Heyo. Just a head's up, this is one of those "OVA" Chapters (I use the term loosely) I mentioned before cause it's taking me a bit to finish chapter 16 due to a mild case of writer's block and lack of motivation. It follows Layla and Igneel. Sorry if they seem OOC, but I figured since they didn't appear much in the anime I could take more liberty to be creative with them. Hope you enjoy, even if it interrupts the main arc.

Sorry if they seem OOC, but I figured since they didn't appear much in the anime I could take more liberty to be creative with them. Hope you enjoy, even if it interrupts the main arc.

Hope you enjoy, even if it interrupts the main arc.


Layla and Igneel's First Adventure.

The two adventurers couldn't be more different from each other. Igneel was loud and over the top. It didn't seem that way at first, but once he got more and more comfortable around Layla, the more he'd be himself. Moreover, he seemed to be a rather cold and distant person, but that wasn't really the case. He was hot-headed without a doubt, but he could really sweet and caring. The same when for Layla. Igneel thought Layla was a sweet, sensitive, and innocent girl. She certainly could be all those things, but with Igneel, she didn't hesitate to break that facade. She wasn't afraid to make fun of him, or argue, or complain, or yell. Despite what you might think at first meeting, Layla could be terrifying.

They've been traveling together for two weeks now. They walked to where ever they needed to go. Igneel said it saved money, but Layla suspected there was another reason that he wasn't willing to share just yet. Layla had a fairly good guess as to what that was. She didn't mind the long treks all that much. She found she could see a lot more and experience things she never had traveling on boats and trains.

Igneel insisted on training himself every day, but shown a little mercy toward Layla and let her skip some if she wasn't up to it. Igneel was a rather good teacher as far as combat went. She could tell he was very skilled. This made Layla speculate why he'd choose such an inexperienced Key Keeper. She knew it was only because he couldn't find anyone else. She was his last resort, which meant she'd have to work hard to prove herself. Layla did her best to train every day alongside Igneel and keep up with him. She was getting into the best shape she'd ever been in. No wonder Igneel was so lean and muscular. She wasn't surprised when she saw he had a six-pack. (Not that she was trying to look. Igneel walked around in just his underwear often. Everythings kinda just there.)

At first, Layla was appalled by Igneel's indecency, but it didn't take her very long to get used to it. She figured Igneel didn't have very much experience traveling with a girl, just as Layla didn't have much experience traveling with a guy. Plus, it showed Igneel was comfortable around Layla. Layla was happy he was comfortable with her, but she didn't think she'd be at that level of comfort with Igneel for a while.

Igneel and Layla were on their way to Hargeon. When they were in Crocus, they were registered as a Solo Adventurer and Key Keeper pair. They found the information they needed for Layla's measly three keys. One key, with small silver flowers budding from it, was called Rosa of Flos Tower, near Royal City. The next, a silver key with heart-shaped etchings, was Cor of Motus Tower, in outside of Tuly Village. Finally the last key, and simplistic key with diamond-like jewels down its base, Noa of Pura Tower, in Hargeon. They decided to go to Hargeon first, then directly west to Royal City, then North toward Tuly. It seemed like a lot of effort for three silver keys, but Igneel insisted. He said that along the way, they'd search for more keys. Igneel predicts they'll complete all the rooms in a little over a month. Layla wasn't so sure about this. This was their first time with all this. Igneel had a little too much faith in the two of them.

They were nearly to Hargeon. They'd arrive by sunset. Layla had never been to Hargeon, so she was excited to go there. Unfortunately, because Igneel seemed eager to get them completing rooms, she doubted she'd get very much time to explore. Igneel liked to get right into the action. Layla liked to stop and smell the roses.

"Igneel. When was the last time you bathed?" Layla asked as the walked the road that led to Hargeon. Igneel didn't respond and Layla looked to him. He looked like was thinking. Layla narrowed her eyes. "If you have to think about it, then it probably means you're due," Layla stated.

"What do I smell?" Igneel stated, smelling his armpits. "I can't smell anything."

"That's ironic. You can smell food from ten miles away, but you can't smell your own stench." Layla stated.

"Do I really smell that bad?" Igneel said sniffing himself again like he didn't believe it.

"You don't smell completely unbearable, but you're getting there. When we get to the hotel in Hargeon, be sure to bathe. You should at least shower every other day Igneel." Layla said.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll keep that in mind." Igneel waved her off.

"Tsk. You'll keep that in mind." Layla huffed. "I shouldn't be surprised."

"What's that supposed to mean, Lay," Igneel said in a challenging tone.

"It means that it's just like you not to care about stuff like that. I mean you've been traveling alone for practically your whole life. No one was probably there to tell you when you stunk." Layla said. Igneel looked like he was going to protest, but there was nothing to say. It was true. Igneel seemed slightly distraught by the statement. Layla smiled at him. "That's going to change though, cause now you have me. I teach you proper manners. We're human, after all." Igneel rolled his eyes.

"No, I'm a dragon," Igneel stated sarcastically. Layla shrugged.

"I actually could see that. You act enough like one." Layla teased. "Fire Dragon Igneel, coming to burn down a town near you."

"That sounds awesome," Igneel said starry eyes. Layla laughed out loud.

"Of course you'd think that!" She shook her head.

"Of course I would." Igneel echoed in agreement. They laughed as the walked onwards.

"Have you been to Hargeon, Igneel?" Layla asked.

"I've been everywhere, Lay," Igneel said a matter-of-factly.

"Have you really?" Layla asked. She was jealous of him. He nodded.

"Practically."

"How come you haven't completed a room? You've been traveling around for a long time haven't you?" Layla asked.

"Well, I never managed to get a Key Keeper. I came close a few times, but never managed to hold onto one." Igneel stated truthfully.

"Probably because you smelt bad." Layla laughed

"I think it was more than I was inexperienced," Igneel argued.

"Believe what you want, but you're hygiene definitely came into play."

"If you think I smell that bad then why are you still traveling with me." Igneel huffed.

"I was desperate." Layla shrugged carelessly.

"That makes two of us," Igneel said harshly. They glare at each other for a long moment. Layla's straight face quivers as she tries to hold back a laugh. Igneel is still going strong. Layla couldn't hold it in anymore and lets out a laugh and a goofy grin. Merely seconds later Igneel joins in. Their laughing ceases and Igneel sighs.

"We're both inexperienced and young," Igneel said. "We wouldn't have ever found anyone else besides each other."

"That just means we'll have to prove them wrong." Layla smiled.

"And become the best Solo Adventures that they've ever seen," Igneel adds enthusiastically.

"We're not off to a great start considering we only have three silver keys," Layla stated.

"Which is why we're searching for more." Igneel intoned. "Catch up, Lay." Layla took note of the new nickname that Igneel had given her. When he had used it the first time, she didn't think he would call her it again, but it seemed to catch on. No one's called her such a nickname before. She didn't mind it though. In fact, she could imagine herself getting quite attached to it.

"I knew that…" Layla protested. "But how do you even go about searching for keys, especially gold ones. It's not like we have a map or even the slightest clue on where to look. It just seems a bit hopeless I guess."

"I don't think it'll be too hard. We have you. Can't you feel them?" Igneel asked. Layla raised an eyebrow.

"Feel them? What do you mean feel them?" Layla asked. Igneel thought for a moment like he didn't even know what he meant by his words.

"Well, I always thought that's how it worked. You're a Key Keeper. You could use the keys power and because of that you could feel it, sense it. I mean I can feel some sort of power coming off of you. I knew you were a Key Keeper when I came near you." Igneel explained. Layla thought.

"No, I don't think I can," Layla said. She'd never felt anything strange when she encountered a key or a person for that matter.

"Have you tried?" Igneel asked. Layla shook her head. "Why don't you then. See if you can feel anything."

"How exactly do I do that?" Layla inquired.

"Uh, close your eyes and stay real quiet. Come on, we'll take a break from walking a bit, and get off the road." Igneel dragged Layla off the road little ways into the woods. He stopped and sat cross-legged on the ground. Layla followed his lead and sat down, her back against a large tree. She found this quite strange but she didn't tell Igneel that. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She stayed as quiet as possible and didn't move. She did this for several seconds but felt no different. She opened her eyes to see Igneel doing the same thing. She stared at him with a smile. She couldn't believe he was actually quiet for once. She marveled at him trying not to laugh. Igneel opened one eyes suddenly, making Layla stumble and hit her back against the tree behind her.

"What're you doing," Igneel said suspiciously. "You're supposed to be trying to feel the keys.

"I did," Layla defended. "Nothing happened."

"Try again. I'm going to watch you this time. Don't open your eyes till you feel something." Igneel said.

"Don't you think this is rather silly, Igneel." Layla snickered.

"It's not silly at all. Besides even if it was, why would it matter? No one can see us." Igneel stated impatiently.

"Fine." Layla sighed and closed her eyes again. The world seemed very still and quiet. She watched the lights in her eyes lids dance. She stayed like this for what seemed like a very long time. Every time she began to lose her patience, she tried to instead focus herself more. Sure enough, she felt something new. A warmth. It was faint and first and she couldn't tell where it was coming from. But as she let a few more moment pass focusing on the warmth she was able to locate it. It was coming from the three keys she always carried. She focused on the spot and its warmth until the warmth began to distinguish itself into three different feelings. It was hard to describe how they were different. Sure, one was warmer than the other, but that wasn't all. One seemed to tingle the slightest bit and another seemed to pulse slowly. She opened her eyes with a wondrous grin.

"I could feel it, Igneel! You were right!" Layla beamed in fascination. She hadn't expected it to work. She thought that surely Igneel was crazy.

"Oi, I thought ya so." Igneel smiled. He stood up suddenly. "That's enough of that though. We've wasted to much time. We won't get to Hargeon till after sundown now. Come on we need to get back to the road." Igneel grabbed Layla's hand and pulled her up, dragging her back to the road.

Layla and Igneel arrived in Hargeon when the sun was almost fully set. Behind them, the sky was a deep blue and stars winked at them. Above them, the sky slowly transitioned into a misty blue and then to a strip of darkened orange where the sun set on the sea. They walked into the port town. The streets were the classic cobbled kind. The houses were mostly white, so there colored roofs popped out considerably even in the dark. The streets where lip up with multiple street lights. Not very many people walked the streets. The town had a distinct smell of the salty sea and cooked fish. It wasn't a bad smell though.

Layla and Igneel found a hotel little ways into the town. They got a room on one of the higher floors for a relatively decent price. They took their few things up to the room with them. The room's layout was fairly plain, but neither of them minded. It had a standard bathroom, two twin sized beds with a bed stand in between with a lamp sitting atop it, and a table with two chairs. There was a large window that gave them a marvelous view of the port and the sea. They set their stuff down.

Layla snapped and gestured to the bathroom.

"Shower time!" She exclaimed. Igneel scowled at her.

"You remembered." He said unenthused.

"Of course. Your stench is a constant reminder." She teased. Igneel rolled his eyes. He picked up a change of clothes and headed into the restroom. When he was gone, Layla peeled off her own clothes and changed into her pajamas. She wore a simple white camisole and some black shorts with tiny yellow stars on them. She gathered the clothes she had and Igneel's as well.

"I'm going to wash ours clothes Igneel. I'll be back." She called to him as she walked out the door.

When she came back Igneel was out of the shower and sitting on his bed, sharpening a sword. His red hair still tripping on his bare chest. She set the laundry down on the bed.

"Didn't you already sharpen your sword yesterday," Layla asked hopping onto the be.

"Yes, but this isn't my sword. It's yours." Igneel smiled. Layla laughed and began to fold the clothes.

"Mine?"

"Yup. You need some way to defend yourself." Igneel stated.

"I don't know how much good it will do considering I've never used a sword before in my life," Layla said.

"Well, better that you have a weapon than not. You should be fine just following your instincts as long as whatever we encounter doesn't have sword fighting skills. I teach you how to use it better after we complete the room." Igneel said.

"Whatever you say." Layla sighed. She didn't have much confidence in Igneel's words, nor her own skills. She set Igneel's folded clothes onto his bed and set hers neatly into her leather bag. "I'm going to sleep. Goodnight." Layla said burrowing herself into the comforter and closing her eyes. She figured it is best to go to sleep early. They had a big adventure ahead of them.

The sun woke Layla up in the morning. She squinted and the room. It was strange to wake up in the place. She was used to waking up to trees and the fresh forest air. She sat up and yawned rubbing her eyes. She could her Igneel familiar snores filling the room. She got out of the bed and made it before proceeding to the shower.

She found it strange again taking a real shower. It seemed like she hadn't in forever. She wished the hotel had a bathtub at least. She liked baths more than showers. It was strange how accustomed she had gotten to bathing in a stream, sleeping in the woods, and eating the burnt food Igneel made over the campfire.

It had only been two weeks, but she had come to love those things in a strange way. She enjoyed the company the Igneel provided. He was her first friend. She hadn't realized how much more fun adventures and traveling could be with someone to share it with.

Layla got on of the shower ten minutes later and changed. She changed into a blue dress that was tight around her chest them flared out and her upper thigh. Around her waist, she wore a brown belt that held her few keys and her jewel. She slid on some white socks that traveled up to her lower thigh and dark brown leather boots. She towel dried her hair and them brushed the damp gold locks. She put small star-shaped studs in her ears and then brushed her teeth. She walked out of the bathroom and put her pajamas into her leather bag. She walked over to Igneel who was still snoring away. As she got closer she noted that he was drooling a well. She placed her hands on his shoulder and shook him lightly. Igneel shot up instantly like there was a sudden threat of danger. His widened eyes narrowed into a tired squint. He slowly descended back into the mattress as his sudden urgency melted away.

"You scared me.' Igneel yawned and smacks his mouth. His sharp canines hit his bottom lip when he did so.

"You? Scared? That's a first." Layla stated. This was true, though, for the most part. Besides his hatred towards normal transportation that boarded on fear, his never seemed to get afraid or be surprised.

"I was having a dream," Igneel said. "Something about an actual bed makes me sleep weird."

"Must've been a good dream then. What about?" She asked. She had to ask. As for the bed, Igneel probably rarely got the chance to sleep in on. She pondered whether he found it more comfortable than the outdoors. She doubted that though. Igneel was in his element when he's roughing it.

"I don't remember." Layla wasn't sure if this was a lie because he didn't want to tell her for some unknown reason or the genuine truth. It could've gone either way, but Layla didn't want to think Igneel would lie to her. That was a bad habit to get into if they were going to spend every day with each other. Layla wasn't gonna pry anymore though. It was a waste of energy. Layla clicked her tongue and stepped away.

"Hurry up and get ready so we can eat breakfast and leave," Layla stated.

"Mm. I'm starving." Igneel stated. Layla smiled.

"Yes, well you always starving. Which reminds me, we still need supplies before we waltz into a room." Layla said. "We're terribly unprepared. We only have enough food one meal for me." Igneel looked appalled.

"A you-sized meal! That's practically nothing." Igneel bleated. Layla rolled her eyes.

"Says the guy who eats a mountain of food and still could eat a mountain more," Layla said. "Now get up," Layla called. "We're losing valuable time." Igneel tsked and rolled out of the bed. It didn't take him long to change. Layla made him brush his teeth and hair. They gathered their things and headed out of the door.

There was a breakfast buffet connected to the lobby that both Layla and Igneel headed straight for. Layla was concerned about the all you can eat sign that stood at the entrance to the line. She new Igneel would gladly take advantage of this.

They went through the line. Layla managed to keep Igneel from eating everything there while taking a few things for herself. They ate quickly. The thought of lost time on their minds. Igneel finished before Layla, even though he had a hundred times more food than she did. He ate like a wild animal. She almost was convinced he was half beast of some kind.

They checked out of the hotel and headed out into the streets. It was pretty early; the sun was still rising. Even so, there were people walked down the cobbled streets and talking with each other. Some carried a basket of fish, while others carried bags and basket from the many markets and stands on the road. Now that it was daytime, a lot more booths were open. People sold flowers and fruits, clothes and jewelry, but a large part of the markets sold fish and other seafoods. Numerous smells filled their noses. Layla was thankful they had to buy supplies, for she could explore more of the lively port town.

They stopped at a few shops and bought rolls of bread, jerky, nuts, dried fruits, and rice. They needed to carry an extra bag, but it was worth it as long as they wouldn't go hungry. They filled their canteens up with water, hopefully, they'd last or they'd find a source of water in the room. It was hard to figure out how much food and water to bring since you can be in a room for any period of time.

They had everything they needed, and they were about to head toward the Eastern outskirts of the city to the coastline. Layla felt a unique and overwhelming warmth, like the one she felt before. It was a key. She turned in the direction it came from. She turned to see a key and weapon shop: Proper Grocer. She tugged on Igneel's sleeve and pointe at the building.

"There are keys in there. Can we check it out?" Layla asked. Igneel shrugged.

"Sure. But we oughta make it quick." Layla squealed happily and rushed into the shop, excited to see what she'd find. The keys were in a glass case at the front. An old man stood behind it. The keys, like they are everywhere else, are incredibly expensive. She knew they couldn't afford them, especially after buying the supplies for the trip. Layla frowned, but she wasn't really that upset. This was expected. Ignoring the prices tags, she took a moment to just stare at the keys themselves. The warmth divided itself like it had done before. Each of the keys we now identifiable to her, without looking at them. A silver on caught her eye. It was fairly cheap she noticed. There was nothing particularly special about it. It was a sleek and simple silver key with a simple picture of a head with a pointed nose. She might have a chance to get this one and a small price.

"Sir, is there any way possible I can buy that key right there?" Layla asked kindly. Her voice was hopeful and sweet.

"Why, sure, I don't see why not. That'll be 30,000 jewels." The man stated. Layla frowned. Igneel watched from behind with an interested but confused look.

"You couldn't knock it down a bit?" Layla pleaded leaning in. She gave a mournful look.

"No, unfortunately. Business had been slow lately." The old man gave an apologetic look.

"BUt—" Layla began. Igneel stepped forward with a serious smirk.

"You see, my Key Keeper and I here can't afford to pay that much right now. We're heading off on a long journey today and we've spent a large sum on supplies. You see, we're hardcore adventures. Usually, we'd buy gold keys no problem, let alone silver ones, but blondie here has a problem with shopping and practically drained our bank account. So if you could put us on a tab and give us the key for let's say 5000 down payment, when we can, we'll repay you three times the amount the original key once we start earning again. We usually wouldn't go to so much effort for a key, especially a silver one, but you see it isn't even for us, it's for her younger sister. It's her birthday tomorrow and Layla needs to get her a present before we leave for our journey. Lacy does hate it when her sister is gone for so long and she's devastated she'll miss her tenth birthday. So you see we're in a bind her and in a hurry so is it a deal or no." Lies spilled out of Igneel's mouth like waterfalls. Layla watched baffled. She wasn't sure if she agreed with his methods but is it delivered then what could she say. She had a feeling Igneel would pay him back in full and then some eventually though, that's just how he is.

"Uhm, yes I suppose that's fine." The shopkeeper agreed but seemed confused. Igneel placed some jewels on the table while the man took the key from its place in the glass and set it on the table. Layla took from him with a pleased smile. The left the store quickly before the shopkeeper could change his mind. Lyal found herself laughing.

"That was terrible." She said putting the key up in the air and admiring it.

"It worked though. Lacy will be happy." Igneel smirked. Layla laughed some more.

"No kidding. I'm a great sister." She smiled. She put the key into her belt with the others.

"So gullible." Igneel shook his head at the shopkeeper in question.

"You're just a good liar, Igneel. I'm not so sure that's a good thing." Layla stated.

"It's a great thing. I have all kinds of great skills, Lay. I'm the best. The one and only Igneel Dragneel."

"The one and only Igneel Dragneel," Layla repeated with a laugh. "You got that right."

"And you're the one and only Layla Heartfilia," Igneel added. "I mean you'd have to be pretty special to be partners with someone so great like me."

"Thanks, I guess," Layla shook her head. "But don't sound so arrogant." She scolded lightheartedly.

The finally exited Hargeon and now walked the forest near the rocky coast. Igneel walked quicker than usual, but Layla was too. It wasn't clear it if was because for their excitement or because they somehow felt they were late because they fell behind their original schedule. It was very well could be both. They couldn't see any sign of a tower yet, but Layla could feel it. It was a similar feeling to that of the warmth of the keys, but it seemed to burrow deeper into her somehow. It warmed her bones and made her feel a satisfying the feeling got stronger, her heart pumped faster, and the most nervous and excited she got. She wondered if maybe Igneel could feel it too.

They finally found the tower. It sat on the edge of the forest on the sand. Its doors faced the sea. The tower was smooth and shiny. The ocean and sun were reflected in the smooth white material it was made from. Layla looked up and with wide eyes and mouth agape. She was practically trembling with excitement. The warm feeling tingled her heart and made her warm all over. She looked to Igneel expecting to see the same reaction. He was serious and calm though. Perhaps on the inside, he was churning with excitement. She wondered why now it didn't seem to show. Layla determined that that was just how Igneel was. He'd be serious when the times he needed to fight got closer. She smiled at him. She knew he could see her out of the corner of his eyes but he ignored her. She searched his face and sure enough, she found what she was looking for. The slightest smiled played on Igneel's lips. The corner of his mouth was upturned the slightest bit. His eyes were fiery with adrenaline and a hunger to fight. Her own starry eyes glowed and twinkled with spirit. This was enough to assure her. Igneel and Layla would become the best one day because no one else had as much passion in their eyes as them.


the real narnia- Yup, she can, but will she? ;) I'm excited too! Erza's past especially!

HoneyBeeFox- And I really love you for saying so! :)

Singing Dove- Happy is adorable isn' he. :) Thanks a ton. Loke will definitely be included in a future "OVA", and in the story itself as well. He's one of my favorite characters.

I'll work my butt off to get you Chapter Sixteen I promise! I'm sorry!