So here comes the penultimate chapter of Natsu's impromptu journey, before we get back to Hisui. There will be a few short time skips on the horizon, as we go through the growth of the main cast and add the last few characters to it, before we get to canon.
When I say canon though, I mean timeline wise. Natsu's interactions with Fairy Tail are going to be almost non-existent, until quite a bit into canon. He will make appearances, since he is affiliated with the King and Princess of Fiore, but nothing like canon. That being said, even after those interactions, predominately during the Oración Seis/Nirvana arc, Natsu still won't interact with them that much. This Natsu will be running parallel to Fairy Tail, as he has his own plot going on, particularly with Hisui. I'm also dropping hints to the big arc that I will create, in this chapter, so start speculating! Although it'll actually be really obvious once I set the scene a bit more… or maybe that's just because I'm the one writing this and know what will happen next…
Oh and just to help orientate everyone, here are the ages of the characters currently. I have no canon source for some of them, so I'm guessing.
Year currently - 778
Natsu – 12
Hisui – 12?
Flare – 10?
Meredy – 9?
Wendy – 6
Enjoy the chapter!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 5 – Northern Winds
'Ne, Natsu, where are we going now?' Asked Happy, from atop his partner's head.
'North.' Replied Natsu simply.
'Natsu, how far north are we going?' Asked Happy.
'Until we find a dark forest.' Answered Natsu.
'Okay.' Said Happy amicably, snuggling into Natsu's hair for a nap.
'Is it really okay for us to just go north without a plan?' Asked Meredy timidly.
'Of course! If there is anything we need, we can get it from around us. I've been surviving off nature for the past five years without Igneel. As long as you know what is dangerous and what isn't, you have nothing to worry about.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
'Cherry head, I've never been outside of my village before, so I don't know what is dangerous and what isn't.' Added Flare uncertainly.
'Don't worry you two, you have me with you. I'll look after both of you and won't let anyone hurt either of you.' Said Natsu, flashing the pair a warm smile.
Meredy shyly smiled, and Flare bashfully looked away, but both nodded to show their faith in Natsu.
'So, do you know the name of the person we are looking for next?' Asked Meredy curiously.
'Well, actually, the letter didn't say. Here is the weird part though, it says that she will be able to read the letter as well, so that means we are either looking for a dragon, or a Dragon Slayer like me. Either way, this is bound to be a good lead.' Answered Natsu thoughtfully.
Flare and Meredy shared an uncertain glance at this, before voicing their concern.
'If it is a dragon, how will you know it is a friendly one?' Asked Meredy.
'Hmm, well, this same letter led me to the two of you and Atlas Flame was friendly, so I don't have any reason to doubt it. If it makes you feel any better though, I'll scout ahead when we get close, so you won't have to worry. Besides, dragons aren't very good at hiding, they're huge! If it's a dragon, I'm sure we'll know it.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
The trio of humans and cat continued their journey to the north, constantly on the lookout for a sign that they were reaching their destination.
After a while of walking, as the sun started to set, Natsu decided to stop for a brief rest. Sitting around a small campfire Natsu had lit, the three sat on the ground, legs crossed.
'So Flare, what was it like living in your village? I mean, did Atlas do anything?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'Well, it was nice… there weren't a lot of people my age though, but the elders all took good care of me. The Eternal Flame, I mean Atlas Flame, he actually didn't do anything, aside from bless the villagers. That's how I got my powers and how we always managed to have enough crops, despite being in such an isolated area.' Explained Flare shyly.
'That's interesting.' Said Natsu thoughtfully.
'What about your dragon?' Asked Meredy curiously.
'Hmm, Igneel… well, he was great. We always went out hunting together and it always felt great flying on top of his back. He was fun to fight with as well. I never won any of them, but I gave him a nice bruise one time when I snuck up on him. Ha-ha, he was so annoyed he flicked me into a boulder and knocked me out, but when I woke up, he got me extra food and told me he was proud of me.' Said Natsu nostalgically.
'That's sounds nice.' Commented Meredy.
'What about you?' Asked Natsu.
'Well, I was an orphan actually, but the orphanage I stayed in was very nice. The villagers were all friendly to us and would give us free food often.' Said Meredy, sounding slightly subdued.
'I'm sorry about what happened.' Said Natsu sadly, feeling Meredy's own sadness.
'What happened?' Asked Flare timidly.
'Some crazy guy burned the place to the ground. That's actually how I found Meredy. He was strong though, not as strong as Igneel, but strong.' Said Natsu, with a frown.
Meredy sniffled a little, only to feel a weight land on her head. Lifting her eyes upwards, she saw a tuft of blue hair.
'It's okay Meredy, we'll be one big happy family. As long as we stick together, everything will be fine.' Said Happy innocently, causing Meredy to smile.
'Happy's right. In the same way Igneel found me and took me in, I took Happy in, and we made our own family. Besides, our family always has room for more.' Said Natsu, with a smile.
'Thank you.' Said Meredy softly, causing Natsu to beam.
'Okay! Let's head off and find the next member of our family!' Exclaimed Natsu, jumping to his feet.
-line break-
It was late in the evening when the group had found their goal.
'So do you still want to stay here and wait for me, or should we all just go look together?' Asked Natsu.
'Well, if we're a family, it only makes sense that we stick together.' Said Meredy quietly.
'All right, let's go then.' Said Natsu cheerfully, leading the way, as the two girls followed him, Happy resting on Natsu's head once again.
The group made their way past numerous large trees, all of which felt a little off to Meredy, feeling almost a hint of ill will coming off them, causing her to stick close to Natsu's side. Flare didn't seem to mind as much, but stuck close to the two, not wanting to get lost in the darkness. Happy had decided to snooze for a little bit longer, trusting Natsu to wake him when they reached their target. As the group exited the forest, they found themselves in front of dozens of straw huts and numerous people, dressed in plain clothing, milling about. The people seemed to take notice of the newcomers, stopping from their activities of daily life, to regard the group with open curiosity.
'Hmm, this is a lot of people, it's going to be hard to find whoever it is we need to.' Muttered Natsu, only to feel someone grip onto his arm tightly.
Looking to his left, he saw Meredy gripping his arm and looking down at the ground.
'What's wrong, Meredy?' Asked Natsu in surprise.
'Something feels wrong.' Said Meredy reluctantly, tightening her grip on the Dragon Slayer.
After a bit of walking through the village, one of the villagers approached the group hesitantly.
'Um, hello there, can we help you children with anything?' Asked a kind looking woman.
Natsu studied her for a moment, taking in her softened facial features indicating she wasn't a threat, before giving a small sniff, only to notice something odd.
"She doesn't have a scent…" Thought Natsu, scrunching his brows in confusion.
'Uh, we're looking for someone. A person who should be able to read this.' Said Natsu, holding the letter out to the woman.
A quick glance at the letter, revealed nothing but incomprehensible symbols to the woman.
'Well, I don't know if it will help, but perhaps our Chief may be able to locate this person for you.' Said the woman calmly.
'Really? Can we see him then?' Asked Natsu, causing the woman to nod.
'Of course, please follow me.' Said the woman, beckoning the group to follow her.
The group made their way to a tent that was slightly larger than the others and shaped like a cat's head. In the centre of the tent, seated on a mat of fur, was a small, slim, elderly man, with a long white beard, complete with a moustache, which reached up to his eyebrows, making for a large pair of sideburns. On his forehead was a tattoo, composed of a dot, surrounded by two arched stripes.
He donned a large headgear, composed of feathers, with more, lighter-coloured feathers adorning the back of his waist. He had cloth tied around his waist, paired with loose dark pants, reaching below his knees and simple shoes. His chest was bare and a necklace, seemingly made of massive teeth, rested just under his neck. He also sported a large bracelet on both of his upper arms and some bandages wrapped around his forearms.
'Master Roubaul, these children have come here in search for someone.' Announced the woman, getting a nod from the man.
Natsu felt Meredy tense up a bit, when the group was left alone with the man. Natsu also noticed the man didn't have a scent either.
'Well children, what brings you here?' Asked the elderly man, in a kind tone of voice.
'We're looking for a someone who can read this?' Announced Natsu, showing the letter to the man.
The man looked curiously at the letter, rubbing his beard in thought.
'That is quite old language young one, how did you come across this letter?' Asked Roubaul.
'Wait, you can read this thing old man?' Asked Natsu in disbelief.
'Not all of it, just enough to recognise it as a lost language, not seen for over four hundred years, hence why I asked you how you manage to obtain such a thing.' Said Roubaul.
'It was sent to me by someone. I don't know who.' Confessed Natsu.
'I see. So, you came here to find someone who could read it to divulge what it says, no?' Asked Roubaul.
'No, I can read it fine.' Said Natsu, surprising the old man.
'Is that so?' Asked the man.
'Yeah. I'm a Dragon Slayer and this is the language dragons and Dragon Slayers use. The letter told me that if I came here, I'd be able to find someone else who could read it.' Explained Natsu.
'I see. What do you need this person for though, if you can already read the letter yourself?' Asked Roubaul.
'I'm looking for my dragon and this letter says that if I do what it says I'll find out where Igneel is.' Said Natsu.
Roubaul hummed to himself, as he rubbed his beard in thought, deliberating on his next course of action.
'Very well. I know of the person you speak; she is currently on a simple mission and should be back tomorrow morning.' Started Roubaul.
'Really? That's great.' Said Natsu happily.
'Yes. However, I would like to speak with you later tonight, on a certain matter, which also pertains to this girl. If you would be willing to agree on certain terms with me, I shall be able to help you succeed in your journey.' Said Roubaul carefully.
'Okay, I don't have a problem with that.' Said Natsu calmly.
'In that case, you may stay here and rest for the night, I'm sure the four of you will find the beds here at least adequate for one time use.' Said Roubaul, pointing to a few woven quilts and fur pillows.
'Is that okay with you two, Flare, Meredy? Happy will probably just sleep on me like always and I'm fine sleeping wherever.' Asked Natsu, turning to the two girls now standing slightly behind him.
'It's fine.' Said Flare, with Meredy meekly nodding.
'Very well. I will be back in a moment. I believe I have something which can help one of you on your journey through life and will go and retrieve it.' Said Roubaul, hopping up onto his short legs.
'Thanks old man.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
Roubaul laughed as he left the tent, leaving the group of four alone.
'Natsu, is the dragon here yet?' Asked Happy sleepily, rubbing his bleary eyes.
'Not yet, but it seems they will be here soon.' Said Natsu, raising his hand, to pat his partner on the back softly.
'Okay.' Yawned Happy, before falling asleep again.
'What's wrong Meredy?' Asked Natsu, turning his attention to the pink haired girl.
'Everyone in this village feels strange… hollow almost.' Muttered Meredy.
'I couldn't smell anything coming off them either, which was really weird.' Added Natsu.
'I didn't notice anything odd like that, but they seemed surprised that anyone would come by.' Commented Flare.
'I guess being out here they don't get a lot of visitors. It's weird though, why would a dragon or Dragon Slayer be here? Aside from this village, there isn't anything around. Sure, there was the forest, but the rest of this place feels really… what's that word… barren… for some reason, like something is sucking the energy out of this place.' Commented Natsu thoughtfully.
'Ah, forgive me for the wait, it took me longer to find this book than I thought it would.' Said Roubaul, as he re-entered the tent.
The elderly man approached the most hesitant of the group and presented them with a book.
'I can tell you have a strong aptitude for magic young one and in particular, for sensory magic. This is a rather old possession of mine, but I believe it will benefit you greatly.' Said Roubaul kindly.
Meredy relaxed slightly, but stayed close to Natsu, as she took the book slowly, with both hands.
'Maguilty Sense.' Intoned Meredy quietly.
'Yes, I do hope that book helps you out, as alas, I am not very good at that type of magic myself.' Said Roubaul kindly.
'You know magic too? What kind?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'All kinds, some of the best and some of the worst. I am an old man and have seen many different types of magic, that's why, I hope you know that certain types of magic should not be tampered with. It is a grave lesson I learnt and one I hope to impart upon others.' Said Roubaul grimly.
'Is that why none of the villagers here have any scent? Did you use magic to do that?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'Yes, that is the result of my doing. Unfortunately, it was a mistake, and I cannot reverse it.' Confessed Roubaul.
'Oh, sorry to bring that up.' Said Natsu sheepishly.
'It's quite all right, in fact, it also has to do with what I would like to discuss with you later.' Said Roubaul, waving off Natsu's concerns.
'Do you want to talk now? I mean, there isn't much else for us to do here.' Offered Natsu.
'So you'd like to skip dinner?' Asked Roubaul, as two villagers brought in a few platters of food, mostly consisting of fruits and other exotic looking foods.
'Food!' Exclaimed Happy, jumping off Natsu's head and startling the two attendants who hadn't noticed him.
'I guess Happy speaks for us all.' Laughed Natsu, getting Roubaul to chuckle as well.
-line break-
After the group had eaten their fill, Natsu and Roubaul went for a little trip, leaving the two girls and blue cat behind. The two walked to the edge of the village, looking out into the dark forest, which looked even more eerie, now that the sun was all but gone.
'Young man, if you made a mistake in your life, which led to untold suffering for others, what would you do?' Asked Roubaul.
'Try to fix the mistake obviously.' Said Natsu, tilting his head in confusion.
'Indeed. Now, what if the mistake was too big for you to fix on your own, what would you do then?' Asked Roubaul, continuing to look out into the forest.
'Get people to help me. My friends.' Said Natsu.
'What would you do if you have no friends? If you were completely alone and stuck with only the mistake you had made, how would you fix it?' Asked Roubaul, turning to face Natsu.
'No matter what, any mistake that would make others suffer isn't something I can let stand. I'd get as strong as I can until I can fix it.' Said Natsu strongly.
Roubaul smiled at this.
'Well said. Young man, in order for me to explain my question, let me tell you a short story. You see, there was a group of people once, who had become disenchanted with the normality of the world. Good and evil. This group was not satisfied with this and sought to turn the evil into good.' Said Roubaul solemnly.
'What's wrong with that? That sounds like a good idea.' Asked Natsu.
'Indeed, it sounds like a good idea, but the concepts of good and evil are not things that can be toyed with. Good can become evil and evil can become good, but it must take time, reflection, a long journey of self-discovery and thought. These people though, they tried to force the change instantaneously.' Continued Roubaul.
'However, all the evil in the world needs to be balanced with good and vice-versa. So, in trying to remove the evil from some, the good of others was corrupted, their own good, all in the name of balance. This power was then abused, and the evil led to much infighting, leading to the death of these people.' Finished Roubaul.
'So… who were these people?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'They were my people, myself included.' Said Roubaul, after a minute, confusing Natsu.
'Wait, but you said they all died.' Pointed out Natsu in befuddlement.
'Indeed, I am in fact not living. I am a spirit of magical power. All of those villagers you saw, the reason they had no scent, as you so aptly noted, is because they are mass magic constructs I created. They are magic and therefore, not truly alive.' Revealed Roubaul, shocking Natsu.
'So you're all ghosts…' Muttered Natsu in shock.
'Indeed, we are a shadow of the Nirvit. I was the last of my kind and stubbornly forced myself to continue to exist, until I could fix the mistake me and my people created.' Explained Roubaul.
'So this thing that could turn good into evil and evil into good, is that your mistake?' Asked Natsu, causing Roubaul to nod and turn back to the forest.
'Somewhere, not too far from here, buried underneath Worth Woodsea, lies Nirvana. Nirvana is the greatest mistake my people and I made and to this day, it remains buried and sealed. However, knowing it is still out there, I have forced myself to stubbornly stay on this soil until I can be sure that it is gone and destroyed for all eternity. Truth be told, my guild, was only formed for the girl who you came to find. One day, as I sat in my tent, brooding on Nirvana, a young blue haired boy appeared, bringing with him an even younger, blue haired girl. He explained that he had found a girl who had been left to fend for herself. He took care of her for a while, but had more important, urgent tasks he needed to take care of and begged me to look after her. I had resolved myself to living in solitude, until I had erased Nirvana from this world, but I couldn't disappoint that little girl, so I created Cait Shelter and all of those people back there, to keep up the ruse that this was a guild.' Said Roubaul, truly sounding his age.
'So what do you want me to do? Destroy Nirvana?' Asked Natsu in confusion.
'That is my wish, however, you are not strong enough yet to destroy it. That's why, I would like you to take Wendy with you. I will place it all under the guise of a job, a six-year scouting mission, to explore the land for your two dragons and train for the eventual destruction of Nirvana. In six years, you and your friends should be strong enough to do so. Nirvana's power rests in six cores, so you will need six people to destroy it. However, if you do manage to accomplish this one task for me, I will disappear and finally, my soul will be allowed to rest. However, this means the guild and all the people Wendy knows, will disappear. That is my request, please befriend Wendy, help her grow stronger and rid Nirvana of the world for me. Will you accept this very old man's request?' Finished Roubaul desperately.
'I will, or my name isn't Natsu Dragneel.' Said Natsu firmly, causing Roubaul to look at him in joy.
'You are truly kind young man. When the time comes for me to pass on, I believe I will have some information for you, to help you. It won't be for you to find your dragon, but I have lived for over four hundred years… well, perhaps lived isn't the correct expression… but I can provide you with information that will be of great personal interest to you.' Said Roubaul.
'Okay, you got a deal old man. First, I'll get stronger and destroy Nirvana for you, then you can tell me whatever it is, sound fair?' Offered Natsu.
'It is a deal. Now come, you should rest, Wendy will be here tomorrow morning and you don't want to be tired for when you meet her.' Said Roubaul, earning a nod from Natsu, with the two heading back to the tent.
-line break-
As the two returned to the tent, Meredy and Flare were both asleep, with Happy nestled in between them.
'It seems they left you a bed of your own.' Commented Roubaul, noticing the two were huddled on one bed sheet.
'I don't know why, I slept on the floor of a cave for years, it isn't like this will hurt me at all.' Commented Natsu.
'Perhaps they don't want you to feel uncomfortable either. People will do whatever they can, to make those they care about feel at ease.' Said Roubaul.
'You're right.' Said Natsu, grabbing the second bedsheet and draping it over the two girls, leaving only the second pillow for himself.
'Night old man, see you tomorrow.' Said Natsu, lying down on the floor directly, only using the pillow to prop his head up.
Roubaul chuckled to himself.
"Yes, Wendy… you will be safe with these people, they will look after you and hopefully become the friends and family that you deserve." Thought Roubaul.
-line break-
With a big yawn, Natsu sat up. Looking around, Meredy and Flare were still asleep, with Happy still dreaming of fish, if his mutterings were any indication.
'Ah, I see you are awake.' Commented Roubaul.
'How did you wake up before me?' Asked Natsu in surprise.
'One would need to sleep to wake up.' Said Roubaul cheekily, causing Natsu to blink in recognition.
'Oh, right, forgot about that… wait, does that mean you don't need to eat?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'Indeed we don't.' Said Roubaul.
'Where did the food from yesterday come from?' Asked Natsu in confusion.
'We do not eat, but we can still interact with the world. The fruit was from the edge of the forest. After all, Wendy does need to eat, as does the cat-like creature she hatched quite recently, not too dissimilar to your blue furred friend over there.' Answered Roubaul.
'Really, she has a cat like Happy? That's so cool!' Exclaimed Natsu.
'Um, Master Roubaul, are you busy?' Spoke a timid voice from outside the tent.
'Oh no, come in dear, there is someone here to meet you.' Said Roubaul encouragingly.
Walking through the entrance of the tent, was a short blue haired girl. Her hair was short, just reaching to her neck, with two bangs framing the sides of her face and a few falling down over her forehead. She wore a white, short sleeved shirt, with yellow cuffs at the ends and a red bow tie. Along with this, she wore light blue shorts and simple dark red shoes.
'Um, hello.' Said Wendy shyly, sparing Natsu a quick glance.
'Oh, just a moment Wendy, before I introduce you to the others, it would be best if they are all awake.' Said Roubaul.
'Others?' Questioned Wendy.
'Oh, good idea. Meredy, Flare, Happy, time to wake up.' Said Natsu, giving the two girls a nudge.
'Fish… is it breakfast time Natsu?' Mumbled Happy sleepily, as he sat up.
'In a bit bud.' Said Natsu cheerfully, as Flare and Meredy stared to stir.
The two girls blinked a few times in sleepiness, rubbing their bleary eyes, before focusing on the situation.
'Well, now that you are all awake and alert, allow me to introduce all of you to Wendy Marvell.' Said Roubaul, formally introducing the timid blue haired girl.
'Hello, I'm Wendy Marvell, as Master said, nice to meet you.' Said Wendy, giving a small bow.
'I'm Natsu Dragneel and these three are Meredy, Flare and Happy.' Said Natsu, introducing the three in turn, with a gesture of his right hand.
'Nice to meet you.' Said Wendy once again.
Natsu ruffled through his clothes again, before pulling out the letter that had started this mission for him.
'Can you read this?' Asked Natsu, sticking the letter out to Wendy.
Wendy slowly approached Natsu and took the letter from him.
'Yes, it says…' Started Wendy, only for Natsu to cut her off.
'I know what it says, I'm a Dragon Slayer too, like you I bet. That letter told me I'd find someone here who could read it as well and it had to be either a dragon, or a Dragon Slayer.' Said Natsu happily.
'Would you… would you happen to know where Grandeeney is?' Asked Wendy timidly, but hopefully.
'Nope, sorry. I don't know where Igneel is either. He is the Fire Dragon King and my dad. The letter told me that if I do what it says though, that one day I'll find Igneel. If I find Igneel though, I'm sure he'll know where Grandeeney is too.' Explained Natsu.
'Yes and on that note, Wendy, for your next job, I would like you to accompany Natsu and his friends as they attempt to track down the others they need to find in the letter and join them on their search for your dragons.' Said Roubaul.
'Are you sure Master? A job like that will take a long time.' Said Wendy uncertainly.
'I am fully aware of this, I am assigning you six years to fulfil this task, at which point, I have requested for all of you to return to Cait Shelter. I have important information I would like to reveal at that time.' Explained Roubaul.
'O-Okay.' Said Wendy hesitantly.
'Don't worry, it'll be great. I even found a book on Dragon Slaying magic back in the palace, so I'll be able to help you train as well.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
'Palace?' Queried Wendy uncertainly.
'Aye. Natsu got hurt saving the Princess of Fiore and she helped him get better and the King let us stay there and brought us lots of yummy food too.' Added Happy.
'Are you sure it is okay though, to just suddenly bring me along?' Asked Wendy nervously.
'Don't worry, they're all really nice, they'd love to help you out. They helped me out after all.' Said Natsu, assuaging some of Wendy's worries.
'Okay, I'll go find Carla and then we can head off.' Said Wendy, giving one last quick bow, before leaving to find her companion.
'Please look after Wendy for me.' Said Roubaul, after the girl in question had left.
'No need to worry, we'll all look after her and I'm sure that soon enough, she'll be looking after us as well.' Said Natsu, causing Roubaul to smile.
'Thank you.' Said Roubaul.
'So should we head off now?' Asked Natsu, turning to his other companions.
'Okay.' Said Meredy, with Flare settling for nodding.
As the three humans and cat left the tent, Roubaul stroked his beard in thought.
"Dragneel… yes, there is much I can tell young Natsu." Thought Roubaul.