, I don't really feel the need to become S-Class myself.' Said Natsu.
'What if we decide to not let you come on our jobs with us anymore?' Asked Erza.
'And here I thought you were a masochist, Erza, that's just plain sadistic, as if you would deny me like that.' Pouted Natsu, causing Erza to blush, whether in anger, embarrassment, or a mix of the two, was anyone's guess.
'She does make a good point though, Natsu, what if we were both on jobs and you hear a rumour near a place where an S-Class job is. You could always go there by yourself without a job, but running all over the place all the time means you won't have time to relax either. At least if you took the job then you could earn some money at the same time.' Suggested Mira.
'Again, a really good point, but I'm never short for money given how little I actually spend. As for relaxing, searching is fun, so it doesn't stress me out or anything, so I don't need to relax.' Said Natsu.
'Aye! Searching for the best fish is exciting and tasty work.' Added Happy.
'I suppose, but if you don't care either way, you could just become S-Class and then not take S-Class jobs.' Pointed out Lisanna.
'Hmm… that also true I suppose… all right then, I'll think about it. Next year though. I still want to have some fun for now.' Acquiesced Natsu.
'I guess that is a satisfactory outcome for now.' Agreed Erza, with Mira shrugging.
'Wait a minute, didn't we come out here to give Lisanna a talk.' Muttered Natsu with furrowed eyebrows, causing the girl in question to giggle.
'You can't doubt my common sense when I can completely hijack a conversation.' Teased Lisanna.
Natsu narrowed his eyes on the cheeky girl, who merely gave him a teasing wave and smile.
'Fine you win this round, but I won't be beaten.' Said Natsu.
'Of course not, that's Erza's thing.' Commented Lisanna, causing the knight to splutter denials.
'You've gotten dangerous Lisanna. They may be starting to call me a Shibari Master, but you've got the silver tongue.' Said Natsu.
'Of course, so it matches my hair. After all, if you are the Shibari Master, it is only important your wife dutifully matches your wit.' Retorted Lisanna, causing Mira to snort and Happy to cheer.
'Well, if you two start practicing on each other I don't want it happening under my roof. The two of you will probably traumatise poor Elfman.' Warned Mira.
'Well, we could always wait for Elfman to go out on a mission. This way you could join us too. Maybe we go and get Erza roped into things as well.' Added Lisanna.
'Pun intended?' Asked Natsu.
'Oh absolutely.' Replied Lisanna in amusement.
'I've had enough of this vulgar behaviour, I'm leaving.' Declared an embarrassed Erza, standing up and stomping off with a small huff, leaving the Strauss sisters with Natsu and Happy.
'So what should we do now then?' Asked Lisanna.
'Hmm, well, I don't mind just waiting around to see what happens with the S-Class Trials. It would be interesting to see this Mystogan. There isn't much else for me to do right now without a new lead on my search anyway and it might be a good idea to rest for a bit. Not because I'm tired or anything, but if you've become this good at making Erza squirm, who knows what else I've missed out on at the guild. Next thing I know, you'll tell me Gray stopped stripping.' Said Natsu, giving a small yawn as he stretched his arms over his head.
'Good luck on that happening.' Said Mira in amusement.
'Well, in that case, why don't we head back to the guild for now, I'm sure something interesting will come up soon enough. After all, we still need to see who actually gets nominated.' Suggested Natsu.
'Sure, I bet Cana will be taking bets already… I wonder if she is allowed to bet on herself…' Said Mira.
'Well, betting on yourself to win is always a good idea, if gives you more incentive to do your best.' Said Natsu.
'It does double the pressure though.' Added Lisanna.
'Well, what do you think, Happy?' Asked Natsu, noticing the blue cat looked surprisingly pensive.
'I would bet on myself to eat as many fish as possible, that would be the best bet.' Declared Happy.
'Well, that's two for betting on yourself, guess we'll just have to go see how things turn out then.' Said Natsu, as the group headed back to the guild.
-line break-
'Mira, I don't suppose you know when the announcement will be, do you?' Asked Natsu.
The group had returned to the guild and found Elfman, who was quickly told about the upcoming S-Class trials as well.
'I think I will be recommended for being a real man.' Said Elfman.
'Really? Even after what happened last time?' Asked Happy, causing Elfman to become depressed.
'Happy, that was rude!' Chided Lisanna.
'Well, he's not wrong. Elfman, have you been training with your new soul?' Asked Natsu, causing Elfman to pale.
'No… I don't want anything to do with it.' Said Elfman solemnly.
'Well Elfman, not to kick you when you are down, but we almost died so you could get that soul. Don't you think you could at least try to make use of it?' Pointed out Natsu.
'I'm scared… I might lose control again.' Said Elfman quietly.
'Is that it? In that case, I'll help you train. I'm the one who knocked you out last time, I don't mind doing it again.' Suggested Natsu.
'Not that I'm okay with you suggesting you beat up my brother right in front of me, but Elfman, it might be good for you to get some training with it.' Said Mira to Natsu, softening her voice as she turned to Elfman.
'I'll think about it.' Said Elfman.
'Anyway, coming back to the announcement, I think it will be sometime tomorrow. Master is just waiting for some of the other mages to return. Mystogan should be here by tonight and I think Mest will be here early tomorrow morning. Laxus just arrived as well and with you back, that's almost everyone.' Explained Mira.
'Well, in that case, I might just go wander around town for a bit before heading home. I'll also start working on a plan for your training Elfman, because a real man should always want to be stronger than they were yesterday.' Said Natsu.
'Aye! They should also look for tastier fish each day.' Added Happy.
'And better-quality rope.' Added Lisanna with a giggle.
'Seriously, when did Lisanna become this corrupt… and by who?' Questioned Natsu.
'It couldn't be Mira or Erza, so who else… Levy who's always reading… Cana who's always drinking… Laki the torture enthusiast… I doubt it could have been Macao and Wakaba, but I guess I shouldn't rule them out.' Pondered Natsu.
'I'll save you the trouble, none of the above, I'm just a really smart girl who knows a lot of things about a lot of things.' Said Lisanna happily.
'You know what Lisanna, you're scary.' Said Natsu, before leaving the guild.
'I don't think I'm scary, do you Mira?' Asked Lisanna.
'Well, if you're scary, what does that make the rest of us? That being said… where did you pick up all of this stuff? Do I need to scare some people straight?' Asked Mira, sending a few glares at the rest of the guild.
'Nope. Like I said, I'm just a smart girl who knows a lot of things. You'd be surprised what you can learn from people, all you have to do is listen.' Said Lisanna.
-line break-
Natsu made his way through town, before being drawn to the sound of a commotion.
'I'm barely even drunk!' Shouted a woman.
'It's not even sunset and you've taken out half my supply for the night already, go home.' Grumbled a barman from the sounds of things.
'Geez, what's a girl got to do to get properly drunk around here, this is the third bar to kick me out. Why don't any of you stock up for more than a day!' Grumbled the apparent drunk woman.
'Because no one in town drinks like you do Cana, now go sleep it off!' Retorted the barman, before the sound of a door slamming shut was heard.
The drunk of Fairy Tail narrowed her eyes at the sound of the door slamming, before letting out a deep sigh. Staggering her way through the small crowd which had gathered, Cana stumbled off with a bottle in hand, no doubt looking for another bar to get her fill. The brunette was surprisingly comfortable on her feet in her inebriated state, navigating around town with ease. Unfortunately for the Card mage, it seems the other bars in town had picked up on Cana's drunken determination and temporarily closed up shop to prevent the brunette from planting herself and draining their supply. After ten minutes of persistent searching, Cana seemingly gave up and started to head home to Fairy Hills. Throughout the entirety of Cana's searching, Natsu had been following at a distance. While her movements hadn't been affected, her awareness was basically zero. Even Happy could sneak up behind her and knock her out and he was a jubilant blue flying cat that you'd have to be blind to not see coming. Cana it seemed, was wavering on the edge of blindness, looking as though she was just on the edge of blacking out. Giving a quick shake, Cana pulled out a card which squirted her with a bit of water, nothing major, but just enough to make her blink a few times and bring back some awareness. Seeing Cana was now slightly more alert, Natsu closed the distance between the two, making Cana aware of his presence.
'Huh, Natsu, what are you doing here? Hope to catch a peek at some of the girls at Fairy Hills?' Asked Cana, with a drunken smirk.
'Not really, after all, why put in the work for something I can get for free?' Said Natsu, sobering Cana up slightly.
'Wha- since when?' Asked Cana.
'What do you mean, I know Erza never made it a secret that along with Gray, we used to take baths together?' Replied Natsu.
'That's not the same thing, peeping is different. It's one-sided, besides, I doubt you'd get any of the other girls in Fairy Hills to agree to such an arrangement.' Retorted Cana.
'Well, I'm pretty persuasive, but that's not the point. Cana, why are you terrorising the town's liquor supply. I mean, it is one thing to celebrate with a drink after you become S-Class, it is a completely different thing to get alcohol poisoning the day before.' Said Natsu.
'As if I'd get alcohol poisoning… besides, this isn't a celebration, I'm in mourning here.' Slurred Cana.
'Does that mean you think you won't get chosen? I've heard you have a pretty good chance.' Questioned Natsu.
'Whoopie, I'm going to get chosen, doesn't mean I'm going to win.' Said Cana flatly, before taking a swig from her bottle.
'Hmm, so that's what it is. You're afraid of losing again… I mean, I can't blame you, having to see both Erza and Mira become S-Class has to sting, especially when you came to the guild before them. Probably doesn't help that you're the one who usually handles betting, so I guess you already know this Mystogan guy is the favourite.' Said Natsu, causing Cana to scowl.
'Yeah that's right, I'm the veteran with some of the worst odds of passing. Always nominated, never winning. It's like I'm the loser in some sick television show.' Said Cana, taking another swig of her drink upon finishing her sentence.
'Well, I guess that is one way to look at it. You could think about it as a slow gain of experience in how S-Class trials work and eventually you might have a system down to ensure you win, but I don't think you care too much about winning down the track. You want to win now and based on your drinking, you're all about instant gratification.' Concluded Natsu.
'Wouldn't you like to find out.' Grumbled Cana, eyeing her now empty bottle.
'I guess that's true, I don't mind waiting for years to become S-Class, but that's because it doesn't mean that much to me.' Admitted Natsu.
'Of course you wouldn't care, you've already gotten on everyone's radar.' Said Cana, throwing her bottle away and turning her back on Natsu, resuming her trek to Fairy Hills.
'Hmm, I didn't peg you for the jealous type Cana. Who did I steal from you? I doubt it was Erza, Mira also seems unlikely. I know you've never shown much of an interest in Lisanna or Happy and Gray and I have been more or less the same since we were kids.' Rattled Natsu, unaware that Cana was growing more and more irritated.
'Or… is it because you think I've taken away your spot as someone's precious child.' Finished Natsu, causing Cana to stumble.
'What did you say?' Whispered Cana.
'I mean, it isn't really a secret that you're always staring at me and Gildarts when we are together. Sure, I could have thought you were interested in me and that's why you were always talking to Gray about me. Pretty unlikely, but it was possible. The most likely reason though, is you wanted to be me, to have what I had. Now I know you weren't after Erza, Mira, Happy or Lisanna and you're probably a better friend to Gray than me now, but there is one person who really only spent time with a few people at the guild. Laxus of course, but we both aren't interested in becoming friends with him after how he changed, or Gildarts, the mythic Fairy Tail mage who aside from speaking with Master really only interacted with me more than the other guild members and that was because I was always attacking him. So, Cana, if you really wanted to be closer to Gildarts, why didn't you just attack him as well, I'm pretty sure that would have gotten his attention?' Finished Natsu.
'Easy for you to say, you just do and say what you feel like! Do you know how much I envy you? I can't even be honest about my own family to anyone in the entire guild, least of all my actual father. How do you expect me to just attack him like you say?' Growled Cana.
'Did you ever ask yourself, why does Gildarts even talk to me? It is really simple, because I basically force him into it. If you haven't noticed by now, Gildarts is pretty quiet really and keeps to himself mostly, which is why he keeps going off on jobs by himself. He doesn't stick around long either. If you really want some time with him, just muscle in on his next job. Besides, you've had all the time when we were kids to go and speak with him, but I don't think I've seen you speak with him more than once or twice. It's funny really, both of you are shy and you wouldn't think it looking at the two of you, but you both keep to yourselves mostly and even though you're seen and heard, no one really knows what the two of you are thinking.' Said Natsu, causing Cana to gape.
'You make it sound so easy.' Said Cana.
'Because it is. You could literally throw a barrel of beer at Gildarts if you are too shy to talk to him, but it would get his attention for a moment and then you would just need to speak up. It probably sounds scary how easy it would be, but that's the point, it only sounds scary.' Said Natsu.
Cana didn't respond to Natsu's words, mulling over her thoughts.
'If you want, since I know you like them, let's make a bet.' Suggested Natsu.
'A bet, about what?' Asked Cana.
'I bet, if you approach Gildarts the next time he comes back and just speak with him, the two of you will probably figure out just how alike the two of you really are. That being said, Gildarts can be a little blind sometimes, so he might need a slap in the face, but I'm sure he'd be happy to know you're his daughter.' Said Natsu.
'Why, I'm not S-Class?' Questioned Cana.
'That's it? You think because you aren't S-Class Gildarts won't talk to you? Um, I'm not S-Class and the last time Gildarts was here only Laxus and Erza were S-Class and that didn't stop him from talking with anyone.' Pointed out Natsu.
'I want to impress him! I want to be S-Class so he can be proud of me.' Admitted Cana.
'Well then, become S-Class if you can, but even if you don't make it this year, next year, or even the year after that, how long are you willing to wait before telling him the truth? Don't you think Gildarts would just be happy to spend time with you? Gildarts loves hanging out with me, but it isn't because I do anything special, Gildarts likes spending time with people, he just prefers to be alone. I don't let him. It's as simple as that. Gildarts would accept anyone, but you need to make the effort.' Explained Natsu.
'I need to go sleep; my head is killing me.' Said Cana after a minute, before walking off again.
'Don't use the hangover as an excuse to forget this ever happened, I'll remind you tomorrow when they announce you for the S-Class trials.' Said Natsu, before heading home as well.