Alright! Before I start this chapter, I'll give a little warning about slightly gruesome (but very brief) depictions, as well as a warning for people with arachnophobia. I don't think either cases will be too bad with this chapter, but I figured I'd still put the warning there just to be safe. I hope you enjoy!

"Dialogue"

"Thoughts"

Magic

Hargeon Outskirts.

Natsu would be seen walking through the outskirts of Hargeon, having just left the bustling city with a newer lead towards the whereabouts of this mysterious creature. "That dude better have been right about this." Natsu internally grumbled to himself, as the vast forest in front of him slowly grew bigger and more vast as he got closer. As he walked into the dense forest, Natsu's senses would be on high alert; focusing heavily on his smell and hearing, due to his limited vision with all the twisting branches and trees. "Almost reminds me of…" Natsu shuddered for a moment, thinking back to his recent nightmare, and the environment it took place in.

After a while of walking around, Natsu could only groan in frustration. There's been nothing - no sight, sound, smell, tracks, nothing of the mysterious creature. "I'm about ready to just torch this forest, and get it over with." Natsu sighed to himself. Just then, however, his ears would suddenly perk up - as he heard movement, coming from not far behind him and to his right.

Dropping low, Natsu stalked towards the sound, crawling and hiding in the underbrush of the woods, to try and better get an advantage over whatever it was he was about to come across. Though as he peaked through a particularly thick bush, his hopes would be squandered - replaced by annoyance as he saw a small boar, in the middle of the clearing. "Tch. This is gonna be a long night-" Natsu's eyes suddenly widened, as the pig was struck by a long, white substance - and quickly yanked into the air.

In seconds, before Natsu could even look up to examine what had happened, he'd hear a pained screech from the pig, as a tidal fall of blood fell from the sky, splashing against the ground where the pig had been standing; leaving Natsu's nose filled with the overwhelming stench of blood. Finally looking upwards, what Natsu saw would cause his eyes to widen - in fear, surprise, or confusion, he didn't know.

In the middle of clearing, about 4p feet up above at the treeline, was a large web - supported by all the surrounding trees. Noticeably, however, was the thickness the web had - not like a standard spider, or even the freakishly Giant spiders of the Nyvalla Woods; but somehow more impressive and sturdy. What really got him, however, was the creature in the string. Standing there was a large - creature, about twice the size of Natsu. Protruding from its body, the creature had eight large and long legs, sticking outwards - though what Natsu noticed was how each leg widened at the bottom, and ended in furless paws, rather than pointy, like a normal spider. The body was that of a wolf, no mistaking it, but it transitioned into the rear end of a spider - likely how it produced the giant webbing, and got the boar. As for the head, while it was in the shape of a wolf, it had qualities of both a wolf and spider. The general shape was a wolf, with the ears and snout of one - but its face was covered in eight large, beady red eyes. Its mouth also had two very prominent and protruding teeth, akin to giant spiders. "Well shit. Looks like I found it." Natsu said, to himself.

He'd come to regret speaking, as the creature's eyes all shot to the bush he was in, the instant the words left his lips. The Wolf Spider, literally in this case, would let out some form of guttural screech mixed with a growl, as its large body lunged towards the bush he was in - it's chest pointing towards him, as the right legs all seemed to curl inwards, as if ready to grapple him.

"Oh fuck-!" Natsu exclaimed, as he jumped backwards and out of the bush, just in time to watch it crumple under the force of the Wolf Spider. Skidding to a halt behind him, Natsu would hold his sword in his left hand, his right in the pommel of his blade. "Dragon Sword Form: Flaming Cleaver!" Natsu shouted, as he quickly swiped his blade at the Wolf Spider, an arch of orangish-red fire sweeping out towards the beast, in the shape of a cleaver.

While the creature managed to jump over the flaming arc, which smacked into the ground leaving a scorched slice mark - Natsu's eyes would widen, as he saw the look in the Wolf Spider's eyes; fear. "Looks like whoever made you, never got rid of your natural fear of fire, huh?" Natsu taunted the beast, as his blade was quickly sheathed once more. He suddenly dashed forwards, charging straight for where the beast was about to land. Crouching down a little, Natsu suddenly jumped into the air, ready to meet the Wolf Spider as it fell - confident that he'd win the aerial battle. "Fire Dragons Iron Fist!" He shouted, his palm being cloaked in the same fire as his slash, before it went barreling straight into the creature's underside, using the momentum of his punch to force its trajectory straight into the ground, with a meaty thud.

Landing on the floor a few seconds after the creature, Natsu would examine the small dust cloud where it had fallen - quickly turning his body on its side, to avoid a thick string of web that shot towards him. However, what he didn't expect, was for the web to firmly plant into a tree, and the Wolf Spider to nimbly use it as a grappling hook, closing the distance between the two in mere moments - its legs closing around Natsu, and it's teeth bared - in position to bite down on his neck.

"You freaky fuck GET OFF ME!" Natsu shouted, and just as the spider was about to bite down on him, with greenish liquid dripping from its fangs, Natsu's body would be engulfed in fire; Scorching the body of the Wolf Spider, which quickly let go, with a screech of pain. Jumping away from it, Natsu would keep the flames dancing around his body, watching as the burnt Spider stared on with fear and hunger, as if it was deciding if the food was worth the pain. "Well? Come get me, fucker." Natsu spat, as he got into a fighting stance, once more.

Natsu's eyes would widen, as he watched the Wolf Spider suddenly turn around, booking it deeper into the woods, and away from him.

…

…

…

"OH YOU GET BACK HERE, YOU FREAKY FUCK!" Natsu shouted, before sprinting after the creature. However this thing was made - it was made to be the perfect ambush predator, and Natsu hated how effective it was. Despite it having those hairless paws, Natsu could barely even hear its steps; only barely making out the tiniest thud of its fret, imaginable, as it skittered aggressively throughout the forest. However, he was able to reliably follow the trail of burnt flesh, just fine, as he chased after the creature for what must've been a solid five minutes. That was when they'd arrive at a somewhat large cave, on the side of a rising hill - which the spider quickly ran into, without any hesitation.

"Is this your home, you freak of nature!?" Natsu shouted into the cave, as he would stand a few feet in front of the entrance. "Hmm… I could just scorch the inside,cand kill it that way.." Natsu thought to himself, pondering as he examined the cave entrance. "No. I'd risk burning it beyond recognition, at that point - and I need a corpse, to show the council." With a sigh, Natsu would deactivate the fire around his body, and walk into the cave.

After taking a few steps in, his nose would be assaulted by the smell of rotting flesh and dried blood, as he took note of the different amounts of animal carcasses littered around the cave - some covered in webbing partially, and others just lying there. "Looks like it stores food like a wolf, more so than like a spider." Natsu mused, as he kept walking. He'd keep his senses of high alert, ready to ignite into flames once more as soon as his prey pounced on him. Though he'd suddenly stop in his tracks, as he entered a circular, large room - his eyes widening at what he saw. Carcasses littered the floor, making it nearly impossible to walk through the room without stepping on it. Though Natsu could only clench his fist in anger, as he saw what were clearly arms or legs of humans, much more fresh looking than the rest of the carcasses - in one area, he had even seen a full body, torn to shreds and obliterated, by the wicked creature.

"So all those missing people reports I saw in town…" Natsu muttered, as anger built up in him, momentarily. Probably thinking this would be the best time to pounce, the Wolf Spider shot from the ceiling and towards Natsu, ready to grapple and bite him much like before. Natsu, on the other hand, was ready for this - despite his rising anger, making it seem as though he was distracted. With a sudden flourish of his blade, he'd have his sword drawn and outstretched, watching as the beast impaled itself on his blade, knowing it wouldn't have time to avoid it. What surprised Natsu, however, was the feeling of the creature grappling him, all the same, still ready to tear into him.

"Tch. Just die." Natsu muttered, as he ignited into flames once more. This time, however, his left hand would grip onto one of the creatures legs, preventing it from getting away, as the blade of his sword also caught on fire - Scorching along its insides at the same time.

Natsu's ears would be assaulted by the sounds of pained screeching and growling, but he just kept the Wolf Spider in his grasp, using his body as a makeshift torch, to burn the thing to death. As he felt the Wolf Spider's grasp weakening, Natsu let go of the creatures leg, still keeping it impaled, as his left handed straightened out, his fingertips being marked with a dark crimson fire, as he jabbed his hand through the creature's body, in a similar motion to how he impaled it with his sword. Feeling it go completely limp, Natsu would pull his arm and sword out of the beast, kicking the dead body away from him, and into the opposite wall with quite a bit of force - his eyes overshadowed by his hair, as he looked on towards its dead body.

"To think I almost felt pity for your existence." Natsu spat out, as he turned around - taking one last sad look at the dead people, before leaving the cave.

Hargeon, Runes Knights Office.

Natsu would walk into the Rune Knights Office, a solemn look on his face, as he walked towards the secretary working the front counter of the building. As he approached the young looking man, Natsu could overhear the commotion of the building - feeling bad at how busy they seemed to be, as he was just about to deliver more bad news.

Seeing Natsu approach him, the young secretary would love up and give a forced smile, stress evident in his face. "Hello, sir. How can we help you today?" He asked, his voice laced with drowsiness.

"I'm here about reports of missing individuals. I believe I've found some of them." Natsu responded, his voice serious, with his face matching.

At this, the young man would perk up lightly - as his eyes grew wide. "Oh, thank goodness! If you could give us an address, we'll have a squadron sent out in just a few minutes!" The young man said, as he already got to work on writing the paperwork for it.

"It's a cave, off in the forest. I'd be willing to lead this squadron there. Though we don't need many men. No danger is present." As Natsu said his, he'd look towards the ground, his serious expression suddenly being that much more readable for the young man.

"Oh! Oh…" his eyes dropped lightly, as he realized what Natsu meant. With a nod, he stood up from his seat, and walked to the back of the building, into a separate room. After a few minutes, he'd come back out with a few Rune Knights, directing them to Natsu. "He'll show you the way." The young man said, sadly.

And so Natsu did. He spent the next few hours leading the Rune Knights to the cave, and answering any questions they had, that he could answer. In doing so, they'd also see the freak of nature that Natsu had just killed, a few hours prior - using their lacrimas to take photos of the scene, before being on their way. The entire time, Natsu just stared blankly ahead while answering questions, the anger bubbling up in him as he watched the dead bodies being taken care of by the Rune Knights, seeing as there were even a few children he had not noticed, when he was there previously.

After everything was taken care of, Natsu would receive a rather large sum of Jewels, as a reward for finding the slew of missing people. Feeling hollow about accepting such money, when all he did was stumble upon the graveyard, Natsu would simply refuse - instead asking for the jewels to be given to the families of those who died.

With that all taken care of, Natsu got a hotel room for the night, drifting away into a sleep that was anything but peaceful.

1 Week later. Mermaid Heel, Ultear's Office

Ultear would sigh dramatically, as she sat at her desk, in her office. "UGHHH. Meredy, I'm so boredddd" Ultear pouted, as she repeatedly hit her balled up hands against her desk, like a child.

Meredy would sweatdrop at this, her closest friend having been doing some version of this for the better part of a week. "Ultear, how is throwing a tantrum going to solve your boredness?" Meredy asked, with a giggle.

"It won't! I'm just hoping you'll have some idea as to what I can do!" Ultear whined again, as she looked over her desk. She's already gotten the budget done for the next few years, plus no active reports of paperwork needing to be filled out - she really was just done, with nothing to actively do. "Oh! I know! Why don't you have Natsu come in for another appointment?! Then I won't be so bored!" Ultear exclaimed, a triumphant look on her face like she solved all her issues.

Meredy would sweatdrop again, as Ultear proposed her idea. As she shook her head, Meredy would just keep a small smile on her face. "No can do, Ultear. Him and I have no way to communicate. Besides, I doubt he'd be thrilled to be lured here, just to rid you of your boredom." Meredy said, with a little giggle.

"Hmph! Some friend you are" Ultear grumbled, playfully, as she listened to her friends teasing laughter. Though she only could only smile fondly, at the situation, and as she thought of the pink-haired dragon slayer. "Oh well… perhaps I should head on my own little adventure? Maybe it'll do me some good." Ultear thought, with a smile.

Hearing this, however, would cause Meredy's face to take on a look of panic, instead. "Ugh- no! No! Umm- I'm sure you don't have to do that!" She tried to say, in as calm of a tone as she could, while failing miserably.

"Alright, I've decided! I'll head on an adventure! I'll need you to handle any paperwork, Meredy!" Ultear exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eyes, as she did.

Meredy would sigh in defeat, as she nodded her head. "I guess…" though after a few moments, she'd lift her head up, with a curious look. "Though what will you even do? You can't be gone too long, after all - you are the guild master." Meredy reasoned, with a raised eyebrow.

"There's a small town, about a day's travel by train, from here. It requires a few different stops to actually get there - but the town is called Sacchia. It's where Natsu is based, from what he told me!" Ultear exclaimed, her eyes clouded by a haze as she let out a dreamy sigh.

Hearing this, Meredy would have a small smile on her face, as she shook her head in disbelief. "You're unbelievable, Ultear. You're really smitten by this man, huh?" She teased, with a laugh. While Meredy found it strange at first - after a few conversations with Ultear, on a more personal level, she grew to understand her reasoning quite well.

"What can I say? Maybe I'm just a sucker for pink hair." Ultear giggled, as she stood up from her desk. "Alright! I've got to go get ready… I trust the guild will be well in your hands!" Ultear thanked Meredy, before quickly darting out of the office door - before Meredy could even respond.

"Sigh… what am I gonna do with you?" Meredy said, with a small smile and giggle.

Sacchia Outskirts.

Natsu would be walking into the small town of Sacchia, having just arrived after a small detour that lasted a few days, after his escapades in Hargeon. With a small smile, he'd walk through the quiet streets of Sacchia, enjoying the peaceful tranquility that the early morning brought, which was only amplified by the atmosphere of the small town. What few people he did pass, however, would give the pink-haired mage smiles and waves, which he would return happily.

"Natsu, it's good to see you!"

"Bought time you're back, it's been ages!"

"There you are! Its been far too quiet, without you around!"

Natsu would smile and reply back, as different people called out to him. He never was too much of a fan of being the center of attention, in fact, he often hated it - but the residents of Sacchia were the only exception. He enjoyed everyone here, and they all liked him - it was the closest thing he's had to a family in a while, and he cherished it.

Finally reaching his destination, Natsu would look up at the large building that stood before him. It was very reminiscent of a viking longhouse, large and imposing, yet very majestic. Though the most notable feature was the wooden statue of an Eagle, which rested above the door - large and imposing. Walking into the building, Natsu smiled as he saw the interior, filled with plenty of circular wooden tables, as well as booths going along the right and front sides of the building. In the back right corner would be a large stage like attraction, with the left wall being predominantly taken up by a counter, which was currently being cleaned up by an older man, who took note of the pink haired dragon slayer.

"Natsu, my boy! It's good to see you! Come come, grab a drink!" The man exclaimed, he put his tag down and instantly got to filling a glass. He was a much large man, probably about 6'7 in standing, with a pretty decent figure - rocking a more muscular dad bod, through and through. He had short brown hair, disheveled as if he had just woken up.

"A drink? Isn't it a bit early for that, old man?" Natsu teased, as he sat down on one of the stools, by the counter. Though he would graciously grab the glass, and take a sip, with a smile.

"Yeah, cause that's certainly stopping you." The older man scoffed, with a small smile. "So, what have you been up to, Natsu?" The older man asked.

"Oh, a bit of this, and a bit of that. Recently visited an all woman's guild - nearly got disemboweled. You know me, Vincent." Natsu laughed, as he looked at the older man's expression.

"Man, you sound more and more insane every time you come through those doors." Vincent would mutter, as he smiled st Natsu.

"Hah. Thanks for the compliment. So, how's the missus doing?" Natsu asked, striking up small talk.

"Oh, Sarah is just peachy. Still a right pain in my ass every now and again, but you know how it is." Vincent joked, with a smile.

"Excuse me, WHAT WAS THAT, Vincent? I don't think I heard you right~" suddenly, a woman would appear from one of the doors behind the bar counter, a sickly sweet smile on her face as she stared at Vincent.

"Uhhh- just saying how much I love ya, dear!" He responded, with a nervous smile, while looking to Natsu for backup.

"You have a weird way of saying you love someone, Vincent." Natsu teased, with a smile.

Vincent looked on with mock betrayal, as he stared at Natsu. "Why you little-" though before he could continue, he'd feel a fist coming down the back of his head, as Sarah stood behind him - on a stepping stool, to reach him.

Sarah would be much shorter than Vincent, only standing at about 5'4. She'd have a much smaller frame, too - with tanned skin, and waist length rosey-red hair, bordering on a very dark shade of pink. Though she'd quickly walk around the counter, pulling Natsu into a warm embrace, as she did so. "Oh, it's so good to see you, Natsu!" She cooed, as she crushed the dragonslayer in a vice-like grip.

Returning the hug in kind, Natsu would smile. "It's so good to see you too, Sarah." He responded gently. After a few moments, when the hug broke and Sarah got back behind the counter, Natsu would suddenly have a slightly more serious expression on his face. "How's… How is Ophelia?" He asked softly.

Sarah and Vincent would look at each other, their features softening, before Vincent looked towards Natsu. "She's doing well. She still isn't able to get up and walk around yet - the doctor said it's a result of being in a coma, for three years. But besides that, she's mostly fine." Vincent trailed off for a second, as he noticed the relieved expression on Natsu's face.

"It's all thanks to you, you know." Sarah said softly, with a smile. "If it wasn't for the money you send, we probably wouldn't have been able to afford all the medical visits. I don't know how we could ever repay you." Sarah said, as she gently placed her hand on Natsu's, comfortingly.

"It was my fault she got hurt… it's the least I can do." Natsu said softly, as he gave the woman's hand a gentle squeeze, reassuringly, before moving his hand away. "I've got a lot to do, so I'll probably be gone for a while again. But I did want to stop by, and check up on all of you. If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to see her before I leave." Natsu said, with a soft smile.

"Oh please. She'd probably kill you herself, if you didn't say hi." Vincent laughed, as he went back to cleaning the counter. "Though with how early it is, I reckon she's still asleep. She likes to sleep in nowadays, since what she can do is limited - but she's usually up by noon." Vincent said.

With a nod of his head, Natsu would stand up from his stool. "Alright. I'll be back around then. Ill just do some training, while I wait. I'll see you two, later." Natsu said softly, as he walked out of the tavern.

"Don't train too hard, you brat!" Vincent called out, with a smile.

"Now that Natsu's gone, and it's just the two of us…" Sarah trailed off, as her hand slid down Vincents arm, snd grabbed his hand - with a sharp squeeze. "Why don't we have a little conversation about what you said earlier?" Her voice was sickly sweet, as she exuded a terrifying aura.

"Oh shit.." Vincent muttered, knowing what exactly he was in for.

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE CHAPTER! Things are starting to pick up a little bit, now, so I'm hoping it won't be so awkward, as it was in the previous few chapters. Thanks for all your support, and until next time!