edited chapter 24
Natsu continued to dodge D-Rex attacks for a few more clashed before hearing the sound of his fellow slayers nearby.
He quickly made his way back to them, making sure not to give himself away.
"So, what did you guys find?"
"We found what we think is the counterspell!" Gajeel stated.
"Really! but how much time do you need the set it up?"
"We can have it done in about 5 minutes tops" this time is was lily to speak.
"I'll get you your 5 minutes, don't take too long."
"Aye, sir," Happy picked up Natsu racing toward D-Rex.
Using the power of flight, Happy and Natsu got the beast's attention.
With Happy's help, Natsu properly distracted the beast while the other prepared the counterspell.
They managed to pull it off just in time as Happy was starting to run on empty.
Happy landed near the others.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes, was just need to lure her over towards us."
Natsu took another glance at the spell, and it was the same magic circle, except the runes were different.
The only thing in the center was a small bowl holding a lock of hair and clothing.
"What with the hair and clothing?"
"Based on the scent from footprint earlier, we concluded these were her, and the purpose is to have a base component to make sure she isn't transformed into something worse," Cobra stated
"Oh, will probably going to need this" Gajeel pulls out a blanket from his pack "even though it won't be an issue for us, I doubt she wants to be around three guys with no clothes on," he said firmly.
"Agreed," everyone said in unison.
"Good, I'll draw her attention but be careful when she gets near."
"likewise," Gajeel added with a slight sneer.
Natsu races back to D-Rex, hoping this plan of their work.
Unknown to Natsu, Someone was watching the whole thing unfold."
"Son, you'll be free, my darling."
Natsu found the beast, then egg it on, doing what he could to focus on him.
It worked like a charm...a little too well.
"Man, I hope this works, or I'm fire flavored paste."
It didn't take long for him to catch up with the others.
"YOU GUYS READY!"
"YEAH"
"GOOD, I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN KEEP HER DISTRACTED."
Natsu races past them, making sure not to mess up the counterspell.
Gajeel and Cobra placed their hands on the circle facing each other.
They started chanting, "From skies above to the earth below, waters of Life to the flames of destruction. We give you Life."
Suddenly the everything within the magic circle started to glow before coalescing into one giant orb.
The moment the beast was within a footstep away, the orange orb jumped towards the beast, completely engulfing."
The creature screamed out in pain before it started to shrink in size.
It continues to shrink while at the same time, it started to take on a more human appearance.
This continued for about 5 minutes as she was a massive creature.
When all was said and done, the creature was gone.
In its place, a woman with long reddish-orange hair with a body to match a particular take-over mage.
She was quickly given the blanket, which she took without complaint.
"Thank you," she said with tears of joy in her eyes as she stood up.
"Not a problem Roxanne."
"How do you know my name?"
Natsu hands her the journal. She takes it in gladly.
Just when this job was coming to a close, one more obstacle showed its hand to the three Dragonslayers.
A tall, lean figure with a dark cloak suddenly appeared behind the women.
She looks behind her, only for him to remove his hood revealing a man with short black hair.
He had tears in his eye; without warning, Roxanne brought him into a tight hug, only for him to return it full force.
As you might expect, this left the three wizards plus exceeds dumbfounded.
"A Roxanne mind explaining what's is going on."
"This man in the cloak is my lover, Luke."
"Your lover, but the journal!"
"This journal you just gave me is mostly LIES."
"Explain in full detail, please, so we can better understand this" this time, it was Gajeel to speak.
"First off, the part about us being interested in each other is true. Second, my dad hired Luke to create a dinosaur for the park, which is also true. Now the part about him tricking me was a lie."
"Go on."
"The plan was simple Luke would turn me into a monster and drive everyone out of the park after Luke was paid. Then, he would reverse the spell, and we'd sneak off and live the rest of our days with the reward of creating the dinosaur. But, back to the truth, Luke being a former dark mage, is right."
"Then why is the journal written in a way that paints Luke, the bad guy?"
"Simple Luke wasn't the only guy after my hand. He was a real piece of work, always buttering up my father to get what he wanted. When he found out why my dad hired Luke, his drive for my hand reached a new height. We don't know how, but he manages to find out about the ritual spell and where it is taking place and altered it so I would be a mindless beast."
"His reasoning was simple if he couldn't have her, no one can," Luke informed.
"When Josh altered the spell, he failed to realize even he couldn't control me, and he ended up dead with my foot crushing him to pieces."
"But what about your dad in all this?" Happy stated
"Were you not paying attention when I said he would butter up my father!"
"On yeah, sorry about that."
"So, what will you do now?" Natsu said in a stone-cold tone.
"Hmm, now that I'm back to normal, we are going to continue where we left off," she said, leaning into Luke's chest, who returned the favor by wrapping his arms around her.
"Well, all I can say is best of luck to you, and we better get back to claim our reward if we even can."
"What do you mean by even can?" Roxanne said
"Our job was to eliminate you as in kill you, but we didn't, so it looks like we might not get paid at all."
"Who was the man you sent this job request out?"
Natsu told them about their encounter with the butler and the man you sent in the request.
"He hasn't changed one bit" this got all eye to land on her "if what you said is true, then the client is my father. I do not doubt in my mind he would pay you. Maybe a little more since you saved his daughter."
"That sounds like a plan," Natsu stated, getting cheered with agreement from the others.
Two hours later
The client is in shock at the site of his prized daughter standing before him with the wizard he haired all those years ago.
The shock was so great that it left him speechless, evident that he failed to say a single word every time he tried to speak.
Without warning, Roxanne brought her father into a hug, causing both of them to shed tears of joy after so long.
No amount of words could describe what their feeling.
When they finally separated, the father, who goes by William's name, stared down at Luke.
The tension in the air was palpable as neither wanted to speak first.
Seeing this again, Roxanne decided to take the matter into her own hands. "DAD, I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm an adult. I love Luke, and he loves me, and there is nothing you can do about it!" She said fiercely.
This effect broke whatever tension was between the two men.
"I'm sorry, Luke, I blamed you for my daughter's transformation all those years ago because I didn't want my little girl to leave me. But, unfortunately, I was so blinded by this desire that I willingly believed joshes narrative about you so much it cost my own daughter young Life."
"So, what will you do now?" Natsu asked with a small smile.
"This all ultimately my fault, so I take full responsibility for all this. With that in mind, I will increase the reward to 15,000,000 jewel for saving my daughter."
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"What!"
"Why would you turn down that much money," Luke said.
"Something tells me you two are going to need it a lot more than us." Natsu glances at William.
"He does have a point, Luke. If you want to start a life with my daughter, you have my blessing. You don't have to worry about money. I'll have you covered as long as this man's heart is still beating. this should make up for the pain you went through these past 20 years."
"I accepted your blessings, and thank you, William."
"But what about you, flame prince? You sure you don't want the rewards."
"I'm sure."
"Well, there has to be something I can do as a reward for saving my daughter.!"
Natsu looks up toward the ceiling, taking a moment to think it over "well, there is one thing."
"Done"
"Woah, hold it there, an old-timer, you don't even know what it is, and trust me, you want to to know."
"What is it then?"
Natsu didn't say anything as it was clear he was deep in thoughts.
He was taking so long Gajeel and Cobra were starting to get impatient.
Natsu's eye suddenly opened with a massive smirk on his face.
"Yeah, that will do nicely, William. Our reward will be continued support for the fairy tail guild in however way you see fit."
"Hmm, I had a feeling you'd say something like that flame prince since your generosity is known far and wide."
"Since Natsu only want you to support our guild, think you can hook Cobra and me up."
"What did you have in mind, young man" Gajeel just grinned at this.
On their way back to the train, Natsu shook his head in disbelief from Gajeel little stunt, but he had to agree it was excellent."
"Quite your moping Natsu, you should be grateful the client was willing to give us an all-expenses-paid trip to Akane resort for the next four days."
"Not as much when the girls find out about this"
"They'll get over it like usual."
"Yeah, but still, it's the Akane resort."
"Guys, as much I love this conversation, can we stop talking about it since we have four days to sit back and relax at a resort" Cobra practically yelled.
"Sorry," his iron and flame counter said in unison.
Akane resort
The three slayers plus exceeds checked into their room for the next few days.
Having four days to themselves, they decided to kick back and enjoy what this place offers, from the white beaches to casinos and restaurants.
"Man, this feels nice," Cobra did, stretching his muscles as he laid down on the bleach catching few rays while he can.
"I must admit I'm having fun as well" this time is was panther lily to speak.
"Aye, sir," Happy said as he has covered from head to toe in sand, thanks to Sebastian.
"Have you guys seen Natsu anywhere?" Gajeel pointed out.
"Last time I saw Natsu, he was still in the hotel room. I think he had a meeting to attend to do."
"What kind of meeting?"
"All I know is it requires the thought projection spell," Happy said from his sand tomb.
With Natsu
Natsu sitting in a chair in his suite while his thought projection was elsewhere.
His projection is a massive surprise as he stands in a meeting hall with his fellow wizard saint in an unknown location.
The only one not attending is Makarov of fairy tail.
"You called," Natsu practically yelled from his stand.
"Thank you for being here, Natsu," Jura stated
"Today's meeting is the discussion of the recent movements of the dark guilds."
"Is there one in particular? Another saint said.
"Yes, this one is a pillar of the Balam Alliance. Oracio Seis has been on the move recently."
"Do you have anything in mind," Natsu stated, having a good idea on how to proceeds?"
"We are considering creating a Coalition between guilds to investigate and stop the Oracion Seis."
"And how exactly are we to pick what guilds will be part of the coalition?" This time it's was Jura to speak up
"I recommend fairy tail for this one," Natsu stated
"Figure you want your guild to be part of it," another saint said.
"So what if they're a member of a fairy tail? The bottom line is we are full of powerful and capable wizards. Just look at me."
"Natsu does have a point and to follow up with my guild lamia scale joining this coalition."
"Fine, is there anyone else who wants to join?"
"I think I remember Blue Pegasus wizards were getting a little bored recently with the influx of easy jobs. So maybe this will sober them up and appreciate those easier jobs."
That got chuckles all around.
"That makes three guilds. Are there more suggestions?"
"I would like to partake in it as well," Seigrain spoke up. "This way, we have three wizard saints in this coalition, and it should increase our odds of success."
"You sure about this, Seigrain," Natsu said in a concerned tone.
"Absolutely!"
"Are there any objections" all he got was silence?
"Then the three guilds to form Thai coalition will be fairy tail, lamia scale, and blue Pegasus. The wizard saints partaking in this coalition will be Natsu Dragneel, Jura Neekis, and Siegrain Fernandez."
"Meeting adjourned."
Natsu would have sent his projection back to his body but needed to know why Jellal wanted to partake in this coalition.
He found his actual body in one of the many apartments in the capital.
"I was wondering when you would show up," he stated
"I just want to know why you wanted to join the coalition to deal with the Oracion Seis."
"As you know, I was a puppet until recently, but I still remember all of it."
"Go on," Natsu knew where this was going since he went through this in the old timeline.
"I have the knowledge they seek, and to bring that plan to fruition, because of that, I'm planning on using that against them."
"That could work would make our job a hell of a lot easier."
"You and me both."
Natsu disappeared in a flash of rainbow light, leaving Jellal all to himself.
"I really hope I'm doing the right thing. I'll be exposing myself a great deal in this quest."
He looked at his clock and noticed it was nearly sundown, and it didn't help his stomach started to growl.
When Natsu finally made it back, he was also hungry. "Looks like I need some grub" he headed to one of the many restaurants at the resort.
Three days later
All six of them had their bags packed and ready to go. All that was left is to wait for the train to show up.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long and were swiftly on their way home.
When they got off the Trian, they let out a sigh of relief as their instincts weren't going crazy compared to a week ago.
They headed to the dragon's den to drop off their stuff before heading off to the guildhall.
When they entered the guildhall, there were swarmed by their mates.
"Took you long enough!" Ultear spat before bringing Natsu in a bone-crushing hug.
He looks at his counterparts, and they were getting the same treatment as him.
"So what we miss?"
"Nothing much, just the miss fairy tail contest result, interviews courtesy of Jason, and Lucy saving a merchant guild."
"I heard about that on the way back. So how's she doing?"
"She's doing fine, but how'd the S-class job go?"
"I'm wondering that myself, boy," Makarov announced from his seat on the bar.
"Oh boy, it was, it was something else, but it fit the S-class rank to the hilt."
The three slayers found their seats at a table with the respective woman by their side.
It took over an hour to explain what happened.
At that time, Lucy came to the guild and was there long enough to be dumbfounded by the fact they didn't take the reward.
"Are you serious, Natsu? What kind of person would turn down that much money for the reward!"
"Lucy, there's more to a job than just a paycheck," he said, sternly getting a nervous chuckle from her.
"But we did get an all-expenses-paid trip to Akane resort since Natsu refused the reward.
"WHAT!" was the collective response to Gajeel's choice of words.
"Forgot about that!" Natsu requip three tickets "we felt bad for not being able to take you with us, so these are for you" he hands one Akane resort ticket to Ultear, Levy, and kinana.
"Thank you," they said, giving them one more hug.
"Still can't believe the monster was a victim of circumstance."
"I know what you mean, master," Natsu said, giving Ultears hand a gentle squeeze.
"So, what do you plan on doing next?"
"I assume your up to speed on the meeting the saints had a few days ago?"
"Yes, I am, so who have you consider joining you."
Well, for fairy tail, I would like Ultear, Gray, and Erza to join me. Since it the Oracio Seis, I also want Cobra and As much as it pains me, Wendy, as her healing could be invaluable."
"I can see the others, but why do you want me along with Natsu?" Cobra had to ask.
"One of the members of the Oracion Seis is a poison devil slayer. That's why I want Wendy in case someone gets poisoned. But, now that I think about it, one of them is a celestial mage, so Lucy, you feeling like going on another job?"
"If it means more gate key, you know it," she gave him a thumbs up with the biggest smile he saw from her.
"I assume the respective exceed are going as well."
"You know it," Happy shouts with Sebastion nodding.
"So when do we leave?"
"three days from now, meeting at master Bob's second home. On one more thing, including me, Jura and Jellal of the wizard saints will also be going."
"Jellal's going," Erza stated.
"Yeah, it more as back up as we have no idea what the true extent of Oracion Seis power is since they are a pillar of the Balaam alliance."
"Any idea who the wizards are from the other two guilds?"
"Not a clue if that all I need, some grub. Mira, think you can cook me up a steak and some flaming whiskey, please."
"Not a problem, Natsu" Mira raced to the kitchen to prepare Natsu's meal.
For the rest of the day, the thing went as usual as the fairy tail guild can be.
Natsu and Ultear made it home and went to bed when Ultear brought him into a passionate kiss.
"Someone happy," he said with a smirk.
"Just showing my appreciation for all you have done for me."
He brought her into a hug holding her protectively before whispering, "not a problem, Honey."
He puts his forehead to hers with the biggest smile she ever saw.
Natsu was brought out of his though when Ultear took hold of what makes him a man "I just put up some privacy rules so no one will hear a thing," just as she said that, her kimono drops to the floor.
Natsu starts grinning like a mad man at this before practically throwing her to the bed and stripped down to his boxers in record time.
Ur quickly left through a wall intending to give them their privacy.
For the better part of the night, they proved their love for one another.
With Erza
Erza was in her room at the fairy hill all-female dorm, deep in thought at the news Jellal will be with them when taking on Oracion Seis.
"I hope he knows what he's doing, possibly exposing himself like this" she stares out her window, viewing the city of Magnolia.
With Wendy
Wendy was fast asleep in her bed, only able to do this with the help of Grandeeney soothing voice ringing in her head.
But right now, she was dreaming about her big brother Natsu, but it wasn't just any dream of him becoming a father and holding the newborn infant in her arms.
This brought a smile to her face.
She didn't know it, but Grandeeney was watching this dream and couldn't stop a smile from gracing her face.
"Natsu, you have done well training her to be strong. Wendy couldn't have asked for a better big brother," she laid her head down on the grassy wind filled plane of Wendy's mindscape.
She wasn't alone Ultear had been having similar thoughts since her feminine nature cried out to her.
This has been a recurring internal struggle for her over the past couple of years.
Many women would scoff at the notion, spouting insults at her for not being more independent.
They have no idea she was forced to be independent of others since she was separated from her mother in the old timeline.
But with Natsu, she has a chance to embrace her feminine side.
Is it so wrong she wants to be protected instead of the protector from time to time?
Don't get her wrong she likes being independent as much as the next girl, but it can get a little demanding at times.
After all, being a caregiver is in her nature. If she is honest with herself, she enjoyed that part of her when she took Meredy in after her village was destroyed.
There is just something fulfilling when you're looking after someone else, especially a child.
Course, the only one she admitted this to was her mother and Natsu.
Speaking of Natsu had a massive blush on his face from Ultear confession.
That was another thing she enjoyed. That was saying something that caused the rumbustious dragon slayer to stutter and or leave him speechless.
This was just another reminder, no matter how far you run.
You can never escape your true self, and in her case, she wanted a Future with Natsu by her side every step of the way.
that's it for this chapter
, and to rereaders, I change Lucian name to luke because of fan-submitted OC with the name of
Lucien, to keep any confusion happening
as always, make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review