Hey eveyone Happy New Year yay-
Sorry for the wait so without delay heres chapter 24
'hmm what about this one?' Levy questioned as she picked up one of the many request papers that were laid out on the table in the guildhall, Lucy took the paper from her friend and scanned it briefly while mumbling to herself
'Go to this city hmmm about three hours by train, defeat or drive away a monster, seems easy enough the reward….' The celestial mage let out a long sigh 'its only 100,000Jewel after splitting it in half and adding in the extra cost of train fare as well as a place to stay and eat the night it comes to about 25,000Jewel each' She finished.
'Aww and in with our current lifestyle' Levy paused as she glanced towards the current guild brawl then to the corner where a kids area has been set up before finishing 'Thats no way enough' She concluded.
'Yea, i think we just had bad timing for our turn at missions most of these ones are just two day request with rewards that aren't really worth it once the expenses have been added'' Lucy added laying her head on the table.
'That or they offer tickets to places as rewards which right now aren't really beneficial to us' Levy added leaning into her palm.
'Huh what about this one then' Natsu piped suddenly appearing and leaned over Lucy as he pointed to a request causing said person to jump.
'Ahh Natsu don't do that' She yelled trying to push him off of her, while Levy read through the request as the two 'argued'
'Seems pretty good' the bluenette muttered.
'Yup and it shouldn't be difficult' The slayer grinned sitting down pulling an reluctant Lucy towards him wrapping his arms around her.
'What you don't think my shrimp can handle herself Salamander' Gajeel placing a arm on Levy and glared at the other slayer.
'Y...' Natsu went to retort to the metal head but was stopped as Lucy placed her elbow by his stomach and gave if a 'don't you dare start a fight now' look causing him to return it with a not impressed face only for Lucy to raise an eyebrow but squeaked as the fire mage nipped the tip of her nose and effectively winning the 'fight'
'Anyway have any of you guys seen Happy?' Natsu inquired.
'No, he came to guild with us right? hmmm Wendy, Romeo and Charle should be back today or tomorrow so maybe he's gone to the station' The Key holder stated.
'Actually now that you Lilly hasn't been around today, which is weird cause Rippie is' Gajeel muttered turning his attention towards the corner where Metty, Kai, Nashi and Ru-ne where chasing and jumping at the young exceed who was hovering just out of reach and dodge their jumping attacks
'Mwahaha is that all you feeble human's can do to stop me at this rate the world will be mine' the young faded tabby laughed in a mock voice.
'Not fair Rippie we can't fly' Metty faked a pout hoping it would lure her down
'What it's perfectly fair no one said i couldn't use my wings and if it weren't i still would cause i'm evil right now and bad guys don't play fair' The cat stated matter of factly.
'Ahh Aizu come help us or the world is doomed' Nashi called out turning towards the younger boy who was watching.
'Why you're taller' He spoke in a light voice turning his head.
'Because it's fun beside Ru-ne shorter and he's playing' Kai added making a failed leap at the cat.
'It's fun watching tho' was Aizu's simple reply.
'Really?, haha you all must look pretty foolish than' Rippie laughed before shrieking as she was pulled down.
'Gotcha' Metty cheered.
'Wha how'
'You got distract' Aizu answered smiling.
'Which is the number one not to do in a battle' The twins cheered.
'Now we must punish the evil' Ru-ne yelled as Metty helded the cat down while the others tickled her.
'Although i don't blame him the kids are ruthless' Gajeel commented turning his attention back to
'Like you're any better with cats' Levy smirked as Natsu laughed while Lucy was trying her best not to.
'Oi watch it shrimp'
The bookworm looked as if she was going to say more when the guild doors opened revealing Erza, after seeing who it was majority of the guild members went back to their business since the redhead has grown less aggressive since Jellal had officially joined the guild. However the four parents at the table knew better from her body language and stayed on alert as the requip mage walked towards the bar where Master was, who watched her as she walked over.
'What is it my child' He questioned curiously.
'Master i have received news from Kagura and Millianna that Mermaid Heel was attacked two days ago' Her voice was stern as she passed on the news as well as causing several members within hearing range to pay attention.
'Was anyone hurt' Makarov inquired.
'Many were injured but nothing life threatening, from what I was i told it seemed as the ones responsible for the attack swept in before leaving as if testing themselves' Erza's face was grim as she answered the question.
'Who was it that attack them' Master asked however he already had an idea.
'Blood Rose' was her reply causing several whispers among the guild afterwards the two headed to the office followed by Laxus. Several minutes past before Erza emerged and turned towards the group of four.
'Good Lucy, Levy you two are still here'
'Yea what do you need' Lucy asked on edge after hearing the news
'Kagura informed me that several types of magic were used by the attackers, the council has agreed to grant us access to the archives, i trust that if i give you the information you two will be able to help identify and research the magic used' She inquired
'Of course' Levy answered seemingly excited at the chance of visiting the archives
'Yea you can leave it to us' Lucy added.
'Good i'll meet you at the station in two hours' Erza smiled losing some of her earlier tension before going to talk to Mira.
After the agreeing on the meeting time the parents called their children letting them know that it's time to Dragneel's had just parted ways with the Redfoxe's and were currently walking on the grassy path leading through the forest just outside of Magnolia. Nashi and Kai were a few steps ahead of their parents but did not wander too far off as memories of their dad 'attacking' them and then being lectured still remained. After feeling a brisk cold wind Lucy looked up towards the sky.
'Looks like it going to rain' she muttered more to herself.
'Yea, it hasn't started yet and already i can smell it' Natsu replied gasping his mate's hand with his warm one sending a warm jolt through the Blondes arm.
'I hope it doesn't storm' Lucy stopped as she watched her children ahead 'it's been a long time since they experience one and i'll feel guilty if they're scared and i'm not there' She began to whisper the last part as Natsu looked ahead silently as he removed his hands from her's in favour of wrapping it around her shoulders bringing her closer.
'Nothing will happen Luce, you're just overreacting' He whispered in an amused voice.
'Oh i'm the one overreacting about going away hmmm' The celestial mage retorted recalling all the times Natsu and Happy have hesitantly gone on missions freaking out over every little aspect.
'What is it wrong to worry about your family' He sheepishly answered.
'I can see the house' Kai shouted in glee as him and his sister turned to face their parents with an unsaid question in there eyes, both mages quickly scanned the area before tuning to one another.
'Ok you can go' Lucy smiled.
'Yay ready' Nashi cheered turning around 'set go' she said in a hurried speech before charging off.
'Hey no fair' Kai shouted trying to catch up with both of them stopping just in front of the house before stopping and jumping over an invisible wall simultaneously and laughed as several runes appeared before fading and continued to watch the wall waiting for their parents to past just to be able to see the runes appear once more before getting up.
Once the small group had entered the house they were surprised to find both Happy and PantherLily talking inside on the table, both of the exceeds turned to the new arrivals.
'Eh why are you guys back so early' Happy asked looking a bit awkward.
'Erza wants me and Levy to meet her at the station in two hours to head to the council archives' Lucy answered as Nashi and Kai feeling a bit bored left the room.
'Lilly it's best if you head home, there may be a storm on the way and i doubt Gajeel will be to amused having to watch Metty and Rippie alone' Natsu added as he followed the twins making sure they wouldn't get into any trouble. Lilly visible shivered at the prospect of the oncoming threat of a storm.
'Right thanks i'll be going now' He spoke nervously before flying out of the house.
'Ok i'm going to go pack since Erza likes to set very strained time limits' Lucy mentioned before walking to the main bedroom followed by Happy who sat on the bed as Lucy dugged the wardrobe.
'So why were you and Lilly here and not at the guild?' She asked the cat as she pulled out a shirt.
'He wanted to talk about stuff' Happy mentioned shuffling.
'Happy' Lucy spoke in a stern voice as she turned to look at him, in response the exceed looked away before talking.
'Me and charle and together right?' lucy nodded 'Well Lily concern that we're being to human but i didn't know what he meant so he asked to speak in private and told me what exceeds do and that giving fish or being alone and talking or eating isn't what we're meant to do and if we keep doing that than nothing else will happen' He spoke fast while Lucy sat down next to him frowning as she placed clothes into a small suitcase
'I guess that makes sense, like even though we don't act like it you and Charlie are different species to us so of course some things are different'
'But we both been around humans and barely with other exceeds' He pouted as Lucy sighed
'I guess somethings can't be help, what about Charle tho, is Lilly going to talk to her as well?'
'No but we may be going to the exceeds village sometime and so she can talk to Rippies mum' he muttered.
'I guess in the end you two should do whatever feels right, dont force anything' Lucy finished as she placed her hand on the cats ear giving it a rub hoping to comfort him 'Unfortunately i have to head out now.
'But its been nowhere near two hours!' Happy exclaimed
'Yea but you know Erza and her time limits' Lucy replied giggling at the scared face Happy pulled as past memories flashed through his head.
'You're not going to be gone long right mum?' Kai asked as he held onto Lucy tightly as she kneeled down.
'Not at all sweetie i'll probably be only a couple of day's She answered placing a kiss on his forehead he finally let go of his mother only for her to be attacked as Nashi latched herself onto her.
'Promise' Nashi sniffled as she held her hand up pointing her pinky outwards, Lucy gave a soft smile, it always touched her that no matter how many times Natsu or herself went on missions the two would always be so caring.
'I promise' the mother promised as she wrapped her much larger finger around her daughter's as she kissed her forehead before standing facing her husband who she embraced in a tight hug.
'Be safe Luce' he spoke softly nuzzling his face in her neck before placing a quick kiss.
'I'm always am' She joked as she pulled him into a brief but passionate kiss 'I love you' she whispered.
'I love you to' He replied in the same low tone. They parted as Lucy grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder.
'I'll go with Lucy to the station' Happy volunteered as the blonde turned to say her goodbyes to him instead nodded in agreement and relief since she didn't really want to walk to the station herself but since having the twins having Natsu walk her to the station became more like a occasionally luxury.
'Yea thanks Happy' Lucy replied graciously.
'Ok cya in a bit bud' Natsu spoke in a normal tone but both Happy and Lucy we're able to detect the hidden gratefulness and relief in his voice.
'Bye everyone, love you all' Lucy shouted her final farewell as her and Happy walked out of the house and closed the door after walking through the rune barrier the celestial mage stopped and took a deep breath.
'You ok Lucy?' Happy inquired with a note of concern
'Yea i'm fine it's...you think after all this time it'll get easier but it doesnt' She whispered with unshed tears in her eyes, Happy showed a soft smile as he glanced at the small house.
'Aye' he simply agreed before the two continued their walk.
Natsu let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as he stared at the now closed door, looking down at Nashi and Kai who were looking downwards at the floor he sighed
'It never gets any easier' He thought to himself but such was the way of their lives as mages he was glad to know that she wouldn't be alone at all now that Happy was escorting her to the station where Erza and Levy will be and be with her for the rest of the mission, he knew she was strong and more than capable but there was always the what if. Taking another to compose himself he knelt down, placing a hand on each of the twins shoulders catching their attention
'So now that mum's gone we got the whole house to ourselves so what do you think we should do' He announced putting on his priceless grin as he looked at his two dishearten children who suddenly looked at one another with wide eyes and much to his surprised rushed off with Nashi going to their shared room while Kai ran to the lounge room and pulled out their art supplies such as colouring pencils, a ruler, rubbers (erasers) and glue before placing them on the floor just as Nashi rushed back with various pieces of paper some of which had already been doodle on.
'What the' Natsu exclaimed still rather shocked at the sudden movement of the two and watched as this went on 'And what is this?' he questioned raising an eyebrow as he walked into the lounge room the two instantly stopped and looked at him.
' You can't tell mum' They shouted in unison a bit panicked.
'Oh and why not' he inquired playfully but didn't expect the them to look down in a guilty manner before Kai picked up a piece and handed it to him, Natsu examined the paper curiously as he saw a crudely drawn dragon and a stick figure with a golden crown in what seemed to be a cave, he instantly recognized it as one of more basic stories which Lucy had written.
'Mummy seemed really upset over the books, so we wanted to try and remake them' Nashi whispered looking downwards.
'But they're not done so she can't know' Kai quickly added looking up.
'And we don't really remember them' Nashi added her voice was briefly shocked at the actions of his kids, before smiling and sitting down next to them
'Well if you don't remember them that well we can fix that easily' Natsu exclaimed s he grabbed a piece of blank paper and beginning drawing on it while the younger pinkette and blonde watched on curiously
'But how' Nashi asked tilting her head
'Simple we make our own' Natsu smiled holding the paper up showing a picture of two large dragons with another two little ones and a blue cat. Both of Nashi's and Kai's emerald eyes widened as the two beamed at the idea and picked up a piece of paper each. After agreeing on a story about a family of dragons and a giant blue cat that live in the forest and plays a lot and fish and other fun things the small family began making their special story, with Nashi and Kai doing the drawings while they got their dad to write down the words at some point in time Happy had returned and after letting Natsu know that Lucy met up with everyone else and left with no problems, had agreed to model for Nashi and Kai as they tried to draw the him as the giant blue cat. Looking outside the fire mage had noticed that it was now dark and raining looking at the closest clock which read 6:03pm he decided it was best to start on dinner and left the three as Kai was pulling funny poses with Happy hiding behind him so that from the right angle it looked as if he had wings, while Nashi tried her best to draw the scene.
it was around 6:15 and Natsu had just started holding the pan against his hand with the other alight simulating a gas stove when he saw the flash of lightning through the window
'oh no' he whispered as a loud crack of thunder ripped through the sky followed by two high pitched screams.
'Natsu' Happy yelled seemingly out of breath, quickly placing the pan on the heated plates the father rushed to the lounge room where Nashi was whimpering holding her hands to her ears while Kai had seemed to grabbed Happy and was holding onto the cat for dear life as he tried to struggle out of the tight grasp without hurting the boy. Another loud boom rung through the house making Nashi shriek again hands still to ears as Kai tighten his hold causing the poor exceed to fluff.
'Hey, hey, hey shh it's ok you two' Natsu spoke softly kneeling in front of Kai and gently unwrapping his arms releasing the boys hold on the cat, patting his hair while Happy quickly distanced himself, seeing that Kai was now calmed and Happy could once again breath he turned his attention the Nashi.
'Hey c'mon Nash it's ok' He cooed placing his hands over hers and bringing them away from her ears. 'This is actually a good thing cause now we have an excuse to build a fort, right Happy?' He smiled turning to his partner still holding Nashi's hands.
'Aye' Happy grunted still a bit annoyed at being used as a plush toy.
'A f..fort?' Kai whimpered as more thunder struck while Natsu felt Nashi's hands try to move but failed against his hold.
'Yup hmm lets see we can use the table as the base so that means all we need now are pillows, blankets' Natsu excitedly explained.
'What about flare, and foxy and scales' Nashi whimpered as Natsu blinked before smiling.
'Of course we can bring as many of your plush friends as you both want' He replied knowing that the fort will probably be filled with all of their stuffed animals now. 'Ok so everyone go get some pillows while i get the blanket to put over the table and chairs' He ordered as Kai ran towards his shared room with Happy following behind while Nashi walked towards the nearby couch. As Natsu stood to go towards the master bedroom to grab the spare blanket he couldn't help but noticed that every time thunder was heard Nashi either cringed and went to place her hands on her eyes, or how her small body shook as she tried to drag the pillow from the chair. Frowning Natsu walked towards her and knelt behind his daughter placing his hand on her back and rubbed it gently.
'Nashi it's ok it's only thunder it won't and can't hurt you' He cooed with a soft smiling trying to calm her
' but' she was interrupted as a particularly loud boomed roared through the sky and causing small vibrations through the house.
'Ahh Kai let me go' Happy's yelp of distress could be heard in the background but Natsu barely register it as Nashi at the same time let out a loud shriek and dropping her pillow to bring her hands to her ears as tears started to flow while Natsu embraced her by reaction feeling slightly panicked.
'Shh c'mon it doesn't hurt you' He tried again in hopes of calming her.
'But..but it does hurt' the young girl whimpered.
'Wha?' Natsu was taken aback as he quickly turned her to face him making eye contact. 'Where?' his tone was stern.
'M..my ears' Nashi cried out as more thunder boomed tightening her hold over her ears while her father was shell shocked as everything began to fit into place, as a baby she was always easily disturbed and recently she seemed to be eavesdropping at the guild but she really could have been overhearing and lastly was the most recent she was able to use fire coming to one conclusion Nashi had inherited a dragon slayers sense of hearing considering that neither Nashi, Kai or Metty had a dragon slayer parent they were always unsure how much they could inherited into what was unofficially called the 4th generation and how powerful they could become would it match that as a previous gen.
'Daddy?' He was brought out of his shock at the scared whispered of his daughter now wasn't the time to think of this.
'It's ok sweetie come here' He gently picked her while she cuddled into him.
'Happy can you get everything else ready?' he called as he walked through the hallway receiving a strangle aye from the exceed. As they enter the master bedroom Natsu gently placed Nashi on the bed before turning to the wardrobe and searching it.
'What are you looking for' the younger pinkette whimpered.
'It's a surprise' Was her answered 'There it is' Natsu shouted in joy as he pulled out Lucy's black fluffy earmuffs with cat ears that Levy and Canna gave to her as a joke one year. 'This should help' he added adjusting the size 'if her hearing as sensitive as i think it is these should block it enough so she'll hear normally' He thought to himself before placing them gently on the five year olds head.
'Can you still hear me?' he questioned speaking in a normal tone receiving a nod 'What about the thunder?' the girl waited a moment before her eyes widened.
'I can still hear it but it doesn't hurt' She shouted happily 'Thank you daddy' Nashi gleefully laugh as she hugged Natsu who couldn't help but smile.
'It's ok, now why don't you get your friends so we can complete the fort' He suggested
'Hai' the young fire mage laughed as she hopped of the bed and left the room while Natsu grabbed a blanket and went back to the lounge room where everything was already set up with a grinning Happy and Kai just as he finished placing the blanket Nashi returned still wearing the cat ear muffs, with all her plush friends and some of Kai's. After everyone was settled and comfy Natsu finished making dinner and agreed to the one night exception of eating on the floor with the pillows and blankets, afterwards Happy grabbed a light lacrima as Natsu told a much tamer version of one of their many dangerous missions before calming the two down so they can sleep with Kai sleeping on Natsu's left resting his head on Happy's back while Nashi was on Natsu's right using his side as a pillow.
'Ne Natsu' Happy started
'Hmmm' Natsu acknowledge with his arm over his eyes.
'Do you think we're any closer to stopping bloody rose' uttered the exceed, the dragon slayer stared up at the top of the table before replying.
'No idea but hopefully Lucy and Levy will be able to find something so we can stop them before they attack another guild' He answered.
'Yea same' Happy looked down before feeling a warm hand on his head.
'Don't worry buddy i won't let anything happen, no matter what' Natsu finished.
'Neither will I' Happy nodded back.
Eventually the two joined the kids in sleep both hoping that whatever information is gathered is enough to stop the threat before it grows.
It is done yay-
sorry for the long wait i haven't been able to get a good break from work due to christmas hours and new years but i have resolved to try and be quicker at updating.
In regard to Happy I will admit I find him hard to write since its obvious that he had a lot of charater but is often played off as comic relief so just let me know if I ever write him to badly thanks.
Btw the next chapter is planned to be centered round Kai so if it seems that Nashi is getting too much attention don't worry cause Kai will also be involved.
Hope you enjoyed reading
until next time
Violet120-