I changed my username to my gamer tag. I like it much better than using my name. Just wanted you all to know. Sorry for any confusion.
I have been having fun writing this adventure story. I am really excited about having the team altogether. Now I can really start developing the story as well as Natsu's and Lucy's relationship. Like I said it's loosely based on the series. I wanted to create my own adventure for Lucy's first job.
I hope you like this one.
I do not own Fairy Tail.
5.
"ERZA!" Natsu and Gray both groaned
"What are you doing here?" Natsu grumbled
"I thought you were still on a job?" Gray asked.
"Don't start fighting Natsu, Erza is scary when she gets mad" Happy replied
"Calm yourself boys," She said with a laugh, "I finished the job early and when I got back to the guild it was oddly quiet. Mira told me you were on a job for the Bel Aloo museum. She mentioned that you would be arriving back in Magnolia, since you will be heading to Mount Hakobe?" Erza said
"What? How did you know that we would be going to Mount Hakobe? We only just found out about the job a few hours ago." Gray said
Lucy was standing among the four as they talked. She couldn't believe she was in the presence of the great Erza. I guess it was only a matter of time before they would meet. Gray was right though, how did she know that they would be coming back and how long has she been waiting at the station for?
"I'm sorry, how rude of me," Erza interrupted now facing the blonde mage, "Hi i'm Erza Scarlet, you must be Lucy the newest member of the Fairy Tail guild, welcome to the family." she reached out to shake Lucy's hand. "It's nice to meet another strong woman who can put up with the two of these knuckleheads." She chuckled, shaking hands with Lucy.
Natsu and Gray both rolled their eyes and exchanged a look but quickly looked away from each other.
"It's nice to meet you too, Natsu told me we would meet soon, said we would get along great." Lucy told the red head shyly. "Did Mira send you to join us as well?" She asked
"Not entirely, it's Mira's job to know all the specific details about every job, that's how I knew you would be back and heading towards the mountain. It's a safety precaution in case of emergency. When she told me about Lucy I thought it would be fun to tag along." glaring at the boys she asked "Do you have a problem with that?" Both boys fuming turned away crossing their arms.
"I know I don't have a problem with it" Lucy interjected, not letting Natsu or Gray respond. "I think it would be great, we could use an extra hand."
Lucy thought it would be nice to have another girl on the job. Erza was an S class wizard they would for sure get the job done.
"Great, i'm glad you have accepted my help. We will be the greatest team" Erza proclaimed.
"So now that we are a team of 5 how are we going to get to the trail head?" Gray asked
"Not to worry I have that covered," She turned around and gestured to the group to follow her out of the station.
Once outside the station they noticed a wagon. Not just any wagon, a magic wagon. It ran on the driver's magic power. Lucy had wide eyes. She had never seen one up close before. It didn't look any different than an ordinary wagon pulled by horses. She walked up to it and looked around.
"Wow, you have out done yourself Erza, I thought we would have to walk all the way on foot." Natsu said following after Lucy.
"Don't forget who you are talking too, I always come prepared." Erza responded "Now, why don't you all climb aboard and let's get moving, I would like to arrive before dawn so we can set up camp. I know the perfect location and Natsu please try to refrain from vomiting."
"Oh, don't worry that won't be a problem anymore thanks to Lucy," Natsu said turning around and holding up his wrist to Erza. "Lucy made me a motion sickness charm, now I can travel without getting sick"
"Is that so," Erza wondered aloud. She would definitely keep her eye on those two.
Natsu, Lucy, Happy and Gray all went to the back of the wagon to get themselves situated before they took off. But they were all surprised by what they saw inside.
"I don't mean to be rude, but do you really need all this stuff?" Lucy asked
"Why yes, I packed light this time, you can never be too prepared." Erza responded.
"Oh man! How are we all going to fit back here?" Natsu complained
"Would you quit your whining, just get in, we can make room" Gray ordered
"YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME SNOW CONE" Natsu yelled
"OH YEAH YOU WANNA BET FLAME BREATH?" Gray yelled back
Lucy palmed her forehead taking a step back while Happy flew above to get out of the way. Just to think they were all getting along on the train. After a few minutes of the two boys arguing Erza had enough.
"REQUIP" Erza used her magic and changed into her heaven's wheel armor. "THAT'S ENOUGH BOYS" she bellowed.
"Don't you think that's a bit overboard?" Lucy said in awe, barely loud enough for all to hear. Gray and Natsu both froze before the great fairy queen. Gray and Natsu in a headlock while Natsu's fire engulfed his hand was pulling a chunk of his hair.
"I don't want any more fighting from you two. You need to find a way to get along." Erza commanded
"yes ma'am" They both responded
"Get on board and let's go. We have a three hour trip ahead of us."
...
Gray sat in the back while Natsu and Lucy pushed a few things aside to make room towards the front. Happy took his spot on Natsu's lap who was sitting next to Lucy shoulder to shoulder. They traveled for the next hour, talking and laughing. They were all getting along great, even Natsu and Gray were conversing like normal friends would. It was nice, Lucy was so happy she could call them friends, they asked her questions and she asked some in return, they all had a really good heart to heart. Natsu was right, Fairy Tail was more than just a guild, it's a family and she was a member of it. It was amazing to think that she just met everyone and it feels like she's known them her whole life.
"So Lucy, once you move into your new apartment, you're having a housewarming party correct?" Erza asked. Lucy went wide eyed, she had not even thought about that. She wasn't sure she would get this close to anyone so quickly. "I guess, that would be fun, yes." she said. "Would you make some of your famous cakes I've heard about?" she asked Erza
"Yes, of course, I would be honored to make all the delicious treats for your party."
"You guys will come right?" Lucy asked the boys
"Yeah of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world" Natsu said putting his arm around Lucy and gently giving her a squeeze.
"Aye, make sure you have plenty of fish" Happy said, gnawing on a fish he pulled from out of his pack.
"Yeah, I guess I could clear my schedule." Gray told her.
"Perfect, it won't be for a few weeks though, I don't get the keys until the first of the month." Lucy told them.
"That's fine Lucy, in the meantime, do you have a place to stay?" Erza asked
"Uh, yeah, I am staying with Natsu.."
"Yeah, Lucy's a great roommate" Natsu added
"Yeah, she keeps it clean and she smells nice" Happy said through bits of his fishy snack
"Oh, I see, well if you ever need some girl time I board in the Fairy Tail woman's hall"
"Thanks, Erza, I'll keep that in mind but I really don't mind staying at Natsu's, plus it's only for a little while, and if we spend our time doing jobs it will be like we are all living together, I can't wait for all the adventures ahead."
"Let's just focus on our first adventure for now" Erza said "It's important to keep our eyes on the prize"
...
It wasn't long after that the team had arrived at the mountain. Erza tied up the wagon and started to gather her things onto a cart. Everyone was bundled up except Gray who claimed the snow and ice didn't phase him. The weather was cold and the snow was deep but thankfully it was not currently snowing and there was no wind.
"Alright team follow me, the cave we will stay at for the night is about a mile down this trail." Erza pointed and took the lead.
After about a mile the group stood before a long bridge covered in ice and snow, the drop had to be over 100 feet down into icy water. Lucy was not one for heights or falling to her death but she was yearning for the adventure ahead. She had to conquer her fears.
Erza and Gray were already walking ahead of Natsu and Lucy, Happy flying above, "Must be nice to have wings huh, Happy?" Lucy said. "Yeah, flying does have its advantages," he said flying ahead of the two and catching up with Erza and Gray.
She had not stepped one foot on the bridge yet. Natsu noticed her hesitation, "What's wrong Lucy, are you afraid of heights or something?" He asked her
"Maybe a little but more so the falling part," she told him, closing her eyes and taking her first step. She had to get across, one way or another the others were already half way. She froze with one foot on the bridge.
Natsu held out his hand "Here, let's go together,"
Lucy blushed and took his hand in hers and together they walked across the bridge, it swayed from their movement slightly, but after a while, it wasn't so bad, the bridge felt sturdy enough. All Lucy's fears went away, she looked at Natsu feeling safe with him. She was still holding his hand until they got to the other side when they both casually let go.
"Thanks Natsu" she whispered, Natsu grinning in return."Anytime" They had joined the others and waited for direction.
"See there?" Erza was pointing off into the distance ignoring the little display of affection she just witnessed. "The cave is up just ahead" They followed the path until they reached their destination for the night.
The cave Erza was raving about was huge; it looked like any other cave. Dark, dirty and went deep into the side of the mountain. Erza pulled out a tent from her cart and began to set it up. "Lucy, can I have some assistance."
"Yeah sure," Lucy responded, grabbing a pole and part of the tent. The boys had gone off to find dinner and gather some firewood.
"Lucy, you use celestial magic, correct?" Erza asked after they got done building the tent. She walked back over to the cart to grab a few more supplies.
"Yeah, I only have a few keys but I treasure each and every one. I am hoping to grow my collection of spirits but keys are hard to come by."
"Celestial wizards are rare these days. I can't wait to see you and your spirits in action. Are you trained in any kind of combat?"
"No, I am hoping to learn though. I thought about asking Natsu if we could work out together. I really need to work on my endurance. I know I wont always be able to rely on my spirits. I want to be able to protect myself and my friends no matter what." The girls had set up the camp and were now sitting on some nearby rocks waiting for the boys to come back.
"Well, you're in luck I would be happy to train with you, I have been looking for a new sparring partner, what do you say?" She got up and took a fighting stance.
"You mean you want to start right now?" Lucy asked surprised
"Sure why not? I can show you a few moves." Erza moved in and attacked Lucy, who tried to dodge but failed and landed on the ground. "Don't be afraid of the enemy, come at me with whatever you got."
Lucy got up and brushed the dirt off. She pulled off her heavy jacket and tossed it aside. She knew nothing about fighting. She saw it in action but that doesn't mean that she would be able to imitate it. She had no idea what she was doing but she was determined and Erza was willing. She grabbed her whip from her belt and snapped it at her side. She ran at Erza and twirled her whip around snapping it at Erza who dodged it with ease. "You said give it everything I got" she breathed heavily.
"Yes I did, that was good but let's try something else"
She corrected Lucy's posture "Stand like this and make sure to keep your knees bent, it will help you to be more mobile when dodging an attack." Lucy nodded and did a few squats to loosen her quads.
"Alright now try to hit me." Erza said holding up her arms to block and taking her own fighting stance.
Lucy went in and threw a few punches, Erza blocking everyone. "Good, that's it" She assured the blonde mage.
They went back and forth a few times Erza giving her any pointers that could help her out. Lucy was getting the hang of it; she just needed the muscle memory which would come with training.
"Whoa, what do we have here?" Natsu's voice echoed
"Perfect timing, did you gather enough food for all of us?" Erza questioned
"Aye, we went ice fishing," Happy said with a fish in his mouth
"We got plenty of firewood too," Gray said, throwing the wood down and assembling it into a tepee formation.
"Natsu, a little flame?" Gray asked
Natsu lit the fire with his magic. "So what were you two doing? You look all sweaty."
"Erza was showing me a few fighting moves" Lucy answered
"Oh a few fighting moves huh? Are we gonna have ourselves a good ol' brawl?"
"No, nothing like that. I want to learn how to fight so I am not always a damsel in distress if I can't use my spirits."
"Oh, I see. Well I can train with you too" he said
"That would be great, maybe we can all train when we get back?" Lucy said
"That's a great idea, Erza you do owe me a rematch and this time i'm gonna win!" Natsu bragged
"Okay Natsu, but it's you who will lose, you do remember our last fight don't you?" Erza smirked
Natsu rolled his eyes trying not to remember. "Yeah she totally kicked your ass" Gray chuckled
"Yeah, you were knocked out cold" Happy rolled over laughing
"Yeah but i'm much stronger now" Natsu said ignoring Gray and Happy. He looked up at Lucy, she was smiling and laughing along with the others, he couldn't help but smile himself.
He hoped that when they took the job it would just be her and Happy but things changed. He wasn't sure at first but he was happy Gray and Erza joined the team. He wouldn't admit it out loud but he was glad Lucy was finally where she wanted to be.
After dinner they all turned in to get an early start the next day. They needed to find the bow and from their current location it wasn't too far from them. If everything went according to plan they would have the bow in hand and on to the next clue, they just hoped they would be able to figure it out.
...
The next morning came and everyone was up and ready to go by 6am. Lucy had made coffee and everyone helped pack up camp. Before they left the cave Lucy pulled out the map and everyone took a mental picture.
"Okay guys, so the first clue is 'The arrow points to the bow' I believe that the location is here." She pointed at the circle she drew on the map. "It's about 3 miles North from here"
"Which way is North?" Natsu asked
"I have just the thing." Lucy pulled out a silver key "Open gate of the compass Pyxis, I need your help" she yelled out. In a flash of light a red bird with a compass appeared.
"Whoa" Erza, Gray, Natsu and Happy all said.
"Pyxis, we need to know which way is North, can you help?"
Pyxis shook his head and with a coo the arrow on his head began to spin and then stopped. He pointed in the direction of North.
"coo, coo" he said jumping up and down
"Thanks, you're a lifesaver." she gave him a high five and then he disappeared back to the celestial world.
"Lucy, what an amazing spirit, I've never seen one up close before" Erza said.
"Oh thanks, just wait until you see my gold keys, those are the zodiac keys and they're way powerful." Lucy admitted
"let's go!"
...
They walked about two miles before the snow started to fall. Lucy was shivering from the cold. "How much further? I feel like my nose is going to fall off" she complained.
"Not much further about another mile or so, everyone keep your eyes open. Anything can happen in a blink of an eye." Erza took the lead followed by Gray who was only wearing shorts and shoes.
"Gray, how can you stand the snow, does it have something to do with your magic?" Lucy asked, hugging her body trying to keep the warmth in. Just as her shivering started to escalate she was surprised by something wrapping around her neck. It was Natsu's scarf. She looked at him. "But won't you be cold?" she asked him in a whisper
"Nah, I can use fire magic to regulate my temperature to stay warm."
"Thanks for the scarf." She held it close to her face breathing in his scent letting it warm her face. "No prob"
"To answer your question" Gray interrupted "I trained in the nude, so yeah the cold doesn't bother me and it has everything to do with my magic."
"Must be nice not to feel the cold" Lucy's voice was muffled by Natsu's scarf
"It has its advantages" Gray said
"Hold up" Erza's voice sounded tense
"What is it?" Lucy asked in a panic
"I can smell them" Natsu said
"Smell what, exactly?" Lucy was frightened by the change of atmosphere.
"Oh great don't tell me?" Gray asked
"Yes, it's a herd of Vulcans" Erza said "Everyone be on guard, we are going to go into battle"
Just then they were surrounded by gorilla-like creatures. Growling could be heard all around. Lucy was shocked with fear. How were they going to get out of this one?
"I'm all fired up now" Natsu smirked.
Everyone but Lucy and Happy charged at the Vulcans.
"REQUIP LIGHTNING EMPRESS ARMOR"
"ICE MAKE LANCE"
"FIRE DRAGON ROAR"
Lucy watched in amazement but also fear. She had never experienced anything like this before. She counted 8 Vulcans and they had already taken out three of them. She watched as Erza swung her spear knocking out another Vulcan. Gray used his Ice make sword to bring down another.
"FIRE DRAGON BRILLIANT FLAME" Natsu yelled, taking out Vulcan number 6.
"Wow, look at them go" Lucy said
"AYE, there's nothing these guys can't handle" Happy cheered
Both Happy and Lucy were cheering them on. They had managed to take out 6 Vulcans leaving two left.
"I GOT THIS ONE!" Natsu yelled out, taking down number 7. Where was the last one? Lucy felt a hot breath on the back of her neck. "Please tell me that's you Happy?"
"UH nope, Lucy RUN" Happy yelled
Lucy tried to get out of the way, remembering to keep her knees bent to move faster but she was knocked down. The Vulcan managed to pick her up and swung her over his shoulder.
"AHHH, PUT ME DOWN" she yelled, kicking and screaming. She couldn't get her hands on her keys to summon help. The Vulcan growled and started running off with Lucy.
"NOOOO GET BACK HERE!" Natsu yelled, running after her.
Gray and Erza were close behind him. Natsu was able to knock the Vulcan down, Lucy tumbling to the ground. There was something different about this one. Natsu's attack didn't seem to phase him. He got right back up and roared.
"What the hell?" Natsu wondered
"Get back, this one is severely pissed off, be on guard." Erza commanded
Lucy was free and she wanted to help take this monster down. She pulled out one of her keys "OPEN GATE OF THE GOLDEN BULL, TAURUS"
"Loong time noo see, Miss Lucy," Taurus mooed
"No time, I need your help, take down that Vulcan" Lucy told her buff cow spirit pointing in the direction of the monster.
"Can dooo" Taurus charged at the Vulcan swinging his axe. The Vulcan came charging at the bull. The two clashed and snow dispersed everywhere coating everyone in a frosty layer. Once the air had cleared the team couldn't believe their eyes. Even Lucy was surprised. "TAURUS, you did it!" The 8th Vulcan was knocked out.
"Great job Lucy!" Gray said
"Job well done to you and your spirit Lucy" Erza added
"ALRIGHT, COW MAN!" Natsu and Happy fist pumped the air
"Aww, thanks I couldn't let Miss Lucy and her rockin' bod be abducted by that monster." Taurus rubbed the back of his neck "How about that smooooch?"
"NOT ON YOUR LIFE" she waved her key and Taurus was sent back "Maybe next time" was the last thing they heard.
"That perv" Lucy huffed
"Wow Lucy, you did it, that was amazing" Erza said offering her a hand
"Thanks, but you guys did most of the work. I just stood back and watched" she said, taking her hand and standing up.
"Lucy, this is your first job sometimes you learn from watching, you're gaining experience, we all worked together and took down those Vulcans!" Natsu affirmed. Lucy couldn't help but smile.
"Now that the fun is over let's continue on." Erza announced.
...
They had reached the location on the map but there was nothing there. Everyone looked around. It was hard to see through the blizzard that had started. "How are we supposed to find the bow in this weather?" Lucy questioned
"Everyone fan out but stay close, look for any clues and look out for anything that would give us trouble" Erza said
"AYE SIR"
"ON IT" Gray said
"Lucy, let's look over here," Natsu said, grabbing her hand. She nodded and let him lead her.
Erza and Gray went separate ways while Natsu, Lucy and Happy went another. They searched for an hour before meeting back up. "Anything to report?" Erza asked
"I got nothing" Gray said
"We didn't find anything either.." Lucy said defeatedly "Maybe I was wrong, maybe we aren't even close?!"
"Don't talk like that, it was a long shot and those clues didn't give much information." Natsu told her. Lucy was still wearing Natsu's scarf she held on to it trying to cry.
"He's right, we just need to keep looking. Let's keep heading North, maybe we haven't gone far enough?" Erza added
The blizzard calmed down a little giving them more visibility. "Look, there's another cave, maybe we should check it out?" Gray said
They all nodded in agreement and started making their way to the cave.
This one was smaller than the last and it was made entirely out of ice. They all wondered in hopeful to find anything that would lead them to the bow. Natsu lit a flame to help them see in the dark.
The further in the cave they went the more Lucy felt like giving up.
"Ouch" Lucy yelped. She had tripped over something.
"What's wrong Lucy?" Happy asked
"I'm okay, I just tripped" she looked down to see what she had tripped on.
"Hey guys, I think I know where the bow is, look." She pointed to the ground where there was an engraving of a giant arrow pointing at the wall of the cave. She must have tripped over it.
"Hmmm, very interesting, do you think the bow is beyond the wall?" Erza wondered
"Let's smash it!" Natsu said, increasing his flames. Lucy grabbed his arm and shook her head. "We don't want to get trapped in the cave by causing the ice to cave in blocking our path," she said
"Leave it to me" Gray said, he went over to the wall and placed a hand to it. In seconds the wall came down in a powder of ice. "Piece of cake"
"Way to go Gray"
"Yeah, nice one" Lucy and Erza said
Following the direction of the arrow they went through the path that Gray had created, each member of the team was in shock, before them on an ice pedestal was the ice bow.
"We did it you guys" Lucy was relieved that they had found the bow. She started walking up to it when they heard a rumbling. "Uh, guys, what was that?"
"I don't know, use extreme caution Lucy, the cave could be booby trapped" Erza warned.
'Now you tell me' Lucy thought to herself. She walked carefully watching each step. Everyone was watching her and ready for action if anything were to happen.
Lucy made it just inches from the bow. She hesitated before reaching out and grabbing it. She had a feeling something would happen once she removed the bow. Taking a deep breath she grabbed onto it and picked it up. Nothing happened. She turned around and smiled. "I got it" she started walking back bow in hand when the ground started to shake and they all heard a rumbling noise. They all froze.
"EVERYONE OUT OF THE CAVE NOW!" Erza yelled making a run for it. Ice began to fall from the ceiling of the cave and the shaking only got more intense. They were just about out of the cave when Lucy tripped and fell face first into the ground. Natsu noticed and went back back scooping her into his arms and making a run for it. Erza, Gray and Happy had made it outside but still ran until they felt safe. Natsu and Lucy were not far behind. Making it out safely the 5 stood and looked back as the cave fell into itself. They remained silent for a while looking at the remains.
"Is everyone okay?" Erza asked looking over at everyone. Gray was squatting while catching his breath. Natsu still had Lucy cradled in his arms while she held onto the bow.
"We're good" Natsu finally said
"Yeah, just a little shook" Gray added
"We almost died" Happy said pulling out a fish
"How can you eat at a time like this?" Lucy asked the feline
"It's stress eating" he responded
"I vote we get out of here" Gray spoke for everyone.
"Agreed" Erza took the lead.
They continued North past the collapsed cave and onward. They still had no idea how to find the sword. But they would worry about that later. Right now they all needed to relax.
...
The snow had stopped and the wind died down. Natsu was running up ahead along the snowy path with Happy flying close to his heels. Gray was not far behind him while Lucy and Erza were following a distance behind Gray. Erza took this as an opportunity for some needed one on one girl time.
"So Lucy, what's your relationship with Natsu, you two seem close?" Lucy had a feeling this conversation was coming; it was just a matter who and when and that time was now and Ezra was the one asking. She wasn't sure about the status of their relationship. Their friendship was still new, she had only known him for a few days. And she has only known Erza for a short time but with their near death experience she felt closer to everyone. Maybe she could learn more about Natsu from the people who have known him for years? Yes, she liked him but did she really like him in that way? She wouldn't wan
t to destroy a friendship if it didn't work out.
Erza was waiting for her response but saw the look on her face,"I can see by your expression that you have feelings for him but you are confused by what they mean, am I wrong?"
"Well, not entirely, Natsu's great. I really do like him but we barely know each other and I only met him a few days ago. I don't want to rush into anything and ruin a friendship, you know…" she really didn't want to lose him or anyone in the guild. She enjoyed his company and that's really all that mattered. Letting things happen naturally would be just fine.
"Yes I understand not wanting to lose him as a friend. As crazy and as hard headed as he can be, he does seem to care a lot about you, more than I've seen him care about anyone. There's a different light in his eyes when he looks at you."
"Really, is that true?" She paused. "I do like the way things are currently, I'm not saying I would never date him, I just want things to happen naturally, you know? If it's meant to be then it will happen, right? I don't want to try too hard and get my hopes up. I mean I don't have much experience with relationships." Lucy admitted.
"Honestly Lucy, Natsu doesn't either. I have known him since we were kids. He's never shown interest in anyone until you. You're something special to him".
Lucy's face was bright red. She had so many emotions and didn't know how to process them. "Thanks for the talk Erza, you've given me lots to think about. Maybe you're right. Maybe I'll just talk to him?" Getting a reassuring smile from Erza. "Confronting your fears is the best way to win a battle Lucy."
Lucy and Erza caught up with Gray, Natsu and Happy. Lucky for them they had found a hot springs. Natsu taking advantage of the pitstop, stripped to his shorts and jumped right in, Happy following after him. They created a large splash getting Lucy and Erza both wet.
"NATSU, watch it!" Lucy yelled irritated that she was all wet. Erza remained standing not caring whether or not she was dry or wet. She's had worse.
"Sorry Lucy, a swim sounded so nice. I couldn't resist jumping in. You all should join in." He said, splashing around with Happy. Getting into the hot springs sounded nice but she needed a place to change into a swimsuit and she was still processing the conversation that she had with Erza.
Lucy sat on a nearby rock by the steaming water. She rolled her eyes and sighed. Just then, she felt two hands grab her by the waist and before she knew it, she was submerged into the hot water. Flailing her arms about, she managed to turn around to face him. She knew exactly who dragged her into the water.
"NATSU!" she yelled, choking on water.
"Awe come on, admit it the water feels nice," he said floating on his back.
She didn't want to admit that he was right but he was. She was upset that her warm clothes were all wet. It would take forever for them to dry.
"I would be happier if I was in my swimsuit not my warm clothes, you're lucky I brought a spare." She almost forgot she brought extra clothes. Remembering that lightened her mood. She sighed and gave into Natsu. She watched as he and Happy floated on their backs with eyes closed. She swam over to them and grabbed Natsu by the shoulders, dunking him underneath the water.
"Oh, now you're asking for it now" he teased her. He knew she was just getting payback. He splashed her with water and she splashed him back. "I'm getting all fired up now"
They splashed water back and forth getting stares from Happy, Erza and Gray.
"REQUIP" Erza used her magic and her armor was replaced with a tiny bikini. "A quick swim sounds nice, great idea you guys, come on Gray don't be a party pooper."
"WHAT! I am not." He said, removing his shirt and jumping in.
They all soaked in the hot spring for a while warming up. The sun was starting to set. "Looks like we should set up camp and start fresh tomorrow, no more play time the rest of this trip" Erza announced to the group. She went over to her cart and grabbed a few supplies. Lucky for them there was a small overhang that provided just enough shelter for the tent near the hot springs.
Natsu had lit a fire and Erza and Lucy had managed to set up a tent for them to sleep in. Gray gathered firewood and Happy was working on catching fish for their dinner. It wasn't long before the group was sitting around the fire eating and enjoying each other's company.
Lucy all bundled up in blankets was leaning against a log that Natsu had dragged over for them to sit on. She was looking up at the stars. She always thought the night sky was a wonder. She was looking for constellations, one of her favorite things to do.
She looked over at Natsu who was playing a game with Happy. Gray and Erza were having a conversation about training tactics. They still had a long journey ahead of them, but this was her team, her family. Tomorrow it's go time, they have a lot to do. They had managed to get the bow. Now all they needed was the sword and the lacrima. She had to give it her all.
"Well, friends, I think it's time for me to hit the hay. Goodnight all. Please try to keep the noise down." Erza said getting up and going into the tent.
"Yeah, I think i'm going to hit the sack too." Gray said standing up.
Lucy, Natsu and Happy were the ones left around the fire. Happy had fallen asleep in Lucy's lap. Natsu had moved over to sit by the blonde mage. Both sitting by the light of the fire and moonlight.
"Hey, Lucy, I am sorry about getting you wet earlier. I just wanted to see you smile"
"It's okay Natsu, I was mad at first but I got over it. I am glad you pulled me in. I had a really good time today. remember when we almost got trapped in the cave. Thanks for coming back to get me. Everything that has happened is all thanks to you. You brought me to Fairy Tail. I can't thank you enough for helping this lost girl find her family."
"Yeah, I remember I don't think any of us will forget today and you're welcome. But you know, you can't just thank me. You are the one that approached me first, if you hadn't done that would we have even met?" Natsu asked
"Good point, I don't know, there was something about that day. Once you broke through the crowd and broke the spell, I don't know, I had to thank you, who knows what would have happened? I could have been kidnapped by that guild."
"Yeah, but we kicked some ass and now we have a pretty great story, don't we?" Natsu spoke softly. She nodded and looked up at the stars again.
Lucy had to admit, he was right, they had a pretty great story and she should start writing it all down. Maybe one day she could be a famous writer. That's something that has always crossed her mind. She could write stories based on her adventures in Fairy Tail.
"Natsu," Lucy said
"Yeah"
Lucy wasn't even sure why she said his name, she just liked being with him, and they were finally alone. She thought about the conversation she had earlier with Erza.
"Uh, nevermind"
"You sure, it seems like you have something on your mind."
"Oh, it's nothing, you just mean a lot to me and I value your friendship." She blushed feeling slightly embarrassed. She hoped that the dark hid the red that filled her cheeks.
"You mean a lot to me too Lucy, you make me happy, and your smile can really light up a room. It's something my life has been missing." Natsu spoke the truth, he loved to see her smile. In the few days that they have been together it was like that empty space was finally filled.
Lucy had leaned her head against his shoulder. She was tense at first but slowly let herself relax into him. Natsu had a smile on his face as he looked down at her. She was beautiful in the firelight. They stayed that way for a while, until Lucy couldn't keep her eyes open any longer.
"I think it's time for bed, it's starting to get cold and I can't keep my eyes open." Lucy said sitting up and yawning.
"Yeah, it's pretty late." He got up
He grabbed Happy and followed Lucy into the tent. She was glad that her and Erza set everything up prior. Two beds remained open in between Erza and Gray. Lucy had already gotten herself into bed next to Erza. Natsu put Happy on his blanket and tucked him in. He climbed into the empty bed next to Lucy and Gray.
Natsu laid facing Lucy who was still awake. "Goodnight Luce" He whispered
"Goodnight, Natsu '' She scooted closer to him so that their legs and arms were barely touching through the sleeping bags. She remembered the other night when Natsu came to comfort her from her nightmares. When he was around she knew she was safe. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Natsu lay watching her in slumber. He listened to her soft breathing until he found himself asleep.
..
Thanks for reading
Review :)
*Also has anyone been reading 100 Years Quest?