It had been a few days since Lucy had last seen Natsu. She was starting to get worried. Not that Natsu couldn't take care of himself, but it was just unusual for him to take off without saying anything for days. And the last time she had seen him, he wasn't in the best state of mind. She wondered where he was, and what he was doing.
As for what Lucy was doing, she was currently sitting in her apartment, with her celestial spirit Plue keeping her company. Lucy was sitting in a chair, watching Plue dance around, which amused her. It was getting dark out, so there was a soft lamp on to light the room. She figured she should look for something to read soon, to pass the time. She hadn't taken any jobs these past few days. She had never worked a solo job before, and wasn't sure it would go so well if she did. Besides, she was still waiting for Natsu to return. She was sure he would.
After sitting and passing the time with Plue for some time, she decided it was time for a book. "See you later Plue", she said. She used her silver key to unsummon him, and he vanished. She stretched a little and walked over to her bookcase. Just then, she heard something outside her room. She paused, listening for what it might be. After a moment there was another sound. Footsteps? Then she heard a thud against the wall, right outside her door. It couldn't be anyone she knew, since the few people from the guild who would come over here wouldn't bother using her door. Maybe it was a neighbor who had dropped something. Or maybe it was something worse?
She knew there probably wasn't anything to be afraid of. But sitting alone in her apartment like this, with everything dark and quiet… She reasoned that she had her keys, and could use them. She also grabbed her whip nearby. She walked over to the door. There was suddenly a loud pounding on it. She hesitated. She readied her whip and quickly pulled the door open. It was Natsu. He was leaning against the wall, looking tired or sick. For a moment Lucy stood there, surprised. "Natsu?", Lucy said. At hearing her voice, he quickly stood up, and appeared to regain composure. "Hey Lucy", he said casually but with less enthusiasm than usual.
"Natsu… Hi.", Lucy responded. She had been waiting for him to come back, but not right this minute, and not knocking on her door like this, which he never does. "Um… Come in."
"Sure.", he said. "But hold on." Natsu turned and looked behind him, as if he were expecting something. Lucy waited a moment, and looked past him to see what he was waiting for. Then she saw; a blue cat flying up the stairs. "I said wait for me Natsu!", Happy shouted. Happy landed beside Natsu. "I told you we didn't need to rush over here."
"Sorry, but you said we should go talk to Lucy real soon, so I hurried over."
Lucy stood there listening to this, unsure how to respond. "First of all, I think it'd be better if you both came inside, don't need the neighbors listening." She stepped aside to let them in, and they both walked into her apartment. Natsu sat down. "Secondly", Lucy continued, "where have you guys been? I was worried."
"I was looking for Natsu the past few days.", Happy explained.
"You two weren't together this whole time?" Lucy inquired.
"No. He took off a few days ago, and I didn't know where he went. I spent a few days looking for him, and only found him a little while ago."
"Sorry Happy. I didn't mean to abandon you. I just needed some time alone."
Happy shifted a little. "Yeah. Okay. I can understand that." He still looked a little hurt.
After a moment of awkward silence, Lucy spoke up. "So, Natsu... is there anything you want to talk about?"
Natsu shrugged. "Like what?"
"Well, I know you were pretty upset the other day. I mean, everyone was, obviously. Including me." Lucy caught herself rambling, and got to the point. "Anyway… Natsu, do you want to talk about Erza? I mean, ever since… ever since she died, we haven't really- "
"No." Natsu interrupted.
"No? But… I think we should- "
"I said no." Natsu didn't raise his voice, but he said it with a deep, angry growl that made it clear he didn't want to talk about that subject. Lucy blinked. "O – okay. We won't talk about that then." Another awkward silence, this one a little longer than the last. Lucy remembered that Natsu had had a similar reaction in the past when she had asked him about Lisanna.
Happy finally said something, to break the tension. "sooo, we're all going to the Harvest Festival tomorrow right? It'll probably be fun." Happy looked at them both expectantly.
"Well, yeah I'm going.", Lucy replied. "There's supposed to be a talent show, with a prize. I could use the money, for rent and stuff." Lucy and Happy both waited to see what Natsu would say. For a moment he said nothing. But then he looked up and grinned. "Yeah, sounds like fun! I'll be there. We all will." He sounded a little more like his old self. But to Lucy, Natsu's smile seemed a little forced. But maybe that was just her imagination.
At that moment, Natsu stood up. "Nice talking to you Lucy, but I'm gonna get going. Me and Happy are gonna go find something to eat, and then we'll burn some of it off with some training."
"I'm down for the eating, but I'll sit out the training.", Happy replied. Natsu just shrugged. "Your loss. Oh, and Lucy… If you see Gramps before I do, tell him I want to talk to him. I know there's some stuff to work out. I was going to see him tonight, but… It'll wait till tomorrow."
"Won't he be a little busy tomorrow?", Lucy asked.
"He's always busy. Besides, it won't take long."
"If you say so."
Without saying another word, Natsu headed for the door. He gave a quick backwards wave, and left. "I'll catch up to you in a minute Natsu.", Happy called. "Don't take too long.", Natsu called back, already halfway out the door. Happy turned towards Lucy, looking up at her.
"What is it Happy?", she asked. Happy looked uncertain, like he was unsure if he actually wanted to say something or not. "Lucy… I'm worried about Natsu."
"Why is that?" Lucy asked.
"He's… I don't know. Different. I mean, sometimes he'll be normal, but other times he seems off."
Lucy considered this for a moment. "He did seem a little different when he was in here. But someone close to him recently died. That would affect most people."
"We all cared about Erza, Lucy. Besides… this is different. I've seen Natsu angry, and even sad, but not like this. I'm worried." Happy seemed genuinely concerned about this. Lucy gave him a sympathetic, but reassuring look. "I'm sure he'll be fine. I think he just needs more time."
"I hope you're right.", Happy said quietly. He turned towards the door, and opened his wings. He turned and said, "See you later." He then flew off after Natsu. "See you both at the festival tomorrow!", Lucy called out.
Kardia Cathedral stood in the center of Magnolia. A large, ornate church, with long stained-glass windows. It was towering, and impressive to behold. It was also one of the important landmarks of Fiore. However, at the moment there was almost no one there. Almost. There were in fact two people inside at this time. The first was Laxus Dreyar, the grandson of Makarov Dreyar, and heir apparent to guildmaster of Fairy Tail. Or so he believed. Laxus appeared aomewhat thuggish, dressed in a big coat and wearing headphones with spikes attached. The second was a young woman known as Evergreen. True to her name, Evergreen was decked out in a green dress, and with ostentatious (some might say gaudy) fairy wings attached. Both of them had come here on this day for a specific reason.
Today was the day of the Harvest Festival. Many people had been looking forward to it. Laxus had as well, but for different reasons. For a while he had been making plans with his subordinates known as the Thunder Legion. And he had decided that today was the day to enact those plans. Evergreen, Freed and Bickslow would help Laxus make those plans happen. Bickslow and Freed were out preparing at the moment. Evergreen and Laxus were going to meet them at the Fairy Tail guildhall.
"Its finally here", said Laxus. "Soon that old man will give me what I deserve." Laxus smiled. "This has been a long time coming. This guild has gotten weak and pathetic. Remember when they came crying to me when Phantom Lord came after them? Time to shake things up with a leader who's got some real balls."
Evergreen coughed. "Anyway, I'm sure you'll be an improvement over "grandpa". But the timing of this could have been better. I mean, the guild recently had a funeral for Erza Scarlet…"
Laxus sneered at this. "Screw her. Her death just made this guild look even weaker. And the fact they've all been moping about it is sickening. Survival of the fittest. She just wasn't fit enough. Then again, a lot of these losers aren't fit enough for my Fairy Tail. Gonna have to do some spring cleaning when I take over."
Evergreen appeared slightly uncomfortable at some of his comments, but recovered quickly. "Well, I suppose this does make me the undisputed Fairy Queen now.", she said smugly.
"Yeah, sure. Just remember who the master is.", Laxus added.
"Of course.", she said.
"Now, its time to meet up with the others. Let's go pay Makarov a visit."
At the same time Laxus and Evergreen were getting ready, another scene was happening at the guildhall, not too far away. The talent show was about to start. Some people had decided to sit out the occasion, but there were still plenty in attendance. Makarov and Mirajane were discussing the Fantasia parade, which would be toned down this year, but was still planned to happen. The word had also gotten to them that Laxus was around today.
"He can be a pain in the ass, but he's still family. It would be nice if he showed up for this.", Makarov said. Mirajane nodded. "Yeah, that would be nice. So long as he doesn't make a scene, or cause problems."
Makarov considered this. "Do you think he would? I know he can be a brat, but under the circumstances, I think he'd show some restraint."
"Well, I- ", Mirajane began. But before she could continue, the front door loudly opened and someone marched in. Never one for subtlety, it was of course Natsu. All eyes turned towards him. Whether or not Natsu had intended to make himself the center of attention, he was. "Natsu.", Makarov stated.
"Hey Gramps.", Natsu replied.
The mages in attendance could sense that there was going to be a scene, and looked on to see how it would play out. Makarov, for his part, looked unamused. "'Hey Gramps'? Is that all you have to say?" Attention from the crowd kept shifting between Makarov and Natsu. Natsu looked around at those gathered, and then back to Makarov. "Look… Master. I have something to say, but… can we talk in private?"
Makarov was surprised by this. Normally, Natsu has no problem with saying whatever's on his mind regardless of who hears. Ordinarily Makarov would have refused and just had it out there. But he was somewhat disarmed by Natsu's unexpected request. "Very well. Let's step outside, and go for a little walk.", Makarov stated. He turned to Mirajane. "Watch over things while I'm gone, will you?", he requested.
"Sure. Should I start while you're out, or would you like me to wait?" She asked.
"Might as well start, I shouldn't be gone too long."
With that, Makarov headed for the door, and motioned for Natsu to follow him. They both left, and the guildhall gradually went back to normal.
Currently, Lucy Heartfilia was on the street leading to the guildhall, running. The reason she was running was because she was going to be late for the show. She had lost track of time, and was now rushing to get over there. "Damnit, this isn't good! I need that money!", she said, quickly passing people and buildings. Lucy was usually short on money, but this was especially true now since she hadn't done any quests lately. Normally Lucy would take her time and admire the sights on a nice day like this. Not today.
The guild wasn't far now. She would be there shortly. She turned a corner and saw the building. At that point she slowed down and allowed herself to catch her breath. "Alright, let's do this.", she said to herself. But, before she made it to the hall, she saw something out of the corner of her eye. She turned and looked. In a nearby alley, she saw Master Makarov and Natsu. Lucy was surprised by this, but then remembered that Natsu said he wanted to talk to the master. Still, Lucy expected the conversation to happen indoors, like normal. They didn't seem to have noticed her yet. She hid behind a corner nearby. She was torn by her desire to make it to the contest in time and make some money, and her curiosity over what the two of them were talking about. Against her better judgement, she decided to eavesdrop. She strained to listen to the conversation. It sounded like it had only just started.
Makarov and Natsu had just arrived in this relatively secluded spot. It wasn't completely private, but they decided it would have to do. Natsu stood there with his head down, arms folded. Makarov slowly paced back and forth, seemingly gathering his thoughts. "So, Natsu.", he began. "I haven't seen you at the guild recently. Not since the funeral of Erza Scarlet, may she rest in peace. And now you've returned. What do you have to say?"
A slow, cool wind blew through the air, causing Natsu's scarf to gently move with the breeze. After a moment Natsu looked Makarov in the eyes. "I didn't mean to upset anyone. Including you. I'm sorry if I made you angry." Makarov slowly nodded at hearing this. "But my feelings haven't changed.", Natsu continued. "You may have given up on Erza, but I haven't. I can save her. We can."
Makarov closed his eyes, and tried to retain his patience. "Natsu.", he began slowly. "Listen to me. Erza is dead. She's gone, and she's not coming back. It pains me to say that, but its true. You need to accept this."
Natsu quickly responded, raising his voice slightly. "No, I don't. She can be saved. There's magic that can save her. Powerful magic. She can be alive, and breathing, and talking, and standing right here, with us."
Makarov suddenly opened his eyes, his expression intense. His voice came out dark and deep. "Natsu… where did you here that from? Tell me."
Natsu looked aside slightly. "Someone told me about it recently. Told me some things, that most people wouldn't know."
"Who? Who told you?", Makarov demanded.
"That doesn't matter."
"The hell it doesn't! Natsu, you're talking about dark, forbidden magic. Do you have any idea what that means? I've known a few people who spoke of similar things in the past, and it never led anywhere good. I know that you can be reckless, sometimes even destructive, but I refuse to believe that you would ever make that mistake." For a moment, the two of them stood there in silence. The wind continued to blow. Even though the temperature hadn't changed, it suddenly seemed as If there was a chill in the air.
Before this conversation could go any farther, they suddenly heard a commotion in the distance. People shouting. One of the voices sounded a lot like Laxus. It sounded like it was coming from the guildhall. "This isn't over", Makarov said. The two of them put the talk on hold to go check on their guild.
Laxus and Evergreen arrived at the guildhall, meeting up with Freed and Bickslow as planned. They all stood before the entrance. Laxus just needed to give the word. "Alright, let's do this. I'm going to enjoy this.", Laxus said.
"Laxus, wait. There's something I need to tell you.", Freed said. "It can wait.", Laxus replied.
"But Laxus- ", Freed said.
"Did you set the runes?"
"Well, yes but- "
"Then stop talking and follow my lead." Laxus finished. Freed looked troubled, but kept silent. "Evergreen, get in there and do your job. We'll be right in.", Laxus commanded.
"On it.", said Evergreen. With that, she walked confidently into the hall. There weren't as many people in there as they had been expecting. But it would do. Mirajane was on stage singing, and not very well. Evergreen didn't waste any time. She swiftly made her way on stage, took off her glasses, and used her eye magic to turn Mirajane to stone. "Well, that shut her up", she said. She then quickly did the same to several other people before they could react. Suddenly Gray, who was nearby, said "Don't look at her eyes!" Unfortunately, he failed to heed his own advice, and was turned to stone as well after she gazed at him. "Put you on ice.", Evergreen sneered. "Now that's how you make an entrance!", she said loudly.
Seconds later, the rest of her group entered dramatically. Laxus, flanked by Freed and Bickslow, looked around at Evergreen's handiwork. "Not bad.", he said. He then looked around for someone in particular. The master of the guild. But he didn't see him. "Where is Makarov? Where are you?", he demanded. "Listen up old man, this is only the start. I'm taking over this guild!" He waited a moment, but Makarov didn't appear. "Where is he?", Laxus muttered to himself. Is it possible Makarov isn't here? That could screw things up, thought Laxus. Losing patience, Laxus shouted "Alright, whatever! If you can hear me, you have three hours to give Fairy Tail to me, its new master. Or those statues turn to dust! And on top of that, your guild is going to have to fight each other to get to me. It's the battle of Fairy Tail!" Having said that, Laxus turned on his heel and left, followed by a slightly bemused Thunder Legion. As Laxus was leaving, he said, intentionally loudly, "I'll find you old man, this is just the beginning!"
