S.R: Okay, my estimate was off. But only because I couldn't control my impulses very well. And because no matter what Fanficition says, chapter 10 was added at 1 A.M. on Sunday August 25th.
Natsu and Cana were busy in the kitchen making out when his front door burst open and Gray walked in.
"Oi Natsu!"
He called, though he tried not to be too loud since he knew they had Michiko who would probably be napping. But when the pink haired man didn't respond Gray began searching for him, and upon finding the scene of the two making out in front of him he couldn't help but smile.
'Things are starting to look up for him.'
Gray thought as he looked at his best friend. He knew Natsu wanted to have a large family of his own someday, so seeing Natsu making out with Cana gave him hope that Natsu would get to have that family after all. But they still didn't acknowledge his presence. Which wasn't good since Natsu was kinda needed to help handle the Lisanna situation.
So without really thinking things through he carefully sneaked up on the two and paced his ice cold hands on their sides, making them jump.
"What the heck man?"
Natsu shouted when he noticed Gray. But then he winced because of how loud he was. Which made all three of them freeze up and go completely silent as they listened for Michiko, in case his yell had woken her up. Luckily it didn't. So they all breathed a little easier.
"Sorry about that but I needed to get your attention."
"What's wrong Gray?"
Cana asked after the dark haired man apologized.
"Well long story short. Our Lisanna was knocked into the air by the beasts attack, and as she went up, another version of her was falling down. Apparently she was knocked through an open Anima portal at the same time as her Edolas counterpart falling through one, so they traded places."
"Which means it was the Edolas version of Lisanna that died and not our Lisanna. But she was stuck in Edolas then."
Cana realized.
"Yup. Apparently when Mystogan had it reversed everyone that had the ability to hold magic inside of them was sent to Earthland, which is why she returned with us. Apparently it's also why all the other flying cats like Happy and Carla came to Earthland as well."
"So what's that have to do with Lisanna?"
Natsu asked, having realized something was going on.
"Well she woke up, explained to Mira and Elfman what happened and then tried to look for you… Mira told her about how you and Cana are living together and adopted Michiko, and Lisanna just flipped out before running off. Considering it's about you, gramps thought it might be a good idea for you to go calm her down."
Natsu just nodded at Gray as he stood up to make his way towards the little hut he had built with Lisanna back in the day when Happy was still an egg. But then the sound of Michiko crying out stopped him. Cana was going to send him on his way and deal with their adoptive daughter herself, but Natsu rushed out of the room and up to Michiko's crib before she even opened her mouth.
"Why don't you let me take care of her for a bit so you can go see Lisanna Natsu?"
Cana asked as she found him coming down the stairs with Michiko in his arms.
"Not this time. I'm still a bit on edge so just to make sure she's alright I'd rather keep her close. By that I mean, I want her in my arms where I know she's safe. At least until I've calmed down from everything that's happened."
"I understand that, but are you sure it's a good idea to go meet Lisanna like that?"
"Not really. But I'm doing it anyway."
Natsu answered, he had a very serious tone, but one look down at his daughter, being carried protectively in his arms made him smile sweetly. Cana sighed as she relented.
"Alright then. But I'm coming too. After all we're in this together."
Gray felt like a third wheel at that point and left for the guild hall. Which Natsu and Cana took as a hint to get moving. So Natsu led the way to the little hut he and Lisanna had made to 'raise' Happy in when they found his egg all those years ago.
When they got there the two could hear Lisanna sobbing. They shared a look, both frowning that their friend was that upset. But when it came time to talk to her Cana stopped by the door.
"I'll let you calm her down first. I'm not sure how she'd react to seeing both of us at the same time right now, but just in case I'd rather not risk it with Michiko being here too."
Natsu just nodded before crawling through the door and into the small hut. He was surprised to see that he and Lisanna both still fit inside the little room. After all they'd made it as kids, so it wasn't as large as it could have, or even should have been for them to call it a play house, which was why it was just called the hut.
"You alright Lisanna?"
Natsu asked, a bit hesitant as he approached the crying girl. At the sound of his voice she only sobbed harder, not saying a word in response. Since he had Michiko with him Natsu couldn't pull Lisanna into a hug, so he settled for softly draping one arm over her shoulder and pulled her head onto his shoulder.
Michiko didn't seem happy about that, but when he made eye contact with his daughter, she somehow seemed to understand that this talk needed to happen. While it didn't stop her from squirming around uncomfortably, she did puff up her checks and give him a pouty face instead of outright wail like he thought she was going to.
Eventually Lisanna calmed down enough to talk.
"I'm sorry… It's just. I was so happy to be back, and I thought things would be just like they were before. But then…. Then Mira told me about how you and Cana are raising a kid and I just felt my heart sink."
"I don't know what to say to that…"
Natsu responded in a rather subdued tone. But the white haired woman shook her head.
"You don't have to say anything. Even when we were young and I called myself your 'wife' I knew… I knew you would never actually be mine."
"I can't even argue against that."
Natsu grumbled, a little upset that he couldn't do a better job at helping Lisanna feel better.
"It's fine. I'm alright now. I just needed to have a good cry about it that's all."
"Hey Lisanna, if it helps I can tell you that Michiko here," Natsu paused his words long enough to point at the little girl he was holding. But then he picked right back up "Michiko isn't our daughter by blood, even though Cana and I are raising her as if she was."
That confused Lisanna, though she did note he didn't apologize for any of it.
"What do you mean not your child by blood?"
So Natsu told her about how Cana needed his help on a job, and then the results of said job. As she listened Lisanna could tell that they had made the right choice to raise the little girl. She could also tell that Natsu was more than fond of Cana, which did make her heart stop for a moment, but she shook her head. She had already gotten over the fact he couldn't be hers.
"Now then… Cana was worried about you too. But she wasn't sure how you'd react to seeing both of us and the little one here at the same time. Plus it's already a bit cramped in here. Why don't we get out and stretch so she can join in our talk."
Natsu offered as the conversation hit a lull. Since she couldn't think of a reason not to, Lisanna nodded her head and followed Natsu out from the little hut. Standing just off to the side when they came out was Cana, who had a soft smile on her face. One that told Lisanna that Natsu's feelings were echoed by Cana.
When the brunette opened her mouth to speak, she just held up her hand.
"I'm good now. Besides I can tell what you're about to say, and it's okay. I don't need to hear it."
Lisanna told her. Natsu was clearly confused by that and tilted his head in confusion as Cana gently took Michiko from him. It was just about dinner time anyway so while they were talking she prepared a bottle for their daughter.
"Even if that's the case, I need to say it Lisanna. I wouldn't feel right otherwise."
Cana told her as she placed the bottle's teat near Michiko's mouth. The little girl latched onto her bottle as Lisanna just nodded her acceptance.
"I know this doesn't make you feel better or anything like that, especially since you've always liked Natsu… But in the time that he and I have been taking care of Michiko, I've fallen for him. Though it wasn't until after seeing him go ballistic in Edolas that I realized it. I'm not sorry to say I'm in love with Natsu just like you, but I am sorry you had to find things out the way you did."
Since Cana's words were enough for him to realize why Lisanna said she didn't need to hear Cana's apology he felt he should speak up as well, especially as it helped him realize something.
"You know, Dragons and Dragon Slayers have a habit of falling in love at a young age. Apparently I had even marked Cana as someone I wanted to be my mate before even meeting you, back before you, Mira, and Elfman even joined the guild… But I realize now, when you came around and started calling yourself my wife, it somehow made my body at least realize I wasn't ready for that, so I ignored the mark and even forgot about it entirely. It wasn't until I actually started thinking about the idea of a mate that I began to actually have feelings for her. I guess in a way I should be saying thank you for helping me realize I wasn't ready back then, even if I didn't actually know it."
Lisanna smiled, not really happy to be thanked for helping him grow up in such a roundabout way, but she accepted his words since she knew he was just trying to help her feel like she was still important to him, even though she wasn't as important as she wanted to be.
With everything settled the three just stood around awkwardly. The weren't sure what to say or do, now that the situation had been handled. Eventually without really meaning to they drifted to the guild. Granted once they realized it Natsu and Cana were just going to say hi, make sure everyone knew that Lisanna was okay and then head home get some dinner for themselves, put Michiko to bed for the night, and relax just the two of them.
But things can never go as planned. The moment they walked into the guild Natsu was called up to the master's office along with Gajeel. They were both confused, but since the older man said it was important they made their way into his office.
"Shut the door behind you please."
Makarov said when they entered the office. Even after that he used his magic to soundproof the room. Which put both Dragon Slayers on edge.
"Now then. This is of the utmost importance. But I need you two to listen to everything I say before you make your decision."
Sharing a look the two Dragon Slayers slowly nodded in response.
"To the West, over by Dawn city, there is a group of Wyverns that has recently taken up residence. The council has asked for our aid in dealing with them. As the two best suited for the job I ask of you to work together to deal with them. I would have brought Wendy in on this as well but she's still a bit too young for something this dangerous."
Natsu and Gajeel both nodded at his last statement. Sure Wendy was strong, and held to her convictions just like them, but the only time she was truly confident in herself and her powers was things were safe and easy.
"I know you said to wait until you were finished but if they're causing problems then we can't just sit by and do nothing gramps. But that reminds me, I had Happy give you a report on what happened back when Cana and I dealt with the Drake nest before we adopted Michiko… The thing is there is one thing he probably couldn't tell you."
Gajeel and Makarov were both curious at what Natsu was about to say so they were both quiet waiting for him to speak.
"At first I confronted two of them. They wouldn't back down… Gramps I know back when we first met you made me promise not to fight with the intent to kill. I know you also said accidents happen and that it's alright if we didn't mean to so long as we don't enjoy killing and become cold and dark. But… I had to fight to kill. Every one of those Drakes I encountered I fought with the intent to kill. I didn't enjoy having to do so, but I would do it all again if I had to."
Makarov didn't hesitate with his response.
"It's alright my boy. I know sometimes you have to do things you don't want to. Sometimes you are thrown into situations where you do what you must in order to survive. I'm glad to see you've learned those lessons and that you've learned them well. Especially since I only gave you that rule as a way of keeping you from going any further down that dark path you were starting on when we met."
Natsu just nodded his head silently. Then he spoke up again, this time focused more on Gajeel.
"After I dealt with the first two, as they were bleeding out I learned a few things, things that you should probably know. With draconic races, including us Dragon Slayers, when one triumphs over another in a fight to the death, The winner absorbs the essence and magic of the loser. In other words we grow stronger when we kill a draconic being. Apparently even mechanical ones count since I feel quite a bit stronger after taking out that Dorma Anim thing."
Gajeel and Makarov both gulped. To grow stronger that way, well considering their magic was called Dragon Slayer magic, it made sense. But it still seemed a bit much to them. After a moment Makarov spoke.
"As much as I dislike it, I give my permission. If fact I have to ask you to be ready to slay these Wyverns. But don't throw your lives away. If it gets to be to much I order you to run away and protect your lives."
"Got it."
Both slayers commented in unison.
"Oh, two more things. Because it's important the council is sending someone that specializes in Teleportation magic to get you two there as fast as possible."
"What's the other thing gramps?"
"Since you've adopted Michiko I've had to change things around. Originally you and Cana were both going to be selected to take part in the S-class trials here in a month. But with everything that's happened I don't feel right doing that. You both are needed here at home to take care of your little girl. So instead, for you this is your trial. When you and Gajeel get back I will name you S-class for completing this quest. Actually I'll make that the reward for both of you."
A bit shocked Natsu and Gajeel didn't say anything. They just stared at the guild master. Makarov sighed having expected this. But the he explained why.
"I know you probably don't want any special treatment, but this job is an S-class mission in it's own right. So if you two can complete it then you're worthy of being S-class anyway."
They couldn't really argue against him. Natsu especially. Sure he'd been able to handle the Drakes no problem, but his magic was designed to, plus they were fire Drakes anyway so he never had to worry about running out of magic. But he recalled the worry he felt when Cana's magic presence suddenly dropped, as if she had spent almost all of her magic to protect herself. Which she had since her card summon had been out long enough to fight and defeat two Drakes on its own.
"I understand gramps. I'll prove that I'm ready for it."
"I can't let Salamander show me up, so of course I'm going to."
Gajeel commented, not really bothered by the idea of becoming S-class through a different method than normal. Especially since he was S-class during his time with Phantom Lord. So it would be more of a return to status for him.
"Do we have any details to go on about these Wyverns?"
He suddenly had the thought to ask. Mostly because the Iron Dragon Slayer knew there was only one type of Wyvern that could give them trouble.
"All the intel we have on the group of Wyverns is that they use a mix of Fire and Earth magic. Based on that my guess is that they are Volcaniverns."
"For those magics that sounds about right."
Natsu responded.
"Anyway it would probably be best if you waited for the council employee out in the guild hall. That way you're easy for him to find."
Since the guild master's words made sense Natsu and Gajeel both nodded and left his office.
"Damn am I proud to know brats like those two."
Makarov muttered to himself. The entire time they were talking he watched them for any sign of refusal, but neither one of them were willing to back down, and they actually became more serious about handling the situation when they realized the amount of chaos the Wyverns could be causing.
When they left the office a couple people asked the two Dragon Slayers what the master wanted to see them about, but they were silent. Since they needed to be ready at a moments notice, the two didn't stray very far from each other which was strange to those that noticed.
But everyone in the guild was completely floored when Natsu ignored them to walk right up to Cana and kiss her deeply. When he pulled away there was a small smile on his face.
"Something important came up. I've got to be ready to go with the metal freak at any time."
His next action made a few people freeze entirely. Several mugs of alcohol fell to the floor as Natsu removed his signature scarf and carefully wrapped it around Cana's neck. Even Cana was amazed by the fact he was giving her his scarf. After all the entire guild knew how much his white scarf meant to him.
Before she could question it however, a man suddenly appeared in the middle of the room. He looked right at Natsu and Gajeel.
"Let's move."
With that statement the two slayers were by his side. The guild wasn't even able to blink before the trio of men were gone. Considering how strange things seemed to be the entire guild was tense as they wondered just what was happening. But there was no one that could give them an answer. The guild master had shut himself up in his office to handle paperwork, so they had to wait until he came out again to get the information they wanted.
A short while later Makarov exited his office.
"Master, what's going on? Why did Natsu and Gajeel leave with that man that just suddenly appeared in the guild hall?"
Erza questioned. He could tell that everyone in the guild wanted to ask the same thing. Sighing he decided it would be best to tell them all about what was going on.
"Listen up brats! The council had specifically asked our guild to handle a situation. As Dragon Slayers those two were the best possible choice to send. They are going to be dealing with a group of Wyverns."
Several of the older members shivered. A good few had been on missions that required them to deal with just one Wyvern and they struggled to handle it. Of course they weren't as strong as either of the two slayers, and the slayers magic would be better for the job, but they still felt concern for the two.
A lot of the younger generation was concerned as well. Erza especially. Given what she had seen back in Edolas, the red headed knight felt Natsu should be resting instead.
"At least it wasn't just one of them on their own. But why didn't you send someone else with them?!"
"Erza, I can't send someone one else. Wendy is too young, and the rest of you would just get in the way."
A couple of them wanted to argue against that point, but they didn't. Not when the guild master's tone told them that was his decision and it was final.
"It's okay Erza."
Cana commented drawing everyone's attention towards her and Michiko. Most of them were shocked that she was smiling despite how things seemed. The brunette woman could tell that they all wanted to ask why she was still calm and not freaking out. So with a sigh she explained.
"They'll be fine. Natsu has to come home to Michiko and I. Plus he's so stubborn and thick headed that there is no way he'd let something happen to Gajeel. He'll make sure they both return."
S.R: Okay so a few things you guys need to know (Hopefully this will stop the mountain of reviews about what's going on).
Firstly, Because Natsu and Cana can not be part of the group that goes to Tenrou island I decided to do this. I mean They are going to miss out on the S-class trials in order to raise Michiko. On it's own that would have been fine and it will be fine for Cana. But given Natsu's drive to be recognized as one of the strongest, he would be frustrated at missing out. So I came up with this idea as a way for Makarov to give Natsu an alternative to the S-class trials since he'll be missing out on them.
Secondly, No this does not mean that Gajeel won't be part of the group that goes to Tenrou Island. He's still going to be missing because of the time skip. Giving him the promotion as well is just my way of preparing a reason for why someone else isn't going to Tenrou.
Thirdly, and probably most importantly. Lisanna. Remember, she's always been described as kindhearted and caring. There is no way she would actually cause any trouble to or for Natsu because of how she felt. Lisanna is the kind of character that would back off and accept things as they are. Which is what she did. So yes she is in character, and No I'm not changing that scene.
S.R: Anyway I'll see you guys next time!
