Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is owned by Hiro Mashima and its respective companies, I do not own anything except my OCs
Chapter 8
Natsu merely nodded his head in agreement "yeah, you're right, that creep Everlue is still after her, now that these merchant fairies are toast let's find her'' as he and Shawn began walking away they barely heard the banter of the mercenaries.
After taking a few steps Shawn stopped and a small smirk appeared on his face "I don't think it's going to be that easy I'm afraid'' as he remembered what happens next.
Underground Sewer beneath Everlue Mansion
"The enemy of Literature? My massive collection of books and art only prove I'm culture's greatest friend'' says Everlue as he held Lucy's arms behind her back while applying pressure.
"But that ugly maid collection of yours proves that you don't squat about beauty'' says Lucy as she struggles to break free.
"How dare you mock them, they are the very definition of beauty'' as he moves forward he puts Lucy into an even worse hold than before as he gets a good look at the book Daybreak she holds in her hand.
"What secret does it hold? Let me guess he buried his fortune and there's a treasure map hidden inside, tell me or I'll snap your arm like a toothpick'' he demands as he puts even more pressure on her trying to force it out of her.
However, Lucy doesn't give in and merely sticks her tongue out in response to his threats.
"Ahhh'' she screams as she is pushed down to the ground and the pain become even more unbearable.
"Now is not the time to get sassy, listen, I myself commissioned this books very creation, therefore any secret that it holds is rightfully my property'' trying to convince her with his twisted logic. If Shawn was here he might very call out "bullshit'' at this attempt.
Bam!
Though Happy delivered sweet justice by kicking Everlue in the face and managing to free Lucy from his hold.
"Happy'' smiled Lucy seeing him show up and just smiled in response while floating over the water.
"That was so cool'' she commented on his grand entrance
Ding
Unfortunately his time was up and fell into the sewer water and just enough time for a few jokes before getting back to the story.
"Looks like the tables have turned, but if you let me keep the book I'll think about going easy on you, although I'm tempted to give you a good smack'' said Lucy as she held the book in one hand and a golden key in the other.
Duke Everlue didn't seemed fazed by her threat "oh, a Celestial Wizard, but for a reader you seem to be a bit deficient in your terms of phrase'' as he began ranting on and on but no one cares so we'll just skip that part.
"But there's no way you and that cat could ever defeat me and my Diver Magic, boyoyo~'' as he finished a magic circle appeared behind his back and once again disappeared into the earth.
"So he does that using magic, I had no idea Everlue was a wizard too'' muttered Happy having come out of that sewer water but smells pretty bad.
"Do you not smell yourself?'' questioned Lucy as she could smell the horrible stench from up close.
Though Duke Everlue quickly reappeared and tried swiping the book from her several times before taking a distance from him. "Look, I know the whole story know, it's a horrible adventure novel about a trashy character named Duke Everlue'' as Happy was in disbelief.
"I don't know that I would call the protagonist trashy, but yes'' as he tunneled back into the ground.
"The story itself was crap, and to think that it was written by the great Kemu Zaleon'' as he barreled through various parts of the ground and sealing and incredible speeds.
"Inexcusable!'' he says in anger as he comes out to pounce on Lucy, fortunately she saw it coming and was able to avoid it in time.
She was pissed off at the Duke "I can't believe your arrogance, you forced him to write it'' as she look at her surroundings vigilant of her surroundings.
"Arrogant, muah? The word doesn't even begin to apply, to tell my story is an honor, no matters the circumstances'' he says just proving her right.
"Then why did you have to blackmail him into it?''
"Blackmail?'' asks Happy wondering what was going on
Suddenly he pops up from behind them while holding his ridiculous mustache with a smug expression on his face "what's the big deal? He just needed some extra encouragement to take the job''
Lucy obviously not buying it held the book out "oh really?'' with obvious sarcasm in it.
Duke Everlue looked like he was swimming in water as he bouldered through the concrete
"Any fool would have jumped at the chance to have me as their muse, but he had the audacity to say no, so I gave him the added inspiration in the form of an ultimatum, write the novel or his family would be stripped of their citizenship''
"But then they wouldn't be able to join any of the guilds and make a living, do you really have the power to do that'' questioned Happy as he couldn't believe his ears.
"I have the power to do ANYTHING!'' as he said that the ground in front of them erupted making them run away from the destruction.
As he jumped out from it he was smiling "I got him to write it didn't I'' as if he was proud of what he had done without a single ounce of regret, a perfect example of pure evil that deserves to be locked up and throw away the key.
"But I didn't like his attitude so I thought he'd do best writing from a prison cell boyoyo~, he went on and on about being a brilliant novelist who would never give in to threats, but in the end I got what I wanted'' as he finished he began spinning like a ball then fired himself towards Lucy, fortunately she was able to dodge every single attack.
"He's unforgivable'' she thought as she heard him bantering and boasting of all the crimes he's committed.
"I can't believe you'd go that far just to boast your own stupid ego, he was in solitary confinement for three years, don't you know how hard that must have been?'' as she kept running to avoid the Duke's attacks.
Happy was floating right beside her "three whole years?'' as he asked to make sure he didn't hear her wrong.
Boom!
Ahead of them the Duke bursted out as Lucy did an amazing backflip and pushed some distance between them.
"I've got to buy some time, at least until Natsu or Shawn finishes their fight'' as she decided to stall for time or at least until she can find an opening to beat him herself.
"Perhaps it took him that long to appreciate me, boyoyo~'' as he just keeps getting worse with every word that comes out of his mouth.
"You're wrong, more like he couldn't bear to spread your lies, but he had to satisfy your vanity, he knew that if he didn't write your character as a heroic champion of justice then his family would suffer'' as she glared at him in hatred.
"Tell me, how exactly do you know all this'' he says as he never mentioned about any of this to anyone before.
Lucy merely held up the book and responded "it's all here in black and white''
Duke Everlue on the other hand didn't believe her but as she explained how there was a spell cast on the book that told them of everything he had done while the Duke was furious at what he had done as if he was the victim here, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY NOT TRUE.
"Oh get over yourself, it's true that he wrote about all the pain and torture that you put him through, but the chapters that focus on what you did are only a small part of the book, in fact it's secret has nothing to do with you'' she declared while Duke Everlue was left in shock as he asked what she meant by that, though she wasn't going to tell him what it was.
"I'm not going to give this book back to you Duke Everlue, cause it was never really yours to begin with'' as she finished she held out a key before doing her usual thing.
"Open, Gate of the Giant Crab, Cancer'' she says as she swiped down the key and the Gate opened up.
Out if it came a man who looked like a professional hairdresser with black hair braided in red cornrows that resembled crab pincers. He also has huge lips like Warren while wearing a blue striped shirt and dark trousers with two aquamarine stripes each side, also wearing boots in his feet. He also had a bag on his belt and two crab themed scissors in each of his hand along with six crab legs coming out of his back.
Cancer
The Best Stylist of Both Worlds and A Man of Passion for Perfection
"A giant crab, oh yeah, nothing says like I'm gonna kick your butt like a crab man with razor claws and tough guy sunglasses'' as Happy was ecstatic about Cancer showing up that he started dancing.
"Shut up and let me concentrate or I'll have him pinch your little lips off'' says Lucy annoyed at Happy's rantings despite being in the middle of battle.
"Hey Lucy, how would you like your hair done today, baby'' asks Cancer despite the situation
"WHAT!'' was all Happy could say as he was shocked to hear that.
Lucy was not amused in the least and spoke up "I don't need styling I need help, it's that guy, take care of baldy over there'' as she pointed towards Duke Everlue.
"Whatever you say baby''
"Oh he just makes the bad guys look cooler before they kill us, that useful, yeah, you should send him back Lucy'' Happy says looking at it from his perspective, it's understandable.
"I should send you back'' Lucy growled as she wanted to teach Happy a lesson in manners
As she looked at Everlue shaking and lost in thought "maybe I don't need the guy's help after all'' as she looked at him holding something familiar, it was a golden key.
"Open, Gate of the Maiden, Virgo'' he chants before swinging it down as the gate opens.
"What the?'' Lucy said in shock
"He's using your trick Lucy'' followed up Happy as suddenly Virgo appears from underground
"Did I hear my Master summon me'' she yells loudly as she looked at them down from on high given her size.
Duke Everlue then points to them and says to her "Virgo, fetch me that book'' giving her an order.
"Hold up, she's a Celestial Spirit?'' she asks in shock not knowing what was going on.
Though that is quickly irrelevant as they see what's above her.
Third Person POV
"Shawn, Natsu!'' both Happy and Lucy yelled at the same time as they didn't expect for them to appear out of thin air.
"Yeah'' he asked confused
"What's up'' Shawn didn't even seem bothered by it
"What is the meaning of this?'' questioned Everlue
"What are you two doing up there?'' she yelled as she demanded for an answer
"I'll explain, we were getting ready to look for you two when she suddenly sprang back to life and Natsu jumped on her while I climbed up her shoulder to knock her down, next thing you know were here. Also I could have sworn I saw Aquarius for a second there'' as Shawn finished Lucy looked at them like they were total monsters.
"So you both were grabbing on to her, inside the house?'' as she slowly connected the pieces together.
"But that means, you two must have passed through the Spirit Gate with her'' as she finally solved the mystery.
"That's impossible!'' as she was freaking out and had even turned a little more paler in the process.
"Lucy, Shawn, what the heck do we do now?'' he asked as both Shawn and him tried to stay on top of her.
"I think that's obvious Natsu, we finish what we started, worry about the details later, Lucy I'm leaving Everlue to you... but first'' as Shawn did he used Burst to quickly arrive in front of Everlue.
"What the?'' as he tried to finish Shawn punched him in the face but held back a bit so as to not knock him out just yet, it sent him reeling back a few meters and fell down on his back.
"That one's for Lucy you narcissistic asshole'' as he made sure not to forget his promise with Lucy, who seemed to be smiling for him keeping his promise.
"How dare you! Virgo, clean up this rubbish'' as he slowly got up though his nose was bleeding, possibly a broken nose. As he ordered Virgo as he probably views them as nothing more than trash while Natsu jumped down from her back.
"As you wish Master'' she responded immediately before aiming her fist at Natsu and Shawn.
"Now I'm fired up, Fire Dragon Roar'' as Natsu breathed fire.
Shawn once again drew Aine from his sheath "Let's wrap this up, Burst Wave Ignition'' as he sent out his slashes of fire alongside Natsu both collided against Virgo.
BOOOM!
BOOOM!
A deafening explosion occurred sending Virgo flying through the air while Lucy tied up Duke Everlue and calling him 'A Dirty Little Mole man' before sending him flying through the air.
Cancer soon came in and cut off all of his hair and his mustache too as he plummeted to the ground while Lucy landed safely on her feet.
"You're just another greedy villain'' she declared like he was nothing.
"Okay I'm done, is this look fabulous or what baby?'' sounding obviously proud of what he had done.
Shawn came over to look at him and said "he looks more like a goblin than a mole now don't you think?'' while giving Cancer a thumbs up for his handiwork.
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT HERE!'' of course Lucy screamed at him for not taking things seriously again.
Natsu on the other hand put one foot over the defeated Virgo "oh yeah, way to go Crabman uh baby?'' as he tried to copy him.
RUMBLE!
RUMBLE!
RUMBLE!
Though soon the entire place started to shake like crazy.
"What's happening?'' screamed Lucy as she tried to stabilize herself.
"That idiot, he must have dug so many holes through his place that the foundation was weakened, if we don't get out of here soon this place will collapse on top of us'' yelled Shawn.
""Collapse?'''' all of them were scared out of their minds.
As they all quickly escaped through an exit near them they popped up in front of the Everlue Mansion just at it was collapsing. Cancer passed on his key to Shawn just like with Aquarius and Taurus before heading back and telling him he wanted to style his hair sometime.
"I like your style, out with a bang, you both are definitely gonna fit in at Fairy Tail'' says Natsu grinning at their results
"But aren't we not supposed to destroy stuff'' follows up Happy
"I hope I don't get blamed for this'' was all she said
"Don't worry Lucy, this was entirely the result of the Everlue's Diver Magic, we won't get blamed for this at all'' as he patted her shoulder to comfort her.
In the collapse though they couldn't see Virgo was holding Duke Everlue before the rest of the house was completely destroyed leaving a giant pile of smoke which the entire town could be seen.
Sunset
Kaby's Mansion
After leaving the site they headed back towards his place to report the results of their job.
"When I read Daybreak, I couldn't believe it was written by Kemu Zaleon, there's no way he would have done something that bad'' says Lucy
"So?'' Natsu asked not getting the point here.
"She means that's how she knew there must have been a spell placed on it'' says Shawn as he was filled in on the way back.
"Exactly'' she says confirming his answer as she hands the book over to Kabe as he receives it with a shocked look on his face at seeing the book in person.
"But I requested that this book be destroyed, why on Earth are you handing back to me completely unscathed?'' he asks confused about the situation.
"If you really want to burn it then I rather you do it yourself'' as she puts her hands together in front.
"I most certainly will burn this trash, I never wanted to see it again'' he says as his hands shake in anger as he holds Daybreak.
"I completely understand why you feel the way you do about this book Kabe, you want to protect your father's legacy, because your actually Zaleon's son aren't you?'' she says revealing the truth surprising Natsu and Happy, Shawn simply laughed as he already knew about this from the beginning.
"Yes, that's true'' he says admitting that he's Kabe Zaleon, son of Kemu Zaleon.
"Have you read it yourself?''
"No,I… I could never bring myself to do it, my father told me it was garbage''
"So you were just going to burn it?'' as Natsu steps forward and speaks up
"I was'' he answered without a second thought and sets Natsu off "without even bothering to see what's inside?! It's the last book that your dad wrote right? Some of us would kill for that kind of memory'' as he grabbed him and pulled him by the suit's neck
"That's enough Natsu, led Kabe explain himself'' as Lucy separated them.
"My apologies for my friend's outburst, please continue'' says Shawn and gestures for him to continue.
"Please, that book caused my family great heartache and shame'' as he closed his eyes for a moment before continuing "It was over 30 years ago'' as Kabe begins to tell the tale of is father's return after his disappearance and the events that led to his death, including cutting off his own hand and freaked out everyone while Lucy hid behind Shawn again "is she really gonna do this everytime?'' he thought annoyingly but the smile on his face said otherwise.
He also talked about the years following his death and how his hatred for what he did soon turned into regret, which is why he wanted to destroy that book to make amends once and for all.
"This is the only way, the only way I can preserve his legacy, I'm sure this is what he wanted'' as he said somberly he lit a match.
"No, you're wrong'' she said making everyone's eyes focus on her.
"Kaby,look'' she says seriously
Suddenly Daybreak began glowing in a bright flash of light and a magic circle appeared on it while Kabe shielded his eyes and asked what was happening.
The next thing that happened was that the characters Daybreak were lifting off the cover of the book.
"A spell has been cast on this book, it's the work of the wizard Kemu Zaleon or should I say Zekua Melon'' says Lucy as she put her arms behind her back as she and the rest watched the show.
Suddenly the characters on the title switched to form a new title.
"Dear Kaby'' says Kaby as he looks on in shock.
"That's right, this book is his letter to you, disguised behind a spell that rearranged all of the words, so no one else could read them'' as she finished the book suddenly flipped open and streams of letters began pouring out of it in a spectacular light show.
"This is impressive'' said Shawn as he continued to look at it in admiration.
"Wow'' says Natsu as he smiled.
"Pretty'' followed up Happy as he held his arms up.
"He didn't stop writing because he was ashamed, he stopped because he had finished his masterpiece, a novel containing everything he ever wanted to say to his beloved son, and when you read it the way he intended it's easily his best work ever'' as she said Shawn looked at Kaby as he had tears in his eyes and lost in thought, most likely about what his father said to him all those years ago.
Soon it stopped and the book closed itself as it revealed that not only the title but the author's name changed as well.
"And now that the spell's been broken you can read it for yourself'' Lucy says as he looks at him in awe.
Then it fell down into Kaby's arms as he hugged dearly with his wife looked over him in worry but also in joy and relief.
"Thank you father, I swear that I will not let any harm come to this book'' said Kabe as he vowed to make that happen.
Natsu scratched the back of his head and says "well, I guess we won't be collecting that reward'' why Lucy and the others except for Shawn looked at him stupefied.
"We were supposed to destroy it, we didn't finish the job''
"Even so, let me do something'' says Kaby as he seemed guilty for not providing something for all the work they had done.
Lucy seemed worried "yeah, it's not our fault he decided not to burn the book after we got it back for him'' as worry and panic took control.
Shawn seemed happy as well with Natsu's decision as he stepped forward and said "Then how about a compromise, as we discussed earlier I want you to do two things for us. First, take good care of your father's legacy. Second, is that when your done reading it send me and Lucy a copy? As its first readers, were both huge fans, if it's not too much trouble of course'' as he smiled at him.
Kaby seemed to realize what he meant and smiled in joy "yes, it's no trouble at all, once again thank you for all that you've done for us'' as he got up and bowed in gratitude
"Lucy, don't be so greedy, you're totally ruining what was a touching moment'' says Happy
"I NEED THE CASH!'' she yells at him while Shawn patted her on the shoulder "don't waste your energy Lucy, besides we got something good out of this as well, the first edition of the book are going to us, I'd say that was a pretty good reward too''
It seemed to have at least calmed her down a bit but she was still upset about it.
As Natsu walked away "thanks for offering, but we don't want it'' as he waved back at them.
Lucy seemed to regain some of her anger as she left Shawn's side and followed Natsu saying "um, yes we do I need to pay rent'' before Natsu stopped at the door.
"I think it's time we all go home, that means you too Mr. Melon, go back home'' leaving them with a look if shock on their face.
Night Time
Road to Magnolia
All of them were walking on one of the roads leading to Magnolia, Natsu, Shawn, and Happy seemed alright with it but Lucy was complaining about the reward, finding out Kaby and his wife weren't even rich, and about walking all the way home.
"It's not like it matters, we would've taken the job either way'' she says as she lets her arms dangle in exhaustion and disappointment.
"I don't know about you'' questions Happy
"Of course I would have'' Lucy defends herself
"Sure greedy'' counters Happy
Soon they started a fire thanks to Natsu's magic and roasted a few fishes and lizards Shawn and Natsu caught from a nearby river.
As they ate Lucy sat opposite to Natsu and Happy while Shawn sat down next to Lucy.
"By the way'' asked Lucy towards Natsu as she wanted to get to know "the house, how'd you know that it wasn't really there's?'' as that had been one of the two major questions on her mind.
Natsu paused his eating for a moment before continuing while talking "oh that was easy, because they smelled like some other house, seemed pretty obvious''
"Aye'' followed Happy munching on a fish.
"Sure, to you two animals maybe, not me, I was still lost in the clouds from reading that book'' as she smiled in joy.
"Just don't spoil it for me until my copy arrives Lucy, otherwise I won't ever forgive you'' he said as Shawn went back to eating his fish.
Natsu had a smug look on his face "I've got you figured out, all those papers I found on the desk at your place, you're writing a novel aren't you?''
"Oh so that's why she's such a bookworm'' followed up Happy.
"I should probably play ignorant this time'' thought Shawn as he put on a look of surprise "oh really? Lucy you're writing a novel?''
Lucy on the other hand blushed in embarrassment "promise me you three won't tell anybody about it okay?'' said meekly.
"Why not?'' pops in Happy as if he's on screen before going back down.
"Cause I'm a horrible writer, if anybody read my stuff I'd die of embarrassment'' as she covered her face and looked like she wanted to bury her head in a hole.
"Don't worry, nobody's gonna read it'' as Natsu tries to appease her worries.
"Yeah, that doesn't really make me feel any better'' and was ineffective
"Well then you take my word for it Lucy, I promise I won't look at it… without permission of course'' as he smiled at the thought.
"YOU'RE NOT HELPING!'' screamed Lucy as usual but it did seem to put her more at ease.
"For those two and any others however… I may think you wanna buy a safe just to be sure'' as he took another bite he saw Lucy turn pale in worry.
She ended up thinking for the next few minutes while mumbling to herself, by then Shawn, Natsu, and Happy had already finished their fish.
Lucy seemed to have returned to Earth and turned towards Shawn "There's one more thing you didn't tell us though Shawn, what was that about a deal you made with Kaby earlier?'' as she remembered what he said back then.
Shawn wasn't surprised in the least and took a moment to think "you know how he said the price was raised from two hundred to two million all of a sudden?'' as he answered with another question instead.
"Yeah, it really took me by surprise there'' says Natsu as he smiled remembering it.
"Aye'' simply said Happy.
Shawn took a serious face "that set off a huge red flag for me, who would honestly pay so much just to destroy a book? That's what made me think there was more going on behind the scenes than what it appeared to be'' as he looked he saw everyone was listening to him.
"So that's why I decided to stay behind and ask Kaby for a few more details, of course he was mad and threaten to cut off the reward for being suspicious about him'' as he flashbacked to them arguing and Kaby with a look of anger on his face "but I wouldn't be intimidated so easily so I said something that made him realize something about himself''
"What was that?'' asked Lucy as she and Natsu gulped in nervousness.
Flashback
As Shawn stared at Kaby and he in turned stared back at him he closed his eyes, before opening them again with a determined look in his eyes "nothing is more precious in this world than friends and family, once they're gone what's the point then?''
.
...
…
…
…
As the wind blew through the cold night all three of them saw Shawn had a look of sadness in his eyes, though for what reason they couldn't tell.
"Shawn'' Lucy had a complicated look on her face and could tell that Shawn was in pain… and it hurt her to see him like that.
Natsu seemed to be lost in thought too as he heard Shawn's words as he thought about Igneel before looking at Happy who looked at him as well.
No one spoke for a minute or two before Shawn broke the ice "in any case, he told me about his situation with Duke Everlue and we made a deal. If it turns out that nothing unexpected happens then we'll burn the book as per requested… however, if something unexpected does occur and the book isn't burned then we can ask for something else in return, as long as it results in the client's satisfaction. If we failed the job then we don't get paid, simple as that'' as he finished he laid back on the ground.
"I'm tired now, I'll see you all in the morning'' before turning his back to them.
"Damn, shouldn't have looked so depressed in front of them, they don't need to know. It's best I don't let my emotions from the past get to me again'' before quickly falling asleep a few moments later.
Next Day
Unknown Swamp
Shawn and the others were treading through a nearby swamp though Shawn surrounded himself in his Body Reinforcement Magic to keep the mud off his body.
After last night it was kind of awkward the next morning, Shawn of course apologized for it and told them that it was nothing to worry about. Though he could tell Lucy still had a concerned look on her face he teased her a bit making her blush while Natsu and Happy went along with it, before long the mood was better and they headed out towards Magnolia, which lead them here.
" 'I don't know about this guys, are you sure were going the right way?' she asks'' says Horologium/Lucy. She summoned him earlier as she didn't want to trek through the mud.
"Happy says this is the way home so this is the way we're going is what I answer'' he says mocking him/her.
"Have some faith, I'm a cat, I have a great sense of smell, my nose will lead us home'' Happy boldly declares.
" 'It's dogs that have great noses, and what does smell have to do with direction?' she asks quiet hardly'' follows up Horologium/Lucy
"It doesn't, it's as simple as that'' Shawn comments before seeing the exit to the swamp.
They continue walking on ahead for a bit before Natsu asks "why don't you do your own walking for a while?'' as he views Lucy still inside when they're already out of the swamp.
" 'Because I'm tired' she groans exhaustedly'' they respond.
Natsu complains as usual while Shawn thinks "Things should get interesting any second now…''
Rustle!
Rustle!
Suddenly they all hear something moving in the forest and everyone suddenly turns serious.
They all lock eyes at the bushes in front of them "Who's there?'' as Natsu goes one step further and suddenly pounces on whatever is on the bushes.
Some dust kicks up and sounds of fighting pass through the area.
"Why doesn't he think first?'' says Shawn sounding exhausted by Natsu's hotheadedness.
" 'Do you always have to fight' she inquiries worryingly'' says Horologium/Lucy as he carries Natsu's bag in one hand and Happy on the other.
"You can take him Natsu'' Happy cheers him on instead though.
Quickly the figure in the bushes was revealed to be Gray fighting against Natsu.
"It's Gray'' says Happy
" 'What is he doing in his underwear?' the lady questions'' Horologium/Lucy said.
"Trying to find a bathroom'' he answers as he assumed a fighting stance.
"Why would strip down before you found one, and whoever heard of a bathroom in the middle of a forest?'' asks Natsu as he gives Gray a glare
"I wanted some privacy, didn't expect an idiot to barge in'' Gray answers back
Soon they butted heads and threw insults at each other.
"Both of them are complete idiots'' Shawn says though there was a smile in his face.
"They're so childish'' says Lucy as she came out of Horologium and watched them in disbelief.
"She says to the cat'' follows up Happy, though Shawn didn't mind their squabbling.
"Remember Lucy, Happy, don't grow up to be like them'' says Shawn seriously but strangely neither of them could argue with what he said and nodded in response.
Soon their arguing ended and Gray took them to a cliff nearby where Happy pulled out a giant fishing rod from somewhere.
"I still haven't figured out how they do that?'' as Shawn took his eyes off Happy for a moment and the next thing he's fishing without a care in the world.
"So your on your way back from a job?'' questioned Lucy as Shawn decided to listen in.
"Yeah, there's a shortcut through these woods that will get you back to town in no time'' says Gray.
"See, I told you so'' Happy brags about being right.
"Yeah, well if your nose is so great then how come you didn't know Gray was right in front of us, smart guy?'' as Lucy glares at Happy from behind.
"There are some things you don't want to smell''
Which ticked Gray off as he turns to Happy "What'd you say?''
Shawn had his eyes close but decided to add his two cents "Don't get too cocky Happy, that could lead to trouble for you later on, like a certain someone not getting any fish tonight... if you know what I mean'' says Shawn as an evil smirk appears on his face, sending chills down Happy's spine.
Natsu put his hands behind his back "I agree, so go on home and we'll smell you later'' without care.
"Fine I will'' says Gray as he gets up "And unless you want trouble you should too''
"Why do you say that?'' asks Lucy out of curiosity.
As Shawn looks at Gray he could see him with a nervous look on his face.
"Cause Erza's due back any time now''
Natsu's face turns into panic, Shawn on the other hand isn't surprised as he instead thought "about time, can't wait to see her in person'' as he looked forward to finally meeting her in real life.
"The Erza? Whoa'' as Lucy is amazed.
"Yup, she's the most powerful woman in all of Fairy Tail'' says Happy as he chewed on a fish he caught just a few seconds ago.
Lucy on the other hand compared to Natsu and Gray depressed faces was ecstatic "I can't wait to meet her'' as she grabbed her cheeks in a fluster before her pretty little head thought of something "but you know I've never even seen a picture of her in Sorcerer Weekly or anything, what's she like?''
All three of them except Shawn come up with the same answer.
""Scary'''' they all replied at once.
Leaving Lucy with a dumbfounded expression on her face.
"Wild animal'' said Gray
"A vile beast'' says Natsu
"More like a full on monster'' as Lucy pictured her as a monster destroying the town and terrorizing the citizens.
"She's not that big you guys'' mumbles Happy still eating.
"Well, she's big enough for me''
"One thing we can all agree on is that she's definitely that scary... well… maybe a little scarier''
"The reason for that is because you guys are a bunch of idiots always pissing her off, though, growing up with her probably caused you guys to view her like that'' as Shawn thought about how her past shaped her into who she is today.
"In the end… I'm just an outsider''
While Shawn was thinking the Three Idiots (Natsu,Gray, and Happy) were arguing about how strong Erza while Lucy was exhausted just hearing their rambling.
Lucy turned her head around "Shawn, what do you think about Erza?'' she asked.
"Huh?... oh right, to be honest it makes me more curious to know what kind of person she really is'' as Shawn pointed his thumb towards the Three Idiots "I'd rather see for myself than trust these guys''
""Hey!'''' yelled all three of them with a ticked off look.
"So don't worry, remember Lucy, you can't believe everything you hear until you see things for yourself'' as Shawn patted her on the shoulder in assurance.
"Shawn'' as she blushed in embarrassment from their close contact before thinking about what he said before saying 'right' while giving him a determined nod.
As he smiled in satisfaction his face quickly turned serious "GUYS, WE'VE GOT COMPANY!''
BOOM!
""Ahhhhh'''' as everyone screamed at once.
No sooner after Shawn finished a huge explosion occurred with dust and rocks flying out and obstructing their view.
As the dust cleared showing the area around them turned to sand, Gray was buried up to his shoulders, Natsu entire upper body was buried in it, as for Shawn and Lucy.
"God dammit, I'm gonna make that guy pay… oh no!'' he said before he realized something.
"*cough cough*, what was... that?'' she asked before she looked down and froze in place.
The explosion pushed Lucy on top of Shawn without realizing, neither of them said anything and just stared at each other.
"Um, Lucy… are you okay?'' said Shawn as he tried to stay calm.
"S-S-S-Sorry'' as she quickly jumped off and skidded back as she felt her heart pounding like crazy.
"What is going on with me, ever since last night…'' as she realized that she became more aware or easily flustered when Shawn did something nice for her... or when he's feeling sad she can feel as if a dagger is piercing her heart.
"Nononono, get yourself together Lucy, now isn't the time for that'' though as she looked at Shawn she would just turn her head away on instinct.
Shawn fared better compared to Lucy as his mind was a little more preoccupied at the moment, as he dug himself out of the sand and began walking towards Gray and Natsu.
He grabbed Gray by the collar of his shirt and Natsu by his leg.
"What now?'' he asked and thanked Shawn with a simple nod.
"Hrrapppy!'' mumbled Natsu as he still had sand in his mouth.
"Natsu, sniff Happy and those bastards out, Gray,Lucy, let's go'' declared Shawn before running off to chase them.
"You got it'' responded Gray
"Oh um, right'' roughly responded Lucy and soon ran off into the forest.
A Few Minutes Later
"Help. Me'' said Happy as he was hanging out (literally) with the guys who kidnapped him earlier over what looked a fireplace to roast him alive. There were several people surrounding Happy, one of them was a tall and slim man with black eyes and hair. Having bangs on both sides of his face, wearing a white shirt under a purple collar jumpsuit with metal shoulder plate and a pair of black boots. Lastly, he had a crystal ball in his hand and would know right away he was a fortune teller.
There were a pair of identical twins having orange hair and black eyes. Both were wearing a dark red and white collared coats and black V-neck shirts. They also had a pair of dark blue trousers and brown shoes.
Another was basically a humanoid chicken and had beady eyes, yellow skin, red hair and beard. Also having a triangle like mouth for some reason and blue overalls along with a pair of red shoes.
The last guy looked more sinister compared to the rest of them though he looked more inhuman than human. He was small but had dark gray skin and no hair. He has what appears to be a guild mark on the left side of his head and pointy ears with two slits for a nose, he was also wearing a green shirt with a hood and red gloves. For pants he wears trousers and black shoes along with a dark white quilt.
"We're finally gonna get some real protein'' said one of a pair of twins
"No berries for us tonight'' said the other twin tough both of them were drooling in anticipation.
"MEAT!'' yelled the giant chicken man.
"Our future holds a feast'' says the fortune teller
Happy in the meantime was shaking in fear "wow'' "look at him shaking,geez'' says the twins
"Relax, you're gonna be in our bellies soon enough so there's no need to be scared'' assures the green clothed man.
"Actually, I'm not shaking like this because I'm scared, I gotta use the bathroom really bad'' says Happy surprising the little goblin.
"I can't hold it in much longer and it will probably make me taste weird'' warns Happy though it has no effect on them and they soon start to cook him.
"I'll take mine medium please''
"Hey, I'm serious, it's gonna make me taste funny, I just known it will'' as Happy hoped for a miracle.
And one shall appear.
"Hold it right there'' yelled and startled the chicken man as they turn around to see a few people hanging on the ridges up top.
"Trust me you guys, it ain't worth it, especially if you don't want to piss these guys off anymore''
Revealing Shawn and the others looking down at them from up top.
"Happy!'' yelled Lucy showing her concern while Natsu and Grey looked pissed off from earlier. Shawn on the other hand looked calm but on the inside he really wanted payback on shortie for earlier… with his fist.
Seeing his friends coming to the rescue Happy said in relief "Thank goodness, now I'm not gonna taste weird''
"Happy, that should be the least of your concerns right now'' commented Shawn while amazed at Happy's abilities to overlook the real danger.
"That's our friend you're trying to roast buddy, sorry but you guys will have to make other plans for dinner'' said Natsu as he cracked his knuckles warming up for the fight.
"You're all wizards aren't you, what guild are you with?'' questioned Gray
"I'm not telling, GET EM'' yelled the gray skinned man as they all leaped towards them.
"Great, let's do it'' says Natsu, fight first and ask questions later, definitely his style.
"Alright, but don't go telling me what to do'' Gray answers before both begin dodging the group's attacks easily.
"Lucy, go and get Happy loose'' ordered Shawn as he leaped towards the grey goblin.
"Right'' she says before running towards Happy.
The grey skinned person in question didn't seemed worried as he smashed his fist against the ground before a magic circle appeared.
"Sand Bomb, go'' he yells before a huge sphere of sand appears catching Shawn and Natsu in it.
"Shawn, Natsu'' yelled Lucy
"They're fine, go do what Shawn said and go help Happy'' ordered Gray
"Right'' before continuing towards Happy.
Both twins tried to attack Gray but he was able to deal with both of them with ease.
"Help, Lucy's gonna eat me'' cries Happy in horror.
Lucy on the other hand was fed up with Happy's idiocy "Shut up cat'' she said in anger before looking to her left and noticed the giant chicken man with a blazing pitchfork about to attack her.
She panicked and threw her arms out "please don't kill me Mr. Chicken''
BAM!
BAM!
As she saw not only Gray kick him but Shawn's blade Aine's sheath hitting him straight on the forehead knocking him down while Happy and Lucy ran away.
"Next'' says Gray as he looked at the fortune teller's ball glow before saying "You and that young man over there will see and meet people special to you both, but the stars point to great trouble with water for you my topless friend and women for you both''
"You're telling our fortune?'' he says both ticked off and wondering what this guy's deal is before knocking him out with an elbow thrust.
"He's not using magic, wow'' Lucy looks on in awe for a moment till she realizes he's in his underwear.
"Put some clothes on'' she reminds him.
"Crap'' yells Gray as he did it again
"Where these brats come from anyway?'' says the gray goblin.
SHING!
BOOM!
As a huge explosion occurs before revealing Shawn holding Aine in a red aura and Natsu completely unharmed from his last attack.
"Natsu, it's about time we settled this'' said Shawn as he stuck Aine in the ground, not even bothering to use it to finish up. He activated Burst and quickly arrived in front of him
"Right'' agreed Natsu as he spat some of the sand that got in his mouth before smashing his fists together and leaped towards him.
"Aura Impact!''
"Fire Dragon Iron Fist''
As both of their attacks landed on the gray goblin's chest and face creating a huge explosion of dust, by the time it cleared all of them were tied up to a tree with several thick ropes and several of them unconscious.
"Well, I feel better'' as Shawn smiled in satisfaction for a successful reven… I mean payback for earlier.
"Don't you think you might have gone a little overboard Natsu?'' says Gray mocking Natsu of course.
"So what if I did? I got the job done…'' says Natsu
"Grow up already, you're an embarrassment to the guild'' though before he could finish Gray interrupted him and soon sparked another argument between the two.
As Shawn walked over to the bunch tied up while looking at those two quarrel "geez, don't those two ever stop arguing?'' he said in a irritation though a smile could be seen on his face clearly displaying the opposite of what he really means.
"I don't think they ever will'' says Lucy as she kneels down next to him to look at group they just caught.
"Lulla..'' said the nearly unconscious goblin
Lucy being the closest asks again "huh, what's.. Lulla?''
"Lulla..by, this...'' he finally says and catches the attention of Natsu and Gray, stopping their fighting.
"Lullaby?'' said Gray confused, Shawn on the other hand could see a shadow fast approaching them, before he could react it send them all flying though they were basically unharmed.
Quickly it wrapped around the tied up crooks before pulling the entire tree down to half its original size taking them as well before quickly vanishing.
"What was that?'' questioned Lucy before Shawn lifted her off the floor.
"Who was that?'' asked Natsu
"Best guess, one of their guildmates coming to save them'' said Shawn as he dusted off his pants.
"Well whoever it was there fast, I can't even sense their presence anymore'' as Gray nursed his head from earlier.
"Yeah me neither, even with my heightened senses'' said Shawn as he used his Body Reinforcement Magic to increase his sensory capabilities, though he only barely realized until it was too late.
"I should focus on training my sensory abilities from now on, no more surprises'' said Shawn as he let himself be careless, he knew who that was and could have prevented it if he had just acted sooner as he knew what was coming next.
"Lullaby'' mentioned Lucy as Shawn would be ready for it, they all quickly headed back to Magnolia after that while thinking about who that person could be.
Author's Note: That's the end of the Daybreak Arc folks, hope you guys enjoyed it.
I'll try and get the Lullaby Arc done as soon as possible because people are looking forward to seeing what Shawn and Erza's first meeting will be like.
Also some people were asking if Aquarius will be in Shawn's harem and to that... sorry but no, she just acknowledges him as her Master or someone worthy of her respect, besides she already has Scorpio, do you really think she would cheat on him? I plan to keep it only to Lucy and Erza... though I do have a candidate for a possible third but I'm still not sure about it.
Even if I do add one more girl I think that would be it for Shawn as I don't want him to have a huge harem with four or five women like in my other stories. Besides like I said before if I put too many it becomes more difficult to make each girl's moments special and make it a great impact on the story, I've seen other fanfics that try to accomplish that though in the end it feels bland... I think I'm using that word correctly and if not feel free to correct me.
I'll try to do my best for you guys so let me know what you think.
Now then, on to the next topic:
What do you guys think she meant by Savior of the Stars a few chapters ago?
Well sorry can't tell you anything because that's actually planned for way down the line and to give the story more depth and originality. Leave your guesses in the comments.
Finally: In the next chapter I'll answer some more of your guys questions so feel free to write whatever questions you have of me (except personal information) stuff like I did in Sekirei previously, which I plan to do another one in the future. Leave your questions and I'll try to answer them the best I can for you guys.
Hope you guys stick around for more of Fairy Tail: Guildmate from Another World, have a great day everybody.
Next Time: Shawn and Erza finally meet, what sort of plan does fate have in store for these two? Tune in to find out.
Till Next Time!
