S.R: There's a short time skip here at the start of the chapter. Mostly because I want to keep the plot moving. Just a heads up. Oh, and another heads up. Because of how I'm changing the story, and certain ideas, Wendy isn't going to be part of the trials. She'll be staying back at Fairy Tail with Nastu, Cana, and Mira.
A week and a half had passed since Natsu and Gajeel returned from the emergency job the master had sent them on. After Natsu and Gajeel gave their report to the guild master about the mission, he ordered them to go home and rest. Natsu gladly followed that order and after taking Cana and Michiko home he hadn't been back to the guild since. Makarov explained to the guild his reasoning behind sending the two, and the reward he was giving the two slayers for completing the job, which led to Gray being pissed he wasn't allowed to go.
"I can't believe flame-brain made S-class first."
He had muttered, though it wasn't spiteful or anything harsh. Just disappointment at the fact he hadn't reached that goal first. That's not to say he didn't approve or agree with the idea though. After all as Natsu's best friend he knew the pink haired man well enough to know that he would reluctantly agree to miss out on the trials given his situation. So using the mission as an alternative was reasonable. Which is why the dark haired man would only mumble to himself about the situation, rather than complain out loud.
Speaking of Gray, he was sitting at the bar nursing his drink when the guild doors opened. Since it had been a while everyone was glad to see Natsu back in action as he and Cana walked into the guild hand in hand. This time Natsu was the one carrying Michiko. A couple people called out in greeting, as Natsu and Cana were swept up by the guilds cheery mood.
"So what did I miss?"
Natsu commented when he and Cana sat down at the bar to talk with Mira. They had positioned themselves at the end of the counter, with Cana on the end, and Natsu's seat being beside Gray's.
"Aside from the announcements on who is participating in the S-class trials this year? Not much ash for brains."
Gray replied with a smirk.
"Ah shut it popsicle, I didn't ask you."
Natsu retorted with a similar look. Cana and Mira both rolled their eyes, while muttering about how 'some things never change'.
"Well like Gray said, Master announced who was taking the S-class trials this year."
Mira told Cana, knowing Natsu was paying attention despite the fact he and Gray were arguing.
"Who gets to take part this time?"
"Gray, Elfman, Freed, Juvia, and Levy. If I remember right, Gray partnered up with Loke, Elfman partnered with Evergreen, Freed and Bickslow are a team, Juvia asked Lisanna to be her partner, and Levy teamed up with Lucy."
Out of the people Mira had told her were taking part, Cana felt that Gray or Freed would be the one to get promoted to S-class. She didn't voice her opinions however as Mira continued to speak.
"I had to teach Gajeel about what he's supposed to do as part of the trials, So it's going to be pretty tough this year."
"Why didn't Erza explain it to him. I know she helped the master with the planning this year."
Cana asked as Natsu finally stopped arguing with Gray, and began to play with his daughter so she wouldn't 'catch the strippers bad habits'.
"Because I asked the master to have Gajeel take my place. If you recall, ever since the incident with Lisanna's 'death', my role in the trials has been minimal. But thanks to all the stuff that happened when we were dealing with Phantom Lord, I can get back to being an active mage."
"Right. But what does that have to do with this?"
Still not seeing what Mira was trying to say, Cana asked for clarification.
"I had a mental block preventing me from using my Take Over magic. It's gone so I can be an active mage again. But that block was there for so long that I'm too out of practice with it. I wouldn't be able to help test everyone, so I asked the master if I could stay back this time and get used to using my magic again."
Cana couldn't help but feel there was another reason, though she also felt that the reason was obvious given the fact that Mira's face lit up with joy any time she was around Michiko.
"And the fact that Natsu and I are bringing Michiko around to the guild is a nice little plus isn't it."
Cana replied with a chuckle. Mira knew she'd been caught and sighed with a small smile.
"I can't help it! She's just so cute!"
The brunette couldn't help but smile. Her best friend had been a huge help while Natsu was out on the emergency quest with Gajeel. Plus she was one of the few people in the guild that Michiko let hold her without fussing. One of the reasons she and Natsu hadn't been back to the guild since her pink haired boyfriend and Gajeel got back, was because they'd been discussing plans for the future.
"Yeah. My little dragon is the cutest."
Natsu commented, which reminded Mira of the fact his sense of hearing was exceptional. He had been listening the entire time despite not paying any direct attention to her.
"Should we tell her what we decided Natsu?"
Cana asked as she turned to the side a pulled a bottle out of the diaper bag, so she could start making Michiko's lunch.
"It wouldn't hurt."
He responded before looking directly at Mira. The sudden change in his attitude make her curious. Gray who had been sitting by with a small smile on his face as he watched his best friend playing with the little girl also looked on intently.
"Cana and I had been talking about it and… We decided that we want you to be Michiko's godmother Mira."
The few people that weren't at the bar but were sitting close enough to listen in, all went wide eyed when they heard Natsu's statement. It helped that he was pretty loud with saying it. But Mira smiled as tears sprang to her eyes.
"I would be honored to be her godmother!"
She commented, lunging across the bar to hug both of the little girls adoptive parents as she cried tears of joy. Since things had reached a lull in the guild, her words echoed a bit, and everyone in the guild hall heard her accept to be Michiko's godmother.
The older generation all had smiles on their faces, happy to see that Natsu and Cana had the sense to pick out a god parent for the little girl. Not that they were worried anything would happen to the two, but because there are times where a mage could be out on a job for months at a time, as Natsu was known to do before creating Team Natsu. So naming a god parent that could be around to help take care of Michiko was a very smart thing to do.
At this time Makarov came down the stairs from the second floor having finished his paperwork. He wasn't surprised to see the two, despite the fact they hadn't been back to the guild since Natsu's return. After all he made sure that Natsu knew they had an appointment to head to.
When Macao whispered to him why Mira was hugging the two so tightly and crying happily, the older man couldn't help but be proud of the bonds his guild fostered.
"Mira I know you want to celebrate a bit more, but could you let Natsu go? He and I have an appointment to keep."
The white haired barmaid didn't responded, though she loosened her hold enough for Natsu to get out of her grip. He smiled at Michiko who was still in his arms, before handing his daughter to Cana.
"Lead the way gramps."
"Wait where are you two going?"
Gray asked as he finally recovered from the shock of Natsu's statement about Mira being Michiko's godmother.
"I've got a few gems from a job a couple years ago. When Cana and I agreed to raise Michiko, I asked gramps to help me find someone that could appraise them. We're off to do that now."
Natsu responded over his shoulder as he and the short man left the guild.
"You know. I really am proud of you brat. You've really stepped up to be Michiko's father."
Makarov said as he lead Natsu down the street.
"Of course. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I didn't take this seriously. And when I find Igneel again, he wouldn't have been too happy with me either if I didn't do the job right."
"You know, I felt the same, back when my wife gave birth to Ivan… As his father the only thing that mattered was that I gave my all to raise him properly."
Natsu snorted, having noticed that the short elder's attitude was worsening as he thought about his son. He vaguely recalled Ivan. It was sometime into his fifth month as part of the guild when gramps had to excommunicate his son from the guild. But he didn't want to think about the past, nor did he want the guild master to lose his cheery mood. So instead he chose to distract him.
"Gramps, does your friend know how to cut diamonds too?"
"I think so. Why do you ask?"
"Well…. Now that I've realized my feelings for her, I want to prepare for the future. In dragon culture it's pretty simple, but Cana isn't a dragon slayer. So I don't know if she'd be happy that way."
He mumbled as a blush came to his face. It was the blush that gave away his idea to Makarov.
"You want my friend to cut one of your diamonds for a ring don't you."
Natsu just nodded wordlessly.
"Are you going to collect the materials and make the ring yourself, or are you just going to hire someone to make it?"
"I was planning to ask Gajeel to help me with it."
Natsu responded in a quiet and embarrassed tone. Makarov just chuckled as he thought to himself 'They act like they don't get along but Natsu and Gajeel will always have each other's back.'
"Have you decided on how you're going to propose?"
"Not completely…. All I know right now is that I'll do it after you guys come back from the trials. Because I want to tell everyone in the guild the good news at the same time."
Natsu responded not even thinking about the fact Cana could say no. But Makarov just chuckled to himself, already aware that Cana saying no wasn't even a possibility.
"I wish Gildarts would get back here soon. We can't push the trials back, in order to wait for him since the council's been harping on me about giving them the results before the New Year."
Makarov commented without really meaning to.
"You're not the only one that wants him to hurry up."
Natsu commented. He and Cana both wanted the Crash mage to return. Since she likely wouldn't be able to take part in the S-class trials until Michiko was old enough to be away from the two of them for a while, Natsu convinced Cana to muster up all of her courage and tell Gildarts about the fact she is his daughter.
But fate has ways of making desires and plans change entirely or even fall apart completely.
The First Day of the S-Class Trials
A couple days had passed since Natsu and Makarov went to have the diamonds appraised, yet Gildarts still hadn't returned to Magnolia. It was rather surprising, and a little concerning for the guild. Though the concern really only came from those that actually needed to talk to him.
"We can't afford to wait any longer. Gajeel, Erza, take the participants and their partners on ahead. I have to send word to the council that we're leaving now, and then I'll catch up."
Makarov said with a sigh as he moved to write a quick letter for the magic council. Erza and Gajeel nodded as they herded their charges out of the building and towards the train station so they could head to Hargeon.
Natsu and Cana both frowned, a little disappointed that Gildarts wasn't back like he was supposed to be. But then Cana remembered that Makarov had given Gildarts one rule that was never broken. Even if he wasn't back in time to help out with the S-class trials, the moment the Crash mage returned to Magnolia he'd have to stay, not only until the trials were over and they came back, but until after the New Year.
It was a tradition that the last week and a half of the year, every member of Fairy Tail stayed in Magnolia. The guild didn't shut down entirely but only jobs in Magnolia were offered. Since it was basically the holidays, this was done so that everyone could be home for the holidays.
Yet luck was not on their side, as the warning bell, signaling Gildarts' return to the town began to sound the moment Makarov finished writing.
"Jet, run to the mayor and tell him to turn off the alarm. Then drop this letter off over at the Rune Knights post for me."
The guild master commented with a sigh as he began to make his way towards where he could feel the guilds ace approaching. Cana and Natsu stood up to follow, wanting to talk with Gildarts but the short man shook his head at them.
"I know you want to talk to Gildarts, but we're really behind schedule so he and I need to catch up with the others fast. Besides it's only going to be a few days till we're back."
"Just make sure he knows we want to talk to him when you get back then."
Natsu replied.
"Of course. Oh and Natsu. You and Mira are in charge."
Makarov commented over his shoulder. Most of the guild shook their heads at that. Natsu being in charge was something none of them would have considered at the beginning of the year. But here they were, Natsu was an S-class wizard and trusted to keep things from getting too chaotic. Granted they all knew it was really Mira that was in charge, and that Natsu wouldn't do anything with out her agreement.
"Alright gramps. We'll see you later then."
Natsu shouted after the guild master, as he and Cana sat back down. Michiko began to babble to Natsu since he was the one holding her. With his daughter trying to get his attention Natsu chuckled, while his eyes focused on her.
She was making the most adorable attempt to communicate with him, and waving her hands as if she were trying to tell a story. Even though he didn't understand her, Natsu could help but go.
"Oh really? What happened after that?"
The sound of his voice made the little girls eyes light up with joy as she began to giggle and babble even more energetically. The few people in the guild that were watching the father daughter duo, had smiles on their faces, as Natsu once again proved to them that he could be a great father.
Cana had a pleased smile on her face as she watched them. Even though she didn't say anything, everyone that looked at her face could tell what she was thinking. Most of the guild agreed with her on the idea too. Natsu really was amazing with kids.
Eventually though it came to be Michiko's lunch time, so Natsu handed his daughter over to Cana who already had her bottle made. He was intending to sit and make small talk with his girlfriend, but then an idea hit him. Granted this idea only came about because Wendy was sitting fairly close to him and Cana.
The young blue haired girl was sighing in boredom, but just by looking at her, Natsu knew there was more to it. Yes she was bored since they couldn't really take any jobs, not with the tradition of staying in town for the holidays. But he could tell she felt a little lonely to be left out of the group going to Tenrou Island for the S-class trials. Which was understandable. Natsu and Mira were the only two people she really got to interact with that were still in town.
She was still getting used to the guild and all of it's antics, so of course she'd feel a bit lonely without everyone she was used to being around. Granted that was mostly Natsu's fault anyway since he brought her along on a few jobs with Team Natsu rather than let her get used to the others in the guild.
Making eye contact with Cana, Natsu subtly tilted his head towards the young girl sitting at the table next to them. When Cana realized what he was thinking she smiled and nodded. Smiling back, Natsu stood up and approached Wendy who was sitting beside a napping Carla.
"Hey Wendy come with me for a bit?"
"Sure Natsu."
Since it wasn't the first time the two of them had gone off on their own, even without their ever present companions of Happy and Carla, the guild didn't even flinch. Most of them had already guessed that Natsu was helping Wendy with her training at this point, so they all felt he was going to take advantage of the free time to help her grow even more.
Leading the younger Dragon Slayer out the back door, and towards their normal training spot Natsu couldn't help but chuckle when he noticed she perked up. 'She might not like fighting as much as Gajeel and I do, but Wendy's still got the instinct to let loose and have fun.'
"What's so funny Natsu?"
"Nothing Wendy. Just remembering something."
He responded, not wanting to embarrass her.
"Okay, so what are we doing this time?"
She questioned eagerly. Natsu could tell that part of the reason she was so happy with his help in training, was because she also enjoyed his company. So he decided to match her enthusiasm.
"Well until they get back from the trials I was thinking you and I could start working on the Secret Arts."
A big grin was on his face as she jumped in happiness.
"You think I'm finally ready for the Secret Arts!?"
"Before we start there are a few things I need to tell you. Gramps already knows about them, as does Gajeel. As a Dragon Slayer you have the right to know as well."
Natsu told her with a serious tone. It put Wendy off guard for a moment. Shaking her head, she got serious as well, nodding for him to continue.
A Few Days Later
Every day, Natsu and Cana would bring Michiko to the guild while the others were away. The morning would be spent just sitting around relaxing, and playing with Michiko, but then in the afternoons while his daughter was napping, Natsu would take Wendy out to continue training. It had become a routine, one that was just finishing up as Natsu carried the tired blue haired girl back into the guild.
But strangely just after he got a few steps into the guild, the front doors opened up to reveal two men. Both of them were familiar to Natsu and a couple others in the guild as Rune Knights. But there was something off.
"Doranbolt what's wrong?"
Natsu questioned as he noticed the man shaking. The second of the two, Natsu knew to be named Lahar, but that was all he knew. Yet Lahar looked quite a bit paler than normal.
Instead of responding to Natsu's question tears came to Doranbolt's eyes. The answer to his concerns came from Lahar, who sounded as if he had swallowed something extremely bitter.
"Because the council wanted to know the results of your S-class trials immediately, they dispatched us on a ship to await the climax of the trials..."
All the small talk going on in the guild stopped as every member present turned their heads towards the two Rune Knights. The tears in Doranbolt's eyes started falling at this point, and Lahar struggled to continue with his explanation.
"Just as we began to approach the island an immensely loud roar caused even the ocean itself to quiver in fear. Our ship was almost capsized as a massive beast flew overhead aimed directly for Tenrou Island."
At this point, rather than keep talking he pulled out a recording lacrima and handed it to Natsu. Since he seemed to be unable to continue Natsu called for Mira to have the guilds video lacrima play the recording.
Despite the shaky nature of the footage, which they all attributed as proof of Lahar's claims about their boat almost capsizing, they watched as a massive black monster approached Tenrou Island. Even from the distance they were recording from it was able to pick up the sound of a dark and guttural voice that sent shivers down all of their spines.
"That pesky fly thinks he can escape me? Think again you gnat! I'll obliterate you and this entire island!"
Natsu was the only one in the room able to identify the monstrous being, yet even then it was only thanks Laveatil, who told him about Acnologia. 'Who is he talking about though?' The pink haired man wondered as he watched the video with baited breath.
The black beast unleashed a roar that made even Natsu's larges Fire Dragon's Roar look like a tiny spurt, and it made everyone's jaw drop. The attack collided with Tenrou island, and tore threw the space the island occupied. Several guild members cried out, heartbroken by what they just saw. Mira even collapsed to the floor, devastated as both Elfman and Lisanna who she had only recently been reunited with were gone.
Even though she had worn herself out, and was still on Natsu's back, she caught the same brief flash of light that Natsu had, just before the attack made contact with Tenrou island. They shared a look, just to make sure that neither of them were imagining it.
"Hold on a minute. Does the video lacrima have the ability to slow down?"
Natsu questioned, his voice bringing attention to the duo as they approached the video lacrima themselves. Mira was too far gone in her grief to pay attention. Cana was almost as bad, since hers was a mix of grief, and guilt over the fact that she hadn't told Gildarts that he was her father. Yet with Michiko in her lap, she felt that it wasn't the time for an emotional breakdown, instead focusing on her daughter. She was still calm enough to hear Natsu and pay attention like most of the guild as they all latched on to Natsu's voice, the surety he had in his tone giving them hope that their friends and family were still alive.
Jet, as the person who knew the most about the specific video lacrima they had answered Natsu's question.
"Yeah. This one has the ability to slow down to frame by frame. It can also zoom in, why. Did you see something?"
Natsu didn't answer, and instead began to fiddle with the controls. A few seconds passed before the guild watched the attack hit the island once more. But it was zoomed in enough for everyone in the room to catch the shimmer of light that Natsu and Wendy both saw. A faint, yet bright gold Fairy Tail symbol had appeared in the air, as if acting as a barrier just before the island was destroyed.
Lahar and Doranbolt were both shocked to see it.
"Does anyone know what that could be?"
Droy asked as feelings of hope started swelling up inside of him. For a moment no one said anything as they all thought about it. The only sounds being the concerned babble coming from Michiko. She was very attentive to her surroundings, as it wasn't until Droy spoke up that she began making sounds again. Cana smiled at her little girl, though her mind was elsewhere. But then a thought hit her.
"Wait. We all know about masters Fairy Law. He said it was one of the guilds 'Three Great Fairy magic'. Maybe this is one of the other two?"
"It could be, but then, what does it do?"
Natsu responded.
"Hey Lahar, Doranbolt. Sit down for a bit and recover. I know you rushed here to tell us, probably after reporting to the council. So take a bit to regain yourselves. I'm going to the guild library to look up more info about this."
He called to the two Rune Knights who were standing there still in shock after having noticed what Natsu pointed out. A couple guild members decided to follow him into the guild's library, thinking that more people looking for the information would make it take less time.
Cana remained in her seat with Michiko in her lap however. But she was smiling fondly towards Natsu, who was already entering the side room that was Fairy Tail's library.
"Your daddy, is a great man."
She told her daughter. Granted the brunette knew that the little girl in her lap had no way of understanding her or the reasons she had to call Natsu a great man, but she felt that Michiko instinctively understood. Macao and Wakaba who were sitting nearby also her her statement and they had to agree. Only Natsu could inspired hope in them, hope that their family wasn't gone.
S.R: I wonder how many of you can predict the twists that I have in mind. If you correctly guess my plans, I'll award 100 points to Ravenclaw (because I can). Anyway I'll see you guys next time.
