Dragon Slayer
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy tail
"Speaking"
'Thoughts'
"Magic"
Last time:
"Yeah" Natsu looked at her direction and regretted calling him to see his blank expression.
"Please stay alive" Erza asked but her tone was pleading and she forced a smile when she saw him grin at her that didn't reach his eyes.
After Erza left Natsu relaxed and narrowed his eyes at Laxus who adopted a look between boredom and irritation as he stared down Natsu. Annoyed at having to fight someone in his opinion is under him when it comes to power and skill.
"So you want to fight me Natsu?" Laxus asked.
"To tell you the truth, I really didn't mind about your idea of finding who's the strongest mage of Fairy Tail is, but the moment you threaten the life of the girls and the people of Magnolia is where I draw the line" Natsu stated his fist ablaze sizing up his opponent.
"What are you going to do about it?" Laxus taunted.
"Beat you!" Natsu exclaimed as the two began their battle inside Kardia cathedral unable to notice an unknown observer watching from the shadows amused at the sudden turn of events.
"I'm sure Jellal would love to see this" Ultear muttered sitting atop one of the buildings around the cathedral, dispelling her observation Lacrima as it turned into dust.
Chapter 12: Shaking Apart
"Well this is interesting" Siegrain remarked watching the scene unfold projected from the Lacrima. "To think that I really have a twin out there and a Fairy Tail member at that" he laughed at how easy his job is going to be. "Tell me, do you know where this Mystogan is now?"
"I don't know his current location is, but I do know he is nowhere near Magnolia" Ultear replied standing behind her current Master.
"I see, I guess it's time for Jellal to make an appearance" Siegrain muttered as he began to laugh at how close his plan to fruition. "Just a little more and Zeref shall be resurrected"
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"Getting slow Erza" Natsu teased as he dodges her giant halberds thrust by moving to the right and holding on to its pole, delivering a quick roundhouse kick to her head, releasing her halberd and jumping a few feet back to avoid his feet as he ran after her, brandishing the halberd and throwing it at her direction and parrying it with her blade just in time to avoid his "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist" as she sent her shields to restrain Natsu.
"Fire Dragon's Roar" Natsu exclaimed sending torrents of flame towards the shields creating an explosion that gave him enough time to avoid getting caught as it embedded itself into the ground, catapulting himself towards Erza delivering another "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist" hitting the flat side of the blade. Erza pushed Natsu back who avoiding her upward swing that created a gash on the ground as he continues his assault towards Erza delivering powerful punches and kicks while dodging her powerful swings.
"You're getting stronger Natsu" Erza stated smiling back at Natsu as they are locked in a standstill, her blade a few inches from his face and the only thing stopping her sword is his hands pressed firmly on either side of the blade, his back arching as the weight and force behind the weapon threatens to overpower him.
"I blame you for that" Natsu replied grinning as he fell on one knee; he smirked at her, pulling the blade forward burying its tip on the ground and using the opening to slide off to the side. "Fire Dragon's Claws" sending a flame propelled kick towards Erza's head, grabbing her blade and practically slapping Natsu with its flat side sending him flying perpendicular from her direction. Natsu slammed through a tree before flipping in midair and landing on his feet while Erza noticed her halberd grabbing it as she also flipped in midair landing on her feet combining her weapons to create a giant spear.
"Lustrous Fang" Erza roared throwing her spear towards Natsu with such force that the earth shattered after its launch carving a path towards its target. Natsu's body became ablaze, extending his right hand as a weapon similar to Erza's blade is created with the fire engulfing his body. "Fire Dragon's Grand Flame" Natsu swings the blade in a wide horizontal arc melting the ground where it passed at the same time sending a powerful flame attack to counter Erza's and eventually overpowers it.
"I should have put more power behind it" Erza mused as she stood her ground with the attack quickly approaching, Erza's giant spear materializes on her hand and she embedded it to the ground the pole shrinking into a sword's grip, its color changing from bright gold to deep scarlet creating a giant shield blocking and stopping the attack. "Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame" Erza quickly looked to her right in time to see Natsu's hands ablaze, joining them together creating a large fireball in his hands and brought it crashing down on Erza who jumped away just in time to avoid the attack slamming on the ground creating an explosion that unhinged Erza's Aegis blade with his attack hitting him creating another massive explosion. Natsu exploded out of the swirling flames and continued to assault Erza sending another flurry of flame enhanced kicks and punches and blocking them with her own; she jumped back and requips her Aegis blade on her right hand, the sword's grip extending before blade separated from the halberd landing on her left hand.
"Tired?" Natsu taunted while Erza just laughed. "Let's go again"
Erza nodded as they continued their spar, the first one they had in two weeks since their victory against Laxus and his excommunication thereafter. The next day Natsu woke up and immediately questioned her about Mystogan completely waving off her apology and telling her it was nothing, something that she truly didn't believe, but kept silent. She told him who Jellal was and his importance to her when she was still a kid assuring him that he is the one she loved and like earlier he waved it again as nothing dragging her to the guild to ask the member's if they knew anything about Mystogan's identity telling them that they are simply curious as to who he is. She was at first adamant at joining Natsu with his search, but her curiosity and longing to see if he was really back made her join in his search even looking for the former Fairy Tail member Laxus.
Finding him in Clover town they asked him what he knew about Mystogan, he simply told them that his name was really Jellal and that he hid his identity to specifically avoid Erza finding out who he is, never mentioning his reasons why and he just left it at that asking them to leave, but not without Natsu telling him that he still considers him as a member of Fairy Tail and to expect a rematch of their fight making Laxus smile while telling him how stupid he is and that he'll be waiting. After the revelation Erza was silent on their journey back her mind filled with thoughts about a certain blue haired man that suddenly disappeared in her life and just as suddenly returned leaving her in another emotional turmoil the feelings she thought she discarded all those years ago returning like a tidal wave crashing down on her, then she realized her current relationship with Natsu something that happened so suddenly, yet she was certain that she loved him, something she wanted to say to him and him say the same to her.
Erza felt a gap grow into their relationship; a gap that she can't stop growing even though nothing seemed to change in their current arrangement, hoping that she was merely imagining it.
"Damn" Natsu panted looking up at Erza pointing her blade at him as she too panted.
"It was a close one Natsu" Erza commented her armor and weapon dissipated into thin air leaving her in her white dress shirt and blue skirt offering him a hand, Natsu took her hand and pulled her down over him mashing his lips on her own.
'I'll enjoy you for as long as I can' Natsu thought sadly as he deepened the kiss running his hands on her back and thighs, already deciding to take a month long search for the elusive mage and drag him back S Class mage or not and get them back together as he watches them from afar. 'It's all nice and good in my mind, but it's not always the case in the outside'
"Should we head back?" Natsu asked as Erza lay on his chest clutching his scarf as he runs his hand on her scarlet hair.
"Natsu, promise me that you won't leave me" Erza whispered the fear of them falling apart. She didn't like feeling weak and helpless, but with Natsu she didn't mind because she knew that he will be strong for her and protect her with his life.
"I promise even if you decided to leave me and be with somebody else" Natsu assured smiling at her that made her want to punch him in the face.
"Idiot, I won't be with somebody else" Erza replied scowling at him before burying her head on the crook of his neck. "You're the one that I love Natsu"
'Would you still say the same if I didn't mark you' Natsu thought as he just held her for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality lasted for only a few minutes. "Come on let's head back, I'm starving"
"Ok" Erza nodded as she reluctantly stood up as Natsu held her hand as they walked back to the town. During the walk back to Magnolia Natsu remembered what happened during his mission with Mirajane when he found out that he inadvertently forced Erza fall for him and in turn made his life more complicated.
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FLASHBACK
Natsu and Mirajane are walking towards a town to the east after getting off the train where he realized that Mirajane was also a decent cure for his motion sickness offering her lap for his comfort; Mirajane was more than happy that they walk the rest of the way not wanting to put Natsu in anymore discomfort. This was the day that she is going to tell him about her feelings she kept for years.
"Hey do you think it's wise to leave the bar to Cana?" Natsu asked looking at his companion.
"It's ok Natsu, Cana always wanted to become the bar's waitress, so I know she'll be alright" Mirajane replied before adopting a grim expression that scared Natsu. "Terrible things might happen if she screws things up" She giggled when Natsu shrunk in fear.
"You're scary Mira" Natsu joked as they laughed along the way.
"I was, wasn't I?" Mirajane mused. "Tell me what did you thought of me when we were kids; I knew you and Erza always got along better than the rest of us even after Lissana"
"Well… don't tell this to anyone, but…" Natsu leaned in making her follow suit. "To tell you the truth, I had a crush on you when we were little" that simple sentence made her blush.
"I, I see" Mirajane stuttered. "I like-" she was cut when Natsu pulled back.
"I also had one on Erza, though I always denied it and focused on getting stronger and better than her" Natsu added a happy look on his face which she didn't miss. "I guess I always had a thing for strong girls" Natsu mused.
"I guess you don't like me anymore now that I lost my will to fight" Mirajane replied half joking and half serious that made Natsu shake his head.
"Where did you get that idea?" Natsu looked at her while she shrugged her shoulders before looking back straight at the road. "There's nothing wrong about not wanting to fight, but there are times that we have to fight for those people we want to protect, especially when we are the only ones that stands between them and death…besides I like just the way you are"
Mirajane's heart felt like it was about to burst from her rib cage at Natsu's statement, realizing that this would be a good time as any to confess her feelings she stopped in her tracks. "Really?" she asked hopefully.
"Yeah" Natsu replied simply. "Come on let's get this over with and go home early"
"Ok" Mirajane replied reluctantly as they continued their walk towards the town where they met the villagers and told them about the monster that has been terrorizing their town taking the young women with it, she felt something wrong about the situation as they continued towards their destination a forest a few miles from the town.
They arrived at the forest by nightfall creating an eerie and dangerous feel to the place as mist seems to seep out of the dead trees, they slowly entered the forest as Natsu had to pinch his nose from the rotten smell of the place as the feeling of dread slowly crept at Mirajane as they continued to wander to the endless sea of dead trees that looked the same from every direction. The two couldn't help the feeling that somebody is watching them from the shadows as they continued to tread the disorienting path leading them to a wide clearing as the mist slowly cleared as they reach the middle.
"I don't like this place Mira" Natsu commented finding the mist receding to the edge of the clearing.
"I know Natsu, I think we should have brought more company than just the two of us" Mirajane added adopting a fighting stance.
"To think that I'll meet the one that stole something important from me in this desolate place" a disembodied voice echoed throughout the clearing the mist becoming sickly purple in color as it began to return back to the clearing settling just above their ankles.
"Hey who are you and where did you bring those girls? Come out here and fight me!" Natsu shouted while shooting flames from his mouth.
"There's no need to rush, let's enjoy ourselves for the meantime" the voice stated as a couple of glowing eyes appeared around the clearing. "Let's see how you do against my pets" and just as the voice said that, dozens of Vulcan's appeared out of the clearing they're eyes glowing a bright red as they stomped menacingly towards the duo.
"Be careful Natsu, they're not your normal Vulcan, something is wrong with them" Mirajane warned.
"Don't worry about me; this'll be a piece of cake" Natsu assured before running towards the group of Vulcan's on the other side. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist" he exclaimed his burning fist made contact with one of the Vulcan's sending it slamming towards the rest as he began raining blows left and right, his attack caused everyone to swarm them.
"Don't go too far, Natsu" Mirajane called out.
"Yes Mom!" Natsu shouted back still busy fighting off the monsters.
Mirajane just giggled just as she dodge a punch aimed at her before spinning around and delivering a powerful kick on the Vulcan's head sending it flying back, she jumped in the air to avoid being swarmed by the Vulcan's and transformed into a giant pink gecko trampling on the Vulcan's underneath before reverting back to her slender form and charging the rest of the group, a few feet from reaching her destination she planted her hand on the ground and using it as a pivot as her heel came crashing to the ground shattering the earth beneath her feet, debris shooting from every direction knocking out a couple of Vulcan's before rushing towards the rest delivering a lethal punch to the gut to the nearest one she could find sending it doubling over before she grabbed its fur and threw it behind her hitting the monster trying to blindside her and rushing back in the middle of the group.
Natsu on the other side of the clearing saw Vulcan's flying left and right, not wanting to be outdone he cracked his knuckles attacking the first one that came in sight using his "Fire Dragon's Claws" hitting it with such force that it flew through a group of Vulcan clearing a path. Natsu is enjoying himself at the large number of targets he has as he punched and kicked his enemies sending them flying at every direction. Dodging a rather sharp hook from the Vulcan and using his "Fire Dragon's Crushing Fang" hitting it in the gut exploding upon contact and throwing the body onto three charging Vulcans as he followed through, the tip of his elbow ignited strengthening his punch sending all four of them to the pile of defeated monsters. Jumping in the air to avoid another attack and using the attacking Vulcan's head to catapult himself high in the air, he looked to the right to see Mirajane in the air much like him waving at him with that sweet smile plastered on her face.
Both of Natsu's hand ignited as he brought them together creating a huge fireball. "Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame" he threw the huge Fireball towards the group of Vulcan's below just in time as Mirajane transformed into a giant pink gorilla and brought down her massive fist, her added mass and momentum increased the power of her attack as both attack landed at the same time. Natsu's fireball exploded burning all that is caught in its path as Mirajane's fist slammed into the ground destroying the earth below taking out the rest of the Vulcans with it covering the clearing in dust and smoke. Moments later the dust and smoke cleared just enough to reveal the two still standing.
"Well that was easy" Natsu commented grinning towards Mirajane who smiled back though she was panting from the fight.
"Yeah, but were not out of trouble yet" Mirajane commented catching her breath.
"You're right about that little girl" the voice stated this time it came from behind Mirajane.
"Mira!" Natsu screamed in time to see her blood paint the ground red as she fell, four large gashes running across her back before she was lifted off the ground by the monster hands as he got a look at the enemy. It has the same build as Laxus albeit leaner and more athletic having gray skin and unnaturally long arms and large forearms reaching its knees, it wore two purple armor on both of its arms beginning at its wrist and ending just below its shoulders leaving its muscular torso bare with three diagonal scars on its chest, purple pants and a waist coat tied around a black metal belt, black boots and a choker on its neck with a red jewel attached to it, its face looked completely human aside from its eyes that is completely red, silver hair and two horns protruding from his head coming from behind its pointed ears, large bat like wings and finally thick scaly tail on its back. It looked completely similar to Mirajane's Satan Soul. It wrapped its large hands tightly around her slender neck squeezing ever so lightly making her gasp in pain. Natsu tried to run towards Mira but a Vulcan's hand grabbed his feet making him fall to the ground.
"To think that a mere girl like you could kill my mate and take over her powers" the demon mused as he dragged its purple tongue across her cheeks.
"Get your hands off her!" Natsu screamed as he charged towards the demon holding Mirajane only to be swatted away by its thick scaly tail. Natsu spat some blood as he charged again only this time the demon flew above, away from his reach still holding its captive by her neck.
"Does it hurt girl?" the demon mocked as he tightened his grip, Mirajane tried vainly to remove the demons iron grip even as her strength slowly fading as she steadily loses her blood from the injury on her back. "I'll make sure you suffer a slow and painful death from taking my mate away from me" the demon whispered menacingly tightening his grip as she slowly fades away into unconsciousness.
Natsu propelled himself into the air desperate to save Mirajane, reaching his target his fist ablaze ready to take out the demon. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist" Natsu roared only to miss his target who easily dodged and wrapped its tail around his neck, throwing him back to the ground creating a small crater where he landed, while the demon gracefully landing back on the ground. Natsu tried to stand up but he was restrained by black appendages coming out from the ground.
"Oh dear, you can't sleep yet little girl" the demon shook its head as he used his free hand and pressed his sharp fingernail on the injury on her back.
"AAAAAAAAAAHH!" Mirajane let out a pained screamed as the demon continued to press its finger on the injury as Natsu called out to her struggling from his bonds. "Escape…Natsu…leave…me" Mirajane gasped through pained breaths.
"I can't do that!" Natsu shouted back still struggling from his bonds. "I won't lose you Mira! I can't lose you like Lissana! I'll die first before that happens!" Natsu was able to break from his binds from his outburst as another set restrained him as he landed a few feet from the two.
"Please Natsu…I don't…want to lose you too…you'll die here…his more…powerful than you" Mirajane gasped as the demon merely watched an amused smirk on its face.
"Listen to the girl boy" the demon added walking in front of Natsu looking down at the Dragon slayer. "I could kill you without so much as lifting a finger" he added before he delivered a swift kick sending him crashing to a tree.
"I'll kill you!" Natsu seethed glaring at the demon holding Mirajane captive, once again bound by the dark appendages on the tree.
"Oh? Is that right?" the demon mused adopting a fearful look. "Here take her then, I don't want to die seeing that I'm the last of my kind" he threw Mirajane a few feet in front of Natsu.
"Mira! Mira are you alright" Natsu shouted at the unmoving Mirajane.
"Natsu…" Mirajane gasped as she looked up to see Natsu her vision starting to fade and felt her body grew cold by the second, but she forced herself to stand up. "Natsu…"
"Don't move Mira, just stay down!" Natsu shouted as he thrashed against his bindings.
"Natsu…I…" Mirajane gasped as she took a step.
"Damn it Mira! Stay down" Natsu shouted again, burning the tree his bound to, but they just merely wrapped around his body binding him to his spot.
"Natsu…I…l-" she took another step as she tried to reach out towards Natsu.
"Please…Mira" Natsu pleaded collapsing on his knees as she steadily reduced their distance.
"Natsu…"
"Damn it, Damn it, Damn it" Natsu cursed tears started to pool around his eyes at his helplessness when his supposed to protect her.
"Natsu…" Mirajane placed her hand on Natsu's face a smile still in place. "I…love you…Natsu…ever since…were kids" He felt numbed at hearing her confession. Here was another person that loved him and he failed her, if he couldn't save Mirajane then what about Erza. "I just wished…I could've…spent more time…with you" She finished. A sad smile framing her face as her consciousness slowly slips away.
"Mira, I-" Natsu froze when he saw the hand sticking out of her chest before it was ripped out as she lay motionless on the ground the demon looming over them.
"What a touching story, but sadly I can't allow you to die just like that; I want you to suffer before you die" The demon remarked looking at the prone form of Mirajane like she was merely an ant to be crushed under his feet. "And you-" he looked at Natsu only to receive a powerful burning punch exploding on the demon's face sending him flying on to the opposite side of the clearing.
The demon hissed in pain, his burnt skin slowly healing as he heard a roar and saw the enrage Dragon slayer coming at him, Natsu's burning fist slammed on the ground creating an explosion shattering the ground beneath him as the demon flew into the air, he narrowed his eye when he saw Natsu burst out of the cloud of smoke and debris with such speed that he only had time to block. Natsu used his "Crimson Lotus: Fire Dragon's Fist" at the demon, his fiery fist exploded upon impact at the demons forearms undoing his defense as the rest of his attacks connecting on the demons body creating multiple explosion enough to light up the night sky, delivering one more powerful punch sending him higher in the air. "Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade" Natsu roared as he spun around creating a torrent of exploding flame blades trapping the demon inside a maelstrom of explosion and piercing blades.
The demon fell into the ground groaning in pain his body completely burned as he slowly healed looking at the sight of the Dragon Slayer looking down him, his body ablaze and eyes that held a demonic look on them before rearing his head back preparing to use the most powerful attack a dragon has, the demon shook his head in amusement remembering his fight ages ago against a powerful Fire Dragon. "Fire Dragon's Roar" Natsu sending a large amount of flames towards the demon devouring him inside its swirling inferno, creating a fireball with the demon in its center rocking the clearing as the fireball created a giant explosion. Natsu landed on the ground as he stalked towards the center of the explosion intent on ending the life of the monster that took Mirajane's as the fire cleared with the demon standing in the middle its injuries immediately healing an amused look on its face. Natsu came charging in as he saw the smirk on its face tackling it into the forest before stopping into a large tree but the smile still remained in place, he was about to blow a hole in his face when he laughed causing him to stop a few inches from his face.
"As amusing as your intent to end my life, don't you think you it's more important that you save her" the demon stated snapping Natsu out of his blood lust.
"But, I saw it, you killed her!" Natsu snapped back ready to continue what he started.
"You are an idiot for a Fire Dragon Slayer aren't you?" the demon mocked swatting Natsu away with its tail. "I didn't kill her… yet, but she will be in the next three hours. I used a special kind of spell for her. It slowly drains her of her magic and poisons her body; it will be a slow and painful death" just as the demon finished Natsu heard her scream in agony as she writhe in the ground.
"Mira!" Natsu shouted rushing back towards her direction but not before sending the demon flying through a dozen trees. Natsu reached Mira and couldn't help but smile to see her alive with no hole on her chest as he gently wrapped his arms around her. "Hang in there Mira I'll save you"
"Save her? That's a laugh" the demon mocked appearing behind Natsu who glared at the demon with hate. "There is no saving her, she dies in three hours and after that I'll destroy the village and kill you"
"I'll save her and I'll defeat you" Natsu exclaimed as he carried her away leaving the demon behind.
"I hope you do, it's been a pretty lonely existence if you're the last of your kind" The demon mused as he faded into nothing.
Natsu stopped after running for an hour as all of the dead trees looked similar from every direction disorienting the Dragon slayer. Placing her gently on the ground with his arms and torso soaked with her blood. He examined the injuries on her back, four diagonal slashes that steadily drained her of her blood. Natsu remove his vest and pressed it on her back applying pressure on the wounds to stave off the bleeding, ripping his waist coat and turning it into a artificial bandage wrapping it around her body tightly to stop the bleeding before he continued his way back into town only to get lost along the way his strong sense of smell is being hampered by the rotting scent of the forest.
"Damn it where the hell am I" Natsu screamed in frustration as the woman in his arms continued to writhe in agony as an hour and a half has passed with the town nowhere in sight. "Damn it there's no other way but to use what Igneel thought me, I hope this works" Natsu thought furiously as marking her would most likely end up in killing all of them if he failed, Mirajane would die and him and the village will follow suit seeing that it completely drains him every time he marks a person.
"Natsu…it hurts…so bad…Aaaaaah!...please…help me" Mirajane gasped tears streaming from her eyes as her body trembled as unimaginable pain continued to assail her being wishing that she should have just died right then and there.
"It's ok Mira, everything will be alright" Natsu assured smiling at her trying to smile herself but another tremor shook her body as she held on his scarf tightly. "I'm sorry about this Mira" Natsu apologized the woman in his arms barely registered his voice or when his sharp canines dug into her skin, but the strong burning sensation that followed was something she didn't expect, but it was welcomed reprieve from the pain she's experiencing. Natsu held her as the same happened to Mirajane though unable to differentiate what caused her to tremble until she released one final scream and went limp as he released a sigh as her breathing evened out.
"Now to defeat that demon" Natsu stated pushing himself off the ground as he began his walk back into the clearing and wondered to himself what he did for those two woman fall for him, but he knows one thing and that they are the most important people in his life and he will do everything in his power to protect them. Natsu ran back into the forest to find the demon and defeat it leaving Mirajane resting on a tree with the injury on her back slowly healing and her magic recovering as purple smoke seeps out from her body.
"Where are you?" Natsu called out arriving at the same clearing where they fought calling out for the demon.
"Is she dead yet?" the demon asked appearing a few feet in front of him.
"No, she's fine, I transferred some of my magic to her" Natsu replied as the demon looked at him with an amused expression on his face.
"So you really are a real Dragon slayer, not those artificial ones, tell me where that arrogant Fire dragon is? I still haven't paid him back for this gift he gave me" the demon asked while pointing at the scar on his chest stunning the Dragon slayer in front of him.
"You know Igneel? Tell me where is he" Natsu demanded.
"Yes I knew him; we fought each other ages ago and I suffered my first defeat at the hands of that dragon, but sadly I don't know where he is nor do I care" the demon stated narrowing his eyes at Natsu. "The more important issue is I'd be able to exact my revenge against the over grown lizard by killing his adopted son.
"Soul Impact" the demon exclaimed aiming his right hand at Natsu as he fired a black sphere of energy that exploded into a larger sphere. The demon charge towards Natsu sending his large fist forward that Natsu countered with his own using his "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist", the strength of the impact sent them flying on opposite directions. Landing on their feet they clashed again, the demon aimed its hand again towards Natsu who reared his head back.
"Soul Destruction" "Fire Dragon's Roar" the two released their attacks at the same time meeting at the center creating a powerful explosion, the demon summoned another set of shadow like appendages to restrain Natsu who swung his burning hand horizontally cutting them in the middle before rolling to the side to dodge the demons fist aimed for his head. Natsu righting himself and delivering a flame propelled kick towards the demon that blocked it with his arm, his boots being dragged along the ground before coming to a halt as Natsu's attack lost its power, grabbing Natsu's leg before he could pull it back and slamming him hard on the ground causing him to bounce back and gets caught by the demon and thrown in to the air.
"Death Spears" the demon exclaimed eight lasers shot out from his back racing towards Natsu who flips in midair his hands ablaze and joined them together creating a large fireball and throwing at the lasers path exploding in midair, Natsu landed on the ground panting a little as the demon charge at him again, jumping in midair creating a black spear in his hand aiming it towards Natsu directly below him. "Soul Break" Natsu was barely able to dodge as the demon threw the spear and exploded on impact as he came tumbling to the side. "Fire Dragon's Sword Edge" Natsu propelled himself towards the demon his body wrapped in flames head butting the demon on its gut sending it crashing back to the ground.
"Impressive" the demon stated his injuries slowly healing. "To think that you still can fight after marking that girl"
Natsu smirked standing at his full height. "Something like that won't stop me from defeating you" Natsu exclaimed charging at the demon again as they clashed, exchanging powerful blows that created explosions in their wake.
"Tell me something" the demon asked it blocked Natsu's flaming kick and delivered his own that Natsu also managed to dodge.
"What?" Natsu asked dodging another set of lasers from the demon.
"Do you feel the same for that girl?" the demon asked jumping away from the Dragon slayer.
"What about it?" Natsu asked panting already running out of steam.
"Do you know what you just did to her?" The demon asked.
"I helped her, now shut up and fight!" Natsu exclaimed charging at the demon yet again only for his attack to miss as his enemy jumped back.
"Stupidity is such a pain don't you agree?" the demon mocked earning him a growl of annoyance from the Dragon slayer. "To think that Igneel told you about marking a mate without telling all its details"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Natsu retorted. "Igneel told me everything, though I didn't quite get all of it since I wasn't really listening, but I do know that I should mark any girl I care about"
He admitted sheepishly which made the demon shook its head in amusement.
"The reason why I asked you about your feelings for the girl… is because of the miserable life she would lead following a person that couldn't return her feelings" the demon stated confusing Natsu.
"What do you mean? I did that to help her" Natsu replied some doubt in his voice.
"That mark you gave her, binds her to your existence as your mate for as long as you live, any woman you mark that doesn't have an ounce of affection towards you will be forced to love you, bending their wills until they think that they do have that emotion for you and even somebody that wants you dead would end up killing for you instead" the demon stated as a realization struck the Dragon slayer in front of him.
'No, then that means…Erza didn't really have feelings for me in the first place and the only reason she does now is because I marked her…No…maybe she had feelings for me before I did, just like Mira' Natsu thought furiously.
"Oh? Something the matter human?" the demon asked snapping him out of his musings.
"Nothing" Natsu snapped back. "Let's get this over with" Natsu stated as he charged at his enemy and continued their fight, but this time his enemy is gaining the upper hand as his strength slowly deteriorates and his focus ruined from the sudden revelation that his newly started relationship with Erza was nothing more than a lie, that the feelings she has for him was forced upon her because of his stupidity. Though as the battle continued he came to a realization that what he felt for Erza is real that he really liked her or even love the Scarlet haired mage as he made a decision to keep her happy whatever it takes. The fight continued on as Natsu pushed himself into exhaustion countering every attack and spell the demon can conjure up until it too has started to show some fatigue its movement becoming more sluggish and its attacks more manageable.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Natsu…" Mirajane called out as she came back into consciousness finding her body devoid of the unimaginable pain she was experiencing earlier before she lost consciousness also noticing Natsu's clothes wrapped around her body stained with her blood. "I'm alive?" she wondered until she realized that her injury was gone as she removes the faux bandages around her body, Natsu's blood stained vest fell from her back in to the ground as she felt her back, only to feel nothing but a smooth expanse of skin, unblemished from her earlier injuries. Her attention was caught by another loud explosion coming from what she could discern as the clearing from where they fought the demon.
"Natsu!"
Mirajane got up and immediately ran towards where the direction of the explosions is coming from, her heart racing as she remembered her confession and the fear of not being able to save Natsu, of losing him because of her inability to fight something she didn't want to think as she would die if that would ever happen pushing herself to run faster.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Natsu landed back to the ground as he slowly stood up from being thrown from the air, his opponent still floating in the air looking down on him. Natsu knew he was already out of magic from the fight while his enemy looked unharmed as it always healed its injuries.
"You're quite powerful human, but it's time for you to die" the demon remarked extending his hand towards Natsu creating a black sphere that slowly grew in size until it was the size of a two story house. "Goodbye human" "Endless Darkness"
The black ball of energy descended towards Natsu who staggered to stand up with the attack hitting him head on, but rather than explode. The attack began to shrink to one point until Natsu can be seen in the middle eating the attack as he fell on one knee glaring defiantly at the demon. Natsu quickly stood up his magic seal ablaze propelling himself behind the demon delivering a flame propelled kick sending it crashing to the ground. He reared his head back and puffed his cheeks. "Fire Dragon's Roar" Natsu released a torrent of flame three times stronger than the usual pushing him backwards from the strength of its release as red and black flames spiraled towards the demon, the resulting explosion created a massive crater doubling the size of the clearing.
"Take that!" Natsu shouted before he fell from the sky losing his consciousness, hitting the ground hard and rolling down towards the center of the crater as he began screaming in pain, his body reacting negatively from the magic he ate.
As the smoke cleared the demon appeared its body burned beyond recognition as it slowly healed itself, he lifted up the unconscious Dragon slayer writhing in pain. "It was a close one human, a little more and I would have died" It looked at its left arm the damage it took still remained, he tried closing his hands only for it to crumble to dust, losing his hands up to his forearms. "It was a bold move to eat my magic, but you should've known that it would have negative effects on your body…Goodbye human"
The demon lifted Natsu with its good arm, its scaly tail aimed at his heart. "It was nice knowing you" before he could pierce his heart, a piercing scream was heard all over the clearing followed by a sudden burst of magic and finally two gauntlet clad hands sticking out from his chest. "Thank you" the demon whispered before he was ripped apart into two pieces bathing the area with its blood before dissipating into a black mist leaving no trace of its existence, Natsu's body fell and gently cradled by his savior. She flew back into the town in time to see the abducted citizens return all of them relatively unharmed and with no memory of how they ended up in the forest.
Natsu was out for three solid days for occasionally writhing in pain as his body continued to fight off the harmful effects of eating dark magic. During all this time Mirajane never left his side to the point that she had forgotten to eat. It was day four and he was still out though he has calmed down completely, her was mind filled with a myriad of thoughts about what she overheard during the fight and the possibility that Erza was in love with Natsu because he had managed to mark her sometime during their fight against the PhatomLord guild as it was the time that Erza started to gain interest in Natsu, but those thoughts were trivial compared to the fact that if Erza was indeed marked by Natsu and wouldn't leave his side. How would they get along? She didn't really want a repeat of their childhood rivalry albeit a bloodier one now with Natsu in the middle. She looked at the quietly sleeping and sprawled all over the bed Dragon slayer. She poked him in the cheek making him grunt in annoyance making her smile.
"I really don't know if this will work out but, one thing's for sure… I won't let this opportunity pass…never again" Mirajane whispered before leaning over and pressing her lips against his for the second time. She closed her eyes savoring the sensations of her lips against his as she squeezed his hand. She opened her eyes when she felt him squeeze back as sapphire meets black causing her to blush and slowly pull back. "Hey"
"Hey" Natsu replied lamely as he sat up unable to form words at the awkwardness of the situation. So he began with the obvious. "Um…how long was I out?"
"Three days" Mirajane replied simply.
"Ok…"
"Yeah…"
"About what you told me…do you really love me?" Natsu asked looking at her in the eyes that reminded him of the endless clear skies.
Mirajane's eyes softened giving Natsu a warm smile. "I do Natsu, ever since when we were kids"
"Then why didn't you tell me then?"
"I was waiting for the right time you see" Natsu looked at her questioningly while she just smiled at him. "You were still too much of a kid then and an idiot to boot"
"Hey" Mirajane giggled as he pouted at her some of the awkwardness slipping away.
"But sadly I waited for too long and you were with somebody else" Mirajane finished a sad smile on her face as they both knew who that person was as they fell into another silence.
"Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Natsu asked catching Mirajane off guard not expecting the question.
Mirajane calmed herself and smiled at him. "Are you asking me out because you feel sorry for me Natsu? Because-" she was stunned when Natsu grabbed her shoulders and covered her lips with his. That's when she felt his emotions for her and the confusion his experiencing at that moment.
"I'm asking you because I like you Mira…not because I pity you…I just wished you would've told me before…" Natsu smiled at her. 'Before things became complicated' he added as an afterthought as relationships and love is still a complete mystery to him, but his certain about one thing and that everyone's feeling should be acknowledge and given a chance and if things goes down the wrong way he'd rather have them hate him than see them fighting each other.
"I'd be happy too" Mirajane replied and raised her hand to stop Natsu from speaking. "But will keep it a secret from the others"
"…ok?" Natsu replied warily as she looked at her smiling face. 'I was about to ask her that so I could figure things out now it's gotten more complicated, but…' "Why do you want to keep it a secret Mira?"
"My reasons are my own" Mirajane replied smiling a smile that warrant no more questions. 'Besides I know that you would ask me that in case things go bad, you would put all the blame in yourself making it look like you played with us and we had no choice in the matter' she thought looking at Natsu who was deep in thought.
Mirajane and Natsu left the village after they had lunch and began their journey back to the guild. On the way they thought of how things would play out with this strange new relationship they entered both having one thought in mind and that is to do everything in their power to make things work out.
FLASHBACK END
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Erza left the guild, alone yet again as Natsu chose to stay behind and help Mirajane with cleaning up the guild. It was times like this that she felt that they are really slowly falling apart questioning herself why she reacted like that when she saw him again, was she hoping to be with him again? Yes was her simple answer, he was everything she wanted for a guy when she was a girl. He was good looking, kind, strong, and a leader for all of them in that tower and she was in love with him, but after their abrupt and painful parting that left her questioning about what would've been if he wasn't possessed or if she had arrived sooner that maybe they would all be happily living somewhere. It was a warming thought but she loved Natsu now, a guy that would stop at nothing and destroy anyone to protect her and keep her happy at his own expense, the same guy that went barging in her faux trial even though he never liked her that much, the same one that would openly challenge her mother just to take her back with him. She was snapped out of her musings when she felt somebody following her, taking a turn at a dark alley and stopping at the end she requips a sword.
"Whoever you are come out, before I force you out" Erza commanded turning around to see another person on the other end.
"It's been awhile Erza" the person replied. Erza dropping her sword as the person removed the hood on his head, revealing his azure colored hair and tattoo on his right eye, smiling at her with the same smile he gives her when they were kids.
"Jellal? Is that really you?" Erza asked her voice cracking a hand clasped at her mouth and tears stinging her eyes.
"Yes" Jellal's simple reply smiling at Titania who ran towards him and wrapped her arms around him. He also wrapped his arms around her slender waist and allowed her to cry in his arms.
"Why didn't you tell me that you escaped…that you were a member of Fairy Tail" Erza asked in between sobs as she felt relief and joy at finally reuniting with her long lost friend and former love interest.
Jellal held her gently on the shoulders and placed her at arm's length while adopting an apologetic expression. "I had to keep my existence from my twin brother and I can't bear to see you after what I was forced to do to you"
"What do you mean…forced to do?" Erza asked wiping the tears from her eyes as she stood back away from his hold.
"I was brainwashed by my twin brother Erza, that's why I was able to do those horrible things to you" Jellal explained ashamed of his actions as Erza's heart reached out for the man. "I wouldn't be able to that to someone I love"
Erza froze as she heard those two simple words; something that she wanted to hear from the man that currently held her heart, and yet here was someone she thought she lost telling her that he loved her. "I…I understand, you don't have to explain" Erza replied placing her hand on his cheek. "What's important is that you're safe, but where are the others?"
"I'm afraid I wasn't able to help them escape" Jellal replied sadly.
"I see, but are they alright?" Erza asked gaining some her composure back.
"Yes, I think they're alright, it wouldn't do my brother any good killing them" Jellal replied as Erza seemed to easily accept it.
"Tell me who this Siegrain is?" Erza asked some anger slipping in her voice; angry at the person that caused they're unwanted separation.
"Like I said, Siegrain is my twin brother that I didn't know I had until a year after I exiled you from the island, he was raised by a cult that worshipped the black mage Zeref that was intent on reviving him" Jella; replied.
"You mean the same guys that were trying to build the tower?" Erza asked in exasperation, unable to believe that somebody related to Jellal could do something like that. "But how did he manage to get into the magic council?"
"Anyone could enter the magic council as long as they could prove themselves worthy of the title, but that's not usually the case as one must be inducted for the title by the rest of the council" Jellal explained as Erza took things into consideration. "His very powerful Erza"
"But, can't we inform the council of his actions? Can't we ask for an inquiry about him? We should be—" Erza asked only for Jellal to turn around dramatically and release an annoyed sighed.
"If it was possible I could've done it myself" Jellal growled in annoyance. "We can't Erza! He already told the council that I was behind the tower of heaven and if I expose myself they'll lock me up or worse give me the death sentence and anyone that could be helping me!" He took in a calming breath before turning around a sad look in his face. "I can't allow anything bad to happen to someone I love because of me, let's just forget about it for the moment until I could think of a plan to save them"
Erza was speechless yet again at how openly he declared his love for her, unlike somebody she could think of a feeling of sadness crept at her when all she wanted to hear from Natsu was those simple words to ensure her that he feels the same for her as she firmly believed that sometimes actions aren't enough to tell someone what you really feel. Now a person from the past she thought has change for the worst is back declaring his love for her.
'Do you really feel the same for me Natsu? I told you that you're the one I love and yet you just kept your silence while you keep showing me that you do' Erza thought furiously as she remembered when she told him that she loved him after their return from seeing Laxus just to assure him that what she felt for him is real, she almost cried when a mere 'Thank you' was all she got that was hollow to her ears even the smile he had was a mere façade for what he really felt.
"Is there something wrong Erza?" Jellal asked placing a hand on her cheek, his voice warm and inviting as a memory of the first time she met him flashed before her eyes.
"Nothing" Erza replied smiling. "I'm just happy that you're finally back" Jellal smiled back as they remained silent for a while.
"I'm happy too Erza, but we should keep this secret for the meantime" Jellal replied as he gave her a ring causing her to blush. "The color reminded of you"
"I, I, I can't accept this I, I'm with-" Erza stuttered while Jellal laughed at her antics.
"Maybe someday, but until then this will be ours mean of communication, it will glow when I want to meet with you" Jellal explained as Erza calmed down and nodded and understanding.
"But, how will I know where to find you?" Erza asked as she wore the ring on her left ring finger admiring the Scarlet gem at its center.
"How about we meet at the giant tree at the park" Jellal suggested as Erza seemed to nod in agreement. "Until then Erza" Jellal kissed the top of her hand before vanishing into thin air just like his fight with Laxus.
Erza smiled as she watched him vanished, her heart beating wildly inside her chest at their reunion forgetting about her and Natsu's relationship as she looked at the ring he gave her before walking back to the apartment she shared with a certain pink haired Dragon slayer.
"You don't know how close to the truth you are Jellal" Ultear muttered with some amusement in her voice as she watched them from afar.
"She hasn't changed that much in years" Jellal mused as she appeared behind Ultear who turned around and tilted her head in greeting. "Now it's just a matter of time before she would willingly come with me to the Tower of Heaven, so I could finally revive Zeref"
"You're quite the actor Jellal" Ultear praised as Jellal merely smirked. "But would she buy your act? She might have accepted it now due to her relief of seeing you again, but would she still believe it after her mind has cleared?"
"Don't worry about that Ultear, even though years has passed since I last met her, she's still that same girl I knew that would always believe in my words" Jellal replied an evil smirk spreading on his handsome face. "Beside I didn't lie to her… I merely told her what she wanted to hear"
"I see…you blended the truth with a lie" Ultear mused as Jellal nodded. 'Hmm…it's quite amusing to watch you manipulate someone while I manipulate you'
"Let's head back, the final preparations must be made" Jellal ordered.
"As you wish…Master" Ultear replied before they both disappeared into the dead of night.
Erza arrived at her apartment still reeling from her reunion with Jellal as she continued to stare at his present for her. She opened the door to her apartment and immediately went to the kitchen to have something to drink, grabbing the carton of milk and downing it, spitting it out before she was able to swallow it as the unsavory taste of the expired dairy product touched her pallet, looking at the box to find it has expired two days ago as an angry tick mark became visible on her forehead as she glared at the door to her room.
"Natsu that idiot! I told him to—" She stopped at the middle of her rant as she realized that she just met with Jellal. The meeting was something that could easily pass off as nothing, but it was the fact that she was hopeful that she and Jellal could come back and start a relationship they never got the chance to do due to their tragic past and what's worst was that she was almost willing to end her relationship with Natsu just to be with him. She felt sick to her stomach at the realization that she was willing to hurt the person that cared for her, reached out to her when she was feeling lonely and alone by getting her attention by doing something stupid or starting a fight, trusted her with his life, and accepted her for what she is and all the eccentricities she has.
"Hey Erza what took you?" Erza dropped the carton of milk she's holding at Natsu's sudden appearance, a look of worry etched on his face as he walked closer to her, hiding her hand behind her. "Is something wrong?"
"No…nothing…I, I met an old friend while walking back home and—" Erza replied unable to look directly in his eyes.
"Hey don't sweat it, I was just worried you'd gotten into trouble or something, but that's impossible" Natsu replied laughing until he saw the strange look in her face. "Hey are you okay? Did something happen, Erza?"
"Nothing" Erza replied waving her hand in defense while Natsu merely looked at her oddly. "I'll clean this mess up, you get back to bed and I'll follow suit"
Natsu held her wrist, stopping her from getting the mop. "No, it's ok I'll clean it, you go get cleaned up" Natsu grinned as she reluctantly left stopping at her doorstep.
"I'm sorry Natsu" Erza muttered feeling sorry for betraying Natsu's trust.
"Don't be" Natsu replied knowing what she meant as he saw her in the alley along with Jellal, nodding she went inside the room. "I'm the one that should be apologizing to you" Natsu whispered back.
Erza silently lay on her side of the bed holding a picture. "What would you think of me mother if you found out that I was almost willing to leave Natsu for someone I haven't seen in so many years if he would have asked me right there" Erza whispered looking at the picture of her and Natsu who's being glomped by her own mother with Tanaka on the side. The ring on her finger safely hidden inside her nightstand's drawer with the thought of returning it to Jellal the next time they meet.
Natsu lay next to her, rolling to his side and snaking his arms around her stomach pulling her closer to him and kissing the top of her head. She placed the picture back on her nightstand as the feeling of guilt
ate at her as Natsu simply remained quiet and didn't asked her who was this friend she spoke of as he silently held her in his embrace that always gave her the feeling of security and protection that he could give.
Unable to stand the guilt she spoke. "Won't you ask me who this friend is?" Natsu merely tightened his embrace and hummed.
"Why bother really" Natsu replied stunning Titania a little bit, her head already forming a few choice words at his almost uncaring response. "I trust you Erza and that's all that matters"
Erza bit her lower lip cursing Natsu at his honesty, angry at herself and him, wishing that he would just tell her those magic words and banish all the questions running in her head at where their relationship is heading and came to the decision to return the ring.
"Night Erza…"
"Good night Natsu and I love you…"
The next day was relatively boring as well as the following days having done a couple of missions with no news from Jellal, until a week later when she was walking along with Lucy when the one and only Stellar mage of Fairy Tail noticed her jackets pocket glow, knowing what it meant she left Lucy telling her that she has something important to do. She immediately went to the spot they decided on. Arriving on the spot and sure enough he was there standing with his hood covering his face.
"I'm glad you came" Jellal greeted while smiling brightly at her.
Erza wanted to return the ring but two things stopped her. First was her desire to save the rest of her family when she was still a slave at the tower and second was her curiosity, so she opted for the second option. "Where were you and what took you so long to contact me?" she asked sounding much like a jealous lover.
"I'm sorry I had to check on some things and to make sure they don't trace me to you and get you involved" Jellal explained as he removed his hood. "Lucky for us there aren't any agents of my brother around so we could spend more time with each other"
"I understand" Erza replied trying to remain neutral in her feelings. "You don't need to worry about me… thank you for looking out for me"
"Like I said before I couldn't hurt the one I love" Jellal replied her resolved to return the ring slowly wavering. "Come on I know a good place where they serve delicious cheesecake"
"How did you know that I like cheesecake?" Erza asked a little stunned as she only began to enjoy such sweets when she joined Fairy Tail as she was dragged across town.
"I may not always be at the guild, but I still look out for you" Jellal replied smiling. 'It was only a stroke of luck that I ended up choosing something you love' he added as an afterthought as he guided her to a shop that Ultear would always go to when she passes by Magnolia.
Erza was walking back to the apartment she shared with Natsu as she spent the whole day catching up with Jellal, but something in the back of her mind told her that something was wrong with Jellal which she chose to ignore thinking that she was merely being paranoid, because as much as she hated to admit it she enjoyed the time she spent with him and hopes for another meeting with the azure haired mage, arriving at her apartment a little hungry ready to scour some food to eat until she saw a steaming plate of food at the table with a note under it.
'Hey Erza I took on a job and I was hoping I could take you along, but I can't find you anywhere so I took Happy with me. I'll be gone for at least two weeks so don't go looking for me if I'm still not back, oh! And I left you some food in case you haven't had dinner yet.'
"Natsu…are you avoiding me?" Erza whispered his name as she sat on the empty chair as she took a bite on the steak looking at the empty chair on the opposite side of the table. "It's not as tasty as I remembered" she whispered sadly as she sluggishly retired to her room not even bothering to change her clothes as she waited for the sleep that was slow to come, finding her bed for the first very lonely.
True to his word Natsu did searched for Erza around town having no one to accompany him on the job, he found a mission requesting for the destruction of another dark guild, but sadly nobody was there to accompany him, Lucy and Gray went on a mission together, he was going to ask Juvia to come with him, but the moment he told her who Gray was with she disappeared a moment later, Cana was wasted and Mirajane was invited for another photo shoot for the Weekly Sorcerer. So he went around town, picking up her scent, he found her on a café sitting alone and was about to approach her when he saw that she was with someone, and that someone is the person his been looking for. Jumping on the roof of a building and stealthily reduced their distance while watching them from afar, he saw her enjoying his company and forced himself to be happy at what he saw, that it was it supposed to be and he shouldn't interfere nor feel jealous at the guy even though the urge to come charging in a tear him a new one ate at him.
Jumping down from his perch he started to walk back to the guild to take on more jobs to give the two sometime to get closer together. Arriving at the guild and taking almost half of the requested jobs he saw Happy lazily flying into the guild, approaching his feline friend and asking why he isn't with Lucy to which he replied that he took a cat nap and Lucy left him behind whining about his new roommate. Natsu is happy for his feline friend and faux son for having Lucy to take care of him as he had grown attach to the Stellar mage, realizing that's it's been awhile since they did a job together asked him to come along which the cat was more than happy to do so.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Erza awoke the next day feeling quite lethargic as it was the first day out of the fourteen without Natsu, the longest she has gone without his company; she started her walk back to the guild until her ring started to glow, knowing who it is she went for their meeting place to find him standing there waiting for her. She approached him as he greeted her mentioning how glum she looked but, told him it was nothing as they spent the rest of the day together talking and walking around town. Even though she enjoyed the day with Jellal, the feeling of longing for the pinked haired Dragon slayer never left her and only grew worst when she returned to her empty apartment.
The rest of the days passed by and her longing for Natsu only worsened as the realization that what she felt for Jellal when she first saw him was nothing more than relief for a long lost friend and got carried away with the 'what if's' if they never got separated in the first place, she still cared for him, but her feelings for him wouldn't go deeper than a friend as she now spurned his advances and had come to a decision to force Natsu to say those words she wanted to hear for so long even if she had to beat it out of him, those simple thoughts helped her through the past few days alone in her apartment.
"Goodbye Jellal" Erza bid farewell as she walked backed to the guild as they separated after lunch with a skip on her step with just two more days before his return.
"Goodbye Erza" Jellal waved before a scowl set on his face after she was out of sight.
"I think she already knew of your plan Jellal" a sharply dressed man remarked standing beside him.
"I don't think she knows, but she seems to be avoiding me and my advances" Jellal replied looking at the man beside him. "How are the preparations at the tower going?"
"Everything is fine at the tower while the council and their all knowing members still suspects nothing" the sharply dressed man replied before he became enveloped in bright light revealing a svelte woman with long flowing raven hair wearing a white kimono.
"Good work Ultear" Jellal replied as she tilted her head. "Two more days and Zeref's resurrection will be at hand until then, I'll see how far I could go with this game…let's go"
"Of course" Ultear nodded. 'It's pretty boring in this town without the Salamander' she added as an afterthought as they vanished into the sea of people.
Erza spent the next two days doing what she normally does, which was train in the morning, head for the guild after and spend the rest of the day with her friends forgetting to wear the ring he gave her as it continued to call for her. The day when he was supposed to be back ended as she went back to her apartment filled with worry at Natsu's lack of appearance, but gave him the benefit of the doubt that maybe he would be back early tomorrow morning not wanting to entertain the thought that he left her for whatever reason, but what left a mark on her was her outburst when she first saw Jellal after eight years in Kardia cathedral. She buried all that those dark thoughts into the deep recesses of her mind to try to get some semblance of sleep.
"Natsu…" Erza moaned as she slowly joined the land of the living, the sun's rays bathing her in its yellow light as she slowly got up from her bed to find it still empty making her frown. She got up and went to her bathroom and took a bath. A few moments later Erza got out of the bathroom and went to her closet taking a set of black lace underwear, striped button-up shirt, and black pencil skirt. She looked at herself at the mirror finding her attire to her liking with the top two buttons left open showing some of her cleavage, the thought of buying a new one as the one she is currently wearing has become rather tight around the chest.
Going to the kitchen while thinking of how long since she last wore her armor and remembered the reasons why she wore one in the first place. It was because she was insecure and uncomfortable without it, but ever since she started to fall for Natsu she left her fears behind and never did he once failed to show her that she could rely on him at all times. Finishing her breakfast and washing the dishes, she noticed the ring on the kitchen counter finally remembering where she left it and feeling a little guilty for unintentionally leaving it behind. Arriving at the guild she immediately situated herself in their team's table where the other two is already there as they began to idly chat around each other while her attention is focused on the doors waiting for his arrival.
She kept on waiting…
And waiting…
And waiting until it was unbearable for Titania as her face remained stoic while on the inside she's close to snapping after waiting for a solid five hours having eaten lunch at the guild. She bid them farewell and asked for Mirajane where Natsu could've gone as she too is worried for the Dragon slayer, Erza found out that he didn't just took one mission, but took eight jobs simultaneously in eight different towns, deciding to go to each town to find Natsu she left the guild and on her way back to the apartment when the ring on her pocket glowed causing her to change her destination.
Somewhere in Magnolia a certain pinked haired mage and flying blue cat has just arrived from a two week long mission spree.
"Why didn't you woke me up when were at our stop?" Natsu asked still reeling from his ride on the carriage on his way back to Magnolia.
"I did wake you up Natsu, but you immediately went back to sleep" Happy replied nibbling happily on a fish with his green backpack three times its original size.
"Then you should have woken me up again" Natsu whined.
"But you told me to wake you up when we arrive and I did, but we already passed the stop so there's no need to wake you up again" Happy replied simply taking out another fish in his backpack. "Besides it's your fault for riding the train because you didn't want to walk"
"Fine you win" Natsu relented as they continued their walk in silence. His thoughts occupied by Titania and if they have gotten any closer, he frowned when he remembered the sight he saw two weeks ago and sighed when he remembered he wanted it that way. "If she's happy than I'm happy"
"Did you say something Natsu?" Happy asked looking to his partner.
"Nothing" Natsu replied smiling at the blue cat. "You should store all that fish in your backpack if you don't want them to go bad"
"Aye! I'll just empty Lucy's fridge and fill it with fish" Happy exclaimed before flying off to the direction of Lucy's apartment. "See you later Natsu!"
Natsu waved goodbye to his feline friend as he went back to the apartment he has been living in the past few months, missing each other by mere seconds as he entered the building in time when change her direction to meet with Jellal. Finding the apartment empty, he dropped his bag pack on the floor and went into their room to find it relatively unchanged even his clothes were still where he left it. Deciding to take a nap, he retired to the bed inhaling her scent soothing him and helping him to relax as he slowly descended to unconsciousness.
Meanwhile Erza met with Jellal, but this time there was something odd about him though she remained silent as they went around town taking her to places they usually go, they talked about random topics like always and his plan to rescue everyone at the Tower of Heaven planning to leave tonight, spending the rest of the day with Jellal which wasn't that bad, but she preferred to spend her day searching for Natsu as she watched the setting sun from the horizon as they stood on a bridge overlooking one of the rivers that met the ocean.
"Erza would you come with me to the Tower of Heaven to save the others" Jellal asked as Erza looked at him, his face looking more handsome under the sun's orange glow.
"Of course" Erza said with a smile before diverting her attention at the setting sun her thoughts revolving around a certain Dragon slayer.
Jellal frowned inwardly as he watched her ignore his advances. "Erza when all of this is over…" Erza looked at him curiously as he adopted a serious expression. "When all of this is over I want you to marry me" offering her another ring.
Erza was stunned at his statement taking a few moments to collect her thoughts. She held his hand closing it and slowly pushing it towards him a sad smile framing her face. "Thank you…but I can't accept your offer… if you would have asked me a few months ago I would've said yes…but I already love somebody else…"
Jellal had a defeated expression on his face as he placed the ring on his coat's pocket, noticing the Salamander walking their way. "I understand, but at least let me have this" Jellal grabbed her by the shoulders mashing his lips against hers stunning her at the bold move. Natsu saw the two, his hands clenched in a tight fist as he kept repeating in his head that this was it's supposed to be and this was for her own good and happiness.
"Why did you do that?" Erza whispered slowly pulling back from Jellal, the kiss was the last proof she needed to solidify the fact that she no longer felt for the man in front of him and considered him as a friend and nothing more. Expecting an answer the one he gave was something she didn't want to hear.
"Natsu, it's been awhile" Jellal greeted the pink haired Dragon slayer who nodded back.
"It's not what you think Natsu" Erza turned around to find him smiling like it was nothing. "I, I…"
"It's ok Erza; you don't have to explain yourself to me" Natsu waved her off as she felt her heart break as his next words. "I'm letting you go Erza so you can be with the one you love"
"Thank you for understanding Natsu" Jellal spoke as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Where getting married after we take care of a few loose ends.
'Why aren't you happy when I gave you your freedom?' Natsu thought furiously as he saw the sad look on her face. "No worries just take care of her, oh and I'm moving out Erza" Natsu added smiling like it was nothing as he turned around and started to walk away and that's when she saw the small crack in his façade, that he was hurting just as much as she is.
'Why Natsu? You're the one I love not him, what aren't you telling me?' Erza thought worriedly as he slowly walked away. "Let go of me" Erza commanded as she removed the hand on her waist and ran after Natsu stunning the Azure haired mage.
"Natsu, stop right there!" Erza commanded as Natsu reluctantly turned around grinning like an idiot.
"What is it Erza? Shouldn't you be with-" Natsu asked his grin still in place as she took a few steps forward and slapped him.
"What the hell was that about?" Erza screamed shocking the Dragon slayer. "I told you that you're the one I love didn't I, so why are you pushing me away?"
"You don't love me" Natsu answered this time his face set on a determined scowl. "What you felt for me was a lie"
"What do you mean? My feelings for you are real" Erza snapped back. "I love you Natsu" Erza added in a softer voice trying to close the gap between them.
"No they aren't" Natsu retorted holding her at arm's length. "The only reason you fell in love for me was because I bit you"
"What do you mean because you bit me?" Erza asked in confusion as she saw the same guilty expression he had a few weeks ago.
"When I bit you…I gave you a mark that forced you to develop feelings for me, everything you experienced was because of that mark" Natsu replied avoiding her eyes that held a betrayed look on them.
'All of those things I experienced were because of that' Erza thought touching where Natsu bit her. 'This thing forced me to love him that it even invaded my dreams and made me do all those indecent things' she bit her lower lip in anger, her nails digging in the palm of her hands unable to believe that Natsu the last person she believe that would betray her would do just that until she realized something. 'Even if my feelings for him were something forced upon me, it doesn't mean that all those time we spent together and the promises he made are lies' a small smile graced her lips. "Tell me one thing Natsu…"
"What is it?" Natsu asked her as their eyes met.
"Was everything you told me a lie?" Erza asked simply her face was calm and collected which practically unnerved Natsu.
"No" Natsu replied simply. It was all she needed to know to let go of that simple transgression he did and forgive him because of something they have no control over.
"Do you love me?" Erza asked again this time she tried her best not to laugh and keep her stoic façade as she watched him choke on his own spit. "Answer me Natsu!"
Natsu took a deep calming breath and looked at Erza straight in the eyes. "No, I just wanted to try having a relationship that's why I wanted to keep it a secret so when things go sour we could just go and look the other way without getting the others involve" Natsu replied lying to Erza who looked down with her eyes obscured by her hair, looking past her he saw Jellal walking towards their direction. "Hey Erza you should go and be with Jellal or is it Mystogan and let's just forget that this all happened"
"Is everything alright Erza?" Jellal asked standing behind her.
'That was the worst lie I had ever heard' Erza thought before she took one large step and pressed her lips against his stunning the azure haired man behind her but kept his silence as they separated a few seconds later. "Do you love me?"
"No"
"I see…goodbye Natsu, till we meet again" Erza whispered as she pulled back turning around. "Let's go" 'I'll get that answer from you when I come back' she added as an afterthought.
Jellal tilted his head in respect for the Dragon slayer before following after Titania who walked away leaving the Dragon slayer to wallow in his misery his job already done, Natsu left a few seconds later heading towards the guild and find something to distract himself.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Mirajane felt her heart break for the Dragon slayer as she watched him fight against the mages of their guild from the occasional riot that would occur with the only difference is that his not even trying to fight back and practically took in more blows than he dishes out. She couldn't help but blame a certain Scarlet haired mage at what Natsu is going through remembering what she overheard from Natsu's battle against the demon, that Erza should be in love with Natsu and yet she left him for an old friend; she also knew why Natsu has been spending more time with her was to get Erza to leave him, so she could be with the one she thought loves her. But in the end she couldn't blame Erza because she never knew what they talked about when Natsu reluctantly ended their relationship having seen what transpired from afar.
"Natsu…" Mirajane sighed as she looked at her beloved Dragon slayer wishing she could do more, but knew that it's between him and Erza.
"Hey Mira" Lucy called out gaining the attention of the beautiful Majin.
"Hey Lucy what can I do for you?" Mirajane asked with a smile on her beautiful face.
"Do you know what's wrong with Natsu?" Lucy asked taking a seat on one of the empty stools.
"What do you mean?" Mirajane replied feigning ignorance causing the celestial mage to frown at her.
"I see, he doesn't seem like his usual self" Lucy replied still watching the rowdy mages.
Mirajane nodded. "Do you know why?" Lucy looked at her and shrugged her shoulders.
"Maybe Natsu and Erza broke up" Happy chirped while eating another fish stunning both women. One wondered if the cat knew and the other thought that he was crazy as always.
"Natsu and Erza? You're joking right, sure they live in one roof, but that doesn't mean they have a relationship, right Mira" Lucy argued causing Mirajane to sigh.
"Right" Mirajane replied.
The night ended with Natsu staying in to help clean up the mess, trying to act happy even though his not in front of Mirajane who would simply smile and not ask questions knowing that his already in so much emotional turmoil. She stopped wiping one of the tables when Natsu's arms wrapped around her waist, placing his head over her shoulder releasing a tired sigh.
"I love you Mira" Natsu whispered causing her to drop the cloth in her hand.
"I love you too, Natsu" Mirajane replied leaning her back on his chest, she was happy at his open declaration. But the question was. "Why the sudden declaration Natsu, I told you to take your time right?"
"I just don't want to leave things unmentioned and regret it later" Natsu whispered holding her closer to him. Mirajane nodded knowing what happened earlier between the two even though she wanted to be happy, but unable to enjoy it when Natsu was feeling down.
"I know" Mirajane whispered. "Eeeek!" she squealed when Natsu lifted her off the ground carrying her bridal style. "Natsu!"
"You look cute when you blush" Natsu stated grinning trying to forget Erza. "Come on let's go out on a date"
"Ok, just put me down, this is embarrassing" Mirajane stated blushing at Natsu straightforwardness. She knew he was just trying to forget Erza by focusing his attention on her and if it would help him then she would gladly oblige. "Besides she's an idiot for choosing that guy over Natsu" she added barely above whisper.
"Did you say anything?" Natsu asked hearing her whisper something. "Really?"
"Uh-huh" Mirajane nodded as she felt Natsu loom behind her.
"Are you sure?" Natsu asked again wrapping his arms around Mirajane more precisely on her sides.
"Let go of me Natsu" Mirajane ordered her voice shaky as Natsu's fingers started to run up and down her sides.
"Are you sure you didn't say anything?" Natsu asked again as she began to writhe under his hold, tickling his beautiful captive as her laughter filled the empty halls. She managed to break free from his hold and began running circles around the hall until he finally caught her with both of them falling to the floor. Fortunately for her Natsu was able to catch and break her fall. They laugh for awhile until stopped and stared at each other the distance between their faces slowly disappeared until it was just a few centimeters when the door of the guild flew open.
"Natsu! Erza's been abducted!" Lucy shouted shocking both Natsu and Mirajane.
AN: Next chapter will be the Tower of Heaven and the things that might happen.
Erza defeats Jellal on her own making their trip to save her pointless.
Erza was really Mirajane.
Erza gets teleported back in time.
Erza losses her memories and joins Jellal.
Natsu realized that he plays for the other team.
Natsu losses his memories and marries Ultear.
Natsu wakes up finding everything an elaborate dream.
Natsu is Jellal.
Natsu is really Gray.
The Explosion of the Tower created Godzilla.
The Explosion of the Tower turned Natsu into the Hulk.
The Explosion of the Tower created the Fairy-tastic Four.
The Tower never exploded and it was just an over expensive light show.
They meet the Black eyed Peas inside the Tower.
They are defeated by the Black eyed peas inside the Tower.
The tower was really a giant robot.
Jellal really has a twin brother.
Siegrain is really Jellal and vice versa.
The order to fire Etherion was decide on a game of poker.
Etherion was fire because somebody accidentally pressed the wrong button.
Reviews are always appreciated and now that I've published I could start that little project for my friend Kuroyagi.