A/N Soooooooo Sorry! I've been sick all month and had to travel while sneezing, coughing, and spewing various fluids. Please forgive me! I promise to post the next chapter sooner. PLEASE leave me a comment on what you think. :) (I liked this chapter a lot.)

Chapter 11

Master Makarov,

I find myself unable to conduct myself in a satisfactory manner when it concerns the plan I had for mentioned in my previous letter. However, I understand the seriousness of the situation. I formally ask that Laxus and Erza carry out the mission alone. They have brought this to my attention in our captains meeting shortly after arriving on Tenrou Island. I have become too emotionally compromised, and feel I am a risk to the success of our most important mission to date. If necessary I will hand in my resignation as captain, and name Gray Fullbuster as my replacement. Please consider these things when making your decision.

Captain Natsu Dragneel


Captain Natsu,

I understand your situation perfectly. I also understand your reluctance to participate in our plan, in order to protect the princess identity and also use her presence as advantageous in our upcoming war; we must keep this away from the guild for now. I formally reject your resignation and you will continue your captain's duties as we discussed, with the princess in your care. I do not envy you Natsu. I know that you are still recovering after what happened to Lissanna, but this is too important to leave to anybody else. A gift horse has landed in our lap and we must see to it that we use it appropriately. We will be able to save hundreds of lives. When we compare the need, it's obvious what must be done. The princess trusts you and Gray. I will not allow Laxus and Erza to do this by themselves.

Please endure it.

Master Makarov


Master Makarov,

I accept the facts. I will do what needs to be done. I just hope someday the guild and Lucy will forgive me.

I shall endure.

Captain Natsu Dragneel


Natsu was staring at the magical piece of paper that he used to write letters back and forth between the captains and Master Makarov. It was a clever device. It sort of worked like a mirror linked to other mirrors. Whatever you wrote magically showed up onto the receivers' piece of paper. It even had memory so that you could look at all the letters that had been sent to it. It was made by Blue Pegasus archive magic. Their master Bob had sold them to Master Makarov. Fist as a business move but secondly as an emergency contact and gathering device, to keep like-minded guilds connected. Especially since most of them had to disappear off the map. There were several guilds that had them; the ones Natsu knew about were Blue Pegasus, Fairy Tail, Saber Tooth, Lamia Scale, and Mermaid Heel. Master Makarov had given them to his guilds captains so that they could always stay in contact at all times.

Natsu had been keeping the master informed of the entire situation via this piece of paper. When Natsu had landed, the master instructed him to tell the other captains of the situation that they were in, only the necessary parts that is.

They didn't know much, basically that Lucy was a princess and she was running away from her family, and that the Master had some plan going on with her. Oh, and that it was Natsu who got suckered into being her body guard and it was his job to keep her safe.

Natsu groaned.

Laxus was so pissed… I've never seen him go off like that. Sure, I'm not his favorite person, but geeze…

It had been two weeks since they landed back on the Island, and he'd been doing everything in his power to avoid Lucy. Not like it had been easy either. She'd been to his house looking for him, and to his ship. The Island wasn't very big on its populated side, so Natsu had resorted to setting a camp up in the woods on the other side of the island. It was cozy enough; it had a cot and a desk. Happy slept on the pillow he'd laid on the ground. He'd been hiding here ever since the third day they had been docked.

The first couple days he'd met with Lucy to start her magic training. It was fun. Lucy learned really fast and showed great potential. Natsu had a great time teaching, and he felt like he and she were becoming quick and close friends.

Which was why he had to leave.

I don't deserve to be her friend, not after what I've done to her.

Natsu slumped in his chair and put his hands over his eyes.

I can't go on pretending that I don't care about what happens to her. I know that the master knows how I feel now, but he doesn't want to change his mind. He's still going full throttle on this plan… Maybe what I need to do is convince him to do something different. If I don't, I have no idea what will happen to Lucy. In the mean time I have to go back… I promised Lucy I'd help with her training.

He'd put Erza and Cana in charge of her schooling, Erza in swordplay and Cana in holder magic. But leaving was only making his position more and more strenuous.

Damnit, I can't do this forever, I'm only making myself more suspicious.

Natsu scratched at his head, grimacing.

I have to go back… tonight… If I don't I'm sure I'll get a letter from Master Makarov telling me off.

Natsu looked back at his magical piece of paper, and began to write.


Master Makarov,

I hope to apologize for my childish disappearance. I will return promptly tonight.

Captain Natsu Dragneel


Natsu took one last look around his tent.

Time to pack.


Lucy glared at the woman in front of her. The scarlet-haired woman was staring back at her mockingly.

"Come on Lucy, I know you're better than this." She gloated

Lucy clenched at the two-handed, leather wrapped sword handle she was gripping on to. She wiped her brow on her now stained, white cotton sleeve.

Damn, it's hot here! She groaned to herself

Lucy and Erza had been training for most of the day. Erza liked to start at sunrise and finish at sunset. Anything else was, as she liked to say, "For men and sissies." Lucy trained like this ever since Natsu went… somewhere. Lucy liked Erza, but as a trainer she was a monster. Lucy finally understood why she was the only woman captain in Fairy Tail.

She was a monster.

She told Lucy that nobody had ever fully finished her training, except for one person.

It was Natsu.

But she said the only reason that he finished was because he was more of an endurance freak than she was. Erza said that he'd train for days without stopping, and he'd only stop because he'd be on the verge of death or because his body would give out.

When Erza told the story, she looked proud. Especially when she told her that it was his fierce training regimen that made him the youngest captain that Fairy Tail had ever known. A title that he stole from Laxus, another reason the two never seemed to get along.

"If you're not going to attack, I will!" Erza shouted, making Lucy focus. Erza closed the space between the two of them in a single bound, as she swung her sword down hard.

Seriously?

Lucy found what was left of her strength and blocked with all her might.

"The enemy will not wait for you to regain your breath! Fight like your life depends on it!" Erza instructed.

Why was Erza's training so much harder than Silvers? Lucy thought as she pushed hard on the handle of the sword, trying to push Erza back.

"Erza! That's enough! She's only been doing this for a few weeks. You're fighting her like she's on a captain's level. Can't you see she's exhausted?" rang Levy's voice from a nearby bench. Natsu had asked her to keep an eye on her training, both physical and magical. He knew Erza and Caanna could get carried away. Levy was there to act as a cheerleader and as a voice reason.

Erza looked at Lucy, whom after training all day had turned pale. She was starting to look sickly, but she was pushing through it. However, Lucy's eyes still burned with passion. Ready to go on if she was told so. Erza smiled as she eased up on her sword.

"I'm satisfied with today's work. Lucy you should go to the outdoor bath, to help your muscles recover from their workout."

Lucy was about to protest when Levy grabbed a hold of her arm.

"That's a great idea Erza, but first let's get take you home and get you something to eat, so that you don't pass out in the bath." Levy grinned.

"That sounds good. Erza, if you're free, you should meet up with us at the baths later." Lucy invited.

Erza hoisted her massive sword over her shoulder and turned to face Lucy.

"Yeah, I think I'm overdue for a relaxing bath with friends." Her eyes glistened as they stared off into space, allowing her mind to get carried away.

"Uhh okay, we'll be there early I the evening. See you there!" Lucy waved as Levy helped her walk home.

One thing that Lucy noticed was that Erza tended to get carried away when she was passionate about something. Also, she was surprisingly feminine.

During the course of her training, she'd found out that Erza enjoys cake and sweets. As well as plays, acting, dancing, and Erza was schooled in all the areas that royalty were. She became sort of a role model for her.

"Hey Lucy, while you're eating. Do you mind if I go down to the docks to take Gajeel his lunch?" Levy asked.

Lucy shook her head.

"No I don't mind, but what if we made lunch and ate it with him. I haven't really gotten a good chance to talk to Gajeel, I think I'd like to get to know the man you admire so much Levy." Lucy teased as she elbowed Levy in the side in a joking manner.

Levy pursed her lips and punched Lucy lightly on the shoulder.

"Don't make fun of me, but yeah, I'm sure he'd love that! I've been wanting you two to get to know each other."

"Hey you made fun of me and Natsu on the ship Levy. If you can't take it, don't dish it out." Lucy shrugged

Levy smiled deviously.

"Oh I can take it, as long as you're prepared for the crap-storm I'm about to throw your way."

Lucy sighed.

"It's not like that at all. Besides, I'm still trying to figure out where I stand with Gray. I made the mistake of telling Juvia about our romantic history…" Lucy rolled her eyes.

Levy inhaled sharply through her teeth, like she was witnessing someone get injured.

"… How'd that work out?"

"Lousy… Let's just say that we're not allowed within a hundred feet of each other until she deems it okay. Apparently I have to prove that I'm no longer in love with Gray… but until a little over a month ago, I thought he was dead! Or at least when I was a kid he got drafted into the army and I never saw him again. When I asked about him to the local authorities, they said he died. It was rough, but I made it through okay. And now that I think about it, I'm mostly just relived he's alive, regardless of who he's with." Lucy smiled softly.

"Well, this is just speculation but. Maybe Gray faked his death so he could be free?"

Lucy gave Levy a quizzical glance.

"What do you mean?"

"Like, what if he wanted to do something other than be a soldier? The Royal Army doesn't just let people go. He probably did it to join Fairy Tail."

"Huh, yeah the timeline is about right. I suppose if I was in his situation, I'd… runaway too…" Lucy stammered as she stared at the ground

Lucy walked up to her door in the girls' dorm.

"Let's hurry, I doubt Gajeel likes to be kept waiting." Lucy smiled at Levy as she unlocked her door.

Levy rolled her eyes.

"You have no idea…"


The day was coming to a close when Natsu finally made it home and had unpacked all his things.

Natsu's house was more like a small cottage. It was made of stone and had a small fireplace. Its kitchen had a small wood-burning stove. In fact all of Natsu's appliances were powered by steam or fire. It had three bedrooms and a single bathroom. He'd made all his furniture himself. From Happys' scratching post to Natsu's bed, everything was made was something that he'd carved out of wood or stone. He'd gotten a lot of practice helping Gajeel repair the ships.

Gageel's going to kill me for skipping out on helping him… Erza's not exactly someone you want to keep waiting…

Natsu groaned as he collapsed face first into his bed. He was exhausted after carrying all his camping gear halfway across the island. Happy refused to help too, so that just made extra work for Natsu.

I'm exhausted; I want to take a bath and go to sleep. Too bad there's no firewood for my bath… maybe I'll just go to the bath house.

Natsu turned his head to look at Happy who had fallen asleep on his pillow.

Natsu glared.

Traitor... he grunted as he shoved Happy off his bed.

Happy hissed and bolted out of his room in a huff.

"Yeah, there's more where that came from you traitor!" came Natsu's angry muffled voice as he shouted into his bed covers.

Natsu laid there for a moment until he found the motivation and strength to force himself out of his bed.

Uggg I'm getting to old for this…

Natsu lazily pushed himself off his bed, only to land disgracefully onto his floor.

I don't want to go out… and do… things…

He eventually got disgusted with himself enough that he got up and started walking himself out the door.

"Happy, don't ruin anything while I'm gone! If you eat everything in the pantry again, I'm going to make you sleep in the corner!"

Natsu heard Happy's displeased growl as he left the house.


Natsu was in the changing room at the bath house; he'd finished putting his clothes securely away and was tying a towel tightly around his waist.

I haven't been here in a long time… I think I needed this.

Natsu grabbed a second towel before heading outside. The outdoor bath wasn't especially large, but it was nice and well maintained as far as bath houses are concerned. They put magical herbs into the water that relieved fatigue, healed wounds and relaxed your muscles. Not to mention all the magical bioluminescent plants that surrounded the stones at the water's edge that provided a natural and calming atmosphere. Natsu inhaled and exhaled deeply as he slowly walked into the water, leaving his towel at the entrance of the bath. He waded into the deep end of the pool and found a relaxing spot that would allow him to sit. Natsu closed his eyes and allowed everything from the shoulders down to be massaged by the warm gentle water. When Natsu opened them he noticed something.

There's nobody else here… I guess it's late. Not that unusual, but it sounds like there's nobody in the woman's bath either.

Natsu smiled and closed his eyes again.

The whole bath to myself… aweso…

His thought was cut off when he heard woman's voices on the other side of the wall.

Lucy?

It was Lucy, Natsu could recognize her voice. He could also hear other women with her. Sounded like Erza and Levy.

Great… I'm not ready to be found out and end up talking to Lucy right now. I'd better keep quiet and get out of here as soon as possible.

Natsu was quietly and stealthily starting to make his way back to the other side of the bath.

"So Lucy, did Natsu say anything about where he was going?" Erza asked

Natsu stopped dead in his tracks.

They're talking about me? Crap!

Natsu sat perfectly still in the water as to not make any noise. It didn't take long for him to hear the girls getting into the bath.

I'm so glad Juvia's not here… I'd be found out immediately. Still Erza will know something's up if I move around too much. Her senses are way to sharp for me to be able to get out of here.

Natsu slowly moved into a more comfortable position so that he could wait them out.

"You're the one who saw him last. You'd know better than I do."

"Strange… I thought it was weird that he asked me to train you, especially since he promised you that he would. That's so unlike him."

Great, I soooo shouldn't be hearing this. He grimaced.

"He did take his camping gear. Maybe he went to train on his own? Either way Gajeel was super PISSED that Natsu bailed on him like that."

Whatever, I'll just kick his ass if he has anything to say about it.

Erza sighed.

"His disappearance sure is going to make the ship repairs take longer than expected. Good thing Laxus left a couple days ago, otherwise I think he'd have burned the island down hunting Natsu."

Whatever, I'll kick his ass too. Natsu pouted.

"So what is the relationship you and the captain have Lucy?" Levy asked.

oh no.

"Well…"

please no!

"I guess…"

NOOOO!

"I'd say we are good friends. Or at least that's the impression I got before he high-tailed it out of here."

what?

"That's it? After spending weeks in the captains room? That's all you have to say?!" Levy sounded upset.

"Yeah I guess. I mean we were strangers up until we met in Magnolia. I'm also not sure if I actually like him or not. He can be kind of childish, and I'm not sure what his real personality is like…"

Erza burst out in a hysterical laughter.

"You're talking like he's got some sort of dark personality. I've known Natsu since we were children, and I can tell you with certainty. That he is no more than an overgrown child, with a horrific ability to push himself beyond physical limits."

HEY! Natsu almost stood to defend his honor that was being sullied only feet away.

Calm down Natsu… you just have to wait this out…

Natsu could hear Lucy laugh at Erza's comment.

Great, Lucy thinks I'm a joke…Well… maybe that's for the best. He slouched silently

Natsu slumped into the water so that the only parts of his body remaining above water were his nose and his eyes.

"Well at least he's kind and above all else, he treats women with respect."

"Yeah, that's what I like about the Fairy Tail men." Levy sighed

"What are you talking about Levy?" Erza asked

"Huh? What do you mean?" Levy responded confused.

"What about Gajeel? Your first experience with him he literally attacked my ship and took you hostage!"

I remember that… ass.

"Ahhh, yeah…. I suppose. But he sure turned out okay… right?"

"Ehh, He's still rough around the edges, but he's turned into a nice guy."

"So Erza, how's Jellal?" Levy inquired

Jellal? I think I remember him.

"Jellal?" Lucy asked

"He's been Erza's crush since they were kids."

"Oh my gosh that's adorable!" Lucy exclaimed

Oh yeah…

"He's okay, he's been working on a job the last couple months in another continent. So I haven't seen him much."

Natsu started growing irritated as their conversation continued into the night.

Damnit! They've been in almost as long as me, how much longer are they going to stay here?

Finally it sounded like the girls were leaving. Natsu waited until they were all gone before he made a move to stand up.

Finally! Time to go!

Natsu stood up carefully and wadded his way over to the shallow end to get out of the bath. He grabbed his towels and tied one around his waist and flung the other over his shoulder. He made his way stealthily over to the exit, making no noise whatsoever. He wasn't sure how but he'd made it to the men's dressing room without being found out. (Specifically by Erza…) Natsu hurridly got dressed and bolted out of the bath house before the girls could finish getting dressed.

Finally I'm out and in the clear.

He thought as his wet hair dripped water down onto his clean shirt. He turned towards his house and started walking down the small path into the forest.

"su!"

Natsu turned and looked behind him.

Is someone calling my name?

"Natsu!"

He saw a small figure running towards him, but it was hard to make out who it was in the dark. Even with his enhanced dragon eyes.

"Natsu! Wait!"

Lucy…

Natsu sighed and cringed at the same time.

Today has been one hell of a day. All I wanted was a nice relaxing bath and maybe a drink before bed…

He thought as Lucy's figure became clearer in the moonlight shining through the trees.

"What's up Lucy?" He asked putting on a smile.

"Hey I… Why are you all wet?" she asked.

"Oh uh, I was taking a walk after a quick shower." He lied, ruffling his wet hair, causing a few droplets to fall to the ground.

Lucy kind of shuffled awkwardly and looked at the ground.

Crap… this is going to be awful.

"So uh… where have you been? You promised to help me learn how to fight and help me with my magic. But then you just kind of bailed… did I upset you or something?"

" No Lucy, it's not that. It's…"

"Because if I did I'm sorry!" She said getting closer to him.

Natsu grabbed her shoulders, and looked her in the eyes.

"It's okay Lucy, It's not you."

Lucy went silent as she stared back at Natsu. Natsu wrestled with all the things in his mind that were causing him stress. He couldn't tell Lucy what was going on… but he also didn't feel like he could really be her friend keeping these things from her. And he did feel like they were growing closer.

Natsu looked away.

"It's not you Lucy… it's just…"

He looked back at Lucy, the woman who had entrusted her entire future to him. He couldn't lie to her, again. Her eyes held nothing back; they had complete trust in him.

You'll just have to forgive me for now…

"Lucy… I can't talk about it, but I promise to tell you someday." He said looking away from her, as though he was too ashamed to look her in the eye.

Lucy cocked her head.

"Are you okay?"

Natsu looked back at her and gave her a somber smile and ruffled her hair.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Listen, I don't know how to make this up to you. But to start how about you come over and I'll make you some tea?"

Lucy smiled as the moonlight hit her face and made it look like she was glowing.

"Sure."

Natsu nodded towards his house.

"Alright, come on." He said grabbing her hand.

"What, you mean right now? It's kind of late." She said looking towards the girls' dorm.

Natsu turned back around and raised an eyebrow and gave her a cocky smile.

"What? All of a sudden NOW you're apprehensive about sharing a room with me?"

Lucy blushed and headed down the path with him.

Natsu glanced over at Lucy, she seemed on edge.

"Relax Lucy, It's not like that. I'll take you home later."

Lucy looked up at him.

"Oh I would never think you'd try anything. I know you'd be a gentleman, I'm not afraid."

Natsu pouted as he continued down the street.

"Lucy, I hope you know I'm the exception… not the rule."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Natsu paused for a moment and mulled over what he was about to say.

"Lucy, as long as you're with me, I promise to be whatever you're comfortable with. However, not all men are as chivalrous as I am. There are plenty of men out there who'd be more than happy to take a virtuous princess and sell her to the highest bidder." He said giving her a side glance.

Lucy stared at the ground.

"I know, I had that drilled into me as a child. It's one of the reasons my father never told the outside world of my existence. But I know that the world is harsh and cruel, I guess I just feel comfortable with you."

She smiled up to him.

Natsu continued to pout.

"Even I have my limits Lucy…" He said opening the door to his house, holding it open for Lucy.

"I'll keep that in mind." She said as she walked into the captains' household.