Chapter 12 is now here!
Lucy had offered Wendy to take the couch, while she set up her own bed using the blankets on the floor, right in front of the fireplace. Wendy was already fast asleep, and Happy seemed to be dreaming peacefully as well, thanks to Wendy's magic. Lucy, on the other hand, had too much on her mind to fall asleep, so she instead listened to the crackling fire in the fireplace. The flames grew to be larger and wider, allowing her to become fully embraced by its comfort and warmth. It reminded her of Natsu's fire, and how he was always there to provide her with a strong sense of safety. It certainly wasn't there before, but Lucy could now see how this current Natsu is opening up his warmth. It's in his own, unique way, but Lucy knew that could be nothing more pure.
"Is the fire bothering you?"
Lucy turned around to see Natsu walking into the kitchen. His hair was brushed and he was changed into clean nightclothes.
"I could eat it if you want…"
Lucy chuckled. Natsu was never that good at humor, but she enjoyed it. It seemed like that part of him was apparent in any time dimension. Lucy sat up, shaking her head. "No thanks. It's comforting, actually."
Lucy had a lot of questions to ask this Natsu, because she knew that any detail she collected could help with bringing the old Natsu back. However, she didn't want to come off so brash to him, considering that he was her guild's enemy.
She decided to wait on her questions, but even so, there was one that she couldn't help but ask.
"Hey, uh, why did you bring me here along with Wendy?" She asked rather bluntly. "She's the one with the healing magic, so what was the point of taking me as well?"
Natsu grabbed a glass from his shelf and filled it with water. He thought for a moment before responding. "I didn't want your friend to feel uncomfortable if it was just her at my house. So, I guess I was just lucky that you were there when I arrived."
Lucy didn't really expect that answer from him.
Natsu leaned his back onto the kitchen counter, looking into her eyes. "Now, answer my question. You… must be afraid of me." He said, taking a sip from his water. "I'm the top mage of Dark sparrows, which is the greatest enemy to your guild. And on top of that, I kidnapped you. Why are you taking this so well?"
The real reason is simple. It is because she was not afraid of him. Not when she has known him as her best friend, and since she could clearly see his true nature. He is actually a sweet and caring person, just like the Natsu she knew back home. "You don't scare me, Natsu."
He furrowed his eyebrows, not fully understanding what she was saying. "I don't scare you? I literally destroyed your guild two years ago during that war. I think I even killed some of your members."
Obviously, Lucy did not remember this war. Even so, it seemed that everyone was afraid of Natsu's actions during it. And as Lucy could tell, it looked like Natsu was unnerved by what he did as well. "Natsu… are you afraid of killing people?"
He hesitated. "No… why would I be? I told you, I'm a Dark—"
"Okay," Lucy interrupted. "Sure, you're the Dark Sparrow prodigy. But that's only your title. That doesn't identify you. So who are you, really?"
Natsu remained silent, staring at his cup of water.
"I'll tell you who I think you are. You're just a softy under all that tough skin. You don't enjoy killing, or doing evil, but it's what you've been raised to do." Lucy knew she was stepping into dangerous territory, prodding a stick at his weaknesses in order to understand him fully. But she knew. She knew that what she was saying was correct because she had realized that this is Natsu's true nature, that he has the roots of compassion and love for others. It's a great quality… she admitted. And I admire that.
"You must love to analyze people."
"So… you do admit that you have a soft side?"
Natsu lowered his head, and his gaze fell to the floor. "I've always had one, and that's what makes me weak to my guild." Natsu's voice had lowered when he spoke the last part. Lucy knew whenever Natsu was getting personal. For the old Natsu, his tone became serious, and his eyebrows knit together as he carefully chose his words. He would always do that when he talked about his weaknesses, and it seemed like this Natsu was no different. Natsu closed his eyes and chuckled. "What's the point of telling you this. You're just going to report everything I say to your guild master anyways."
Lucy shook her head. "I may be in Fairytail, but that doesn't mean you can't trust me. I'm true to my words, Natsu. You don't scare me— hey, are you alright?" Lucy was afraid that it was something that she said. Natsu dropped his glass cup, and it shattered on the floor next to him. He didn't even flinch to the noise, only grabbing his wrist to stop it from trembling.
"Sorry… Just, don't say that name again… your guild name…" He said through gritted teeth.
The glass shattering had caused Wendy to jolt awake. She jumped, frantically looking around, trying to remember where she was. Lucy got out of her make-shift bed and hurried to Wendy's side. "Don't worry Wendy, Natsu had only dropped a glass."
She took a shaky breath, nodding her head. "Oh."
Natsu cursed under his breath before bending down to pick up the shards.
Lucy got up from the couch, looking at Natsu with concern. "Hey, do you need help? What was that all about?"
"Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll tell you later, but for now, just don't say your guild's name, or remove your bandages…"
They were odd requests, but Lucy nodded her head anyways. "Yeah, okay."
"Thanks. Sorry for waking you up, uh…"
"It's Wendy," The girl said, rubbing her eyes.
Natsu doesn't know our names. Of course he wouldn't! "And I'm Lucy."
"Right." Natsu stood up, the shards of glass in his hands. "And since we are doing formalities, I'm Natsu. But you already knew that." He tossed the shards in the trash and turned to head upstairs. "Sorry to wake you both up, I'll see you guys in the morning."
Wendy rubbed her eyes and let out a big yawn. "What time even is it?"
Lucy looked at the clock hanging above the fireplace. "1:30 am."
: : :
Natsu did not know how he felt with these two girls in his house. One was afraid of him, and the other wanted to dig deep into his life. What was her name… Lucy? It's odd how the first time he met her, back in Solona village, he had immediately felt a connection. And here she was now, not in the least intimidated by him kidnapping her and her little friend. Such an odd girl.
Natsu overslept. He woke up at 12 pm and quickly got dressed. He walked down the stairs to check if his "guests" were awake, and was surprised to see Wendy and Lucy chatting as they shuffled around in the kitchen. Lucy was cooking eggs, while Wendy mixed a batch of pancake batter. Natsu didn't know how to react to this scene, but he completely froze when he saw a jolly blue cat kicking his legs as he sat on the counter.
"Happy!" Natsu cried, rushing to his kitchen counter to wrap his best friend into a tight hug. "I'm so glad that you're okay."
"I would have been a goner if it wasn't for Wendy! She saved me with her healing powers!"
Wendy smiled, her cheeks blushing. "Oh Happy, you know it's nothing…"
Natsu looked down, his face heated with guilt. "I'm sorry, buddy. I attacked you yesterday, and you could've died because of that… What kind of friend does that make me?"
Happy hugged Natsu even tighter, burying his nose into the crook of his friend's shoulder. "Don't worry, you will always be my best friend. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side!"
Natsu shut his eyes, holding onto his closest friend. He hated to admit it, but he desperately needed Happy. Without him by his side, Natsu didn't think that he could handle dark guild missions, or practically anything, on his own. Happy was his stronghold whenever Natsu fell into the depths of darkness. In his hardest times, his feline friend was always there. Natsu could say that for all of his family; Ruby, Diesel, Seph, Siren, they all knew what was best for him, even when he didn't.
Wendy looked at Happy and Natsu with a soft smile. "You two make sure that you have each other's backs." Natsu smiled back at her and nodded.
Lucy flipped her eggs onto a plate and pushed it towards Natsu. "Here you go, sunny-side ups. Happy says they're your favorite."
Natsu sat onto the counter chair and accepted the plate of eggs. "Thanks, Lucy… It seems that you and Wendy are getting along great with Happy."
Happy flopped onto Natsu's shoulder. "They're amazing! I think I made two new friends today…"
"Thanks, Happy, we're glad you're just doing okay," Lucy replied, setting down a plate of scrambled eggs for Wendy and herself.
Natsu looked at Happy, noticing how he had fewer bandages around his torso and arms. I guess they're right. He is healing.
"I'll stay true to my word. Since Happy is healed, you both could leave whenever."
Wendy stopped mixing her bowl of pancake batter and looked at Natsu with eager eyes. "Really?"
Natsu nodded, taking another mouthful of eggs. "But come back whenever you'd like. These eggs are great."
Happy sulked, sliding off Natsu's shoulder. "Awwww… But Natsu, please don't let them leave so soon!"
It seemed like Lucy opposed his statement as well. Her lips were pressed into a thin line. "Happy's right… I don't think he is fully healed yet! Didn't we agree not to leave until your cat is completely healed?"
Natsu studied Happy, looking at all his bandages again. "Well… I guess I'll need help rewrapping those bandages. Really, it's Wendy's call. She's the healer."
Wendy was surprised by the sudden attention. Lucy and Happy looked at her with pleading eyes, and Natsu waited for an answer. Natsu understood why Happy wanted them to stay; he doesn't really get along with the Dark Sparrow members, besides Siren and the group, so he had probably really enjoyed the company of Lucy and Wendy.
But why does Lucy want to stay so bad? Does she really want to make sure that Happy turns out to be okay?
"Well, um…" Wendy looked like she was lost on what to say. Natsu did know just how much she despised him, so he wouldn't really blame her on leaving. But for Happy's sake…
"I guess we could stay for only a few more hours. Just to make sure that you don't need any more healing." Wendy told Happy in a soft voice. "But Laxus still needs healing, and I'm sure that everyone is worried sick about us back in fairy—"
Happy jumped forward, pressing his paws against her lips. "Hey, don't say your guild's name in front of Natsu!"
Wendy's eyes were wide as she looked at Happy.
"Why? I don't get it." Lucy said, looking from Wendy to Natsu. "You say that we can't show our guild marks or speak our guild's name. What's the reason to it?"
Happy looked at Natsu, seeing if he was going to share his secret.
"If you're going to stay around a little longer, I might as well tell you why."
Happy looked a bit worried. "Natsu… if master found out you told the enemy guild…"
"Don't worry, I trust them." Natsu said, grinning at Lucy. "Remember the war we had two years ago, between our guilds?"
Lucy and Wendy nodded.
"Well, my master found me as a major asset to winning this war. But, there was one flaw in me that he saw as... problematic. I refused to kill. So, he used his magic to cast a mind manipulation spell on me, a very powerful spell he learned that changes a person's way of thinking. He has lost magic, and this ancient spell is able to link that person's emotion with anything he desires. He used this on me, connecting your guild's brand with a manipulated version of my anger. Ever since then, I have an 'artificial drive' to kill when it comes to your guild." Natsu's head hung low, and a shadow covered his eyes. "The spell is supposed to be worn off by now, but I still sometimes feel its effects. Even thinking about your guild makes me lightheaded…" Natsu closed his eyes shut, and the corner of his mouth twisted upwards. Look at me... I'm so pathetic.
Natsu never liked killing, and the idea of it still sickens him. The fact that he has given up some of his own will for the sake of the Dark Sparrows had never sat well with him, but Ruby, Siren, Diesel, and Seph say that it is what must be done. Even so, the war with Fairytail was not the first time Master had used this lost magic on him. There were multiple times when he was assigned to kill people during missions, and Master would simply use his magic to "motivate" Natsu to kill every time he was given the request. If Master gave the name of the guild or town, then the spell gave Natsu a specific drive to destroy them. Those smaller spells did not last as long, since they were only missions. But for the war… Natsu had never seen master create a bigger magic circle in his life. He knew that the spell he had on Fairytail was going to last for a long time.
"Natsu…" Wendy gasped, her hands clasped over her mouth.
Natsu looked up, nearly forgetting that they were there. That's it. He had told his darkest secret to a pair of Fairytail girls. What was he thinking? The only other people who knew were Siren and the others, so why did he entrust this secret with them?
Natsu closed his eyes, petrified on what they would do with this information. "Please don't tell anyone… I wouldn't want this to spread…"
Lucy set her fork down and spun towards Natsu. She pressed her hands on the counter, and Natsu can make out her trembling frame. "Your master… took away your will to act on your own… What he did was outright cruel! He should be ashamed of himself! He has no right to treat his own guild members this way!"
Happy tilted his head, muddled on Lucy's words. "What Master did was cruel? I thought it was helping Natsu become a stronger person."
Wendy shook her head with dismay. "No Happy, it's not right to do that to a person. The actions you do and the things you believe in are what defines you, so removing that ability for you to follow your own morals is like taking away a piece of your identity."
Natsu didn't know what to say. He had never seen his guild master's actions as unjust… he had only thought of it as something that needed to be done. Lucy and Wendy, they were just both so different from the people he had grown up with. And at the same time, he loved it. It's as if some part of him agreed with everything they said.
Natsu chuckled. "You guys are something else. Look, I need to go, or else my pals will come looking for me. So will you two continue to watch over Happy while I'm gone?"
Wendy nodded. "Yes, we can do that."
"Great. I'll be back in a few hours. Hopefully you guys will still be here while I'm gone." Natsu didn't know why he said that last part. Maybe he enjoyed their company as well.
"Don't worry. We wouldn't want to leave Happy by himself." Lucy said, patting his fur.
"Lucy, Wendy, you're are so kind! I hope we'll stay great friends!" Happy sobbed, wiping his nose with his arm.
"Don't mind him, he doesn't get this much love and attention from the guild." Natsu laughed, before heading to the door. "I'll be back."
Natsu left his apartment complex, heading towards his guild. He vaguely feared the possibility of the girls leaving his house and reporting his address to their guild. He did kidnap two Fairytail girls and held them captive in his house. But, a fear that overtook his own wellbeing more was the safety of Lucy and Wendy, and what the Dark Sparrows would do if they found out about them staying at his house. Natsu could only hope that they were going to be safe while he was gone.
Natsu found himself walking to Ruby's house instead of the guild. He was not yet ready to confront his guild master when he failed to kill Laxus. Besides, Ruby and Seph must be worried about Happy's condition, so it would be best to tell them that he was okay.
Natsu decided that he could trust telling his group about Lucy and Wendy. Siren, on the other hand… He didn't think about how she'd handle this, but he knew that it's not going to be good.
Natsu showed up on their doorsteps and unlocked the door with his own pair of keys.
"Hey guys," Natsu said, stepping into the living room. Ruby and Siren were chatting on the couch, and Natsu could see Diesel and Seph drinking beer in the kitchen. Conversations halted when Natsu walked in, and all eyes were on him.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Ruby replied, pushing off her seat to greet Natsu. She was wearing her usual navy blue dress, and her hair was pinned in a half-bun-half-down hairdo. She wrapped her arms around Natsu and pulled him into a hug. "I heard what had happened to Happy. How is he?" She was always the sympathetic one towards Natsu's feelings. Whenever Happy or Siren got hurt and Natsu ran home crying, she was there to make sure that he was comforted. This time, it was no different.
Natsu squeezed Ruby back. "He's doing fine now. Seph suggested for me to get that healing mage from FT to heal him." They usually referred to Fairytail with that acronym to avoid the master's spell to activate on Natsu.
"Oh, so you got that girl to help? How did that work out?" Seph asked, walking into the room. His light blonde hair was tousled to the side, and one hand was shoved into the pocket of his jacket while the other hand was holding onto a beer bottle.
"Kidnapped her, and tortured her into using her magic."
"Yeah! That's how a dark mage does it!" Seph punched his beer into the air, pumped from Natsu's description, although the dragon slayer cringed at how much he had stretched the truth. In reality, he begged. Maybe cried, even. Anything it took to get Happy the help he needed.
"You know, I heard that there were two girls you kidnapped." Siren stated matter-of-factly, her arms and legs crossed as she pouted, looking off to the side. He was definitely going to have to talk about this with her later.
"Yeah, there was another chick. I held her by the throat while the healing mage was doing her thing." Another lie. "How'd you hear about her?"
"News spread that you kidnapped two of FT's mages." She said, sounding intrigued and angered at the same time.
"The news had also spread that Laxus is still alive." Diesel walked into the living room, holding his own beer bottle. He had his black hair combed back neatly, and his piercing blue eyes did not leave Natsu's sight. "Master called us in this morning and told the news. Now get this, you had not only failed to kill Laxus, but you kidnapped two of their members, thus infuriating their still-alive guild master and making him declare war on us!"
Natsu can't remember a time he'd seen Diesel this mad before, although it was probably that time he had first brought Happy home. But now, Diesel's eyebrows were creased together, and his sharp jaw was clenched as he stared Natsu down with those fierce, intimidating eyes. But what unnerved Natsu the most wasn't on how he looked, but by what he said.
"Laxus had declared… war on us?" Natsu felt as if his whole body was going numb. War meant destruction, death, fear: everything that Natsu was not looking forward to.
Going back into war meant that Master would have to cast a new spell so that Natsu could renew that killing drive… Natsu shivered. After everything that Wendy and Lucy had said, he had decided that he no longer wanted to deal with Master's magic.
This can't be happening. Natsu wondered. I caused this?
Seph nudged Natsu's shoulder with his beer bottle. "I don't know what Diesel's so grumpy about… but I say that this is a time to party! That war against FT rose us up the ranks, so we'll be unstoppable once we win this time!"
"I think I'll pass…" Natsu muttered, unable to see war as Seph envisioned it. This whole conversation was making him sick. "Diesel… is there anything else that Master told you guys during your meeting?"
"Nope, that's about it. But since you weren't there, he said that he'll go by your place to tell you the news himself."
Natsu went numb.
"He's going… to my place?"
"Yeah," Seph responded, taking another swing of his beer. "But you'll have to leave now if you'll want to catch him."
No. No no no. This is really bad.
"Natsu… are you feeling alright?" Ruby asked, concern etched in her voice. "You're looking pale…"
"I… I have to go."
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