Natsu Dragneel, a young man with a muscular build, pink hair, slightly tan skin, and black eyes, known as the Fire Dragon Slayer and Salamander, is a member of Fairy Tail. He wears white baggy pants, simple sandals, a black cloth around his waist tied by a belt with gold trimming, and on his chest, he changes from a vest to a jacket that matches the black cloth. Contrary to what people believed, Natsu thought a lot.
Right now, he was contemplating the last few months. He met Lucy, a blonde pretty girl, who joined the guild and became good friends with him. He made a team with her, Gray, and Erza. Erza. Things have always been complicated with them. Since they were kids, they would get close to each other, and suddenly she would grow cold. A few months passed, and the cycle repeated.
It wasn't until the Tower of Heaven that he realized why, or he thought he did. Some worthless mutt was blackmailing her for years to keep quiet about the tower or else he would kill her friends. Of course, Natsu beat him so badly that even after he was healed and lost his memories, the person would not look Natsu in the eyes.
But what baffled Natsu was how easily Erza took his side. 'There's good in him,' and 'He needs to repent,' she said, what a load of bullshit. That mutt committed slavery, murder, blackmail, and much more, and he was supposed to help that person repent? Erza gave Natsu the cold shoulder for a while after he refused to help Jellal when they arrested him.
Natsu relished the look in Jellal's eyes when he realized the only one who HAD the power to help him did not want to. He could pretend how much he wanted, he would not fool Natsu. Erza, expecting Natsu to come and apologize after some weeks, was surprised as Natsu simply… ignored her.
Now, after a few months, Natsu was lying on the grass on a hill looking over Magnolia. Suddenly, a second presence appeared. A tall muscular man with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a lightning bolt-shaped scar on his right eye: Laxus Dreyar.
Laxus, a few months ago, threw a sort of tantrum and tried to take over the guild. Natsu stopped him. After being excommunicated for a few months, he was allowed back in.
That was a few weeks after Gildarts came back. After some convincing from Gildarts and Natsu, Makarov allowed Laxus back in. From then on, Laxus and Natsu got along very well, much better than he got along with Gray. He did not get along with Gray. People were just stupid and thought they considered each other 'brothers'.
"Contemplating at this hour, Natsu? You can't topple a country without a good night's rest," Laxus said with a hint of amusement in his tone, reflecting their usual banter.
Natsu smirked. "And sleeping all day won't get you Mira's clothes on your floor, dude," he retorted, matching Laxus's playful tone.
The boys erupted in laughs, Laxus grinned, adding a playful tone to their conversation. "Yes, you're right, that needs some flirting," he said with a smirk, gesturing something teasingly.
Natsu grinned, catching onto Laxus's teasing tone. "So, what are you doing here at this hour?"
"I was actually looking for you. People are getting worried; even Erza looks a bit down," Laxus explained.
"Just... thinking," Natsu replied, his expression growing serious.
"About Oracion Seis and... him?" Laxus inquired, his tone indicating understanding.
"It just doesn't make sense... just like that? All it took was 'I'm sorry'? Really? I'm not ever jealous. I'm just disappointed and pissed," Natsu vented his frustration.
"I can't tell you what she was thinking. It doesn't make sense to me either, and most of the people in the guild kinda just go with what she says. So to them, you did something stupid and you gotta apologize," Laxus explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "Word of advice, don't. You have no reason to. It is absolutely stupid," he continued, offering his perspective.
"Yeah... I wasn't going to. I'm too tired to give a fuck," Natsu stated bluntly, his tone reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and frustration.
Laxus's eyes widened at hearing Natsu swear. "Was that a swear? Oh, how fast you've grown," he teased, with a mock tear in his eye, his amusement evident.
"I think, I want some more time to think, just not here," Natsu said, a hint of weariness coloring his voice as he gazed out into the distance.
"You need a vacation," Laxus suggested simply, his voice carrying a touch of concern for his friend.
"...You might be onto something," Natsu admitted with a smirk, a flicker of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Unfortunately for you, it's not with Mira," he added playfully, trying to lighten the mood.
Laxus chuckled, the sound rich with amusement. "Ha ha, comedian of the year," he remarked, appreciating Natsu's sense of humor even in the midst of uncertainty.
Natsu remained silent for a bit longer until he got up, a sense of determination evident in his movements. "Alright, I've decided. I'm taking a long overdue vacation. Got any suggestions?" he asked, a glimmer of anticipation in his voice.
"Do you have any suggestions for how I can flirt with Mira?" Laxus asked, a playful grin tugging at his lips, his curiosity piqued.
"Yes, actually," Natsu responded confidently, a spark of mischief in his eyes.
"That's what i thau—wait, you do?" Laxus asked, his surprise evident in his voice, mixed with a hint of disbelief.
"Dude, she tried to teach me how to flirt. I think I might have some ideas of what she likes," Natsu explained, a sense of amusement coloring his words.
Laxus took Natsu's hand with a grin. "Deal," he said, his excitement palpable.
Natsu couldn't help but be amused by Laxus's enthusiasm, a warm feeling of camaraderie settling in his chest.
Next day in the morning at the guild.
Makarov, a very short old man, was walking towards the guild to open it. In front of the guild stood Natsu, waiting with a few bags packed.
"I have a bad feeling about whatever is next," Makarov thought, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Morning, Gramps," greeted Natsu excitedly, his enthusiasm undiminished.
"...Morning, child. What brought you here at this early hour? Did something happen?" asked Makarov, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"Nothing bad. I'm just here to tell you that I am going on a vacation," said Natsu with a smile, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Vacation? Where?" inquired Makarov, his interest piqued.
"Don't know yet. I just have some ideas. I've got the money and all," responded Natsu confidently, a sense of adventure evident in his tone.
"Erza said nothing of another vacation with the team," observed Makarov, noting the absence of Natsu's usual companions.
Natsu's smile dropped a bit, a flicker of defiance crossing his features. "It's just me, not her. I can do what I want. I don't need her approval," he asserted, his voice tinged with annoyance.
Makarov regarded Natsu with a mixture of concern and understanding. "I see. Well, it's good to take some time for yourself every now and then," he commented, his voice gentle yet firm.
Natsu nodded, grateful for Makarov's understanding. "Yeah, exactly. I just need a break, you know?" he admitted, his shoulders sagging slightly with relief.
"Of course, my boy. You've been through a lot lately," Makarov said sympathetically, placing a reassuring hand on Natsu's shoulder. "Just be sure to take care of yourself out there."
Natsu smiled gratefully at his guild master's words. "Thanks, Gramps. I will," he promised earnestly, a sense of determination shining in his eyes.
With a nod of farewell, Natsu turned to leave, his bags slung over his shoulder. As he walked away, he couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom and excitement building within him. Whatever lay ahead on his journey, he was ready to face it head-on, on his own terms.
At the guild a few hours later
Erza's heart raced as she searched for Natsu, her worry growing with each passing moment. He wasn't at his home, nor was he at hers or Lucy's. She even checked Gray's place, but he wasn't there either.
She had something important she wanted to talk to Natsu about. After being ignored by him, she came to a realization—she didn't like being ignored by him. In fact, she wanted his attention.
As she reflected on why he ignored her, she came to understand. She had asked Natsu to help Jellal, despite knowing how much he despised him. At the time, she hadn't thought it through; she had simply expected Natsu to comply with her wishes.
But he didn't.
She was surprised, though she knew she shouldn't have been. After all, Jellal had tried to kill her, and he even stabbed Natsu with her own sword. It was only thanks to his Dragon Force regeneration that he had survived.
In the weeks that followed, Erza found herself reflecting on their relationship, on what they meant to each other. Memories flooded her mind, like the ones from a few years ago on her birthday when Natsu always gave her something she cherished. And then there was that one time when she gave him something in return—a kiss.
But she panicked afterward, overwhelmed by her own actions, and from that moment on, she had distanced herself from him. It wasn't the first time either; she had a habit of getting close to him, doing something impulsive, and then pushing him away out of fear.
Yet despite her fears and insecurities, they had grown close again after the Tower of Heaven. Those kisses had become more frequent, and she had even planned a date for them before the chaos with Oracion Seis ensued.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Laxus entered the guild, and she remembered how Natsu and Laxus had started to hang out. She recalled hearing Mira asking Laxus yesterday if Natsu was doing okay. He must know something.
"LAXUS!" she shouted, unable to contain her urgency.
"Don't scream, you crazy banshee," Laxus retorted, his annoyance evident.
"Where's Natsu?" Erza demanded, her voice firm.
"Why do you wanna know?" he responded, his tone guarded.
"I have something to talk with him," she explained, her voice tinged with desperation.
"What? You gonna bitch about how he should apologize for you being a dumbass?" Laxus shot back sarcastically, his words cutting deep.
Erza's jaw tightened at Laxus's words, her frustration boiling over. "Watch your mouth, Laxus," she warned, her voice low and dangerous.
Laxus shrugged nonchalantly. "Just calling it like I see it," he remarked, his tone unapologetic.
Erza took a deep breath, trying to rein in her emotions. She knew she couldn't afford to lose her temper now, not when she needed answers about Natsu.
"I need to find Natsu," she stated firmly, her gaze unwavering.
Laxus studied her for a moment before sighing heavily. "He's... he's gone," he admitted reluctantly.
"Gone? What do you mean, gone?" Erza asked, her heart sinking at the realization.
Laxus shifted uncomfortably. "He left for a vacation. Said he needed some time alone," he explained, his tone somber.
Erza's shoulders slumped in defeat. She had missed her chance to talk to Natsu, to make things right between them. And now he was gone, leaving her with nothing but regret.
"Thanks, Laxus," she murmured, turning away before he could see the tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
As she walked away, Erza couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness gnawing at her heart. She had let Natsu slip through her fingers.
Erza's steps were heavy as she left Laxus behind, the weight of her missed opportunity pressing down on her. She couldn't shake the feeling of regret that enveloped her, knowing that Natsu was now out of reach.
She wandered aimlessly through the guild hall, her thoughts consumed by memories of moments shared with Natsu—moments that now felt painfully distant.
Mira approached her, concern etched on her face. "Erza, is everything alright?" she asked gently.
Erza forced a small smile, trying to mask the turmoil churning inside her. "I'm fine, Mira. Just a little tired," she replied, her voice lacking its usual strength.
Mira studied her for a moment before nodding understandingly. "Well, if you need anything, I'm here for you," she offered, her kindness warming Erza's heart.
"Thank you, Mira," Erza murmured gratefully, touched by her friend's support.
As she made her way to her apartment, Erza couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that lingered within her. She knew that she had to find a way to make things right with Natsu, to mend the rift between them before it grew too wide to bridge.
But for now, all she could do was wait and hope that Natsu would return, ready to forgive her and give her another chance.
With Natsu
"All right, let's see, let's see," muttered Natsu as he examined the map spread out before him.
"Island of Peace," he read aloud, tracing the location with his finger. It was situated on an island close to Alvarez, requiring a boat journey to reach.
Despite managing to somewhat overcome his motion sickness, the prospect of another boat ride still irked Natsu. But he knew it was a small price to pay for some much-needed solitude.
With a determined expression, Natsu rolled up the map and tucked it into his bag. He was ready to embark on his journey to the Island of Peace, hopeful that it would bring him the clarity and peace of mind he sought.
With his bag slung over his shoulder, Natsu made his way down to the docks, his anticipation building with each step. The salty sea air filled his lungs as he approached the bustling harbor, the sound of seagulls echoing overhead.
Spotting a sturdy-looking boat, Natsu made his way towards it, exchanging a few words with the captain before boarding. As the boat set sail, Natsu couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through him.
Despite the occasional queasiness that threatened to resurface, Natsu remained determined, focusing on the destination ahead. The Island of Peace beckoned to him like a beacon of hope, promising a respite from the chaos and turmoil of his everyday life.
As the boat sliced through the waves, Natsu found himself lost in thought, reflecting on the events that had led him to this moment. He thought of his friends, his guild, and most of all, Erza—the one person he couldn't seem to get out of his mind.
But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, choosing instead to focus on the journey ahead. Whatever awaited him on the Island of Peace, Natsu was ready to face it head-on, fueled by a determination to find the peace and clarity he so desperately sought.