XII

There were no dull moments at Fairy Tail. It was an unsaid, yet true, fact. And through the few years inside of Natsu, Igneel had, in a sense, gotten used to the chaos. Although, every once in a while there was something that would throw him for a loop, he considered himself completely adjusted to the Fairy Tail atmosphere.

However, he had to admit things sort of… livened up after Lucy arrived. As Natsu dragged her into Magnolia and to the guild, and she received her guild mark, the other members already escalating into a full-on brawl, things had seemed normal. Natsu's mind was back on fighting Gray and cowering away from Erza, although Igneel didn't miss the few glances Natsu cast across the guild to where Lucy was standing, mouth agape as she watched chairs and clothes and beer glasses fly inches away from her face. Yes, this Lucy had a lot to get used to, and not only with his son.

Yes, it'd seemed like just another day in Fairy Tail, even when Makarov returned and once again reprimanded them –mainly Natsu- for destroying property on jobs. Natsu did go on plenty of missions after all, although he'd been in a bit of a dry patch lately as he'd put forth all of his energy into finding Igneel.

And that was when Natsu heard the plea from Macao's small son, Romeo. Macao had gone to Mount Hakobe a while ago and still hadn't returned. No one seemed to bat an eye, figuring the job was just taking a little longer than expected. No one except Natsu, of course.

With his own internal conflict involving Igneel's disappearance, it didn't surprise the dragon that his son went sprinting towards the snow-covered mountain in search of the man. Natsu's heart beat with the same pain and abandonment of losing Igneel even when it was someone else's father who was missing. And Igneel had to admit he felt a little guilty as his son chanted over and over in his head that he wouldn't let Romeo grow up fatherless just as he had.

But Igneel had to remind himself every time he felt a pang of regret that he was doing this for Natsu's well-being. This, suppressing the magic, was what was important. And he was still with his son, in a way, even if Natsu didn't know.

So, no, it didn't surprise Igneel that Natsu went after Macao. However what did surprise him was that Lucy tagged along… Although Igneel had no idea why she'd decided to do so. She hadn't brought appropriate clothing for the mountain and she was adamant about making everyone around know how cold she was. A little bit complain-y for Igneel's tastes, but she had determination in her… somewhere deep down.

The fight had been quick, just as Igneel had suspected. Surprisingly, Lucy did a lot of the work with her spirits. She was actually quite talented, although not trained in the least. Igneel didn't know her past or where she came from, but it was strikingly clear she had a passion for Celestial Magic and her spirits, despite lacking in form or tactical smarts. It showed that she hadn't been in many fights, and so Igneel was quite curious to see how she'd grow in the guild, going out on regular jobs.

Although, then again Natsu really didn't think things through either and he was a "seasoned guild veteran" so maybe he shouldn't be so hard on her. Or maybe as she learned, some of it would rub off on Natsu… Igneel hoped so, at least.

And so as Macao was returned –albeit battered and bruised- to his son, Igneel felt a sense of accomplishment and happiness in his son's heart that he'd truly missed. Although Natsu hadn't found his own father, watching the look on little Romeo's face was enough to put a warmth in his heart that soothed some of his own grievance over losing Igneel.

One day he'd see Natsu face-to-face again, Igneel was certain of it. And until that day he was positive his son would go out and search for him unyieldingly, which was admirable in its own way.

But what Igneel didn't know, was that after that day, Natsu wouldn't ever step foot toward searching for his father again. Igneel had sensed a change in the guild of Fairy Tail, an underlying energy when Lucy joined, and he'd been onto something.

Because the day Lucy joined the guild, the things Igneel was positive he was used to regarding Fairy Tail would change. The raucous nature wouldn't, but the shenanigans and adventures that the group of wizards would partake in, would throw Igneel for a loop every single time. Although, through all the action his son would be completely engrossed, completely present in every battle, and completely distracted from his quest to find his father.

And this covers the second episode! I figured I'd throw this in there since Natsu really did sort of flip his lid over Macao's disappearance. Rightfully so, since it was a dad that was missing, haha. XD This is the last one that will sort of allude to something starting, and the last one that'll only cover a single episode, most likely.

It's kinda interesting to me to think about that just kinda routine stuff happened before Lucy joined and then WHAM crap hit the fan. I guess it's kinda always like that when a series starts... I dunno. Ignore my ramblings. XD

Anyway, thank you again for the amazing reviews and I hope you enjoyed! :D

~Foxtail-chan