XV

Igneel considered himself to be rather calm. Sure, he'd get upset if someone badmouthed him or his comrades, just as his son did, and sure, he didn't take it lightly when he witnessed deeds of evil. However, he was quite stoic usually, and not easily riled.

Especially in this form, inside of Natsu. Sure, he could feel Natsu's emotions and thoughts which were quite powerful, but there was something utterly muting about being inside, unable to interact with any aspect of the outside world. Even when his son was in trouble, he usually wouldn't fret, because he had faith in Natsu, and even if it was tough… he'd resigned to the fact that there wasn't really anything he could do about it.

There was a feeling of helplessness that did come along with knowing that he didn't have any direct influence on the outcome of things, but eventually he'd come to terms with it. He was doing what he could, suppressing the magic. What was left was up to Natsu and the others.

Although, even if he was calm and content to sit back and watch, that didn't mean sometimes he didn't feel like throwing a brick at Natsu and yelling at him to stop being such an idiot. He loved his son, he did, but Natsu drove him crazy sometimes. Plus, when he'd been training him, alone, Natsu didn't seem phased by any reprimanding he received. He either ignored it or it drove him onward.

And this, was definitely one of the times Igneel wanted to yell at his son. Natsu snapped out of his motion sickness once the train came to a halt, and right in front of him was some member of Eisenwald, carrying the flute dubbed 'Lullaby'. Of course, Natsu had been unconscious during the talk of the mission so he knew nothing of this flute, or that he should probably –nay, definitely be trying to take it from this man who apparently used shadow magic.

It wasn't really Natsu's fault that he didn't know, but still… Igneel really had to bite back the urge to snap at his son and tell him to take the damn thing already.

It didn't take long for the train to start moving again, and Natsu, riddled with dread over his motion sickness, made his quick escape. Igneel groaned as he saw Lullaby flash out of sight as Natsu hopped from the train. There they'd been. So close. This mission could've been over and done with in the blink of an eye if Natsu hadn't been so dense… not that he really could've helped not knowing that they were after the flute Erza spoke of. Still, had Igneel been in person, he probably would've whacked Natsu upside the head for being a doofus and not batted an eye when the boy snapped back, asking what that had been for.

A smile twitched at Igneel's mouth. He remembered times like that… He missed those days, alone with Natsu… sometimes, anyway.

By some otherworldly luck, Natsu crash-landed on the magic four-wheeler that his other three teammates were riding upon. After a quick rendezvous, they headed after the train and the Eisenwald member until they reached Kunugi Station.

Like Fairy Tail wizards always did, they burst in without second thought. Igneel was quite used to seeing Natsu act before he thought, and while that wasn't exactly recommended, he'd sort of given up hoping that he'd do otherwise.

The scuffle was a quick one. Natsu and Gray split up to go after different members as Erza took out basically the entire guild that was left. She never failed to impress Igneel every single time, and she never failed to ignite a spark inside of his son, either. Although, usually that spark was Natsu, wanting to challenge her to a fight. A fight that was promised at the beginning of the missions, for when they got back to the guild. Igneel had faith in Natsu, he did… but may the gods help him if he challenged Titania.

Eisenwald's plan was unveiled soon enough, as Gray and Natsu successfully caught up with the Eisenwald members. The goal was to use the train station's loud speakers to broadcast Lullaby's song, which would immediately kill everyone within hearing range. The other part of the plan? To travel to Clover where the guild masters were meeting. It was the one time there were that many powerful leaders in one place, and by taking advantage of that, it was a golden opportunity for a Dark Guild to wipe out the heads of those pesky legitimate guilds.

Natsu's heart beat once, hard and loud in his ears as Igneel felt a very strong and very familiar feeling seeping back into Natsu's bloodstream. The thought of losing Makarov, the Master, the man he called Gramps and the man who was like a foster father to him, sent chills throughout his son's body, bringing back yet again the familiar painful feeling of losing Igneel.

And while yes, it was hard, feeling Natsu's immediate response of anger and suppressed pain at the thought of losing Makarov, Igneel felt himself smiling.

Because if there was one thing that could stop Eisenwald? It was Natsu, fueled by the threat of losing yet another loved one.

I always felt as if Igneel liked Erza in some odd way. Not exactly looking up to her but like... acknowledging her power and being impressed by it, even though she isn't a Dragon Slayer. Maybe it's just me, haha. ;D

Poor Natsu, I never realized how many times there were threats of his foster family members being killed. Poor guy.

Anyway, thank you for the lovely reviews and kind words! It's always amazing to hear what you thought of a chapter! :D

~Foxtail-chan