Alright, these next chapters are going to focus on introducing new characters and concepts in the story, and next chapter especially is going to be VERY funny. Anyway, enjoy the mysteries I put into this chapter, and as always, please review and thanks for reading!

Chapter 16: Heartfilia

After leaving Porlysuca's cave, Natsu and Lisanna were met with a civil war of sorts.

Gajeel was on one side of the hall, cleaning his claws and pretending he was the only dragon there.

The original members of Fairy Tail were on the other side, flashing him accusing looks of anger and distrust.

Caught between them, Wendy kept glancing back and forth uncertainly, like she couldn't decide if she wanted to stay with her old comrade, or try and make new friends.

Natsu took one look at the situation and muttered, "Oh, great."

"This might take a while, huh?" Lisanna sighed.

She padded over to Wendy with a sympathetic look on her face, "Would you like something to eat?"

Wendy took the chance with a relieved expression, "Yes, please!"

Mira also picked up on the idea. She still wasn't so sure about Natsu and Gajeel, but Wendy was cute and looked harmless enough, "I think I can get someone to bring us something. What would you like?"

While the three dragonelles chatted about dinner, Natsu stalked over to Gajeel and sat down a few meters away with a huff, "Geez, what did we get ourselves into?"

"Ya got me." Gajeel shrugged, "I don't know why I haven't already taken off."

"Because if you did, we'd drag you back."

The drakes looked up as Erza came over with a stern look, "Now that you're a part of Fairy Tail, I expect the both of you to obey orders. And don't cause any trouble in Magnolia, either."

"Magnolia?" Gajeel echoed.

Erza nodded, "Yes. It's the human city at the base of the mountain. We provide them with protection, and they supply us with food and a place to stay. Although we can go hunt whenever we want."

Natsu stared at her, "Let me get this straight- You live above a human city. And more importantly, the humans feed you."

"Yes." Erza confirmed with a sigh, "I can see you aren't thrilled about it, but you'd best get used to seeing humans around. A good number of them come into the Thunder Hall. They help keep things clean and to be honest, they're great fun at parties."

"What in the hell is are 'Parties'?" Gajeel asked, "It's sounds like some weird sort of dismemberment. Do the humans take each other apart, or something?"

The Blade Dragonelle looked appalled at first, then started laughing.

Natsu shifted and growled uneasily, "Hey, don't make fun of us!"

"I'm sorry!" Erza gasped as her sides heaved with laughter, "It's just…pft!"

Mira stared over at them, "Wait…do you three really have no idea what a party is?"

"No, we don't!" Natsu hissed, "And would someone PLEASE tell us what it is!"

Erza recovered from her bout of laughter and hummed, "It's a celebration. The humans get a lot of food together, and music and sometimes fireworks. It's a lot of fun…"

Gajeel raised a scaly eyebrow, "That must be a lot of food for all these dragons. How do they keep up with all of your appetites?"

Mira blinked, "We humanize, of course."

Wendy tilted her head, "What's…what'd you say?"

"Humanize..." Mira said slowly, then gaped, "Don't tell me…you don't know what that is either?!"

"NO!" Natsu and Gajeel snapped in irritation.

Erza shook her head in amazement, "You three…how are you still alive?"

Snickers could be heard all around the Thunder Hall, and Natsu had just about had enough of it. He got up with a snarl, "I don't care about your weird human words! Either tell us, or keep your mouth shut and quit making fun of us! I'm so sorry we don't beg humans for food!" he finished with a sneer.

Gray had been laughing, but now he got up with a hiss, "You wanna run that by me again, flame brain?!"

"You heard me!" Natsu growled back, "I'll bet you couldn't last a month out in the wild. You'd miss your humans feeding and petting you too much!"

"Come now, that's enough."

Before a brawl could break out, Makarov lumbered in with a grunt and a shake of his head, "Did I not say just a short while ago that we were going to get along? Don't fight now, especially with the Mayor coming in. He and the High Priestess were terribly worried about Lucy."

"I've been hearing that go around everywhere." Natsu said with a flick of his tail, "Who or what is Lucy?"

"I'm Lucy."

The Flame Drake blinked in surprise and looked around, but couldn't see anyone, "Excuse me? Where are you?"

"Look down."

So he did.

He found himself face to face with a teenage human girl. She had pale skin, blonde hair tied up in pigtails, and big, brown eyes. For some reason, she looked a little miffed, but whatever had bothered her was the least of her problems.

Natsu leaped to his feet and hissed like a surprised cat, baring his fangs in a fierce snarl. Gajeel as well, backed up quickly with a warning growl.

"Lucy" flinched back from the huge drakes and stammered, "Wh-what's wrong-Eek!"

Her stammer went to a panicked squeal as Natsu thrust his head forward and shoved her to the ground.

On the other side of the cave, Levy jumped up with a gasped, "Hey, don't hurt her!"

"You have a pest infestation." Natsu hissed, venom dripping from his voice, "Can I eat it?"

In fact, he leaned down to eat the woman anyways, regardless of what the other dragons thought.

"No!" Levy screeched and leaped at him. Her small body wasn't much of a force when compared to Natsu's much larger bulk, but she had enough power to make Natsu's jaws miss Lucy's head by mere inches.

Natsu shoved Levy back with a growl, "What the hell is your deal?!"

"What's my deal?!" Levy hissed, quite angry for once, "What's yours?! Lucy's my friend! She's our friend! She's not food!"

"Don't be ridiculous!" the Flame Drake snorted, "Humans can't be friends with dragons. It doesn't work!"

"Well, of course it doesn't!" Lucy shouted indignantly, "Nothing works when you're trying to eat me!"

Erza got between him, Lucy, and Levy with a frown, "Natsu, that's just how things are here. We don't eat humans."

"Then you're insane." he decided with a shake of his head.

Gajeel stared at them with disbelief, "For once, I have to agree with the flame brain. Humans have no reason to like dragons. Hell, I razed down human villages more for entertainment than for actual purpose before I got here."

Gasps echoed around the hall, finishing when Lucy muttered, "What's wrong with these dragons? I thought they were going to be friendly."

Levy sighed, "Well, I guess that after all the things bad humans have done to them, they must really distrust people."

"Understatement of the century." Gajeel snarled.

Natsu shot a final glare at Lucy, "Try anything, and I swear the last thing you see will be my open jaws. I won't even cook you. Human females taste better raw."

"You two disgust me." Lucy shot back.

"Good." they growled in unison.

"My, my, what a riot."

Heads turned towards the light, amused voice.

Makarov dipped his head as Kinana landed in the cavern with a blonde woman and man on her back, "Jude, Layla. Our dragons brought Lucy and Dragion back home."

The man, who wore a business suit, nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Makarov. Although…it seems we've got quite a handful on us now. You just brought these dragons in, didn't you?"

"Yes, sir." Makarov rumbled, "They're rough, but I think they'll loosen up eventually."

Natsu eyed the woman, who wore a dress and looked almost identical to Lucy, with immediate dislike, "And who are these…humans?"

The woman smiled at him, "I'm Layla Heartfilia. Lucy's mother. And who are you?"

Natsu huffed and turned away, "I don't have to tell a human anything."

Surprisingly, Layla laughed, "You've got quite a fiery spirit, haven't you child?"

The Flame Drake spun around with a barely suppressed snarl, "Who are you calling a child?!"

"Forgive me- I meant no offense." The blonde woman walked up with that kind smile, which Natsu was getting sicker and sicker of with every passing second, "I can tell that you're no older than Lucy. Seventeen, maybe eighteen years old, right?"

Natsu's eyes narrowed, "How would you know that?"

Makarov intervened with a cough, "Layla is the High Priestess in Magnolia. She communes with spirits that protect the city. Lucy is training to be a Spirit Priestess just like her mother."

"I'm not nearly as good as she is, though." Lucy said quickly, though it seemed that she spoke to Makarov rather than Natsu, who she had effectively turned her back on.

Gajeel rolled his eyes, "I'm getting tired of asking questions, but what is a Spirit Priestess?"

The man, Jude, cleared his throat, "A Spirit Priestess is a kind of magician that uses magic to commune with spirits. The ones that guard Magnolia are Celestial Spirits- spirits of the stars, but some of the more experienced Spirit Mages can commune with any soul, be it alive or dead."

Wendy's eyes lit up, "That sounds amazing!"

"That sounds stupid." Natsu muttered with a diffident air. He wasn't as easily impressed by humans. The magician business sounded sketchy to him.

Layla noticed his unease and held up a hand, "I won't harm you."

He eyed her gesture with suspicion and growled, "I'm not coming down there for you to pet me."

She laughed again, "I'm not going to pet you, but I can't exactly shake your hand, can I?"

Natsu hesitated and shot a glance at Makarov. The old dragon nodded, so he leaned down slowly and held his head just a short distance from the blonde woman. He wouldn't be the one to make the first contact.

Layla set her hand lightly on his snout and closed her eyes.

Natsu's scales bristled as a seemingly electric current ran through his body. It felt like every nerve in his body had become a live wire, and then images of his life rushed through his head like a flash flood.

She was looking through the memories of his spirit.

He pulled back his head and broke the contact with a hiss, "Stop that!"

Layla opened her eyes and looked up at him with a strange look. It was almost pity, but there was real sadness there as well in her voice, "You've suffered so much for so young a child…"

Natsu stared at her with unease, then whipped away and stalked towards the Hall entrance.

Wendy tilted her head, "Natsu, are you okay?"

When he ignored her, Erza glanced at Layla, "Should I stop him?"

"No need." the woman murmured, "He just needs time alone." Her voice rose to a call, "You can ask for me anytime, Natsu. For anything that might be troubling you from your past, or your present."

The way she put an edge to the word, "Present" made Natsu slam his tail against the wall in warning. Then the Flame Drake leaped out of the Hall and flew out into open air.

Makarov sighed, "Well, that's unfortunate."

"On the contrary, I think that was a good experience for him." Layla remarked, "Fiery as he is, that poor dragon has suffered far too long. I hope that joining your Thunder will change that for him…" she trailed off with a sad expression.

Lucy stared at her, "Mom, what's wrong?"

Layla shook her head and wiped her eyes, "No…it's nothing. Where's Dragion?"

"H-here, ma'am."

The spiky haired teenager walked over from behind Levy. Gajeel shook his head at the sight, "This is why I don't like humans. They get under your feet and you have to watch out or you'll crush them. It's so much easier when it doesn't matter whether they get crushed or not."

Jude arched an eyebrow at that, "Makarov, it seems these new dragons aren't very human friendly. Will the city be safe with them here?"

The old dragon grunted, "I'm confident we can keep them in check. Leave them to me."

Jude nodded, then motioned to Lucy and Dragion, "Well, let's get you two home."

Layla shook her head and smiled at her daughter and husband, "I think I'm going to stay for a while longer. I'll be back home later tonight, okay?"

Lucy frowned, "Are you going to wait on that dragon to come back? He's dangerous. You know he tried to eat me? What did you see that made such an impact on you, mom?"

Her mother sighed, "Perhaps you'll find out for yourself one day, Lucy. I can't really put into words what he has lost. What he needs right now is time alone and time to heal. I think all of the new dragons need time to heal. But I'll stay for just a short time, so don't worry."

Lucy stared at her for a moment longer, then went back to Jude and Dragion, and rode Kinana back down to the city.

The other dragons went away to do their own thing, but Makarov remained with Layla. With a slight touch of her hand to his leg, the old dragon led her to the back of the Hall.

/

"It's been a while since I've seen that look on your face, my lady." Makarov rumbled, "What terrible pain has brought such a sad look to your eyes?"

"…" Layla said nothing at first, then sighed, "I didn't expect what I saw. Did you know that he's Igneel's son?"

Makarov started with surprise, "Igneel's! Are you sure?"

"Yes." she whispered, "For he saw his own father struck down by that black beast."

The old dragon shook his head with a faint anger in his eyes, "And curse that monster. Word came that Igneel had been slain, but no one knew anything about his family. We assumed that Acnologia had killed them as well...I never imagined his son would come here."

Layla nodded, "He wanted powerful comrades so he could destroy the black dragon. He hasn't given up on that goal, either."

Makarov lay down with a faint shaking of the earth from his massive weight. He watched Layla closely, "What should we do about it?"

"For now, it's best if you leave him to me." Layla decided, "Once he learns that I knew Igneel, I think he'll be more inclined to share his troubles with me. His hatred of humans is well-deserved, but I don't think it's an irreparable wound…with time, I believe I can show him that rejecting mankind will only hinder his quest to slay Acnologia. For I fear that is to be his fate, and it will no doubt end in bloodshed, one way or another."

"A hard task, for one so young." Makarov said sympathetically.

The High Priestess said nothing, then began to walk away until Makarov stopped her with a grunt, "Layla. It's unlike you to remain silent. You saw something else in his memories, didn't you?"

She nodded briefly, but still kept quiet, so the old dragon prompted, "Can I trust him?"

Layla turned and smiled at Makarov, "You can trust me. And I'll do what I can to help Natsu. What of the Water Dragonelle that you've taken in? Shouldn't you worry more about her?"

Makarov's eye twitched, "Now when did you…ah, when you touched my leg, I see. Clever as always, my lady."

She laughed again, then started walking off with a call over her shoulder, "Juvia will also take time to heal, but her problem is more about being undereducated rather than being in pain. Perhaps Erza and Gray would be good for helping her. Keep an eye on Gajeel as well- he's like Natsu, but somehow he's more wary…more of a loose cannon."

"I'll bear that in mind." Makarov grunted, "When Natsu returns, could you show him to an empty cavern?"

"I'll do that. Goodnight, Makarov." Layla curtsied, then walked to the entrance of the Thunder Hall to wait.

/

Lisanna was sitting with a group of dragonelles in a corner of the hall. With her, were Erza, Mira, Wendy, Levy, and Evergreen. Kinana still hadn't returned from dropping off Dragion and the Heartfilia's.

"I was really surprised at how sad Layla seemed when she searched Natsu's memories." Levy remarked, "I thought for sure he was making most of that stuff up or exaggerating, but I guess he's really lost a lot, hasn't he?"

Wendy nodded, "Natsu never really talks much about his past. Not even to me or Gajeel."

He told me, Lisanna thought. But I never imagined it could bring even Layla to tears. Oh, Natsu...

"It must have been a real shock when Layla went through his whole life in just a few seconds." Erza murmured, "I guess he didn't take it too well, either, not after he stormed out like that."

"Can you blame him?" Evergreen said with a shrug, "Not meaning to be offensive, but when someone can go through every memory you have in a matter of seconds, it's just creepy. I wouldn't be surprised if Natsu trusts humans even less after this."

Lisanna shook her head, "I don't think so…he's just been through a lot, is all. It's like Layla said- He'll heal with time." I hope, she added silently.

"I wish I had your optimism." Mira sighed, "Until Natsu settles down and becomes less hostile, I don't think we can completely trust him. He's dangerous right now..."

"But he is our comrade." Erza decided, "We must make an effort to help him and the other dragons through their suffering. Juvia is no better off than him, and I doubt Gajeel and Wendy made up the pain they told us of." She nodded to the little Sky Dragonelle and murmured, "They're our friends now. We must be there for them every step of the way."

/\/\/\/\/\

Natsu only returned when the sky was dark and the city was quiet. He flew into the Hall silently, which was lit by glowing stones on the walls.

Layla was waiting at the entrance. She said nothing, just gestured for him to follow her.

He followed her without a word, sensing that she wasn't going to talk to him just yet.

The Spirit Mage led him to an empty, unused cavern in the Hall. She turned and finally spoke, "This is your cave now. The whole Thunder Hall has a number of spare caves for new dragons. You'll find a pool of water in the back if you get thirsty, and just ask someone if you need something to eat."

"I already ate." he growled, "You didn't think I went flying just to sulk, did you?"

Layla smiled, "Did I say I thought that?"

Natsu snorted, "I suppose not." He walked into the cavern and went to the back, then lay down with a grunt.

Layla followed him inside, only stopping when he shot her a glare, "What do you want?"

"Did I say I wanted something?" she asked.

"Don't mess with me." he warned, "You wouldn't keep bothering me unless there was something you wanted."

Layla sighed, "I suppose you're right to be wary. You have little reason to trust humans, after all."

"And stop pretending that you know me." Natsu hissed, "Just because you looked through my memories doesn't mean you know who I am."

"Would that perspective change if I told you I knew Igneel?" she said softly.

Natsu stiffened and stared at her, "What?"

Layla nodded, "It's true. I knew Igneel for a short time. He came to me in a city far from here when we needed his help. Igneel was the first dragon I ever met on friendly terms."

She sighed, "That was twenty years ago. After he helped us, Igneel flew south. I assume he went straight home to the southern continent, because that was the very last time I saw him."

"Why would he help you?" Natsu asked, "He never told me he helped humans."

"Not unlike you." Layla said with a glimmer of amusement, "You've never spoken to anyone of that little girl you helped seven years ago."

The Flame Drake's tail twitched, "I guess…so are you going to answer my question?"

But the woman shook her head, "Now is not the time, nor place for that. But I will tell you something that will keep you satisfied, Natsu. Look out here."

She walked to the wall and pressed a small button in the rock. The wall shifted, then opened up to reveal a window that overlooked the city.

Layla watched the city lights with a smile, "Our home is a peaceful place, with no war to threaten us. It has been this way ever since I came here seventeen years ago. Just shortly after I arrived, Lucy was born. Magnolia has brought much joy to me and the many families living here. The dragons, too, have all lived good lives over the city."

As Natsu watched, her smile faded, "But I fear that peace will not last for much longer."

Natsu stared at her, "What do you mean?"

"The Dragon Slavers are growing bolder." she murmured, "They have never come so deep into Fiore before, and I don't think that'll be the last time we see them this close. But now, I think they'll appear sooner than we expected."

"Why is that?" he asked.

Layla looked at him with a serious expression, "Juvia was one of their dragons. The Dragon Slavers are familiar with the powers of a Spirit Mage- that's why they tried to take Lucy with them, to find a way to use her powers, even if they aren't yet complete. But Juvia came here with you and the others, and the Dragon Slavers know it. They'll try to take her back, for fear that I find something in her spirit that we can use against them."

Natsu nodded, "Makes sense. So, did you find anything in Juvia's spirit?"

"I haven't looked in her memories." Layla said, "I won't do that without her permission. Once Juvia recovers from being used all her life, then I'll ask her if she wants to share."

The Flame Drake snorted, "You didn't ask me before you looked through my memories."

Layla winked, "You wouldn't have let me if I told you what I was going to do. Just like Igneel. You're so similar to him. Especially with dragonelles."

Natsu didn't like the sound of that. He growled, "What does that mean?"

"It means you both have a taste for the forbidden." she said, "Do I need to say more?"

"So what?" Natsu muttered, then asked, "And what do you mean, my father was the same way?"

Layla shook her head, "Your father asked me to keep that a secret, and I'll stand by my word. But you must tread carefully if you're going to keep sneaking around with a dragonelle in this Thunder. Believe me, I've tried to change the way the Thunders work, but I am just one human voice among several ancient dragons, and my position as High Priestess means little to them. The leaders of every Thunder in Fiore have rejected the idea of allowing their dragons to have families of their own."

"Old dragons have no power over me." Natsu sniffed.

"I thought not." Layla smiled, "I won't tell anyone what you're doing, Natsu, just remember to be careful. You're on a very short leash right now in the Thunder; it wouldn't be wise to act suspiciously."

"Why are you helping me?" he asked.

Layla looked him straight in the eye with an unwavering stare, "Because I want you to trust me. Can you do that?"

Natsu's eyes narrowed, "…We'll see."

The woman dipped her head and walked out of the cave with a call over her shoulder, "Sleep well, Natsu. I think tomorrow's going to be a big day."

The Flame Drake watched her go, then settled down for sleep.

What have I gotten myself into?