Team Natsu made it back to the guild after Natsu was fully recovered and walking on his own. They took a train back to the guild in Magnolia, Erza's orders. Lucy and Natsu were less than excited, until they got off. Gray talked with Erza about a few things while everyone else stayed pretty quiet, tired from their last ordeal. The only reason he stopped, was because he was in awe at the guild.

It was twice the size of before. Lucy clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh wow it looks fantastic! Master did a great job reconstructing the guild." The blonde awed as they all made their way inside. Everyone greeted them in happiness, a few even surrounding them and congratulating them on living. Lucy was particularly happy...until she saw someone.

Natsu seemed to notice him too. "Why the hell is metal head here?" Gajeel stood up as he ate his last piece of iron and crossed his arms. He glared at them, ready for a fight. Though Makarov came in and stopped them. Surprising everyone.

"I was the one that asked him to join so don't get mad at him. I think he'll make a good new addition to the team if you ask me. You won't cause any trouble, right Gajeel?" The master said with a smile, though with vicious undertones. Natsu growled and crossed his arms. He wasn't ever going to forgive him after what he did to Lucy. What was their master thinking!? Lucy was going to say something, but was cut off by another voice.

"Y-Yeah...give him a chance, we are." It was Levy. She was hidden behind a beam, still obviously terrified by the iron dragon slayer. Gajeel scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Whatever..." He walked off. Lucy hummed, her eyes softening. It wasn't as if he was all bad she guessed. She just didn't expect to ever see him again after Phantom Lord. Hell, she never expected to see Juvia after that. She guessed she was wrong.

"I'm sorry, I was the one that asked master to talk to him," someone said from behind Gray. The ice mage turned around and smiled lightly at her. "Please give him a chance. He's brash but Gajeel-kun really isn't that bad."

"Ah, your Juvia aren't you?" Erza asked. The blue haired maiden nodded. "Well, I would like to thank you for helping in my rescue. We probably couldn't do it without you." Juvia blushed slightly and hid behind Gray. Team Natsu then was led by Warren around the new guildhall. Natsu brooded as they passed many new attractions.

He didn't like it. It was too big and too new. Why couldn't the master just build it the way it was before. Now even weaklings could go on the second floor. Lucy was excited about that though. They were then led outside where a pool was installed. Lucy vocally cheered at this.

But stopped smiling when they came across a booth full of merchandise. Max was running the booth. "Yeah," he started. "I thought we could use some merch since our guild has gotten pretty popular now. I have action figures of every character." He smiled.

"Do...Do you have one of me?" Lucy hesitantly asked. Max chuckled and brought one out. She was in a fighting stance. One hand surrounded with her dragon slaying magic and the other holding a key. With Marie standing next to her.

"These ones are our most popular," He held the action figure up with a chuckle. "And look, her clothes even come off!" He pushed a button, and like he said, all of her clothes popped off. Leaving her in her underwear. Lucy screeched and grabbed the action figure and clothes.

"I did not agree to this! Is this even legal!?" Lucy cried. Natsu's attitude lifted slightly at her reaction. She was always doing funny things, so he could never stay mad. He snickered at the way she attempted to put on the little Lucy's clothes. "Its okay, I'll make you decent again..." the blonde whined.

"Come on, Luce. It's not that bad!" Natsu laughed, taking the action figure from her hands and clipping the clothes back on. She pouted and took the toy back from him. Seeing as his words did little to nothing to make her feel better, he tried something else. "Well, all of ours probably have that quirk." He grabbed his own action figure and looked around for a button or something. Smiling when he found it, he pushed it.

"I'm all fired up!" His action figure sang. Lucy stared at the action figure blankly for a moment.

"So yours says your phrase and mine has its clothes taken off. Great." Lucy stuck out her bottom lip and ran away to catch up with the others. Natsu fumbled with his action figure and ran to her. The sun was beginning to set, so everyone went in. The stage was lit up and everyone sat down patiently. Lucy took her seat next to Natsu and pet Marie in her arms.

Lucy expected Mira to come on stage and sing, but it was Gajeel. Everyone booed while he sang. Lucy didn't know he had a thing for singing, but she wished he didn't. His voice was absolutely atrocious. Food was thrown on him until he stopped. Everyone cheered for Mira once she finally appeared.

She sighed happily at Mirajane's beautiful voice and laid her head on the table. She closed her eyes, she was finally at peace. Until Gajeel stepped on Natsu's toe and started a huge fight throughout the guild. And she was left to carry the unconscious Natsu back home. He had the crap beat out of him, but the others weren't much better.

She was probably the only one that stayed out. Well, her and Mira of course. She set Natsu down on his hammock and sighed, looking at his best up face. She really wished he wouldn't fight so recklessly after just gaining back the ability to wall again. She pet Marie and Happy in her arms and set them down on Natsu.

She changed into her pajamas and grabbed her first aid kit. She really was patching up Natsu a lot lately. She nudged the fire dragon slayer awake. "C'mon Natsu, let me wrap your head up and put some ointment on your chest." He groaned and sat up, Marie and Happy falling into his lap. He rubbed the back of his sore head as she grabbed some bandages.

"Mm, thanks Luce. You're awesome," She narrowed her eyes as her cheeks grew warm. She then began to wrap the bandages around his head, ignoring his words. He yawned, then flinched when she pulled too tightly. "Ouch!"

"Well, I wouldn't have to hurt you if you would of stayed out of the fight."

"Metal face started it." He pouted. She shook her head with a small release of breath. She grabbed some antibiotics and spread it over Natsu's scrapes and scratches. Once she was done, she hugged him close to her. Which puzzled him.

"Would you be more careful, stupid? I was worried when you hadn't woken up until three days later. And now you're getting yourself in pointless fights. Just...rest your body please," She let go of him and grabbed the cats, bringing them to her bed. She positioned herself so she was comfortable and set them on her. "Goodnight, Natsu." This snapped him out of his daze. He scratched his cheek and looked away from the blonde's body. Why was it so hard to say anything?

"N-Night."

Morning

Natsu awoke to the sound of the shower running. His whole body felt as if it was broken beyond repair. He groaned in pain as he stood up. He stumbled towards the counter and grabbed a cup of coffee. He usually didn't need caffeine to act hyper, but this was more for his body than for himself.

He rubbed his eyes with a yawn and finished the bitter beverage with ease. He even got a second cup just to be on the safe side. He turned his attention to the bathroom when he heard the door slam open. It was Lucy, though she was dressed up this morning. Even her hair style was different. He raised a brow as she joined him in the kitchen area.

"What's with the weird getup?" He questioned. She puffed up her cheeks at his choice of words and looked away from him.

"Didn't you hear? Ths guild is hosting a miss Fairy Tail competition. So most of the girls are gonna be dressed nice and showing off their talents. It pays pretty well, so it would be something nice to win. We wouldn't have to worry so much about food for a while," He hummed, well, she was definitely going to get his vote. "And...I really wanted to wear this outfit." She muttered meekly. He snorted at her words.

"Of course," Was all he said. But he wasn't going to lie, he liked the outfit too. It fit her pretty well and he liked the color. Red was his favorite color after all. "So what are you going to show them?" She brightened up at his question and began to describe how she was going to blow away the audience. A smile crept on his face as she animatedly talked to him.

"He has that look again..." A voice whispered.

"Yeah I totally see what you're saying..." Another chimed in. Lucy stopped talking and turned to the voices. Well, it seemed both Happy and Marie were up. Natsu immediately knew what they were talking about and threw his cup at both of them. Of course, he intended to miss, but he just wanted to scare them away. Or at least get them to stop talking.

They only snickered at him playfully. "Aw he's embarrassed!" Marie giggled. Lucy was obviously lost.

"What are you guys talking about?" Natsu's shoulders rose with tension.

"Ah! Nothing important. C'mon Luce, let's get you to the guild so you can do that miss Fairy Hair thing."

"Miss Fairy Tail."

"Ah, whatever!"

...

Lucy stood nervously next to Natsu as she entered the guild. Not only was Mira joining in the competition, but so was Erza! Those two were absolutely beautiful! There was no way she would be able to beat them. But luckily, she already had Natsu's vote. Which is one more than them so far, so she's technically already in the lead.

"Why're you so nervous? You'll do fine. Your powers are cool." Lucy rolled her eyes at Natsu's 'encouraging' words.

"It's not only about our skill. The other half is physical. Y'know, like looks. Which means that Erza and Mira have a huge advantage over me." Lucy said as she bit her nails. Only for Natsu to slap her hand away.

"That's a bad habit. Anyway, you're pretty so you have a good chance," A squeak escaped her lips at what he said. How could he say something like that so nonchalantly?! She crossed her arms pitifully and looked away from him. He leaned over to try and see her face, only for her to turn farther away. "What? What did I say?"

"You just don't say those things so calmly! It can give people the wrong idea..." Natsu made a face at that and blew a raspberry.

"Wrong idea? It's common knowledge that you're pretty. I don't get why it's a big deal," Lucy puffed up her cheeks when she felt them grow warm. She turned back to him and hit his arm. "Ow!"

"You don't just say that-"

"Attention everyone! We'll be starting the miss Fairy Tail competition in five minutes!"

"Ah! I gotta go! Wish me luck Natsu, I'll see you when I'm on stage!" She waved him goodbye and ran on stage with the other girls. She looked back briefly to see Natsu rub his wounded arm with a pout. The blonde giggled slightly and turned her attention back to the girls around her. She wiped off her dress and took a deep breath. A hand then planted on her shoulder.

"Don't worry Lucy, I'm sure you'll do fine." Erza smiled at her. The contest then started. Lucy chewed on her lip as everyone was called up. Most of them sporting bikinis. Except Levy, but her magic was impressive enough on its own. Lucy sucked in a breath once she was the last girl behind stage.

"Last, but certainly not least, Lucy Heart-"

"Don't say it!" Lucy interrupted the announcer. If everyone knew she was daughter of Jude Heartfilia she would never win. The blonde came to the stage and directed her eyes to Natsu, who seemed to have perked up upon hearing my name. Lucy stood awkwardly for a few seconds, before gathering magic in her hands.

"I'm going to be showing the beauty of my magic..." She said a bit nervously. But then, she was then stopped by a brown haired woman with wings and glasses.

"Miss Fairy Tail has arrived!" She said with up most confidence. Lucy glared at the woman while her magic surrounded her.

"Excuse me, it's my turn. You can wait just like the rest of us." Lucy stated. The woman turned to her with a cocky smirk. Flaring Lucy's irritation.

"Oh yeah, bimbo?"

"You fucking-"

"Don't look into her eyes Lucy!" A voice hollered. Though it was too late. Lucy felt her body freeze. Then the world became dark.

...

Natsu froze when Evergreen turned Lucy to stone. He didn't know whether to punch Evergreen or scold Lucy about being stupid when Evergreen breaks the spell. He witnessed the curtains lift and showcase all the girls competing. They were all turned to stone.

"The hell is wrong with you!?" Gray yelled out. The people who weren't Fairy Tail members had already left in a panic. Leaving only the guild members left. Then, out came the man himself. Laxus.

"Listen up, especially you old man," Laxus turned to Makarov. The master was less than impressed. Well, he was more pissed than anything. "Were going to have a little battle. Battle of Fairy Tail if you will."

"We are not participating in your little game Laxus. Let the girls go...NOW!" Makarov ordered. Others backed up in fear of his wrath. His aura certainly had people shying away. But Laxus wasn't fazed. He wrapped an arm around stone Lucy and gave the blonde statue a smirk. Natsu clenched his fist in rage from that.

"I don't think I will. You all must play this game of mine. Or these girls will all turn to dust. I'll make sure of it." A lightning beam shot down, hitting right next to Lucy's body. Natsu's eyes widened.

"Get your damn hands off of her!" He yelled to Laxus. This surprised everyone, especially Laxus. "And you have the nerve to almost hit her like that! Laxus, I can deal with the whole Fairy Tail battle, but when you drag Lucy and the other girls into this, it's too much!" The lightning mage snickered at Natsu, turning into a full on laugh.

"This is Lucy huh? She did seem familiar. But hell, if I would of known about your feelings for her, I would of actually hit her. Maybe finally get you to fight seriously." Natsu's narrowed his eyes and went to punch Laxus across the face, though he disappeared before he could get a hold of him. "You have two hours. To either defeat each other, me, or resign old man. Or the women won't survive."

"Dammit! That jerk!" Natsu growled. The men all ignored him though, and darted out the door. They all wanted to save the girls just as much as anyone else. Natsu cracked his knuckles and turned to Lucy. "I'll definitely get you back." He decided. He was the last to run out of the door. But...he was stopped. There was no wall, but there was some kind of invisible barrier preventing him from leaving the guild.

"No one made of stone or someone over 80 may pass." Master hummed, reading the runes a man named Freed wrote. Natsu hit the 'wall' over and over again but it hadn't budged.

"You can't be made of stone right?" He asked me.

"Of course not and I'm definitely not over eighty!" Natsu yelled to him. Natsu punched the barrier one more time for good measure, although it did absolutely nothing. He sighed and laid his head against the barrier. Damn, now he has to rely on the others.

"It must be from your magic. It is a lost magic after all. Over four hundred years old. Which is why the over eighty part comes in." Master explained. Natsu groaned.

"Come on! I gotta save Lucy!" Natsu yelled to himself and tried to push his way through once more. There also seemed to be a score board showing who took out who. Half of the guild was being defeating and he wasn't apart of it! Natsu then heard crunching and turned around to find Gajeel chewing on a piece of iron.

"Gajeel, can you fight for us?" Master asked him in desperation. The iron dragon slayer hummed in consideration for a moment, making Natsu scoff in irritation.

"Yeah, I'll do it. But just to see the look on your face when I pass through," Gajeel cackled. "Watch this Salaman-" He was stopped by the barrier too. Natsu chuckled to himself. He thought as much. Since Natsu and Gajeel used the same magic.

"Looks like you're stuck too!" Natsu laughed. Gajeel kept trying to push through and looking desperate doing it. Master mumbled incoherent words. Mostly about how it was hopeless and that he was going to have to resign after all. The fire mage sighed as he stared at Erza. He guessed it was time now.

"Well, I was hoping to wait a bit longer, but I guess we should revive Erza." Natsu muttered while climbing to the stage and taking Erza out of line. Then setting her on the groud. Gajeel and Makarov looked puzzled.

"And how are you going to do it?" Gajeel asked Natsu as he stared at Erza's form.

"I'll melt the stone off, obviously." They both face palmed, but said nothing. Natsu did his thing and put heat over Erza's body. Only for it to not melt, but crack. A line that went over her right eye. Natsu froze.

"I need glue, stat!" Natsu gasped "So sorry Erza, so sorry!" The pyro yelled over and over again.

"You melt my metal and we'll wield her back together!" Gajeel yelled. Erza cracked more and broke apart, leaving her sitting there confused.

"What did you do!" She screeched to the two dragon slayers. Natsu and Gajeel went to protect themselves, only for Makarov to speak up and gain Erza's attention.

"I bet Erza's artificial eye interfered with the magic spell put on her." Master enlightened with a nod of his head.

"Yes. that would make sense. Evergreen was always so mad that I never was really affected by her eye tricks." Erza explained. Once she was informed on everything by Makarov, she left the guild in a fit of rage. First looking for Evergreen to break the curse.

Natsu sighed. It was all up to Erza now.