Chapter 30: I Remember Everything, I'm Home
It's been three days ever since the battle, in the Sabertooth's treatment room, they are now eating in bed.
Sting is eating so much like there is no tomorrow. Lector could only sweat drop on sight.
Rogue shook his head to his friend and Guild Master's antics.
"Rogue" He turned to Frosh, "Don't you want to eat?" He asked in concern. He smiled and pats his head, "I'll eat Frosh." It made Frosh happy.
Yukino is eating quietly and really happy as she eats.
Gray, Erza and Lucy were eating too, they like the food.
"Your cooking is amazing Minerva." Erza commented which made Minerva smile, "Thanks. Hope your liking your stay here."
Erza nodded, "We did and I'm greatful that you had us come here to your guild to treat us."
"What are you talking about? Thank Sting there, he is the guild master." Minerva said as she pointed the eating monster guild master. Erza giggled, "If you say so."
"Umm… how's Natsu?" Lucy asked in concern. Minerva gave a thought before answering, "He's still sleeping. His exceed friend Happy is with him and also that woman, Yua."
On the other side of the room, Natsu is there on the bed, sleeping. On the side is Happy who is concern while Yua is sitting on the chair, waiting for him to wake up.
"Will he be awake?" Happy asked in concern.
Yua studied Natsu for a moment before replying, "Natsu had forced himself to awaken his magic, surely his memories will come back too." She smiled in assurance, "Just let him rest."
Happy smiled, the assurance and the fact that Natsu is starting to remember things is something he can't wait.
Within the dreams, Natsu is seeing all his memories that he had lost, the memories that he had forgotten and the memories he precious. The time of Fairy Tail, his quest, his friends in other guilds, his struggles and battles, his hardship and even his fire Dragon, Igneel.
This time, he is dreaming about a certain memories that he is sure he doesn't know but for some reason he knew about this but long forgotten.
There in front of him was his child self with someone else, the boy with dark hair and eyes.
"Aniki are you heading out now?" The child Natsu asked as he reached his brother. He doesn't want him to go, he wants him to stay and play with him. This person smiled, "Do not worry Natsu, I'll be back okay after the studies is over. I promise."
Natsu pouted but still let him go, knowing there is nothing he can do. "Fine… be home early." The brother smiled, "Okay."
Another memory is shown, the time when Natsu is inside a certain spear. When he opened his eyes, he saw his brother but seems… older.
He smiled and introduced himself, "My name's Zeref Dragneel, I'm your brother… Natsu."
He blinked on the person, knowing full well that his brother wasn't that tall before. Slowly his hand entered the spear he is in and touched him. This warm, there is no mistake, his brother's warm. Zeref continue to smile as he slowly takes him out there. Ones he's out, he hugged his little brother whom he miss so much.
"You're back… finally… Natsu." Zeref murmured to his ears, truly happy for his return. Natsu who still don't understand could only whisper back before he return back to sleep. "A… ni… ki"
Another memory showed. It is him and his brother Zeref in the clear pallet place. Natsu is crying while Zeref is giving a look of understanding.
"NO! Why… why do I have to forget you? Why do I have to kill you? Why… why is this happening to us?" Natsu asked as he cries to his brother's chest. Zeref is comforting his brother, "I'm sorry Natsu but this is the only way. The one who started is me, I'm sorry that I have to make you do this."
"NO! This isn't Aniki's fault! It's me! I… because I died… You just want to revive me Aniki… it's me…"
"Natsu"
"Aniki I'll find another way to save you… so please, don't erase my memories. We had been together ever since, Aniki please!"
Natsu cried really hard to his brother's chest. From afar is Igneel, watching the brothers as Zeref decide to depart with Natsu by erasing his memories about him and shall be sent to be train the child using Dragon Slayer Magic.
"Natsu I know it's hard but someday you will understand my intention. I'm sorry, really sorry that you have to gone through this." Zeref said as his right hand start to glow in black, beginning to erase his memories.
Natsu could feel it and tried to push himself away, refusing to forget him but it's too late because Zeref already inflict him to be paralyzed.
"Natsu"
'No!'
"Natsu"
'Please don't!"
"Natsu"
"Aniki!"
"Forget about me."
Everything became blank.
Natsu opened his eyes and looked around him. He's in bed, alone in the room and seeing the window, its already sunset.
'How did I get here?' He questioned for a moment until he remembered something really important. 'Aniki.'
He sat up from his bed and is about to move out the bed when a voice stop him.
"Where are you going Natsu?" This voice is very familiar. Natsu slowly turned around to see Zeref there, smiling, "Are you looking for me… Natsu."
"Aniki…" Natsu can't believe who he is seeing. Tears came out as he went to him and hugged him, "Aniki!"
Zeref was bit taken aback before smiling to his little brother. He returned the hug, "I miss you so much… Natsu."
Natsu gripped his hands to his back, not planning to him go. "Aniki… I hate you." He whispered which surprise Zeref. "Why? Why did you seal my memories about you? You're cruel… really cruel."
His eyes soften, knowing how upset Natsu feel about him. "I know."
Natsu sob from his cries before asking, "Are you… leaving me again? Are you… here to make me forget about you… again?"
"Natsu"
"I will find a way… a way to destroy that curse. I will not give up until I save you and make you survive."
"No need to trouble yourself Natsu. If I'm destroyed, you're coming with me because reviving you is like my own creation of you. We'll be together."
"But I won't be happy in that kind of ending. Have you ever thought how I would feel about killing my own brother? Have you imagine killing me Aniki? Think on my shoes idiot."
Zeref is silence, before taking a deep breath. "I know… I'm sorry. I know it's painful… for that reason… I will make you forget about me again."
Natsu's eyes widen. He pulled away, showing his shocking look, "You'll… make me forget again?"
"Natsu it's for your own good."
"When have you ever thought it would be my own good? Just when did you ever listen to me Aniki!?" Natsu shouted in glare, he's angry. "You forced me to forget, all this time I lived in ignorance and now that I finally break the spell you had put inside my head you will do it again!? How could you!? Do you regret reviving me? Do you regret creating me and turning me into an etherious? Do you now see me as a tool of your own destruction!?"
"N-no it's not like that Natsu, its-"
"ENOUGH!" Natsu's hand blazed in flame. "I can't listen to you anymore!"
"Natsu" Zeref could only whisper as he could see his little brother's anger. He understood his anger but still… he can't do anything about it. "I'm sorry."
Zeref dashed forward as Natsu will do whatever it takes to defend himself but then his body aches from the pain. This made Natsu twitch in annoyance and Zeref took this opportunity to touch his forehead and began using his magic as it entered to Natsu's mind that slowly ones again locks his memories. The effect of being locked ones again makes Natsu go weak and sleepy.
"A-Ani… ki… s-stop…"
"Natsu… I'm sorry but I have to do this, for you." Zeref whispered as he continued his work. He used his free hand to catch the falling brother and hugged his brother tightly. "The one who could free me is you which I am so happy to see in near future. But you know, being with me could only give you pain and suffering that is why I want you to live in your fullest, get stronger, became happy. I can't give those things to you, that's why forgetting me is for the best, for your own future."
Natsu forced himself to stare at his brother's eyes that reflect pain, sorrow and guilt. He can't help but tears fall down to his eyes.
"Sleep my little brother." Zeref whispered as finally, Natsu closed his eyes and sleep. "Sleep and let the remaining time be your happiness… I love you… Natsu."
Natsu's expression seems peaceful, as peaceful as he's forgetting his anger and pain from his brother that he will soon forget. Finishing his seal, Zeref carried Natsu back to his bed and put a blanket around him, now wanting him to get cold.
Zeref heard the door open but didn't mind who came in the room. All his focus is to his little brother and him alone. He heard the door closed and the person who came in is staring at him. The Black magician careless his hair for one last time, carving the happiness that he had missed so long, ever since he and his brother separate and the time where his own lover, Mavis died.
Zeref took something from his white toga and revealed to be a scarf that Natsu precious the most, given by his foster father Dragon, Igneel. He used the scarf to return it to Natsu, wrapping it to his neck like he usually does. He smiled as he stared at his little brother.
'Be happy without me Natsu… if ever fate will make us together ones again, I promise… I will never leave you again.' He kissed his little brother's forehead, giving his last affection before turning to the person who's been watching them.
"I'm leaving Natsu in your care." Zeref murmured before disappearing on sight like a wind.
The person who came in and watched him left is none other than Yua. Her expression is complete normal as she stared at the place where he had disappeared and Natsu sleeping on the bed.
Evening is when Natsu woke up from his slumber. He could feel his head troubling in pain. He also felt something important is missing from his mind but he can't figure it out the who and what at all.
That's also when he felt something to his neck and turned to see his scarf that he treasured. He is surprise to see it back to him in peace.
"Natsu I'm glad you're awake." He turned to his side and saw Yua, sitting on the chair, crossed hands and legs. "Yua-san."
Yua smiled, "From what I see in your color, I can finally say your memories had returned."
Natsu smiled back and nod, "Thanks to all of you Yua-san… so how's everyone and where are we? The guild is destroyed so this wouldn't be-"
"Not Fairy Tail Guild. We're in Sabertooth Guild to get treated. Sting and the others are in the next room, they are worried about you more than themselves."
"For real? How long I am out?"
"Three days." Yua said bluntly which surprise Natsu, "WHAT!?" She chuckle, "Don't worry, they are same as you just that they all woke up early than you. Happy is here too but now currently downstairs to eat food while I'm here to watch over you."
"Oh…" Suddenly they heard a loud growl of stomach from Natsu. Yua could only blink on the sound she had heard, no sign of laughing at all.
"Hungry?"
"Deadly"
Hearing he's awake made everyone go to his room to see him. Natsu is really happy to see them while they are more than happy to learn that Natsu indeed remember everything. The large smile he always showed to everyone is there too. Yua and Minerva soon served foods for Natsu which he dig in like no tomorrow, more than Sting which shocked the Sabertooth while Fairy Tail could only smile and shook their head. Yup, this is indeed their precious Natsu.
"S-so w-what's hapning to Fary Tail?" Natsu asked as he munched his food. Yua gave a glare, "Don't talk when eating." It seems that made Natsu terrified.
Lucy could only sweat drop as she brokenly laugh before replying Natsu, "Everyone are rebuilding the guild Natsu. They want it to be finished before you return."
Natsu swallowed his food before blinking, "For my return?"
"Of course silly, you're our Nakama. You just experience something that could make you gone forever." Gray said with a smile. Erza nodded, "Beside you had done so much before, I think it's time for us to do the same for you."
"Aye!"
"Everyone" Natsu can't seems to believe, it made him… really happy. "Thanks guys."
They all smiled to him.
Natsu turned to Sting, Rogue, Lector, Frosh and Yukino and smiled. "Sting, Lector, Rogue, Frosh, Yukino thank you for everything you had done to me."
Sting grin, "No need to thank us Natsu-san, you do know we should thanking you." Lector nodded, completely agrees. "That's right Natsu-san, without you we won't be what we are now."
"Fro think so too." Frosh said with a smile. Rogue smiled, "We're all Nakama, Sabertooth and Fairy Tail. We just help each other."
Yukino smiled, "Natsu-sama we're so happy and thankful to you."
Natsu grinned to them.
Yua who's watching the whole scene smiled and turned to the Sabertooth, "Now that Natsu remembered everything, that would mean your quest is over. Thank you for taking the Returning Back Home quest Sabertooth."
"You should thank Lector here Yua-san, he found your quest flier and gave it to me." Sting said with a smile that surprise Lector. "E-EH!? B-but Master I-I mean Sting-kun."
"Is that so." She turned to Lector, "Thank you Lector."
Lector blushed before turning away, "I-It's nothing."
Everyone laugh while Yua just smile. The night is full of laughter and joy.
Next day, Natsu, Happy, Lucy, Gray and Erza are now heading out, returning to their guild. Sting, Rogue, Lector, Frosh and Yukino will come along with them, same for Yua.
"Do you still remember how to make the pills?" Yua asked as she stared at the Dragon Slayers taking their pills for the motion sickness. Natsu grin as he took the medicine and swallowed it, "Yup, no need to worry."
Yua nodded, glad that he does. Natsu became silence after that.
"What's wrong Natsu?" Happy asked seems concern. "Well…" Natsu seems bothered by something before turning to Yua, "Yua-san do you know how I got my scarf back?"
Happy seems to realized the weirdness about the scarf, "That's right. When Natsu is still sleeping, he doesn't have that scarf before, we didn't even found it in their base."
"I actually don't know that too. When I came to his room yesterday, he's already wearing that scarf." Yua said straightly even though it is a lie. Her lie is hard to detect, she's good at covering it.
Both gave a questioning look to one another, still curious of how he got his scarf back.
Riding on the Train, Natsu seems so happy that he can no longer feel motion sickness in riding transportation. Sting feels the same way too which is why they always grin for victory. Rogue could only shake his head to his fellow Dragon Slayer in their childish side.
Fairy Tail didn't seem to mind it, even Yukino and the other exceeds, even Yua who just enjoy watching them.
"So where are you going after this?" Gray asked in whisper to the Hydrologic Magician. She only turned to the window before replying to the Ice Make and Devil Slayer. "Who knows… maybe continue my wondering adventure?"
"I don't see that's what you're planning to do."
"Why do you care Gray? We're not close enough for you to know things about me."
Gray is silence, knowing she's kind of right. Yua could only smirk before turning back to the scenery.
They soon arrived to Magnolia and went to Fairy Tail Guild. Natsu is really surprise so are everyone. The Guild is rebuilt, completely finished and like, nothing happened at all.
"Y-you got to be kidding!" Sting said in shock. Sabertooth were actually the most shock more than everyone else.
Natsu's jaw is already dropped ever since he saw how good the Guild looks like.
"Natsu a fly might enter your mouth if you keep that open." Happy said which made Natsu close it.
"But man, I can't believe those guys did it." Gray commented. Lucy nodded as she agree, "Everyone would eventually shock upon seeing a fast rebuilt of our guild."
Erza could only huff, "What are you talking about Lucy, the Magic Council had helped us rebuilt our guild."
"For real!?" Lucy is shock to hear that… wait… that would mean…
"Don't worry, Jellal and the others just left before they arrive to help Lucy." Happy assured which made her glad. "That's good to hear."
Erza turned to Gray who nod before both of them walked on the closed door then turned to Natsu. They both smile as they both open the door at the same time and what's inside surprised him.
The first thing he saw is a huge banner for him that says, 'Welcome Home Natsu!' with his picture. Below are many kinds of food with a large cake and there is everyone too, smiling brightly as they welcome their Fire Dragon Slayer home.
Their surprise made him numb, it was actually hard to believe they prepared something so big just for him.
Makarov went to the stunned Nakama and smiled, "What's wrong Natsu? Can't believe we will do this for you?" Natsu turned to him, still wide eyes in shock. "G-Gramps… thi-this is…" Makarov chuckle before smiling brightly, "Welcome home Natsu."
"Welcome Home Natsu." Everyone echoed.
Natsu turned to them and began to smile, "I'm home everyone!"
"Let's party you brats!" Makarov shouted in announcement. They all shout in respond as the party started.
Lisanna, Lucy and Gajeel invited Sting and the others to join which they did. Yua was just watching when Levy approached her and told her to join too, she's actually not sure if it's the best to join but in the end, she did.
The party was fun, full of noise, food and most of all joy. There is Mirajane singing in the stage, Cana and the others having a drink contest, laughs of their comrade's funny dance and the most of all, Natsu's childness and cheerfulness.
Next who sing was Gajeel and as expected his singing is… well kind of lame or weird. Rogue could only sweat drop on his singing, it reminds him of Orga. Sting already jaw drop with Lector, Yukino could only giggle while Frosh is still normal.
Irritated already, Natsu gave Gajeel a punch and that's where the melee battle started. Everyone is present on the rampage, well not really all of them. Lucy, Wendy, Yukino, Lisanna, Levy and the exceeds are now hiding in order not to get involved. Mirajane is already unconscious due to something hit her head, Erza is spinning both Jet and Droy around because someone had just drop her favorite strawberry cake, Laxus, Yua, Makarov and Mavis are on the second floor, watching their melee battle.
Mavis could only smile, "This is how Fairy Tail should be." She commented. Macarov nod in agreement, "It's good that everything is back the way it is."
Yua is watching Natsu punching Gray and Sting. She could see how happy Natsu is, not only him but everyone else.
"Ever thinking our Guild is weird?" Laxus asked as he drinks his sake and eyes focusing on his Nakama. Yua could only smirk as she drinks hers, "Not really… Just that…" She finished it to herself, 'Even if I knew what kind of guild you all, seeing it myself makes me jealous.'
"By the way, it may sound rude but Doranbolt told me he'll come here for you Yua." Macarov said as he eyed on her. She seems to know the reason and much more expected it as she kept smirking, "Not that I mind at all."
Mavis studied her, for some reason she could feel something about her, especially about the necklace she's been wearing. She still remembered how much she had protected it from Ernest too. 'I am sure there is a magic surrounding it but something is covering it too… I wonder what kind of magic that would be.'
Soon enough, Doranbolt arrived the guild and sweat drop on the scene he had seen. There, everyone are down, full of bruses from their melee battle, still none of them regret it nor took grudge from it at all.
"Oh you arrived Mest." Doranbolt turned to Macarov who approached him. He smiled and nodded, "Is she here?"
Macarov nod as he turned and point her through gaze. He saw Yua talking to Natsu with Happy.
Natsu sat up and frown, "You truly leaving? Why? You can just stay here Yua-san."
"Natsu you do know that I can't do that. Your already home, there is no need for me to stay here." Yua reasoned much that made him frown even more.
"Why don't you want to stay? You can be part of Fairy Tail." Happy said which made her chuckle. "I appreciate the invitation but I must reject it for personal reason."
"May I know what's that personal reason?" The three turned to Doranbolt who approached them. Yua smirk, "None of your business. So, tell us what happened to those people?"
Doranbolt narrowed his eyes, debating whenever to tell or not. In the end, he did. "Ernest Norwich is sentenced to be locked in jail in eternity, as for the magicians many other people that had become his subject, they will be confined until they can find a way to recover their will. The on the run, Philip is captured thanks to Gajeel and now been sentenced to jail as well."
"Good to know." Yua said which raised his eye brow, "I heard that a man named Levin is your previous student, same for that girl Estrela. Not going to ask those two?"
"Estrela never became my student as for Levin I already cut my connection to him. I don't really care what happened to them." Yua said in a matter-fact of tone.
"Yua-san are you serious?" Natsu seems to be surprise to what she had said. Yua nod, thinking no problem at all, "Levin made a choice of his own, I am not someone who should tell him what to do right? He's no longer a kid, unlike you Natsu."
Natsu glared, "HEY!" She only chuckle.
Doranbolt sigh before becoming serious, "Yua… will you come with me?"
Happy and Natsu questioned this. "Hoy where are you taking Yua-san Mest?"
Yua could already guess it, "He wants me to come to the Magic Council and sentenced me… right?"
Now that widens his eyes. The Sabertooth seems to be surprised as well.
"They are taking Yua-san!?" Sting asked in disbelief. Lector answered the obvious one, "She did kill and she said it herself. Still I didn't think they would make that action."
"Mest you can't take Yua-san away, she's-"
"It's fine Natsu." Yua interrupt which surprise not only Natsu but everyone else who were watching. "Still, even if I surrender myself, just let me make you remember that I don't regret any of my action."
Doranbolt can't help but narrow his eyes. She didn't regret murdering people, how many died in her hands in the first place!? He walked forward as he showed a handcuff that not only restrained someone's hand but also the person's magic.
"Should I say thanks for the cooperation?" Doranbolt asked as he put it to both of her hands. Yua continue to smirk as if not minding that at all, "Decide that on your own."
Yua turned to Natsu who's still in disbelief about what she had decided to do. Yua smiled, "Thank you… Natsu."
"Yua… san…" Natsu whispered.
Doranbolt closed his eyes and gave a silent apology. He doesn't want to do this, especially about the day of their party but the 10 saint wizards kept pushing him to do this, telling him she can't roam around when they learned about her. Quickly both Doranbolt and Yua disappeared on sight.
Everything became silent, not knowing what to do, especially comfort Natsu who's now going to tear up when they heard a loud smack hit Natsu's head. Everyone blink, not knowing who did that.
"Don't be so dramatic Natsu, like heck I'll let him take me away." A very familiar voice said. All eyes widen as they saw the culprit, its none other than Yua in her stoic expression. She crossed her arms, "But I must said, it's easy to fool him like many others and what's more using his own magic to change my mind to surrender. That future will never happen."
It took a while before everyone could shout, "EEEEEH!"
"Wha-what did you just do to fool him?" Macarov asked, knowing how well Doranbolt can be cautious around her, he can't be fool so easily. Yua smirked, "Illusion by the use of mist to duplicate myself to take my place. It will soon disappear eventually."
Mavis is shocked, she never encounter such strong illusion before.
Yua continue to smirk as she began to tease Natsu which made him shout in embarrassment before chasing after her to stop which Yua could only laugh as she flawlessly dodge every single one of them.
Sunset when everyone are now standing in front of the guild as they now say good bye to both Sabertooth and Yua.
Sting stepped forward with a smile, "Natsu-san don't forget your promise, we'll surely come and surpass you." Natsu grin, "Yeah I promise. Be sure to visit anytime, your all welcome here."
Yukino smiled to his words, "Of course. You are also welcome to visit us too Natsu-sama, everyone else too."
They all smiled to her.
Rogue turned to Yua and gave his gratitude, "Yua-san thank you for everything you had done to us, especially accepting us to take this quest."
Sting, Lector and Yukino faced her and also gave their gratitude. Fairy Tail too gave their gratitude for taking care of Natsu when he's still missing. Natsu of course feel like being a baby here.
Yua on the other hand is more than surprise. She never thought being thank, not really in her entire life. 'This people… why are they so bright?' She wondered before smiling, can't hide the true feelings at all. "No problem at all."
Natsu stepped forward and asked hesitantly, "Will you… come and visit?"
Yua from within wasn't really sure if she could but… "I will Natsu." In her mind, 'I hope.'
Finally Sting with his party and Yua left on their own ways. For them to return back to their home Sabertooth Guild while Yua head off to the unknown destination.
Natsu could only stare at them as they leave, hoping and believing that someday, he will meet them again.
"Natsu feeling alright?" Mirajane asked gently, knowing it's really hard to say farewell even though they knew they will meet again. Natsu turned to her and smile, "Yeah, I'm fine Mira… and… thank you for everything you had done to me."
Mirajane smiled, telling no problem at all.
"Natsu!" Happy called with a large smile as he landed to his shoulder. Everyone is staring at him, seems waiting about something from him.
Natsu only grin, knowing what it is. "Yoosh! I'm getting fired up! Everyone let's party!"
They all shout in response.
"Aye Sir!"
"Ehhh!? We're still partying!?" Lucy is the only one who is shock to it.
I do not own Fairy Tail
Well that's how it is readers. For clarification there is only two chapters left before it ends. Thank you for reading my fanfic, following and favorites, I hope that you all liked it.
Your author hope in next chapter you are all still keep looking forward for it.
Next chapter: July 27