A/N Thanks to everyone reviewing, favoriting and following this story! I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoy chapter 4!
The client that posted the job offer was an old man in his late sixties. The address he had posted led to a large mansion, possibly even bigger than Kardia Cathedral back in Magnolia. Natsu stared at it in awe, wondering how much money this man wielded. They walked through an extensive gate, leading through a garden full of alluring flowers.
The many workers and butlers working for this man pointed them in the direction of a room at the end of a long, winding hallway.
When they walked in, they saw the man pacing around a small table. He turned and noticed them, and immediately provided each of them with a seat.
"Thank you for coming. I assume you're here because of the job request." The man said. He had short brown hair with shimmering golden eyes, although they looked particularly sad. He was a well built man, not super muscular, however, you could see he did tend to exercise on a regular basis. While they were introducing themselves, a maid came in with a charming stained glass platter with a gorgeous china tea set resting on top. She set it on the table, and exited the room. The old man offered each of them tea.
"Yes, that's exactly it. Would you mind filling us in on the details?" Erza asked. She reached over and plucked another sugar cube out of the bowl.
"Have you heard of a wizard with the name of Misery?" The man asked. His voice had a quality to it, that made him seem heartbroken, like he was grieving over the biggest loss in his life.
Lucy thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, I actually have. There's lots of gossip going around about him in the wizarding world. Though, I didn't really pay much attention to it. So I don't know much about him."
The old man nodded, a sad and distant look on his face. "He has been known recently for killing many wizards. He doesn't kill them for jobs, though. He kills them for sport. For fun! He deserves to be punished for his numerous crimes. However, what made me step in was when he murdered my only son. That's why I'm willing to pay so much money. Don't think the job is going to be easy. No wizard has ever even managed to land a single hit on him. That's why… I've decided. I'm raising the reward money to four million jewel."
Natsu started choking and spit out his tea. Wheezing, he eventually caught his breath. Woah! Four MILLION jewel?!, He thought, shocked.
Lucy was excited for the rent money, but more than that, she was terrified. A wizard who had never even been scratched, and hunts other wizards in his free time? No, thank you. Still, she felt protected being around Natsu and Erza. They were members of Fairy Tail's strongest team! There was no way they could lose to a single wizard, no matter how powerful.
"How much strawberry cake could I buy with four million jewel?!" Erza asked, ecstatic, with stars in her eyes.
"Fish…" Happy's mouth was watering just thinking about all of the beautiful, tasty fishies he could devour raw.
Natsu still couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen to Lucy. He vowed he would protect her with his life.
"Misery has recently been sighted in the caverns in the mountains just north of Crocus. That's where I want you to go. I want you to find him, capture him, and return him here to me. But be very careful!" The man continued. "Many wizards whom I have hired have already been murdered in the process. I'd hate for you to see the same fate. You all seem very nice, and you're just kids!" The man seemed to believe that they were children, although they were over twenty years old.
"Thank you, but I assure you, we are adults." Erza informed him, laughing at his mistake.
"You youngsters all look the same to me. My son was around your age. Please, apprehend this man so he can be punished for his sins." The man seemed hopeful, like he believed they could pull it off, although seeing several failures recently.
"We won't let you down! We'll help you avenge your son! I'm all fired up now!" Natsu screamed.
"Yeah, we've got this, don't worry!" Lucy declared. "You can count on us!"
It took them a while, considering how large the place was, but eventually, they found their way out.
As they were leaving to go to the caverns, Natsu grabbed Lucy's wrist and pulled her with him. He led her to a small, dark, side alley, completely isolated from the other two Fairy Tail members. Large dumpsters were lined up along the side of the pathway, making the smell semi-disgusting.
"Natsu, tell me what you're doing! This place smells horrible!" Lucy demanded, shielding her nose from the smell. He pushed her aside and sat her down on an old, broken chair that had been left out with the rest of the trash.
"Lucy… I'm going to protect you. No matter what. So, don't worry about anything! You're gonna be fine!" Natsu announced. Lucy was appalled. He actually seemed scared.
"Natsu, I'm not worried. I know I'll be fine. I am a member of Fairy Tail's strongest team, after all. I can handle myself!" Lucy told him. "So, let's go find Happy and Erza!" She dashed out of the alley, toward the other Fairy Tail members on the mission.
I believe you; he thought; but what if you can't?
A/N Thanks for reading! I really appreciate it, and I hope you enjoyed!