Chapter 5: A Caged Dragon
[Previously:]
"Um, there's nothing wrong with them. My eyes were always this color… Weirdo, aren't you supposed to be smart? They must've appeared darker in the guild because gramps hardly has any light in there. Maybe I should break a wall to let some sunlight in… Ha, ha, ha."
Though the deadpanned look upon Lucy's face had me sweating nervously, an eyebrow raised before sighing with a shake of her head. "You know what? You're probably right. I mean… You should know your eyes better than I do, right Natsu? Well thanks again, I don't know what I'd do without you—Now, if you will excuse me. I got a book to read with Levy-chan!" Lucy eagerly rushed back into the guild; Cheers being heard once again at her return.
'Did she actually fall for it? Dummy… So carefree,' I chuckled to myself, completely oblivious to the fact that Lucy already knew I was lying this entire time—She knows her partner's eyes better than anyone, it's the first thing she noticed when they met.
Walking back inside to finish my breakfast, I smiled when Happy crashed into me with a whine. Hugging the little furball as I unconsciously kept taking subtle glances at Lucy. My mate is sitting with Levy at a table, both in the far corner, whispering among themselves.
"Natsu~ Wahh, Where have you been?! I can't believe you ditched your best buddy!"
(Normal POV.)
Lucy ran inside the guild, smiling and waving at the greetings that were heard all around. The guildmates expressed their welcome backs, even if they did just see her a few minutes ago—Scanning the area, Lucy brightened up when seeing Levy at their table.
The bluenette was alone, tightly holding her bag that contained the dragon book and waving like no tomorrow. Signaling for the Celestial made to come over quickly.
"You're arms are going to fall off, if you keep waving like that Levy-chan," Lucy teased, smiling at her best friend who stopped with a giggle, sticking her tongue out. "Sorry! I'm just so excited to continue. Especially when today is You-know-what…" Levy leaned in, whispering the words cautiously as if someone was going to jump out of nowhere—Which was a HUGE possibility.
"I've been trying to observe suspicious activity with the dragon slayers, but they seem to be acting normal. Maybe the book got it wrong, or the time-gap affected their season? It wouldn't be unusual—" Levy stopped mid-sentence, a shiver running down her spine as Lucy sat down. From the look on the Celestial mage's face, it seemed she felt it too. "Do you feel that Lu? It's like someone is watching us."
Calmly, the two glanced around with suspicious eyes but there was no sign of anything weird. In fact, everything seemed normal except the fact that Mirajane kept looking around with concern and annoyance—She must feel it too. Although everyone for the most part was here, while others were on a mission.
"That's strange… I don't see anyone out of the ordinary. Maybe it's just us being paranoid?" Lucy suggested, hesitation in her words before pulling out the book from Levy's bag for a needed distraction. The hawk-eyes were fading, yet they still had the same thought in their heads.
'I know it wasn't my imagination… Who's watching me?'
Opening the book, Levy began reading the first chapter in a hushed whisper. Although they were near the back of the guild, there was always a chance nosy guildmates would be listening in.
Chapter 1:
Let's go over the mating season basics, information that should be known to avoid danger—First thing to know… Dragons and dragon slayers all have an inner dragon that runs their basic instincts. Sort of like a consciousness from the soul. This is a part of them, one cannot live without the other. However, there is also a great danger, and that is connected with their mates.
You see during the season, if one has reached of age, their instincts will begin taking over. Although, it is still the person themselves but with no chains attached to think logically. The only thing that will be a common goal is to protect, claim, and ward off potential suitors to their mate—If you think dragon slayers are destructive now… You wouldn't want to piss them off when their instincts are haywire.
In the beginning, a dragon slayer will change appearance, showing similar traits to a dragon—Depending on the type of element and class dragon. There are a few things to look out for, such as: Eyes will turn a different shade of color, canines will become shaper, hair color will change, talons and horns will grow, scales start forming, and wings/tail will appear.
While the first day is just appearances, it is the second day that control is lost…
Based on the gender, a male will gain a deeper and huskier voice from their normal one to attract the attention of their chosen mate, as well starting random fights to show they are capable of protecting them or showing dominance in a crowd of males. While females will attract their mate by giving them shiny-stolen treasures or perform their skills in an enchanting dance—Yet… Provide caution if you are a chosen mate, preferably going to a location which contains mate-less males/females. Their inner dragon tends to get extremely jealous and possibly quick, as if you flipped a switch.
However, they will also become just as affectionate.
Although do not worry if you are concerned about these feelings being manipulated… It is all what the chosen heart wants but stronger in showing when their inner dragons are in control. In fact, an inner dragon will be in control for the entire season but will start dimming down once it is over—A dragon's mating season will normally last for 2 months. I suggest following the rules below during this time:
Rule #1: Never go near another male/female. If a chosen mate interacts with anybody the inner dragon does not trust, they will perform an attack as the poison of jealousy fulfills them.
Rule #2: Never, and I mean, absolutely NEVER try to run or escape. Do NOT even go anywhere without telling them because they would believe you to be trying to leave them, especially if you accepted the marking. If this happens by accident, simply glance to the floor and turn your head sideways of the neck. This is one of the signs of submission and will potentially calm them down.
Rule #3: Do not push them away when they are being affectionate. This will come as a rejection, which is not a good thing because eventually it will make them feel sick.
Follow those three important rules and you, plus everyone else, will be fine. Remember… Their inner dragon will be affectionate, protective, possible, and will not leave your side if they deem danger is nearby or will be sure you're not going anywhere—During the season, if you both decided to take the next step to make the mark official by doing the down and dirty (Wink, wink) … You will surely have a surprise. Near the end of the month, they will slowly be returning to normal. Only IF you did not officially consummate the mark; Consummating when the season is activated will cause them to return to their senses faster—When the week is over, read the last page.
Finishing off the chapter, Levy slammed the book shut, a little too loudly that had them flinching, before putting it back safely in her bag.
"Levy… Do you think that's gonna happen to Natsu, Gajeel, and Laxus?" Lucy mumbled, frowning—If Natsu finds his mate, he'll not want to be a team anymore… Or worse, what if his mate isn't in the guild but another? What if they live far away?! There won't be a chance to see him again! Lucy could handle a lot of things, but it just wouldn't be the same if Natsu wasn't in her life anymore… because it's always more fun when they're together, right?
"I don't know Lu-chan, the seven-year gap could have affected their process too," Levy yawned, the two girls didn't realize that a full-day was gone—Guess that's what happens when you're too invested in a book.
Deciding to have a sleepover at Fairy Dorms, both of them walked towards the guild doors. Saying their goodnights to everyone before getting some rest… After food.
[Meanwhile: Makarov's Office]
(Makarov POV.)
I heard a loud banging knock, shouting for whoever it was to come inside—Hoping it wasn't the magic council. Although it opened to reveal three reckless dragon slayers.
"What do you want, brats?"
The three smiled and I couldn't help but smile right back until it slowly turned into frown… Their eyes were different. Natsu's usually charcoal-black eyes were now a forest green, practically glowed in the shadows and took a wild form. Gajeel's eyes were no longer red but rather pitch black, the way Natsu's used to be. While Laxus, my grandson's eyes, were replaced with a golden colour that nearly shined like treasure instead of his usual gray.
"What's wrong with you, my children? Your eyes… They're different!" They all sighed, and surprisingly it was Natsu that stepped up when all their expressions turned serious.
"Gramps, there's something we need to tell you. We've put it off long enough, but today is the first day of dragon slayer mating season… Which is basically something that affects us to, well, find our mates when we each of age—The first day is usually just a few changes but it's more like a warning that our inner dragon is coming soon to claim our mates. I don't know if you noticed but Gajeel's currently trying to find that he's forming iron scales and Laxus is growing talons! Our inner dragons are most dangerous around people, especially males right now since our mates are females but we're telling you to prepare. So lock us up, chain us away where we won't leave the guild… We don't want to accidentally hurt someone!" Natsu rushed out all in one setting, the two other male dragon slayers shifting in an uncomfortable manner.
I was speechless, jaw dropping and glancing between each dragon slayer. Though I noticed Wendy wasn't here… Probably not old enough yet to claim her mate.
This was the most serious I've ever seen of the three. They weren't even like this when facing an enemy of Fairy Tail. "Alright… Okay then. Do you know who your mates are?"
All three nodded without hesitation.
"Okay brats just in case this doesn't work out. I want you to know there is a safe house far in the woods… It's a magical house that will transform depending on your needs so don't worry about there being not enough rooms. Absolutely no one can find it except a family member of Fairy Tail, it was built by the first master. Mavis did always have a way of predicting the future so I expect you to try and find it. Stay there until it all blows over." Once I made sure the three understood, I started to act.
Slamming my office's doors open, I went over the balcony and balanced on it with ease. Gaining everyone's attention.
"LISTEN UP BRATS! Today marks the day that a dragon's mating season starts! I need everyone to prepare and stay the night to guard Natsu, Laxus, and Gajeel to make sure their inner dragon does not hurt anyone or destroy the guild! Wendy has yet to come of age to participate this year, so she'll be aiding in support and observing for a future's guide. Please… Be safe my children and start heading home to gather things needed for tonight."
Everyone was shocked, jaws dropping to the ground before rushing into action. Moving tables and turning the guild into a practical war zone, some running outside to grab supplies. Signaling the three dragon slayers to follow me downstairs, I stopped Freed in the frantic mess and immediately called him over.
"Yes master?"
"I want you to create three separate runs surrounding the boys, so they won't escape. Make sure it's foolproof. Once done, I'll cast a sleeping charm that will last until morning."
Bowing with a slight nod, Freed prepared his sword for the enchantment. When it was all done, I didn't waste time knocking the brats out before realizing something that had my eyes widening—I didn't ask them who their mates were...
[TIME SKIP:]
(Mirajane POV.)
Walking inside from the back of the guild, passing the kitchen and heading towards the bar for work. I never expected to come across everyone knocked out on the guild floors. I went around with graceful movements to not make a sound, they were alright… Just sleeping. Although I noticed Laxus, Gajeel, and Natsu were peacefully sleeping against Freed's rune-barriers.
'I wonder… Why are they locked up like this?'
I went near the barrier Laxus was currently holding-up in, hoping he's alright. However, just as I was about to wake him to ask what happened, a hand on my shoulder stopped me. Glancing over to see Master sitting at the bar counter, eyes closed in a concentrated manner.
"Do not wake him, my child."
Looking back to Laxus, I sighed and walked to Master, voice full of concern, "What's going on Master? Not that it is unusual to see everyone sleeping at the guild, but why are the Dragon Slayer's caged?" Master appeared calm as always, answering my question.
"The three Dragon Slayer's have come of age in their mating season… The boys came to an agreement to be locked up; They didn't want to get anyone hurt. Today is the day, where their inner dragon will crawl out to claim their mates. Whoever their mates may be, it could be dangerous for them my dear. So we have to take extra precautions."
"Oh…" That's all I could say, tongue tied and speechless. Just then, the guild door creaked open among the silence. A blonde and bluenette entering, Lucy and Levy.
They both had shocked faces upon their arrival, until seeing Master and I as they headed over in a blink of an eye. Lucy and Levy sitting down on the bar stools as I quickly fetched their usual drinks. "What's going on?" Lucy questioned with hesitation, as if she knew exactly what it was but needed confirmation.
"Is this… Is this about the season?" Levy asked, whispering the words as if they were some sort of trigger.
Placing Lucy's strawberry and Levy's chocolate milkshakes down, I stared in surprise… From the looks of it, Master was in shock as well from the news.
"Child, how do you know about that?"
The two girls bite their lip, sweating nervously before jumping up to bow constantly… Apologies rushing out in a jumbled mess. "We're so sorry Master! W-We meant to give you this book, but we really wanted to read it… a-and we know it was wrong of us to keep such important information to ourselves."
Master nodded in understanding—Poor Lucy and Levy, the two looked to be close to tears until Master patted them on their heads. Although before the girls could say more, growling was heard that had us freezing in place. Turning around, we saw all male dragon slayers were awake, their eyes wild and staring deep into our souls… but that wasn't the terrifying part. It was the fact that they were practically glowing, telling us who the real dominant species were as a tail started forming, thrashing about.
A gasp left Levy, Lucy and I… Paling and jaws dropping at the sight.
Their eyes were like someone possessing them, growling the words "Mate" over and over. A whimper left Lucy's lips, catching Natsu's attention as he stared at her with calculating eyes. The fire dragon slayer crying out a deafening roar that startled everyone awake.
Natsu snarled at Laxus and Gajeel before they pounced, only to get thrown back by the barrier. A dangerous growl leaving, constantly throwing themselves at the invisible cage.
"Holy shit!" Someone in the guild shouted, Wendy running to hide behind a pillar with Carla, Lily, and Happy—Poor girl, she looked as scared as we were.
Gray and Erza didn't waste time, jumping into action as the dragon slayers started scratching away. Another roar seemed to break the trance on everyone else as I hid behind the bar counters with Levy and Lucy. The three of us peeking to see Cana readying her cards, Freed grabbing his sword, Bickslow waking up his babies, Evergreen reaching for her glasses while in the air, Juvia standing protectively in front of Gray, as magic filled the room. The power combined seemed to make the Dragon Slayers more aggressive.
Lucy, Levy, and I peeked over the counter, seeing their eyes were no longer trained on us but the guild. However as soon their eyes contacted ours again, they growled at each other before breaking the guild's floors; Disappearing.
"Are they gone?" We shakily asked.
"Dammit Freed. You couldn't have put an enchantment that prevents them from breaking floors?!" Gray shouted angrily, turning to a bristling green haired man. The two arguing back and forth, Erza slamming their two heads together with a hard glare.
Slowly, we got up from our hiding spot… Only for the floor to explode in front of us causing Lucy, Levy, and I to cry out. Flying into the shelfs of the bar, bottles falling to the ground in front of us.
Everything looked so fuzzy, shouts becoming faded as the sound of magic flew across the guild. Slightly turning my head, I saw Levy and Lucy knocked out from the impact—Gosh, I feel so… so tired. The last thing I heard was growls, and seeing a blur of yellow before everything went black.
(Happy POV.)
I was behind a pillar with Wendy, Carla, and Lily. Watching as Natsu and them broke in front of Lucy, Levy, and Mirajane that caused them to hit the wall, getting knocked out.
"LUCY!" I shouted.
Facing Lily, "We have to help them! Quick, I'll fly Lucy out of there while you grab Levy!" He nodded, spreading out wings to fly towards them. Carla would've come to help too if it wasn't for Wendy having a near panic attack—The three Dragon Slayers almost got to them, until getting distracted in the fight. I quickly went and picked up Lucy, while Lily grabbed Levy.
"Don't worry Lushie, I got you," I mumbled.
We flew high, towards the open window near the ceiling. Then I heard Carla shouting at us, fear laced in her tone.
"Watch out!"
Looking down, Natsu and Gajeel were chasing after us. They didn't look like themselves, it scared me to see Natsu growing, showing off sharp canines as if he wanted to kill me.
Flying in one place, I froze in fear and by the looks of it… Lily did too. We couldn't move, time felt like it stopped when the two jumped at us. I closed my eyes, waiting for it to end, paws tightening on Lucy's shirt for comfort. Until Wendy's voice was heard.
"Happy, Lily—Sky Dragon Roar!"
Wendy's roar pushed us out of the way in time. The force of the wind made us let go of the girls as we got caught on a railing up in the ceiling. I felt dizzy.
I saw Lucy falling, reaching a weak paw out as if it would catch her. "Lushie," I mumbled, not being able to move… It was tiring to even lift a paw. Just before the two girls could hit the guild's floor, Natsu caught Lucy and Gajeel caught Levy. Everyone was either beaten up, unconscious, or tryin' to lift themselves up.
Laxus walked in a calm manner, kicking a guild member's hand from his ankle and picking up Mirajane. Turning to the other Dragon Slayers, nodding at them in a silent communication—Then they were gone, running out the guild at an inhuman speed. I weakly called for Lucy, then it went dark.
