Burning Determination in the Sand!
"Hey, how much further is this temple?" Nanael asked Gray.
"From what Lucy told us, the temple is deep in this forest, so we should be able see it when we get there." Gray answered.
"Oh man, if I knew searching for some ancient temple out in the middle of nowhere would be this boring then I would just stayed at your guild." Nanael winced.
"Do not worry, I'm sure we'll find it soon." Juvia believed.
Juvia is a slender, teenage girl with azure blue hair being tightly curled at the base, midnight blue eyes, snow skin complexion and a curvaceous figure. She wears a sapphire blue coat, a cream colored furry trimmed navy-blue shawl with a Fairy Tail emblem as well as a matching Russian Cossack hat, and long brown thigh length boots. Breasts sizes: G-cup.
"You know, I have been curious about something." Juvia said.
"You want to know if Heaven really exists?" Nanael said in a slight teasing voice.
"I'm pretty sure we got that clear up." Gray deadpanned.
"I'm actually more curious about your wings are different sizes from each other. How can you fly like that?" Juvia asked then flinches upon seeing Nanael in a very depressing mood surrounded by a dark sad aura around her.
"I know my wings look weird; you probably think I'm not a real angel either because of them." Nanael grunted as she starts drawing circles on the ground with her finger.
"I think you touched a nerve." Gray pointed out.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'm sure you are a wonderful Angel who lots and lots of preying from the other humans in that other world." Juvia tried to comfort the angel girl.
"Of course!" Nanael suddenly sprinted herself up in the air with a cheerful smile.
"I am the great and wonderful Nanael as well as being the strongest angel warrior in all of Heaven, I defeated three strong demon warriors and helped banished a fallen Angel down to Hades, people praise me upon hearing my name of being so fucking awesome as I will gather my own harem of sexy women! HAHA!" Nanael bragged on about herself and her goals.
"Oh dear, I think I may have comfort her too much." Juvia said sweatdrop.
"More like fueled her ego bigger." Gray said also sweatdrop.
"So, the rumors about an angel hanging around you two appears to be true. Huh, Juvia?" A young man's voice said.
Juvia and Gray's eyes widen of shock as they turn around to a see familiar man, they know well walking up to them.
"Lyon!" Juvia surprised.
"What do you want?" Gray asked.
"Huh, who is this guy?" Nanael asked.
"That is Lyon Vastia, he's a friend and rival of Gray as they've known each when they were little children, learning ice magic from the same master." Juvia answered.
"I am here… and just as well, I say. You shouldn't be going on such a perilous journey by yourselves." Lyon said.
"So, you're just worried about us, huh?" Gray asked, feeling angry that Lyon thinks he can't handle this journey.
"That work, sure." Lyon said simply.
"Thanks, but we're fine." Gray tried to push Lyon.
"I'm not convinced of that… So, I'll stick around." Lyon decided.
"Seriously, why are you here?" Gray demanded.
"Could it be because you heard about Fairy Tail looking for some clock pieces?" Nanael guessed.
"At least you're more levelheaded than this child here." Lyon mocked.
"Hey! This "child" can still knock your teeth in!" Gray proclaimed.
"And how do you even know about us finding the clock pieces?" He asked.
"Who hasn't heard of it, words about that spread like wildfire as it reached my guild." Lyon mentioned.
"Besides, you've out of the game for the past seven years. So, leave everything to me." Lyon stated.
"What? Are you calling me a weakling?" Gray angered.
"Sheesh, what is it with you humans arguing each other all the time even when you're supposes to doing something important." Nanael tilted her head.
"I think that's how friends connect even in different ways." Juvia said and everyone start making their way to the old ruin.
"Hey, Nanael." Juvia whispered getting the Angel girl's attention.
"There's also something else you should know about Lyon." Juiva said.
"Hmm, what's that?" Nanael asked curious.
"Well, it just… Lyon has a crush on me and is trying to win me over." Juvia revealed blushing a little.
"Oh, so he got the hots for you, but why are you making it sound like it's a bad thing?" Nanael wondered.
"Well, it just I'm already in love with someone else." Juvia mentioned.
"Really? Is it Gray?" Nanael guessed.
"No, I gotten over that crush. The one I love is someone with a strong burning heart along with a fiery belly." Juvia smiled.
(With Natsu's Group)
"Achoo." Natsu squeezed, wondering if someone is talking about him right now but ignore that as he looks back at Menace.
"I hope you're all ready to become servants for the rest of your life." Menace chuckled as she gets ready to fight.
"Everyone be careful, the sand gives her a big advantage and she can also use curses as well." Leina warned as she is about to pull out her sword, but Natsu hold out his hand to stop her.
"Let me take her on, I've been curious to see how strong the other warriors you've fought are." Natsu excited as he slowly walks up to her.
"Should we really let him go like that? I mean, even Claudette had trouble fighting Menace until she won." Elina worried for Natsu.
"Once Natsu decides on something like a fight, there's no stopping him." Happy said.
"Besides, I think Natsu can handle her." Lucy nodded.
"It's been a while since I've seen Natsu fight, let's hope he can still through the tough spots." Romeo excited to see the fight.
"I must say, you have such bravery to be going against a Queen. It's unfortunate that will disappear once you become my servant." Menace commented.
"Lady, you're about to see how strong a Fairy Tail wizard is." Natsu smirked.
(Music: Thouzer's Theme, Fist of the North Star OST)
Natsu charged at Menace with both fists coated in flames and start throwing some punches at Menace dodges them though narrowly and blocks a couple with Setra, then she jumps away to get some distance but Natsu wouldn't let that happen.
"Fire Dragon's Claw" Natsu launched himself with fire bursting from his feet straight to Menace and knocks her down.
"Watch out, my lady! That kid's fire is hotter up close." Setra warned.
"It would seem so." Menace said as she gets back up.
Natsu comes at her again with the flaming fists as Menace parry one with her cloth attack and manage to grab the other fist with the other end of the cloth, she pulls it down to bring him a little closer to high-kick him in the chin then quickly axe-kick him away. Natsu recovers and reacted in time to dodge some flying sharp sand attack by Menace, she then traps Natsu in sand pulling him down deeper into the desert but the Fire Dragon Slayer wouldn't stay down as he burst out. Natsu dives down with a punch to the face though Menace counter it with her kick as the clash causes a small shockwave that pushes them away from each other.
"Fire Dragon's Sword Horn" Natsu ignited his whole body in flames and launch himself fast at his opponent.
"Two can play that game." Menace crunched down for a second.
"Royal Headbutt" Menace launched herself while cover in dark purple aura.
Both magical fighters clash their attack causing another shockwave only stronger than time and sand to be blown away around them.
"She is just as strong when we first fought in the Queen's Blade." Claudette commented while she and the others are covering themselves from the sand.
"I just hope Natsu will be caution." Leina said.
"I feel like I'm getting something." Elina puzzled on her mind.
The clash ends with Natsu soon overpowering the desert princess pushing her back and he quickly follows her to land a punch on the face and swing kick sending her flying further, Menace groans in pain a little though refuse to give up as she makes the sand acts as a cushion to save her and raise up as a tall hill.
"I have say, your fire power is even greater than anything I have seen in my life. Almost like I'm fighting a creature than a human." Menace said.
"That's because my magic is Dragon Slayer, I have the power of a Fire Dragon and the one who taught me was my father, the Fire Dragon King Igneel!" Natsu revealed proudly.
"You know, I never get tired of hearing that." Leina said.
"Hmm, what am I forgetting?" Elina asked herself.
"Maybe you forgot to pack some water." Happy guessed.
"I already got that cover." Michelle pulled out a water bottle from her picnic basket.
"Oh wow, that guy said he was trained by a real dragon! My lady, this guy is definitely fit to serve you." Setra impressed.
"Yes, you're indeed right, Setra. With a mighty dragon warrior, I will rebuilt my kingdom from the ground and make it stronger than ever!" Menace said joyfully.
"Sorry, but I ain't nobody's servant!" Natsu charged at Menace again.
Menace unleash three wave slashes of sand going at Natsu who dodges them easily, or so he thought as Menace appears right behind him as she the sand slashes are for distractions and swing Setra to knock him down on the back. But Natsu's nose picked up her scent knowing where she is and move his left arm around to the back clashing at Setra's head against his elbow.
"Fire Dragon's Flame Elbow" Natsu unleashed a big burst of flame from his elbow blowing Setra and Menace away.
"My god… he can unleash his flame on any parts of his body." Setra gasped and hurt from the fire attack.
"Such amazing strength and power, he will become the Dragon of Amara!" Menace declared before summoning a sand tornado surrounding Natsu inside.
"Don't think this will keep me in here." Natsu punched the tornado with a Fire Dragon's Iron Fist getting outside.
"I don't think so." Menace kicked Natsu in the stomach, knocking him back in the tornado.
"That's the same tactic she used on me." Claudette remembered.
"I hope Natsu will be okay." Michelle concerned.
"You kidding, that tornado won't keep him down." Lucy said.
True to Lucy's words, Natsu unleash his fire magic in an explosion that made the tornado stop and he is free.
"You will face the power of Amara and become a part of it!" Menace said with strong determination.
"Come and try me!" Natsu dared.
"Shining Pyramid" Menace leaped and unleash a strong knee-kick to the head though Natsu was able to block it with his arms.
"Yes, I can see it! Amara will be glory and brighter than ever before and with you as my champion!" Menace excited.
"Sorry lady, but I'm gonna have to say no to that." Natsu turned down the offer.
"What? You would dare turn down to be part of the greatest kingdom in the world, to make it so it would never fall again?" Menace asked shock.
"(Again? What does she mean by that?)" Lucy thought asked.
"Yeah, because I'm already part of an important group and Fairy Tail has everything a guy could ask for including being part of a family!" Natsu said strongly and his arms burst in flames.
"My lady, get out of there quick!" Setra warned, but it was too late.
"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack" Natsu attacked Menace sending her flying.
Natsu jumps strongly to get higher than Menace and begin to prepare his next fire attack.
"The Flames of my right and the Flames of my left, put them together and you get Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame" Natsu unleashed a powerful flame attack that engulfed Menace as she screams in pain and a big explosion came as the attack hits the sandy ground with Menace.
(Music End)
The dust clears up in a moment showing Menace is in the center of a large sandy crater as she has some slight burn marks on her body.
"How about you forget this Amara or whatever can try to live you own life." Natsu advised.
"No… I can't… I can't forget about Amara." Menace grunted as she gets back up though struggles.
"As its Princess, the rightful ruler of Amara, I cannot forsaken my kingdom. Not after losing it once, I can't fail!" Menace said with strong determination in her eyes that surprises Natsu.
"Hey Leina, Menace mentioned that she didn't want her kingdom to fall again. Did something happened back then?" Lucy asked.
"I think I was told about it once. Why?" Leina wondered.
"I don't know, I could have sworn I saw sadness in her eyes when she mentioned that." Lucy said.
"Well, I suppose be would be sad consider how the kingdom was taken down from within." Leina mentioned.
"From what I remember, Menace was to inherit the throne of Amara while training under in combat from her mentor Anarista. However, Anartista was actually a spy for another kingdom and was responsible for destroying Amara and killed the princess who thought was her trustful friend who she can depend on deeply." Leina explained, remembering what she heard.
"Oh wow, talk about a sneaky snake." Happy commented, feeling almost pity for Menace.
"If I had a friend who turned out to be an enemy, I would feel angry about it too." Romeo said as Michelle looks down with a sad expression.
"Until Amara is restore, until I see that my home is with me again, I cannot and will not fall!" Menace emitted a strong purple aura.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist" Natsu threw a powerful fire punch only to be block by a sand shield protecting Menace.
"It looks like it's starting to kick in." Menace grinned.
Natsu is confuse of what she said then suddenly his body starts to move a little weird like he's getting tired for some reason, the dark aura now surrounds Natsu.
"Oh no, what's happening to him?" Happy asked.
"I was afraid of this. He's experiencing Menace's curse attack, the more she hits you with her attacks the weaker you become until you have no strength left." Leina explained.
"Oh yeah, that's what I forgot!" Elina finally remembered.
"I too fell victim to that curse, but I was able to power through it and win my match. Let's hope Natsu does the same." Claudette hoped Natsu won't let that curse beat him.
"And now, to make you mine!" Menace declared as dark clouds form above them.
"Royal Thunder" Menace shouted as a purple lightning bolt struck down at Natsu.
"Natsu!" Romeo shouted worry.
"It's over." Menace smiled.
"I don't think so." Natsu said and a giant burst of flame came out as he stands up again.
"But how…?" Menace shocked.
"Because I got something I want to protect and keep it going too. If lose now, then I'll never show my face to Fairy Tail again." Natsu powered up more releasing such intense heat.
"Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade" Natsu unleashed a large torrent of flame as Menace stands there shock though also amazes of the powerful fire.
The fire attack stop and it reveals that Menace is still standing though shock as her body is shaking in fear while right on her right as the crater trail of his fire attack as the sand have been turn to shine crystal path.
"Whoa, now that's hot!" Elina commented shock.
Menace fell on her knees as Setra worry for his princess.
"Hey, you done now because me and my friends have places to be." Natsu asked.
"Why did you miss? You could've finish me off with that attack, so why?" Menace asked.
"I overheard the others talking about your past, how you were betrayed by someone you once called a friend. It not right for friends to turn their backs on their friends like that, much less being killed by them." Natsu stated.
"That lady wasn't a true friend at all and because of her, you home was taken away by force. Maybe you should've gotten yourself more friends, be more open to your people, I may not know what ruling a kingdom is like, but I think that how it should be." Natsu said which hit Menace in the heart and mind.
"My kingdom, my people as my friends." Menace wondered about that.
"In my guild, Fairy Tail, I'm always with my friends and they are with me. We're a family, connections with others is the strongest magic of them all, at least that's what the old geezer told me." Natsu recalled Makarov's words.
Menace became shock of hearing the words from the fire mage and suddenly felt her heart racing more than she ever felt before.
"Tell me, dragon warrior, what's your name?" Menace asked.
"Natsu Dragneel." Natsu answered.
"Natsu Dragneel. Such a wonderful, now I know this is fate." Menace smiled as she stands up and walk closer to Natsu.
Before could say anything, Menace pulls him and press her lips against his much to his utter shock as the others are shock too. Natsu's face is turning seven different shades of red though slowly sink into the kiss a bit until they separate.
"From now on, I will follow you anywhere you go." Menace smiled happy as she hugs him.
"You better take good care of her, Natsu-boy! She just chose you to be her king." Setra giggled as he turn his head to see Lucy, Leina, Claudette, Elina, and even Michelle with angry/jealous looks on their faces.
"Uh, what?!" Natsu confused blushing.
KO a new chapter is done and hope you all enjoy it!
Hope you enjoy the little scene with Gray, Juvia, and Nanael going after one part of the clock piece with Lyon tagging along to help as you'll see more of them soon. Natsu certainly has showed Menace his extreme fire power and some compassion after learning about her past and all, this action and his words touched Menace's heart so deep that she has completely fallen for him and wants him as her king.
Let see how Natsu will handle the pressure.
KO comment, favorite, and follow through of how this story will go!