Chapter 19:
It was probably some general rule in the universe that when you're in hurry everything goes wrong and every street you try to run through is packed with people to the point you can barely walk. Wendy huffed in frustration as she tried to hurry through the river of people on her way to the train station, little blue-haired girl worried she will be late for the train. Happy and Carla flew beside her, each of them carrying their own form of baggage though in Happy's case his little bundle contained only a fresh salmon.
Carla huffed in annoyance and settled on Wendy's head. ''We could always carry you to the station, Wendy'' the white cat supplied the girl with a possible solution. Wendy nodded with a sigh ''I know but my suitcase might be too heavy and I won't be that late. Hopefully''
She looked up at the roof of the train station and the clock that was now visible. ''And besides – we're almost there''
A crowd of people suddenly rushed to the side and Wendy grumbled under her breath as a woman almost threw her to the ground. The young dragon slayer looked to the side to see what all the racket was for and quickly got her answer in a form of a small mountain of... well, everything that informed the girl Erza was also coming.
''I should've gone with her'' Wendy said as she pushed her way toward the scarlet mage who marched towards the station, unbothered by the people around her.
Happy and Carla nodded in agreement as they got closer, realizing Gray and Lucy were with Titania as well.
''Hey Wendy'' Lucy greeted the first since she was the first to see her. ''Good to see you've made it''
''Well it was not easy'' Wendy said with a small chuckle. ''Have you seen Natsu?''
''He's probably already on the station'' Gray mused. ''He can pop right where he wants in a second after all''
''True'' Wendy agreed as the group of six entered the station and sure enough, the pinkhead was watching them, arms crossed and back rigid like alway.
''Late as always'' Natsu spoke when they got close enough, an old and worn backpack that was probably at one point black but now settled for grey strapped over one shoulder covered by the black cloak he wore all those weeks ago in Hergeon, the hood covering his head.
''Not that late'' Gray argued, glancing at the clock above pinkhead. ''Just... twenty minutes... We didn't miss our train, did we?''
''No'' Natsu replied flatly.
''The crowd's pretty big today'' Lucy reasoned. ''It probably didn't bother you too much if you used Chaotic void''
''I do walk, you know'' the dragon slayer looked at the blonde. ''I'm not using that spell to get everywhere''
Lucy blushed but didn't reply.
''We're late and there's nothing to do about it now other than board the train'' Erza proclaimed, grip on her small wagon tightening as she started pulling it towards their train that gave a whistle, obviously ready to depart in a few minutes.
''Cursed vehicle'' Natsu muttered, his own grip on the backpack he carried tightening.
''You said something?'' Lucy blinked up at him. Natsu gave her some sort of half-shrug with one shoulder. ''Not a thing''
Natsu watched as team Erza took their seats in the empty compartment they found in the train and the pinkhead found himself standing in the entrance of the compartment awkwardly unsure if he should take the empty seat beside Erza or continue walking and find another compartment to sit in.
His quiet dilemma was answered by Erza who gave him a strange look and voiced her thoughts. ''Why are you standing there? Come on in already and close the door''
Natsu blinked and stepped inside, sitting beside scarlet-haired wizard. ''You need to relax a bit'' Lucy laughed good-naturedly, watching as Natsu sat in his seat looking like he swallowed an eel. ''We are going on a vacation, not a mission''
Natsu turned to look at her as he lowered his hood and set the backpack on his lap but didn't move to make himself any more comfortable.
''I am relaxed'' the pinkhead informed the blonde who gave him a skeptical look that clearly said 'Oh, really?'
''As relaxed as I can be'' he supplied and the wheels of the train squealed and started rolling, another whistle warning people outside the train was moving. Lucy gave him a sympathetic face when his face turned green though she quickly hid her own at the glare he gave her before he gasped and took hold of his stomach, resting his forehead on the cool glass beside him.
''It's really bad, that motion sickness of yours, isn't it?'' Erza asked the dragon slayer who managed to send her a dry look. ''What gave it away?''
''Green face'' Gray said matter of factly, a not so manly yelp escaping his lips when Lucy's elbow buried in his ribs. They were surprised however to see Natsu's lips twitch up for a second before he stood up and rushed to the window, his stomach unable to take the movement anymore and the dragon slayer threw up what was most likely his breakfast.
Happy scrunched his nose in disgust and looked at the fish in his paws before putting the half-eaten meal back in its bundle.
Carla smirked at him at the blue feline rolled his eyes as Natsu took back his seat, not looking or feeling any better.
The train ride lasted three horrible hours trough which the group talked or in Natsu's case listened trying to hold his stomach in place. A torture the pink-head swore he will never endure as beads of sweat rolled down his back. When the train stopped on their destination team Erza was left wondering whatever the dragon slayer disappeared using Chaotic void or he ran out of the train at that speed.
''Never again'' Natsu proclaimed when they found him standing outside, his naturally pale skin without the green tint to it anymore.
''You say that every time'' Wendy reminded the dragon slayer with a grin. Natsu shrugged. ''And I avoid the train to the best of my abilities but I couldn't just use the spell to get here. I was never here before and you would miss my charming company''
Despite the blank face and toneless voice, the group was left gawking while the dragon slayer started walking down the road.
''He just made a joke'' Gray pointed a shaky finger as he whispered-shouted.
''The end of the world looms over us'' Happy nodded his head sagely.
The hotel obviously deserved its five stars. The marble floors and stone columns along with red velvety carpet and soft elegant sofas in the corner were a sight to behold and the giant crystal chandelier in the middle was only another reason to stop and gawk at the entrance.
''...Shiny'' Natsu remarked, face as blank as always. He was not one to like all the unnecessary kitsch and this was certainly over the top. Seriously, even Palace of Dovah was not this... shiny. He couldn't think of a better world.
Reception at the end of the entrance was just as decorated and classy and people inside all dressed in expensive suits and dresses left the group somewhat self-conscious. Most of the group, anyway – Natsu couldn't care less. Though it was amusing to see Gray go red when Lucy pointed out he missed his shirt again, probably left it on his way to the hotel.
''How many rooms do we have, anyway?'' Gray peered over Lucy's shoulder as the blonde greeted the female receptionist with a smile and handed their tickets.
''Two'' Lucy answered. ''One with two separate beds and one with king-size bed''
''That sounds a bed too short'' Happy flown up on the counter making the poor receptionist yelp in surprise at the talking and flying cat.
''Wendy, Erza and I will share the king-sized bed. It should be enough because judging by the size of this place king-size bed will be fit for three kings'' Lucy gave a laugh.
''Wait.. does that mean?'' Gray glanced at Natsu in bewilderment.
''You'll be sharing the room with Natsu'' Erza confirmed. Gray looked at Natsu in utter horror while Natsu simply shrugged and replied to his look ''Don't look at me like that – it's not like I'll drink your blood while you sleep''
''You're in good mood'' Wendy noticed, her eyes on her big brother and arms crossed.
Natsu didn't move to reply but his silence was an answer on its own.
''Here are our keys!'' Lucy held the keys in her hand proudly. ''Room 203-4 and 227-4''
''It's good that we're on the same floor'' Erza mused and the group moved to the elevators, excited to leave their stuff in the room and race to the beach.
Natsu walked next to Gray after girls entered their room, an agreement to meet at the entrance of the hotel achieved before they parted. Gray gave nervous look to the dragon slayer who rejected the old backpack on his shoulder.
''Have...'' Gray swallowed when Natsu's eyes turned to him though some confidence returned after Natsu raised his eyebrow at him in that typical manner he used to show he was listening. ''Have you ever been to a hotel like this?''
''You mean fancy or on the beach?'' Natsu questioned after a moment, entertained by the conversation for the time being.
''Either.. I guess.. but I meant fancy'' Gray replied, genuinely surprised the dragon slayer was willing to hold a conversation with him.
''I've slept in a cave near a beach for few weeks during my time with Father and I've seen plenty of places even more decorated than this place but I can't say I was in a hotel such as this before''
Gray hummed in agreement. ''Me neither''
''Your lack of clothing certainly supports that claim'' Natsu looked at the raven-haired mage who rolled his eyes at the pinkhead. ''I lost my shirt somewhere on the way here... I'll probably go look for it later''
''Do you always find the clothes you lose?''
''No'' Gray admitted sheepishly. ''More often not than yes actually''
Natsu almost sounded amused by this point ''So your biggest investment is in buying new clothing?''
''More or less'' Gray shrugged, stopping as the two faced the doors of their room and pulled the key he took from Lucy out of the pocket on his pants.
The room was, just like the rest of the place, little over the top with all gold and crystal and both boys readily agreed on it though neither voiced it. That being said the bed was incredibly comfortable as Gray deduced in the first minute they entered as he threw himself and his stuff on one of the beds.
''You don't mind sleeping next to the window?'' Gray lifted his head to look at the dragon prince who shook his head, sitting on the bed instead of throwing himself on it like his temporary roommate did, grey backpack put on the nightstand next to his head.
''No'' Natsu said as he looked at the view he got from his window. The beach was visible from the height they were on and while the view was quite nice the window also faced east. Seriously, who does that and doesn't even place some heavy curtains?
The beach was packed with people even though it was well past five by the time the six made it to the beach – the almost unbearably hot sun that still seared down on them probably had something to do with it.
Erza stretched her arms as she set her things on the white sand. A black bikini that covered her stretched against her as the men around her looked up, whispering soon once they saw the Fairy Tail insignia. ''I haven't been to a beach for years'' Erza dropped her arms with a happy sigh and turned to Lucy who set down her noticeably bigger beach-bag and blue towel, pink two-piece hugging her figure.
''I was at Hargeonwith Natsu relatively recently though we didn't really stop to take a swim'' Wendy smiled as she sat down on the sand, Carla and Happy walking beside her.
''Hargeon is primary a port so they don't really have a beach to use'' Natsu informed his sister as he walked to her side, dark blue sleeveless shirt and black trousers on him with his black muffler tied around his head. Lucy eyed the pinkhead subtly since he was probably wearing the least clothes she's seen him wear so far.
Gray was unsurprisingly missing anything but his light blue swimming trunks and the mage either didn't bother to carry a towel or lost it on his way to the beach. ''It's a shame we arrived here so late. It was obviously a pretty good day to be on the beach''
''You could've listened to me when I said we should take the earlier train'' Natsu spoke matter-of-factly.
''And depart at 6:30?'' Gray asked with raised eyebrow. ''No, thank you''
A sly grin spread over raven-haired ice mage who turned to the sea and started running. ''Last in the water buys dinner!''
Lucy and Wendy jumped to their feet with a startled look and raced in the water, Carla and Happy laughing as they spread their wings and flew to the water.
Erza and Natsu stood rotted to their spot, the former blinking owlishly while the letter merely raised an eyebrow, the childish behavior of his guildmates befuddling him.
Gray looked at them in betrayal, lower lips protruding in a pout and a glare on his face. Wendy crossed her arms, her feet ankle deep in the water ''Come on you two! Or do you want to split the bill?!''
''Ah... I don't mind paying'' Natsu replied with some hesitation, one hand scratching the black bandages warped tightly around his scaled arms leadingly. Wendy mock-glared at him. She knew quite well that those bandages won't come loose if he entered the water so he better get his ass moving. ''Natsu'' she called him with a serious face, trying hard not to laugh at the incredulous look Lucy and Gray sent her way.
When Natsu didn't move a sly look crossed her young face and the girl whipped her arms around, wind picking up beside her.
Natsu kept a straight face even though he knew what followed and by the time the wave three meters high splashed over him and drenched him completely his face was as impassive as ever but his eye twitched.
The people around them didn't sound quite pleased about getting wet either but that was a moot point because Erza also ended wet and you don't get Erza wet and go unpunished.
A glare that even Natsu was impressed with set in Erza's eyes as she rushed into the water, a sword appearing in her hands and Wendy gave a yelp and started running towards the open sea, once deep enough to swim using magic to propel herself further in the water.
Natsu appeared beside Erza in knee-length water and spoke ''I'll hold her, you attack''
Erza gave him a side-glance before she smirked and nodded, Natsu disappearing beneath the water as the void opened beneath him.
Lucy and Gray exchanged a nervous look. A pact between two devils was formed and it did not bode well for anyone.
It took Natsu only a second to reach the blue-haired girl and drag her laughing and screaming to the waiting Erza who threw herself on the task of tickling her mercilessly.
Wendy screamed through tears of mirth as the scarlet-haired mage moved to her bare feet but her brother held her in place. It took almost a full minute before the two dropped the laughing girl who fell in the water, gasping for breath and still laughing. ''You're awful!'' she exclaimed once she was capable of speaking.
Erza just sent her a smirk while Natsu shook his head, some water spraying around from his drenched hair and clothes. The shirt he still had on him was glued to his skin so with a sigh he pulled it over his head and twisted the fabric, the water dripping out. ''Seriously, Wendy''
Wendy stopped laughing, her eyes fixed on the new set of bandages wrapped around his stomach that she hasn't seen until now. The others also had their eyes fixed on Natsu but the reason was not the sudden addition to the bandages but the jagged and scarred skin that decorated his chest. No one really commented on it and the only recognition it got was a small gasp from Lucy before the blonde could stop herself.
As soon as he looked up the others averted their eyes and the group fell silent.
''Water fight!'' Happy decided unable to take the silence and splashed as much as he could at Lucy who glared at him and reached for his tail but the cat moved out of her range.
Happy moved backward until he slammed into Gray who pulled him under the water for a brief moment, laughing when Happy exited with a scowl. ''That was not fair!''
''You said water fight'' Gray replied with a sly grin as he formed his ice cannon with an incantation and a slam of his fists, the cannon sending a jet of water at Erza who moved out of the way and splashed as much as she could in Wendy's direction. Wendy grinned and slammed her fists into the water, her magic allowing her to make the biggest splash, this time drenching everyone along with herself.
She spat out a mouthful of salty water and grinned sheepishly while the other five glared at her. ''You're so on!'' Lucy laughed before she and Gray turned towards her as one and Wendy laughed again ''Hey! No team-up!''
''I say there is'' a cold hand grasped her shoulder and Wendy looked up to see Natsu's blank face, a small but barely visible smirk playing on his lips. The blunette grinned and turned to suddenly pale Lucy and Gray. ''No team-up?'' Lucy squeaked as the two dragon slayers moved towards them.
''Dragon slayers vs team Erza?'' Erza seemed amused at that. ''Very well!''
The people at the beach were left staring and gawking as the shore became a battle zone, ice walls rising and black tornados swirling.
By the time the group calmed down the beach was empty and the moon was high, sun long disappearing behind the horizon. It was a surprisingly pleasant day, Erza mused as she looked at the wizards gathered around her. The rest chatted happily among themselves while Natsu and herself stood beside but didn't speak – each for the reason of their own.
Erza reminded quiet because she wanted to observe for a moment while Natsu... was being Natsu. Though he was surprisingly friendly today. She could've sworn she saw him smirk at one point – a smirk larger than the usual twitch and unlike usually lacking the sinister twinge.
She found herself liking him more and comfortable in his presence for the first time in years.
''Where to now?'' Gray asked the group once the towels were gathered.
''I saw they have a casino so we could check it out. I've never been to one'' Lucy proposed. Wendy looked at her, a confused frown on her face ''They let people under eighteen in?''
Lucy looked at the girl and smiled brightly. ''They do but you won't be allowed to gamble''
Wendy blinked, pleasantly surprised and smiled happily. ''I'm in then!''
''Me too'' Gray agreed.
Erza nodded confidently ''Count me in. I was never of lucky hand in gamble but I'm always ready to give it a try''
The group looked at silent pinkhead pointedly. Natsu shrugged. ''If everyone is going I'll go as well''
Lucy grinned ''Great!''
Wendy sat on the giant bed, dressed in one of the few fancy dresses she possessed. Emerald green qipao dress reached her knees and black curves designed the bottom of it. Black sandals decorated her feet and her hair was tied in a bun at the top of her head. She was watching the other two girls, still running around the bathroom and getting ready for their late night trip.
Carla huffed beside her, clearly annoyed at Happy's whining who was bored out of his mind.
''Are they ready yet?'' Happy asked with a heavy sigh.
''By the looks of it.. No'' Wendy sighed. Spending so much time with Natsu certainly had quite a few advantages and getting ready in a minimal amount of time was one of them since Natsu didn't tolerate tardiness. And being late – let's not forget being late.
''Should we go see if Gray and Natsu are ready?'' Carla looked at Wendy who shrugged, they could but the blue-haired girl didn't really see the use of that other than make the time go faster but certainly not by much.
''No need for that'' Erza called. ''We're ready to go''
Erza stepped out of the bathroom, black empire dress hugged her body with heels that matched her hair on her feet. Lucy a step behind her, a long red bell-shaped dress that at the front went above her her knees and behind fell down to her ankles showing the white, dangerously high heels on her feet.
''Let's win us some money'' Lucy cheered. ''I need to pay my rent and there is no reason to not get enough money for it on a vacation''
''Be careful or you'll lose more than you get'' Happy told her with a cheesy grin.
Lucy rolled her eyes. ''I don't like to brag but I have a pretty good relationship with lady luck''
The knock on their doors stopped their talk and after Erza called whoever was at the door in, pink-haired teen opened them, revealing Gray and himself fully dressed and Wendy had to raise an eyebrow in wonder. This was probably the first time she saw Natsu in the suit. The high-quality fabric was black and looked like the suit itself was made by his measures and considering the amount of money she knew he had it probably was. The black jacket he wore over the rest of the fancy clothing was even ironed. Grey waistcoat covered dark red shirt and black necktie was masterfully tied around his neck and his black muffler was dropped over his shoulders. Gray was in a suit of his own but it only consisted of light blue shirt under the dark blue jacket.
''Gambling is not all about luck. Counting cards is also a very good way of getting some money'' Natsu spoke to the silent room, looking pointedly at Lucy who blushed slightly realizing he heard her last comment.
''You gamble?'' Erza looked at the dragon slayer in slight surprise, unable to imagine the stoic pinkhead over the green table playing poker. Though his blank face would probably drive the people he played with crazy.
Natsu nodded, almost reluctantly when attention turned to him. ''On some of the more quiet jobs that required getting to talk with high-class people. Whales can give you some very interesting information if you know how to ask''
''Whales?'' Gray asked in askance. 'What on earth are whales? I doubt he's talking about animals'
''A high roller, a player who wagers massive amounts of money''
Everyone turned to Wendy who blushed and ducked her head in her shoulders. ''What? I know some things too''
With that said the conversation carried on as the group made their way to the basement where the casino was, filled with people dressed in formal clothing and pretty waitresses carrying large trays with tall champagne glasses and the sparkling liquid inside. The room was massive and just like the rest of hotel dressed in gold, velvet, and silk.
''Makes you wonder how did Loke get enough money to get tickets for a full week in this place. They must've cost a fortune'' Gray snickered.
''No kidding'' Lucy smiled ''We'll really have to make it up to him''
''Let's check it out'' Gray was eager to start and the group split. Wendy and cats stayed on the side, knowing full well that they shouldn't venture too deep.
Erza sat at one of the tables for Blackjack just as the girl started dealing cards to the several already gathered players. A man in a suit with his fingers covered in golden rings looked at her over the rim of his sunglasses as Erza sat down and smirked but did not speak.
''100 yewls'' Erza said as she pushed the paper money to the girl who smiled pleasantly and handed the scarlet-haired beauty the chip.
''Careful'' the man beside her snarked. ''That's a lot of money'' he mocked.
''I like to play careful when it comes to the games mostly based on luck'' Erza said pleasantly, one eye on the man beside her, the other on the cards the girl put before her.
''I already told you that gambling is not all about luck''
Erza jumped at the familiar voice of the dragon slayer as Natsu took the empty seat on her other side.
''200'' he told the girl and gave her the money.
''You'll play?'' Erza sounded surprised.
Natsu shrugged his usual one-shoulder shrug. ''I'm am in the casino and there are some familiar faces I haven't seen in a while... right Walter?''
Erza rose her eyebrow in confusion as the man beside her tensed, looking at the newcomer carefully for the first time since he sat.
''... Souleater'' Walter tapped his ringed fingers on the table nervously before he gathered his chips and walked away hurriedly, leaving the rest of the players eyeing the teen worriedly. Natsu ignored them masterfully and signaled the girl to give him another card.
''You old enough to be here kid?'' wrinkled old man, tall and thin took Walter's place.
''Wizards are allowed in the casino when they turn 16'' Natsu spoke and took the chips he won.
''You're a wizard?'' the girl who was dealing the cards spoke for the first time. ''You registered?''
Natsu nodded. ''Both of us had'' he gestured to the still confused Erza. ''Registered where?'' she whispered to him after a moment.
Natsu raised an eyebrow at her. ''You have to register at the entry if you're a wizard. The security will keep better eye on you to keep you from using magic to win''
Erza gave a chuckle and split her hand. ''To how many casinos were you since you turned 16?''
Natsu actually seemed to think about it. ''Not much. Not many jobs related to it make it to the S-class rank so I don't bother doing them but I've been on.. maybe four or so''
''I've never seen them on mission board'' Erza commented.
Natsu's lip twitched up for a second. ''With a reason. Master keeps them with him and gives them only to me because the last time Gildarts took it he blew half of casino up in the air and lost more money than the bills he made for Makarov. That being said Mira's not all that good and Laxus couldn't put on a poker face in a card game if his life depended on it''
''And me?''
''You seem to rely too much on luck by the looks of it'' Natsu commented and Erza turned another card, smiling as she took several chips she had won.
''Good luck but luck nonetheless'' Natsu continued.
''True'' Erza laughed. ''What kind of jobs take you to casino anyway''
Natsu gave her a side glance and took the newly won chips. ''That would be unprofessional of me if I went around telling people of all the things I did''
Erza nodded in understanding and took another card.
''Why do you always wear black?'' Lucy wondered and eyed the pinkhead, the small mountain of chips on his side of the table making her wonder how much money he already won and more than a little bit jealous.
''Black is my lucky color'' Natsu replied and looked at his cards. Poker was not the game he played often – sticking to Blackjack – but if he had counted correctly (and he always did) he had pretty good odds.
The woman beside him grinned and put down her hand, showing the cards and making most of the players groan.
''Straight flush'' the woman grinned, twirling one finger around golden necklace on her neck. The queen-high straight flush in hearts was not something you see often. Natsu looked at his hand as other players put theirs down.
Not often but not unheard of. Natsu put down his hand ''Royal flush''
The woman's grin disappeared in an instant, jaw falling open as the best possible combination stared back at her.
''That's not possible!'' she shrieked after she got over her initial shock. Lucy looked just as shocked as everyone else around the table.
''Of course, it is'' Natsu responded mildly. ''The odds are one in 649 739 but it is possible''
The man who was dealing the cards stared stupidly in front of himself. He worked in this casino for almost ten years and this was the first time a straight flush hadn't won the game.
Wendy watched with wry amusement as Natsu walked to her and sat down on the sofa she, Happy and Carla have been occupying for the last several hours. She saw security walk to him while he played on one of the tables closer to her and while she was worried at first the worry quickly disappeared when he simply rose and nodded his head politely.
''What was that about?'' Carla asked curiously.
Natsu looked at her and almost looked amused for a second. ''They are not happy when people can count the cards. Apparently having good memory in any casino is forbidden''
''Any casino?'' Happy snickered. ''This happened to you before?''
''In every casino I've been so far'' Natsu said with a shake of his head. ''I wouldn't be surprised if they ban me from entering any casino in Fiore soon''
''That bad?'' Wendy asked dryly though clearly amused.
''Horrible'' Natsu spoke completely serious though the good mood from the morning obviously still made him capable to make some light jokes.
''How much did you won?'' Happy asked, his eyes moving to the briefcase now in pinkhead's possession.
''500 000 yewls '' Natsu said with a twitch of his lips before he stood up ''Now if you could keep an eye on it for me. I need to go and relieve myself''
Wendy smiled and nodded, taking the briefcase from him and putting it in her lap, her eyes on Natsu as he walked to the doors on the other side of the room. He never made it to the doors when the sound of a gunfire reached her ears and her eyes widened in horror as what was clearly a bullet went in Natsu's head, blood spraying the expensive carpet and the wizard collapsed bonelessly to the floor.
Wendy's eyes widened in horror as she screamed. The room was quickly thrown into chaos and the sudden blackout that followed was almost certain to cause a stampede. In the darkness of the room, filled with panicked screams and footsteps Wendy squeezed her eyes shut, sure she would soon be run over by a mob of people because the exit was practically right behind her.
The stampede never came and the lights blinked back to life leaving Wendy completely flabbergasted. All of the people that used to fill the space were gone, vanished. The sudden silence was deafening and her heart beating in her throat didn't help as her eyes frantically searched for Natsu's fallen form.
Her heart must've skipped a bit when she found him still lying in the same position, still and unmoving while the rest of the team stood around, no one noticed him from the looks of it since she was the only one with a clear look at him. She would've moved, ran, threw herself at him but she found herself unable to move, pink rope warped around her and Lucy who had her eyes wide in shock. Happy and Carla were tied beside her, both looking thoughtfully terrified as Happy struggled against the rope only to find it tightening. Gray lied on the floor not too far from the blonde and... was that Juvia on him?
'What is she doing here?'
Wendy searched for Erza who was standing in front of a small group of people, the scarlet-haired mage had her back turned to the blunette so she couldn't see her face but her back were tense and her fist clenched until knuckles turned white.
This was not good. And why is Natsu still lying down? That bullet didn't really hit him, did it? He'll stand up any second now
''W-what are you doing here?'' Erza choked out to the people in front of her and by the tone of her voice Wendy knew she knew them. She also knew Erza was close to tears. Definitely not good.
''Sorry sis'' the blond man cackled. ''But we're not here for you, though we wouldn't mind talking with you later''
'''Here for me?' Shô'' Erza repeated incredulously. ''What do you mean?! You're here for someone?!''
The blond named Shô shrugged, a card between his fingers and littered around the floor. Wendy blinked as she looked down at the cards that cowered the floor. At first, she thought it was thrown by the people that started panicking but now... She gave a horrified gasp when she realized the picture of a woman in the card was moving, banging the fists against an invisible wall that held her in the card.
Wendy looked around worriedly. There were several thousand cards on the floor, both real and magically made.
''Hey Erzy'' the woman holding them tied in the pink rope said jovially. ''Long time no see!''
''Milliana'' Erza almost sounded regretful. ''What are you doing here?'' she repeated after a moment.
''We're here for a guy who goes by the name Kira'' a man whose built was entirely too cubical to be normal replied and looked around. ''Though I can't say I see him''
''He said he had pink hair, right?'' Milliana wandered, unconsciously tightening the rope around Lucy and Wendy, the girls who groaned under increased pressure, feeling like their arms would pop right out of their socket. The man who stayed silent until now, larger and taller than the rest decided to speak ''Pink hair and lean built, always stoic – at least that's what he said''
''Pink hair?'' cubical man asked abruptly and looked at the taller dark-haired one suddenly looking nervous. ''Wasn't it red?''
''Salmon, actually'' Erza spoked and glared at the gathered people. ''You still didn't answer me! I thought you were dead and now you come here out of the blue looking for my friend and doing... this!'' Erza gestured to the cards on the floor. ''Simon, what happened?''
The tallest tensed and looked at Erza. ''Things have changed. I'm sorry Erza''
''No, don't apologize! Tell me what is going on!''
''We can't do that, sis'' Shô said shaking his head, the earing on his left ear jiggling. ''He wouldn't be happy and don't think he wouldn't know. He knows''
''Who knows what?'' Erza was getting increasingly frustrated. ''Make some sense while you talk!''
''We're here for Kira and that's all that matters'' Simon told Titania who only fumed. Light sparking her hand and sword materializing.
''Now about Kira...'' cubic man spoke reluctantly. Simon turned to him, eyebrow raised. ''Wally... what did you do?''
''You sure he has pink hair?''
''Duh'' Milliana rolled her eyes.
''I... I think I... kinda... you know... slightly... shot him'' Wally said with a nervous shrug, rolling his shoulders. Simon stared at him for a moment before he slammed his hand over his eyes. ''You're an idiot, bro'' Shô said dryly.
Wendy bit her lips and looked back at Natsu, unsure whatever she should cry out in relief when she saw his body missing. That meant he was okay... right?
Erza's face went from red to white and the rest of team Erza followed, Gray speaking after a moment ''You... killed our friend?''
He sounded like he didn't believe it. Didn't want to believe it and Wendy couldn't blame them. They did not see Natsu hit the ground and she had but she still didn't believe it. And judging by his missing form she had a good reason.
''Not quite. He did try though'' All of their heads snapped their right where Natsu sat on one of the many slot machines that filled the row. Wally's jaw fell open as he looked at Natsu like he was looking at a dead man walking.
Natsu's next sentence made them realize way. ''Shooting someone in the mouth is some serious bad mannerism'' It was above bizarre to see him spit out a bloody bullet out.
''You would've had better luck if you aimed for the eyes'' Natsu continued in the same nonchalant tone. ''You can't shot a dragon slayer in the mouth. How do you think a roar passes through and leaves me alive''
''I still think I would've died from something like that'' Wendy muttered and Carla had to agree. ''Any normal person would''
''Aye'' Happy whispered back.
Natsu stood up in a fluid motion making the offending party tense. ''Now, if you wouldn't mind and stand still while I pull the guts of your friend through his mouth'' he motioned to Wally who blanched, swallowing hard as Natsu's eyes slitted.
''Natsu...'' Erza gave a weak attempt to stop him doubting it would do much good. ''... You... you can't just kill him... He is – was my friend''
Wally glanced at Erza, his eyed hidden by the oval sunglasses he wore but he almost seemed hurt.
Natsu spared her a glance before rolling his shoulders and hopping down on the floor from the slot machine he stood on and quickly moving toward the cubic man. The suit was still perfectly positioned on him though not without a wrinkle.
''Simon'' Milliana said meekly. ''We should get going''
Simon looked at the shorter brown-haired girl and shook his head. ''It is our job to bring Kira to him. I will not fail him'' Erza missed the glance Simon sent her way but Natsu didn't.
''You should listen to your lady-friend'' Natsu said conversationally and Fairy tail mages tensed. They knew that tone and the fact his back was not tense and his posture relaxed made every bell in their head screaming in alarm. ''Kira is not my only moniker''
He was gone in a blink, appearing behind Wally and twisting his arm out of its socket in one movement. The cubic man collapsed to his knees with a gasp, one arm holding the other that dangled limply at his side. He didn't stay on his knees long as Natsu pushed his expensive and polished shoe in his back with the force that made Wally bounce of the floor before the dragon slayer shifted and stepped on him. Wally gasped, trying to catch the breath as the foot on him pushed his upper back, leaving his lungs empty.
''Get off of him, you git!'' Shô said, cards flashing in his hands as he threw them at the dragon slayer, precision and speed indicating those were no regular cards.
Natsu extended his hand and the cards bursted in black energy, ashes falling slowly to the ground a few moments later. ''Insults, really? How old are you? Three?''
''He's toying with us'' Simon whispered, biting his lip. He knew it before the man even moved. He warned them this would happen. But Simon was sure that between the four of them they would not have much trouble containing the pink-haired menace. They didn't have too much trouble with others and he took it as a good sign. Too soon, obviously.
''You thought I was serious?'' Natsu actually managed to make his voice sound genuine despite the dead look he gave the man whose jaw was clasped in iron.
''I hoped you were'' Simon admitted after a moment. Shô turned to glare at his fellow wizard. ''We're giving up. Bro, that's not cool''
''We are not giving up'' Simon stared Shô down, his eyes turning to Erza briefly and Natsu's eyes narrow. ''We are just making some adjustment to the plan''
Simon made sure to catch the eyes of his teammates and nodded. In a show of great teamwork, the three mages that were not pinned down – Wally was still underneath Natsu's foot, feeling his ribs crack even more as Natsu shifted his weight – leaped up. Milliana released Lucy, Wendy, and cats and slammed the pink rope at Natsu who caught it and pulled, removing the woman from her feet but even as she slammed on the floor before him the grin on her face told her the second of distraction was enough. His eyes moved to his front when Simon held Erza down for a precious moment before Shô slammed one of his card in her back and the Scarlet-haired mage disappeared.
''That was a wrong thing to do'' Natsu hissed and Simon's eyes widened. It was time to go.
''Darl moment!'' he practically screamed when Natsu moved towards him looking as frightening as a demon straight from the underworld.
The darkness warped the room once again as Simon fingered the teleportation lacrima in his pocket.
''Trying to hide in the dark from a demon?'' a slithery, double-layered voice whispered right in his ear made his skin crawl and he knew perfectly well the hand that sneaked around his throat would've snapped it if the lacrima didn't activate and his body became untouchable by the monster behind him.
The light returned to the room as soon as Simon was gone and it was clear the rest of his gang was gone. Natsu stood motionless in one place, hand still extended where Simon's neck used to be before he clenched it, almost cursing as he lowered it.
''They... they took her'' Wendy whispered staring where Erza's scent lingered but the scarlet-haired mage was nowhere in sight.
Natsu scowled fiercely at the floor. ''That they did''
''Shit'' Gray cursed. ''We have to save her!''
''Juvia agrees!'' Juvia added determinedly, drawing attention to herself. ''I know this is not a pressing matter but... why are you here?'' Happy peered at blue-haired woman curiously.
Juvia gave a shy smile, her eyes moving to Gray behind her long lashes. ''Ah... Juvia was just passing by''
'Yea, right' Lucy scoffed before she spoke. ''Right... You're willing to help us?''
Juvia nodded again, her eyes locking with Lucy's. ''Juvia wants to help. That's... the least Juvia can do''
The group of Fairy Tail mages gave her a long look but the woman wouldn't budge. ''Whoever's willing to help is a friend in my book'' Carla finally said, folding her arms and giving the ex-Phantom Lord mage a tentative smile.
''That's all nice and dandy but... how are we going to find her?'' Gray couldn't help but ask the obvious making the large part of the room stop in thought. They used teleportation lacrima. They knew the group had dragon slayers and they made her ability to track virtually useless. The silence that started dragging on in the room was surprisingly broken by Natsu.
''Ahem'' he gave a fake cough to draw their attention. When all of them looked at him he started. ''The teleportation lacrima is not traceable by scent to the dragon slayers but in the tunnels of Chaotic void I might be able to find her''
The room knew well what that meant and it was all Gray could do not to lose his lunch and dinner.
''What should we do?'' Lucy asked for instruction and Natsu turned to her, the situation reminding him of several recent things that happened to him. Not many people asked for his advice and in the relatively short amount of time, several already did.
He didn't wait to answer even as he dwelled on it further. ''Go to your rooms and change to something you can fight in. Hurry''
The group nodded and Natsu disappeared through the void. Probably going to his own room to change from the expansive suit. Gray started jogging to the elevator, girls soon behind her, Lucy and Wendy leading Juvia with them to their room. The speed at which Lucy took off her dress and heels was something she probably never could repeat and she almost crashed to the floor as she tried to pull the boots on her feet in standing position. Wendy pulled down her own dress with similar success, throwing a green dress and her black sandals before drawing black fingerless gloves on her hands, metal decorating the knuckles.
Juvia stood beside, making sure to stay out of the way while Lucy pulled on her own clothes, black skirt, and blue shirt on her in less than a minute.
The make-up left on their faces was smeared but the girls didn't care in the slightest. ''Are you ready?'' Wendy called to Lucy just as the blonde attached the whip and keys to her belt.
''Yes'' Lucy nodded, her face serious. ''Let's get out of here and meet with the boys''
Natsu's eyes searched carefully as he walked down the long corridor, doors of all shapes and sizes lined the wall. It was rather dangerous – to move through the tunnels without knowing where to go. He could stay here or between dimensions until the end of time if he chose the wrong doors and he had no idea which he should open.
Pink-haired teen glanced back at the group following him. Blank eyes stared back, neither of them aware where they were. He had one shot and he was not condemning them to a black hole. Natsu looked at the wall lined with doors and frowned. Passing by the dog-shaped doors and standing in front of black metal ones. He could feel the brief magic lingering from a lacrima, hopefully, the one he was looking for. Teleportation lacrima was a nice piece of work. Whoever made it used the pocket dimensions of Chaotic void knowing that no one would be able to track it that way. Well, almost no one – a dragon slayer with knowledge of the spell might.
Natsu twisted his fingers, hearing a satisfying pop before he warped his hand around the round knob of the doors. He frowned slightly. This was the first time he tried going to a place he never saw before – he knew he hadn't been through these because he would recognize them. 'Well, what's the worst that can happen?' Natsu mused, his fingers gripping the knob tighter. He wouldn't have a problem opening them if he was alone but getting Wendy in a private hell of any space-time traveler – because that was essentially what they were – was not a comforting thought. His eyes glanced at the group and he let a smirk pass his lips – they won't know they saw it after all. Well... he had to admit that despite his indifference to the rest of Fairy tail wizards behind him he wouldn't want them to get stuck between dimensions because of him. Natsu scrunched his nose and almost gagged. Gray, Lucy, and Erza called him 'their friend' one too many times.
Great, he was starting to care if they died a horrible death. Shaking his head Natsu turned to the doors before him and twisted the knob, the familiar ripping sound of displaced air as he opened the doors filled his ears and he looked at the sight before him.
End of chapter 19.
Rewritten
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