Natsu emerged from his training session, sweat glistening on his skin as he made his way towards the stream to wash up. After scrubbing away the grime of training, he headed back to the cave where he and Igneel lived, his stomach growling in anticipation of a hearty meal.
Upon entering the cave, Natsu spotted Igneel engaged in conversation with Zeref, but his attention was immediately drawn to the unfamiliar figure standing beside them.
As Natsu approached Igneel and Zeref, he couldn't help but steal glances at the unfamiliar girl standing beside them.
She has vibrant purple hair cascading down to her shoulders, complementing her fair complexion. Her eyes mirror the hue of her hair, exuding a mesmerizing charm. Two large horns, resembling gold in appearance, protrude from the sides of her head, adding an otherworldly allure to her appearance. A white band neatly separates her bangs from the rest of her hair, framing her face delicately. Draped around her neck is a small white strap, adding a touch of elegance.
She wears a knee-length, sleeveless dress in a soft lavender color, adorned with delicate floral patterns. The dress would have a modest neckline and a flowing, A-line silhouette, providing comfort and freedom of movement. Around her waist, she might wear a thin, braided leather belt with a simple buckle. Instead of thigh-high socks, she could opt for ankle-length socks in a matching lavender hue, paired with flat, comfortable shoes or sandals. Who is this girl?
"Hey, Igneel, Zeref," Natsu greeted them, trying to mask his curiosity with casualness.
Igneel turned towards Natsu with a warm smile. "Natsu, good to see you. This is Seilah," he introduced, gesturing towards the girl beside him.
Seilah offered a shy smile in return, her eyes briefly meeting Natsu's before she looked away. "Hello, Natsu," she greeted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Hi," Natsu replied, trying to keep his tone light despite the butterflies fluttering in his stomach.
Zeref, ever observant, caught the exchange and decided to ease the tension with a question. "Natsu, did you have a good training session?" he asked, hoping to shift the focus away from Seilah's shyness.
Natsu nodded enthusiastically, glad for the distraction. "Yeah, it went really well. I'm feeling stronger than ever," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
Seilah's eyes sparkled with interest, and she found herself drawn into the conversation. "That's impressive, Natsu. What kind of training were you doing?" she asked, her curiosity overcoming her shyness for a moment.
Natsu's face lit up as he launched into an animated explanation of his training regimen, eager to share his experiences with Seilah. As he spoke, Seilah listened intently, her initial shyness melting away as she became engrossed in Natsu's stories.
Before long, the conversation flowed freely between them, the awkwardness of their first meeting fading into the background as they discovered common interests and shared experiences. Natsu found himself enjoying Seilah's company more with each passing moment, her gentle demeanor putting him at ease.
As the evening wore on, the group settled into a comfortable rhythm, their laughter filling the cave as they exchanged stories and shared their hopes for the future. And amidst it all, Natsu couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected bond that was forming between him and Seilah, a connection that he sensed would only grow stronger with time.
After a lighthearted exchange, Zeref's expression turned more serious as he glanced between Natsu and Seilah. Sensing the shift in mood, Natsu's curiosity piqued, and he turned his attention fully to Zeref.
"Natsu, there's something important I need to tell you about Seilah," Zeref began, his voice carrying a weight that commanded attention.
Natsu's brow furrowed in concern, his earlier joviality fading as he sensed the gravity of Zeref's words. "What is it?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Zeref took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Seilah is... bound to you, Natsu," he explained carefully, choosing his words with precision.
Natsu's eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to comprehend the implications of Zeref's revelation. "Bound to me? What do you mean?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of confusion.
Zeref sighed heavily, knowing that his explanation would not be easy for Natsu to hear. "It means that Seilah's fate is intertwined with yours. She exists to serve you, to protect you," he clarified, his gaze never wavering from Natsu's.
Natsu's mind raced as he tried to process Zeref's words. The idea of someone being bound to him felt overwhelming, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the thought of Seilah's predetermined role in his life.
"But... I don't want to force Seilah to do something she doesn't want," Natsu protested, his voice filled with sincerity. "If she's bound to me, then... then I want to find a way to free her from that bond," he declared, his determination shining through.
Seilah, who had been listening quietly to their conversation, felt a swell of emotion at Natsu's words. Despite her initial shyness, she couldn't help but admire Natsu's selflessness and compassion.
"I appreciate your concern, Natsu," Seilah spoke up, her voice soft but steady. "But I choose to remain by your side of my own free will. I want to protect you, not because I am bound to, but because I believe in you," she declared, her gaze meeting Natsu's with unwavering sincerity.
Natsu's heart swelled with gratitude at Seilah's words, and he couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of respect and admiration for the girl standing before him. In that moment, he realized that their bond was not defined by fate or obligation, but by the genuine connection they shared—a connection that transcended any preconceived notions of duty or destiny. And as he looked into Seilah's eyes, he knew that he was lucky to have her by his side.