Chapter 2

"EEEEEEEHH! There's only one magic store in this town?" I said with disbelief. The man on the other side of the counter looked upon me with disinterest. His weird looking clownish features giving off the aloof vibe, which really contrasted with the bright colors decorating his clothes.

"That's right miss, only about 10% of the people in this town can actually practice magic. So this store is mainly to attract traveling mages." He said matter-o-factly, puffing out a sigh before returning his face to what seemed to be his signature scowl.

"Ahhh!" I sighed. "Well this was a bust…" As I was about to turn and leave, the old man suddenly seemed to be taking an interest! Come on really how fickle can a person be!

"Young lady please don't say that. Stay, look around. I promise it will be worth your time!" He said almost wagging an invisible tail, he almost reminds me of a puppy. I sighed as the man went through various displays of magic that even furthered my want to leave, until he happened upon a silver key.

"White Doggy!" I shrieked. "I've been looking for this one for a while! How much is it?" I said with a rising excitement.

"20000 jewels." He said, to my disappointment.

"I wonder how much this key could be." I said hoping for negotiation.

"20000 jewels." He pushed bluntly.

"How much do you think it is, Dandy Mister" I said in my most seductive voice, presenting my breasts for extra insurance.

"A 1000 jewel discount… 1000 jewels! Is my sex appeal not worth more! Ugh!" I angrily kicked at a shops sign, taking in the Kyaaas! I noticed in the background I turned my head curiously sneaking a peak.

"A famous mage is in town!" One yelled.

"It's Salamander-sama!" Another shrieked.

"Salamander I said in thought… Ah!" I said in a eureka moment. "That Salamander! He's in town?" I wonder what he looks like. I thought while I snuck towards the crowd of girls surrounding him, damn! He's popular. As I approached the mob like formation surrounding the fire mage I caught a glimpse of the man myself, he's hot!

Why does he look so good?

Why is my heart beating so fast?

His passionate gaze swept over mine, I turned my eyes embarrassed for even looking him in the eyes. I chanced another glance at the beautiful-

"IGNEEL!" Huh?

"IGNEEL!" I turned my head confused and located the source of the noise, a boy around my age bulldozing through the mob of girls with… pink hair? No, no, no that's not possible; dreams are supposed to stay dreams, as in not real.

"IGNEEL!" The alluringly familiar voice called, not being to help myself I once again returned my attention to the boy studying him intensely. He had the same eyes that I remember staring at this morning, the deep charcoal black full of life contrary to their dark color. The pink hair was another dead giveaway, still disheveled as if he had rolled around in his bed throughout the night. Although the amount of clothing on this version of the boy in my dreams had most definitely decreased, which wasn't all that unpleasant. He was definitely well built but had the softness of a young man in his facial features.

He finally tripped over the remaining girls and went to stare at the one who was called Salamander. "You're not Igneel." He said plainly, with an almost disappointed expression he stood up and walked away from the man gaining the attention from those still fawning him. The fire mage obviously peeved at his actions strode to the retreating male and stopped him with a hand placed on his shoulder.

"Young man, surely you would like an autograph from the famous fire mage they call Salamander. HAHAHAHA!" The man said with a hearty laugh, staring intently into the boys eyes. The anticipation from the crowd of female fans was almost suffocating.

"No thanks." Was all he said before turning yet again to walk away from the chaos. Battle cries sounded as an ensuing surge of angry women pushed towards what they referred to as an ungrateful male.

"Aaaaaah!" Was all I heard of the young man from my dreams before he disappeared. As I lost sight of him I felt my heart tug, and tears stung the corner of my eyes. Asahi…

As the crowd dispersed, entranced by the show being put on by the very unimpressive fire mage, I wandered over towards where the trampled young man lay. Next to him was a small blue cat, trying but failing to lift him up. The closer I got the more my heart soared, my hands slowing reaching towards this man I did not even know. Asahi… can I finally touch you once again?

Just as my hand was about to touch the man, he sat up. I quickly tucked my hand behind my back, tilting my head I asked, "Do you need any help there?"

He jumped as if just noticing my presence and responded with a curt nod, his eyes shown with shock and curiosity. "Thank you." He said almost breathlessly.

"No problem. It's the least I could do for your help back there." He still stared at me with wonder twinkling in his childish eyes. "My names Lucy, what's yours?" I said genuinely curious.

My questioned finally registered and seemed to break free from whatever thought that had trapped him. He gave me a wide grin and replied, "Natsu, my names Natsu."

"And I'm happy!" Said the small blue cat that stood by Asa- Natsu's foot.

"Well nice to meet you both! Since you helped with that problem back there caould I treat you guys to some food?" I asked, I can't let him leave me again.

"We can't bother yo-" Happy started as both Natsu and Happy's stomach growled with a loud and angry Grrrrrr! Both of the boys blushed.

"Well then I guess that settles it! You two are coming with me."

"Alright food!" They both cheered.

And thus this fateful meeting signifies the beginning of their journey.