Well, to begin with, let me just say, I've had a sudden bout of inspiration for this story and don't really know why…
What I can say, is that as I was writing, I just kept adding more and more and eventually, went past 10K+ words for the chapter, so, much like for WHBTS, I split it into two.
I just don't like having exceedingly long chapters; between 4-8K words is my sweet spot.
Any more than that and I'm always tempted to split them, as in a longer chapter, I sometimes find myself forgetting what happened earlier. This way, I can keep on top of everything and it makes proofreading easier.
I will also take this time quickly, to fill you in on a few things with me right now.
I'm on break now… well, technically finished, since I finished my degree, but I start my medicine degree next year. That being said, this brings a whole new slew of problems with it, so, I've set up a pat reon, where people can support me, so I don't end up needing to take a hiatus from writing.
There is an explanation in more detail on my profile and on my pat reon page, the link to which is on my profile page, but basically, I need some monetary assistance to be able to continue writing. I understand not everyone is well off, financially, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm also going through all my stories now and giving them an update so if you are waiting on a story of mine, which hasn't been updated recently, it will be soon.
That being said, next week may have fewer updates, since it will be a very busy week for me, including my graduation and trip to the hospital for possible surgery (hopefully not though).
However, I will try to write a few chapters in preparation for this, so I don't go a week without updating, as so far, since mid-late November, I've been fairly consistent at having a new chapter up, every three days or so, which is also helping me not burn out, like I did during my mid-year break, when I had a new chapter every day, which nearly destroyed me.
As for the harem poll, I find it interesting how it is going right now. The next two chapters will feature the current (well, current at the time of typing this), top two, which is also what helped me get my idea for the next chapter. I love character dynamics and the main feature of this chapter, is one of those characters, who can always stir things up, which should make things interesting if I do, do a harem. Remember, it could just be Natsu/Juvia, if that option gets enough votes.
That being said, I will come back to Juvia in more detail, in the chapter after next and slowly work my way back towards E.N.D. and all things related to him. Although, at this point, it is worth pointing out, that after next chapter, you will see I'm changing a few team dynamics as well (non-romantic dynamics), for a more interesting competition, between the characters involved.
As for the E.N.D. stuff though, quite frankly, there is no need for me to rush it. I'm toying with different discovery rates of E.N.D. through all my stories, with, A Demon's Rebirth, The Beginning of the E.N.D. and Wheel of Fortune, having him know everything from the start, A Third Chance having him learn things progressively over time, this story, which will include brief snippets of his life and lastly, A Jade Princess's Dragon, which is going to be a loooooooong time coming. Like really long…
Well, that's all for now, so enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 3 – Family and Friends
'*sigh*, another mission alone… well, at least this time, you joined me, Happy.' Sighed Natsu, hands behind his head, as he walked back to Fairy Tail, Happy walking next to him.
'Aye. Erza and Gray have been going on a lot of missions lately and they've been bringing Lucy along, but they never buy me any fish and destroy everything. Since you stopped destroying things, you have more money for fish.' Said Happy happily.
'Yeah, but this is a bit of a pain. I have to be really careful these days not to destroy things.' Continued Natsu unhappily.
'Well, you can think of it as good training to control your powers.' Suggested Happy.
'Hmm, yeah, that's better, I'm training to control my powers.' Said Natsu, perking up.
The two continued their walk in silence, before finally reaching the guild. Natsu entered and gave a small sniff, before frowning, after which, he walked up to the bar.
'Hey Mira, have you seen Erza, Lucy, or the stripper today?' Asked Natsu.
The white-haired barmaid stopped wiping down a mug and set it on the countertop, before answering the Dragon Slayer.
'Sorry Natsu, they took a job early this morning.' Said Mira, with a soft smile.
'Again? Aw man.' Said Natsu, before sitting himself down on a nearby stool and resting his head on the tabletop, left cheek to the table, so he could still see Mira.
'Any chance they'll be back soon?' Asked Natsu hopefully.
'Sorry Natsu, it was pretty far away, so they might be a day or two.' Answered Mira, causing the Dragon Slayer to sigh.
'Man, this sucks! First, I become a Wizard Saint so I have to stop destroying things, but now I'm usually alone on all my missions too.' Grumbled Natsu.
'Hey, what about me?' Piped in an indignant Happy, as he hopped onto the countertop next to Natsu's face.
'It isn't the same thing Happy, you're my partner and are supposed to be with me all the time.' Mumbled Natsu.
'Fine then, ask someone else to go with you on your next job.' Huffed Happy, turning his back on Natsu.
'Oh come on Happy, you know that coming with me means extra fish.' Said Natsu tiredly.
'Fish… I mean, some things are more important… I can't say it, nothing is more important than fish, but I'm not coming on the next job.' Said Happy unhappily.
'It isn't like there are a lot of people I can go on jobs with in this guild anyway… I might have been one of the most destructive, but pretty much everyone else is too.' Said Natsu tiredly.
'Well, Levy isn't.' Suggested Mira.
'Yeah, but I don't think our mission interests line up, Levy usually does translations and stuff.' Responded Natsu.
'Hmm… what about someone like Macao, or Wakaba?' Asked Mira, placing her right index finger under her chin in thought.
'They're more destructive than you think…' Muttered Natsu.
'You could always ask Laki. She isn't very destructive.' Continued Mira.
'I don't know… I kind of get this odd vibe from her…' Said Natsu, with a small frown.
'What about Max then?' Suggested Mira.
'He's busy, working on some new project or something.' Said Natsu tiredly.
'What about you Mira?' Suggested Happy, surprising both Natsu and Mira.
'Me?' Asked a surprised Mira.
'Hmm, that's not a bad idea, you're probably the least destructive person in this guild.' Said Natsu thoughtfully.
'But I don't have any magic.' Pointed out Mira.
'All the same, that means you won't cause any destruction, it's perfect.' Said Natsu.
'I don't know Natsu, what about the guild?' Asked Mira hesitantly.
'Ho, go ahead my dear, I can manage for a day.' Said Makarov, as he dropped down on the stool next to Natsu.
'Are you sure about this Master?' Asked Mira uncertainly.
'Of course! It would be good for you to go out and get some fresh air for once. Here, I even took the liberty of picking out a job for you. Nice and simple, an item search. Normally this would be something for Cana, but she is already off on a fortune telling job and with Natsu's nose, it shouldn't be a problem.' Said Makarov pleasantly.
'Please Mira, these jobs with no company and no destruction are boring me like crazy.' Pleaded Natsu.
'Natsu, if you are crazy, how can you be bored? Hey, I'm company!' Lectured Happy, before becoming indignant towards the end.
'Are you sure Natsu? I'd only be holding you back from doing things quicker.' Said Mira hesitantly.
'None of my friends ever hold me back Mira, you all push me to get stronger.' Said Natsu firmly, as he stood up and gave Mira a very serious look.
'See my dear, go, a day won't destroy the guild.' Said Makarov.
'Okay, but just this once.' Said Mira reluctantly.
'Awesome, let's go then.' Said an excited Natsu, as he picked Mira up over the bar, plopped her beside him and then dragged her out of the guild.
'Happy, they forgot the job request, could you please take it to them?' Requested Makarov.
'Okay, but I want a fish.' Said Happy, before taking the request and following after the duo.
"I wonder if this will help. It seems Natsu's promotion has lit a fire under Erza and Gray, but it seems to be taking its toll on Natsu… with any luck, this mission may benefit Natsu greatly. Hopefully, Natsu can help Mira finally move on as well." Thought Makarov tiredly.
-line break-
'Natsu, I know you're excited, but we are forgetting something.' Said an amused Mira, as Natsu continued to drag her.
'What's that?' Asked Natsu, as he paused in his jog, to look at Mira.
'The job request of course.' Said Mira, with a smile.
'Oh… whoops.' Said Natsu, with a chuckle.
'I'll give you the request if you get me a fish.' Said a flying Happy, as he finally caught up to the duo.
'Alright, I'll give you a fish.' Agreed Natsu.
'Okay then, bring me back something tasty. Master owes me one as well and I'm cashing in.' Said Happy happily, as he dropped the request in front of Natsu, who caught it, before flying back to the guild.
'Wow, is he really not coming?' Questioned Natsu in disbelief.
'Well Natsu, you should be nicer to your son after all.' Teased Mira, giving a small giggle.
'More like the bottomless pit of fish devouring fury.' Retorted Natsu, before turning around and walking off, with Mira by his side.
Luckily for Natsu, the job was just in the next town over, so they didn't need to take a train, as it would only take under an hour to walk, which, given train waiting times, was actually quicker.
'Hey, Mira… I know it has been a while since we talked about this, but are you ever going to try and be an active mage again anytime soon?' Asked Natsu quietly.
'What do you mean Natsu? I can't be a mage if I don't have any magic.' Replied Mira, with a smile, closing her eyes as she did so.
'Mira… I am a Dragon Slayer… I can practically smell the magic inside you.' Said Natsu slowly.
'Well, you must be wrong.' Said Mira amicably.
'Mira…' Said Natsu softly, before cutting the conversation short.
The walk was nearly oppressive from that point on for Natsu and made for a very awkward fifteen minutes, before Natsu spoke up again.
'Mira… she wouldn't want you to be like this.' Said Natsu quietly, causing Mira to stiffen slightly, before relaxing.
'Mira…' Said Natsu again, once Mira didn't respond.
Natsu sighed, before allowing their walk to continue in silence. After a few more painful minutes of silent walking, Mira spoke up.
'It hurts… Natsu.' Said Mira softly, but Natsu easily heard it.
'Mira… I know it was hard on you… on both of us… but she wouldn't want you to dwell on it. She always wanted us to be happy after all, especially you and Elfman.' Said Natsu.
'She always wanted you and Happy to be friendly as well.' Agreed Mira fondly.
'I know, that's why I'll buy Happy two fish, because… one of the last things she said to me, was that as the father, I'm supposed to look out for my family. If Happy is our son, that makes you the aunt, you know.' Said Natsu, with a small chuckle.
Mira didn't reply instantly, making Natsu a little apprehensive, before she finally spoke.
'It just hurts… even after all this time, it still hurts… why does it still hurt, Natsu?' Asked Mira shakily.
'It hurts because of how much we cared for her. As long as it still hurts… we won't forget her.' Said Natsu sadly, getting Mira to look at him.
'Natsu… you mean you as well…' Said Mira sadly.
'Yeah, I haven't really moved on yet either, but I have to do something, you know? If there is one thing she helped me understand, it is; that as long as I have my friends, things won't be that bad.' Said Natsu sadly, which caused Mira to realise something.
'Natsu, you know Lucy, Erza and Gray are still your friends, right?' Asked Mira in surprise.
'Maybe… I think so. I'm not sure why they're avoiding me though. I mean, is it because I'm a Wizard Saint now? Don't they like it? I didn't upset them in any way, did I?' Asked Natsu uncertainly.
'Natsu, they aren't upset with you.' Said Mira softly, before Natsu said something that surprised her.
'I haven't seen them in five days.' Revealed Natsu.
Mira gave a small frown at this and moved closer to Natsu.
'Natsu, you know Gray and Erza, they're both really competitive. I'm sure that you becoming a Wizard Saint just surprised them and they want to get stronger to catch up with you.' Suggested Mira.
'But… it is like they are ignoring me. I mean, I don't even see them anymore. I've seen Mystogan more times these past few days than them, and he barely shows up at all.' Confessed Natsu.
Mira grasped Natsu hand, causing him to look down.
'Natsu, no matter what, you know the guild is your family.' Said Mira sternly.
'I know, but aren't friends supposed to stick together or something?' Asked Natsu morosely.
'Well, just like you and Happy, sometimes friends have problems that they need to work through. For what it's worth, I see you every day and I'm your friend, aren't I?' Asked Mira, as she squeezed Natsu's hand lightly.
'…Yeah, you're right Mira.' Said Natsu, with a small smile.
'Now then, let's go find the client, since we are finally here.' Said Mira, as she let go of Natsu's hand and gestured to the sign, indicating they had reached the town their job was in.
-line break-
It was a few hours later, that Juvia was hiding around a tree, looking into the partially rebuilt guild, trying to spot Natsu. Juvia could clearly see Happy, munching away on a massive salmon, but couldn't see the Dragon Slayer anywhere.
'Master, where's Mira?' Whined Wakaba unhappily.
'Mira went on a job, with Natsu.' Said Makarov, getting a few people to spit out their drinks, Cana included, who seemed to be making a habit of it recently.
'What? Seriously?' Spluttered Cana in shock.
'Yes, I even picked the job out, a simple item retrieval. I would have left it for you, Cana, but you were already off on a job.' Explained Makarov.
'That's fine, I'm thinking of taking a break for a few days now anyway, but Mira, on a mission… is that a good idea?' Asked Cana worriedly.
'Have some faith.' Said Makarov.
'I do… but I don't think she does.' Muttered Cana, with a frown.
'Why'd she go on a job with Natsu anyway?' Asked Wakaba.
'Because Natsu can't seem to get anyone from his team to go with him, since they are going off on jobs on their own, without him… and causing so much damage.' Said Makarov, before tearing up at the end.
"Natsu is lonely… like Juvia was." Realised Juvia.
'Anyway, I need to go take a quick leak, Happy, watch the bar for a minute and I'll give you another fish.' Said Makarov.
'Aye sir!' Cheered Happy in excitement.
Juvia stealthily made her way around the guild, until she could see Makarov disappear into a room. Turning her body into water, she seeped into the building until she was just a little away from the door, hiding behind a support pillar.
When Makarov came out, he didn't go back downstairs immediately, which made Juvia realise, he had probably noticed her. Hesitantly, Juvia walked closer to Makarov, before clearing her throat softly.
'Hmm, hello young lady, what are you doing here?' Asked Makarov.
'Juvia… Juvia would like to join Fairy Tail.' Said Juvia nervously, shifting to the side, wondering if she would be denied.
'Hmm, is there any particular reason why?' Asked Makarov curiously.
'Natsu is lonely and Juvia knows how it feels to be lonely… Juvia doesn't want Natsu to be lonely, when he made Juvia happy for once in her life.' Confessed Juvia.
'Okay then.' Said Makarov with a grin, surprising Juvia.
'Eh, just like that?' Asked Juvia taken aback.
'Hoho, Fairy Tail would never refuse someone, especially someone with such a noble reason.' Said Makarov.
"Or someone with such assets, hoho Natsu sure is lucky." Thought Makarov perversely.
'Come now, we can get you your mark in a moment.' Said Makarov, before walking downstairs to see chaos.
Beer everywhere, barrels, mugs, smashed tables. It looked like a bomb had been dropped in the brief time he had left the place.
'What happened?' Asked Makarov, as his jaw dropped to the floor.
Makarov looked around the guild, before spotting a blue furred creature, with a distended stomach.
'So… much… fish.' Drooled Happy.
-line break-
'How does someone lose a necklace months ago and then, suddenly decide to ask for someone to find it for them?' Asked Natsu, with a hint of exasperation.
'Well, Natsu, if you don't look for something immediately, it can be easily forgotten.' Said Mira, as the duo walked back to the guild, after their completed mission.
Natsu frowned a little and looked at Mira. Her words easily applied to her as well.
'So, in that case, if someone stops looking for something, would they ever be able to find it again?' Asked Natsu, with Mira not realising that the topic of conversation had just shifted.
'Hmm, well, I suppose someone else could find it for them. Like for our job today of course.' Answered Mira thoughtfully.
'What about if someone was searching for something, which another person didn't want found?' Asked Natsu curiously.
Mira stopped walking at this point, having realised where Natsu was going with this now.
'Natsu… why are you pushing this?' Asked Mira quietly.
'Mira… don't you think she would have wanted you to move on? I know I can't really talk, since I haven't fully moved on as well, but at least I'm still out there trying… trying to help keep the happiness that she brought to the guild alive.' Said Natsu, just as quiet, as he also stopped walking.
'Natsu, you don't understand. From the very beginning, my magic was always a curse. A curse that forced us all to leave our village. A curse that made everyone look at me with disgust. A curse… that took my little sister from me.' Said Mira, before tears started to roll down her cheeks.
Natsu fidgeted a little, clearly uncomfortable with his next course of action, which Mira noticed, when Natsu pulled her into a hug, but remained rather rigid.
'But Mira, that same magic brought you to Fairy Tail. That same magic gave you the ability to help others. That same magic… is the magic of your family. Even if she is gone… you still have the same magic and that ties you to them. It is a bond that will stay with you forever…' Said Natsu, his expression softening as he looked up.
Mira pulled her head out of his chest and noticed his forlorn gaze.
'Do you mean like with you and Igneel?' Asked Mira, stifling her tears for now.
'Yeah… even now, every time I use my magic, it is like he is still here with me, inside me, part of my magic.' Explained Natsu fondly.
'Well, well, look what we have here.' Said a mocking voice, which grabbed both Natsu and Mira's attention, causing them to break their embrace.
A dozen thugs or so, had made their way out of the tree line. A few were wearing black vests in a style similar to Natsu, while a few others had hooded jackets or simple singlets. Their lower clothing varied in a similar manner between shorts and baggy pants. All-in-all, they looked rather scruffy and not as intimidating, as they no doubt hoped they were.
Natsu merely starred back at the thugs unimpressed.
'What do you guys want?' Asked Natsu sourly.
'Well, you just happen to be trespassing on our turf and that's going to cost you.' Said the apparent leader of the thugs, who had also spoken earlier.
'Really? Do you guys even realise who I am?' Grumbled Natsu in annoyance.
'No, although, I certainly recognise Mirajane Strauss, one of the top models for Sorcerer Magazine. What do you say beautiful, how about joining my well-groomed friends and I for some fun?' Offered the sleazebag, currently causing Natsu to growl.
'Ara, I appreciate the offer, but I must get back and look after the guild, I'm sure you understand.' Said Mira, who unlike Natsu, was familiar with people like this.
'That's a shame, it is always a disappointment when the girls aren't willing. I don't enjoy the fight very much.' Said the thug, in faux sadness.
Mira's eyes closed, as her smile tightened.
'Ara, that doesn't sound very nice.' Said Mira, still in the same tone as always.
'Oh, believe me, it starts to sound nice after a while, although, I wonder what you would sound like.' Said the thug lecherously.
Unbeknownst to either party, Natsu's growling had intensified and wisps of steam were starting to softly float off his form. While the two verbal jousters didn't notice this though, the other thugs did.
'Um, boss, maybe we should just let them pass.' Said one of the thugs, who was getting a nagging feeling, that he should have recognised Natsu from somewhere.
'Wha? What're you talking about, I'm having a lively discussion with a beauty over here?' Questioned the lead thug in annoyance.
'Um, him.' Said the same thug, pointing at Natsu, causing the lead thug to turn to Natsu, who now had steam rolling off him in waves, with small embers forming around his mouth.
'Please, my magic can deal with a snarling puppy.' Scoffed the leader, before walking over to Mira, and getting very close to her face.
'Now, why don't you come with us quietly, so I don't have to rough up that pretty face of yours?' Suggested the thug, before feeling a strong hand grip his left arm tightly.
'Get away from Mira.' Growled Natsu.
'Oh, is that so?' Questioned the thug.
'You're damn right.' Growled Natsu.
'Why don't you make me?' Taunted the thug.
The next thing the thug knew, he was being hurled back towards his compatriots roughly, a small burn on his arm.
'Keh… that actually hurt a little. I was going to be nice about it, but now, we'll just have to beat pinky into the ground and then, we can take our sweet time with the girl.' Growled the lead thug.
Natsu growled at this, eyes beginning to flicker.
'Oh, don't like that? Well, too bad, we're all going to take turns with that whore over there and make you watch.' Mocked the thug, which pushed Natsu over the edge, as his eyes went completely white once again.
Natsu opened his mouth wide and launched blistering hot white flames at the group. Their cries of pain caused Mira to gasp in surprise, as they sounded to be in immense agony. Add to the fact, that Mira had never seen Natsu attack someone so viciously before, although, that being said, she hadn't ever seen Natsu fight seriously before, considering she only ever saw him fight during guild brawls. There was the one spar with Erza, which had been interrupted, but this seemed more akin to how Natsu fought with Laxus recently, only his opponents were nowhere near as strong as Laxus.
'Bastard!' Shouted the lead thug once again, having been able to create a wall of mud in front of him, which had nullified the fire aimed at him just in time, but still caused him to experience uncomfortable heats all around him.
Natsu suddenly charged forward and punched through the mud wall, causing it to crumble, while also nailing the thug in the face.
'Take this!' Shouted the thug, as spiked projections of earth shot out at Natsu.
Natsu swiftly dodged them, closing in on the thug, who was getting increasingly more nervous, the closer Natsu got to him. The thug blinked and Natsu was suddenly inside his guard, crouching down slightly, so he was at chest level with the thug. As he looked up, the thug felt as though he was looking at a demon, white eyes with fire and wisps of steam pouring out of his mouth. His moment of shock, turned into a wave of pain, as Natsu opened his maw wide and unleashed scalding flames at the thug, launching him back in agony.
As the thug lay there whining piteously, Natsu slowly walked towards him, carefully and methodically, avoiding all the other downed thugs, that hadn't been lucky enough to dodge his first roar.
Natsu neared the thug, who looked to be on the verge of passing out, but managed to look up at Natsu fearfully.
'W-what are you?' Asked the thug fearfully.
'End… yours.' Rasped Natsu, as fire burst around his fist.
The thug couldn't take anymore. Between the pain and fear he had already experienced at Natsu's hands, he promptly passed out. As Natsu prepared to end the life of the despicable human in front of him, he felt someone wrap their arms around him.
'Natsu, that's enough.' Whispered Mira, which caused Natsu to pause.
Natsu stepped back with Mira still holding onto him, causing him to stumble, before he leaned forward and retched a small wisp of white fire.
'I've got to stop making a habit of that.' Muttered Natsu, before passing out.
Mira slowly lowered Natsu to the ground, before tensing up, when she heard someone approach.
'Ah, how fortunate for me that things went even better than planned. I had been all prepared to fight Salamander, but now he has taken himself out of the equation for me.' Said a man, with a haughty undertone.
The man was reasonably well built and possessed long blonde hair, which cascaded down his back. He wore a white suit, with a yellow tie and possessed brown eyes.
'Who are you?' Asked Mira defensively.
'Ah, I'm the one who hired these unsavoury characters to retrieve you for me.' Declared the man, stepping over a body, as he approached Mira.
'You see, you are a rather hard person to track down in isolation, what with you being at your guild all the time; so imagine my surprise, when a perfect opportunity arrived; you, leaving the guild, with only one other person. A golden opportunity.' Said the man, stopping a few metres away from Mira and the downed Natsu.
'What do you want with me?' Asked Mira cautiously.
'Nothing sinister, I only want you, nothing more.' Said the man, with a charming smile.
'Well, I'm sorry, but I must refuse your offer.' Said Mira calmly.
'I see, I expected as much, so let me rephrase things.' Said the man, before pointing his right palm at Natsu.
'Come with me now, or I'll electrocute your little friend over there. Normally, I would stand no chance against the great Salamander, hence the unsavoury hired help, but in his state currently, even I could defeat him.' Said the man, as lighting started to dance around his fingertips.
'I won't let you.' Declared Mira adamantly.
'Ah, well, my dear, you can't stop me. Only by coming with me, will I spare your friend.' Said the blond, giving a malicious grin.
'Monster.' Spat Mira angrily.
'Monster? That boy who spews fire from his mouth and destroys everything around is a monster. A raging brute. Don't compare someone as refined as me, to a wild beast.' Scoffed the man.
Mira frowned, but didn't respond.
'Now, I won't repeat myself, come with me now, or your friend will suffer.' Declared the man, charging up a ball of electricity in his palm.
Mira's expression darkened at this.
'Don't you dare.' Growled Mira.
In the next instant, the ball of electricity had left the man's palm and slammed into Natsu's shoulder, sending him rolling away.
Mira growled at seeing the singe mark on Natsu's right shoulder.
'Oops, I missed. Next time, I'll aim for the head more accurately, and that will be the end of the Salamander.' Laughed the man.
'Don't touch him!' Shouted Mira, as she ran over to Natsu and put herself in between him and the man currently threatening him.
'*sigh* I thought something like this may happen, so I came prepared.' Said the man tiredly, before snapping his fingers, causing two men, clothed in black, ninja-like attire, which hid their faces, to drop down on either side of Mira.
'Please restrain Mirajane, and do be gentle about it.' Requested the man, to which the two ninja quickly appeared on either side of Mira, grabbed her arms between them and pulled her away from Natsu, despite her struggling.
'Natsu! Natsu wake up!' Shouted Mira worriedly, as the suit wearing man walked closer to Natsu.
Natsu didn't even stir and Mira's worry grew, when the man now had his hand aimed at Natsu, right over his head.
'Now, I highly doubt I will miss at this point, so I will ask again, will you come with me, Mira dear?' Requested the man.
'Fine, but leave Natsu alone.' Huffed Mira, causing the man to disperse his attack.
'Splendid, and don't worry my dear, we have our whole lives to get to know each other. Let me begin the learning process. Something you don't know about me.' Said the man with a smile, as he turned back to Natsu momentarily, before looking back to Mira.
'I'm a terrible liar at times.' Said the man, as he gathered his magic again.
'No wait! Stop!' Shouted Mira, struggling against her captors.
'Sorry Salamander, nothing personal, just business… although that business is personal, so, take it however you will.' Smirked the man.
"Natsu… Elfman… why am I so weak? Why can't I ever do anything right?" Thought Mira in dismay.
"I can practically smell the magic inside you… she wouldn't want you to be like this… as long as it still hurts… we won't forget her… as long as I have my friends, things won't be that bad… if someone stops looking for something, would they ever be able to find it again?"
Mira recalled Natsu's words as he came closer and closer to death.
"That same magic gave you the ability to help others."
"Big sis."
"Mira."
"Not again. Elfman and Phantom, Natsu now… and Lisanna then… not again, never again." Thought Mira fiercely.
Mira suddenly let out a loud wail, which caused the blond-haired man to pause in his attack. Looking towards his soon-to-be bride, he saw a purple aura wafting off her. A large magic circle appeared above her and blanketed the skies, turning them dark. Mira's wail intensified and started to become deeper in pitch.
"What's happening?" Thought the blond-haired man in shock, as Mira's hair started to rise and a crack started to spread across her face.
The two ninja either side of Mira, were blown away by the power Mira was releasing and slammed harshly into the trees around them all, knocking them out. Mira's clothing was also changing, becoming a dark, skimpy one-piece suit, revealing her arms and legs. Scales started to cover her arms and a large stocky tail burst from her back.
Once Mira had finished transforming, she gave a look which would have chilled many men to their bone.
'Tch, so you're just a freak like the rest of them.' Said the blond-haired man distastefully.
Mira's eyes narrowed.
'Never, insult my magic!' Roared Mira, before lunging at the man and punching him harshly in the chest, sending him flying.
The man flipped in mid-air, before landing on his feet.
'I see, since you're a freak as well, I'll just put you down first, then finish off Salamander.' Said the man nonplussed.
Mira growled at this.
'You've tested my patience too much today and I'm not going to play around with a worm.' Snarled Mira.
'Like you even stand a chance against me.' Laughed the man, with an arrogant smirk.
'Disappear! Evil Explosion!' Said Mira, as she held her hands together and a dark coloured sphere gathered on her palm.
The attack was launched so quickly, that there was no time to prepare a defense and the blond-haired man was enveloped by the attack and blasted back. Dozens of trees in the path of the attack were obliterated and among the rubble, was an unconscious man, wearing a badly torn suit. Mira looked at him in disdain for a minute and the demon within her, urged her to finish things, but one glance at the still downed Natsu, made her supress the urge.
Mira made her way over to Natsu and squatted down beside him. His vitals were all normal, which made Mira realise, he was only resting at this point.
'Natsu, wake up.' Said Mira firmly, grabbing his right shoulder, with her clawed hand and giving him a light shake.
It took a few more increasingly forceful shakes, before Natsu started to groan and began to move. As his eyes fluttered opened, he saw Mira's face in front of his, but it was different.
'Mira, you're using your magic!' Exclaimed Natsu, as he quickly sat up, almost hitting Mira in the head, if it wasn't for her quick reflexes, which allowed her to raise her own head swiftly, to avoid a collision.
'Well, like you said, this magic gave me the ability to help others, so it is about time I started using it again.' Said Mira, as she reverted back to her normal state.
'I knew you had it in you!' Cheered Natsu, with a grin, before sniffing something.
'Why do I smell so much ash?' Questioned Natsu, before standing up and looking around.
Mira watched, as Natsu slowly turned his head around. Surveying the battle site.
Natsu robotically turned his head back and looked at Mira.
'How am I going to explain… this?' Shouted Natsu, pointing to the destroyed tree line.
'Well, we do have someone to blame for all of this.' Said Mira, before walking over to the unconscious blond man who had caused this mess and gave him a swift kick in the ribs.
'Alright, let's just get back to the guild for now then… I'm sure someone will notice… this.' Said Natsu tiredly, only to hear the sound of rhythmic marching.
'Stop right there.' Said a bearded Rune Knight Commander, leading a platoon.
'Okay, now I know this looks bad, but I can actually explain this one.' Said Natsu, trying to placate the Rune Knights.
'Indeed you will, to the Council.' Said the Rune Knight, causing Natsu to sigh and Mira to giggle.
Hope you liked it, and just in case some of you are concerned/upset, I don't condone exploitation of people in any way. The fact is though, people like this exist and I want my stories to be real, not a flowery fantasy.
Also, let's not forget, Bora, who was using girls for human trafficking, so I'm not exactly off base, with there being people, who do stuff like this in the Fairy Tail world (the anime making this into him recruiting for models made me eye-roll… seriously, why drug and trick girls with magic, if you were recruiting them for modelling, don't insult our intelligence anime creators).
I don't tend to make a habit of darker themes in my stories, as they aren't that fun to write… but they do help with certain things sometimes… well, aside from when I directly write a darker themed story, but, out of all of them, I think only one of my Naruto stories can truly be considered a dark story.
On another note, you know the person who wanted to marry Mira? Well, that person's design was taken straight from another anime I write fanfiction for. If anyone can guess who it was, I'd be genuinely surprised, as they only wore the suit for a few episodes.