Lucy woke up with the smell of the earth. She heard the ripples of water just behind her as she sat up, she looked around, seeing herself wrapped around Natsu's jacket, a grass bed forming a pillow for her. She recalled what happened last night, everything the enemy planned. "Dad..." she whispered to herself.

She looked around once more trying to find the pink haired man but he was nowhere in sight. She stood up and came closer to the water, she welled an amount unto her hands and rubbed it on her face. It was refreshing and cool, she lifted her head to introduce sunlight to her skin making her moan to relief.

Again she heard a splash of water coming from her right. She turned to where it sounded and saw Natsu standing on top of a bolder, half naked on his rolled up trousers trying to find fish by poking them with a stick. Her jaw dropped a little as she stared at his muscular figure. It was a perfect view of everything. She then again recalled what happened last night. Before passing out she remembered Natsu's strong arms wrapped around her, his body close to hers and his breath almost near her face. She began having goose bumps in her body, feeling all flustered she tried to remove the memory in her head but every time she turned to see Natsu and his perfect body, she was getting all hot inside as if she was in heat.

"Now is not the time to think about this!" Lucy thought to herself. She immediately stood up hoping Natsu wouldn't see her staring at him. She turned back to where she lied down to rest but a big bird with black feathers and green skin came upon her panicking. Lucy was surprised and tripped over a group of rocks behind her leading her to fall unto the river.

The bird saw Lucy fall into the water and panicked again seeing the trouble it did, it ran away from the scene. Lucy was drenched and even her best shoes was wet. Before she looked back to find the bird that caused her misfortune, she saw a hand offering help to her. She looked up to see Natsu looking at her all confused but happy.

"Looks like you need some help?" he laughed.

Lucy took his hand and stood up all flustered inside "There was this bird and-"

"I know.. I saw the whole thing" He couldn't contain his delight and bursted out with laughter which embarrassed Lucy all the more. She smacked his head in irritation. "But its alright." Natsu added. He smiled and walked at her side signaling her to follow him.

They both walked back to where the grass beds were, Natsu was quick and already prepared a fire. He looked back at Lucy who was shivering at the cold, he grabbed his jacket which was beside him and placed it over Lucy's shoulders. Lucy blushed at his sweet gesture. "Thanks." Is all what she could say.

While Natsu arranged the fish to be grilled Lucy stared at the fire.

"I have to see my father." Lucy broke the silence.

Natsu looked at her, then back at the fire poking to revive it's flames. "I know." He stated.

Lucy looked at him confusingly "You aren't going to stop me?"

"No." Lucy stared at him, thinking this wasn't like him being nice and offering. "like I said, we're here to help you, Luce" Natsu added and gave a serious expression to Lucy.

Lucy stared at him straight as well, trying to read his expression. From a jolly Natsu she wondered what secret are behind those eyes.

Lucy gave in a soft smile. He stood up and offered her one of the grilled fish. "After breakfast we can start our journey." He winked at her and turned around to wear his polo wrapped around his torso

Lucy nodded in silence. Both stared at the flickering fire in front of them. Lucy couldn't help but over think what may be happening right now to her father.

Natsu sat infront of her, picked up a fish and started munching on it. He looked at Lucy who was in a daze, her sad expression made Natsu all the more worry. From the short silence Natsu broke it by saying,

"Years ago, before I met Gramps. My father was murdered by Mafia men."

Lucy looked at him, shocked at his sudden statement.

"I was really young, I can't remember which year but one thing's for sure, I was reckless."

Lucy stared at him intently, listening as Natsu stared at the small flame across his view, recalling the night Igneel died.

Flash back

Dark and Cold, the adolescent pink haired boy was running in the empty streets. His phone was ringing non stop. He stopped from his tracks and picked it up. "Come on boy? Don't you wish to see your father again?" A husky voice from the other line made Natsu grit his teeth in irritation.

"Natsu! Don't listen to them, Don't come—" Igneel's voice was shut immediately, as if he was forced to keep quiet from the other line. "Dad!? …..Don't do anything I have what you want! Please!" Natsu shouted.

"10 minutes or he's dead." The man threatened Natsu and hanged up immediately.

"Shit." Natsu cursed as he sweated, he passed and turned at the side of an alley. He speeded up really fast.

Before making the next turn he bumped over a man with a strong built. He fell over and cursed at his fall. He looked up to see a police man, with a tag of "Clive, G." on his left shoulder, hovering his shadow over him. "Where are you going boy?" the man asked kindly as he helped him stand up. Natsu was nervously sweating, keeping what he had right inside his jacket. He hugged himself, shielding any suspiciousness. Just before Gildarts questioned his suspicious actions one of his fellow policemen called for him saying something about a robbery at a business office, this was a chance for Natsu so he began running to the other direction. Gildarts who immediately turned back to the direction of the pink haired boy found his actions suspicious. He thought carefully before running after the boy to chase him down. Natsu quickly picked up his pace seeing how fast the large man was behind him.

Natsu turned from alley to alley. From right to left he tried to lose track of the man. He jumped into a window when he found one opened at an alley. He noticed it was an office with no one in it. He looked over the window and saw the clueless man looking around. "tsk.. I swear I saw his pink hair sticking out of here somewhere!" Natsu laughed at his stupidity. He decided to give up and went back to the squad.

Natsu waited for a moment seeing 7 minutes has passed. He had to quickly make a run for it if he wanted to reach Igneel in time. He jumped off the window and headed in speed light to the main road. Once he got there he passed thru another route near the river. He was sweating wildly, filled with determination to save his father.

At the shore, was a 2 storey yacht waiting for the boy. He stopped and checked his watch. There was only a minute left. He saw from a distance that some men in a suit were getting prepared for sail. He ran quickly to the dock. The ropes were released and the yacht was set to sail. It moved quickly for an engine that just started. Natsu ran as quickly as he can "just a few meters away.." He began to calculate if he could jump that far to reach the yacht. He quickened his pace and jumped with great force leading him to go over one of the men inside the both. He reached the dock of the yacht but landed at a very ungraceful way. His face fell flat on the floor and his knees were covered with bruises. He ignored the pain and stood up immediately. The few men on the first level were shocked at his arrival and pointed guns at him. Natsu was panting heavily, he rubbed the sweat dripping on his forehead and turned around. He pulled out his bag "Here's your piece of shit, now, where's my dad?" He looked at them furiously.

A man in his business suit walked towards Natsu. He was still in his coat and had a cigarette hanging on his mouth. He puffed it towards Natsu and gave him a sly grin. Natsu threw the bag to his feet and yelled "I got what you want give me back my father!" Natsu demanded.

The tall man ignored him and commanded his men to search him. With a snap of his fingers Natsu was held at both arms towards the inner cabin of the Yacht. He noticed the yacht started to move and waves started to push and pull the both from side to side. Natsu tried to set himself free demanding release "I can walk on my own!"

As they entered the room Natsu noticed it was pitch black. He grunted and kept moving about demanding the men to let him go. "You bastards, let go off me! Where's my dad!?"

A small laugh was heard echoing inside the room. There was another man hidden in the shadows his figure was tall and short haired. His voice was young and stern. Natsu demanded his father's whereabouts but no reply was given. Natsu moved forward with slow steps despite the pitch black view. His sense of hearing and touch began to rise up in sensitivity. He could hear his own heart beat, feeling his legs shaking at each step he takes. "IGNEEL!" he shouted in the room.

As the lights went on Igneel was just infront of Natsu. Heavily battered, filled with bruises on his face and tied up over to the air pipe at the side of the wall, Natsu ran immediately to his father. As soon as he made it to him he heard the door shut behind him. He saw the group of men and a short figure walking away from the small glass window of the window. He ran to the door and saw it was locked. They were trapped inside and Igneel was heavily injured, Natsu refused to give up he tried to open the door but his strength for a young boy wasn't enough. "Natsu.." Igneel called for him.

Natsu heard him and ran back to him. "you—Igneel, what do I do?"

"You-…". A short pause came between them, Natsu started to have small tears well up in his eyes then..

"You IDIOT! Why the hell did you give him the data!?" Igneel shouted into Natsu's ear, making him groan in irritation.

"Tsk.. you still speak fine despite the look on your face! "Natsu scoffed in reply.

"aaagghh, take me out of these ropes so I can beat the crap of those men already!" Igneel squirmed in irritation. Natsu tried to pull them apart. "Ow! Be gentle! You'll break my hand!" "Tsk. I saved you Oldman is this the thanks that I get?"

"Unless were out of here and we get that data we haven't saved anything yet!" Igneel exclaimed.

Natsu frustratedly used his teeth to take out the ropes. With a grin he smirked at his cleverness. "My.. you're starting to become a carnivore now.." Igneel commented while massaging his wrists.

Before Natsu could return a whine the boat began to move at a rough pace. They both looked at the window and saw that they were at the middle of the ocean with rough waves coming at them. Igneel immediately went to the door, He was smart and a very detailed thinker. He carefully pulled three nails out of their place then kicked the door with with Natsu. Immediately the door fell and both He and Natsu were able to run upstairs. Natsu smiled at him "Haha My dad sure is amazing!" He laughed at Natsu's observation. As they reached the deck rough waves began coming in the boat. Igneel went to the operating room while Natsu followed after, They were far from shore and out of the sailing area, they were near the deep waters already and no sight of land can be travelled light can be seen and it was pitch black. If the lantern at the operations room wasn't lit it would've been difficult for the two of them to navigate around the yacht. Igneel tried calling the nearest coast guard but the antenna was cut off. The wiring system was also disabled so there was no access for command. The boat just went along where the waves took them.

Natsu looked at Igneel with worry he saw his stomach and saw blood gushing out from his polo shirt. "You're hurt!" Natsu shouted. "It's just a cut, it won't kill me." Igneel looked at him with eyes saying not to worry. "Everything will be alright Natsu" Igneel added. He stopped as he stared at the back of Natsu, just before Natsu could turn to see what he was looking at Igneel sat on the floor heavily.

While pressing the cut at his stomach, even if it was just a cut blood was still pouring out, not heavily but there was a small gush coming out. It made him feel a bit dizzy. Natsu tried to look for a health kit but found none Igneel stared at Natsu, saw his persistence and determination to help him. He just sighed and smiled at the sight of him. He called for him " Natsu… It's no use.."Igneel whispered. Natsu ignored him he began sniffing again, this was way too much for a young boy to handle. He looked at Igneel when he went silent. "Igneel!" Natsu went to him he smacked his face "Wake up! Don't die on me old man!"

"GAH! This was supposed to be a dramatic scene for me IDIOT!" Natsu looked at him with serious but worrisome eyes. " Igneel, this isn't the end, come on we can do something… think of something.."

He looked at Natsu carefully thinking what words to say "I think this was all planned out." Natsu stared at him. "Natsu, listen carefully, despite whatever happens-"

"No!"

"You have to –"

"No!"

"make sure –"

"No!"

"You fucking listen to me you brat!" Igneel began to get irritated he smacked his son's head.

Despite his head being hit Natsu went back and stared seriously at Igneel "No way! I won't give up!" Natsu looked at him with serious eyes.

Igneel laughed at his face "Looks like you won't understand it now…"

"Igneel, I'll do whatever I can, tell me what I can do?" Natsu had a persistent look that shook Igneel.

He sighed at defeat. "Okay. Take those wires at the corner connect them with that magnetic tape and strap them up to the roof. Be careful not to get electrocuted and remember to cover the wires so that it won't get wet form the rain, that would prevent any explosion happening, do this and maybe we can get a signal from the guard. " He began to ruffle the head of Natsu at a playful manner.

Natsu nodded in understanding he did immediately what he could do. He looked at Igneel before exiting He smiled first before leaving just for assurance. As he left, Igneel smiled and laughed to himself "my idiot of a son…"

Igneel looked back at to what he saw earlier he move towards the small box hidden behind the destroyed wires and saw a time bomb, it was a complicated type, just opening it would trigger a self-destruction button. He sighed and looked at the time left there was only 7 minutes left.

"Igneel!" Natsu shouted from outside.

Igneel immediately placed the box on the floor and ran outside despite his abdomen pain. "Natsu!"

A spot light shone on them from above there was a helicopter, and written was the norther coast guard. "Igneel! They came!"

Igneel smiled at his son! He soon came up to where he was. A rope was brought down and a man in a flash guard suit came down. "I knew you were up to some trouble.." said the man. Natsu recognized him immediately. It was the policeman from earlier. Natsu scoffed at his face but since this was an emergency he ignored that it was the same man as earlier. Gildarts chuckled and took a hold of Natsu which shocked him and carried him up. "you've got a lot to explain b-"

"Wait! My dad!" Natsu shouted and squirmed towards Igneel.

Igneel came to him "It's okay you go up first!" he smiled at his son. He kissed him on the forehead and ruffled his hair "You did good Natsu!" He said to him. Natsu smiled a wide grin and held tightly on the guard's uniform. Gildarts looked at Igneel, just wait here sir.

Igneel looked at him "We have to go now, there's a bomb inside the boat."

"WHAT!" both Natsu and Gildarts looked at him. They immediately rode up and Igneel came up as well. He rolled his wrists on the rope to secure his hold while hanging on to the rope. As the pilot was signaled to leave immediately the helicopter quickly rose up. Gildarts carrying Natsu and Igneel were dangling still on the rope. Just before the helicopter could leave the area the explosion started and the wide fire and smoke was able to reach Igneel's end of the ladder.

Natsu began to worry, he stared down shouting Igneel's name. After the smoke cleared out Igneel was seen at sight. Natsu sighed in relief. Gildarts began to speak up "Looks like your dad's a fighter like you!" He winked at Natsu. Natsu smiled in agreement. As they came up Gildarts began pulling the rope seeing as Igneel had difficulty climbing up. "Is he injured?"

"Yeah" Natsu said worriedly.

Gildarts understood quickly as soon as he brought Natsu up he came down to retrieve Igneel. But before he could take one more step down the ladder he saw one of the men at his side aiming his gun at Natsu who was looking down at the open edge towards Igneel. He pushed the boy's head down and hit his ally's gun to disarm him. Gildarts pushed down the coast guard who was with them "What the fuck are you doing man?!"

Despite this, Gildart's noticed the heavy redness bleeding in the coast guard's eyes. His teeth were overflowing with his saliva as if he had rabies. Natsu panicked at the scene he saw. He looked for something to hit the violent man who was nearly attacking Gildarts while he was being pushed down.

Just before he could find one Gildarts was smacked in the head by the coast guard. He was pushed towards the pilot's seat. For unknown reason the coast guards strength reached almost to an extreme level. He was able to push Gildarts towards the co pilot's seat which was vacant since Gildarts was supposed to be the one seated there. The seat broke and the pilot's hand was stuck on his gear. Gildarts fell unconsciously as the stron man violently smacked him straight in the head with the med kit at his right.. The wheel was turned to the left and thus the helicopter was on a slant position which caused it to move at the direction close to the fire which was flaming out of the yacht. The helicopter's light suddenly loss its flare as the seat that bended heavily destroyed half of the helicopter's navigation system which includes the light button.

The ravenous coast guard went back to his view towards Natsu, a blinking of light was left inside the helicopter. Natsu would see the man then as the light momentarily shuts off he sees him getting closer and closer to him. He tried to grab a hold of Natsu but with his young body he was able to slip pass him. The man held a pair of scissors which may have been from the medical kit, ready to attack at any moment but as Natsu was cunning. He tried to move to the back of the helicopter to see if he can find any weapon but he fell back as the helicopter positioned from its side once more. The pilot was really losing control and if his hand continues to get stuck they might all perish in the fire since the fall is going towards the yacht's flames.

Natsu was panicking. As he was getting closer at the edge of the helicopter Igneel, who came from the bottom of the ladder and climbed up to attack the man thus rescuing Natsu. While watching his father dodging the knives and basically defending himself. Natsu was instructed by the pilot to pull up the seat that Gildarts hit.

He was struggling at the weight of the seat, there was definitely a low chance for him to actually pull the seat up. He tried kicking Gildarts in the face to wake up and help him but before he tried to pull it up once more he heard a groan from behind.

Natsu looked back and saw Igneel stabed at his stomach by the coast guard. He was pushed towards the edge of the helicopter down to his fall.

Natsu couldn't believe what he saw he panicked and shouted "IGNEEL!"

Gildarts woke up with his head hurting from the hit a while ago but also from the scream of Natsu. He saw the coast guard slowly pushing Igneel out of the helicopter and into the flames but before Igneel could fall Gildart pushed the Coast guard out of it's way and did a punching spree on his face. Natsu ran towards Igneel who was dangling on the side of the helicopter, because of his weight it slanted more towards the fire. Natsu was panicking once more sweating heavily and shouting for help.

"IGNEEL! HOLD ON TIGHT!" Natsu shouted, but Igneel was losing consciousness. Only little strength was left. He looked back at Natsu and gave in a soft smile. The flames were getting closer and Natsu could only see the flames which were behind Igneel already. Just a few more and the engines of the chopper could explode from the heat emmitted by the flames.

"…"

Silence hit Natsu as Igneel silently let go of his grip. He knew if he held on any longer the helicopter would fall to its crash and Natsu would die. During his fall he stared with a smile on Natsu who was crying terribly. As he went farther and farther down he thought about his son, he closed his eyes and bid farewell in silence.

Natsu was shouting, pushing himself out of the chopper but Gildarts, who finally pushed out the coast guard as well was pulling him in.

"LET ME GO! IGNEEL!" Natsu was at shock. He sobbed and cried out. Trying to push himself to the hugged him tightly making Natsu shut his eyes believing this wasn't real.

As the pilot was finally able to pull himself up from the lighter weight and his shoulder finally set free, he violently pulled the chopper out of the area.

Gildarts, who was still holding Natsu tried to calm him down. He Cried all throughout the ride and Gildarts heavily injured in his shoulder tried to comfort Natsu.

End of flash back

Natsu was practically tearing up as he told Lucy his past. He kept sighing and sighing to relieve his pain.

"And once we arrived I was treated both mentally and physically. Gildarts signed himself as my guardian for the meantime and prevented any social service from taking me in. I don't know why… but he practically took care of me after the incident. " he paused for a moment making Lucy breath heavily trying to sink in Natsu's past. "After a few months of recovery Gildarts introduced me to the family. Apparently he was a mafia man before then he switched to the government service. He got tired of the hidden jobs and so decided to a switch to a much more relaxing job."

"relaxing?" Lucy questioned that an army man's job would be anymore relaxing.

He chuckled a bit at remembering Gildarts. "I've decided long ago to become part of this system and kill anyone affiliated with those mafia men that killed my dad. I'm practically searching for that man… young voice… raven hair…It's been years.. but only now are the pieces of the puzzle finally having a fit.."

Natsu was in deep thought. Lucy on the other hand just looked at him blankly. She couldn't believe the trauma Natsu has gone thru. "That's why maybe Natsu had that kind of episode" she thought to herself.

Natsu closed his hands and bent pushing his forehead on them. He hid his face covering his sadness to Lucy.

Lucy rocked back and stared at the sun for a moment. "Your dad was really brave.." Lucy commented.

She saw him cover himself, Lucy wasn't good at comforting but she was honest whenever she spoke. She kneeled infront of him and patted his head like a kid.

" " she said.

Natsu looked at her with curiosity "what are you doing? He asked.

"comforting you.." she smiled.

Natsu smiled at her naivety.

"Hey Natsu..Be brave like your dad.." Lucy said.

Natsu smiled at her. Lucy held both Natsu's hands and looked him straight in the eye. "We'll work together to avenge your father. My mother was killed too by Mafia Men and surely we'll find those who killed your dad and my mom. We'll work together!" She assured him with her sincere look.

Natsu gripped tightly Lucy's hands and replied "Thank you, Lucy." He bumped his forehead to hers making Lucy blush out of embarrassment. Once she realized they were too close enough to brush eachother's lips. She pulled herself away and as she tried to untangle her fingers with Natsu's, Natsu held on more tightly. He looked at her with serious eyes as if he was hiding something.

"What's wrong?" Lucy asked.

"Nothing.." Natsu let go of her hands then scratched the back of his head. "Your hands are pretty soft." Lucy went red all over again. She stood up and fixed herself "What are you saying all of a sudden.. Geez..making me all flustered."

Natsu stood up filled with energy "Yosh!" We've got to get going!" Natsu said abruptly.

The two began fixing themselves and walked through the woods towards the city. Natsu had to find a way to contact th manor since he didn't have enough money to travel back.

It was tough but they made it to the city. While walking to the streets a man in a cape followed them as soon as he spotted them. He began typing a text message on his phone. Not even Natsu nor Lucy was able to notice the suspicious man following behind them.

Good or bad? yass or naah? hahaha Leave a review okay? :)