Thanks for the reviews, means a lot. Took one to heart and made this one longer. I hope I don't disappoint. ~ Lukillah


The three sprung to their feet rejuvenated and shadowed Mirajane into the main street where the devastation was occurring. The buildings lining the main road were set ablaze and some of them had already collapsed. The odor of sulfur and charcoal filled the air, burnt remains of homes scattered the road, and civilians frenzied back and forth.

"Which way did he go?" Gray questioned a man that was curled up in the fetal position.

The man simply pointed one finger down the road before cowering back down.

Erza led the group down the direction given to them, clutching the scarf in one hand. Natsu, what are you doing?

They finally came across the source of the destruction to find Gajeel and Natsu glaring at each other.

Gajeel confronted him, "Knock this shit off Salamander, I don't mind hurting you, but it'd hurt my reputation."

Natsu smirked at him, flipping him off with one hand and inviting him with the other, "Big talk."

Gajeel went into a frenzy and charged.

The two Dragon Slayers attacked in a flurry of black and red. They relentlessly struck at each other, landing heavy blows, using countless abilities. It seemed that it could go on forever until Natsu sent Gajeel soaring into the air. Gajeel recovered quickly and came down crashing into Natsu. The impact made a thick veil of dirt.

Erza and the others refrained from interjecting until the air cleared. Not a moment later, Natsu emerged from the fading veil strolling towards them. Behind of him, they could see Gajeel, bloody and beaten.

"And the iron dragon goes down…" Natsu mocked. "Who's next?" He again waved one hand inviting them.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Gray yelled. "Proving yourself?"

Natsu scoffed, "I already know I'm better than you."

"Oh please, you're not stronger than all three of us."

Natsu glared at them, eying out each of them before grinning again.

"Show me."

Erza broke in with a bitter tone, "Natsu, back down." Please, Natsu…

"Make me," he jeered, narrowing his eyes at her.

She unwound Natsu's scarf and handed it to Mirajane.

"Your promise, it means nothing…. Requip." Erza summoned her Fire Empress Armor and sword in a bright flash of light.

Natsu held his resenting glare at his friends, still staring back at him.

"Gray, Lucy, let's go!" they trailed shortly behind of Erza.

Natsu ducked below Erza's slash and immediately laid a punch into Gray, knocking the air out of him and followed with a heavy kick. Gray launched to the ground gasping for air. Lucy attempted to pull out her summoning keys but Natsu swiped them from her, shaking his head with a grin and tossed them down the street.

"Gray, Lucy!" Erza cried. This isn't looking good… I've got to strike now, while his back is to me.

Erza lunged over him, swinging downward, but was redirected by one of Natsu's hands and clasped at her throat by his other.

She squirmed and flailed under his grip before peeking into his face. Ruthless. His smile isn't evil, but joy. He enjoys fighting, even if it is his comrades.

Natsu's smile drops as he looks down to see his feet are frozen rock-solid to the floor. As he lifts his head, Erza puts all of her strength into a brutal stomp connecting with Natsu's face. He releases his hold on her throat as he drifts back, crashing into the floor.


"Are you sure there isn't anything wrong with him?!"

"I'm positive, there aren't any signs of puppeteer, or magical illusions. This is our Natsu."

"…"

Natsu awoke with a massive headache, and moaned as he rolled his head up. He found himself staring at the night sky, and all the sparks of fire glittering across it. Rolling over, he watched as the final embers were put out by the townspeople.

"I… lost…" He rubbed his aching jaw with his palm.

He sat up cringing from the numbness in his face.

"Natsu…" he heard Erza's voice. Not in the soft tone he grew to enjoy, but the scary Erza.

He looked up to find his friends surrounding him, but only Mirajane didn't hold the heinous, unsympathetic stare.

"Tell me…" she began. "Tell me that this wasn't your doing."

He wished he hadn't, but he remembered everything so clearly. Leaving the search for Happy, heading back to Magnolia, attacking Gajeel and the others… Everything… The pleasure it gave him to waste havoc on others. He disgusted himself.

He turned to find Levy crying on Gajeel's body, laid out beside him. Gajeel peeked one eye open to look at Natsu before rolling away and struggling to his feet.

"I… I can't." Natsu's head hung low in shame.

Everybody grimaced at his response but it was Erza's painful expression that burnt into his memory. The sorrow it brought him was unimaginably worse than being beaten to a pulp. In fact, he would have preferred that.

Erza turned away from him, refraining from making anymore eye contact, and walked off. The others stared at him resentfully shaking their heads. As they left, the dropped insults on him on the way out.

"Tsk… Natsu."

"Next time… Ugh, Salamander…"

"No better than a monster."

"He's just a filthy animal!"

He remained sulking in the dirt until the others had left. Surveying around him, he found his scarf heaped in the soot.


The next day, Makarov returned frenetic and agitated. He immediately set out to find Natsu.

"Natsu? That asshole? Yeah, I remember seeing him head upstairs to the roof." A new invitee told him.

"Thank you, but hold your tongue! He is still part of our family." Makarov chastised. He bowed slightly for his outburst and apologized. Makarov excused him and sought out Natsu.

"I know, master…" Natsu had heard him before he had passed through the door. He stood at the railing, his now usual spot, overlooking the blackened splotches covering the city. Each tore into his subconscious causing great pain. His scarf tightly gripped in his trembling fist.

Makarov hopped up, sitting himself comfortably on the railing next to Natsu.

"I've been meaning to ask why you aren't wearing your scarf."

"I loaned it to a friend, but it didn't help her…" Natsu said staring at the white pattern.

Makarov crossed his arms and nodded, "Erza's strong, but she's not unbreakable."

Natsu flinched, how did he know who I was talking about?

"She isn't a very forgiving person, you will need to make this up to her." Makarov continued.

"I promised to protect her and Fairy Tail… and I'm the one who hurt us. There isn't anything I could do."

"If you speak like that then there's no hope after all for you."

Natsu stared down at his scarf again, probably not; I'm just an animal… Natsu's teeth clenched and his hands trembled. Just an animal... acting on instincts… never about consequences… They're all right about me.

"I had gone to the Magic Council on urgent matters, there is a new guild forming that doesn't seem to be of friendly relationships. We have been asked to investigate; I am sending you, Erza, and Gray."

Makarov's announcement did not faze Natsu but he could see his discomfort.

"I already alerted the others and I want you three to leave tomorrow," he sighed, "but for today, it would be better if you patched up your friendships."

Natsu finally turned to him, "No punishment?"

"You're beating yourself up enough." Makarov replied.

I wish I were beat up instead… Natsu thought.

After his little talk with Makarov, Natsu left the guild to find his, hopefully not former, friends.


Setting out for Lucy's house, he hoped Gray and Erza were with her. On the way there, townsfolk jeered him, throwing rubbish and insults at him. He chose not to react and remained silent. Getting to Lucy's house, he knocked twice until Gray opened the door.

"Come to cheap shot me again?" Gray glared at him from behind the door.

"Drop it Gray," Natsu retaliated, "I wanted to say sorry."

"Cause that means a lot to us right now," Gray belittled in a sarcastic tone.

"Whatever, just let me talk to Lucy and Erza then!"

"They couldn't care less about your 'apology'!"

"MOVE GRAY!" Natsu's frustration was peaking as the two screamed at each other. Pedestrians were already beginning to surround the home, awaiting a fight. He could see Loke peer around Gray's shoulder with a curious but serious look.

"What are you gonna do? Attack Magnolia?"

Natsu's anger immediately dropped and was sent back into his sulk, staring at his hands.

"Just go away Natsu, I already know about our job." Gray slammed the door and returned to his friends upstairs.

"Ugh… Fine!" Natsu yelled before storming back down the road.

Natsu barged through the doors of the Guild's main entrance, followed by absolute silence as he trudged through the room. He sat down and rested his head on the edge of the bar. He could hear the gossip spreading around the room.

"That's him?"

"Yeah, the traitor."

"Why hasn't he been kicked out?"

Natsu was about to spin around angrily when he heard the bartender's soft voice.

"Natsu…" Mirajane was frowning at him.

He had to tell someone what was eating away at him slowly, burning hotter than the fire he consumes. "Mirajane… I'm sorry…" His words trembled as they fell out.

"Why'd you do it?" She spoke softly, only audible to him.

"I… don't… I don't know," he began, "it didn't feel like me… I think I need to leave Fairy Tail for awhile." His eyes fell to the floor as he could no longer look at her sad face and bare the guilt. Did I just say that?

"This will blow over, just wait until the storm settles," She ignored his comment and smiled softly at him. It was the first smile he'd seen since yesterday morning with Erza on the roof.

A small smile formed in the corner of his mouth remembering that moment, feeling Erza's soft hand and her warm embrace. She's s right, they're still my friends…

"You should be with your team right now." She sassed.

"Gray wouldn't let me see Lucy and Erza. They're all pissed at me."

"No excuses, Natsu. You've been through so much with them."

His mind skimmed through the battles, the missions, and the memories he's had with them. Each of them meant so much to him. So much to them. His mind focused on the night they were attacked by a Dark Guild, in which they had all fought so hard. Lying down beside Erza. He had never felt so exhausted; yet, he managed to carry her in his arms back to Magnolia. He could remember her sleeping peacefully, nestled in his scarf and chest.

Mirajane could see Natsu was blushing hard, staring at the bar table.

"I don't think Erza was with Lucy though…" She winked at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm saying, I could have sworn I saw her sitting in the park on my way here this morning. You should try to get through to her." Mirajane smiled and pet him on the head. "Don't give up Natsu."

Natsu rose from his seat, now determined, "Don't plan on it!"

She watched as he turned from his seat and was about to start walking out when he jerked to a stop. She was surprised when he turned back with a dark frown.

"Could you hold onto this for me?" He set his scarf down on the counter.

She stared at it in bewilderment before nodding. "It'll be here when you need it."


She sat with one leg over the other on a bench under the shade of a great oak tree. The wind whistled through her armor as it rustled the leaves above and her scarlet red hair flowed with the wind. Natsu had just arrived when she stood to leave.

"Erza!" he called confidently, but as soon as he received her cold stare he quickly regretted it. He braced for the beat down of his life, but Erza did not strike him. She turned away and began to leave.

"Please Erza," he spoke before thinking, "hear me out." She immediately twisted around to him.

"Why should I?" she snapped, "All you tell are lies."

"That wasn't me! Well, I mean…"

"Wasn't you?! I saw you, Natsu! You were striking down our friends and burning our home!" She half turned away from him, trying to hide her face.

"Erza, please…" he pleaded.

"You made me a promise…" She said softly.

"I know…"

A cool breeze blew past as a moment of silence pressed on.

"You lied to me." Her tone was stern and cold. She gave him the worst glare she possible could and began to depart once again.

Natsu watched helplessly as his mind spun out of control. Why won't they listen to me? I'm their friend… His sadness and loss of reasoning turned into frustration and anger. He had never been so irritated before, even Gray hadn't made him so upset. Ugh, my head hurts even more now! He clenched his fists and punched the great oak, splitting it down to the base. His knuckles went numb, but he could feel the small amount of blood running down onto his thumb and into his palm.

"Fine…" he said to himself quietly. "Fine Erza!" he called louder to her, getting her attention.

"Shut me out! I get it!" He lowered his fist to his side. "This will be our final mission together," he muttered under his breath. "I'll be there tomorrow!" he cried in a broken voice, turning away from her and stomped away. He never thought that his own words could break him down so heavily. Tears ran down his exasperated face but were turned into steam before they reached his mouth.

She stared dumbstruck at what had just happened. She was furious with Natsu; he left her betrayed and vulnerable; yet, she hid her desire to forgive him. She wanted to believe it wasn't him; she wanted to pretend that everything was fine, but she refused to feed herself lies. Despite his actions, and all of Fairy Tail's opinions she still held feelings for Natsu, though she still wasn't sure what they were exactly.


That night, Natsu was perched in his usual spot on the rooftop railing of the guild looking at the stigma of Fairy Tail on his right shoulder. He scoffed at himself in disgust. He recalled the event with Erza a few hours ago, feeling guilty for never really apologizing. No matter how infuriated he was he still felt that strange sensation around her. He wanted her acceptance more than ever and he had finally found the opportunity.

Down below at a lower floor balcony, Erza was leaning on the railing with her face in her arms. He was about to call out her name when he realized the situation.

Erza was crying. Worse than that, she was sobbing. This was Natsu's nightmare coming to life. He couldn't bear to see this woman crying.

"Erza…" He called as softly as he could.

She lifted her wet face from her arms and pulled her red locks from her face.

"I'm…" he began, expecting her to look up to him but halted when she spun around to the door.

He watched as Jellal came out onto the porch. He embraced Erza as she cried into his neck. Natsu was bewildered at the scene. They began talking out of range for Natsu to hear. Normally, he had spectacular senses, but his headache had been unyielding and implacable. He felt as if he was being tortured but he also felt the need to comfort Erza. I should be there, I need to tell her. He had finally made up his mind to go down to her and dragged himself down one floor. He trudged down the hall until he reached the porch. His eyes opened wide and his mouth gaped open.

Jellal had wrapped his arms around her lower back and she had returned the favor around his neck as they locked their lips. They pulled away gasping for air. They noticed that each other were blushing as she pulling away.

"Sorry," Jellal smiled, rubbing the back of his head.

"Jellal, look… I-" she noticed Natsu standing there in the corner of her eye. He was no longer staring at them but stood at an angle, hiding his face with his hair.

"Natsu," she blurted out, taking a step towards him but he moved away in sync with hers.

"Natsu, wait."

He stumbled backwards, throwing his hands in his pockets. Steam was seeping from his hands and from underneath his hair. It was as if he had to focus on every muscle in his body to move. He didn't tell his body to move, he dragged it to his bidding. He forced his way out of the guild and into the street.

Erza turned to go after him until she felt Jellal's gentle hand on hers. She tore herself free of his grip, staring at him coldly.

"What're you doing?"

"Stay with me…" he pleaded. She blushed at his answer, but quickly broke free, running after Natsu.

She wandered the streets for him that night, searching restlessly down every street and alley possible. She ended her pursuit at the same park she sat in hours ago. She went to the tree and traced the crevice from Natsu's fist. She heard a rustling in the trees above and was shocked to find a little blue cat staring back at her.

"Hiya Erza, what're you doing?" Happy exclaimed cheerfully.

"Looking for Natsu, have you seen him?" She asked with a desperate look on her face.

"Not since before I left for a little personal vacation. And that was a while ago… I only got back a few minutes ago."

"You've been gone all this time?"

"I'm sorry, I've just been so tired lately and Natsu wanted to train so often, I couldn't handle it!" Happy set his head down on one of the branches that he laid on.

"So you don't know?"

"Know what?" Happy popped his head up curiously.

Erza explained everything that happened except for the short argument in this park and the awkward moment at the guild just a little over an hour ago.

"I don't believe it," Happy dismissed.

Erza shook her head, "I don't want to, but he admitted everything."

"That doesn't sound like Natsu. He loves Fairy Tail and everyone in it!" He cheered. "They're our family!"

Erza smiled slightly at Happy until she remembered Natsu standing before her and Jellal.

"I've done something and… I think I hurt Natsu." She said faintly.

Happy cocked his head to one side, "How?"

She remained silent, indecisive on telling him.

"I… I just need help finding him. Can you help me?"

Happy could hear the discomfort in her words and nodded.

"Aye, ma'am." He sprung from the tree and flew into the sky.

She knelt down beside the tree awaiting Happy's return. She once again traced Natsu's fist imprint and found a wet substance. She pulled her finger into the light of the street lamp, looking closely at it. Is this blood?


The pinkette sprawled out on a fallen log clenching his eyes tightly. The image of Erza and Jellal was burned into his memory. He covered his eyes with one arm and calmed himself down. This isn't the end of the world, snap out of it! There wasn't anything going on between us anyways… nothing…

Happy descended down a few feet away from Natsu, lying down in the grass.

"Hey Natsu, are you alright?"

"Happy? I'm fine, just tired…"

Happy knew from the lack of words that this was the worse he's seen Natsu.

"Erza on your mind?" Happy asked quietly.

Natsu grunted, "Don't worry about it."

"Then what's wrong?"

Natsu's voice lowered, "Let's leave Fairy tail."

Happy gasped, "Leave home?"

"Just for a little while. Everybody hates me right now and need some space…" he said, "and so do I."

Happy set his head on the ground and remained silent.

"It's okay Happy, you can stay here if you want."

"But Natsu-"

"Plus, it'd be good if one of us stayed to protect our friends." Happy could see that he was smiling underneath his arm.

"Okay Natsu," Happy nodded. "Erza's been looking for you, she's at the park right now."

"Please," he pleaded, "don't tell her where I am."

Happy pulled his ears back, "Natsu…" He could see a tear run down the side of Natsu's face behind his arm. He simply nodded and flew off.


Erza was tugging on her gauntlet, unable to find something better to do when Happy dropped down beside her.

"Where's Natsu?" She questioned softly.

Happy laid out similar to earlier, "I… couldn't find him."

"I see…" she gazed off into the dark quiet streets. "Is he okay?"

Happy looked up at Erza, "huh?"

"He told you to not tell me, right?"

Happy lowered himself back down, "Yeah."

"How is he?"

"I can't say…"

"Is it that bad?" her face displayed an emotion that Happy had never seen with his own eyes.

"If you don't mind me asking, what is going on between you and Natsu?"

She blushed and turned away, "Well, I'm not really sure right now."

"You loveNatsu, don't you!?" Happy teased, now up on his paws.

Her blush darkened as the words she imagined came out of Happy's mouth.

"It's not like that!"

"It is!" he antagonized, laughing quietly to himself.

She turned to him sternly, "Look, Natsu's done some naive things before, but he's gone too far this time."

Happy went silent as the moment for laughter ended.

"So forgive him."

"What?"

"Forgive Natsu." Happy replied solemnly.

It was Erza's turn to become silent as she thought of his words.

"He's your friend-" he said softly. "-and you love him," he teased again.

Erza sighed and shook her head, "Happy."

Happy perked up, giggling at Erza. She blasted him into the air with one swift kick and ambled back to the Guild.