Alphas of Fairy Tail

by DragonSoulx

The Alphas of Fairy Tail are a known group of 4 elite Fairy Tail Wizards that stand above S-Class and it's very own Master. Wendy Marvell is on a secret quest to join Fairy Tail to request for dire help and aid from the elite group but when she joins, she will begin to learn the Alphas of Fairy Tail have long disappeared. Where did they all go and why did they disappear?

2. Fairy Tail

Wendy, a little upset over the Hargeon fiasco, looked up to the looming building in front of her. It intimidated her, she paled and gulped. Maybe I shouldn't have come here. She looked up to the building with a pained expression, remembering the desperate cries of her previous guildmates.

Just remembering it, caused her to tighten her hold on Carla who had stayed in her cat form and allowed Wendy to carry her. She hadn't told Carla this, but she liked it better when she was in her cat form, the human form didn't help her in situations such as these. It was always easier to get comfort from her friend when she could easily hug her this way, it always calmed her aching heart.

"Everything alright," she heard Carla ask her. "Wendy?"

She frowned sadly. She unknowingly tightened her hold. "... yeah..." Wendy said slowly and softly, looking upon the building. "I-I'm just thinking-"

"About going back and helping Lucille?" Carla's voice had turned sharp and straight to the point. "I thought we agreed to respect her decision. She appeared to think she had it handled, why are you still beating yourself over it?"

"I'm not!" Wendy snapped harshly. She quickly sighed, softening. "I'm sorry Carla. I'm just worried about her, I'm not sure if she could handle it on her own."

"She wasn't alone," Carla protested. "I'm sure she went with that husband she kept talking about..." she trailed off sourly. "That's not what's worrying you, is it child?"

"No," Wendy shook her head with a small smile. "I'm just thinking if this is wrong... Fairy Tail is a large guild but I-I don't know if joining is the best choice."

Carla seemed to understand. She felt a soft paw rest on her hand for comfort. "I understand, your unsure if you should join knowing a whole other guild is in trouble but listen Wendy, your joining to save them... remember?"

Wendy couldn't answer straight away. She frowned as she peeled her gaze away from the building, taking a quick glance at the empty street. It was currently midday, Fairy Tail was the guild building that loomed over her, they'd spent the night in one of the towns motels to think over their options. It'd taken them the entire day to finally decide to go through with it.

Wendy carried a duffle bag carrying all of the supplies she'd packed in the last week. "I remember," Wendy started. "But I can't help but think it'd be easier to do what Oracion Seis says and find that magic they're after. If I can somehow to do that within the year, perhaps they'd let my friends go."

She didn't expect Carla to respond straight away, and it was exactly how she expected, Carla didn't respond. Wendy's frown deepened as she looked at the sign of the guild. Even the energy of the outside, had somehow lifted her spirits. She'd heard the stories; the guild was the strongest ever seen or built. Its wizard's power was beyond that of her imagination. She'd longed to meet with their most powerful members but in the last few years she'd grown disappointed as talk of them had decreased considerably.

Wendy had wondered why, they were an inspiration. The Alphas. She'd liked the name, the name they'd called themselves... The Alphas of Fairy Tail. They were a fearsome group, she'd only crossed paths with them once and from the moment she saw them she knew that everything they said, was true.

She yearned to meet them properly, introduce herself to them, befriend them. That was her true dream, to know the Alphas. That was why she was there, to fulfil her dream but she would always remember what the Dark Guild had said, 'You have a year. If you don't find Nervana by then, consider your friends dead.' She knew she shouldn't be worried, her friends had disbanded the guild for a reason... she knew they had their reason to throw her away but she just couldn't forget.

The man she had considered as her Grandfather had reassured her nothing the Dark Guild will do will hurt them for they were Cait Shelter, one of the oldest guilds in the making. 'If you stay, they'll hurt you Wendy.' The words were so soft, so sincere but also serious. What did he mean they wouldn't be able to hurt them? Even though she was warned to never go after the forbidden magic, she just couldn't forget... she couldn't just let her friends die, which was also why she's seeking out Fairy Tail.

"I understand, Wendy." Carla spoke softly, after a too long wait. "Master Roubaul is old, he knows everything that we don't. It is hard and we can help them, but I believe that seeking out Nervana would only give Oracion Seis what they want... we can't mess with something we don't understand especially if Nervana can hurt people, innocent people."

Wendy couldn't stop herself from agreeing. "Yeah," she nodded. "Your right. We have an entire year to figure out what to do."

"Exactly." Carla said. "Now, can we join or are you still procrastinating?"

Wendy didn't know what 'procrastinating' meant so she just went along with it and walked forward, walking towards the door that would show her the chapter to her future. She walked forward, her mind drawing complete blanks as she stopped before the door, hesitating. After a moment, she sighed and reached for the door. You can do this Wendy.

She noticed the door was warm, filled with light. She found it strange as he large door fell away from her grip and she saw a bright light flash beyond her eyes. The sight before her eyes was admiring, she found herself drawn towards the light... before she heard a shout. "Watch out!" the voice spoke

The voice snapped her out of her trance but all she saw was the light... a bright white light. "Wendy!" Carla exclaimed. "It's magic!" She barely had the time to jump out of the way as the beam hit a boy. She screamed in both shock and horror, leaping out of the way as the boy tumbled out the door in shock. Her foot caught on a loose brick and she shouted out, falling. "Wendy!"

Carla wriggled out of her grip and jumped before Wendy could fall. She felt her arm being pulled upwards and she noticed her fall halted. Surprised, she looks up to see Carla with her wings extended, her paws held onto her arm tightly as she used her might to pull her upright. "Carla?"

"Are you alright?" Carla simply responded as Wendy nodded, standing firmly on the ground.

This concern was new. Carla wasn't normally one to jump in and save her but after being forced away, Carla had grown more protective than usual. Wendy welcomed it but the feeling was overwhelming, it was taking her a while to get used to it. "I'm fine," she said with a smile before seeing the boy in the entranceway.

"Ow," he grumbled, struggling to stand as he wiped at his clothing. "That damn bastar-" he stopped still as he noticed Wendy and Carla. His eyes lingered on Wendy, a blush tinting his cheeks. "... oh. H-hi?"

Wendy grew embarrassed at the look. She tensed, face growing bright as she covered her mouth to stop herself from screaming unnecessarily. The boy didn't appear to notice her uncomfortableness as he straightened up, dusting off his jacket. He momentarily looked away and Wendy used the chance to size him up. "Sorry," he mumbled.

His voice was quiet, but she heard it loud and clear. He looked not much older than her, his dark hair was unkept and messy, his chiselled muscles covered both his arms and stomach. She knew that because he wore a simple black vest, an orange scarf was tied around his throat. She didn't pay attention to what he wore on his feet, but she could only notice them as normal boots.

"I'm Romeo," the boy stated as he stepped forward.

Frightened, Wendy took a step back, tightening her hold on her duffle bag. "W-Wendy," she said, praying to god he keeps his distance. She struggled to jab her head towards Carla as she continues, "Car-Caa-Carla."

He nods his head, standing still. He glanced at the inside of the guild with a scowl and Wendy heard chuckles. The noises were nothing new, she'd heard them before, but she'd never heard chuckles that carried such amusement. She wondered what was so funny as she looked to Romeo, the blush on his face hadn't moved from the moment he'd seen her.

"Nice to meet you," he grumbled under his breath darkly. "Are you looking to join the guild? Is that why you're here?"

He moved his gaze to her and she found herself unable to speak or move. She trembled slightly, looking up very uneasy to Carla who sighed and shook her head. "No child." She said and Wendy barely noticed Romeo's eyes widen. "It's time to speak for yourself, your old enough to do it."

That was not what Wendy wanted to hear as she clenched her fist. She squeezed her knees tightly together, feeling a tremble in her joints. Her face flushed as she looked at an expecting Romeo and she nodded stiffly. "I-I have a let-I have a letter for Makarov."

"A letter?!" Romeo's eyes widened. "For Master Makarov?" Wendy didn't respond as Romeo took a quick glance into the guild and nodded to himself. He stepped towards the door and gestured for her to follow. "Come with me."

Curious, Wendy followed with Carla in tow. She felt and heard Carla's soft paws land on the ground as the cat walked beside her but with a distance. "Oi Romeo!" she heard a boys voice call out. "Where'd you go? I wanted to beat you up more."

Wendy's eyes widened as she peeked inside from the large doors. She saw the massive guild, the entire bar was completely filled with many people she didn't recognise and she became instantly nervous. The first person she saw, other than Romeo, was another boy with blonde, styled hair and grey eyes. He looked entirely amused but Wendy couldn't understand why. Was it his magic I saw just now? If it was, she could have been hurt.

"Not now," Romeo called in annoyance, stepping further into the guild. "You almost hit our newest member, Kyle."

Kyle, who was grinning, lost his amusement in an instant. "Huh?" he said as he slouched slightly, tucking his hand into his trouser pants. "Who?"

Wendy squeaked, clutching onto the guild doors, bracing herself against it. Beside her she heard Carla sigh in defeat, but she ignored her as Romeo moved to the side, motioning to her. "She's come with a letter," he says. "For Master Makarov."

Wendy saw the boy's eyes widen in shock. "A letter?"

Wendy felt more pairs of eyes on her, she flushed, clutching harder on the door and praying she doesn't break it just from the force. She ignored Carla's obvious disbelief as she looked to Romeo, he had an arm outstretched with a grin on his face. "Come on," his eyes lit up. "Everyone's waiting."

Everyone?! She grew more nervous as she took a very hesitant step into the guild. She kept her arms in front of herself, clutching onto her duffle bag as she took a quick glance around the guild. She noticed there wasn't as many people watching her as she had thought, most people had just minded their own business. The only people she noticed was Romeo and Kyle, plus a few people she didn't know.

"Um, I..." she shied away, looking to Carla who rolled her eyes. She grew frustrated at her only current friend, seeing Carla wave her off like that; created a familiar emotion she usually felt when Carla judged her. I can do this. With that in mind she nodded.

Romeo looked amused but he kept his hand outstretched. "Your very shy, aren't you?"

"What?!" Wendy exclaimed, brightening further. "Wha- NO!"

"Well?" he waved her over. "That letters not going anyway if you stand there." His words caused her to scowl as she walked towards him without hesitation. "That's the way!" She pouted as he walked away from her, leading her further into the guild and closer to Kyle who kept his amusement high for all to see.

Wendy kept her head low, her gaze stared close to her feet as she walked. She didn't see where she was going, she reached half-way towards the bar as the end, until she tripped over her own feet. She shouted out as she fell face-first into the floor. "Ow," she groaned and relaxed into the floor, hearing a few amused chuckles.

If no one was paying attention before, they were now. "And a klutz too," she heard Romeo say with a smirk. She looked up to see not only Romeo but Kyle too, crowding her. She chocked up as Romeo kneeled, outstretching his hand. "You certainly know how to make an appearance."

Wendy frowned, taking a glance at Carla who folded her paws in front of her, amusement obvious in her smirk. Wendy scowled. So much for your help. Carla appeared to notice her turmoil, but her smirk stayed put. Wendy was not amused as she grabbed Romeo's hand, allowing him to lift her up. "Thanks," she said as she dusted herself off. Whilst doing so she noticed the quiet guild and the many eyes. She glanced at it all before bowing, "H-hi. I'm Wendy. I'm a mage and I-I'd like to join the guild. Plea-please let me join, I-I'd be so embarrassed if you didn't."

Nobody said anything as she looked up, Kyle looked shocked and surprised, Romeo just continued grinning. She shied away, blushing with embarrassment as Carla sighed, "You've got to show them some confidence child."

"I-I'm sorry Carla."

"They won't respect you if you don't Wendy," Carla only wanted to be helpful. "I swear you'll drag me to a catnap."

"I-I'm sorry-"

"Stop crowding the poor girl," a feminine voice said amused. "Give her some room to breathe, Romeo, Kyle. Geez." Wendy's eyes widened and she turned to see another girl in their seemed age group. Her hair, short and curly, the colour of blood and one side pinned in a braid. Her skin a ghost pale and her eye a bright green. She wore an outfit that Wendy would never wear.

So much skin. She couldn't help herself. She flushed.

Bikini top, small overshirt -big boobs- mini skirt and thigh-high boots. Chains and bracelets wrapped around the girls wrists and neck, piercings dangled from her ears. Wendy was in complete awe and embarrassment at the sight, she couldn't take her eyes away.

"Aurora," she heard Kyle say in annoyance. "Who invited you to the party?"

Wendy saw her grin as she flicked her hair cockily. Her bracelets clanged at her movement. "Me, obviously." She took a step forward, heels echoing throughout the hall. "So, your names Wendy?" Wendy nodded in awe. "And you want to join?" Another nod. "Do you have a recommendation?"

Wendy blinked, Huh? A what? She looked to Carla unsure to see she was equally confused. "Recommendation?"

Now Aurora was taken aback. "... you don't know?" she looked to Romeo, "Where did you find this girl?"

Wendy clenched her fists, glancing at Romeo to see him shrug. "Outside, after this jerk," he glared at Kyle. "Threw me out." He shook his head, giving a one shoulder shrug. "She did say she had a letter for the Master, so I'm assuming that's her recommendation."

"I-I'm sorry," Wendy cut in. "What do you mean by 'recommendation'?"

She waited, the trio all glanced at each other, she used the chance and lowered herself to the ground, carefully picking up Carla without consent before using the comfort of her friend to calm her racing nerves. She was about to ask them again before a sweet and calm voice interrupted, "Nothing you need to concern yourself over."

Behind the group she was with, stood a sweet and beautiful woman. She carried an empty round plate, she wore a comfortable dress, her platinum hair was naturally waved and tied in a high ponytail with a few braids leading to the main part of her hair. Her bangs; tied in the front of her scalp and separate from the rest of her hairstyle. All she did was smile sweetly as Wendy looked to her in awe, she knew exactly who this woman was, Mirajane. "Mirajane," she couldn't help herself. She tightened her hold on Carla, "Do you see it Carla?"

"See it," came the response. "Don't want to believe it."

Wendy frowned. "Why not?"

"You know why."

Right. Mirajane was a famous model. Wendy, and her innocent eyes, had seen many of her photoshoots. Carla had always scoffed at her overconfidence to show so much skin, she found it degrading but Wendy had looked up to Mirajane's ability to stand like that so comfortably and confidently... she couldn't imagine how many people had seen those inappropriate photographs.

Mirajane chuckled softly, her smile widening. "Welcome to Fairy Tail you two... you can just call me Mira."

"Oh wow," Wendy said in awe. "You're just as amazing in person."

She heard Carla scoff but she chose to ignore it. "Another fan?" Romeo said amused.

"She always has fans," Kyle cut in.

Aurora rolled her eyes, hands on hips. "Shut-up. You just want to get as popular as Mira, don't try to deny it. I've seen all those pictures you take of yourself." At her words, Kyle froze in shock, turning as pale as a ghost.

"H-how?" Aurora simply grinned, Kyle frowned and suddenly pushed passed Wendy and ran out the window with Aurora quickly in tow. "Get away from me!"

Mira didn't appear fazed by the confession, Romeo however shook his head apologically. "I should go check on them." He left without a word, leaving Wendy in the presence of the great Mirajane Strauss.

"Uh," Wendy blinked with wide eyes.

Mira, keeping her composure, looked to Wendy with kind, blue eyes as she said, "Don't mind them. Come, I'll take you to the Master."

"Really?"

"Yup," Mira nodded and started leading them further into the guild. "I'd get used to seeing them around since your joining." Wendy listened to those words... it sounded like Mira was certain she'd get in. "They're the guild troublemakers... well, the current ones."

"Really?"

Mira nodded, stopping in front of the bar. Standing, no, sitting on the centre of it was an old, extremely short man who appeared extremely bored. He sighed in his boredom as Mira stopped before him. "Master?" she said as he leaned on his arm which he had digging into his leg. "We have new recruits."

His eyes suddenly widened as he looked up to her. "We do?!" he sounded excited. "It's sure been a while."

Mira nodded brightly, gesturing to Wendy. "Wendy and her feline friend... uh..." she looked to them with a frown. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"It's Carla," Wendy cut in before Carla could say something. "We've been working together for a few years."

"I see," Makarov said intrigued. "And I believe I heard something about a letter?"

At first, Wendy looked a little confused. How'd he know that? He didn't appear to know he had new recruits until Mira said it. She blinked, her confusion growing. "I-I..." she looked away. "I-I'm sorry."

"What the hell for?" Carla grumbled as she scrambled out of Wendy's grip. "Just take out Lucille's letter and give it to him."

"But..." she trailed off. I don't know if Lucille's letter is this recommendation everyone keeps talking about. As much as she thought it, she had respected the letter and didn't read it. Wendy hesitated and became a little uneasy over the fact no one was shocked and surprised over Carla's ability to speak... she'd seen peoples shock multiple times before but not once had she seen it here.

She looked to Makarov, somehow realizing he was exactly who Lucille told them about. She sighed in defeat as reached for her duffle bag, unzipping it and searching through her belongings to find the letter. When she found it, she grabbed it and zipped up the bag to see Makarov looking expectant. "I was told to give this to you, from Lucille."

"Lucille?" Makarov appeared confused as he reached for the note. Wendy passed it over and he looked to the seal for a moment before his eyes went wide with recognition. "It's the Dragneel family crest." Eagerly he broke the seal and grabbed the letter within.

Hearing the name, struck her own recognition. She looked to Carla with wide eyes, Dragneel? It can't be... she looked thoughtful as Makarov's wide eyes read of the words in the letter. How did Lucille get her hands on the Dragneel crest?

"Mira," Makarov suddenly said as he stood, surprising both Wendy and Carla in the process. He grabbed his small cane and held the letter firmly in his free hand. "Get these two a guild mark, pronto." He folded his hands behind his back, "I've got a letter to decipher."

"Yes, master," Mira responded as the old man walked deeper into the guild.

𖤍

The Demon Children.

That was what Lucy was used to being called. Within two weeks of travelling with her new friend... only friend... best friend, they'd finally found a town. Those two weeks were the hardest she'd ever lived. They had no clothes or simple provisions, they had to drink and bathe from the lake Lucy had found before she met him -they bathed separately of course- but when it came to food, it grew difficult.

She'd learned of his fire magic, he'd be the one to light the very badly set up fire, the fire had kept them warm but during the nights they had to cuddle to keep warm, not that Lucy minded... he had quite the natural body warmth, it was both comforting and helpful especially with the nightmares that plagued her each night.

Natsu had quickly grown into the only person she kept in her heart. He was funny, not-so-smart, and cheerful. Every-time she cried, he'd somehow find a way to make her smile and laugh again, she didn't know how he did it but it always chased away the dark memory of her late mother. Anything he did would bring a smile and she was glad it was him she had ran into.

She'd learned a lot of his past. His father was a Dragon -adopted-, his name was Igneel and he taught Natsu everything he knew which surprisingly also included how to survive in the wild. His older brother, Zeref, was also with them before both Igneel and Zeref suddenly disappeared on July 7th X777, the same day of her mother's death. She'd learned he had a run in with a bad Dragon which had turned him into his current inhumane state.

He never told her of the Dragon, all she knew was it was a bad Dragon. A Dragon which had also 'cursed' Zeref. Lucy was beyond shocked and confused about that whole Dragon thing, she didn't know they existed... until she met Natsu who quite definitely held the qualities and not just his appearance, he also had the hearing, smell, taste and touch of one as well which had shocked her.

They'd found themselves in Hargeon, a city filled with many people, people that didn't approve of Natsu. He was called a demon child, an evil demon or one that really hurt... spawn of Satan. Not many had seen him before he flew away, obviously hurt, but they'd also kept what they saw to themselves. Forced to get supplies herself, she tried her best to find help, but no one would help and she didn't have any money so she stole.

She wasn't very good, and she barely got anything, but she kept trying, over and over until she perfected it. Natsu, who'd been too hurt, refused to show himself in front of anyone except for her. Instead, when she's away, he'd stay by the cave they had found and trained... he trained himself over and over to the point of complete exhaustion.

One day, Lucy had been caught but an old, nice lady saved her. The lady had learned of Lucy stealing to help a friend and herself, so the lady bought many supplies to aid them, there was clothes, blankets, food and much more. Lucy had grown especially happy and took her to their hideout where she'd seen Natsu... and it happened over again, he was called a demon scum before the lady dropped her things and ran.

They had their supplies, but Natsu was starting to lose faith in humanity, it worried Lucy.

Two years pass. They haven't moved from the outskirts of Hargeon due to being unsure on how far a different town was. They rarely visit the town, they spent most of their time training their bodies and magic, they'd taught themselves the art of surviving and they -Lucy- only went to the town for clothing and comfort. The town knew when to expect her, some try to fight her off whilst others have learned it was pointless... she'd learned to control her wings.

She could fly. She could control when her wings appeared and disappeared and she'd learned how to summon her spirits, she could summon more than one and she was barely nine. Both of their training had gone leaps and bounds, there was a part of the forest -their temporary home- that was nothing but ash thanks to the hardcore training they pushed themselves through.

Lucy frowned, looking upon the lake they had lived near for the last two years. She'd really let herself go, her hair was longer and a complete mess, parts stuck out here and there, and she longed for a proper bath with warm water. She was grateful for Natsu trying his hardest to warm the lake with his magic, but it was just not the same. Her frown deepened as she sat at the lakes edge, dipping her feet into the water... she missed her mother.

"I'm going to miss this place," she said sadly as she looked at the clear water, which hadn't changed even after the years being surrounded by fire and ash.

"Huh?" she heard Natsu mumble. Behind her, he was fumbling with the fire that had been burning overnight. He was trying to take it out, erase the evidence of them being there when in all honesty every person in Hargeon knew exactly where they were. "It'll still be here if we come back."

Lucy momentarily closed her eyes, "I know."

Lately, Natsu had stuck to the edge of Hargeon, standing by in case something went wrong. Sometimes the people would be too prepared, and Lucy would get into trouble, until he cuts in and saves her. But one time, a few days ago, he overheard a few of the townsfolk talking about hiring a wizard from a guild to take care of their demonic thieves. He knew they were speaking of him and Lucy and decided it was time to move on, find another place to hide and hibernate.

Lucy hated to go, but she knew it was time. "I'm still going to miss this place."

"I know," he pelted his magical fire with his foot harshly but with no luck. With a curse he started to kick it with dirt and Lucy started to giggle. "It's not funny Luce!" he exclaimed with horror, causing her to spin around to him. The nickname he'd given her, was the only name he used. "You try taking out magical fire!"

She grinned to him, grabbing a single key and showing him. "Okay."

Seeing the key, Natsu paled. "No!" he shook both his head and hands. "Not her, not her, not her." He took a step back, "Anything but her."

Lucy frowned, glancing at her spirit. Aquarius was by far the strongest spirit she had, but she knew where Natsu came from. The mermaid didn't like them, either of them. "I guess," she pouted. "You have a point." Over small things like this, Aquarius wasn't the best sport.

For one thing, the spirit didn't like the fact she was living in a forest, with a guy no less. Lucy never understood why Aquarius hated that, but she could never ask considering the spirit was never in the mood. She sighed, standing and pocketing her key. "Do you want to come this time?"

Natsu scowled, just the thought of going near the town had always upset him. He bent to the ground and used his hands to shovel dirt onto the burning fire, but like she expected... it didn't work. "What do you plan on getting?" he said after a moment.

"Not a lot," she responded as she walked towards the cave they'd slept in more time's than she could count. "Just some snacks, perhaps a balloon. Oh and one of those weird string things." She walked deeper into the cave, if she had just met him she didn't think he'd hear her but she knew very well he heard every word she said. "Did you want anything?"

She grabbed her familiar black cloak, which she had made herself out of a black sheet she'd stolen. When she grabbed it, she swung it over her shoulders and tied it before grabbing a bag she had also made out of another blanket she had stolen. Before she left, she took a glance over the area, two small beds were made of straw and cotton from some more blankets. The makeshift beds, one was made whilst the other was a complete mess, they'd cut the cave in half.

She looked to her side, which was more their side, and remembered the memories they had made here. She saw a carving of a wooden Dragon, Natsu had made it out of a part of a tree he had demolished. She couldn't help but smile at the memory, especially when she saw him covered in wooden dust; his fingers had been covered in blood from the carving... he had given her a heart attack when she saw that.

She shook her head as she left, seeing Natsu watching her closely. His dark eyes were narrowed, "What's that weird string thing?"

Lucy's eyes had widened. She grew nervous under his dark gaze. "Oh, you know those weird string things... I don't know their name."

"Luce," he held her gaze before he sighed, falling backwards as he landed on his butt. He crossed his arms over his chest, pouted and glared at the fire. "I don't like this," he said. "You going alone. What if you get hurt, like last time?"

Last time, meaning she'd been grabbed which resulted in a small bruise. Wasn't anything major but he was making out that it was, she'd been touched and for some reason he was protective over things like that... she didn't understand. She didn't respond to him simply because he wasn't paying attention.

He glared at his fire, stomping and kicking it hadn't worked so now he was trying to blow it. Lucy's eyebrow twitched as all he was doing was moving just the slightest part of the flame. It wasn't until she saw him straighten his back and suck in a large part of air did she started to grow worried. She started forward to stop him but by the time she took a single step, a large blast of fire escaped his mouth.

She froze in shock, taking a step back from the overwhelming heat which had quickly taken over the camp as the breath attack singed the green grass and surrounding trees. She scowled, tightening her hold on her bag as he ended the spell only to realize he had gone too far. "You idiot!" she said angrily as she whacked him with her bag.

She'd completely hit the back of his head, avoiding his wings and somehow his horns as well as he snapped forward from the force with a growl. She ignored his attempt to frighten her as she said, "What did you think that was going to do?!"

"I don't know!" he snapped as he stood. He jumped up and jumped multiple times over the fire that still stood there. "Why won't you go out!" he said angrily at the fire that still avoided dying. Lucy watched him shocked as he continuously jumped in the middle of the same fire he'd been trying to take out for the last hour. "DAMNIT!"

Flakes of ash and coal flung up and decorated their camp with its heat. Lucy sighed in defeat, maybe we won't be returning anytime soon. At the rate he was going, he'd destroy their entire home before she got back. "Please don't destroy everything until I get back."

"Huh?"

He looked up but she was already gone, her wings on her back, taking her far away from their camp site. Over the course of the last two years, she'd learned to stop her wings from burning into and destroying her clothing. She didn't know how but she could have them go through any kind of material without the wings damaging the cloth.

She flew over the trees and grass, seeing the city of Hargeon over the horizon. As she flew, she looked back, from her height; she could see their training ground, fallen damaged trees where black and filled with ash. Believe it or not, Natsu had made that area in a few hits. It always smelt like death and Lucy hated the area so, when they train, she uses an alive section of the forest but when Natsu wanted to spar... she'd used his burned up and destroyed area.

Remembering those spars, she smiled. Lucy won most of them, but she suspected it was because he was playing easy, just like when they played 'Dragon and Princess', he'd always let the Princess leave the cave to return to her castle. She loved the game, but she wished there were others to play... like a Prince to take the Princess away or even a few Knights to keep the Dragon in check... it was kind of boring without others, not that they'd played with others before.

When she reached the town edge, she dropped to the ground and covered her face with the hood before making her way into the town. She stuck to the edge, using the shadows to escape the current unsuspecting townsfolk. This is the last time, she chanted. This would be the last time coming here in a long time, they were leaving... finally going on a search for Igneel and Zeref. She longed to meet them but Natsu procrastinated... he wanted to grow stronger, so that he'd feel more 'worthy' of them.

Lucy didn't understand why as she slid into a dark alley, searching for an ironbound door, which happened to lead straight into her favourite store. When she found it, she pushed her hand against it, frowning with it didn't move. They'd locked it. She furrowed her eyebrows before reaching for her hair, cursing when she didn't feel a hair clip. She looked to the doorknob, remembering it was their last time coming here, and grabbed it.

One thing she had realized, she had power that didn't include just summoning spirits. She didn't use it very much, because she couldn't control it well, she only used it around Natsu for the reason she knew he could counter and escape it unharmed. She gulped, letting that part free, she didn't see anything but within moments the doorknob fell away and melted in her grip.

She squeaked, a little too loudly as she dropped it, seeing smoke rising from the acidic metal before letting the magic go. The magic wasn't of acid, but heat, extreme heat that Natsu could somehow eat. It wasn't the nicest 'fire' he'd tasted but it didn't affect him. He had once mentioned it popped in his stomach, moved around like popping candy. He didn't like it, but if he had to, he'd eat it again.

It wasn't even fire, it was sparkling light.

She looked to the mess, she'd gone overboard. She scowled as she returned her gaze to the door, seeing that even the edges of where the doorknob had just stood, was smoking and damaged from the magic she had just used. She mumbled under her breath before pushing the door and pushing herself into the large room filled with clothing supplies and food.

She weaved in and around the room, avoiding as many people as she could as she took things off shelves and stuffed them into the bag she had taken with her. She continued this for a while before her bag grew close to the rim and she was spotted, by the store owner no less. "HEY!" she heard him shout. "WHERE'D YOU COME FROM BRAT?!"

Lucy clenched her jaw and quickly lounged the back over her shoulder before starting her run out of the store. Before she knew it, she had not just the store owner, but a total of seven fellow townsfolk after her, all shouting at her to return. "COME BACK HERE!"

"GET LOST YOU FILTHY DEMON!"

"GIVE ME BACK MY SHIT!"

Lucy only ran. She escaped the store and made it out and into the streets. She scowled as she ran, the bag was heavier than she expected and it slowed her down, but she refused to let it go. She ran as fast as her little legs could carry her, but she happened to hear her chasers quickly catching up to her. Just the thought of being caught, terrified her. Not on her last day, not on her last day... she'd done fine the last few years with not being caught but with the quickly approaching pursuers, she could only think the worse.

"DEMON!"

"DEMON THIEF!"

"DEMON WITCH!"

The harmful words were nothing new. However, they'd lost their creativity and stuck with the easier ones like 'demon' and 'witch', none of which were true obviously, but the people seemed to think so. Tear brimmed to her eyes, she's used to the words but it didn't stop the tears of sadness... she never wanted this, they just refused to help poor and innocent children... especially when they discovered one of those children didn't look human, but that didn't mean he wasn't.

It could have gone easier for her, but she refused to leave Natsu. He was as innocent as she was, he didn't choose to look like a Dragon, it was forced upon him by a powerful enemy. Why was it so hard to understand? How could humans abandon two young children in need of support? She didn't understand it at all, it made her mad at them. Her mother would never do such a thing, never.

It wasn't long until she heard a clink, the mob behind her had grown and still, they gained on her. She attempted to control her tears as a harsh hand grabbed her and dragged her backwards. They got her. She heard their growls and snarls of anger as she looked back, her hood fell from her head as she saw something she thought she never would... pitch forks.

Lots and lots of pitch forks. Some people even carried torches, in broad daylight. She paled in horror, being unable to hide the tears that fell as the man that grabbed her, the store owner, grinned darkly and coldly. "Got you witch," he glared darkly at her, causing her to cower in fear. "Give me back my stuff and accept your punishment."

'Punishment?!' Her eyes widened.

"Burn her alive!" a person in the back cheered and gained many followers as they all cheered.

Lucy's eyes widened further. They wanted to kill her, just for stealing supplies to help her and her best friend survive in the wild because no one would accept them. She'd never felt such anger and devastation in one place. It was their fault she was here, it was their fault she had to do what was necessary and she was only a girl, a child. She only tightened her hold on the bag, refusing to let it go as a far away voice boomed, "Hey!" everyone spun to the sound and saw an old, short man. "Let the child go this instant!"

Lucy saw the man, he was clearly old but what surprised her... he appeared smaller than her. She could only wonder why he was helping her before the hand on her arm suddenly loosened. She used the chance and jerked her arm out of his grip before saying darkly, "Goodbye." She saw their momentary surprise as she spun, showed her wings and flew high into the sky and out of the town.

She flew back to Natsu as fast as she could, wiping desperately at her tears with her free hand before landing harshly on the ground to see Natsu's fire was nowhere near dulling. She frowned at the sight, surely he'd have it out by now, and it didn't help that he was no where near it. "Natsu?" she questioned him, seeing him by the lakes edge, dangling his feet into the water. His wings were folded, his tail was rested carelessly over the burned grass behind him. "Are you okay?"

She dropped the bag on the ground and moved towards him. She grew surprised to see his hair was wet, his usual spikes were no longer standing on end but were pointed downwards and drenched. "Why are you wet?" she continued as she stepped further towards him.

He suddenly chuckled, pointing a harsh finger at the fire. "That prick got me," he announced as he stood and showed her the edge of his pants, which were burned away at the edges. "Had to take a swim," he grinned but grew concerned when he saw her properly. "Lucy!"

Lucy wasn't paying attention as she glanced at the fire, "Did you try using water-" she cut herself off as Natsu crushed himself to her. "Natsu?"

"What happened?" he asked, tightening his hold on her. "Why were you crying?" For a moment Lucy was taken aback as she replicated his hug, remembering the words and the fact they wanted to kill her. She didn't say anything though as she welcomed the embrace, feeling instantly warmed and calmed. "Did they touch you?"

Lucy shook her head and said nothing. They stood like that, silent and unmoving for a long time before the sound of a twig snapping caught both of their attention. In an instant, Natsu growled and snapped away from her only to spin and stand in front of her with a single wing open to hide her like a shield. "You were followed," he said angrily as he reached for her with his tail.

Lucy froze in shock. 'Followed? How?' She didn't do anything but pale as she felt the rough scales of his tail wrap around her ankle and tighten. She'd felt his tail multiple times before, but this was the first he used it as a protective gesture, this was the first time he showed just how protective he was. She was momentarily in awe at the sight, until she heard him growl.

In front of them, standing at the edge of the green line of grass, was an old man holding his hands up in surrender. His expression held nothing but sadness and sorrow. Lucy's eyes widened, recognising him as the same man that saved her earlier, but what shocked her the most was she saw no hint of fear, horror or distaste in his gaze. She glanced up to Natsu and realized, this man was not afraid of Natsu's form.