XVIII

Throughout the hubbub of Natsu's first job with his new comrades, Igneel had hoped that his son had forgotten about the deal he'd made with Erza to fight her when they returned to Fairy Tail. Unfortunately, battles were the only thing rather than food that Natsu never, ever, forgot.

Titania stayed true to her word, and before Igneel could even blink, they were already engaged in a fight with one another. Yet again, Igneel found himself praying to the gods that something would stop this fight. He had faith in Natsu, yes, but Erza was one opponent he wouldn't win against. And while yes, losing to her might be a good experience –losing to other powerful Fairy Tail members had made Natsu just that more determined- the hit to his pride would still be there, and while he didn't show it on the outside, losing in a fight to someone really did cut him down to size.

Thankfully it seemed luck was on Igneel's side that day and before the battle could really get started, a messenger from the Council interrupted their fight and without much explanation, announced that Erza was under arrest.

Igneel's initial reaction had been the same as Natsu's: confusion, followed by anger and a feeling of unfairness. However, after a moment of careful thought, Igneel concluded what the real meaning was. During their fight with Lullaby Fairy Tail had yet again destroyed… a very sizeable chunk of land and most likely Clover, nor the Council, was happy about it. Igneel assumed they were overjoyed that Lullaby had been taken care of, but someone had to be held responsible for the damage, and so most likely they'd reluctantly blamed Erza, just to keep up looks.

It was going to be more of a smack on the hand than any real punishment. It would be mostly in name and Erza would probably be back by sunset.

However, Natsu didn't come to that conclusion, instead his thoughts reeling off onto a tangent of how to get her out.

Igneel found himself chanting, "Don't" over and over again to himself as he watched, helpless as Natsu executed a plan to free Erza. 'Don't go and use a favor you gained with Macao to make it look like you are still at the guild'. 'Don't head off towards the Council building with the intention to break in'. 'Don't try to dress up like Erza and take her place'. 'Don't interrupt her hearing and get you both thrown into a cell'.

Igneel groaned, closing his eyes and trying to remind himself that he loved this boy, even though he was dense as a rock. It was utterly frustrating sometimes not to be able to communicate with Natsu or the outside world. He was stuck, trapped and forced to watch and hope for the best outcome. And sitting in a jail cell was definitely not the best outcome.

Thankfully, the Council still let both of them go on time, and both Erza and Natsu arrived back at the guild the next day. It'd been an adventure if nothing else, Igneel assumed, although Erza had conveyed her thanks –along with some reprimanding- to Natsu that he showed up, and had the situation actually been dire, it would've been a great help.

Igneel huffed. At least she put a positive spin on things. And he supposed it was true to at least some extent. Natsu had cared enough to go and try to rescue her. Sure, she didn't need rescuing but had she needed it, he would've been there.

Natsu was the type of person to go charging into a situation to help someone else, without any regard to his own well-being. Natsu was happy if others were safe, and he'd do anything to make that reality. Maybe it had been a good test for him. Natsu did have a team now. He was used to going on jobs and looking out for only himself, and so even though working as a team and protecting others came nearly second-nature to him, perhaps having a real situation where he could step up and show it was a good test.

Igneel shrugged to himself, deciding that he'd leave it at that and try to forget how reckless Natsu had been. It showed he was there for his friends… Sure, that sounded good.

But in reality, it had, and the little mishaps and missed gestures such as that one would in the end come back and reward Natsu. Because those little signs of proof that he cared, and that he was with them until the end, was what would help him form such a close bond with his comrades. And later, Igneel would look back and shake his head, noting that perhaps sometimes it was healthy to do something a little reckless and stupid, as long as the intentions were good, and he was doing it for someone else's sake.

Oh god, Natsu dressed up as Erza cracked me up. To me that was when Erza and Natsu's close relationship began though. I sure hope it isn't just me who noticed that though, haha! XD

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and I'd love to hear what you thought of it! The reviews you guys send are just amazing! :D

~Foxtail-chan