chapter 6 enjoy
After two hours, the new blood more or less has a basic understanding of the routine.
And to no surprise, Jellal has the most brutal punch for a rookie.
But there's a lot more to fighting than just hitting. First, you have to be able to take a hit.
The scars and bruises on Natsu's body are a testament to his MMA journey.
To keep the damage table balanced, the girls spar with each other, same for the guys.
To know, surprise Jellal has the meanest punch if the reluctance of his male counterparts is anything to go off of.
It's decided early on that Natsu would be his sparring partner going forward.
Before they knew the day's classes had come to an end, Gildarts pulled Natsu to the side.
"What is it?"
"Just found out your next opponent is Zancrow."
Natsu's entire body froze as if his widened eyes were anything to go off. This got the attention of his friends, who walked up wanting to know more.
"Damn it, I was hoping I wouldn't have to face him again," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
That's when he noticed Jellal, Erza, and Ultear having curious expressions.
"My next opponent is the Lion or Zancrow," he said with a sigh.
"Who is he?"
"One of the few MMA fighters I lost to" this got shocked looks from the three.
They looked up Natsu's fight record when they weren't in school. He has one of the best win/loss ratios. The look in their eyes told him to go in-depth.
"What makes Zancrow so difficult to fight is his bizarre ability to ignore the pain and minor injuries." He said with a sigh.
"Are you saying he has CIPA!" Ultear asks for questioning looks from the others.
"Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis," she informed, getting nods from everyone.
"No, when he's in Fight mode, he only registers the bell and the referee's voice."
"The only thing that comes to mind is Hyper Focus ADHD. Would that be accurate?" She asked once again.
"Better way of putting it than CIPA Ultear," he added.
"Zancrow will undoubtedly be your physically most difficult fight, Natsu," Mr. Clive informed.
"Without a doubt," he said with another sigh.
He walked back to the locker room, taking a quick shower to wash off the sweat before getting his street clothes off.
On the ride home, Ultear had to ask, "Is Zancrow as difficult as you say?"
"Yes, he is. No matter what I did, he always got back up coming at me harder than before."
"Has anyone ever beat him?"
"I only know of one. His name is Orga. He won by knockout."
"Have you ever fought Orga?"
"No, he got signed into big leagues after that match."
Natsu is having trouble keeping his focus on the drive home. Since Ultear MMA clothes left little to the imagination.
And her regular clothes clung to her body from all the sweat, and to make matters worse, she unknowingly sat in a way that highlighted her curves.
Thankfully the drive back wasn't terribly long. Before the two knew it, Natsu pulled into his place before walking Ultear to her home.
"So, how did I do Natsu tonight?"
"It's still early, but you have the dedication to keep going, that something a lot of new blood lacks. Before you ask, I can see it in your eyes, same for the others."
She gave him a quick kiss before heading inside, leaving Natsu all by himself.
It only took two minutes to reach home. Natsu greeted his cousin and aunt at the table.
"Natsu, Just in time for dinner."
"Sweet" he took his spot at the table to be greeted by a bowl of ramen. Then, he took a bite of the heavenly broth with chopsticks in hand.
After a few hours, they all called it a night. For whatever reason, Natsu struggled to go to bed.
"Damnit, Ultear" his hand reaches under his bed, pulling up a bottle of lotion and tissue papers.
Wendy is fast asleep and is none the wiser of Natsu's late-night activity, Grandeeney who the room is right underneath him, struggled to stifle her giggle.
"Wondering how long it would take for Ultear to do this to him" with one final yawn, she went to sleep.
The following morning Natsu couldn't shake his aunt's gaze, and it didn't take long to figure out why.
He did his best to fight off a blush at this realization. Thankfully his cousin is none the wiser to this exchange.
Fortunately, Natsu can ignore his aunt's gaze. He has other matters to deal with.
First and foremost is to prepare himself for his match with Zancrow.
The part that worries him the most isn't his fight with Zancrow. Instead, it's his family, friends, and most importantly, his girlfriend's reaction.
Specifically the damage they'll be dealing with each other. The last time the two fought, the bloodshed was so bad several attendees passed out or broke into tears from how much blood they spilled.
This line of thinking didn't go unnoticed. Natsu's aunt and cousin have curious and concerned about going off his expression.
"Natsu is something wrong?" his aunt asked.
With a sigh, "yesterday Mr. clive told me, my next opponent, in Zancrow."
A teacup slipped out of his aunt's hand only to shatter, hitting the tiled floor.
"You can't be serious!" Then they heard sniveling from Wendy.
She tries her best not to cry. But, unfortunately, their last match is still painful.
"Wendy, it's ok. I'm still here after all" he kneels down to bring her into a hug, hoping to calm the poor girl.
"I know I just...don't want you to get hurt like that again," she returned full force.
"I hate to say this, but I might not have that option."
"Do Igneel and the others know?" Grandeeney asked.
"You're the first beside Ultear to know. I'm just about to call them."
He left the room before they could have a chance to respond.
Standing on the front porch of their home, he pulled out his phone, calling his father. A few rings later, he picked up the phone.
"What is Natsu?" His father asked.
"Just got word my next match is against Zancrow."
Silence is all he got from his father for a few moments before hearing him gulp.
"Will you be able to handle him this time?"
"I think so, but that is not important right now."
"I assume you need me to watch over your friends when things get bloody?"
"Yes, we both know Zeref would get to focus on my well-being over making sure the others aren't emotionally scarred. That includes Mavis keeping him dialed in."
"I understand. I recommend you keep a few of your friends from attending the match."
"Agreed, I highly doubt Wendy will be there knowing it's Zancrow."
"If that's all, I'll talk to you later."
"Thanks, dad."
"Your welcome, son" he ended the phone call right there.
Natsu let out a massive sigh as his body visibly relaxed a great deal, it had been less than 24 hours, and Zancrow had this worked up already.
The following day he called everyone over to his house. With Zancrow as his opponent, he wanted to ensure everyone was on the same page.
Everyone showed up at his and Wendy's home by noon. The group comprises Erza, Ultear, Mira, Lisanna, Wendy, and Ur. For the guys, it's Laxus and Jellal.
"Why did you call us over Natsu?" Erza asked
"Because my next opponent is Zancrow!" A stray tear went down Wendy's cheek to get everyone's attention.
Natsu brings her into a jug calming his cousin down enough for the tears to stop.
"Zancrow is no ordinary opponent, the last time we fought, I lost. So I assume you know sooner or later blood is always drawn in a match?"
"Yes, but when does this have to do with Zancrow" Erza states having a bad feeling about this.
A quick look at the others tells her they're sharing her thoughts.
He retells the story he told Ultear the other day. All the girls shared Wendy's expression to his surprise, trying to hold off tears.
"I'm telling you this because I don't want you to attend for fear you might not like what you see!" The room became deftly quiet. No one spoke a word for a solid five minutes.
"I see. Thank you for warning Natsu," Erza said, being the most composed of the group.
"You're welcome, All of you!"
"As much as I enjoy this depressing mood, I'm hungry. So I say we go out to get something to eat!" Laxus declares, getting chuckles and nods of agreement from everyone.
Minus Ur, who stayed home with all the teens, agreed to go to the mall.
They ended up putting two tables together for all of them. But, again, there was no reluctance between Natsu and Ultear sitting together, unlike last time.
Unknown to them, a certain blonde from his past is watching the whole exchange from a distance.
A frown graces her face. Then, seeing the smile on Natsu's face, unable to take it anymore, she left without a sound.
Before they knew the day had come to a close, everyone headed home for the day.
The following day Natsu headed to the gym to increase his training regiment. If he wanted to win, he had to be prepared for anything.
Ultear joined him and tried and failed to keep up with her boyfriend. But that wasn't the point. It was moral support.
It's badly needed support since Zancrow won't make things easy for him. He learned that the hard way the first time they fought.
And with Jellal as a sparring partner, it wouldn't be too hard, especially since he asked him not to hold back at all.
This concerned him and Erza and Ultear greatly. Just as they were about to speak, Gildarts gave his two yins.
"Natsu's right. Zancrow won't go easy on him. In case Natsu didn't make the point, there's a reason he only loses through knockout!" Gildarts informed, backing up Natsu.
The three in question all took a noticeable gulp. Natsu's words from the other day finally started to sink in.
All they can do is watch the two boys trade blows. It didn't last long, with their faces starting to swell.
"Ok, that's enough for today," Natsu said
Before he knew it, Saturday arrived, meaning his fight against Zancrow was only hours away.
He sits in his room. Time felt like it slowed down from either anticipation or fear.
He couldn't figure out which one it was, but it was maddening to the young MMA fighter.
Then he heard a knock on his bedroom door.
"Come in!" The door opens, revealing Wendy with her mother right behind her.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Natsu?" Wendy asked.
"Yes, I'm sure, Wendy!"
"Do you have your stuff ready?" His aunt asked.
"Yes, no point in holding it off any longer." He got his backpack, following them downstairs.
"You two go on ahead. I have some things around the house that needs to be done."
"Ok"
"By mom!"
The two teens got into Natsu's car, heading off to the gym. The drive-over is silent.
As soon as they stepped through the gym door, they went their separate ways.
Natsu didn't notice his mind suffering from tunnel vision as his mind kept going over and over the outcome of his fight.
But Wendy sure noticed a good chunk of the attendance were kids from school.
She isn't surprised that Natsu is an MMA fighter spread through the school.
Now they're all here to see how good he is. But, of course, Wendy's mind immediately went to the outcome of their fight, no matter who wins.
She just hopes their classmates watching can stomach what they are going to see.
After finding a spot out of sight, Wendy pulls out her phone, texting her friends.
She lets out a sigh of relief, knowing the Strauss siblings decided to heed his warning and stay home.
Erza and Jellal are watching this fight. Their reasoning is simple. Sooner or later, as MMA students, it is only a matter of time they see a blood bath, so to speak.
With Natsu
After carefully making his way through the crowd of people, he didn't realize a good chunk went to his school.
He soon found himself in the locker room reserved for MMA fights during events like tonight.
He stripped down to his underwear, putting his MMA shorts on.
He headed to the smaller gym area with his gloves on to do his warm-up exercises.
Within half an hour, he's ready to go, now all he has to do is wait.
Not long, he saw a familiar head of wild blonde hair. It was Zancrow in the flesh.
He quickly hid out of sight of the man. Seeing him brought up their last fight and the ruthless beating he gave him. He cringes at the memory of that day.
Then he remembered his conversation with him afterward. Zancrow may be crazy in the ring, but outside he's a humble guy like him and his MMA buddies.
He, unfortunately, gives off this feeling of uneasiness. Natsu attributes this to his ability to take vast amounts of damage and walk it off like it's nothing.
Natsu checks the time. Their match starts in one hour. So he tracks down Mr. Clive. He really needs some words of advice right now.
He found the man with the other organizer Next to the Octagon. He looked to his side to see Natsu walking up to him by chance.
He steps away from the other to see what his friend and student needs.
"Something on your mind Natsu?"
"I could really use some words of advice or encouragement." He couldn't look him in the eyes.
"There's not much I can say other than be smart when the bell rings. Don't push yourself if you can't continue the match!" He said with a sigh.
"Thanks!" He said with a smile before heading back.
He has just under an hour before his match at the clock.
Getting down doing some push-up, he completely forgot to do his warm-up routine from all the stress he built up.
And the kicker Zancrow decided to join him. Of course, they talked about what they had been up to since they last fought.
"May the best man win!" Zancrow said, holding his fist out.
"Back at ya!" He bumps his fist against him, then the announcer calls from Zancrow to enter the arena.
A minute later, his name is called out. As he walks toward the Octagon, he hits why loud cheers.
Now he stands across from Zancrow with the announcer bringing the crowd up to speed.
The bump fist once more with the bell going off. Natsu takes the opportunity to do a lean in a pouch, hitting Zancrow across the face.
They trade blow for blow. It didn't take long for blood to be spilled.
While this is nothing for Zancrow to stay in fight mode, Natsu is another story.
If he wants to win, he'll have to fight through the pain. He silently thank Jellal for becoming his sparring partner.
Natsu does a lean-in punch hitting Zancrow across the face, only for the man to counter by nailing him across the face.
The force from the hits was enough to separate the two, holding their fist out, trying to circle the other.
Zancrow made the first move going in hard for Natsu's face, only for him counter pushing it to the side grazing his cheeks.
Natsu does a high kick only for Zancrow to bring his arm down, blocking his attack. Natsu follows this up, giving Zancrow a mean right hook.
As they continue trading lightning-fast punches, the students from Natsu school can only watch in horror from blood oozing from their wounds.
Most of the girls looked away, periodically looking back to see if the match would end soon. Some tried their best not to cry.
As for the guys, they too tried to not cry and were internally cringing how someone could take this much abuse and still keep going.
Then the bell went off, signaling the end of the first round.
The two fighters went to their respective corners letting their separate team clean away the blood, making sure they could continue.
The starting bell rang, the two tapped fist again before Natsu went in, giving Zancrow a mean left hook.
He tried to knee Zancrow in the face, only for the man to dodge and counter with an uppercut.
The two backed away from each other, staying light on their feet, circling each other again.
Match charged in throwing several punches in a quick session nailing a few hits. Only for Zancrow to duck out the way.
Natsu turns around to counter but fails with Zancrow getting a few hits.
Natsu managed to back away. Then, getting some distance, Natsu goes in again, throwing his left arm sideways.
Zancrow ducked underneath his punch only for Natsu to knee him hard in the face.
When Zancrow got his wits together, he had a large gash on the right side of his forehead, bleeding profusely.
Going off the crazed look in his eye, it didn't bother him in the slightest. Instead, Natsu had a frustrated look in his eyes.
He fist held at the ready, with Zancrow mirroring his stance. Then, like before, they circle each other.
This time Zancrow is the first to make the first move, going in hard and fast.
Natsu does a defensive kick only for Zancrow to block the attack.
But managed to back away, unfortunately right up against the Octagon cage wall.
Zancrow capitalized on this chance doing a lean punch only for Natsu to duck out of the way running to the far side at the last second.
Then the bell went off, signaling the end of the second round. They headed to their respective corner, getting checked on.
"Come on, Natsu, you can do this only one more round!" Gildarts said.
"I know" just then, the bell rang. He taps gloves with Zancrow one last time.
"Come On, Natsu, you can do this!" He chanted in his head one last time.
Wanting to end this fight quickly, he goes in for a liver shot only for Zancrow to catch his leg.
Knowing what he had in mind, Natsu instantly punched him across his face, freeing his leg.
He could tell Zancrow was nearing his limit by the slight wobble in his stance. But, unfortunately, he's not much better.
"Guess I shouldn't be surprised this is my most physically demanding fight."
He goes in one last time, giving Zancrow another left hook, he follows up with one of his own.
Both pouches hit their mark, the gash in Natsu's cheeks gets bigger. Likewise, the one on the side of Zancrow's head follows suit.
With all his might does another leg kick, fortunately knocking Zancrow on his feet, not taking any chances. He goes nailing him Square in the face before backing away.
The ref goes in to see the damage, Zancrow with the last of his strength, he taps the ground a few times.
The ref swings his hand, ending the match. Natsu walks over to his opponent, holding his hand out.
Zancrow takes it, getting pulled back on his feet. Natsu walks him back to the corner before going to him.
After a quick break getting some water into their systems, Natsu is announced the winner.
The two combatants noticed a large amount of blood covering the canvas.
"I wonder how many spectators were forced to look away?" Natsu said
"You're asking the wrong person!" This got a chuckle from the two. They gave each other a bro hug calling it a night.
Natsu now sits in the back area for fighters taking a small break, dealing with the pain of his injuries.
Then he heard footsteps, the first to enter the room. His father was followed up by his aunt and cousin.
"Congrats on winning the match, Natsu!" His father said.
"Same for as well," Grandeeny followed up.
Both Erza and Jellal end up with Ultear. Natsu is shocked to see his girlfriend here.
He thought she would skip tonight even after his warning.
"That match was something else than Natsu," Erza said.
"Same for me," Jellal added.
"You can say that again, and Jella being my sparring partner, help prepare me for Zancrow's punches," he said with a grin, getting chuckles from everyone.
By this time, Ultear sat down beside him with a smile.
"I didn't think you would show up tonight, Ultear?"
"At first, I wasn't going to. But, since I'm learning MMA, I realized I'm gonna have to deal with spilled blood sooner or later. That and I figured if you lost, you needed your spirits lifted.
Natsu put his arm around her waist, lightly pecking her lip with a smile. Unfortunately, the smile didn't last long, with pain from his injuries coming back.
"You ok, Natsu?"
"Yeah, just the pain from my injuries, they come and go" this got chuckles from everyone.
Just then, the nurse who's standing there quietly hands him a pill bottle.
"Here are some pain killers for you."
"Thanks" he pops two pills into his mouth. Now he has to wait for them to kick in.
They chatted away about how half an hour about Natsu's perception of the match and his next one in May.
"Well, the pain finally starting to fade. Ultear mind driving my car home for me?"
"No problem, Natsu" he carefully walked back to his car. Ultear took the driver's seat with Natsu in the passenger. Wendy rode home with her mother and Uncle.
The ride home was silent for the couple, too quiet for Natsu's taste. So when they finally got home, Natsu had to ask.
"Something on your mind?" he didn't get a response at first.
"Two things, will you be able to continue weight lifting?"
"It will be a little over a week before I can remove the stitches, and the second thing?"
"I assume you didn't notice, but there is a lot of students from our school attending tonight's match."
"I was afraid of that."
"Seeing your skills as a fighter or the damage you took in your match?"
"Both!"
Once they got out, Natsu Walked Ultear home, getting one final kiss before heading home.
He immediately went to his collapsed on his bed, going fast asleep.
that's it for this chapter
hope you enjoyed
and Credit to LordLuciferTheMaou for helping me out
I've been bouncing story ideas with him for a while now if I'm ever unsure about something
as always make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review