Warning: Due to the description of exposed genitalia and reference of desire to have sex.
Three Days Later: July Fourth, X784; Friday: In Magnolia Town...
"Well, here we are!" Happy happily announced, taking his spot on Lucy's left-shoulder, beaming up at the sign that says in blue-bold letters "FAIRY TAIL", with two symbols that looks like fairies on both side of the sign.
Natsu smirked proudly at the sign above them... As his left-hand held onto Lucy's right-hand, not having any intention on letting go, just yet.
During their travel to Magnolia, he took the time to tell the blonde about the Guild and the awesome adventures they would go on... Even to claim on how everyone view each other as family and consider every member family, blood related or not.
Lucy enjoyed listening to his stories, especially when he tells her that he's going to become an S-Class Wizard and, one day, will find Igneel.
...Besides telling Natsu and Happy stories about the Constellations, like her mother before her told her, and how she was trained by friends of the family and her Zodiac Spirits to help her reach her goal at becoming a great Celestial Mage... Not once, did she ever told them about her actual past... More specifically, about her father.
Throughout their travel, she noticed that he would keep holding her hand during the entire walk, only letting her go when they stop to make camp for the night and/or stopping at the few Inns to have food when Natsu and Happy ate the left overs she bought them the next day.
She didn't question him about his reason for wanting to hold her hand. The only time she protest of him holding her hand, was when his grip was touching the burn she gained from Bora and was irritating the wound. But, after promising to not tighten his grip to trigger the pain, he continued to hold her hand... As if wanting to make sure she remains at his side, so none would try and snatch her from him.
Since she never interacted with other people her age, even as a young child, she didn't know if she should say something or just leave it be... So, she decided to leave it be, and wait until he lets her go.
The eighteen year-old turned to the girl, with Happy staring ahead through the entrance door of their guild, who was in awe at the sign and the building before her, before she flashed a smile... It made him feel very happy to see her smile and be happy at the sight of their Guild.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail, Lucy!" He proudly announced, beaming down at the 5'2"* girl.
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...To his welcoming, Lucy turned her smile to him and, to his and Happy's surprise, slightly leaned forward and bowed to him.
"...Thank you," she whispered. "If not for you and Happy, I wouldn't had been able to find it. And now that I'm here, -She looked up at the sign, her smile remaining strong and proud.- I can start a new life... And find what's been lost to me."
Natsu's smile went away, as he simply stared in awe at the blonde girl beside him, as a wind blew past them and had her hair waving in the wind... While in her eyes, while barely a glimpse, he can see great sorrow held within her chocolate-brown eyes.
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...He didn't like to know that his new friend, his new guild member... His Mate, had been hurt and is hiding that pain with her own smile.
Happy, seeing the concentrating look on his face and studying Lucy, decided to jump off the girl and went over to the eighteen year-old.
"Hey, Natsu, we should go in and let them know that we've made it back." He said, pulling at Natsu's pants. "I'm betting that guy who told us about the Salamander rumor should be inside."
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...Natsu immediately let go of Lucy's hand and, with a serious ticked off expression on his face, kicked the two doors open.
"WE'VE MADE IT BACK, ALIVE!" He yelled out, his eyes immediately searching for the idiot who had him go to Hargeon in the first place.
"We're home!" Happy proudly replied.
While she was a bit taken back by Natsu's choice of making an entrance, she followed him from behind.
...She was completely in awe at seeing so many Wizards and Mages, which she had no doubt to being members of Fairy Tail, too.
Most of them are sitting down, sitting in separate tables, either drinking, eating or having conversation with one another. A few of them, all being girls, were waiting on their tables, serving their drinks or food.
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...And all, with big smiles on their faces, greeting Natsu and Happy back... As if welcoming a family member back that's been gone for so long.
Lucy's heart swelled at the feeling of the happy vibes surrounding the building, her smile beaming at her surrounding.
'...Even though I'm standing here, in the very building... I still can't believe that I'm actually here, in Fairy Tail...!'
"Heard you caused quite a ruckus in Hargeon, Natsu!" A person with buckteeth called out near the staircase, lifting a jug of beer. "Bet you've went all ou-"
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...The poor fool didn't have time to react, when Natsu's foot came down and kicked him square in the face, sending him flying towards the empty table across from him.
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...Lucy was completely cut off guard, as she gaped in shock at what she witnessed.
'What the hell?! Why'd he go and do that?! He could've killed him!'
"You big liar!" Natsu declared, raising a fist in the air. "You lied to me about that Salamander Rumor! I'm gonna kick your ass!"
His victim, jumping to his feet, yelled back at the teenager.
"You idiot! I only told you what I heard through the grapevine! Don't get mad at me, that it turned out to be just that, a rumor!"
"It was just a rumor?!"
Lucy and the people within the bar all stared at the two arguing, with some of them getting out of their seats and cracking their knuckles, smirking devilishly.
...The poor blonde was in for a big surprise.
"You wanna fight?! Then, let's go!"
And just like that, the two started their brawl and, in the process, sent some of their members flying in their seats and destroying their tables.
Beside them, Happy casually and, without being aware of his surroundings, tried to break up the fight... While not getting into the middle of it.
"Now, now, Natsu. I think you need to calm do-"
A random member of Fairy Tail ended up colliding with Happy and sent him bouncing away, hitting other members that, for some reason, drove them to fight amongst each other.
Acting immediately and seeing the cat coming her way, Lucy launched herself in midair and caught the blue-cat, landing near the bar and hunched over to avoid being hit by a member that flew past them.
"So, that Flame Brain decided to come back?!"
Turning to the angry voice, Lucy went beet red and immediately turned away from an eighteen year-old raven-haired boy... Who, for some unexplainable reason and without him knowing, wore nothing but his black-underwear.
He marched towards the massive brawl.
"It's time we've settled this, once and for all, Pyro!" He yelled.
"Gray, your clothes." Behind Lucy, an eighteen year-old woman called out, drinking a glass of wine and sitting at the bar, not in the least interested on joining the fight.
"There's no time for that!" The raven-haired boy, known as Gray, yelled out, before jumping in to the fight.
The woman let out an exhausted, disapproving sigh.
"And this is why I don't date any of the men here," she said to herself. "None of them have class... I need a barrel!"
To Lucy's complete shock, she watches as the older-teen grabbed a large barrel and casually chugged it down.
Happy, remaining content in her arms, smiled up at the stunned blonde.
"That's Cana, Lucy." Happy happily introduced. "She holds the title as the Guild's 'Heaviest Drinker'."
All around her, the seventeen year-old didn't know how to process on what was going on... And now, she's having questions if her master sent her to this guild, all to drive her bonkers.
A pair of stomping feet came to her right, bringing to stare up at a giant, tan male with white-hair and a scar over his right-eye.
"It's already noon, and you boys are already whining like a bunch of spoiled toddlers!" The man said, folding his arms over his chest and glaring at the sight before him.
Sensing his eagerness to go and fight, Lucy backed away from him, standing at the near the entrance of the bar.
The bigger man held up both fists in the air.
"If none of you believe that I'm a real man, then I'll prove it to you with my fists!"
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...Yep. It was official... Lucy now had serious doubts about joining Fairy Tail.
'Instead of solving the problem at stopping the fight, he's encouraging them! -She pinched the bridge of her nose, fighting a headache that was building up, as she watches both Natsu and Gray punching the bigger male into the air.- Master Beru, I swear to god, you better hope that I don't regret this. Otherwise, I'm gonna have Uncle trim the rest of your beard off and dye your entire head yellow!'
"Man, it's gotten quite noisy, huh?" A voice behind her asked.
Lucy looked over her shoulders, seeing a boy with short orange-hair, then-square glasses... And two girls, resting against in both his arms, giggling at the sight of the brawl...
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...Immediately, she made a mental note to stay clear from him.
'...Bachelors... The Players in the World of Love and Drama... Mom will drown him in his sleep, if he tries to make a move on me.'
Without warning, a random glass slammed straight onto the boy's forehead, leaving a mark.
Both the girls asked if he were all right... Which ended up with the boy going over and joining the brawl... But not without declaring his passion to win for the two poor women.
"And that was?" She asked Happy, who she finally released from her grip and allowed him to take his spot on her left-shoulder.
"That's Loke," he replied. "He's a lady's man and has many girlfriends."
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...Lucy facepalmed herself.
'...How is this guild still standing?'
"Hello, there. Are you new?" A different voice called out behind her.
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...In her entire life, Lucy never thought she would be standing, face-to-face, with Mirajane Strauss, in the living flesh.
She was completely at a loss for words, as she gaped at the smiling white-haired girl, who happened to be the only one to properly greet her... Then, having to duck from a jug that almost hit her in the head, she pointed a finger at the brawl, looking a bit nervous and concern.
"...Uh... Don't you think somebody should stop that?" She asked. "Before somebody gets hurt...? Like, seriously hurt?"
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...Mirajane beamed up at the girl's concern, before turning to the brawl.
"Nah, it's fine." She said, which completely surprised the blonde. "It's always like this, all the time. I just leave them alone. Besides-"
To Lucy's complete horror, the big male from before slammed right into Mirajane, pinned her to a crushed table that broke beneath their combined weight, and having an injured wound mark on the side of her head.
"It's kinda fun! Don't you think?" Mirajane replied... Before she lost consciousness, resulting her soul starting to hover from her mouth.
Without any thought, Lucy ran over and pushed the unconscious male off of Mirajane, laying her flat on the ground and checking her over.
'She's knocked out, but not seriously injured. Thank goodness.'
"Lucy, look out!" Happy yelled, resulting the girl to drop down to the ground and to barely dodge a stool that tried to collide with her right-shoulder.
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...Thanks to her time being raised by patient people and Celestial Spirits, Lucy has a high amount of patience.
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...But, when people kept pushing her patience and start to get to her through violence, even when it involves pushing her buttons by attacking her or destroying property...
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...That's when all bets are off.
With hardened eyes, Lucy gently set Happy down next to Mirajane.
"...Happy... Stay here."
The blue-cat trembled at the low, calm voice in the girl's tone, letting out a quivering "Aye...", before gulping in fear when he watches her bring out her whip and slowly walked towards the center of the Mess Hall.
She took notice of Cana pulling out a card, Gray pulling back both hands to his side, the large-man coating his right-arm in stone, Loke triggering his ring to active and Natsu coating his fists in fire.
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...She started running, as she coated her whip with her Celestial Magic.
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...Then, she leapt into the air...
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"ENOUGH!"
With a flick of her wrist, she rapidly brought down her heart-shape cracker to four of her targets: She slapped both Natsu and Gray in the face, Loke in the arm and the older-guy across his chest.
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...She forced them to cancel their Magic, by interrupting their charging, as they ended up falling on their backs or sides, before she ended up landing in the middle of the Mess Hall.
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...All eyes are completely on her, as she grasped her whip in both hands, tightening it in a threatening manner. Everyone couldn't believe what they saw. Even Cana, who ended up stopping her own Magic, couldn't believe what she seen, that she reached for another barrel of wine and chugged it down.
Lucy glared at everyone around her, no longer interested on fighting and wondering who she is.
"...Are you done?!" She yelled, snapping her whip and causing most to straighten in fear by the snapping sound it made.
Even Natsu, Gray, the white-haired man and Loke couldn't help but stand up straight by the sound of her weapon.
Seeing none was going to protest or even make an attempt to start a brawl again, Lucy continued to speak.
"Good! Now, I may be new here and, from my understanding through Mirajane, this is pretty normal for you all to fight at a normal basis... While I'm just fine, if this is to be a normal procedure you all go through... I will NOT stand by and tolerate destructive behavior, that will result in property damage and others getting seriously hurt, especially when they're not involve or don't wish to participate in this idiotic fight! And if you got a problem with me stopping this childish brawl, all because you're pumped up with Testosterone or are just looking for an excuse to just fight, then come on up and try to continue the brawl! Otherwise, SIMMER DOWN!"
With a massive thrust to the ground, Lucy brought down the end of her whip to the ground, releasing a terrifying snap that broke part of the wood beneath it, leaving a hole in the ground.
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...None made a move to step up towards Lucy... Nobody dared to continue where they last left off in their fight.
And, as they looked around the Mess Hall, some started to feel awkward and very much ashamed that they've damaged the tables, chairs, glasses and their food... Again.
Seeing they were all calming down and none would try to continue where the fight left off, Lucy coiled her whip back to her pants.
"Now, if someone would be so kind and tell me, who do I go to on becoming a Guild Member?"
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...A large, big footstep came down from behind her, making her tense up.
"That would be me, and Mira."
A voice, sounding like a rumble in a thunderstorm, answered her question...
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...As she slowly turned to look over her shoulder, all she could see is a giant, shadowy figure, that glared down at her and everybody within the room.
"And I see you've all finally decided to stop fighting like children, you brats!"
Many bowed their heads in shame... All except for Natsu, who laughed.
"Look at you all, cowering like wusses!" He commented, no longer scared of Lucy's earlier intimidation. "Looks like that makes me the win-!"
A giant foot came down on Natsu, shutting him up and making Lucy slightly cringe at the eighteen year-old getting stepped on like a bug.
"Oh, hello, Master. I didn't know that you were still here." Mirajane, who finally regained consciousness and now stood beside Lucy, greeted the giant figure.
Even though she figured out that he would, no doubt, be the Guild Master, Lucy still couldn't believe that this giant would be her Guild Master when she joins the Fairy Tail.
The giant stared down at the girl, observing her with his blank gaze, as if trying to see if she was worth something.
"Since we've got ourself a new recruit..."
A gust of smoke and wind came off from the giant... And, to Lucy's confusion and utter shock, appeared to be shrinking?
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...Once, a giant that was the size of the Mess Hall... Now, stood a small old man, who came just above Lucy's knees.
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...With a pleasant smile and a raise of his right-hand, he greeted her.
"Nice to meet ya!" His voice, a bit cracked and dry... Left the girl to stare down at the short man, before mentally kicking herself and bowing to the old man.
"Thank you, sir. It's nice to meet you, too." She replied, staying calm and collected.
Beside her, Mirajane turned to the girl.
"Allow me to introduce you to Fairy Tail's Guild Master: Makarov Dreyar."
With a calm, proud look on his face, Makarov launched himself in the air, performing fast backflips... Then, after slamming his head to the pillar of the railings, pulled himself up and, after clearing his throat, stared down at the members below him.
All stayed quiet, awaiting to hear what their master has to say.
"You've gone and done it again, you bunch of clogs!" He yelled, holding up a stack of paper in his right-hand. "Look at what the Magic Council sent me, this time! This is the biggest pile of complaint we have, yet! -Even at afar distance, everyone can clearly see veins popping off on his face.- You ungrateful brats! The only thing you're all good for, is getting the council mad at me!"
A murmur of apologizes and disappointing sighs echoed within the room, clearly showing to their Guild Master that they really didn't mean to get him in trouble.
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...Makarov let out a deep sigh.
"...However..."
To Lucy's surprise, she watches as the Guild Master burnt away the complaints he received... A proud smirk of a smile expressed on his face.
"I say screw whatever they have to say."
He tossed the pile of ash and fire in the air, which Natsu, like a dog catching a treat, launched up and snatched into his teeth, eating at the fire.
The seventeen year-old never expected a Guild Master to just ignore what the Magic Council had to say about the behavior, and performances of his guild.
'Either he just stop giving a damn about them... Or, maybe this is his way on dealing with his stress...? I've never heard of a Guild Master, not wanting to hear the damages his own Guild caused.'
"Now, listen up: Any power that surpasses reasons, still comes from reason, right?" Makarov asked around the room, with everybody staying quiet to hear their Guild Master's Speech. "Magic isn't some kind of miraculous power. It is a talent that only works when the flow of energy inside of us, and the flow of energy in the natural world are in perfect synchronization."
Lucy felt as if she was being given an important lesson from Master Beru, as her heart started to pound heavily against her chest... She was touched by his calm, gentle words, as if making a child understand the importance of doing the right thing and to never make the wrong choices.
"To perform magic, one must have a strong mind and the ability to focus. It should take over your being, and come pouring out of your soul. If all we do is worry about following the rules, then our magic will never progress! -All members of the Fairy Tail Guild had proud, smirk, happy smiles on their faces.- Don't let those know-it-all Council scare you! Follow the path you believe in!"
With true happiness on his face, he raised his right-hand into the air, shooting his index finger in the sky and his thumb sticking out to the side.
"CAUSE THAT'S WHAT MAKES FAIRY TAIL, NUMBER ONE!"
In celebration, all members, also, raised their right-hand into the sky, shooting their finger in the air, as they cheered in pure joy and agreement to not let the Magic Council get to them and how they're number one.
While they continued to cheer, Lucy stared down at her right-hand, making it do the same symbol as the others but not raising it in the air.
'This kinda makes me feel like a little kid,' she thought. '...But then, I never got the chance to have a happy childhood... So, in a way, this will remind me that the past doesn't have to drag me down.'
A hand rested on her right-shoulder, making the blonde to slightly gasp and turn her head to see Mirajane.
"Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I believe it's time that we make you a member."
Lucy's heart hammered against her chest, as she followed Mirajane to the bar.
After going over with the rules, swearing an oath and picking out the color of her Mark and where it will be placed, Mirajane stamped her right-hand with the Fairy Tail Guild Mark. In a peach pink color, that she requested to represent the Pink Morganite Birthstone.
"There!" Mirajane happily announced. "You're now an official member of the Fairy Tail Guild!"
The seventeen year-old couldn't believe what her eyes is seeing, as she held up her hand to stare at the Guild Mark she was given.
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...A tear fell from her eyes, as she pulled it to her chest, hugging it to her heart.
'...I did it, Mom... I'm part of a guild.'
Mirajane was definitely surprised by the response she gained from the girl.
"Are you okay?" She asked, hoping there wasn't anything wrong.
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...Lucy simply smiled at her, as she wiped away the tear that came down her cheek.
"...For the first time, in such a long time... I am." She replied, before bowing to the girl. "Thank you, Mirajane."
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...Mirajane beamed down at the newest member of her guild, smiling brightly at the polite, happy girl.
"There's no need to be formal, Lucy. Please, do call me Mira. We're family, now."
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...Her heart slammed against her chest... It made her slightly wince from the sudden, hurting pulse it made.
'...She thinks... We're family?'
Again, her heart banged harshly against her chest, making her lightly gasp from the pain.
Mira was concerned when she saw the look of pain on the girl's face.
"Lucy, what's wrong?"
Forcing herself to push past it, Lucy forced out a small-smile.
"Sorry about that," she said. "My wrist is still pulsing from the burn I gained in Hargeon. It's nothing serious."
Because she didn't want people to stare at her wrist and question where she gotten it, Lucy wore a black wristband that covered her whole wrist. She made sure to put ointment on it, during her travel to Magnolia, and had wrapped it up in bandages. But, even with the best of her knowledge on healing wounds she gained from her servants, she knew that it was going to be permanent.
She wouldn't care that people would stare at it... She doesn't want people to try and put the blame on Natsu, should she tell them on how they met and when she gotten the scar.
The nineteen year-old didn't know if she believed her or not, but chose not to push it and try to lighten the mood.
"So, now that you're a Full-Fledge Wizard, you'll be able to take job offerings on the Request Board." She proudly informed, pointing a finger where the board was at.
...There, Lucy and Mira see Natsu and Happy standing in front of it, no doubt figuring out what job they should choose.
"However, just so you know, Lucy, you won't be allow to take on any S-Class Jobs." She warned the younger-girl, looking up at the second floor of the guild. "Unless you're accompanied by an S-Class Mage or become an S-Class Wizard, yourself, those job offering is off limits to your rank."
Lucy nodded her head, confirming that she understood and won't break the rules.
"Well, in that case, I better get started and get to wor-"
"How come my dad hasn't come back yet?"
To her left, Lucy and Mira looked over and saw a child, a six year-old boy, standing before Makarov, who was drinking a mug of beer.
He looked very worried, and desperate, wanting to know what became of his father.
...However, Makarov, after setting down his drink, gave the boy an irritated response.
"You're starting to get on my nerve, Romeo. You're a Wizard's son, have faith in your father and wait for him to come home."
Clearly, that didn't settle the boy's fear. In fact, it made him more desperate and worry for his father's wellbeing.
"But, Gramps, he said that he would be back in three days! -He stomped a foot to the ground.- And he's been gone for over a week, now!"
The news, somewhat, got Makarov curious about the whereabouts of the boy's father.
"If I remember correctly, he took that job on Mt. Hakobe."
Lucy's eyes narrowed at the location.
'Mt. Hakobe? That's where it's always snowing, no matter the season. It's because of its climate and certain creatures that resides there, that makes it dangerous to go, alone. Even for a skilled Mage, one mistake can lead to a life or death situation.'
"That's right, and it's not too far from here!" Romeo pressed on, hoping that the old man would listen. "So, why hasn't anybody went out and find him?!"
Makarov just had enough, and didn't hold back when he scolded the boy.
"Listen, Kid. Your old man is a Wizard, and like every Wizard in this guild, he can take care of himself! -Romeo remained speechless, though Lucy, Mira and even Natsu can see the anger and sadness building up within the child.- Now, go home. Have some milk, and cookies... AND WAIT!"
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...The old man ended up being sucker punched in the face by a six year-old, before Romeo took off running, leaving the guild.
"YOU BIG JERK! I HATE YOU ALL!"
Lucy's heart ached for Romeo, while she stared blankly at the Guild Master, who picked himself off the ground and sat back down on the bar.
"I know it may seem like the master doesn't care, but he really is worried." As if she read her mind, Mira told Lucy, even with her backed turned to the girl, as she washes the dishes.
*Crack!*
At the Request Board, Natsu slammed the notice he picked back in its spot, leaving a perfectly fist-sized dent on the board, before grabbing his stuff from his table and walking out of the Guild. He didn't say a word, even when Nab scolded him for almost breaking the board.
Happy at his side, also staying quiet.
It's clear to the girl that he overheard the conversation and was going to go to Mt. Hakobe to save Romeo's dad.
"This doesn't look good, Master." Nab said to Makarov, also figuring out like some of the others on what he's going to do. "You know how he could be."
"When is that kid ever going to grow up? He's almost nineteen years old, already." Another sighed out, though did sounded sad for Natsu.
Makarov bowed his head, having no intention on stopping the Fire Dragon Slayer.
"Remember, Nab, we can't choose anybody's path. Just leave him be."
It didn't take much for Lucy to figure out Natsu's reason for leaving to Mt. Hakobe.
'This is somewhat personal to him... Could this involve his own father?'
Seeing the curious look on the blonde's face, Mira can easily guess that she wants to know why Natsu went to go save Romeo's dad.
"Natsu and Romeo may not look it, but they actually have a lot in common." She told the girl, who turned to the white-haired woman, with a sad expression on her face and stopped drying the plate in her hand. "He most likely sees himself in Romeo. -She turned to Lucy, seeing the younger-girl staring down at her hand right-hand, looking mournfully at her Guild Mark.- ...Just because we're members of Fairy Tail, it doesn't mean we have our own personal issues to deal with... We have our own fair share in suffering, and loss."
Lucy can hear the pain and hurt within Mira's voice, while to her right, the white-hair man, who turns out to be Mira's younger-brother named Elfman, looked away and lowered his head... Ashamed?
...It was clear that they, too, had lost somebody very important to them, but isn't going to pry and ask... Not when she needs to know why Natsu stormed out on his own.
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...A sudden thought came to her... Making her to believe to being the reason.
"...Does this have to do with a Fire Dragon named Igneel, that Natsu was looking for?"
Mira gasped in complete take back, not expecting the newest member to figure it out so soon. Let alone, know about Igneel.
Lucy folded her arms over her chest.
"He told me, when we met in Hargeon, that he was looking for Igneel. And Happy told me, while he was fighting Bora of Prominence, that Igneel was the one who taught him Dragon Slayer Magic. -She leaned forward on her arms, resting them on the bar.- ...I take it that Igneel was more than just his teacher?"
Seeing there was no use on hiding it, Mira nodded her head.
"...A long time ago, when Natsu was very young, Igneel founded him in the woods and took him in." She started, setting the clean plate down. "He taught him how to read, write, language, culture and magic. He taught Natsu everything what it means to be a dragon and, in time, trained him on using Dragon Slayer Magic... Most of all, he loved and raised Natsu as his own son. And Natsu came to know him as his own father, even though they're not related by blood or the same species."
Lucy can tell that something bad had happened.
"...But..." She gently prompted, urging the older-girl to continue.
"But one day, Natsu woke up and found Igneel was gone. And he haven't seen him, ever since. -After putting the plate away, she went back to Lucy, staring at her with a calm, but mournful look.- To this very day, even long before he was founded by Makarov and joined Fairy Tail, he still looks for Igneel, hoping to find and reunite with his father. And I guess, because of that, Natsu is more than willing to go out of his way to help Romeo save Macao, his father."
The seventeen year-old felt great sorrow to hear that the cheerful, over-positive Natsu, is, also, suffering from the loss of a loved one.
And, as she looked around the room, she noticed that some of her new Guild mates, while they seemed calm, annoyed or even happy, that she can feel that they, too, are hurting by something.
Heck, she can even feel that Makarov, himself, showed some sign of, also, being in pain.
It truly amazes her that, despite all the smiles, all the positive comments she reads within the Sorcerer Magazines, turned out to be some cover-up to prevent others from knowing their true feelings.
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...Just like her.
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...She let out a deep sigh, before getting to her feet and heading for the exit.
Mira, Elfman and some of the other Guild members were curious as to her reason to leave... All having a hunch that she's going to be joining Natsu.
"Lucy?! Are you going after Natsu?!" Mira called out, not sure if she or the others should stop her or not.
...Lucy looked over her shoulder... Flashing her a small-smile.
"Somebody needs to keep an eye on him; he basically took off, without thinking and may need somebody to watch his back. Plus, this will be a good time to test out on how well I do in Group Missions." She replied. "And besides, if Romeo's father is in danger, that should mean there will surely be a fight. And if there's a fight..."
Getting at what she was saying, Mirajane flashed a smile of her own and nodded her head.
"You're right. Do be careful out there, Lucy!"
Nodding her head, Lucy took off running.
'...You clearly have a big heart for your Guild mates, Natsu... But, if you chose to just run in and think later, then you wouldn't think throughly on what you do in order to get to Mt. Hakobe. Which means, you didn't think about-...'
A Few Hours Later...
"Uh...! Why did we need to ride in this contraption?!" Natsu groaned in agony, sprawled out on his seat, nauseous and in pure agony.
"Because, we need to save as much energy as we can, when we reach the mountain and start scaling Mt. Hakobe." Lucy replied, while still at a lost to how the eighteen year-old could easily get sick so quickly. "Man, you weren't kidding, when you told me how you get motion sickness so easily when riding on different kind of transportation."
Sitting on her lap, Happy watches over his ill friend, as he enjoyed Lucy gently stroking his fur on top of his head.
"Ain't that true," the cat replied. "You really need to try and get over this motion sickness of yours, Natsu. It's really pathetic."
The pink-haired teen glared up at his cat.
"What's that supposed to me- *Gulp* ...Uuuh..."
Lucy let out a deep sigh, leaning back against the wall.
'Next time, should I end up going on another mission with him, I better remember to pick up some motion sickness medication. It may not do much, judging from how severe his illness is, but it could be of some help for longer traveling situations.'
"Hey, Lucy? -She looked down at the blue-cat in her lap, who stared up at her with a 'happy' smile on his face.- Thanks for coming with us!"
...
...
...
...
...She didn't know how to respond to that, so she simply nodded her head and continued to stroke his fur.
'I have no idea on what kind of support I can bring to them,' she thought. 'I didn't even bother asking Mira what was Macao's mission, in order to figure out what Natsu and I may be up against.'
...A few minutes later, the carriage stopped moving.
"...Are we already there?" She wondered, expecting to feel cold or to at least see her own breath in puff of frost and smoke.
...
...
...
...
...Natsu, in his pure joy that they've stopped moving, immediately sat up, breathing fire.
"ALL RIGHT! WE'VE STOPPED MOVING!" He roared, stomping and waving his fists in the air, happy they've finally made it...
...
...
...But, only to find out that they weren't even close.
"Sorry, you three, but this is as far as I can take you. You're gonna have to walk the rest of the way there." The wagoner called out from outside.
The doors opened... Revealing to the three that they're in a frozen, snow-covered mountain.
Happy had to hold on for dear life onto the door, as the massive wind blew roughly in the air, bringing up snow and ice.
Lucy, being the first to step out of the carriage, looked around her surroundings.
'They weren't kidding, when they say that it always snows in Mt. Hakobe. Even in the Summer, it's like it's Winter.'
Once they all got off the carriage, the three started walking up the path.
Happy hanged on to Natsu, digging into his scarf to keep warm, as he looked over his shoulders to see Lucy, who clearly showed to being cold but is pushing on to keep up with Natsu.
Seeing her wear nothing but her short, her white and blue-trim shirt and boots that reach to her ankles, the cat couldn't help but be worried for the girl.
"Hey, Lucy, maybe you should head back to the Guild!" He called out, his words drawing Natsu's attention, while he was calling out for Macao. "It's too cold for humans to handle, even for a Mage or Wizard, if they didn't bring any warm clothes with them! You'll freeze to death!"
...
...
...
...
...
...Lucy let out a puff of breath, as she kept rubbing her hands over her arms.
'He's right,' she thought. 'Even though I've dealt with the cold many times, this has got to be one of the coldest places I ever went to. Even I don't know how much I'll be able to last, before Hypothermia sets in.'
...
...
...
...
...
...To her sudden surprise, Natsu went over to her and extended an arm out towards her..
"Come here, Luce." He said. "My fire should be able to keep you warm."
...
...
...
...
...She stared blankly at him, not sure if she should say something about the nickname he gave her or not, before pulling out one of her keys.
"Uh... Thanks, Natsu, but you better save your fire for later. Plus, I got somebody who can help me. -She lifts a Silver Key in the air.- "Open Gate of the Clock! Horologium!"
She slammed the key into the snow, the traditional Summoning Symbol appeared... Gears rose from the symbol, before shooting straight up towards the sky and combining to form a single being that shot straight to the ground.
A tall brown grandfather clock appeared before them. It has long, black-arms, a glass case, a Roman-numerical clock at the center and a small face at the top with slit eyes and a thin, twirly, mustache-like mouth.
Natsu and Happy are very much amazed at this new Celestial Spirit that appeared before them, as the grandfather clock, Horologium turned to face Lucy.
"It's a pleasure to see you, again, Lucy." Horologium greeted, smiling down at the smiling blonde before him.
"Hi, Grandpa!" She greeted back, reaching out and wrapping her arms around him to give him a hug.
The Celestial Spirit returned the favor, ignoring the Dragon Slayer and his blue-cat behind him, who gaped at the two.
"'Grandpa'?!" They both shouted, not believing what they just heard.
After their hug, Horologium turned to the two.
"That is correct," he said. "Through the bond we share and for being Aquarius' daughter, I am Lucy's Grandfather and will come to her aid, on Monday through Saturday."
Lucy started pulling Horologium to the side of the mountain.
"I'll be right back," she called out. "I need to change into some warmer clothes! And Natsu! -She sent warning glares at the eighteen year-old, who shivered from the dark glare in her eyes.- ...If either you or Happy try and peek, I won't hesitate to chuck you both off this mountain and bury you two in the snow by triggering an avalanche!"
Not wanting to get on her bad side, Natsu sat down on the ground, with Happy remaining on his shoulder... His mind was still processing on how the seventeen year-old referred one of her spirits as family.
'She never told me anything about her family, during our travel to Magnolia.' He thought, crossing his arms over his chest. '...Is it possible... She doesn't have any parents?'
A few minutes later, Lucy and Horologium rejoined Natsu and Happy. This time, Lucy wore a black turtleneck-shirt, with a light-aquamarine jacket over the shirt. She, also, wore black glacier snow skinny pants and different boots, which are wool-lined and, like her previous shoes, reach to her ankles.
Natsu was happy to see she won't suffer in the blizzard than in her other clothes... Though, he was disappointed that she didn't allow him to help keep her warm or prove to her that she can rely on him to help her through the cold.
Lucy turned to Horologium, bowing her head to him.
"Thanks for bringing me my clothes, Grandpa." She said, smiling up at the grandfather clock. "I'm sorry to have you keep my clothes inside of your glass case. Hopefully, I'll be able to find a place to stay in, or at least rent in, and then you'll be free from having to hold my clothes."
Horologium reached a hand out and a patted her head.
"It's no problem at all, my dear Granddaughter." He said, smiling down at her. "I don't mind on having to hold on to your clothes. And, even if you do end up finding a place to stay, you know that I'll keep holding them for you in case you may need them in future travels, like right now."
Lucy smiled up at her grandfather.
"Thanks, Grandpa. You can return to the Spirit World."
Horologium nodded his head, as his body gave off a slight glow.
"I'll be waiting for you to summon me again, when you'll need me t- LUCY, GET INSIDE!"
The door to his case suddenly opened and felt something shoving her into his glass case, shutting the door in the process, before feeling a violent shake going on beneath her and Horologium.
When turning to see what it was, she was taken back to see a giant monkey-like creature, that tried to attack Natsu and Happy from above.
Its fur is white, while its pectorals, abdominals, hands, ears, and facial are colored black. The lower half of its body is a darker shade of black and the decorative pattern on its arms consists of five black circles on each arm, which is composed of black tufts of fur.
Before her, Lucy was in the presence of a Vulcan... A Mountain Vulcan, to be precise... And boy, was it big.
The Vulcan had a big, terrifying grin on its face, making the girl slightly shiver.
'He's basically the same size as Taurus! This can't be good!'
"It's a big Vulcan!" Happy cried out, never having to see such a large Vulcan before.
"This must be the Vulcan that Macao went to go slay." Natsu deducted, glaring at the giant monkey-creature.
...
...
...To his surprise, the Vulcan got curious and sniffed the air... Then, to his shock and, complete anger, the Vulcan shot towards Horologium and grabbed him in his grasp.
Lucy scooted as far as she could inside Horologium, creeped out at the monkey's smile and clear sign of lust held within his eyes.
"Me like human woman!" The creature yelled, lifting the grandfather clock over his head and started taking off.
...
...
...
...
...
...Natsu glared angry daggers at the creature, as he and Happy chased it.
'That giant ape dares to lay a finger on her, and I'm going to burn it to ash...!'
Because they're made to withstand the climate and have the body to scale the harsh mountain, it took the Mountain Vulcan ten minutes to reach near the summit of Mt. Hakobe, where his lair is located.
He sat down Horologium on the icy-ground... And began to dance in a circle, being all excited.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...Lucy notice the clear sign of the monkey-creature's-... Excitement.
...
...
...
...
...She was certain that she was going to puke from the sight of his black-penis, being exposed and sticking out*.
...
...
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...
...
...A serious warning bell rang in her head, realizing what was going on.
'...It's Summer, and this Mountain Vulcan is by itself... Oh GOD...! IT'S MATING SEASON!'
The monkey's face came close to Horologium's case, as steam of air left his nostril.
"Woman!"
...
...
...
...
...
...
...She reached for her whip, glaring at the horny sex-crazed creature.
"Grandpa, return to the Spirit World." She said to her Celestial Spirit.
"Are you sure, Lucy? I can try and stay put a little longer. Hopefully, that boy will come on time and save you." Horologium replied, crossing his arms over his case, in case the ape tries to force the door open and force his granddaughter out of him.
"I'm going to need either Big Brother or Uncle to help me take this creep down; besides, your time here is almost up. -She can sense his hesitation, as the monkey kept dancing, his eyes set on the girl and purposely, to her great disgust, swung his cock in the air.- ...I promise, Grandpa, that I'll make sure that creature doesn't try and lay a hand on me."
Again, he was very much reluctant to leave... But, as his body covered in gold-dust, he was going to do as she told him to do.
"Do take care of yourself, my Granddaughter."
He vanished in a poof of smoke... And the moment he vanished, Lucy lunged forward to skid on the ice and, with a flick of her wrist, slapped the monkey in the face with her whip.
...
...
...
...
...The Vulcan let out a screech of pain, as Lucy's feet hit the wall of ice and pushed herself to her feet, pulling her whip to hold it out in front of her.
...
...
...
...
...Yet, even while he was hurting... The Vulcan still had lust held within his eyes... As if his still exposed erection wasn't proof enough that he still intends to have her for his mate, whether she wants to or not.
She glared up at the Vulcan that stomped his way towards her, as his hands slowly extended to her, which she snapped her whip harshly to the ground to try and scare the Vulcan and stop it from coming close to her space.
"Back off!" She yelled, letting go of the whip from her left-hand and cracking the heart-shaped cracker in the air with her right, forcing the Vulcan to pull back when it nearly slashed at his left-arm. "Come any closer, and I won't hesitate to summon one of my spirits to skin you alive!"
Her threat proved to fall on deaf ears, as the Vulcan stalked towards her.
"Woman be mine," he said. "Woman will be mine. And not pink-dragon."
...
...
...
...
...
...His words, surprisingly, caught her off guard.
'"Pink-dragon"?... Is he talking about Natsu? And what does he mean by 'not be his'?'
"Hey, you big ape!" A voice echoed out, followed by the stomping of feet coming towards her and the Vulcan. "Where's Macao?!"
...
...
...
...
...She looked over and saw Natsu running towards them, much to her relief... Which, immediately, made her a bit uncertain if he would be of help, when he slipped on the ice and ended up skidding harshly towards another part of the cave and slammed into the wall behind them.
Luckily enough, his crash did drew the monkey's attention from Lucy... Which, at her moment, had her slap her whip to the Vulcan's left-cheek to distract him long enough to run over to Natsu.
"All right, monkey, spill it! Where's my friend?!" Natsu demanded, getting to his feet and standing in front of Lucy.
...
...The Vulcan showed to be confused, cocking his head to the side.
Natsu wasn't buying the Vulcan's confusion... And, seeing the ape's exposed erection, made his blood boil and losing patience to hold back on beating it for wanting to claim Lucy as his mate...
...
...When she's already a mate to another... To him.
"Don't play dumb with me! I know you can understand me!" He replied, folding his arm over his chest. "He's a human man! Now, tell us where he is!"
...
...
...
...Only one word got through to the monkey-creature.
"'Man'?"
Natsu nodded his head, before pointing an accusing finger at the creature.
"That's right! Now, show us where you're hiding him!"
While he was busy interrogating the Vulcan, Lucy looked around the cave.
'It's obviously big, for a human... Yet, for a Mountain Vulcan, it's surprisingly small. Not only that, Mountain Vulcans are known for living in big packs. Meaning, this Vulcan either doesn't have a pack of his own, or somehow got separated. -She looked over to where the entrance to the creature's cave was at.- Whatever the reason he's alone, he seems very content to live here than to try and find his pack.'
"Man! Man!" The Vulcan cried out, pointing a finger to the back of the cave and waving his left-hand to get their attention.
"Hey! I think he's finally getting it!" Natsu replied, following the direction the Vulcan was pointing for him to go to.
The warning bell rang in Lucy's head.
"Natsu, wait!"
Too focused on wanting to find Macao, Natsu didn't heed her call and, finding a hole in the wall, he leaned in and called out for his missing friend.
...
...
...
...
...
...Only to be shoved through the hole by the Vulcan, falling to the bottom of the mountain.
"Natsu!" Lucy called out, backing up when the monkey started walking towards her, pounding his fists against his chest.
"No like men! Me like woman!" He chanted, as drool started trailing down his smug smile. "Woman! Woman! Woman!"
Lucy's back ended up hitting the wall of ice, as she reached for one of her Zodiac Keys.
"All right, now you've messed with the bull! So, here comes the horns! -She lifted the golden key in the air.- Open: Gate of the Golden Bull! Taurus!"
An extremely tall, heavily muscular and athletic humanoid whose physical features are highly reminiscent of a bull, appeared. His body is covered in a black and white pattern similar to that of Holstein Friesian cattle, and the upper part of it, from the waist up, seems more massive than the lower one. His head is bovine in shape, with small, elongated ears jutting outwards from the sides of his head, and a pair of horns, testifying him as a bull, sitting on top of it. He has dark eyes, and his flat nose bears a large golden ring in it, similar to those worn by real bulls. The tail sprouting from his back, ending in a dark tuft, is quite small, if compared to the large mass of his body... From on top of his head to the midsection of his back, a long, thick hair-like mane, with the left-side being black and the right-side being white*.
A pair that could resemble to being swim briefs, covered his groin, held up by a red, studded belt, with a circular, thin, golden metal buckle, with a pair of curved protrusions jutting outwards from it in its upper part. A brown-roman, skirt-like armor sat on both of his sides, reaching to his knees. He also wears simple dark boots with lighter upper edges, consisting of three lines circling his legs, and has a red belt circling his neck, to which a golden cowbell is attached. His forearms are wrapped in bandages, and he wears brown fingerless gloves. Crossing his chest diagonally and passing over his right shoulder is a large, plain dark belt closed by a simple buckle. On his back, he carries a large axe.
This is Taurus, the Golden Bull.
He let out a mighty roar of a moo, as he glared at the Vulcan before him, letting out a snort.
The Vulcan was very much surprised and confused at the new comer.
"Cow?"
Lucy snapped her whip in the air, glaring at the monkey-creature.
"If you even think about laying a paw on me, then you'll have to deal with my Big Brother."
Taurus smirked at her words, as he pulled out his axe.
"Finally having some guy trouble, Sis?" He asked. "While I'm happy you're finally getting some attention, I don't think Aquarius would approve this sort of relationship."
Lucy glared at the cow-man to her right, smirking at his terrible joke.
"Very funny, Big Brother. At least I don't get all horny and perverted, whenever I'm next to a beautiful maiden that catches your eyes." She countered, lowering her body to the ground, readying herself to move.
The Vulcan, not knowing what they were talking about, felt threatened and being challenged by this large-cow that appeared out of nowhere, trying to challenge his masculinity and chance to take the girl from him.
"No touch my woman!"
...
...A vein popped off of Taurus' head, glaring angrily at the monkey that dare to call his summoner, his sister, as their property.
"Your woman?! -He stomped his left-foot into the ground, waving his head in the air to move his hair to rest on his back.-Them fighting words, you bird turd monkey! But, nobody dare make a claim on my sister, without my permission!"
Lucy smirked at her brother's words, knowing she can trust him to protect her from creeps when she's not capable on doing, herself.
"Let's get him, Taurus!"
To her words, Taurus leap into the air, twirling his axe like a baton, before bringing it down to the icy-ground.
At the same time, Lucy pushed herself to skid on the ice, coating her whip with her Celestial Magic, as she watches the Vulcan dodge the attack and run to the right.
'There!'
When he leap to deliver a punch to Taurus, she sent her whip coil itself around his right-wrist and pulled, forcing the monkey to pull to the right and expose his left-side. Her Zodiac Spirit saw an opening and delivered a punch of his own, for the Vulcan to slam his back into the wall.
Lucy uncoiled her whip from the Vulcan, who shook off the attack and pounced back in the air, screeching at the bull that punched him.
...
...
...She sent the cracker to slap the Vulcan square in the ass, making the monkey pull back and scream in agony, holding his butt in both his hands.
Taurus launched himself in the air, slamming a fist into the Vulcan's chest, forcing his opponent back to the ground, as he dropped down to slam another punch to the monkey's fist.
...
...However, the Vulcan caught his fist and, using gravity and momentum, to toss the cowman to the ground and landed on his back.
Getting to her feet, Lucy sent her cracker to the monkey's backside, slashing at his back...
...
...
...
...
...It let out a screech... And, an odd glow came off his body.
Her eyes widened at the sight, as the Vulcan's body started to shrink... Only to stop when it was a third smaller than his original size and grew back to normal, his body ceased it's glowing.
Her mind was wracking at what she discovered.
'It started to shrink? Mountain Vulcans are naturally big and tall... Unless...'
It took her a moment to realize what the glow meant, as her anger towards the perverted monkey grew.
'...It's using Take Over Magic. And, since there's no other place for him to keep Macao prisoner, that could only mean-'
"MONKEY!"
Again, a voice of a pissed off Natsu came running in, much to Lucy's surprise, and delivered a kick to the Vulcan, removing him off of Taurus.
With his opponent removed, Taurus staggered to his feet, leaning against the wall to get back up, shaking his head from the impact he dealt with.
"That was some kick you've got there, ki-"
...
...
...
...To Lucy's complete shock, Natsu punched Taurus in the face, sending him flying and landing on his stomach, now dealing with a serious concussion.
"Taurus!" She called out, running over to her Big Brother and pulling his head up to examine his head wound.
"...Why... Me...?" He growled out, barely able to see straight to look at the pink-haired boy that attacked him.
Realizing that he punched a different creature, Natsu turned to Lucy for answer.
"Hey, Luce, how come there are more monsters?"
...
...
...
...
...She glared at the idiot.
"YOU IDIOT!" She yelled, making Natsu jump back a bit. "That wasn't a monster, he's my Big Brother! Another one of my Zodiac Spirits! And now thanks to you, he's out of commission!"
...
...
...He gave her a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his head.
"...Oops. Sorry about that, Cowman."
"His name is Taurus! -Forcing herself to take deep breath, she calmed herself to ask a very important question.- On a different topic, how did you survive that fall?"
Natsu smirked proudly at her.
"Happy saved me. -Looking up, Happy sent a salute to the blue-cat, making Lucy to acknowledge his presence.- Thanks, Little Buddy."
"Aye!" The cat replied, before his wings vanished and landed into Lucy's arms, when she got up to catch him.
"While I'm glad to hear that you don't get sick when Happy is the one carrying you, we still got a problem on our hands!"
To her words, the Vulcan's patience finally ran out and, in his anger and hormones reaching to sexual frustration, he jumped in the air and tried to lay an attack on Natsu over his head.
"My woman!"
Immediately, Lucy forced herself to fall backwards, landing on her butt and sliding a bit further from the cave to dodge the debris the monkey and Natsu made.
...
...
...
...With ease, Natsu caught the Vulcan's fist with his own.
"Now, you listen up! I consider everyone in my Guild my friend! -A foot came swooping down, only for Natsu to block it with both his arms and catch himself from sliding too far away.- Rather it be Gramps and Mira, or even those annoying jerks like Gray and Elfman!"
The Vulcan ran on all-fours on the ice with ease, getting to the boy to deliver a punch.
...
...
...
...To his and Natsu's surprise, Lucy, who set Happy down beside Taurus and ran in to join the fight, coiled her Whip around his right-wrist and pulled back as hard as she could.
Natsu flashed her a smile of gratitude, as he triggered his magic beneath his feet.
"...And Happy and Lucy, too... They're all my friends...! And that's why... -When Lucy uncoiled her whip, Natsu launched himself straight at the Vulcan's stomach, released a mass amount of fire to send it backwards.- I'm not leaving, without Macao!"
Stalagmite fell from the ceiling and landed into the ice. Lucy used her whip to help block them away from her and to send some of them towards the Vulcan, who brought his hands out and delivered a powerful clap, sending ice and a small gust of wind towards Natsu.
...
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...
...
...Without a care or any form of reaction, Natsu stood firmly in his spot, taking in the ice that came towards him.
"Nice try, Monkey, but Ice Attacks has no effect against Fire!"
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...
...
...
...
...When the mist cleared, the two see the Vulcan now possessing Taurus' axe, now using it as his own weapon.
Lucy looked over to Taurus, who was trying to get back to his feet and fight off the effect of the concussion he gained from the eighteen year-old.
Lucy glared at the Vulcan, who charged for Natsu and swung Taurus' axe at him, missing when Natsu did a backflip.
A couple more swings from the axe, all of which Natsu was able to dodge... Until, for being careless and not focusing on his footing, ended up slipping and falling to his back.
Seeing his chance to strike the boy, the Vulcan raised the axe over his head to deliver a fatal blow.
Natsu raised his hands, as the monkey brought the axe down...
...
...
...
...
...Only to feel nothing but dust-like material and to watch the axe glow yellow.
"Force Gate Closure: Gate of the Golden Bull!"
To Lucy's words, Taurus, gathering enough sense to know that he has to go back to make his weapon vanish and to recover from the concussion, he did as Lucy told him to and vanished in a poof of smoke.
With the weapon gone, the Vulcan has nothing to use to attack Natsu with.
...
...
...
...With that, Natsu slammed both his fists together, summoning his Magic Symbol, to coat his right-fist with fire.
The Vulcan, realizing he has nothing to help take down the pink-haired boy, started to run away from the boy.
Natsu smirked at his opponent, before launching himself forward at his opponent.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
A powerful punch of brute strength and fire collided with the Vulcan's back, blasting him forward at the wall, leaving a serious dent of his body and causing some of the snow from outside to glide off the mountain.
"We beat him!" Happy cheered, running over to Natsu and Lucy, who walked over to group up with the two.
She let out a deep sigh of relief, as she snapped her whip out, coating it in her Celestial Magic.
"Now that we've gotten him under control, it's best that we help cancel the Take Over Magic." She replied, pulling her arm back and bringing her whip harshly down on the monkey's chest.
Natsu and Happy were very much confused at her words... Only to watch as the Vulcan's body glowed a yellow-golden color... This time, small beams of light shot straight off of the Vulcan's body when his body shrunk.
...
...
...
...
...When the lights died out, Natsu was very much surprised to see, not the Mountain Vulcan that he punched to the wall, but his missing Guild Member: Macao Conbolt.
"Macao!" He cried out, not believing his eyes.
Lucy, acting quickly, went over to the unconscious man and helped laid him down on his back, before turning to Natsu.
"Natsu, get your pack!" She ordered, coiling her whip back to her waist. "We need to treat his injuries, before they get infected! -She turned to Happy.- Happy, gather up as much of these ice as you can and bring them here. They'll help with the swelling."
Happy raised his paw in the air.
"Aye!" He replied, running over to the scattered ice on the ground to do his task.
Natsu, while processing his mind to do what he's told, he couldn't help but stare in awe at the seventeen year-old that's trying to treat his injured Guild mate.
'She doesn't know him in person. She hadn't even met him, when she joined the Guild. And yet, she's willing to treat him, without a single thought. Even after having to deal with a sex crazed monkey that took over his body and tried to have her for himself, she remained focused and held her own, before I came back into the fight. -He beamed down at the girl, who was in the process on removing Macao's white-jacket.- ...In barely just a day from joining us, and she's already proven on being a Member of Fairy Tail.'
"Natsu!" Lucy yelled, bringing him back from his train of thoughts. "Don't just stand there! Get your pack! We need to lay him on something warm, and bandages for his wounds!"
To her orders, Natsu sprinted to the entrance of the cave, grabbing his pack that he set aside next to the entrance and returning in less than a minute.
With both help and effort from Natsu and Happy, Lucy was able to wrap up Macao's injures and help deal with the swelling.
'It's a good thing that Natsu thought about bringing a first aid kit with him... Though, something tells me that Happy is the reason he carries it with him, since he always seems to run, without thinking.'
"How is he, Lucy?" Natsu asked, as she finished wrapping up his left-arm.
"He'll be fine," she answered. "Just a bunch of scrapes, bruises, a few cuts, a sprained arm and major magic depletion. But, other than some rest and food, he'll surely make a full recovery and will probably start going back to doing Missions in about four to five days."
He smiled up at her words, before looking down at the unconscious man.
"You hear that, Macao? You're gonna be fine!" He cried out. "But you need to wake up, now! Romeo's waiting for you! So, open your eyes, so we can go home and show him that you're all right!"
...
...
...
...The injured man, hearing the call of his Guild Member, slowly found the strength to open his eyes... And, to his relief, he sees Natsu, Happy and some blonde-girl he never seen.
"Natsu? Is that you?"
To his words, the eighteen year-old let out a small laugh, as Happy jumped in joy.
"Macao! Good to see you're awake!" Natsu cried out, earning a smirk from the adult.
"I'm so pathetic," he replied. "I've defeated nineteen of those brutes, but it was the twentieth that got me."
The news that he took on nineteen Mountain Vulcans on his own, it made Lucy very much surprised and very much impressed with the adult.
'That means, this cave isn't the actual home for the Mountain Vulcan, since Macao took down his whole pack. Most likely, from how long he went missing, their bodies could've been eating by the other animals of Mt. Hakobe... Either way, at least the Mountain Vulcan issue has finally been settled.'
"I'm so angry with myself and embarrassed, I don't know if I can face Romeo."
As his usual self, Natsu tried to cheer him up.
"Come on, Man, cheer up!" He said, raising a fist in the air. "You've beaten nineteen Vulcans, all by yourself! If that doesn't tell Romeo how strong you are, than I don't know what does! -He offered Macao his hand, helping him to sit up.-Now, let's go home! Your little boy's been waiting for you!"
With a smile of relief and the thought to see his son after so long, nodded his head.
While helping him to his feet, the thirty-six year-old turned to the seventeen year-old girl, who came up to offer him his shirt and jacket back.
He smiled down at the blonde.
"You must be new to our Guild," he deducted. "And who might you be, young lady?"
Lucy smirked at his words, feeling as if he was playing with her, for the way the Vulcan reacted towards her.
"...Lucy," she answered. "And just so you know, if you try and hit on me, I won't hesitate to have Taurus pummel you to death. Whether you've been possessed against your will or not, I won't take you so lightly, just because you're injured."
Macao let out a chuckle, which earned him to wince from his injuries pulsing from his wounds, as Natsu urged him to put his shirt and jacket back on. Though, as Lucy had her back turned and went to put away the blanket and first aid kit back into his pack, Natsu glared up at the injured adult.
"...Macao... Were you, or were you not, trying to actually mate with Lucy, when that Vulcan took possession over your body?" He asked, the pupil of his eyes shifting to narrow-slits... His face showing Macao how serious he was about his question to be answered, which made the thirty-six year-old gave him a reassuring smile.
"She may be cute and she doesn't look too bad, for a skinny girl... -A low growl told Macao to get to the point, and to not tick off the eighteen year-old.- But, I swear, Natsu, that I had nothing to do with whatever that Vulcan tried to do to Lucy. Besides, even though I've been divorced from Enno and am trying to find love, again, I wouldn't dare try to hit on somebody who's old enough to be my daughter."
Natsu calmed down to his words, having no reason to hold a grudge against the injured Mage for the action of that Mountain Vulcan... Though, that still doesn't mean he's going to let his guard down and not keep an eye on him, just so the thirty-six year-old doesn't try to hit on Lucy.
Seeing the slight-blush on the boy's face, who turned and watched over Lucy packing his stuff back into his pack, with Happy assisting her, he smirked down at the eighteen year-old, patting him on the head.
"Looks like our Salamander has finally found his special lady," he teased. "Hopefully, she'll be sure to keep you in line and to finally stop giving Master Makarov heart attacks from destroying an entire town."
The boy rolled his eyes to Macao's teasing, but didn't say anything to deny and/or correct him.
...
...
...After all, she's his mate... And nobody is allow to lay claim to what is his...
"...So, when will we be expecting little terrors of your own to come by and cause mayhem to the Guild?"
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...The thirty-six year-old ended up being punch in the ribs by an irritated Natsu.
A Couple Hours Later; at Sunset...
The trip back to Magnolia took a little while longer, since their original wagoner decided to take off and have them walk nearly half an hour, before Lucy was able to tag down another wagoner that was heading in the same direction as them... Much to Natsu's, unfortunate, horror and Happy's enjoyment on teasing the ill Dragon Slayer for his motion sickness.
...But, as they neared the Fairy Tail Guild, meeting up with Romeo, who sat on a set of stairs to await for their return, it made the long trip well worth it as Natsu, Happy and Lucy witness the happy reunion between father and son.
Seeing Macao is busy calming his crying, but happy child, Natsu, Lucy and Happy left them to go inform Makarov of their success.
"Natsu! Happy! Lucy!" Romeo called out, smiling big at them. "Thank you, for bringing back my dad!"
Turning to face him, Natsu raised a hand in the air.
"No prob, Kiddo!" He replied, with Happy saying "Aye!"
Lucy simply looked over her shoulder and, with a small-smile, nodded her head to him.
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...When she looked ahead of her, nobody was able to see the pain and sadness reflecting in her chocolate-brown eyes.
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...She reached a hand to her keys, clenching at two of her keys she used to summon Horologium and Taurus.
'...I'm happy that Romeo has a caring, loving father... And yet, no matter how often I would look around and see children being loved and embraced by their fathers... I still can't help but feel as if I've been cheated, for having a neglectful, Jewel-hungry tyrant for a father.'
When she sees the Guild coming up ahead, she forced her emotions in the back of her mind and put on her happy, calm face.
'...Well... At least I'm no longer living under his thumb, and can start anew, in Fairy Tail.'
"Hey, Luce! -Running up to catch up to her, Natsu and Happy came to her right.- Since we helped and save Macao on his mission, that means we get a cut of the reward he was hired to get!"
"Aye! We'll each get 62,500 Jewels!" Happy informed, landing on Natsu's right-shoulder.
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...Lucy rolled her eyes at their words, seeing that they don't understand what a 'cut' actually meant.
'Of course, they would jump to that conclusion, when they should learn that we'll probably get a smaller portion of the reward. After all, Macao took care of almost all of those Mountain Vulcans, meaning he would get almost all of the Jewels he would be paid for killing... Also, why would Happy get Jewels of his own, when it's obvious that he and Natsu technically share their Jewels when Natsu completes the missions?'
"Come on, Lucy!"
...Natsu grabs for her right-hand, pulling her alongside him, smiling big at the stunned girl.
"Since this would count to being your first mission, this calls for a celebration!"
"Aye!" Happy replied, flying beside Natsu.
...Lucy smirked at their cheerful demeanor, as she ran with them.
'Those two...' "Fine, but I swear to God, Natsu, if you cause another brawl to take place in the Guild, I'm gonna tan your hide like a cooked lobster!"
...
Of course, as expected, he caused another brawl to start in the Guild...
...And, once again, Lucy went into the brawl and demanded order... Also, summoning Taurus to grab a quivering Natsu and, after removing his vest, she proceeded to keep her promise.
That day, everyone inside Fairy Tail knew when Lucy means business, she really mean business. And so, after witnessing the display of Natsu's 'punishment', they all come to know her, as "Mini Erza"... And "Mini Mira".
TBC
...We all learned, later on, that Natsu can't eat his own fire... When he melted Taurus' axe and had droplets of metal-pellets... Didn't that count of him eating his own fire, as if he ate natural fire, when he said 'Now I have a fire in my belly", before spitting the pellets at the Vulcan?
And why didn't Lucy do Force Gate Closure, to send Taurus back to the Spirit World, when the Vulcan got ahold of Taurus' axe? And when Taurus was unconscious, shouldn't he had gone back to the Spirit World, after Natsu kicked him?
*: I know, in the wiki, Lucy's 5'5". But, in this version, she's smaller in size and is a few inches shorter than her counterpart... Plus, it would make Natsu more protective of her, if she was a bit shorter. Also, I choose 5'2", because it's a bit more to the average height for most female-teenagers to be in.
*:...We all know that the Vulcan was horny and sexually attracted towards Lucy. And, as an animal that's aroused and/or displaying sexual excitement towards the opposite gender, it's actually common for MOST male animals to have their penis' exposed to show the females their 'excitement' and are ready to mate.
*: In Taurus' earlier design, he was more of a proud warrior and was supposed to have wild thick hair (don't know if was going to be half-black and half-white, or just all-white)... So, in this story, Taurus will look more like his original design, with a mixture of his actual design... You guys need to see his original design; it looked really awesome.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
R&R