"Dialogue"

"Thoughts"

Magic

I do not own Fairy Tail. All rights go to Hiro Mashima.

All characters, unless stated or implied otherwise, are 18 or older.

Upon entering the infirmary, Natsu would notice the room looking a tad bit different than it did the last time he was here, just a few hours prior. What caught his attention the most, was how the beds were currently rearranged, pushed further back against the wall, with the exception of one, which was pulled more towards the middle of the room. Having done this little tango with Meredy more than enough times, Natsu would promptly walk over and sit down on the bed, tapping his hands along his knees as he waited for Meredy to finish any last minute preparations she had to do. While he originally chose to sit in silence, Natsu would hear Meredy begin to speak up.

"So, how have you been, Natsu? Not over exerting yourself, I hope?" Meredy questioned, with a simple smile plastered on her face, in the process. She'd pull up to the foot of the bed Natsu was sitting on, instead choosing to sit on a swivel stool, instead.

"Nah, you know me. Always taking it easy." Natsu replied, sarcastically.

"Yeah, cause that's definitely how you operate." Meredy replied, rolling her eyes with a bemused smile, while she looked at her clipboard, pen in hand. "Alright, just got a few questions for you - you know the drill. Any headaches? Nausea? Muscle fatigue? Trouble sleeping? Overly nightmarish dreams?" Meredy rattled on, checking off the appropriate boxes with each response from Natsu.

"No, no, a little, yes, and yes." Natsu responded in kind.

"Mmm. No cure for your insomnia and nightmares, then? Seems like you've had them since we first started meeting." Meredy muttered, a little frown on her face, as she swiveled around in her stool, going back towards her desk, and putting the clipboard down. Afterwards, she'd come back towards Natsu, still on her stool, with a few more pieces of paper in her hands.

"Nah, though the insomnia and nightmares are normal for me - I can assure you, that. I doubt the dark spell had any bearing on those." Natsu mused, while he looked up and pondered for a moment, before noticing the new sheets of paper Meredy was holding. "Those my results, doc?"

Meredy shook her head at Natsu's musing, still not quite convinced the dark magic had no impact on his sleep related issues. However, pushing that thought to the side, she nodded her head at her fellow pink-haired mage, with a soft smile. "Mhm. And, lucky for you, it all came back mostly good. There's still some lingering dark magic affecting your body… but it's very trace amounts, almost negligible. So I think we're mostly good to go, honestly." Meredy beamed, standing up and off of her stool, as she walked over to the desk, once again. "Oh! Though I will be giving you another shot, just to be safe. The remedy has been clearly working - so I don't think there will be any harm in it." Meredy said, as she put in a pair of gloves, before grabbing a rather large syringe, filled with an emerald green liquid. Natsu would immediately pale at the sight of the needle - his face going white as he saw the all too familiar instrument.

"Uh - I mean - I don't know about that, Doc-" Natsu gulped, audibly. "If I'm mostly good, no need to risk it, right…?" Natsu pleaded, only for his words to fall on deaf ears, as he took notice of the sickly sweet smile on Meredy's face. Resigned to his fate, Natsu deflated comically, before holding out his right arm, the one not covered by a sleeve. "...sigh. Just get it over with quick, Doc." Natsu grumbled, dejectedly.

"Oh don't worry, I will!" Meredy chirped, as she ran an alcohol swipe over Natsu's shoulder quickly. True to her word, she did just that - and quickly injected the green liquid into Natsu's arm, wincing at the mages almost violently seething, as he shoulder was pierced with the instrument, and the emerald green liquid was secreted into him. "See? That isn't so bad, right Natsu?" Meredy asked, with a sweatdrop, as the pink-haired mage just grumbled and muttered under his breath. "Oh come on! You face dark wizards on a weekly basis - and you're grumbling over a shot" Meredy remarked, with a perplexed expression on her face.

"Just cause I can beat up some dark mages, doesn't mean I like getting shots!" Natsu grumbled, a tick mark forming on his forehead, as he would massage his shoulder, wincing slightly as he brushed his hand along the incision point. With a sudden hop, Natsu would be off the bed and back in his feet - rolling his shoulders a bit, to stretch, before smiling towards Meredy, his annoyance having vanished, for now. "Thanks, as always, Doc. I appreciate all the help you've been giving, the last year. It's nice knowing I've got someone looking out for me, who isn't going to overcharge me for their services." Natsu remarked, ending in a little grumble, before he went back to smiling towards the pink-haired doctor.

"We've been over this, Natsu. I'm only doing my job, you don't have to thank me." Meredy smiled, shaking her head slightly, as she spoke. "Besides, I make more than enough for a comfortable living. Though if that ever changes, you'll be my first patient to know." Meredy would give Natsu a teasing wink, before she sat back down at her desk - almost immediately sighing as she got back to the copious amounts of paperwork present. Natsu would only respond in kind with an incredulous look on his face, with a feigned look of sadness.

"Oh how could you! Here I was, thinking I could trust you." Natsu said, as he shook his head. Though when he heard Meredy's sigh, he instantly peaked his head over her shoulder, with seemingly zero regard for personal space, as he looked towards the jumble of papers and graphs, before him. "Hmm? What's the matter, Doc?" He asked, turning towards the doctor, who had just squeaked in surprise at the man's sudden presence next to her face.

"Ah! Don't just shove your face right next to mine, idiot!" Meredy sighed, scooting over on her chair a little, to put more room between the two. "Anyways - just some paperwork, for the guild."

"Haha, sorry bout that!" Natsu grinned, before realizing what she had said. "Wait - the guild? Shouldn't Ultear be doing that? Seeing as she's the guildmaster, and all?" Natsu asked, a skeptical look on his face, as he did.

"Ultear usually does handle all the paperwork - and then some. But whenever she's busy, she usually has me do it… Though I don't mind, too much! It's usually never for more than a few hours, so it's not too bad." Meredy finished with a small smile, although Natsu could easily tell she didn't want to be doing the paperwork.

"Oh well. I doubt anyone wants to just sit around and do paperwork." Natsu thought, with a shrug, before backing up - his hands clasped behind his head, casually. "Makes sense, makes sense. So, what is that witch so busy with, then?" Natsu mused, sitting down cross legged on the bed, leaving Meredy to be confused at his sudden interest. However, what confused Meredy more, was his referral of Ultear as a witch.

"The witch? As in – Ultear? How is she a witch?" She asked, tilting her head as she looked back towards Natsu, inwardly thankful for the excuse to avoid the paperwork.

"Yeah, that witch! She just watched as some of her top mages tried to pummel me. Didn't even seem bothered by it, either." Natsu scoffed, with a shake of his head. "Anyways, what's got her so busy? Didn't seem that way to me, when I had left earlier." Natsu asked.

"She - I'm so confused." Meredy shook her head, as she massaged her temple with one of her hands, before addressing Natsu, once more. "To answer your question - she's preparing for some form of dinner tonight, I guess? I don't know the details, but apparently she's having the guild throw a dinner party, for someo-" Before Meredy could finish her sentence, Natsu would cut her off, with a loud groan.

"Ughhh. Wait wait wait so you're saying she was serious about that? I thought she was joking!" Meredy would only look on in confusion, once more, before Natsu continued. "After Erza decked me in the schnoz, and Kagura tried impaling me with her sword - Ultear pushed me outta the building, so Chelia could give me a tour of the city. She told me to come back for dinner, but I figured she was only joking around." Natsu explained, upon noticing the confusion on Meredy's face.

"Decked you in the schnoz…?" Meredy sweat dropped, before the weight of Natsu's words finally settled, on her. "Wait- so our very important guest that Ultear said would be showing up - it's you?" Meredy suddenly had to stifle a laugh, as she thought about the absurdity of the situation. This seemed to only aggravate Natsu, as a tick mark formed in his head and his left eye twitched.

"Hey! I'll have you know I'm a very important person, at certain places!" He exclaimed, before letting out a childish huff, as he crossed his arms against his chest; the fact that he was sitting criss crossed on one of the Infirmary beds, definitely not doing him any favors. Meredy only laughed at the dragon slayers little display, shaking her head in amusement.

"I bet you're a suuuuper important person, heh." Meredy giggled.

"Yeah yeah, keep laughing. We'll see who's laughing when you're doing paperwork in here, all night, while I'm out there partying." Natsu grumbled, as a sudden realization seemingly hit both Natsu, and Meredy. Meredy, because she was reminded of all the paperwork she had to do, and Natsu because he was reminded of the incredibly awkward night he was likely soon to have. "Uhhhh- on second thought… how about I do that paperwork for you, Meredy?" Natsu asked, a sheepish smile on his face, as he tried to get out of the nights events.

"Nuh-uh, you're the guest of honor, after all - you've got to make an appearance!" Meredy giggled, before finally starting on the pile of papers, set before her. "Besides, I don't think Ultear would like an outsider working with our private information, no?" The doctor teased, with a quirk of her eyebrow.

"Fine, you got me. Hopefully no one else tries to disembowel me, tonight. Otherwise you might be seeing me for more than just the check up." Natsu joked, as he hopped off the Infirmary bed, walking towards the door. "Anyways, I've got to get going. I noticed a little odds and ends shop earlier, when I was out looking around the city. Figured I'd check it out, before this big party." Natsu rolled his eyes, with a groan, as grabbed the door handle. "Should I set a date for our next appointment, orrrr?"

"Nah, it's good. You should be fine, from here on out. But if anything comes up, don't be afraid to reach out, alright?" Meredy responded, with a soft smile on her face, for Natsu to only nod in response, before heading out the door. "Have fun with your little partyyyy!" Meredy called out, only to be met with the sound of grumbling, as Natsu shut the door. Meredy would just laugh quietly to herself, as she stared at the door, thinking about the dinner party that was going to be held, for her pink haired patient. "Ultear… what's your goal, here?" Meredy thought to herself, briefly, before shrugging. "Oh well. Guess I'll find out, later." She turned to her desk, letting out one last groan, as she started on the paperwork.

Mermaid Heel Dining Hall

Natsu would currently be sitting at one of the many tables down in the guild halls dining hall, once again, just like before. However, in contrast to earlier, he wasn't alone this time. Sitting across from him was none other than Ultear, wearing a black dress which accentuated the woman's natural curves nicely, with a part down the side of her left leg. Ultear would notably have a coy smile across her face, as she stared at Natsu across from her, her left arm under her bosom, with her right hand draped across her own cheek. To make matters worse, Natsu didn't quite know how he ended up in such a position. One second, he was leaving Meredy's Infirmary to do a little more more sightseeing, and then next thing he knew Ultear had him sitting at this table, again. While the rest of the guild seemed to be missing their own business, having conversations with one another as they enjoyed their food in amiable company, Natsu couldn't help but notice that eyes certainly would linger over him and Ultear's table, a bit more than he would have preferred.

"My my, you're so cold, Natsu~! We've been sitting here for a few minutes now, and you haven't even said so much as a word to your date? How rude." Ultear pouted - though the mirthful glint in her eyes spoke otherwise, as to how Ultear was truly feeling. Upon hearing this, Natsu's ears would definitely pick up a few gasps throughout the room, even if they were few and far between, and hidden under the sounds of everyone talking. This only exasperated Natsu, as his face lit up in a blush, before he responded.

"Wh- what are you saying..!? You're going to give these people the wrong impression-!" Natsu practically growled between his teeth, as Ultear only laughed in delight at his response, enjoying the reaction of the pink haired mage, very much so.

"Oh calm down, Natsu. I'm only teasing… unless you'd rather I wasn't~?" Ultear winked the last part out, as she giggled lightly, as Natsu's face grew a brighter shade of red. However, the dragon slayer had quickly recomposed himself, no longer so flush, as he shook his head, with a sigh.

"You really are a witch." Natsu remarked, as he hung his head down, exasperatedly. "Anywaaays…" Natsu continued, before Ultear could have another chance at teasing him. "Not that I'm ungrateful or anything - but how come you're throwing a dinner party for me? I mean, I know you said it was to make up for Erza and Kaguras actions, earlier - but I can't help but feel like you've got some form of ulterior motive, seeing as everyone but you and I have got food." Natsu questioned, with a raise of his eyebrow, as he did.

"My my, how astute of you." Ultear bemused, with an amused smile on her face. "Don't worry, the food should be here shortly, Natsu. As to answer your question - I don't have a clue, as to what you mean by ulterior motives." Ultear responded, with a knowing smirk - a glint twinkling in her eyes, that left Natsu shivering.

"Oh this witch definitely knows." Natsu thought, as he sighed. "Oh well. Nothing I can do 'bout it." Leaning back in his chair, Natsu would look around the guild hall, his eyes darting instinctively to all the exits that the room had to offer, before casually scanning over all of the members who were eating and chatting in amiable companionship - as a small smile formed on his lips, at the sight.

"Did somthing or someone catch your eyes, Natsu?" Ultear asked, with a quirked eyebrow, noticing how his eyes were looking all over the place, with that smile.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing like that, I assure you. Just taking in the sight…" Natsu paused, noticing Ultear's incredulous stare, before groaning. "Fuck, that came out wrong." He rubbed his temple with one hand, before then massaging the bridge of his nose. "I meant - they all look really happy, is all. I can see they care about each other, quite a bit. You've built up a wonderful place here, Ultear." Natsu finished with a smile, as he looked towards the black haired woman, across from him. Ultear herself was slightly taken aback by his words, but he composure returned quite easily, as she gave him an appreciative smile.

"It wasn't just me, Natsu. It would be theft of me, to take credit for this all." Ultear said, while gesturing around her. "Every single one of these girls put in a lot of work, to make this guild the way it is. Including Erza and Kagura - which is why I hope you don't hold their actions from earlier, against you." She finished, her expression much more serious and composed, compared to how it was mere moments ago - causing Natsu to narrow his eyes, lightly.

"Her demeanor changed up quick." Natsu noticed, before relaxing a little with a sigh. "Listen, don't worry about it. I'm not particularly upset about the little kerfuffle earlier. Although I would've appreciated it if you had intervened sooner." Natsu sighed, before giving an almost amused smile. "Besides, it's been a second since someone decked me, like Erza did. I must be getting sloppy, hah." Natsu let out a little laugh, at his own remark, before his nose caught a whiff of something delicious smelling, coming his way. " Ahhh, that must be the grub - perfect timing, I was getting hu-" as Natsu spoke, he would turn his head towards the scent, his eyes widening as he froze, upon the sight. In front of him would be Erza and Kagura, walking up to his and Ultear's table, both carrying a platter of food with them as they did. However, what caught Natsu's eyes the most was the attire the two were wearing. Both Erza and Kagura were in frilly matching black and white maid outfits; and while the outfits themselves were modest, Natsu could easily see the visual discomfort and embarrassment on Kagura's face, at being seen in such clothing. However, Natsu would notice how Erza looked - completely fine.

"What's wrong, Kagura? Your face looks flushed?" The scarlet-haired woman asked, placing the plate of food down in front of Ultear, before she turned to the purple-haired woman. At the same time, Ultear could be seen trying her hardest to hold back her laughter, her face reddening as she tried not to burst out in tears, at the situation.

"I-its nothing, Onee-sama…" Kagura muttered, placing the tray of food in front of Natsu, who was still wide-eyed, with his jaw dropped. "U-um..you're f-food, Mr. Natsu…" Kagura stammered out, her face an equal shade of red as Erza's hair.

"Umm- just Natsu, is fine -" Natsu muttered to the woman, as he began to eat the food presented to him, his eyes widening after the first bite. "Damn, this is pretty good," Natsu thought to himself, before his head quickly looked up towards Ultear, who had clearly lost composure, in a fit of laughter. "Why do you find this so funny, you witch!?" Natsu inwardly thought, as Kagura and Erza simply stood off to the side of their table.

"As per master Ultear's wishes, we're to serve you for the rest of the night, Master Natsu." Erza spoke, as she stared at Natsu. A tick mark would be forming on her head, as she listened to her masters taunting laughter - but otherwise, the redheaded woman would remain completely neutral, as compared to Kagura, who was still blatantly embarrassed.

"I should've known Ultear put y- NO NO WAIT NO WE'RE NOT BREEZING PAST THAT WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME!?" Natsu exclaimed loudly, getting the attention of just about everyone in the entire hall, all of whom noticed the look of irritation on Natsu's face.

"Master Natsu, of course." Erza said, as if it were obvious.

"Master Ultear said you'd enjoy it, if we called you.. M-m-master Natsu…" Kagura stammered out, an embarrassed mess, as she could barely look up and away from the floor. Hearing this, Natsu would slowly look towards Ultear, an ominous glow emitting from his body, as his left hand tightly clenched onto the table, the sound of wood cracking being heard by those nearby.

"Ultear said so, did she?" Natsu asked, with a sickly sweet tone to his voice. "I'm sorry. It seems there was a misunderstanding. Just Natsu, will do. No mas- no need to put any formalities." Natsu gritted through clenched teeth, unable to bring himself to say it. All the while, Ultear gave him an oblivious look, as if she had done nothing wrong.

"Very well, Natsu." Both Erza and Kagura said, with Kagura letting out a breath of relief - one she hasn't even noticed she was holding.

"Natsuuu~ why are you staring at me so scarilyyy~!?" Ultear exclaimed, putting her hands to her cheeks, as she pouted to the dragon slayer.

"You know damn well you witch-!" Natsu once again gritted through closed teeth, as his hand let up on the table, and he slowly calmed down, instead just sighing.

"I'm sorry, Natsu! I thought you would've liked it!" Ultear said, her voice sounding sad and pouty - but it was obvious from the amused smile on her face, and the twinkle in her eyes, that she knew exactly what she was doing.

"This witch- now everyone's staring, again! Ugh." Natsu groaned inwardly, before simply shaking his head. "Well - so long as the misunderstanding is cleared.." he trailed off, before noticing Erza and Kagura still standing by his side. Natsu would raise his eyebrow, before speaking up. "Is there something else, Erza? Kagura?" He asked, with a confused tone.

"Oh! They've just got to do whatever you say, for the rest of the night, is all." Ultear replied for the two, with a happy chipper. Natsu could only look on in disbelief, at Ultear.

"Holy - even her guild members aren't safe?! This woman is cruel" Natsu shook his head, slowly. "...if you say so, Ultear." This just resulted in a little giggle, from Ultear, as she watched Natsu and her two swordswomen, with rapt attention.

"Is - is there anything you need, Natsu?" Kagura asked

"Yes, how could Kagura and I aid you?" Erza asked, her voice a lot less bashful, in comparison. Natsu was left pondering, for a second, at the question. While he pondered, everyone would watch with bated breath - unsure as to what Natsu would say, as he finally opened his mouth.

"YEAH, I'VE GOT IT!" Natsu suddenly exclaimed, as he stood from the table. Looking at Kagura and Erza, a grin would spread across his face. "I want you two to fight me!" Natsu said, causing just about everyone present to comically fall over in surprise.

"I'm sorry - you want us to…fight you?" Erza asked, as she narrowed her eyes at the pink haired man, in confusion.

"I'm…also confused." Kagura muttered, her embarrassed expression suddenly replaced with her much more normal and stoic face, with a slight hint of confusion.

"You've heard me! It's been ages since I've had a good fight - and you're both quite strong, if earlier was any indication." Natsu's grin suddenly turned into a small smirk, as he straightened his posture, no longer bending over against the table. "I'll fight you both. One at a time, or together - you're choice." Natsu's voice carried an air of confidence, as the other guild members finally regained their composure, muttering amongst each other.

"Is he insane!?"

"Kagura AND Erza!? He doesn't stand a chance against one - let alone both!"

"Maybe today will be a lot more interesting than we thought!"

"Alright everyone, calm down!" Ultear's voice suddenly rang out throughout the room, as she looked at Natsu with an amused smirk. "Alright! You heard him, Kagura, Erza. Go get changed, and ready for the match! Everyone else, get out to the training grounds!" As Ultear spoke, everyone responded with agreement, various levels of excitement being heard from the crow. Erza and Kagura suddenly departed to get prepared, and everyone else walking out of the guild hall, through the back door. "You sure about this, Natsu? You seemed pretty confident they would've hurt you quite bad, earlier. And I won't step in, this time." Ultear looked at the pink haired mage, with a look of worry almost.

"Tch. You worried, for little ole me? Perhaps you're not quite as much of a witch, as I thought you were." Natsu joked, as he walked past Ultear, getting ready to follow the crowd outside - a small smile on his face, as he did. "I'll be fineee. I can put up enough of a fight to not die, I'm sure." As he said that, Ultear would just shake her head, with a small smile, before walking alongside the pink-haired mage.

"Whatever you say, Natsu." Ultear responded, with a grin. "I don't know what you're up to, Natsu, but it sure as hell is interesting. Makes me want to sink my teeth in you, further."

Training Grounds, Behind Mermaid Heel

Natsu would be standing across from Kagura, his face no longer sporting the grin he had earlier, instead being much more calm and composed. "You sure you only wanna do a one on one? Like I've said, I'm willing to take on both of you, at once." Natsu called out to his opponent, with a small smile forming on his lips. Kagura, however, only looked at the man with a look of absolute stoicism; her left hand holding onto the sheathed blade of her long katana.

"I don't know your goal here, Natsu. But two would be overkill, for this fight." As Kagura responded, Natsu would suddenly narrow his eyes, his stance widening as he lowered his body, just a little. He could tell Kagura wasn't a joke, as he chuckled, slightly. "Hmm? What's so funny?" Kagura asked, mimicking the mage before her, by adapting her own stance.

"Oh, nothing. Just realized I was getting a little full of myself, is all." Natsu responded, his smile turning into a much more serious expression, as he locked eyes with Kagura. Suddenly, the air would be pierced by a high pitched whistle, as Ultear stood off to the side, looking at the arena the two mages were standing at.

"Alright! This will be the first match out of two! If Natsu is rendered unable to fight, the second match against Erza Scarlett and Natsu Dragneel will be postponed until both parties are able to fight. The match ends as soon as either Kagura Mikazutchi or Natsu Dragneel are unable to continue… BEGIN!" Ultear shouted, acting as the referee for the two mages.

Natsu's eyes narrowed at Ultear, for a moment "Wait… how the hell did she know my name? I never said it - OH SHIT!" Suddenly Natsu's eyes widened, as Kagura was face to face with him, her sheathed sword swinging up from her left side, about to impact against his side. "Re-Quip!" Natsu shouted, as a gold light obscured his hand, his own blade being summoned in the process. Suddenly, a loud clang would be let out, as the sound of the two swords colliding would ring out throughout the field, Natsu being launched back a bit, by the force. "Shit, that was close. I need to focus." Natsu thought, as he sidestepped a jab from Kagura's own blade, retaliating by crouching low, and bashing Kagura in the stomach, with the pommel of his sword.

Kagura's own eyes would widen, as she felt the blunt instrument against her gut, causing the purple-haired woman to cough up some saliva, as she jumped backwards; putting a few feet of distance between the two. "Dammit.. even when distracted, he was able to avoid my attack?" Kagura gritted her teeth, as she analyzed Natsu, searching for whichever opening he presented.

"You're not bad, Kagura. You knowingly struck when I was distracted - didn't you?" Natsu asked with a smirk, as faint lines of orangish-red magical energy began to emanate out of his body. "That was my mistake. Don't worry, I won't be letting my guard down, again." Natsu remarked, that smirk still on his face.

"Mm. Likewise. I wasn't expecting you to counter attack, so fast." Kagura responded, a small smile forming on her face, as faint lines of purplish-pink magical energy began to emanate from her own body, as she dropped back down into a quickdraw position. "But I won't give you enough time to react, next time."

There's chapter Three! I was originally going to finish off the fight, and then have Erza's fight be next chapter - but I decided I would just do a little cliffhanger, and then do both fights in the next chapter. As always, I'm eternally grateful to anyone who reviews, favorites, or follows! Until next time!