Natsu's New Rival

Chapter 5

Wyvern. I had only read of such creatures but they are supposed to be fierce. After hearing more details about them I started to wonder why I picked this mission. It was going to be tough but with the four of us, it shouldn't be too difficult. Right? I shivered slightly as the sun was starting to set. Natsu walked next to me with a bored expression set on his boyishly handsome face. He wasn't happy with the plan that Erza and I came up with.

The streets were starting to empty as everyone packed up for the day. No one wanted to be out past dark anymore. People were rushing, trying to get to their homes before the sun fully left the glowing sky. As we walked, time slowly ticked by. We were waiting, waiting for the Wyvern to return to this town. We were told by the mayor that the Wyvern started to attack around one month ago, always at night.

Burning houses, destroying property was only a small amount of the damage these creatures had done so far and they had to be dealt with. Lives have been lost and countless others have been injured. It's sad to realize that if we had come sooner, then we could have prevented at least some of it. It's a heavy burden to have on your shoulders. The weight of the townspeople's lives.

"This sucks," Natsu commented. His shoulders slumped, as his pace slowed. "I don't see why we couldn't just go with my plan, it would have been a lot faster."

"Because Natsu, we have no idea where they are. The forest is too large to search and we can't leave the town without protection." My answer was a bit tempered but the way he acts gets to me. His impatient attitude is tiresome. Always wanting to just burn down the whole forest to find them quicker.

He was just that type of guy, all brawn and no brains. He was a man of action and left the thinking to someone else. But how did he ever finish a solo mission that way? I could only imagine the results of that. That's probably why he has such a reputation. A cool breeze sent shivers down my spine. Glancing over, I wondered how Natsu could walk around in such clothes yet not be effected. The breeze blew harder as his vest opened with the sway of the wind.

I felt the heat starting to grow once more as I stared at the perfection that lays under those clothes. Subconsciously, I moved closer. Seeking out the warmth that this man emitted. He seemed oblivious to my gaze as he continued to walk, his large strong hands held behind his head. His personality wasn't the best but his body was a work of art.

"I thought we were supposed to keep an eye out for the Wyvern, not on me." His statement caught me by surprise. My cheeks flared red as I realized that I had been staring at him for quite some time. Not just at him, but at his abs and chest. He turned to face me, a smirk forming on his face. "Like what you see?"

"W-what! Of course not! I was just wondering how you weren't cold. Nothing more!" My reply came too quickly, he could tell that I was lying. He shrugged as he continued to walk.

"No need to lie about it. I don't blame you for staring, I am just too awesome to not stare." He winked causing the blush to intensify. I turned my head in the other direction in hopes that he wouldn't notice. At that moment, there was a faint flapping sound carried by the wind. Natsu stopped walking and quickly turned around. Following his gaze, I noticed there were small shapes forming in the dark sky. They were just barely visible against the navy blue.

"Natsu," I couldn't pull my eyes from the shadows as they got closer, taking shape as they came.

"Yeah, it's them." He answered knowing what I was asking, A screech pierced the air as a smile formed on Natsu's face. "It's about time! I'm all fired up!"

Flames formed along his fist that seemed to reflect in his eyes. The Wyvern were nearing fast and I could see the anticipation building inside him. His flames steadily grew the closer they got. Another screech and they were finally close enough. Natsu launched forward, a smile spread across his face and a look in his eyes that I have never seen before.

Determination, power, and confidence. That's the only way I could describe it. Natsu fist hit against the creatures jaw causing it to shoot back several feet. It dived towards Natsu, jaws aimed at his throat. It's sharp teeth just barely missed as Natsu dodged. His legs connected with the underside of the beast as it screeched in pain. Its green scales shined in the moonlight, sharp orange spikes trailed down it's back. The Wyvern was large, with dark green wings that were three times longer that even Natsu's height.

The books I had read did nothing for the ferocity that came with this creature. Sharp teeth and claws spiked fear in me as I imagined the pain they could induce. I stood there frozen, watching as Natsu fought the Wyvern all on his own. The Wyvern rose its clawed arm and swung at Natsu. The tips scraped against Natsu's arm as crimson red flowed down, pooling at his feet.

"Natsu!" The sight of my injured teammate pulled me out of my shock. He needed help and fast. The metallic smell reached my nose as my heart pounded against my chest. Running towards Natsu, I pulled a key off the ring. "Open gate of the lion, Leo!"

A golden light formed as my spirit appeared. His orange spiked hair blew with the breeze as he pushed his blue tinted glasses up with his finger.

"It's been awhile Princess." I knew he was right. Leo was my strongest spirit, I rarely used him unless I felt it was needed. Plus his playboy ways tended to annoy me. "And you're looking as lovely as ever."

"Leo, forget about that and attack! Natsu is injured!" My shout removed the smirk from his face as he turned to access the scene. His eyes widened when they landed on Natsu then turned to face the Wyvern. Leo prepared for his attack as Natsu's flames increased in volume.

Natsu and Leo stood side by side, ready for the incoming attack. The Wyvern breathed in deeply, its white chest rising with the air it was taking in. Opening wider, fire erupted in its throat as flames licked the sides of its mouth. With a roar the fire made its way out the mouth and shot towards Natsu and Leo. Leo dodged as Natsu stood still, not moving nor flinching at the attack that was heading straight for him.

"Natsu watch out!" I shouted as worry consumed me. I felt fear biting at me as I watched in horror. What was he doing? How stupid can he be?! The fire inched towards him as I stood there. No! This can't be happening. He may be annoying but I didn't want him to die! The flames surrounded him as tears flowed down my face. He was my comrade, my guildmate.

The flames started to lessen, as a gasping sound filled my ears. I saw him standing there, sucking in the flames as if they were air. My eyes widened in wonder. How was he doing that? I rushed towards him, wanting to see the damage they caused. I came face to face with a smirking Natsu.

"Thanks for the meal." He licked his lips as he pat his stomach. What was that? I stared at him amazed for a moment before I felt a gust of wind fly passed me. Natsu shot towards the creature sending another fiery punch at it. Leo used his Regulus impact as Natsu alternated hits. Punching then kicking, kicking then punching. This man was better than I thought.

Natsu jumped back, landing several feet away. His eyes held the same intensity as his flames while his scarf swayed with the wind. His cheeks swelled as his hands shot up to cup his lips.

"Fire dragons roar!" Flames shot out of his mouth, aimed towards the Wyvern. The temperature surrounding the area spiked drastically as sweat started to form on my brow. Leo had to jump away from the creature to avoid being consumed in Natsu's flames. The flames surrounded the beast as it howled in pain. They were beating the Wyvern without the slightest bit of help from me. I had never felt so useless. The flames dissipated as burns covered the dragon-like creature. If I didn't know that dragons were extinct then I would have been convinced that this was one.

Leo charged forward once more, continuing his previous attack. Golden light formed around his fists as each hit pushed the Wyvern back further and further. Using the flames around Natsu's feet, he accelerated towards it. The Wyvern roared once more before striking Leo with its deadly claws. Flying backwards, Leo was thrown through one of the buildings as the inhabitants fled, running in the opposite direction. Their screams could be heard for several minutes before dying out.

"Leo!" I yelled, racing over to the destroyed home. Pulling stone and wooden planks from the rubble pile, a speck of orange caught my eye. I dug deeper and quicker as I heard the fight continuing behind me. Finally I freed Leo from the rubble as I laid him upon my lap.

"Leo! Leo, are you okay?" I brushed the dust and dirt out of his mane-like hair. His eyes opened and a smile spread over his face.

"Thank you for worrying about me princess, but I will be just fine." Pulling himself to his feet, I watched as he joined in the fight once more. The battle continued, and even with two on one it seemed to be getting nowhere. It was a scary thought to think that even with all of us, we still couldn't seem to take down this creature. The Wyvern reared back, its winged arms thrashing at Leo and Natsu. Natsu dodged easily but it was clear that Leo was feeling the strain of the battle. His movements were slowing, his power lacking.

The Wyvern pulled its arm back once more, this time using more strength behind it. I watched as the sharp claws made their way towards Leo. My spirit was in danger. My friend needed help. I watched helplessly from the sidelines. I wouldn't be able to make it in time. There was nothing I could do. Fear consumed me. I started to panic. Leo's eyes widened. He saw the claws that were heading for him.

He couldn't avoid it. In seconds they would make a direct hit. I closed my eyes. I didn't want to see my friend get hurt. Biting my lip, I felt the blood draining into my mouth. The pain was nothing compared to the fear. Fear of watching my friend fall.

"Ice make shield!"