Got carried away and finished Ch. 4 early. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I do writing.
Natsu was returning to town around noon with good news of his successful mission. He proudly marched in with his chin held high and hands behind his head.
"So what now?" Happy asked curiously as he flew around nearby.
"What do you mean?" Natsu asked, opening one eye.
"I wonder what the others are doing." Happy perched on top of his head to take a rest.
"I doubt that they're even here. They probably went out on another mission like us."
Nearing the guild Happy heard Natsu's stomach growl and shook his head in disapproval.
"Natsu, you already ate the entire basket without sharing any of it…"
With a loud thud, a short figure in a torn hoodie turned a corner into Natsu, toppling over with him.
Another man turned the corner; he was quite plump with brown slacks and an apron covered in bright splotches of blood. Carrying a hatchet in one hand, he lifted the short hoodie by the collar, "Give back what you stole, you hoodlum!"
The hoodie fell back, allowing the sunlight to expose the young child, gritting his teeth and clutching the large balled fist. The boy's long blond hair just covered his eyes. His clothes were tattered and torn at the seams.
"Don't you know not to steal? You thief!"
Natsu sprung to his feet gripping one hand on the man's arm and used brute force to lower the child. The butcher flicked his gaze toward him to meet his fierce yellow eyes glowing with fury. He watched as Natsu's free hand stretched into his pocket.
Expecting Natsu to pull a weapon on him, "I'm so sorry! Please don't kill me!" he pleaded.
Natsu pulled out a small roll of bills and handed it over to the sobbing butcher, "Here, I'll handle this punk."
"Whoa,… thanks, I… - waaait, you're just letting him get away, aren't you!"
The butcher let out a wild swing with his burly fist that Natsu countered with a large kick to the jaw. He stumbled back crashing into the corner post and slid down onto the ground.
Bending over to look the frightened child in the eye, he extended a hand outward to him.
"Hand it over unless you want to end up like tubby over there." He threatened motioning to the unconscious man.
The boy immediately rushed into his pockets pulling out several beef links. Staring at the meat sitting in his hands, he held it out to Natsu.
"Where are your parents?" he asked shaking his head and pushing the food back towards the child.
"I… I… don't know…" The boy's lower lip began to quiver and he hung his head low wiping his face with his sleeve. Natsu knelt down to his height and brushed the hair from his glassy green eyes.
"I understand. My father left me when I was young too. I never knew my mother, but I've come far since then."
The boy's tears stopped and lifted his face.
"I'm a part of the greatest guild of wizards ever, Fairy Tail!" His toothy grin contagiously spread to the child.
The boy shook his head, "My… My name is Lino."
Natsu pointed to himself with one thumb, "I'm Natsu, if you ever need help or food, find me! I'll act as your big brother." The tears returned as the boy sobbed into his sleeves. "Hey, I'm sorry. Don't cry…"
"Alright," The boy wiped his tear-soaked face, "big brother."
Natsu chuckled slightly, "You're coming with me to the guild. Lots of people would love to care for you." The boy's smile grew ear to ear. "Hold on…" Natsu began looking into the air wildly, searching with one hand against the sun. "Where'd Happy go?"
Natsu barged straight through the front doors to Makarov Dreyar, the master of the Fairy Tale Guild. Although he is short in stature, his magical abilities are to be considered being a member of the Magic Council as well.
"Natsu, what seems to be the problem?" the elderly Makarov asked respectfully.
Natsu grinned widely, "I found a 'hoodlum' on the streets and he needs our help."
The boy concealed himself behind of him; frightened by the stories Natsu had told him of his 'master.'
"Come on out child." Makarov had not opened his eyes since they had entered the building.
Lino peered around Natsu's leg, "Y-y-yes, s-sir." He stepped to the side, presenting himself respectfully with a bow.
Makarov opened his eyes slightly, "Oh, the boy has manners. You could learn something from him Natsu."
"Wha! How did this turn on me?" Natsu raged.
"Calm down Natsu, don't burn down our new home." Makarov patted him on the head as his temper simmered down angrily. "You're in good hands now, child. You're welcome to stay here at the guild with us, but it does get quite hectic."
Lino smiled, "Like big brother is?"
Makarov chuckled, big brother, huh? "Yes, just like him."
Natsu scoffed, "I'm not hectic…"
Early the next morning, Natsu wandered the streets of Magnolia until he found himself at the peak of the Fairy Tail Guild building, looking over the entire city. Sitting on the railing of the highest point in town, he napped against the sturdy wooden post.
"There you are." a familiar voice rung in his sensitive ears.
He peeked at the stranger to see Erza. Springing up, he nearly folded over the railing if it weren't for her last minute snag on his shirt.
"God, you scared the hell out of me!" He panted, sinking down to the floor and wrapping his arms around his knees.
"I did?! You scared me!" she sat down next to him, crossing her legs and letting out a sigh.
She wasn't wearing her armor; rather, her white blouse, blue skirt with stockings, and black shoes. He was pleased to see his scarf still wrapped around Erza. The morning sun shone onto her face, exposing every detail of her dark eyes and facial structure. She was much more lady-like than the stories and rumors would have depicted.
"What're you looking at?" she interrupted his thoughts.
