2024 edit: complete rewrite.
Chapter Three - Uncovered
The crowd roared in anticipation as the Naval Battle event was announced. A massive, shimmering sphere of water floated in the center of the arena, its surface rippling as the competitors prepared for the challenge. Tension buzzed in the air, with stakes high and emotions running even higher.
On one side of the arena, Sabertooth stood tall. Minerva stood at the edge, her lips curled into a cruel smile. This was her moment—a perfect opportunity to showcase Sabertooth's strength and humiliate Fairy Tail in the process. And her target was clear: Lucy Heartfilia.
Fairy Tail's Team B watched closely from the opposite side. Erza's gaze never left Minerva. She knew what kind of person Minerva was—manipulative, cruel, and willing to do whatever it took to win. But it wasn't just Minerva that weighed on her mind.
Erza's eyes flicked to Tobi, the masked figure who had joined Sabertooth. Something about him gnawed at her. Yesterday's confrontation with him and Kagura had only deepened the unsettling feeling that had been plaguing her.
She clenched her fists, forcing the thoughts away. There was no time for doubt. Minerva's cruelty was about to unfold, and Fairy Tail couldn't afford to hesitate.
"Let the battle begin!"
The water sphere erupted as Lucy, Minerva, and the other competitors were launched into the air, crashing into the water. The objective was simple: knock your opponents out of the water. But with Minerva involved, it was never just a game.
Within moments, Minerva singled out Lucy. Her magic warped the water around her, pulling Lucy toward the center of the sphere like a predator toying with its prey. Lucy thrashed against the current, desperately trying to summon her celestial spirits, but Minerva's magic held her in place, crushing her under the weight of the water.
From the stands, Gray and the rest of Fairy Tail watched in horror as Lucy's screams echoed through the arena. His fists clenched, ice crackling at his fingertips.
"We've got to do something!" Gray growled, but before he could act, a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Wait," Erza said sharply, her eyes never leaving the water sphere. "We can't intervene. Not yet."
Gray glared at her, his teeth clenched in frustration. "She's hurting Lucy! We can't just stand here!"
Erza's grip on his shoulder tightened. "I know," she said, her voice cold but steady. "But this is a competition. If we break the rules, we're disqualified. We need to wait."
But it wasn't just the rules that held Erza back. It was the presence of Tobi—the masked man who watched from the sidelines, unmoved by the chaos unfolding before him. The way he carried himself, the way he observed everything without a hint of emotion… it unnerved her.
No. She couldn't let herself get distracted. Minerva was her focus now. The cruelty in her eyes as she toyed with Lucy, the same cruelty Erza had seen before.
Minerva narrowed her eyes as she watched Tobi from the corner of her vision. His infuriatingly detached posture sent a wave of irritation through her.
Why doesn't he react?
Yesterday, Tobi had gotten under Kagura's skin, something she hadn't expected. He was supposed to be hers—the one she understood better than anyone else in Sabertooth. But yesterday, he had shown Kagura an interest she had never seen from him before.
He was planning something, something he hadn't shared with her.
How dare he?
A flare of jealousy shot through her, but it wasn't just that. The bond between her and Tobi had always been built on something more. But what was he doing? Why was he keeping her in the dark?
Her irritation rippled through her magic, tightening her grip on the water around Lucy. Minerva smiled cruelly as Lucy's face twisted in panic. Let's see if that gets a reaction out of you, Tobi.
But he didn't move. Didn't flinch.
Minerva was pushing Lucy deeper, her cruelty fully on display. Natsu watched from a distance, keeping himself removed. It wasn't that he didn't care. Caring wasn't an option anymore.
It wasn't Lucy's pain that interested him. What intrigued him was how Minerva's actions stirred the storm in both the water and in herself. Minerva's eyes kept flicking toward him, hoping—no, expecting—some kind of reaction. But Natsu gave her none.
Minerva's jealousy radiated like heat, and Natsu smirked beneath the mask. She hated that she didn't know the full plan. And she hated being kept in the dark.
Amusing, really. Minerva was desperate for his attention, his acknowledgment. Her little stunt with Lucy was nothing more than an attempt to provoke something from him.
How typical.
Minerva pressed Lucy deeper into the water, forcing the pressure to increase as Lucy's struggle became more frantic. She glanced at Tobi again.
Nothing. No reaction. No emotion. Nothing.
Damn it, Tobi! Look at me! Minerva's jealousy over Kagura and yesterday's events boiled over. How could he not see how much she craved his attention?
But instead of rushing to intervene or showing concern, Tobi continued to stand there—cold, unmoving, distant. She hated it. She hated that he never told her the full plan, that he left her in the dark.
Fine. If he wouldn't look at her, she would give him something he couldn't ignore.
Lucy's body twisted in the water, her face contorted in pain as she struggled for breath under Minerva's relentless hold. Every part of Erza screamed to act, to throw herself into the fight and end this madness. But she stayed rooted in place, forcing herself to watch.
The guilt had never left her since Tenrou Island—the day Acnologia had come, the day Fairy Tail had retreated, leaving Natsu behind… leaving him to die. She had convinced herself that they had no choice, but deep down, she knew it wasn't enough.
And now Lucy was suffering. Could she really let another friend slip through her fingers?
"Erza, this is too much," Gray's voice broke through her thoughts. "She's going to die if this keeps up!"
Gray was furious, his magic barely restrained as he watched Lucy drown in Minerva's twisted game. His words carried the same frustration that burned within me. I should have acted sooner.
But this was Lucy's fight.
Erza clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. "No," she said firmly, though her heart throbbed with the weight of her own words. "Lucy has to fight this. She'll pull through. She has to."
Gray's frustration was palpable, but he didn't argue. Deep down, he knew, just as she did, that there was no room for interference. Lucy would be disqualified if they stepped in, and the pain would be for nothing. Still, watching her friend suffer tore her apart.
Just like knowing they left Natsu had torn her apart.
She couldn't fail again. Not Lucy. Not after Natsu. Never again.
It wasn't enough. Minerva pressed harder, forcing Lucy deeper into the water, relishing in her struggle. The way Lucy's body jerked against the crushing waves, the gasps from the crowd—it fueled something dark inside her. But still, it wasn't enough.
He wasn't looking at her.
Minerva's gaze flickered toward Tobi. Yesterday, she had seen it—the way he looked at Kagura, the way he interacted with her. It had gnawed at her all night. Tobi had never shown interest in anyone like that before. He had always been so distant, so untouchable. But now, Kagura?
Was this all part of a plan she wasn't privy to? Had he kept her in the dark, using her while giving Kagura his attention? How dare he. Frustration boiled in Minerva's chest, her teeth grinding together as anger clawed its way up.
She eased the pressure on Lucy's body just for a second, enough to let the crowd believe she might escape. Then, with a cruel smile, she crushed her again.
"Erza," Minerva called out, her voice a sharp taunt. "You can't just stand there and watch, can you? The so-called 'Titania,' powerless while her friend drowns. How weak you've become."
She wanted Erza to snap, to break the rules, to throw Fairy Tail's chances away. More than that, she wanted Tobi to see her, to acknowledge her. She had been by his side for years now. How dare he look at another woman?
Erza took a step forward, her entire body radiating fury, her hand trembling around the hilt of her sword. "This ends now, Minerva."
Minerva smirked, unfazed. "Are you sure about that? Will you break the rules? Throw away your precious guild's chances, just for her?" She tightened her grip on Lucy, watching her convulse again, the crowd gasping in horror.
Erza's eyes blazed with anger, but she didn't move. Minerva could see the pain in her, feel the hatred simmering beneath the surface. Erza wanted to intervene—Minerva could taste it. She hated her. Good.
But even in her triumph, Minerva felt the weight of his silence. Tobi stood at the edge of the battle, his masked face unreadable. He wasn't watching her. Still not watching her.
Was she not important enough to be part of his plan? Did she not deserve more than this? The thought gnawed at her, the jealousy and frustration growing like a fire she could no longer contain.
Lucy's desperate gasps for air filled the arena, each one sharper than the last. Erza's heart pounded in her chest as she gripped her sword, every instinct screaming at her to act, to tear Minerva away from Lucy.
But she couldn't. Not without breaking the rules. Not without putting everything at risk.
She had to stop her.
"Minerva!" Erza shouted, fury lacing every word. "Let her go!" But Minerva's only response was a chilling smile, savoring every second of her cruel game.
Erza couldn't stand there and watch any longer. Rules be damned. She readied her sword, the weight of the decision heavy in her hands. She had to stop her.
Just as Erza moved to strike, a shadow loomed before her.
His presence was overwhelming, but before she could react, his hand shot out, catching her blade. With just a single finger.
The force behind it wasn't just power—it was something far more unsettling. It wasn't brute strength that stopped her sword; it was control, precision. He had intercepted her attack effortlessly, as if the weight of her swing, the strength behind it, meant nothing.
Erza's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't normal. No one had ever done that to her before. Her mind reeled, struggling to process the sheer impossibility of what had just happened. One finger...
Her sword, the symbol of her strength, had been rendered meaningless in the face of this simple gesture. She was known for her unmatched might, her unbreakable resolve. And yet, this man had stopped her as if she were a novice. A part of her wanted to believe it was a fluke, but she knew better. The pressure she felt from his mere presence told her otherwise.
Erza's mind raced. How? Who was this man? Her instincts screamed at her, and for the first time in a long time, she felt something she rarely allowed herself to feel—fear.
"Tobi, stop this!" she snapped, her voice rising in frustration. But even as the words left her lips, doubt crept in. There was something about the way he stood, the way he held himself—it was eerily familiar. The strength, the confidence... but more than that, the precision in how he moved. It was buried deep within her memories, stirring emotions she couldn't quite name.
The realization clawed at her mind, demanding her attention. Something wasn't right. Her thoughts whirled, trying to piece together the truth that seemed to dance just out of reach.
And then, Wendy's soft voice came from behind her, barely audible but carrying the weight of certainty. "Erza-san… his scent… it's…"
Wendy didn't finish her sentence, but Erza didn't need her to. The words hit her like a hammer, and the truth slammed into her with brutal force.
It was him.
Her heart thundered in her chest, the weight of the revelation suffocating her. Her hands tightened around the hilt of her sword, but she couldn't bring herself to move. How?
The power in his touch, the way he stopped her with no effort—it all pointed to one undeniable conclusion. Her mind screamed in denial, desperately trying to reject the thought, but her heart had already accepted it. She knew. She had always known, somewhere deep down.
"Natsu…" she whispered, her voice breaking, the name slipping out like a secret she had been keeping from herself.
Her body felt paralyzed, every muscle tense with disbelief. This man—this stranger standing before her, wearing a mask, hiding behind the name Tobi—was Natsu. The one who had fought alongside her, the one who had always been so reckless, so full of fire... but this person, this version of him, was different. Colder. More detached. And the power he had just displayed—it wasn't the Natsu she remembered.
It was far more terrifying.
Minerva's eyes darted between them, catching the flicker of something sharp and dangerous. The name that had just left Erza's lips, barely audible, hung in the air, heavy with revelation.
Natsu?
The question lingered in Minerva's gaze, but for Erza, it wasn't a question at all. It was a truth she couldn't escape, no matter how hard she wanted to.
Her world, in that moment, had shattered.
It couldn't be possible, could it? But as she watched him stop Erza's sword with barely any effort, she couldn't ignore the truth that Erza had stumbled upon. Minerva had always known there was more to Tobi than he let on. More power, more mystery. But this? Could he really be Natsu Dragneel?
Her fingers twitched, jealousy burning hot in her chest. Why hadn't he told her? Why hadn't he trusted her?
The way he had stopped Erza, the way he had protected Minerva—it wasn't just about his power. It was something more. But if Tobi really was Natsu, that meant he had been hiding everything.
Minerva clenched her fists. I should have known. This plan—this whole game he had been playing with Sabertooth—it wasn't just about winning or showing off power. It was about something deeper, something personal.
But why hadn't he let her in on it? Why hadn't he told me?
And worse… had he told Kagura?
The thought burned through her like fire, and Minerva's jealousy flared even hotter. If Natsu had been hiding this from her, what else had he been keeping secret? Had Kagura known all along? Minerva's mind raced with questions, but none of them offered any solace.
She clenched her fists tighter. No more secrets, Tobi—Natsu. This wasn't over.
Natsu stood in front of Erza, his finger still pressed against her blade. She couldn't believe it. She had spent years imagining this moment, waiting for it, but now that it was here, everything felt like it was falling apart.
He hadn't even looked at her. He hadn't said a word. And yet… the weight of his power, the force behind his actions—it was him. It had to be. Wendy's words had only confirmed what she had been too afraid to believe.
"Natsu…" she whispered again, her voice breaking. The man she had known, the one who had fought so recklessly, so fiercely for his friends—was he really standing in front of her now?
Lucy gasped again, choking as Minerva's magic continued to squeeze the life out of her. Erza knew she had to act, but her body wouldn't move. Not with him here. Not with Natsu standing between her and Minerva.
She gripped her sword tighter, willing herself to break free from the storm of emotions swirling inside her. "Let her go," she demanded, her voice low but firm. "This isn't right."
And then, finally, he moved.
"Natsu…" The name slipped from her lips again, but the way he turned, the way his body shifted—it felt wrong. So wrong.
He took a step back, lowering his hand and releasing her sword. Erza's body trembled as the realization set in—he had overpowered her so effortlessly. The air around them felt heavy, thick with tension that threatened to suffocate her.
"Enough," he said softly, his voice calm but laced with something Erza couldn't quite place. There was authority, yes, but something else as well—something colder. Detached.
This wasn't the Natsu she knew.
Minerva hesitated, her eyes flicking between Erza and Natsu, as if weighing her options, before finally releasing her grip on Lucy. The water prison collapsed, and Lucy gasped, collapsing into Wendy's waiting arms, struggling for breath.
Erza should have moved to help. She should have rushed to Lucy's side, but her feet remained rooted to the spot. She couldn't stop looking at him.
As Tobi—no, Natsu—turned and began to walk away, Erza felt her chest tighten. She had waited so long for this moment, for the chance to see him again, to understand what had happened. But the man walking away from her now… he wasn't the same.
He was different. Cold. Distant.
And it terrified her.
Minerva watched as Natsu walked away, her emotions swirling in a chaotic storm. Erza had seen it. Wendy had sensed it. And Minerva... Minerva had been left in the dark.
He was Natsu Dragneel. The one everyone thought was gone, lost forever. And yet, here he was, standing right in front of them, playing his game, hiding in plain sight. But why hadn't he told her? Why hadn't he trusted her with the truth?
Jealousy gnawed at her, burning through her chest like an unquenchable flame. She had been loyal to him. She had stood by his side. But this?
She clenched her fists. I won't be left behind.
Erza may have uncovered the truth, but Minerva would make sure she wouldn't get him back. Not after everything. Not now.
He had protected her today. And Minerva would make sure he stayed by her side, no matter what. If Natsu wanted to play games, then so be it. But Minerva would win.
As Tobi disappeared into the distance, she turned her gaze toward Erza and her team. The way Erza looked at him—it made something twist inside Minerva. It wasn't just concern, or even anger—it was something more. And she couldn't stand it.
So that was the game now, wasn't it? Erza and Minerva were both after something that couldn't belong to both of them.
Good.
It had been too long since Minerva felt this alive.
She took a deep breath, letting the feeling settle. Fine. If Natsu—or Tobi, as he chose to call himself—wanted to keep her in the dark, she would make sure he understood what it meant to underestimate her.
Turning her attention back to Lucy, still struggling to catch her breath, Minerva smirked. "Fairy Tail. Always so weak. Always so predictable." Her voice dripped with condescension. "Do you really think you can stand against us?"
Erza's gaze snapped to hers, eyes blazing with fury. For a moment, Minerva thought she might attack her right then and there, rules be damned. But Erza held herself back. Of course she did. She was always so righteous, so… controlled.
But Minerva knew that control wouldn't last forever.
As she walked away, the crowd still buzzing with confusion and excitement, Minerva steeled herself for what was to come. Tonight... I will make sure he understands me... no matter what.
As the tension slowly faded from the arena, the crowd began to stir, still buzzing with confusion over the intense standoff between Fairy Tail and Sabertooth. But for those in the know—Erza, Minerva, and Wendy—the weight of the moment lingered heavily in the air.
Lucy, still gasping for breath, was pulled from the water by Wendy and Gray. The young healer's magic wrapped around her friend, soothing the wounds left by Minerva's cruel attack. Lucy's chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath, but her gaze flickered to Erza, concern etched across her face.
"I'm sorry, Erza... I wasn't strong enough..." Lucy muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Erza shook her head, her expression conflicted. "It's not your fault, Lucy," she said firmly, though her gaze remained distant, her thoughts elsewhere. She couldn't shake the weight of what had just happened—what she had discovered.
She knew the truth now. But how could she possibly face the reality of it? The Natsu she had known was gone. This... this man, this masked figure, was someone else. Someone colder, someone detached. The ache in her chest tightened.
Erza glanced toward Wendy, catching the young Dragon Slayer's wide-eyed stare. The quiet words Wendy had whispered earlier still echoed in her mind. His scent... it's him... There had been no need for Wendy to say more. The confirmation had already been there, buried deep within Erza's heart. She just hadn't wanted to accept it.
But now? There was no denying it. Only the three of them—Erza, Wendy, and Minerva—knew the truth about who Tobi really was. And Erza wasn't ready for anyone else to find out.
Erza knelt beside Lucy, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face as she tried to calm her friend. But inside, her emotions were anything but calm. The way Tobi—Natsu—had stopped her blade with just a finger, the sheer power behind his effortless action... it didn't just unsettle her. It scared her.
She tried to hide it—from Lucy, from Gray, from everyone—but her thoughts were a chaotic storm. Only Wendy had noticed, and even now, Erza could feel her gaze lingering, full of the same confusion she felt. Wendy had sensed it too—Natsu's scent, his power—but she hadn't spoken a word since.
It was for the best. No one else could know. Not yet.
Not until she could face him properly. Not until she could understand why.
"Erza," Gray called, his tone sharp as he approached her. "What the hell happened out there? That guy... Tobi... he stopped you like it was nothing."
Erza swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay composed. Gray didn't know. No one did. And she couldn't tell him. Not yet.
"Gray, don't worry about it," she said, her voice firmer than she felt inside. "Right now, we need to focus on Lucy and make sure she's okay." She turned to meet his gaze, willing herself to stay steady. "We'll deal with Sabertooth later."
Gray narrowed his eyes, clearly unsatisfied with her answer, but he didn't push further. After a tense moment, he gave a reluctant nod and turned back to help Lucy.
But even as Erza tried to focus on her guild, on Lucy's well-being, her mind kept drifting back to the arena—to the man who had stood before her and stopped her sword with such ease, with the kind of power she had never felt from him before.
Natsu... What has happened to you?
Sabertooth's Temporary Quarters
The moon hung high over Crocus, casting a pale light over the city. Inside Sabertooth's quarters, tension simmered beneath the surface. The events of the day weighed heavily on everyone's minds, but for Natsu—still masked as Tobi—something far deeper was brewing.
Natsu stood by the window, his eyes scanning the streets of Crocus below, though his thoughts were miles away. The naval battle played in his mind on a loop—Erza's whispered recognition, Minerva's cruel dominance over Lucy, and the growing tension between himself and the two women who had begun to see through his facade.
The soft knock at his door didn't surprise him. He had expected her to come.
"Come in," he said flatly, still looking out at the darkened city.
Minerva entered, her steps quieter than usual, her demeanor far more subdued than her usual confident stride. "Where have you been." she demanded, the sharp edge of her usual tone dulled by something more personal.
"Just thinking," Natsu replied, his voice devoid of any warmth. He kept his back to her, unwilling to confront whatever emotions were brewing between them just yet.
But Minerva wasn't going to let it go. She stepped further into the room, her eyes narrowing as she tried to read him. "About Erza Scarlet, I imagine." Her voice was low, tinged with jealousy, though she kept it controlled.
Natsu didn't respond, his silence speaking volumes.
Minerva's lips pressed into a thin line. "You've always kept your distance, Tobi. Even after two years at your side, you never fully let me in. Not really. But I thought I somewhat understood you—until now."
She stepped closer, her anger simmering beneath the surface, though her words remained measured. "You never told me you were Natsu Dragneel. You've been hiding more than just your name, haven't you?"
Natsu finally turned to face her, and this time—he didn't bother with the facade.
He reached up, slowly, deliberately, removing the mask that had concealed his true identity for years. The swirling, white design that had come to symbolize the mysterious Tobi was gone, revealing the face she had never fully known—the face of Natsu Dragneel.
The air between them thickened as his eyes met hers. There was no more pretense, no more playful antics. Just the truth.
Minerva's heart skipped a beat as she stared at him—Natsu, not Tobi. "You finally dropped the act," she said quietly, her voice holding a mix of anger and disbelief. "After all this time..."
Natsu's gaze remained steady, unapologetic. "I never wanted this," he said, his voice raw, cutting through the air. "The mask... it was never meant to be permanent. I've been playing a role—one that I never wanted to play."
Minerva's eyes flashed with emotion—frustration, hurt, and something more vulnerable than he had ever seen from her before. "You don't get it, do you?" She scoffed, folding her arms tightly over her chest as if bracing herself. "Do you have any idea what it's been like... being under my father's shadow? Growing up with Jiemma—always having to prove I'm strong enough? And then you come along, stronger than anyone, completely in control, and suddenly... you're all I can think about."
Natsu remained silent, his mask now discarded in the dim light, revealing the face of someone who had lived through too much—someone who had once been full of fire but now carried a colder resolve.
"My father demanded power, control, absolute strength. Anything less was weakness. And in his eyes, weakness was unforgivable." Minerva's voice cracked slightly, though she quickly composed herself. "He broke me down so many times, pushing me to be the strongest, to be ruthless, cruel—like him. But no matter how hard I fought, no matter how much I tried to win his approval... I was never enough."
She paused, her hands clenching into fists. "But then you came. You didn't just have strength; you had this... this power that wasn't just about brute force. You had control, mastery over things my father couldn't even comprehend. And you didn't care what anyone thought of you. Not him, not Sabertooth, not me. That's why... that's why I couldn't stop myself."
Natsu flinched slightly, surprised by the intensity of her confession. He had always seen Minerva as someone who was cunning, powerful, and always in control—much like her father had trained her to be. But hearing her speak about the weight of Jiemma's expectations, and how she had gravitated toward him, caught him off guard.
"You saved me from him," she continued, her voice soft now, almost vulnerable. "Without even realizing it. You showed me a path that wasn't just about becoming a weapon for someone else. I wanted to be more than just my father's pawn... and I thought, maybe... maybe you saw me as more than that too."
Her confession hung in the air between them, the silence heavy and thick with unspoken emotion.
"I didn't know," Natsu finally said, his voice low, almost regretful. "I didn't know how much I mattered to you."
Minerva scoffed, her anger flaring again, though there was pain behind it. "Of course you didn't. You never bothered to look. You were always so wrapped up in whatever secret mission you had, playing the masked hero, and I was just... there. Another piece on your chessboard."
Natsu frowned. "That's not true."
"Isn't it?" she challenged, stepping closer, her voice rising with emotion. "You never trusted me with the truth. Not about your past, not about Fairy Tail, and definitely not about whatever game you're playing now. You kept me in the dark, just like my father always did."
Natsu flinched again at the comparison, guilt gnawing at him. He hadn't meant to hurt her, but he couldn't deny that he had kept her at arm's length, just as he had done with everyone since coming to Sabertooth.
Minerva's expression softened, her anger giving way to something more vulnerable. "I don't care about Fairy Tail, or whatever grudges you're holding against them. I care about you. But if you keep pushing me away, then what am I supposed to do? Stand here and pretend I don't see it?"
Natsu's gaze locked onto hers, his mind racing. He hadn't realized how much of herself she had tied to him. How much of her need for validation, her desire to escape her father's influence, had become wrapped up in their dynamic.
Minerva's voice dropped to a whisper. "You're the only person who ever made me feel like I didn't have to be my father's puppet. You gave me something to believe in, something more than just strength for strength's sake. And now... I don't know what to do with that."
The weight of her confession settled heavily on Natsu's chest. He hadn't intended for this to happen—hadn't planned on becoming a central figure in Minerva's struggle to break free from her father's control. But now, standing here with her, he realized that his actions had impacted her more deeply than he could have ever imagined.
Natsu stood there, unmoving, as Minerva's words hung in the air, heavy with an emotion he hadn't expected. The intensity of her confession, the raw vulnerability she had shown him, was so unlike the woman he had come to know. Minerva, always strong, always calculating, now stood before him, exposed in a way that made his chest tighten.
Natsu clenched his fists, torn between his instinct to retreat and the pull of the moment. "I didn't ask for this," he said quietly, the weight of his own emotions creeping into his voice. "I didn't ask for anyone to follow me. I didn't want to drag anyone into the mess I'm in."
Minerva's gaze softened, the anger fading as she stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. "And you think I care about that? You think I haven't made my own choices? I've fought beside you for years now, Natsu. I've seen what you're capable of, and now finally I've seen the man beneath all that power. Don't you dare think I don't know what I'm getting myself into."
Her words hit him hard, and Natsu's breath caught in his throat. He had always assumed that Minerva's loyalty was to Sabertooth, to the guild's strength and power. But now, standing so close, with her emotions laid bare, he realized how wrong he had been. This wasn't about power or guild politics. This was about something more personal.
"You... you never told me," Natsu murmured, his eyes searching hers. "All this time... I didn't know."
Minerva's lips quirked into a sad smile. "I didn't tell you because I didn't think you'd care. You were always so focused on your mission, on keeping everyone at a distance. And I… I was too proud to admit how much I needed you."
The honesty in her voice shook him. He had never seen her like this, had never heard her speak so openly. It was as if the mask she wore had finally slipped, revealing the woman beneath. And for the first time, Natsu didn't know how to respond.
"I'm not who you think I am," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not the same person I was before... before everything. I've changed."
Minerva's hand tightened around his shirt, her voice firm. "And so have I. You think I haven't changed in these two years? You think you're the only one who's been fighting demons?" Her eyes flashed with emotion, her voice rising slightly. "You don't get to decide what I feel, Natsu. You don't get to push me away because you think it's easier."
Natsu's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing as he processed her words. She was right. He had been pushing everyone away, burying himself in his hatred, convinced that it was the only way forward. But Minerva—she had been there all along, fighting by his side, enduring her own struggles. And he had been too blind to see it.
"Minerva, I—" he began, but she cut him off, her voice shaking with frustration and something more.
"Stop trying to run," she snapped, her eyes blazing. "You always run, Natsu. You hide behind that mask, pretending like nothing can touch you. But I know you. I've seen the real you. And I'm still here."
Her words struck a chord deep within him, the walls he had built around himself starting to crack. He had spent so long running from his feelings, from his past... But now, faced with Minerva's unwavering resolve, he couldn't hide anymore.
"I didn't want to hurt you," Natsu said softly, his voice raw with emotion. "I never wanted to pull you into this mess. You deserve more than that."
Minerva's expression softened, the anger giving way to something more tender. "And what if what I want is you?" she whispered, her hand sliding up to cup his cheek. "What if I've always wanted you, even when you didn't realize it?"
Natsu's breath hitched, the weight of her words settling over him like a heavy blanket. He had never imagined someone like Minerva—someone so fierce, so powerful—would feel this way about him. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw the truth. She wasn't lying. She wasn't holding back.
And in that moment, something inside him shifted.
"Minerva..." he murmured, his voice barely audible as he searched for the right words. But before he could say anything else, Minerva leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a tentative, almost hesitant kiss.
This was different—soft, more vulnerable. It was as if Minerva was offering him a piece of herself, trusting him with something fragile and precious.
Natsu's body tensed at first, but then, slowly, he relaxed into the kiss. His hands slid around her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. This wasn't just about passion—it was about something more. Something they both had been running from for too long.
Minerva's fingers tangled in his hair, her body pressing against his as the kiss grew more intense, more urgent. She wasn't holding back anymore, and neither was he. For the first time in years, Natsu allowed himself to feel—to let go of the control he had clung to so tightly.
As the kiss broke, Minerva rested her forehead against his, her breathing heavy, her hands still clinging to him as if afraid to let go.
"I don't care about the past," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't care about what you've done or who you were. I care about you, Tobi, no... Natsu. I've always cared about you."
Natsu's heart ached at her words, a flood of emotions crashing over him. He had never expected this—had never expected Minerva to care so deeply, to love him in spite of everything. And now, standing here, holding her in his arms, he realized just how much he had been running from.
"Minerva..." he began, but she silenced him with another kiss, more forceful this time, her hands gripping his shirt as if afraid he would disappear.
And for once, Natsu didn't pull away.
The Following Morning
The morning sun filtered through the heavy curtains of Sabertooth's temporary quarters, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Outside, the sounds of guild members waking up and moving about filled the air, but inside this room, the world felt far away.
Natsu sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze distant as he tried to process everything that had happened the night before. Minerva lay beside him, her head resting on his chest, her hand loosely gripping his shirt as she slept peacefully. The sharp edges of her usual demeanor had softened, and for the first time, she looked... vulnerable.
The mask of Tobi had completely slipped, and Natsu was left to confront the reality he had been hiding from for so long. He had let Minerva in, and now that the morning had come, he wasn't sure what that meant.
He glanced down at her sleeping form, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. A part of him felt calm, almost at peace. But the other part—the one consumed by his mission, by the weight of the future—was filled with turmoil.
His plan had always been clear. But Minerva... she had complicated things. He hadn't expected her feelings for him to be so strong, and he hadn't anticipated his own conflicted emotions.
Fairy Tail's Quarters
Erza paced the floor, her mind racing with the events of the previous day. The revelation that Tobi might be Natsu had haunted her since Wendy's confirmation. She couldn't shake the feeling, couldn't push aside the image of him standing in front of her, stopping her blade with just a single finger. That power, that presence... it was unmistakable.
"Natsu..." she whispered, her hand tightening into a fist. "Why didn't you say anything?"
Wendy sat quietly in the corner, her gaze filled with concern as she watched Erza struggle. "Erza... it's possible that he's different now. We don't know what he's been through. Maybe there's a reason he's keeping his identity hidden."
"I know that, Wendy," Erza replied, her voice strained. "But after everything... after Tenrou Island, after leaving him behind...I-"
"He's not the same anymore..."
Erza stopped pacing, her heart heavy with guilt and frustration. "I know he's changed. But he saved me back then... against Jellal. He risked his life for me when I thought all hope was lost...but I- I couldn't do anything to help him..."
Wendy's expression softened as she stood and walked over to Erza, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "We'll figure it out, Erza-san."
Erza's gaze dropped to the floor, her chest tightening with the weight of the unknown. She had waited so long for this moment—for the chance to see Natsu again. But now that he was here, everything felt wrong. The man standing in front of her last night wasn't the same Natsu she remembered. And she knew...she knew it was their fault.
Sabertooth's Quarters – Midday
Minerva sat at the edge of the bed, the events of the previous night playing on a loop in her mind. She could still feel the heat of Natsu's lips on hers, the way his arms had held her tightly, the intensity of their connection. It had been everything she had wanted, everything she had craved. But now, in the light of day, she couldn't help but feel conflicted.
Had he truly felt the same? Or had she pushed him into something he hadn't wanted? She wasn't used to this uncertainty. She was Minerva Orland—she was always in control. But with Natsu, that control had slipped. She had let herself be vulnerable, and that scared her more than anything.
She stood, her fists clenched at her sides as she paced the room. Natsu had changed her, made her feel something real for the first time in years. And she wouldn't let that go.
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts, and her heart skipped a beat as she opened it.
Natsu stood there, his expression unreadable as his eyes met hers. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the tension from last night still hanging heavy in the air.
Finally, Minerva broke the silence. "Last night..." her voice trailed off, unsure of how to continue.
Natsu nodded, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "We need to talk."
Minerva's heart pounded in her chest as she watched him carefully. "What is it?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Natsu hesitated, his eyes flickering with something she couldn't quite place. "I didn't expect things to go that far," he admitted, his voice quiet.
Minerva's breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening. "Are you saying it was a mistake?"
"No," Natsu replied quickly, stepping closer. "It wasn't a mistake. But it complicates things. You and I... we're caught in something bigger than this. I don't want you getting hurt because of me."
Minerva's fists clenched, her eyes narrowing. "You think I can't handle it? You think I'm too weak to stand by your side?"
"That's not what I'm saying," Natsu said, his voice calm but firm. "But there's a lot you don't know. Things you shouldn't be involved in."
Minerva's gaze softened, her usual sharpness replaced by something more vulnerable. "I don't care about any of that. I care about you, Natsu. I want to be with you, no matter what. I'm not afraid of the danger."
Natsu stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. He hadn't realized how deep her feelings for him ran. Last night had been a revelation, but now, in the light of day, it was becoming clear that Minerva's attachment was more than just physical—it was emotional. And that scared him.
"I don't want to lose you," Minerva whispered, stepping closer. "Not to Fairy Tail. Not to anyone."
Natsu's breath hitched as her words cut through him, her closeness sending a wave of heat through his body. He could see the determination in her eyes, the fierce loyalty she held for him. This wasn't just about control or power anymore—this was something real.
He lifted a hand to her face, brushing his thumb gently across her cheek. "I won't let you get hurt," he said softly.
Minerva leaned into his touch, her heart racing. "Then don't push me away. Don't leave me behind."
Their eyes met, the air between them charged with a mix of tension and desire. And for the first time, Natsu didn't pull away. He didn't retreat behind the mask of Tobi or the plan he had been so focused on. In this moment, he allowed himself to feel—really feel—the weight of Minerva's emotions.
And it scared him. But it also made him feel more alive than he had in years.
anyway...thats all for now bros! Hope you enjoyed Bro fist! 👊 I swear PewdiePie is rubbing off on me...jeez.
2024 edit: good ol poodiepie days ^ anyway I'm trying some new stuff here especially in terms of writing style etc (lmk if you f with it or not I might change based on feedback if anyone is still alive on this side of the site). Rereading manga really quick to remind myself of this arc and honestly I forgot how much I actually liked Minerva's character (I mean you can tell atp by how much I'm writing her LOL plus shes hot asf so yes dont blame me!)
