A/N: FUN AND IMPORTANT author note for all readers. Like Mashima did with Fairytail characters are particular points in order to introduce them, at the beginning of each chapter I will give a short summary (although longer than Mashima) of a character already introduced such as their past, likes, dislikes, magic, and anything worth minor noting like where their guild mark is and what color. I will also mention who they crush on since they are all high school age and when I was in high school, everyone always liked someone. They will not be limited to Fairytail though. I know it's hard to keep up with this many new characters. Don't worry about it too much. I plan to slowly acclimate everyone into the story after briefly jumping into the deep end. Not all facts are perfectly detailed or correct up front for plot/story purposes. Think of it as if this was a questionnaire with data from the tournament.
First up is the main OC.
Boaz of Eirini. He was born on December 29th, 772. He is tall with dark brown hair which is nearly seen as black. He has bright blue eyes, which occasionally take on shades of light green. He is very tall for his age, being 6'2" or 188cm. He is overweight, but not slow thanks to his enhancements. He likes to wear flannel with shorts.
When he was a young boy, his parents were murdered. In the country of Sin, he was taken to the town of Eirini. The town was highly loved considered sacred by followers of The Way. Later, when attacked by an unknown creature, supposedly Acnologia, everyone was killed but him. He was given Fire Devil Slayer's magic at that point, which he has never been able to fully control.
He is very quiet and observing, with a solid intellect. Although not brilliant in of himself, he is able to think critically an abnormal level. He plans most of his fights several steps ahead. However, he is very proud. Although unintentional he can be and comes across as arrogant. He is very blunt in his speech, with a strong disgust towards politics. He lacks confidence with women due to his weight and being bullied by girls at a younger age. Being raised in a religious background, he has a strong sense of morality with a natural kindness and willingness to sacrifice. Due to his traumatic experiences, he smiles rarely without his friends. However, coupled together he has a fervent desire to spread hope across the world while adventuring with his friends.
Although his parents left a hole in his heart, he has many other concerns. Finding answers are not his top priority, but merely a long term goal.
His hobbies are reading manga, story-telling, and eating. He hates hypocrisy and selfishness. He is perverted, being exposed to pornography shortly after arriving in Fiore. However, he does his best to withhold desires in respect to women. His friends know the other story. He enjoys laughing
He is proficient in telekinesis. Although having unbelievable quantities of magic while unleashing his inner fire demon, he loses nearly all control in the process.
His crush: the Last known was Chloe Bluefox
Chapter 6 Foundations. November 4, 787.
Early morning on November 4, 787, Boaz awoke during his train ride to his new guild. Groggy eyed, he noticed the sun was rising. After rubbing his eyes, he noticed the vibrant, untouchable meadow only feet away. Small creatures could be seen drinking from nearby streams. Noise from his guild mates finally begun to reach his ears. Upon looking around Boaz noticed nearly everyone was filled with high energy. The anticipation built up too greatly in most of them.
He felt odd, as Chelia and Wendy both asked to sit next to him, but he slept almost the entire ride. Sitting across and facing his seat, both sky slayers were enraptured with their conversation with each other. Iroas was sitting next to him. Although listening, Iroas only occasionally partook in engaging in the conversation. Boaz had made his decision. He leaned back, closed his eyes, and listened to his surroundings.
Wendy was teaching Chelia tips about how to best use her Sky God slaying magic, coupled with ideas on how to develop and particular techniques to focus on as they read her magic book together. Iroas was notably silent, only asking questions on how her advice related to other dragon slayers.
On the other side of the pathway was another group of four sitting next to each other: Diaten, Asaras, Namiyari, and Sakura. He only knew of Diaten. Sakura spoke proper and sophisticated- likely being from a high-class family or feels the need to act high class in order to be high class. Namiyari seemed very outgoing and touch friendly. Her voice heightened in pitch whenever she spoke to Diaten. Diaten, on the other hand, grew in excitement when hearing her words. He was quicker to listen and stop speaking, although unafraid to mention today being his 14th birthday, thereby prompting hugs and congratulations from each of the girls. Asaras was unique. She spoke calm and stoic, but with a loving gentleness that countered any thought of snootiness compared to Sakura. Her speech was kind and sincere. Each time a sound exited her mouth Boaz was left hanging on every syllable. Her voice enraptured his soul.
What did she look like again? Opening eyes and staring would make himself awake and be talked to by Chelia and Wendy at the very least. What color was her hair again? Her eyes? What did her lips look like?
He opened his eyes and began to look around as if waking up, only to stare at Asaras. Although reserved, a smile never left her face. Her hair was a deep red and barely passed neck length. Sapphires were where her eyes should be. The skin was smooth and pale, reminiscent of slowly churned ice cream. Her lips were light pink, yet popped with her bright skin.
For a moment Boaz thought his heart stopped. When he began to be sexually aroused, Boaz merely cursed himself inside. Beauty such as hers had to be held sacred. Only a moment after he looked, he put his head back down and closed his eyes again. Chelia and Wendy both noticed he was staring at something, but what? He didn't notice them stop speaking. Chelia leaned in towards Boaz and began to stare intently.
"Boaz", Wendy said. "We know you're awake." Opening his eyes, Chelia was now inches away from his face and slowly turning red.
"What were you staring at?" she asked. Boaz looked away to the window.
"I stare when I'm thinking", he said. Wendy placed her hands on her sides and furrowed her brow.
"Thinking about what?" Wendy asked.
"I'm thinking about how cute Master Natsu is", he said. Wendy and Chelia blushed. Up in front, Natsu was listening and he let out a slight laugh. Iroas rolled his eyes and began paying attention to Diaten's conversation across the aisle.
"You were thinking about something dirty. Weren't you?" Wendy asked. Chelia shrunk to the bottom of her seat. How could she ask something like that?
"I'm not always a pervert", he said.
"You're not denying anything", she said. Boaz sighed and closed his eyes once again. "Don't ignore me!" She kicked Boaz in his shin, which prompted a meek yell. Boaz held his leg in agony. Yet when he looked at Wendy to threaten her with perverted talk, he looked past to see Asaras looking at him with gentle concern. Her fist in front of her mouth and her eyes looked sorrowful. Was she sad for him? For a brief second, they made eye contact, with Boaz looking away back to Wendy.
"Thank you", Boaz said. His voice was surprisingly happy. Wendy began to blush.
"For what?" she asked.
"You kicked me in the shin!" he said. "I was being sarcastic."
"Don't be a pervert then!" Wendy said.
"You say that like it's a bad thing", he said grinning. Wendy shook her head and began to re-engage Chelia about her sky magic. Boaz leaned his head back on his seat and stared out the window. He thought of life, in all of its mystery, and his destiny as a human being. Maybe Asaras would be a part of it one day?
After a while longer the train finally reached their destination. The new members of Fairytail gathered all of their belongings and made through Magnolia, with Natsu showing them around. Boaz walked with Chelia and Wendy since Beidaggar asked to speak with Iroas privately. This drew on confusion when Chloe and Priscilla spoke with them, but Boaz had no problem with staying his distance.
Magnolia was being rebuilt, yet looked stronger than ever. Joy and hope, in spite of tragedy, was on the face of every civilian. Cardia Cathedral was in wonderful condition, without a scratch on it. Natsu continued to guide the new guild, with strangers asking Natsu various questions and introducing themselves to the guild. Many seemed excited to witness the birth of a new generation of Fairytail. Yet there was one thought which didn't occur to any of the wizards.
"What the damn hell?" Beidaggar said.
"Well, this blows", Esau said. Upon arriving near the ocean, the young wizards realized there was no guild hall. Natsu turned around with an evil grin.
"Our first job as a guild is to build our guild", he said. Most of the girls wind from the idea of hard labor.
"This is bullshit!" Ilium said. Natsu laughed at everyone's distraught anger and winning.
"Everyone come here", Natsu said. He jumped on top of one of the taller ruins while motioning for everyone to sit down. Giving Kinana a nod he said, "Miss Kinana will go around giving you a Fairytail guild mark with the color of your choice." Luckily, Boaz was first. He got a green Fairytail mark on his right wrist. Looking back up, Natsu's face turned serious and borderline scary.
"Listen up", he said. "There are a few basic rules to Fairytail. First, as members of Fairytail, we are all family. If you don't like someone that is fine, but you are still going to treat them as comrades and risk your life to protect them. We do not betray our family, but instead, we support and love each other. Next, every wizard can succeed on their own. Since we trust our family, we will not doubt each other's capabilities. However, since all of you are still young and new, you will be required to team up unless I give you permission to go on solo jobs. Furthermore, your first mission will have to be a wizard who has experience on jobs." The guild began grumbling but ultimately quieted after Natsu motioned his hands once more.
"Thirdly", he said, "Fairytail never breaks its promises. As wizards of the guild, you must never do anything to make Fairytail look bad. Lastly, if the day ever comes for you to leave the guild each wizard follows three rules. First, you must never reveal sensitive information about Fairytail to others as long as you live. Second, you must never use former contacts met through your being in the guild for personal gain. Third, though our paths diverge continue to live with all your might, never counting your own life insignificant, and to never forget about your Fairytail friends as long as you live." The youngsters were quiet. No one knew what to say until Boaz got up.
"Sounds good, dad," he said. "Let's get started on rebuilding the guild!" He began to stretch, with everyone following suit despite wanting to drag their feet. Natsu laid out his designs, to which everyone agreed. Stone by stone they had begun rebuilding the guild hall. Everyone was helping. Seconds quickly turned into several hours as it neared lunch. Boaz was drenched in sweat, along with many others.
"Boaz!" Chelia shouted as she ran up to him. A tray of lemonade was in her hand with a lesser blush on her face. "Would you like some lemonade? It's made with love."
"No thank you", he said. "I hate lemonade." Chelia's heart broke in two as she pouted.
"Wait…" Boaz said. "I enjoy lemonade, but it only makes me thirstier when I'm this dehydrated." Chelia shrunk back in embarrassment even more.
Can I say anything right?
Boaz took a glass off of her tray and began to chug the lemonade. Albeit taking a moment, Chelia's eyes began to widen as he finished his drink with a smile.
"If you made it with love, it will satisfy my thirst", he said. He placed the glass back on the tray and continued to carry heavy materials into the guild. Several yards away was Jenny and Brandish.
"Even a child makes more progress than we do", Jenny said. Brandish turned away ready to jeer, folding her arms across her chest.
"Shows what you know", Brandish said. Masters in love with me. He just doesn't know it yet." Natsu appeared from nowhere behind them.
"I love who now?" he asked. Both ladies jumped back.
"Nothing!" Jenny and Brandish said. He placed each of his hands on both of their heads.
"You don't need to worry", he said. "I love all my Fairytail children like Makarov did before me. Even both of you." He walked away thereafter. Brandish and Jenny crouched and began drawing on the ground with their finger.
"He sees me as a child?" Brandish said.
"He sees us as daughters", Jenny said. The two wizards let out a depressed sigh.
Inside the now outlined frame, the for the guild was Cyrus and Chloe. They were sitting on some of the remaining ruins of the previous guild still on the ground.
"Yeah, working this hard is pretty tiring", he said.
"Hahahaha!" Chloe laughed out. "You're so funny! How are you so funny?"
"Thank you?" he said.
Outside the frame, near the beach, while facing the sun was Kokea and Hiskanna, who were both sunbathing with sunglasses and two piece bikinis. Beidaggar, Esau, and Iroas were staring at the girls and occasionally offering them drinks. Ilium began to walk in their direction.
"Damn!" Ilium said. "It's hot out here!"
"Aren't you a sand wizard?" Beidaggar asked. Ilium nodded and took off his shirt, revealing abs.
"Yeah", he said. "I like being naked in the heat." He walked Kokea and Hiskanna, passing them by. Both girls' heads followed the young man's body until it disappeared from eyesight. The other three boys slouched their heads in shame as they walked back to work.
"Boaz!" Priscilla said noticing his soaked shirt. "Let me help you. Extending out her hands, she created an ice-free providing the coolest shade Boaz had ever had.
"Dear God. Thank you, Priscilla", he said. He sat down and placed his back against the ice.
"Isn't the cold for you?" she asked. He shook his head.
"How are you today?" he asked. Priscilla's eyes quickly angered and went to normal.
"Chloe is flirting with that Cyrus kid", she said. "She's embarrassingly obvious to the point it's frustrating. He seems like a jerk anyway." Boaz bobbed his head up and down.
"Maybe he's a nice guy?" he asked. "She's never had a bad taste in men."
"How can you say that?" she asked. "She rejected you multiple times. Doesn't that mean women who like you have a bad taste in men?" Boaz nodded in agreement with a friendly smile.
"Of course", he said. "I've been rejected by plenty of women multiple times. I can only assume it's a wise decision to not date me." She sighed to his response.
"Maybe she would have given you a chance if you had more confidence in yourself", she said.
"I'm always brimming with confidence", he said. She laughed.
"I need to help others cool down now", she said.
The shirtless Ilium walked passed her, although grabbing her attention she turned away in anger. Nearly every girl she had noticed was drooling all over him. Asaras, Namiyari, Sakura, Kelsea, Kokea, and Hiskanna were all following him and talking to him. He was outgoing and thrived in the attention of women, at least until Diaten walked passed him.
"Diaten!" Asaras said. "Come over here! How is your birthday?" All the girls had begun hugging him and wishing him happy birthday, even the ones who already did so and Kokea and Hiskanna in their bikini's
"What the hell?" Iroas said. Boaz laughed in miserable understanding.
"Do you think he is a breast or butt man?" he said.
"I have no clue", Iroas said. "I hope for his sake he's a breast man."
"FMK with all the girls in the guild?" Boaz asked. Iroas nodded.
"Wendy, Brandish, and Jenny?" Iroas asked.
"Marry Wendy, fuck Brandish, and kill Jenny."
"Same, but switch Brandish and Jenny."
"Sexual subtraction game next?" Boaz asked.
"What?" Iroas asked.
"You know… the game we play where we have a group of girls we can choose to do a singular sexual action with", Boaz said. "When we choose someone to go to second base with, we can't choose them for the rest of the actions." Iroas raised an eyebrow
"Blowjobs?" Boaz asked, followed by mumbling "Chloe."
"Sakura", Iroas said. "Anal? Asaras."
"Priscilla", he replied. "Titi f—k? Jenny."
"You really those two best friends, and I would say the same", Iroas said. "BDSM? Wendy."
"Brandish", he said. "Romantic kiss? Asaras."
"Chelia," he said. Boaz made a face. "What she's cute. Romantic sex? Brandish."
"Brandish?" he asked. "Hiskanna. Pegging? Wendy."
"The hell? Why? Oh fine. You win. Who is your ideal threesome?" Boaz thought long and hard.
"Asaras and Hiskanna", he said with a smirk.
"Wendy and Chelia", Iroas replied.
"THE FUCK?"
"Please, it's not that weird. She already begins to hit puberty."
"No. I'm surprised you like Wendy that much."
"Oh."
"What are you guys talking about?" a voice asked. Behind them was the beautiful Wendy. Neither answered her question and went immediately back to work.
"Hey?" Een whispered to Esau. "Want to mess with everyone?" Esau nodded and both wizards disappeared. Several feet away was Asaras and Sakura.
"Asaras", Sakura said, "Who do you like among the guys here?" Asaras blushed. She didn't use to such a question.
"The cutest guy here is Ilium", she said. "But he isn't exactly boyfriend material. I'm not sure who I like. If I had to pick, I would say Een. He's the strongest wizard here. What about you?"
"I know it's not Boaz", she said. "If I have to pick, I would say Ilium. He's the closest to acting like nobility." Asaras laughed at her snooty response. He personality seemed cartoonish.
"Well," Boaz said under his breath. "I shouldn't have expected any girl to like me. It's about as likely as controlling my magic."
"Boaz!" Wendy screamed. "Stop with your depressing talk!"
"I'm trying to be realistic", he said. Chelia walked up beside Wendy.
"You're being a pessimist", she said.
"Don't get angry because I'm being honest with myself", he said. Natsu appeared behind him, seemingly out of nowhere.
"Boaz!" he said. "You're not being honest with yourself, and you know it. You're not the type of person who gives up. You're trying to ignore the fact you do nothing to put yourself in a good position with girls." He placed his hand on Boaz' head, to which Boaz turned around.
"How would you know that?" he asked.
"Simple", Natsu said. "You're afraid." Boaz went back to work, with Chelia following behind him in order to make her case. Wendy stayed beside Natsu, looking up at him. The last several hours were spent as if she had nearly forgotten about him. A smile couldn't help but come to her lips, which Natsu returned. Wendy began to walk by Natsu's side once again.
"How far can you hit a target with your rifle?" Beidaggar asked.
"Over three hundred yards consistently", Kelsea said.
"Well, damn", Boaz said. "That's amazing!" Kelsea turned and was seemingly put off his by overhearing her speak. She walked away without another word.
"Damn it, Boaz", Beidaggar said.
"What?" he said.
"You really can't see it?" he asked. "You can't see how everyone has been talking about you?"
"What are you talking about?" he asked. Veins began to bulge as Beidaggar tightened his fists.
"No one trusts you!" he shouted. "You nearly killed several people two days ago. Something in you turned sadistic. How can any of trust you if you nearly killed Iroas and attacked Master Natsu?" Boaz was silent. Most of the new wizards, save Een and Esau, were gathering around the noise.
"You can't really mean that", he said. "We've been friends for years."
"Yet you never tell us anything!" he said. Iroas stepped forward.
"He's right, Boaz. You tried to kill me. Something took over you. I typically wouldn't care, but how do I know it won't happen again?"
"Someone as evil as you shouldn't even be a part of this guild", Sakura said. Asaras stepped forward.
"I can't believe I'm saying this to a comrade already, but how can we trust you? You're a demon on the inside. Your magic makes you take on every quality a demon has, including their morality." The rage in Boaz's face ceased, turning into guilt. His fists trembled.
"Stop it!" Chelia said. Boaz looked up. Chelia stood in front of him, facing the rest of the guild. Her arms were stretched out wide. "We're a family! Master trusts Boaz, as does Wendy. I trust him too." She put her arms down.
"Who cares if one girl trusts him? Nor do I believe Master in his right mind would ever trust that monster." Beidaggar said. "No one can trust him. He puts us in danger. He hid things from his best friends." Boaz noticed Chloe staying in the background, refusing to aid him. Even she felt some degree of disgust.
"Stop being cruel", Chelia said. "He messed up one time."
"It's been more than that", Chloe interjected. Everyone understood. Of course, he told her. He had used to like her. Little rumors like that spread like wildfire already within their teenage ranks. Chelia's face grew concerned. She didn't know what is left to say, but as she worried Boaz stepped in front of her.
"I'm not asking you to trust me", he said. "Natsu Dragneel, the man who refers to me as his son, is. If you don't trust him, then leave the guild. You're already breaking the two principles of Fairytail."
"WHAT WAS THAT?" Beidaggar asked.
"You're threatening me, your comrade, who has given you no reason since I joined the guild too. Second, you don't believe I can handle myself. Even if I can't, part of the trust in this guild is believing in each other. It doesn't matter if I can or can't. We should all believe in each other."
"That's easier said than done", Chloe said. Suddenly, the wooden frame of the guild began to burn with a blue flame.
"See?!" Beidaggar said. "He's losing control again! Stop him before he destroys what we've done!" Everyone began to jump on Boaz and pinned him down. Moments later, the solid ground broke apart as they all fell into a hole.
"Damn it, Boaz!" Beidaggar said. Boaz ignored his comment, simply sitting with his arms and legs crossed
"We all hate you", Sakura said.
"SHUT UP YOU TWITS", Boaz screamed. He pointed up. At the top of the hole was Een and Esau, laughing hysterically.
"I can't believe you let us manipulate you that easily", Een said. Esau began to snort uncontrollably.
"Wonderful", Priscilla said.
"You got us worked up for nothing!" Asaras shouted. She seemingly lost her composure. Her enraged voice was still as beautiful as her gentle tone. Her hair had turned into an inferno of delightful carnage with its blood red shade. He was happy.
"Een's fire can change color", Boaz said. "And Esau can easily build a hole like this. Een also has a high degree of control over his flames. When we get out of here, I bet the guild isn't remotely burned."
"You would lose that bet", Een said. Boaz began to mumble. "What is that? Are you crying?"
"Ha!" Esau laughed. "He's a bitch."
"I'VE SPENT ALL DAY TRYING TO HELP BUILD THE GUILD ONLY FOR YOU TWO CUNTS TO DESTROY IT! THE NEXT TIME I'M GOING EVIL I WILL KILL YOU TWO FIRST!" Many of the girls were repulsed by his language. Iroas could only laugh. He would be weary, but he couldn't stop trusting Boaz. Asaras giggled alongside him. He could be blunt, rude, a pervert, and even demonic, but who she saw before him now was a silly boy with an idle threat. In her mind, she admitted to being wrong. However, everyone was terrified by the ridiculous comment, albeit proving their concerns to be true.
Only after instantly being on level ground again, as if the hole never existed, did everyone look up to see a hundred-foot-tall Brandish?
"Stop screwing around and get back to work!" In comparison, Brandish made his devil form appear like a puppy. No one slacked for the rest of the day.
"She kind of reminds of Erza when she's angry", Wendy said. Natsu grinned in agreement.
After a couple more hours of work, several men were in the shade being taken care for their exhaustion by Naimyari who was dressed a nurse.
"Why are there so many guys not doing anything over there?" Priscilla asked herself. Boaz came up behind, helping her carry a large piece of dry wood.
"Look at her chest", Boaz mumbled. Priscilla stared and felt insecure. Nami's bust was nearly the size of Brandish or Jenny's despite being a young teenager.
"They're all perverts…" she said. "I'm thankful you aren't a pervert at least." Boaz took the dry and set it in its portion while starting to hammer it in.
"I'm probably more perverted than they are", he said. "I just don't let it distract me. It helps I don't Nami is that cute. All she has is boobs. Few beauties have a cute face like yours."
"Always the flirt", she groaned.
"Please", he said. "You know I don't mean it like that, and you know it's funny." She smiled.
"I know. You've always been more like a big brother." Boaz sunk down in shame, prompting her to laugh.
"Try not to worry too much about girls", she said. Suddenly they heard Namiyari shouting.
"Why aren't you guys working? You're not tired. Get back to work! I don't get why you keep looking at me instead of helping everyone else."
"Yeah", Boaz said. "That sounds about right. Girl with really big boobs prematurely doesn't understand why guys stay next to her."
"Everyone!" Natsu called the guild. When all had gotten near him he continued. "I'm going to speak to the mayor. I will be back in a couple of hours. Don't stop working. I love you guys!" He held his thumbs up and bolted away.
"That seemed mysterious", Kelsea said. To Wendy's dissatisfaction, she stayed behind to help keep everyone in line.
It was near 3:00 pm when Natsu left, and only a couple minutes later when three mysterious figures approached Fairytail's land. Nearly everyone stopped working in order to examine the coming strangers. The first was a young adult male with blue hair, a navy robe, and a tattoo on his right eye. To his right was a young adult female with dark purple hair, a soft but mischievous face, large bust, and black one-piece armor with a white cross and black robe. The right of her was a teenage girl with pink hair tied into a ponytail, a gentle and fearful smile, a well-curved figure, and a red dress skirt with a yellow bow belt and a black robe. Odd yet, Wendy greeted them casually. Turning to Boaz, the four of them walked over to him.
"Boaz, this is Jellal Fernandez, Ultear Milkovich, and Meredy.", she said. "They're old friends of the guild." Boaz extended his arm to shake hands, introducing himself in a pleasant manner.
"I would prefer it if you didn't use our names", he asked of Wendy and Boaz.
"Jellal here is on a mission for their guild Crime Sorciere", Wendy said. "While he is Magnolia, he will help train you." Boaz began to shake slightly. Goosebumps fell over his body.
"Is that wise, Wendy?" he asked.
"He's very powerful", she said. "Maybe close to the power of Master. He used to be a wizard saint." Calming himself slightly, Boaz continued to examine Jellal. His face was stern and serious. Without a doubt, he had been carrying a heavy burden. Immense pain laid in his heart- all of theirs for that matter.
"If you can help protect others, I will gladly accept any help you offer", he said. "First, I need to help finish rebuilding the guild. As long as you're here, you might as well help."
"Ultear", Wendy asked, "Can you use your arc of time?"
"My magic doesn't quite work like that, sadly", she replied. "You've already moved nearly all the rubble, and it can't send objects into the future assuming others will move it a particular way." Jellal picked up the two by four Boaz had been carrying and asked where to place it. Within a few minutes, Crime Sorciere was steadily increasing the build speed.
After an hour of building, Natsu had come back. The guild hall seemed to process half a day within the short time he was away. A grin was on his face when Crime Sorciere and Wendy approached him. Although other's worked, most tried to overhear the conversation.
"Magnolia is in a worse state than I thought", Natsu said. "Despite the recovery money from the magic council and reward money for capturing Ajeel, they can't afford to give us anything." Wendy sighed bitterly.
"I talked to a banker though. He agreed to give us a loan at a very friendly interest rate if you go on a date with him." Her arms flailed up as she slowly stepped back with widened eyes.
"I'm only fifteen!" she complained. "Why do these older men hit on me?"
"I'm sorry", Natsu said. "I misspoke. A date with his son. He's eighteen. He's pretty cute."
"You aren't making it any better for me", she said. "I will go though. We can't rebuild the guild without the loan. What time is the date?"
"It is at 8:00 pm tonight", he replied. "He will you meet in front of the Inn we're staying at."
"Did Master pimp out Wendy?", Boaz asked himself. Natsu and Jellal finally locked eyes.
"What do I owe the pleasure?" Natsu asked.
"I'm here on business", he said. Natsu shook his head and sighed. He looked Ultear and Meredy in the eyes, for them to turn away shamefully.
"Yes", Natsu said. "The offer still stands." Ultear's and Meredy's pupils dilated and breath slowed.
"What?" Jellal asked.
"You have no business here", Natsu said. He grinned. "You want to join Fairytail." Jellal shook his head in resignation.
"No! Certainly not. I wouldn't put it on Fairytail to hold captives", he said.
"Then why did you come here?" he asked. Jellal flinched. Natsu actually asked an intelligent question. Jellal sunk his head down.
"We wanted to apologize", he said. "Ever since we heard what happened we've been blaming ourselves. After you stopped your one-man war with Grimoire Heart, we took up the reigns shortly after. We destroyed every dark guild we could. We believe we may have unintentionally antagonized with you in their cross hairs. Fairytail's destruction is our fault."
Natsu laughed gently and placed his hand on Jellal's shoulder. He was taken back by the action. His response to guilt was a kindness.
"It's not your fault", he said. "Nor is it my fault. It was their decision to delve into darkness, while you took measures to stop it. If you did nothing, the attack could have been much worse."
"But still it's our fault", he said. "We must pay penance." Natsu's hand fell back to his side, with his fists tightening.
"Stop lying to yourselves!" Natsu
"How are we lying?" Ultear asked.
"You don't want punishment", he said. "You want forgiveness. The offer still stands to join Fairytail, and you knew it. That's why you came."
"We are criminals, Natsu", Ultear said.
"Although we fight evil", Meredy said.
"Fighting in darkness is what we do", Jellal finished.
"In order to serve the light", Natsu said. He smirked when their faces turned downcast. "You've lived in darkness for so long, and you blame yourselves for the death of Fairytail. Living a life without hope is pointless, and it is a choice you have made. However, you doubt your decisions. Not because you actually doubt them, but you feel the need to. Part of your hearts feel the need to believe if there is a way, you must make your way back."
"Back to where?" Ultear asked.
"In the light, seen by everyone", he replied. The notoriously tough Crime Sorciere members were teary eyed. Their battle hardened spirits were weakened and vulnerable.
"Is it even possible for us to be in the light?" Jellal asked.
"To be fair, not legally", Natsu said.
"Then what the hell was the point of that speech?" Ultear asked.
"I will help you remember what it means to live the way you want", he said. "After you join the guild, you will have to wear disguises for a while, but it will not be trouble."
"What about our names?" Jellal asked.
"That's an easy one Mystogan", he replied.
"What about us?" Ultear asked. Natsu scratched his head.
"Your name can be Weiss, and Meredy can be called Link", he said. Ultear face palmed.
"Horrible names", she said.
"I think mine's cute", Meredy said giggling. Jellal shook his head once more.
"How do you propose clearing our names?" he asked.
"Rumors of my battles with Acnologia have already spread", he said. "I'm becoming near legendary for surviving in a fight twice in a row. Give it time. I'm sure the magic council will owe me a favor soon enough."
"This is a horrible plan", Jellal said. Natsu smiled.
"Is that why you are agreeing with it?" Natsu asked. Jellal gave a short laugh. He finally seemed to be slightly relaxed.
"You're right about wanting forgiveness", he said. "Everyone wants forgiveness. At times it feels impossible. What truly pushed our hand wasn't just Fairytail's destruction, but the stories of the 'Demon Salamander' and your changed heart."
"You were curious about how different I am from three years ago?" he asked and crossed his arms. "That's fair. I've committed shameful crimes, but I was forgiven with ridiculous ease. The real problem was forgiving myself."
"How did you forgive yourself?" Ultear asked.
"With the help of a few friends, and especially Wendy", he said. Jellal noticed his grin was back to normal as if three years had not passed. Yet Natsu's difference level in maturity was dusk to dawn.
Calling Kinana over, Crime Sorciere removed their guild emblems and placed the Fairytail guild mark. Introducing themselves to the guild, they gave their codenames as their actual names. Natsu declared their identities must be kept secret, and they would be disguised in order protect both themselves and the guild for the moment. At 7:00 pm, Natsu called it a day for the guild. A significant portion had been built, yet only a dent had been made in total work.
Gathering at a local inn, the Manglietia, the guild would spend the next days there until the guild hall was rebuilt. The owner was Charles Plumier, a descendant of one Magnolia's first citizens. He happily agreed to take in Fairytail for free since Natsu saved the town. Everyone gathered in the inn's main dining room.
Jenny was carrying a cake from a nearby bakery which had reopened that day, for Diaten's birthday. Diaten was sitting at the head of a long table, excited for the sweets about to reach his mouth.
"Happy Birthday", Jenny said smiling, while she placed the cake in front of him. Natsu lit the candles.
"Do you think he's hungrier or hornier?" Boaz asked Iroas in the back,
"Either way, I'm sure he wants to eat something", Iroas said.
Shortly after everyone sang happy birthday and divided up the cake. Most of the girls were in awe of the cake, with Wendy and Chelia being in love with it. Several of the guys had to stop eating as what proceeded from the girls' mouths were pseudo sex noises, while Boaz was terrified to pay attention to Wendy less his view of her be corrupted. After the cake ended, each of the girls gave him big hugs before going to bed. You could see the slight change in his face lighting up each time breasts were pushed against his chest.
Each of the young wizards was going to bed after the long day, while only Natsu, Wendy, Brandish, Jenny, and Crime Sorciere remained behind to talk. It neared nearly eight o'clock.
"Hey, Wendy?" Natsu asked. "Are you going to go on your date?" Wendy blushed to his question. She had forgotten. If she didn't show up, the guild couldn't afford to build the rest of the guild past the materials they already owned. Without saying any words, she jumped out of her seat and sprinted out of the room.
"I guess she is going on the date?" Meredy asked.
"Down to business", Jellal said. He placed his coffee on the short table in front of him. "Wendy said to ask you about your 'son' Boaz."
"Wait", Brandish said. Jenny nodded. Both girls then sat on each leg of Natsu's, causing each former member of Crime Sorciere to turn away and blush.
"Master", Jenny said pushing her cleavage in his face. "We were talking, and we decided it is unfair you didn't take us on actual dates."
"You will take us on actual dates tonight", Brandish said with an evil glare. Natsu began to sweat.
"Why would you want to date me? Jellal is more handsome. Go with him."
"I'll pass."
Before Natsu could swear from Jellal's refusal, both girls had grabbed an arm and dragged him out.
"They're a lively bunch", Ultear said.
"I think Natsu is right", Jellal. "It's been too long since we knew what this feeling was like. If anything can bring it out, it's Fairytail."
"Why did you even say that?" Ultear asked. "We agree with you. You don't need to narrate our feelings."
"Be quiet Weiss. You haven't kissed me since we entered Magnolia. Now come here." Meredy closed her eyes and cringed at the sight as if she was still a prepubescent girl.
"I'm going to leave", Meredy said. "I will wait for Wendy and catch up with her."
"Do you think this change will affect our relationship?" Jellal asked. Ultear stared at him with danger and romance. A blush spread on her cheeks.
"I think it will change, but for the better", she said. "We can't hide in the sins of the past."
"We must focus on forgiving ourselves and living for the future", Jellal said.
A couple hours passed. Thankfully, her date was over. Meredy came over and spoke to her a little, even telling her about Natsu's date, before Wendy said she was tired and turned in. Her own date was miserable. Natsu had lied about his age, as the man had no son and was unmarried, but he was old enough to be a father of an eighteen-year-old. He refused to stop staring at her breasts. Most of his comments were about his own wealth and all he could offer Wendy. Other things he talked about were his sexual exploits, and offering Wendy a threesome with another girl if she was "into that". Near the end of the date, she walked him home and he tried to kiss her. Wendy finally snapped and punched the man in the face at his front porch. Thankfully, she healed him and he was aghast to discover his behavior and sexual advances were unwanted. His realization and pride forced him to declare he would keep his promise to Natsu and Fairytail, despite the date's failure.
Wendy was now taking a hot shower, washing off the day's stress. She sang along to, Egao No Mahou, music being played through a lacrima.
Then there was a knock on the door, followed by a short creaking sound. Wendy tried to listen as she began to hear quiet footsteps, only to stop at the bathroom. The person turned around and seemingly left when she heard the door stop. Deciding to get out, she slowly dried herself, wrapping one towel around her waist and another around her hair. She opened the bathroom door to find a more horrifying sight than anything previous that day.
Natsu was lying down on her bed and waved at her. She only had a towel on and was lightly covered in water. Her hair was a mess and she had no make-up. Natsu could see everything if he wanted to suddenly rip off her towel. Would that be such a bad thing? Would she mind if Natsu picked her up right now and threw her on the bed? A blush built up in the paralyzed girl as she noticed Natsu raising an eyebrow and simply staring confusedly. How long had she been doing nothing?
"Yo", he said.
"GET OUT! GO TO YOUR OWN ROOM!" She picked Natsu up, threw him out, and locked the door. She began changing, putting on a big gray t-shirt and panties on and threw herself onto the bed.
Door knob had begun twisting again. Walking in was Natsu once more, who threw himself onto the bed and began snoring.
"Natsu?!" Wendy said, kicking him in the face and off the bed. "Get out of my room! I'm not in decent clothes!" Natsu gazed at her and then looked away as if uninterested. Should she be angry he barged in, or sad since he seemed uncaring?
"I don't get why you're upset", he said. "You're in my room."
"No", she said. "This is my room- 2B." Natsu then reached into his pocket and pulled out his room keys. Attached was the sticker with his room number. It was the same.
"But there's only one bed?!" she said.
"Pssh! That's fine, Wendy. I slept in Lucy's bed all the time. We should fine." Wendy turned away in embarrassment.
"That's not helping!" she said. Natsu sat down on the bed, slapping its end. Wendy sat up and scooted forward to sit by Natsu.
"How was your date, Wendy?" he asked. Near teary eyed, she shook silently.
"Horrible", she said. "He did promise us the loan though." Natsu wrapped his arms around her and embraced her. Her hormones the previous minutes were raging. The hug didn't help. His arms were well toned and muscular, with a firm grip. His new clothing style hid his chiseled abs, but her left arm could partially feel the indents. Heat from his dragon inner fire stretched onto his flesh as she warmed up. Her left leg and his right left became crossed.
It would be easy to try something now, but would Natsu feel the same as her? She pondered all her potential actions, from confessing her feelings and being rejected, to ripping his off his shirt and kissing him before he could respond. Her hormones continued to rage inside, prompting an odd noise- almost like a screech.
"What was that?" Natsu asked. Wendy quickly separated from the hug and twiddled her thumbs.
"Nothing", she said.
"I'm sorry your date didn't go well", he said.
"I heard you went on a date as well, with Brandish and Jenny", she said. "If my date's any indication, it sounds like everyone man's dream." Natsu tilted his to the right and scrunched his eyebrows.
"Nah, it was boring", he said. "I'm pretty sure it would have gone the same if I had not been there. I think they're in love with each other."
"You're joking, right?"
"Of course not. When they both tried to kiss me at the end, I dodged and they ended up kissing each other. They refused to stop for several minutes."
"Why didn't you leave?"
"They made me promise to walk both of them home to their rooms."
"So you just watched them kiss for several minutes?"
"No", he said. "I got bored, so I stared at the sky for a while." Wendy could only help but gaze in wonderment at him. He didn't have a sexual bone in his body.
"It's not that I don't care about them, but I haven't known them long enough."
"So you do have feelings for them?" Wendy asked. Her voice was slow and impaled with a blunt sword.
"Of course", he said. "I'm the guild master. As Makarov would say, I need to care about my 'brats.'" Wendy stopped moving as he couldn't stop surprising her. At this point, she could strip naked and she doubted he would have any concerns. He was the total opposite of every other man she ever met. The real question: does he think of her as one of his children too?
"Besides", he said, "I don't know them very well yet. The next time I go on a date with anyone, I would rather know and trust them beforehand. It's not the most effective method to others, but that's where I am right now."
She did have a chance. Rather, she had more of a chance than every other girl on the planet. Although she maintained a relatively calm demeanor, her insides shouted insistently on making a move despite the poor timing. Yet she had to say the words she longed to.
"Natsu?" she asked. He turned his head towards and they locked eyes. She placed her hand on Natsu's bicep.
"Yes, Wendy?" he said. She felt like it was a scene from a movie. Lips were close enough to touch. She pulled her hand back.
"How is being guild master so far?" He let out a smile to her question.
"I'm doing better today than yesterday", he said. "I really freaked out last night, but I'm better now."
"You? Worry?" she asked.
"I've come to grip in my heart the responsibility I carry on my shoulders", he said. "It may be a burden, but it is one I love. Although heavy, it is easy to carry, and you're always here to help me." Wendy blushed once more. How would she be able to live daily life if this kept up?
"Do you mind if I ask you something, Wendy?" he said. She smiled and said "sure."
"Do you have feelings for Boaz, or are you interested in him?" She looked up and thought for a second.
"I'm unsure", she said. He turned away for a split second. Was he jealous or worried?
"I didn't want to set you up with a date if you had feelings for him", he said. "How can you be unsure?" Wendy placed her hand on her mouth and began to think.
"How do I explain it?" she asked herself out loud. "I don't understand what came over me. When I saw him severely injured I couldn't stop worrying. There's a level of unspoken understanding because he admires you like I do. I only reacted with my emotion. Maybe one day? I don't know where my heart will fall. I only know the moment." Natsu nodded in understanding.
"Right now I don't find him particularly handsome", she said. "He lacks confidence too. Other than that, he may be quite the special person one day."
"Thank you, Wendy", Natsu said. A few tears were streaming down his eyes. "You're loving and motherly. Gentle and gracious actions come with ease to you. If I'm the guild's dad, you're the best suited to the guild's mom." Never in her life up to this had Wendy blushed this hard. Refusing to let Natsu see, she turned around and shoved her face in a pillow. Her hormones had done enough for the evening.
"What do you think of Boaz?" Natsu asked. Wendy sat back up, but against the headboard this time. Natsu scooted back to lie against it with her.
"He's frustrating", she said. "He lacks confidence, is perverted, and thinks he knows best. He is also critically thinking, unafraid of how others see him, and willing to sacrifice for others."
"That's not what I meant, Wendy." She sunk her head in another pillow.
"Oh. You meant that", she said. "I don't know."
"I'm worried about him", he said. "He's my son, but I have no idea on how to approach him, tell him, or if I even should. I don't want anything bad to happen to him, nor do I want him taken over again."
Wendy stared at Natsu Dragneel. She absorbed every little detail in this moment. The worry on Natsu's face, his furrowed brow, his right close to hers, and his outward focused gaze. The smell of the clothes he worked in all day settled in her nose. Sweet tastes in the air tickled her tongue. Fabric never felt softer on every inch of her skin. "Maturity" was an insulting understatement to how Natsu had grown. Before she wasn't Salamander, the demon, or any version of Natsu she had known her entire life. Rather, it was Natsu Dragneel the dad. Never had she been aroused like she was in this moment, yet it is inexplicably unsexual.
No doubts crossed her mind. If ever before there was the slightest part of her unsure of she felt about him, it had left. Wendy realized and noticed Natsu for the first time in all who he was. This moment was the moment Wendy fell in love.
Several rooms over were Boaz, who was rooming with Esau, Een, and Cyrus. They were playing Settlers of Catan. Time was spent talking about different first-hand stories and the different girls. Although Esau, Een, and Boaz preferred the funny regaling of tales, Cyrus brought the conversation back to Chloe Bluefox regularly, albeit even interrupting multiple stories.
"Which girls do you like here, Boaz?" Ben asked.
"Asaras, Chloe, and Wendy", he said. "Although I have no interest in Wendy."
"Woah there, pal", Cyrus said. "Don't talk about Chloe like that in front of me."
"Would you shut up?" Boaz asked. "I've been friends with her for years. I'm allowed to have small remnants of a previous attraction. It's not like how I described how I imagine her giving head would be like."
"Don't be a bitch, Cyrus", Esau said.
"What do you think her giving head would be like?" Ben asked. Cyrus cringed and nearly flung up the board.
"She wouldn't like giving it", Boaz said. "But she would get really into it if she was in love. Most likely it would be for a special occasion. She would focus less on sucking and more on licking it like an ice-cream cone."
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Cyrus said.
"You've put a lot of thought into this", Esau said.
"I'm not sure if it's creepy or impressive", Een said.
"You know, you've only been insulting me", Boaz said. "I've been her friend for years. Advice for ways to swoon her would be easy." Not even a second had passed before Cyrus was on his knees begging for advice.
"What about you, Een?"
"Link and Namiyari are both pretty cute", he replied. "Esau?"
"I agree with Nami, but I think Hiskanna is hell-uh fine", he said. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds. Cyrus declared he would be "busy" in the bathroom.
"Let's go to bed before we start a circle jerk", Esau said.
"You say that like it's a bad thing", Een said.