Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.
WARNING: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS! Read at your own risk. There's still original stuff in here, but if you haven't gotten to this point in the anime/manga, then some things may be ruined for you. I advise catching up to the anime/manga if you haven't already (for more reasons than just reading my story)! Thank you and enjoy!
Fairy Tail—The Master and the Dragon
Chapter 82
"Awww, look at wittle Natsu," Gracie purred as she patted the Dragon Slayer's head with the tip of her index finger. "He's so tiny and cute!"
Natsu's eyebrow twitched as he sat upon Happy's head. He was not in the greatest of moods considering the fact that he was still miniscule. "Cut it out, Gracie."
Gracie giggled as she withdrew her finger. "Alright, calm down. I'm just teasing."
"Natsu, my head feels heavy," Happy complained.
"Shut it!" Natsu snapped. He then felt himself being lifted up by his scarf.
"Hey Max," Gray said with a smile as he looked at the flailing Natsu being suspended in the air by two of his fingers. "You should totally open up a store again. This mini-Natsu would be a top seller!"
"I'm not a figure!" Natsu barked at him as he tried to burn him with fire. However, it came out as nothing more than tiny embers.
"I would buy one," Sky said softly while slightly raising her hand.
"Not helping!" Natsu cried.
"It's easy to mistake you for a figure since you're so small, Natsu," Happy laughed.
Lucy, who was sitting at a table and pouring over Key of the Starry Heavens for clues, whipped her head around. "Would you guys shut it? I'm trying to concentrate over here! Geez." She then returned to flipping through the pages.
"I can't believe the Legion Platoon showed up at Lucy's old house," Mira said. "And they just left the book they wanted behind."
"Forget that. I'm more concerned about you, Mira," Elfman said. "You and Gracie were badly hurt!"
"It was really nothing," Mira assured. "We're both fine."
"You said the guy fought with a strange light?" Cana asked.
"Yeah," Gracie said. "It was crazy. It completely erased Niky's shadows and everything."
"Sounds like a type of Purification Magic," Erza said with crossed arms. "Still, it must have been a very unique brand to affect Nikolias and Mira's powers so significantly."
"Can we stop talking about that guy now?" Nikolias huffed from his seat at another table. His head was resting on the wood and his eyes were closed. "I'm trying to forget how we came up empty."
"It's alright," Ash said. "It was a long shot to begin with. Don't beat yourself up over it."
Mira walked over and massaged his shoulders. "Ash is right. Please relax a little, sweetheart. It'll all work out in the end."
A low, satisfied hum escaped his throat. "If you keep that up I'll do whatever you say. Forever."
Mira blushed a deep shade of red. 'F…Forever? Could that mean…'
"Everybody!" Lucy exclaimed. "I just figured some things out!"
Everyone turned to listen to what she had to say. "Like what?" Natsu asked as he tore himself from Gray's grip and landed on Happy's head.
Lucy held up the book. "My Dad followed the story in this book."
"What does that mean?" Erza asked.
"Yeah, mind explaining that? Not too sure I follow," Gracie agreed.
"First, let me explain what this book is about," Lucy began. "Key of the Starry Heavens is about a little girl who travels all over in search of six keys that are said to bring happiness when they've all been brought together."
"What a nice story," Sky said with a smile.
"However," Lucy continued, "she ends up bringing misfortune and sorrow to everyone around her."
"Never mind," Sky said sadly.
"What kind of ending is that?" Happy asked.
"A shitty one," Nikolias replied with crossed arms as Mira continued to rub his shoulders.
"Can you give more details about the story?" Erza asked. "It could help us later."
"It says in here that 'the first key takes a journey'," Lucy read.
"Keys don't take journeys, Lucy," Natsu said matter-of-factly.
"Idiot. It's a metaphor," Gray snapped.
"What's it a metaphor for then?" Natsu barked.
"So dense," Gray sighed.
"Think Natsu," Gracie said. "Where did the Legion Platoon strike first?"
"Here," Natsu answered. "So then that means…"
"Yeah. The clock hand was brought here," Lucy interrupted.
"It took a journey," Ash clarified. "I get it!"
"Everything that's happened has spawned after that," Lucy continued.
"What else can you tell us?" Mira asked.
"The little girl in the story travels in search of the remaining five keys," Lucy explained, turning the pages as she summarized. "She finds the keys in a variety of places. Finally, she arrives at a cathedral and finds the sixth key."
"A cathedral?" Erza repeated. "Could it be?"
"I know what you're thinking, but it isn't Kardia Cathedral here in town," Lucy said. "The cathedral mentioned in here is much farther away."
"How can you possibly know that from just the book?" Gracie questioned. "There's no way it says 'Oh and by the way, it's farther away than Kardia Cathedral in Magnolia'."
Lucy smiled. "When I was little, I loved this book. I was curious about it, so I did a lot of research. This research is how I found the places that Key of the Starry Heavens was based on."
"Impressive," Sky breathed.
"I think my Dad hid five more clock pieces in those spots," Lucy said. She turned to Michelle. "Did he mention anything like that to you?"
Michelle shook her head. "No, nothing like that." Tears stung the corners of her eyes. "He was very…quiet before he passed away."
Lucy looked at her sadly before returning to a determined demeanor. "Anyway, if we visit the places that this story was based on, we'll be able to find the rest of the parts. I'm sure of it!" She gripped the book tightly. "I don't know why the Legion Platoon is after the clock parts, but we have to do something to prevent this 'chaos'! So I'm going to look for them!"
Natsu leapt down from Happy's head. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! By yourself?"
"Yes," she replied. "Master told me not to, but this is really bothering me."
"Besides Natsu, you won't be too useful the way you are," Happy joked.
A tick mark appeared on Natsu's forehead as he spun around to face his now larger friend. "Damn it, Happy! You've been saying a lot of mean stuff ever since you got bigger than me!"
Happy pet his head with his paw. "No, you've got it all wrong, Natsu! I didn't get bigger. You just got smaller."
"Enough of that," Gray said. "What's the plan? I can only assume that the Legion Platoon knows about this information, too, since they read over the book."
"If that's the case, then we're racing the clock," Gracie said.
"True," Erza said.
"There's no telling what will happen when all the remaining pieces are gathered," Makarov said from his seat at the bar. His back was facing the group, but he was still focused on everything being discussed. "Still, we must prevent the world from plunging into this 'chaos'."
"Then we should assemble into teams," Erza offered.
"Teams, huh?" Gracie said. "I like it! So now the question becomes who goes with whom on this grand adventure?"
"I've got just the groups," Erza smiled proudly.
"This mountain…is going…to kill me!" Droy moaned.
Levy, Jet, Droy, and Panther Lily were climbing a steep mountain range. Droy was struggling to keep up with the group that Panther Lily was leading.
"Uh, Lily?" Levy spoke up. He didn't speak so she continued. "We're going in the completely wrong direction." There was still no response.
"Man it's hard to tell what he's thinking," Jet said.
"True," Levy said with a smile, "but he is very dependable."
Droy collapsed on the ground with a groan. The group stopped as soon as they heard him fall.
"Are you okay?" Levy asked.
"Of course I'm not okay!" Droy exclaimed. "This slope and this physique don't mix."
"Lily, shouldn't we get back on the route we agreed upon back at the guild?" Jet asked. "At this rate, Droy's gonna die."
"Droy isn't a vital member," Panther Lily replied. "There's a far more powerful teammate that we need."
"That was cruel," Droy moaned.
"A powerful teammate?" Levy repeated. "Who might that be?"
Panther Lily smirked. "A man with a most peculiar laugh. Geehee."
Levy gasped. "You mean…"
"There's no time to waste," Panther Lily interrupted while turning on his heels and walking off. "We're losing daylight."
Levy, Jet, and a struggling Droy continued to climb up the mountain side after Panther Lily. Levy's mind clouded with thoughts of the Iron Dragon Slayer. 'He couldn't possibly be all the way up here.'
Storm clouds slowly began filling the sky as time passed. The four continued to climb until the roar of water could be heard. The farther they climbed the louder it became until finally a large waterfall came into view.
"Look at this waterfall," Jet breathed in awe.
"Water! I'm so thirsty!" Droy cried as he collapsed onto his large stomach and stuck his head under the water.
Lily peered through the waterfall, but the mist created from the water crashing down made seeing difficult.
Levy was looking as well and she quickly made out a figure through the mist. She knew that form well. "Over there!" she exclaimed.
Sure enough, sitting in a meditative pose underneath the waterfall, was Gajeel.
"There he is," Panther Lily said.
"What's Gajeel doing?" Droy asked.
"Is it not obvious?" Panther Lily scolded. "He's clearly training."
"Gajeel!" Levy called out, cupping her hands around her mouth so that she could be heard over the raging water.
Gajeel opened one eye. "Get lost. I'm training." Just then thunder boomed and a bolt of lightning pierced the sky. The bolt shot down to earth and struck Gajeel. He groaned as the electricity coursed through his body, but he kept himself calm and composed.
Lily cowered from the sound of thunder. "I…I'm not afraid."
Levy was shocked. "Is he okay?"
Another bolt of lightning traveled down and struck Gajeel, but this time he seemed unfazed.
"Seriously, what is he doing?" Droy asked.
"Yeah, what kind of training is that?" Jet asked.
"How is it not obvious, block heads!" Gajeel called out. "I'm getting used to being hit by both waterfalls and lightning! Now quit annoying me!"
"You should really just choose one or the other," Levy laughed nervously.
Lily slowly straightened up. "I'll train as well!" Another bolt of lightning cracked in the sky, causing Panther Lily to freeze. "I…I'm not at all frightened!"
"Come, Lily!" Gajeel called out with a smile.
"Right!" Panther Lily replied as he ran towards Gajeel.
"Wait, I thought we were just coming to get him?" Jet called after him.
"There are some things in the world that must be conquered!" was Panther Lily's response.
"You've forgotten the whole point of this, Lily!" Levy shouted. "Geez!" She cupped her hands around her mouth again. "Gajeel! We have a favor to ask of you!"
"Why did this have to be my team?" Gray muttered under his breath.
"Oh, what a beautiful day!" Juvia swooned. "This refreshing sunlight! This crisp air! It's absolutely perfect, just like Juvia's family life with Gray-sama will be!"
Gray scratched his head furiously. "Just my luck!"
Gracie threw herself onto Gray's back and giggled in his ear. "Oh come on, you love it! You couldn't have asked for a better team!"
Gray blushed a deep shade of red at feeling Gracie's breasts pressed fully against his strong back. Ever since that mission he had taken with her and Erza to stop the bandits, he found he was having trouble seeing Gracie the same way. 'What the hell is wrong with me? It's just Gracie. Is it just because I saw her naked? No way, I'm not some pervert!'
"Gracie, remove yourself from Gray-sama this instant!" Juvia demanded while stomping her foot.
Gracie laughed as she hopped off of Gray. "No need to get jealous, Juvia. I'm just teasing him. Just walking through this giant forest to our destination is far too boring." She winked at her. "You could give it a try too ya know."
Juvia blushed as she held her face. "No, Juvia couldn't possibly do something so bold! Unless…Gray-sama asked her to."
"Someone save me!" Gray cried.
"Juvia."
The voice came from behind the group. Juvia responded to hearing her name and the other two turned as well. Needless to say they were all shocked to see who it was. It was Lyon Vastia of Lamia Scale.
"Hey I remember you," Gracie said while snapping her fingers.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Gray snapped at the uninvited guest.
"I'm here," he replied dramatically while looking at Juvia.
"Huh?" the three Fairy Tail members asked simultaneously.
"It's as I said; I'm here, okay?" Lyon said while looking between Gray and Juvia. "I was worried about you two being alone."
"Can't you count?" Gracie said while waving her hand. "I'm here. That's three."
"More importantly, what's there to worry about?" Gray asked.
"Various things," Lyon replied vaguely.
"Stop following us!" Gray ordered.
Lyon looked away. "I'm worried. About various things."
"Seriously, why are you here?" Gray sighed.
"Are you purposely ignoring me?" Gracie pouted. "How rude."
"Just ignore him, Gracie," Gray said while turning his back on his fellow Maker wizard and walking off. "Let's just keep walking."
"Kay!" Gracie sang as she walked alongside him.
"Wait for Juvia!" Juvia cried as she started to run after the two. However, she felt a strong grip on her wrist, preventing her from moving. She turned to see a serious look on Lyon's face.
"Please don't go with him," Lyon begged. "You would be far happier with me. My love for you knows no bounds!"
Gray spun on his heels. "Would you let her go and scram already!" he spat.
Gracie giggled quietly. "My my, could it be that you're jealous? Want Juvia all to yourself, huh?"
"It's nothing like that!" Gray shouted.
"Then just let him come along," Gracie said. "Otherwise we'll grow old before we leave this spot."
Gray groaned in frustration. "Fine!" He glared at Lyon. "Just keep your hands to yourself. This is work."
Lyon chuckled. "I don't need your permission. I would come along anyway."
Gray turned back around and stomped off. "Whatever."
Gracie giggled as she skipped after him.
The four companions walked through the forest on their way to the destination. Lyon and Gray each walked on either side of Juvia, shooting glances at the water mage every so often. Gracie walked on Gray's other side, using every ounce of her strength to avoid laughing at the whole situation.
"A love triangle…," Juvia muttered softly under her breath as she slightly lagged behind the rest. She cupped her face. "Juvia is devoted to Gray-sama, but if this will deepen the relationship with him then it's a wonderful thing!"
"I still don't get why you're coming along," Gray growled at Lyon.
"Because there's no possible way you can locate the clock pieces," Lyon said.
"What did you say?" Gray asked with a threatening tone.
Lyon looked at him. "You've never been good at complicated tasks like this even after seven years have passed. If it's even possible, you've gotten worse over that time."
"Oh shut it!" Gray snapped. "Besides we were only sealed away; seven years didn't actually pass for us! Geez, even Natsu doesn't say shit like that to me! You itching for a fight?"
"It's amazing how quickly you get angry," Lyon said calmly. "For an ice wizard you sure are a pathetic brat."
"That's even shittier!"
"I'll take you on anytime you wish. However, finding the clock pieces is my priority right now. Leave it to me."
"I hate to break up your little squabble because quite frankly it's hysterical," Gracie interrupted, "but I have to ask you something, Lyon."
Lyon looked at her. "Gracie, correct? Yes, what is it?"
"How do you know about the clock pieces? It's not exactly common knowledge."
"On the contrary; everyone is talking about it."
"Great," Gray huffed.
"How did that happen?" Gracie asked Gray. "Did we somehow leak information?"
"How would I know?" Gray sighed. "I feel exhausted for some reason."
"Keep it together, kiddo," Gracie said while patting him on the shoulder. "We've got big things to do."
"I know, I know."
"Mind if I ask you a question now, Gracie?" Lyon asked.
"Fire away!"
"What relationship do you have with Gray?"
Gray's entire face went red and Juvia instantly snapped out of her imagination. "What kind of question is that?" Gray stuttered.
"It would be better for you to have someone by your side when Juvia inevitably chooses my affection," Lyon explained.
Gracie giggled mischievously. Seeing Gray's face so flushed with embarrassment was just too priceless. She had to take advantage. She couldn't resist. She threw herself at Gray, wrapping her arms around his neck and rubbed his cheek with her cheek. "Oh, we're very close."
Steam erupted from Gray's ears as his brain shut down. Juvia's jaw was nearly on the floor. Even Lyon seemed shocked to hear it.
"Very close?" Lyon repeated.
"Yes," Gracie cooed. She tapped Gray's chin with her finger. "He's even seen me naked."
Lyon froze, his face turning red from the thought. "My God, Gray! Have you no shame?"
"Wha…she's…no!" Gray said, trying to speak while his brain was overheating. "It's not like that! She just means that we're good friends! And seeing her naked was an accident!" He pulled on Gracie's arm. "Would you get off of me?"
Gracie burst out laughing as she released her grip. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It was just too easy! Oh God, the looks on all of your faces!"
Gray powerwalked onwards. "Let's just get moving already."
Gracie skipped after him, giggling like a school girl while Lyon and Juvia tried to get their heads back on straight.
"He's seen her naked," Lyon muttered.
"They're…close?" Juvia wailed softly.
The four continued on until they reached a cliff ledge. Below the cliff was a narrow path that led to a large pile of stone slabs precariously balanced on top of each other.
"This is the place," Lyon said.
"Ruins?" Gray muttered.
"According to Lucy, one of the clock pieces is somewhere in there," Juvia said.
"How the hell are we supposed to look for it in there?" Gray asked.
"No idea," Lyon and Juvia both replied.
Gray sweatdropped. "That's not even an answer."
"Oh come on, stay positive! We won't know for sure if it's tricky to find until we take a look!" Gracie exclaimed. She leapt off the edge and began sliding on her feet down the cliff like a surfer. "Let's go, slow pokes! We've got a treasure to find!"
The wind gently blew across a wide open, grassy field. The sky was clear and the sun was brightly shining on Erza, Wendy, Carla, and Cana as they walked along a dirt road. Erza was smiling contently as she lugged her wagon full of towering suitcases behind her.
Cana stretched her arms above her head. "What a beautiful day! It feels so nice out."
"It feels like the story that Lucy was talking about," Wendy noted.
"What do you mean, child?" Carla asked.
"In the story, the girl traveled all over the world," Wendy replied. "I just think that it would feel like this."
"Don't forget that her grand adventure for happiness ended up bringing misfortune to those around her," Carla said. "On top of that it even plunged the world into chaos."
"Yeah, I know," Wendy said with a giggle.
Erza suddenly stopped. "I know."
"What is it, Erza?" Cana asked.
Erza reached into one of her suitcases. She pulled out a large pink blanket and multiple woven baskets. She spread out the blanket and placed the baskets on top of it before sitting down. "Why don't we all have a seat?"
"To do what?" Cana asked.
Erza closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "It's such a lovely day for a picnic, is it not?"
"A picnic?" Cana repeated.
"I've always wanted to try having one," Erza said with a bright smile.
"But Erza, the whole point of this trip isn't to have a picnic," Cana pointed out.
Erza reached into a basket and pulled out a sandwich triangle. Her eyes sparkled and her smile widened. "The first picnic of my life!" she squealed.
"Aren't you listening?" Cana asked. "If we stop now, the Legion Platoon will get ahead of us!"
"Not to worry," Erza assured. "I have calculated everything. We can have one picnic during our journey and still remain ahead of them." She looked out at the landscape. "The gentle breeze, the grass that reaches as far as the eye can see! It's wonderful!" She took a bite of her sandwich. Tears of joy filled her eyes. "It's so good!"
"Umm, Erza…," Wendy began, but found herself at a loss for words.
"She has an agenda of her own," Carla sighed.
"Clearly," Cana grumbled.
"Hey, hey, hey!" a gruff voice called out. Erza was too far lost in her fantasy world, but Cana, Wendy, and Carla looked over to see a small group of men on other men wearing horse costumes and holding sharp swords in their hands. Their expressions looked intimidating. "Who gave you permission to have a picnic here?"
Erza snapped out of her trance and slowly turned her head around. "Permission?" she said softly and slowly.
"This is our grassland!" one of the men snapped. "We can't just have people sitting down for a picnic whenever they so please!"
"Is it me or is everyone really focused on picnics?" Wendy asked with a nervous smile.
"What the fuck are they riding?" Cana muttered.
Erza put her sandwich triangle back into its box as she slowly stood up. "Is there some kind of law against having a picnic on this relaxing and spacious grassland?"
One of the men noticed the blue Fairy Tail mark that Erza bore on her left arm. "Hey! These guys are with Fairy Tail!"
Another man chuckled. "Rumor has it that you guys are looking for some kind of treasure."
"That's perfect then!" another man said as he pointed his sword forward. "We can just take their treasure!"
"Word's leaked out?" Cana asked in surprise.
"I'm not that shocked," Carla said. "It is the Legion Platoon we're facing off against."
"But first," one of the men said, "we'll take your food!" The men and their "horses" stormed the picnic blanket and began devouring all of the food on Erza's blanket.
"Wow, this is tasty!" one exclaimed.
"What luck! I was starving!" another said with food in his mouth.
Erza's entire body began to shake with rage. "This was my first…," she hissed.
"Eh?" one of the men asked.
"This was the very first picnic of my life!" Erza roared. "REQUIP! THUNDER EMPRESS ARMOR!" In a flash of light, Erza had changed into her light blue and gold armor. The long spear that she was grasping in her hand was crackling with lightning.
"She's that mad?" Cana shrieked.
"They've really done it now," Carla said.
"Erza sure can be scary," Wendy trembled.
The men began to cower in fear.
"You will pay!" Erza cried as she leapt into the air, spinning her spear above her head. With a fierce battle cry, she pointed the spear point at the ground. Lightning shot out and enveloped the men, shocking them intensely over and over.
"Isn't she going just a bit overboard?" Cana asked worriedly.
"You think she's alright?" Wendy asked.
"I wonder why she's so obsessed with picnics," Carla said.
"I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE!" Erza shouted as her eyes glowed white with electricity. She thrust her spear forward with even more force. An enormous burst of lightning struck the ground in a large area and the men cried out in pain as they were sent flying. Erza landed on the ground, panting to control her burning anger and frustration. "Selfish fools."
The three spectators were speechless. After a while, Cana spoke up. "So…should we keep going then?"
Atop a high and narrow cliff, the three Strauss siblings and Nikolias were sitting around and resting as they prepared for a quick supper break. The sea below was restless and waves crashed against the rocks.
"Manly stew~! Manly stew~!" Elfman sang. He was stirring a large pot of stew over a fire and grinning with pride at his creation.
"A meal up here is going to be delicious!" Mira said with a smile as the wind blew her hair around.
"You bet, big sis!" Elfman exclaimed. "This will taste so manly!"
Nikolias was practically drooling as the wind blew the scent from the stew closer to him. "Fish, crustaceans, octopus, shrimp…it would be delicious anywhere. Let me taste it."
"Wait patiently. It'll be done soon," Mira told him.
Nikolias was subconsciously standing on all fours as he hungered for the cooking seafood, ready to pounce on it and devour it all. "But I want it. C'mon, a taste can't hurt, right?"
"You'll get it, you'll get it," she assured. "Just wait."
"Umm…big sister Mira," Lisanna said softly.
Mira looked questioningly at her sister. "What is it, Lisanna?"
"I'm not really sure if this was the best spot to stop and eat," she replied while fidgeting nervously.
"Oh? You don't like it?"
"I think it's manly!" Elfman cried.
"Of course you do," Lisanna said with a nervous laugh.
"There's nothing to be afraid of," Nikolias said as he continued to eye the stew.
"Really?" Lisanna asked.
"Of course. If for some bizarre reason you fall off this cliff, I'd easily be able to catch you before you hit the water or rocks," Nikolias said.
Lisanna sighed. "That doesn't make me feel any better about this."
"Really? Sorry, I tried," Nikolias said, his attention still fixed on the pot.
"Did you though?" Lisanna shouted, frustrated at his lack of focus on her concerns.
"He's right, you know," Mira said calmly. "There's nothing to be afraid of. Just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We'll have to be moving again shortly anyway."
Lisanna groaned. "I'll try."
Drool was trickling down Nikolias's chin as his hips wiggled back and forth like his tail was out. "I can't wait anymore." He pounced at the pot as his teeth became fangs. "Let me have some!"
A large ship rushed along a river. Aboard the ship, tiny Natsu was sprawled out on top of a table as his stomach threatened to climb up his throat and jump into the rippling waters. Lucy and Michelle sat in chairs beside the table reviewing Key of the Starry Heavens. Happy stood on the table and laughed at Natsu. Sky and Ash were watching him flail about.
"Are you really that motion sick?" Ash asked with her arms crossed. "That's kinda lame."
"Don't be mean," Sky said. "Are you alright, Natsu?"
"No!" Natsu groaned. "I'm not alright. I hate boats."
"Clearly they hate you as well," Ash pointed out.
Lucy rubbed his back with one finger. "Try to hang in there, Natsu."
"I guess being small doesn't help your motion sickness," Happy noted.
"Shut…shut up," Natsu moaned.
Lucy got up and walked over to the boat's railing. The wind whipped her pigtails around. She leaned on the railing and looked at the frothy water while keeping some stray hair out of her face. "Chaos…what could that possibly be referring to?"
"No idea, but it can't be good," Ash said. "When is chaos ever good?"
"Might you be members of Fairy Tail?" a gruff voice called out.
The group looked over to see two short old men, one average sized and older man, and one tall middle aged man standing before them. They were all dressed like explorers and each was carrying a different tool; a telescope, a staff, a magnifying glass, and a compass, respectively.
"That's right," Michelle replied.
"Who're you?" Sky asked warily.
"Actually, we're members of an archaeological society," the tall man replied.
"Archaeological society?" Lucy repeated.
"Indeed," one of the shorter and oldest men said with a small nod. "We heard that Fairy Tail members were searching for clock parts."
"No way," Ash said.
"Where did you hear that?" Michelle asked.
"That hardly matters now," the average sized man said.
"The info leaked out I guess," Happy said sadly.
"Could that mean there's a traitor in the guild?" Michelle gasped.
"How do you figure that?" Happy asked her.
"I can only assume that the Legion Platoon is very secretive with its information," Michelle explained. "I just don't see the information leaking from there. And that would mean that only someone in the guild could've leaked the information."
"No way!" Ash exclaimed. "I refuse to believe that!" She clenched her fists. 'We just found a new home with such a nice group of people, like a big family. There's no way that we could be betrayed again.'
"Ash is right," Lucy said. "It's just not possible."
"Well I still don't know everyone in the guild that well, so I could be wrong," Michelle said quickly.
"Trust me, it can't be someone in our guild," Lucy said. She then felt a tug on her sleeve. She looked down to see Natsu's pitiful face looking up at her.
"I feel sick," he muttered.
She sighed exasperatedly. "You always feel sick. Try to stay focused, Natsu."
"So why did you approach us?" Sky asked.
"Actually, we'd like you to stop collecting the clock parts actually," the tall man answered.
"Why?" Lucy asked in bewilderment.
"We've heard the pieces have been scattered all over in ruins and shrines," the short older man said. He lifted his telescope and looked through the eyepiece at the Fairy Tail group. "You are on your way to collect them, right?"
"How can you possibly know all of that?" Lucy breathed.
The tall man stepped close to her. "Actually, from an archaeological standpoint, we believe that Key of the Starry Heavens holds extremely deep significance, actually."
"Can you stop saying 'actually'?" Ash growled as a tick mark appeared on her forehead. "It's beyond irritating!"
"Never mind that, Ash," Lucy said before returning her attention to the man in front of her. "How so?"
"Actually, that particular story, you see…" His voice trailed off.
"Go on," Sky encouraged.
The tall man nodded. "We actually have reason to believe that it pinpoints significant archaeological sites, such as ancient ruins and shrines, you see. Actually, you see, we have theorized that these sites served as the basis for the places the girl in the story searches, actually. Actually, our archaeological society hopes to protect these as cultural heritage sites, actually!"
"And a search for the clock parts will ravage these delicate ruins," the older man added.
"Therefore, we would like you to forget about the clock, if you would," the average sized man continued. He then shook his head. "No, we insist on it."
"You've got to be kidding," Lucy said with a laugh. "I found out about those ruins right away because of the book. And I was just a kid at the time."
"What?" all four of the Architects exclaimed.
"Wow, you're surprisingly smart, Lucy!" Happy said.
"Why does that not sound like a compliment?" Lucy asked with a twitch in her smile.
"So smart. Wow," Sky breathed.
"Wait…Lucy?" the taller man repeated in surprise. He got right up in her face, causing her to step back. "Ms. Lucy! You must forget all about the clock!"
Lucy stepped forward, causing the man to take a step back. "I can't just forget about it!"
"Why not?" the short old man asked.
"Because finding the clock pieces was my dad's dying wish," she replied. "My dad waited for me for seven long years!" She could feel tears starting to sting the corners of her eyes as she remembered her late father. "He entrusted this to me to keep the world from plunging into chaos! He believed in me until the very end!" She shook her head violently. "I can't forget about something so important just like that!"
Michelle sniffed as tears ran down her cheeks. "Big sister…"
Sky wiped her eyes. "So touching."
The tall man closed his eyes. "Actually…" His eyes opened wide and sparkled with tears. "That was a very touching speech!"
The old short man nodded his agreement. "Indeed, it is a beautiful story of a family's love."
Suddenly, a large wave hit the ship and caused it to rock violently. The sudden movement sent Natsu flying from the table top. With a small yell, he flew over the railing and into the water.
Lucy ran to the railing and looked into the water. "Natsu!" she cried as she scanned the water. However, there was no sign of the tiny Dragon Slayer. "Natsu, answer me!"
"Natsu!" Happy called out as he landed on the railing.
"Oh no!" Sky cried as she and her sister ran to the railing as well.
"He went overboard!" Ash exclaimed. "I can't see him!"
"Is he okay?" Michelle asked as she leaned over the railing.
The four Architects looked at each other and nodded. They all ran to the railing and leapt over, diving into the cold water with a large splash.
"What are you doing?" Lucy asked.
"That boy is actually a close friend of Ms. Lucy Heartfilia, right?" the tall man called over his shoulder as he swam. "Actually, we must save him!"
"You guys…," Lucy whispered.
The four men disappeared under the water for just a moment. When they resurfaced, the Fairy Tail members could see a coughing Natsu in their hands. With a heave-ho, the men flung Natsu back towards the ship. As he flew, Natsu became enveloped in a pink glow and, in a small puff of pink smoke, he landed on the ship as his normal self.
"I'm normal again!" Natsu exclaimed.
"But how?" Happy asked.
"Actually, we can use a bit of magic, too!" the tall man called from the water. "We found Lucy Heartfilia's story so moving that we decided to rescue you and return you to normal!"
"Alright! Thanks a bunch!" Natsu said.
"Yeah, really!" Lucy said as she embraced Natsu. "Thank you!"
"Please continue your journey!" the tall man cried. "To your heart's content, if that's what you actually want!"
"Thank you!" Lucy called out with a wave of her hand. The other Fairy Tail members called out their thanks as well and waved. Natsu soon fell over as the waves caused a relapse in his motion sickness. The group laughed.
"Wait," Sky breathed.
"What's up, Sky?" Lucy asked.
Sky blinked. "Maybe it's my imagination or I'm not remembering something, but…how did those men know Lucy's last name was Heartfilia?"
The four Architects continued to tread water as the ship sailed away. The tall man waved his compass at the group.
"That was certainly a surprise," the average sized man said as he watched the ship.
"To think she's a Heartfilia," the small younger man muttered.
"In which case, she'll reach it for sure," the small old man said.
"Was it wise to let her go, Jean-Luc?" the average sized man asked the tall man.
Jean-Luc watched the ship become smaller and smaller. "A truly curious coincidence, Jude Heartfilia. However, as things are now, your daughter will eventually arrive there."
Author's Note: To those of you who know this arc, Romeo was supposed to be on the ship with Natsu and Lucy. However, if I can be completely honest, Romeo ticks me off. I just find him very irritating in everything he says and does. I felt like I could erase his presence from this part and instead have my favorite twins Sky and Ash take his place. Sorry to any Romeo fans out there!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter and happy holidays, everyone!
