A/N:
Hey everyone! I'm super excited to bring you the next chapter of this story, *Knight vs. Demon*—a chapter I've been eagerly waiting to write! Now that we've seen Wendy's adorably hilarious and somewhat heart-wrenching attempts to get Natsu's attention, things are about to get even more intense. This time, the spotlight is shifting to two other strong, captivating women in Natsu's life: Erza and Mirajane!
That's right, the next chapter will dive headfirst into a long-awaited reunion between Natsu, Erza, and Mira. They've always had a deep connection with him, each in their own unique way, and it's finally time to explore what happens when these two powerhouses go head-to-head… all in the name of "catching up" with our favorite dense dragon slayer!
Knight vs. Demon will showcase the playful yet fiery rivalry between Erza and Mira, with Natsu caught squarely in the middle—completely oblivious, of course. This chapter is going to be packed with laughs, tension, and some over-the-top moments that only these two fierce ladies could deliver. Expect lots of banter, unexpected emotional twists, and a battle of wills that will have you rooting for both sides. After all, Erza's unshakeable, knightly resolve and Mirajane's teasing, warm-hearted mischief are a clash of personalities that Natsu, in all his cluelessness, isn't remotely prepared for.
I'm so excited for you all to see how the dynamic between Natsu, Erza, and Mira unfolds as they navigate their feelings, memories, and their shared history. There's going to be plenty of action, comedy, and some moments that will tug at your heartstrings. This chapter is the start of a new arc that will dive deeper into Natsu's relationships and just how much these bonds mean to him—and maybe, just maybe, our dense hero will start to understand the deeper feelings involved… or not.
As always, thank you for your incredible support and patience. I'm thrilled to be back on a regular update schedule, and I can't wait to see your reactions to this chapter. Keep those comments coming—they mean the world to me, and I love hearing your thoughts, theories, and feedback. This story is really growing with each update, and it's all thanks to you.
So buckle up, because the clash of the Knight and the Demon is about to begin, and I promise it's going to be a wild, fun ride! I hope you enjoy every bit of it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters. Hiro Mashima owns everything. Please support his projects
Knight vs Demon
The morning sun broke over the horizon, casting a golden light across the landscape as Natsu and Wendy made their way down the dirt path leading to Magnolia. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the sweet scent of dew-kissed grass and blooming wildflowers. Birds chirped in the trees overhead, their melodies weaving through the tranquil morning as a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soft, soothing sound.
Natsu strode confidently ahead, his spiky pink hair tousled by the wind, catching the first light of day and glowing like embers. The scaly white scarf wrapped around his neck danced playfully with each step, a symbol of his fiery spirit and the adventures they had shared. A burlap bag swung at his side, the contents jingling softly—tokens of their journey and treasures gathered along the way.
Wendy walked closely beside him, her deep blue hair shimmering in the morning light, flowing like a cascading waterfall. The delicate silver bell tied around her wrist chimed with a soft, melodic sound, echoing the lightness in her heart. She wore a bright smile, her cheeks rosy from the remnants of their previous week's excitement, and her eyes sparkled like the clear sky above.
As they neared the outskirts of Magnolia, familiar sights began to emerge. The cobblestone streets wound ahead, flanked by charming buildings with vibrant flower boxes bursting with color. The warm glow of the morning sun reflected off the rooftops, illuminating the town with a soft golden hue. Natsu and Wendy exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with the joy of returning to the place they called home.
The distant sound of laughter and chatter floated through the air, accompanied by the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries wafting from nearby bakeries. As they entered the town, the energy of the morning began to envelop them, a mix of bustling market stalls and early risers going about their day. The streets were just waking up, but the promise of the day's activities hung in the air, filling them with anticipation.
Colorful signs fluttered gently in the breeze, welcoming them back to Magnolia. Vendors began to set up their stalls, arranging fresh produce and handmade crafts, preparing for the day's customers. A couple of children raced past, giggling and chasing one another, their laughter brightening the morning atmosphere.
Natsu took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scents and sounds of the town he loved. As they strolled through the cobblestone streets, the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows that danced around their feet. Wendy's heart swelled with warmth as she took in the picturesque scene—the flower-adorned buildings, the gentle hum of the townsfolk, and the beauty of their beloved Magnolia awakening to the day.
As they approached the central square, they could see the fountain at its heart, glistening in the sunlight, the water sparkling like diamonds. The hustle and bustle of the market grew louder, the town gradually coming to life. Natsu and Wendy stepped into the square, their smiles wide, knowing that every corner of this place was filled with memories and new adventures waiting to be embraced.
In that moment, as the morning light bathed Magnolia in warmth, Natsu and Wendy felt a renewed sense of belonging. They had returned, ready to dive into whatever awaited them with open hearts and fiery spirits.
The doors of the Fairy Tail guildhall swung open as Natsu and Wendy made their entrance, looking worn from their latest mission yet victorious. Natsu, as always, was all energy, his eyes blazing with excitement after the successful job. Beside him, Wendy followed, equally proud but a little more reserved, her eyes watching Natsu's every movement with a mixture of admiration and frustration.
"We're back!" Natsu's voice boomed through the lively guild, his wide grin lighting up his face.
The guild members erupted in cheers, waving at the returning duo, while Mirajane, ever the welcoming presence, set down the tray she was holding and made her way over to them. Her eyes twinkled as she caught sight of the two, reading the familiar dynamic from the expressions on their faces.
"Welcome home, Natsu, Wendy!" Mirajane greeted with a warm smile. "How did your mission go?"
"Oh, it was awesome!" Natsu exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet.
"We fought this gigantic wyvern, and it was epic! It tried to get away, but I got the drop on it with my Fire Dragon's Flame Bomb, It didn't stand a chance!"
Wendy, standing just behind him, let out a deep sigh, puffing out her cheeks in a cute pout. Her expression was caught somewhere between admiration and sheer exasperation. "Natsu was… reckless," she said, crossing her arms and giving him a side glance. "He nearly got himself killed when he decided to jump on the wyvern's back without any plan. It was so dangerous!"
Natsu chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly unbothered. "But we did it, didn't we? The mission's done, and it was a blast! Besides, we make a great team!"
Wendy's pout deepened, her cheeks turning slightly pink as she huffed.
"You're impossible, Natsu," she muttered, more to herself than to him. It wasn't like she didn't enjoy the excitement of the mission—it was just… well, it was him.
Mirajane's soft laugh made Wendy's frustration melt a little, and the white-haired mage nodded knowingly. "That sounds just like you, Natsu—always diving into the action headfirst. And always with that fiery spirit of yours."
"Heh, I guess that's why I'm Fairy Tail's number one pyro!" Natsu said proudly, flashing a toothy grin.
Wendy's pout softened, and she looked at him with a hint of fondness.
"More like Fairy Tail's most reckless pyro…" she mumbled.
Then, Natsu's gaze shifted, catching sight of Lucy sitting at a nearby table. He waved excitedly.
"Hey, I'm gonna go catch up with Lucy! I'll be back in a bit!" And before Wendy could say anything, he was already gone, dashing off without a second thought.
Mirajane's attention turned to Wendy, who was still standing there with her arms crossed, pouting in the most adorable, frustrated way. "So," Mira began, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "how was your alone time with him?"
Wendy's face turned a brilliant shade of red at Mirajane's question, and she fidgeted nervously, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her.
"O-Oh! Um… it was fine! We went to a festival after the mission, and it was really fun! B-But…" She hesitated, chewing her bottom lip as her shoulders slumped a bit. Her pout returned, even cuter than before.
"But?" Mirajane pressed, a knowing smile on her lips. "Come on, Wendy, don't hold back! What happened?"
Wendy let out a dramatic sigh, her hands falling to her sides in defeat.
"He didn't pick up on anything! I tried so hard to hint that… you know… that it was more than just a regular festival outing. I held his hand, leaned close to him during the fireworks, and even got him to go to the shrine with me. But he just—he just…" She puffed out her cheeks again, crossing her arms tighter.
"He just smiled and said how 'cool' everything was! He's so dense it's unbelievable!"
Mirajane giggled, clearly entertained by Wendy's innocent frustrations. "Oh, Wendy, that's so precious! Natsu's always been like that, hasn't he? He's never been very good at reading between the lines."
Wendy's expression softened, her frustration giving way to a kind of reluctant acceptance. "I know… but it's so frustrating! Sometimes I feel like I'm standing right in front of him, waving a big, sign that says, 'Notice me, you dummy!' and he just doesn't see it."
Mira reached out, patting Wendy's shoulder gently.
"That's Natsu for you," She said kindly.
"But I think he notices more than you realize. He's just… well, he's Natsu. He doesn't think the same way most people do, especially when it comes to feelings."
Wendy let out another sigh, though this one was more resigned.
"I guess. I just wish he'd pay a little more attention sometimes."
She thought back to the fireworks they'd watched at the festival, the bright colors lighting up the night sky, and the way Natsu had looked so carefree beside her. It had been a perfect moment—one that had meant so much to her, even if he hadn't understood why.
Wendy's frustration had mellowed to a shy smile as she and Mirajane continued to chat, the older mage listening attentively to every word. There was something comforting about being able to share her thoughts with Mira, who seemed to understand without needing too many words. Wendy knew she wasn't the only one who had tried to get through to Natsu's thick skull over the years.
"Did you have fun at the festival, at least?" Mira asked gently, her eyes warm.
Wendy's smile widened a little.
"Oh, yes! I did. We played all the games, and he won me this really cute stuffed dragon by beating the ring toss game. He looked so proud when he handed it to me, even if he didn't understand why I liked it so much."
Mirajane's eyes sparkled with amusement. "That sounds like him. It's moments like that, though, that show how much he cares—he just doesn't always know how to express it."
Wendy nodded, the memory of Natsu's triumphant grin making her heart flutter.
"Yeah… I know he cares, even if he doesn't understand why I wanted to watch the fireworks together or why I kept dropping hints. He's still kind and thoughtful in his own way, even if he's hopelessly dense."
Mirajane leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a teasing whisper. "So, are you going to keep trying? Even if he's not noticing?"
Wendy's face burned, and she hesitated before nodding firmly.
"Of course I am! I mean, I'm not giving up that easily! If I've learned anything from him, it's that you don't back down just because something's tough. And besides…" She blushed even deeper, her pout now more determined than frustrated. "He's worth it. Even if he is a dummy."
Mirajane chuckled softly, giving Wendy's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"That's the spirit, Wendy. I have a feeling things will change eventually, and when they do, you'll be the first to notice."
Wendy's heart felt lighter at Mira's encouragement, and she found herself smiling genuinely. Maybe she was right. Maybe, someday, Natsu would finally see her the way she saw him. And until then… she'd keep trying.
Across the guild, Natsu's laughter rang out as he spoke with Lucy, oblivious to the conversation happening in the quiet corner. Wendy watched him from afar, a small smile tugging at her lips. He was still so clueless, but maybe that was part of what made him who he was—the dense, reckless, lovable Natsu Dragneel.
And she wouldn't have him any other way.
.
.
.
The Fairy Tail guild buzzed with energy as Natsu laughed with Lucy, enthusiastically recounting the details of their latest job. The early morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting warm beams across the bustling room. Natsu's pink hair caught the light, his signature white scarf swaying with his animated gestures. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread mixed with the sound of chatter, clinking mugs, and occasional bursts of laughter.
As Natsu finished a particularly exaggerated part of his story, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he found Mirajane smiling sweetly at him, her bright blue eyes full of warmth.
"Natsu," she said gently, "are you free sometime soon? I'd love to catch up and hear more about your adventures."
Natsu blinked in surprise, not expecting the request. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, the lively atmosphere of the guild shifted. The room seemed to hold its breath as a familiar, commanding presence approached.
Erza, her crimson hair flowing behind her, marched over with a determined look. Her armor gleamed under the morning light, and her eyes were locked onto Natsu. "Natsu," she said firmly, "you're coming with me. There are things we need to discuss."
Mirajane's smile faded, her brows furrowing as she stepped closer to Natsu. A faint, dark mist seemed to flicker around her, her voice hardening. "Excuse me, Erza," she said, a sharp edge creeping into her words, "but I was already talking to Natsu. You can't just interrupt like that."
Natsu looked back and forth between them, scratching his head in confusion. "Uh, wait… what's going on?" he muttered to himself, utterly clueless about the rising tension.
Erza's eyes narrowed, her posture unyielding. "What's going on is that I have something important to discuss with Natsu," she said, her tone cold. "Something far more meaningful than whatever *innocent face act* you're pulling, Mirajane."
Mirajane's lips curled into a wicked grin, her aura darkening. "Innocent face? Coming from the *goody two-shoes* who acts like Fairy Tail's perfect princess, that's rich," she shot back, sarcasm dripping from her words.
"Natsu doesn't need you babysitting him, *Titania*."
Natsu's eyes widened as he felt the air grow heavy, the lively chatter of the guild turning into an awkward silence. He took a hesitant step back, sweat starting to form on his brow. "Uh, are they… are they mad at me?" he wondered aloud, his confusion only deepening.
Erza's face twisted with annoyance, and she pointed a finger at Mirajane. "I'm not babysitting anyone! At least I don't put on a *sweet little smile* to hide my *shamelessly demon-like* nature," she retorted, her voice fierce.
"How many times do you plan to trick everyone with your little *innocent act,* Mira?"
The dark energy around Mirajane crackled like black lightning, her eyes gleaming dangerously. "Oh, please, Erza. Unlike you, I don't have to act like I'm above everyone else, pretending to be some *stiff, perfect knight* who's always right," she spat, her voice sharp. "Or are you too busy being *overbearing* to let anyone breathe?"
Natsu's confusion reached its peak as he took another step back, his eyes darting nervously between the two women. "What… what did I do?" he asked himself in a panicked whisper. "Did I say something wrong?"
The tension thickened as Erza's hand moved closer to her sword, her glare unwavering. "Watch your tongue, Mira. You might hide behind your cute appearance, but everyone here knows what kind of *pervert* you really are!" she said, her voice laced with contempt.
Mirajane's wicked grin widened, and she crossed her arms defiantly. "Oh, is that so? At least I'm not some *rule-following, uptight control freak* who never lets loose," she taunted. "No wonder everyone's so scared of you. You're not Fairy Tail's princess—you're its *warden.*"
Natsu's mouth opened and closed as he tried to comprehend what was happening. He tugged at his scarf nervously, glancing at Lucy, who was facepalming beside him. "Why are they…? I don't get it…" he mumbled, feeling utterly lost.
From the bar, Makarov let out a loud, drunken laugh, raising his mug high. "THAT'S THE SPIRIT!" he cheered, his face flushed with excitement. "GIVE IT YOUR ALL, GIRLS! DON'T HOLD BACK!"
"MASTER, NO!" Lisanna shouted in horror, trying to stop him, but Makarov was far too engrossed in the spectacle.
"LET THEM FIGHT!" Cana hollered, already setting up a betting booth. "Five-to-one on Erza! Place your bets!"
Gray shook his head, a knowing smirk on his lips. "Well, this is gonna be a mess," he said, arms crossed.
Elfman slammed his fist on a nearby table. "MY SISTER'S GONNA WIN! A *REAL MAN* KNOWS SHE'S GOT THIS!"
Erza's magical aura flared, sending a gust of wind through the hall. "If you think you can intimidate me with your *demonic tricks,* you're wrong!" she said, her voice like steel.
Mirajane's energy pulsed, black sparks dancing around her. "Oh, please. I've faced tougher opponents than a *goody two-shoes knight* who can't handle being challenged," she sneered.
"CLEAR THE AREA!" Gajeel roared, shoving tables aside as the guild members scrambled for cover, knowing what was coming.
Natsu, still utterly lost, waved his hands frantically. "Wait, wait! Can't we just—"
"Stay out of this, Natsu!" Erza and Mirajane snapped in unison, their focus solely on each other.
"Bet you five jewels they hit the bar first," Macao called out, crouching behind a table for safety.
"No way," Wakaba countered, pipe in mouth. "I say they go straight for the ceiling!"
"WHO CARES?!" Makarov bellowed, chugging his ale. "LET THEM GO ALL OUT! THIS IS WHAT FAIRY TAIL IS ALL ABOUT!"
The magical pressure in the room spiked as Mirajane's dark energy coiled tighter, and Erza's magic radiated like a blazing fire. Natsu's heart pounded in his chest, but his mind was still blank. "Why are they fighting over me?" he wondered helplessly. "I don't get it at all!"
As the two S-Class women prepared face off, the first magical sparks crackled between them, and the guild braced for the impending chaos—yet again hoping that the building would survive another of Fairy Tail's legendary brawls.
A few minutes later
Inside the Fairy Tail guild hall, the usual clinking of mugs and laughter abruptly fell silent as Erza and Mirajane squared off, fierce determination radiating from both S-Class wizards. The tension was so thick you could almost slice through it with a sword. Every guild member held their breath, knowing full well that this was no ordinary standoff.
Lucy crouched beside Natsu behind a toppled table, her eyes wide with panic. "Natsu, do you have *any* idea why Erza and Mira are mad at each other? Or why they keep glaring at you?"
Natsu scratched his head, looking as clueless as ever. "Uh… I was just telling Mira about the last job we did, you know, with the Wyvern hunt? Then Erza shows up, saying something about 'important conversations' and looking at me like I'd done something. And then… well… here we are?"
Happy, perched on Natsu's shoulder, let out a long, exasperated sigh. "Aye… Natsu, I think you missed the point."
Mirajane, a mischievous glint dancing in her eye, transformed into her Satan Soul form. Dark energy crackled around her like a storm, swirling in chaotic tendrils that whispered of untamed power. "Oh, don't worry, Erza. I'll show you just how important this conversation is when you're lying on the floor!"
"Take Over! Satan Soul!" As her voice rang out, shadows twisted and surged, enveloping her in an aura of dark power that made her look both ethereal and formidable. In her devilish form, she stood ready to brawl, exuding confidence and defiance.
Across the hall, Erza's gaze sharpened, her expression unwavering as she prepared for the impending clash. "It's about time you knew your place you shameless perverted demoness!" Her voice was steady, underlined with an unwavering resolve.
With fierce determination, she activated her magic, the words echoing with authority.
"Requip: Heaven's Wheel Armor!" In an instant, a gleaming array of swords appeared, hovering in a wide circle around her. They reflected the light like a deadly halo, each blade shimmering with potential energy. The air vibrated with the power of her armor, and the swords hummed, eager for action.
The tension in the room crackled, thick with anticipation. Mirajane smirked, a playful challenge in her eyes. Erza's jaw tightened, her resolve unyielding. The stage was set, two powerful forces on the brink of an exhilarating confrontation.
Lucy rolled her eyes, whispering, "I'm not betting against them, that's for sure. Let's just hope they don't level the guild."
With a fierce battle cry, Erza rocketed forward, her swords flying beside her in a storm of steel. Across the hall, Mirajane cackled, her claws crackling with dark energy.
"Oh, she's really doing it!" Gray yelped, diving behind a table just as a sword whizzed past his head.
Mirajane lunged to meet Erza's charge. "You're going down, *Miss Perfect!*" She laughed, her voice echoing as she slashed, sparks flying each time her claws collided with Erza's blades.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted around the guild hall as members ran in all directions, seeking cover. Wendy, wide-eyed with panic, dashed across the room and dove behind a table, landing right next to Natsu, who crouched in excitement.
"Natsu!" Wendy whispered, clutching his sleeve. "Shouldn't we try to stop them?"
Natsu grinned, shaking his head. "Are you kidding? Getting in the middle of them is like asking for a death sentence!"
The two peeked over the edge of the table just as a stray blast from Mirajane's claw sent chairs flying. Wendy yelped, ducking back down and pressing herself closer to Natsu.
From behind the bar, Cana groaned, holding her drink protectively. "This is ridiculous! I just got this refilled!" She ducked as another sword embedded itself in the shelf above her, sending bottles crashing to the floor.
"Anyone got bets on how much they're gonna destroy?" she called, taking a sip as glass shards rained down. "I'll put five jewels on the ceiling caving in!"
Wendy covered her head with her hands. "I hope that doesn't actually happen…"
Natsu chuckled, barely dodging a stray sword. "Relax, Wendy, it's fine. Those two go at it all the time—well, almost like this." He watched nervously, as if it were a live-action battle.
Erza, her swords hovering around her like a deadly halo, sneered at Mirajane. "Why don't you put on something that *isn't* a devil's costume, Mira? Or would that ruin the 'shameless' look?"
Mirajane grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I'm sorry, *Miss Serious.* Not everyone's made of cold iron like you!"
They charged each other again, unleashing a flurry of attacks that sent more shockwaves through the hall. Tables toppled, walls shook, and Makarov peeked out from his office with a horrified expression.
"Oh no! They're doing it *again!*" he gasped, clutching his head as a sword flew past him, slicing his hat clean off. "My hat!"
Gray, crouching behind a broken chair, watched the carnage unfold. "They're gonna bring down the entire building! Can't someone—"
"Natsu!" Wendy interrupted, pulling on his arm, her voice panicked as another sword came dangerously close to their hiding spot. "Maybe we *should* stop them before they destroy everything!"
Natsu sighed, then grinned. "Alright, fine. Let's see if we can cool them off a bit." He stood up, waving his hands. "Yo! Mira! Erza! How about we take it outside before you bring the roof down?"
The two fighters paused mid-swing, turning to glare at Natsu. For a moment, the entire guild held its breath, wondering if Natsu had just turned himself into their next target. Wendy, still crouched low, looked up at him with wide eyes.
Mirajane smirked. "Oh, don't worry, Natsu. I'll get back to you once i put Erza's face into the dirt!" She winked, before turning her full attention back to Erza.
Erza's eyes glinted as she grinned back at Mirajane. "Don't make promises you can't keep, *She-Devil.*"
Natsu plopped down again, shrugging. "Guess it's back to hiding, Wendy. I tried!"
Wendy let out a small, nervous giggle as they peeked over the table once more, watching as Mirajane and Erza continued trading insults and blows.
"Oh dear," Wendy muttered, peeking out from behind a table where she huddled with Carla. "Why does it always have to be so… destructive?"
Carla huffed in response, eyes wide with apprehension. "Because this is *Fairy Tail,* Wendy. They don't seem to know any other way."
Meanwhile, Natsu stood in the middle of the chaos, his expression blank as he looked from Erza to Mirajane. "Wait, so they're mad at each other… because I said something about the job?"
Happy rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Yes, Natsu. They're mad because they both want your attention. Since they both like you and want to catch up!"
Natsu blinked, completely at a loss. "Well, yeah, they're my friends! They *like* me, right?"
Lucy slapped a hand to her forehead. "Natsu, that's not the kind of 'like' we're talking about!"
With swords clashing and dark energy swirling, Erza and Mirajane's brawl escalated, their blows growing fiercer with each passing second. Swords rained down from Erza's Heaven's Wheel like meteors, clashing with the dark, crackling claws of Mirajane's Satan Soul. They moved with such speed and force that chairs, tables, and even the sturdy wooden pillars of the guild hall trembled under the onslaught.
Gray, still crouched beside Lucy, muttered, "If they keep this up, we might not have a guild hall left by the end of the day…"
Cana, ever the opportunist, set up a small betting booth beside the bar, smirking as she called out, "Alright, place your bets! Who's gonna last longer, Erza or Mira?"
The rest of the guild members, peeking out from various hiding spots, weighed their options. Macao leaned in toward Wakaba. "We could step in, right?"
Wakaba gave him a look as if he'd suggested they duel the two rampaging women. "And get clobbered? No thanks. Let's leave that to someone with a death wish."
Amidst the chaos, Natsu remained oblivious, still processing Happy's words. "Wait, they both like me like… *like-like* me?"
Just as the realization dawned on Natsu, Erza and Mirajane prepared to unleash their attacks. Erza's swords glowed with fiery intensity as she gathered magic for her spell, and Mirajane's aura darkened ominously around her claws.
"Oh no…" Lucy gasped, eyes widening in horror. "They're not actually going to—"
"Satanic Soul Blast!"
"Trinity Sword!"
But it was too late. In a moment of pure, heroic impulsiveness, Natsu leaped right between them, arms outstretched, shouting, "Alright, you two, just cut it out already!"
And then he froze.
It dawned on him, perhaps a moment too late, that he had made a fatal error.
"Oh crap, I'm dead, aren't I?" he whispered, looking between the two S-Class wizards, whose attacks were already primed and aimed.
With a thunderous roar, both spells were unleashed at full power, and Natsu found himself caught in the very heart of the blast. Erza's enchanted swords met Mirajane's dark energy with a force that lit up the entire guild hall, an explosion of blinding light and scorching heat tearing through the air. Tables and chairs flew, the floorboards shook, and the acrid smell of smoke filled the room.
When the dust settled, Natsu lay in the center of a massive crater, clothes charred, face smudged, and entirely unconscious.
Wendy let out a horrified gasp, rushing toward him with Carla in tow. "Natsu! Natsu, are you okay?!"
She dropped to her knees beside him, frantically checking for signs of life. "Oh no… I-Is he breathing?" Wendy placed her hand on his chest, feeling the faint rise and fall. She sighed in relief but shook her head, eyes wide with worry. "That was way too close…"
Meanwhile, Erza and Mirajane stood on opposite sides of the crater, their expressions shifting from anger to horror as they processed what they'd just done.
Erza's face went pale as she stared at the prone figure of Natsu. "Did… did we just…?"
Mirajane's demonic form faded as she reverted back, a hand covering her mouth. "Oh dear… We… we almost…"
Gray crossed his arms, smirking despite the situation. "Good going, you two. You managed to knock out the guy you were both fighting over."
Lucy shot him an exasperated look. "Gray! This is serious!"
Wendy was still kneeling beside Natsu, gently patting his cheek in an attempt to wake him. "Natsu, please wake up! You can't just… just stay down like this!"
As she looked down at him, memories flooded her mind—times they had fought together, moments when he had pulled her from despair. "You can't leave us, Natsu! We need you!" She felt a swell of determination. "Wake up, Natsu! You've faced stronger foes than this!"
A faint glow began to radiate from Natsu's body, the magic within him stirring to life as the guild members held their breath, hoping for their friend's revival.
...
...
...
After a few hours had passed, Natsu's eyes slowly fluttered open. He squinted at the bright light filtering through the curtains and felt the soft mattress beneath him. As he looked around, he realized he was in the guild's infirmary, lying on one of the beds. The familiar smell of herbs and medicine filled the air, and he took a moment to gather his thoughts.
"W-Wendy?" he croaked, his throat dry. "Did… did I stop the fight?"
Wendy, perched on a stool beside him, perked up at the sound of his voice. "Natsu! You're awake!" Her face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy. "You scared us! You took quite the hit back there."
Natsu blinked at her, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? Did I get knocked out? I thought I was helping!" He struggled to sit up, but the dizziness made him flop back down onto the pillow.
"You were trying to help, but you jumped right in the middle of Erza and Mirajane!" Wendy explained, her voice laced with both concern and affection. "They were fighting over something, and then you… well, you took the brunt of it."
"Wait, they were fighting over me?" Natsu scratched his head, genuinely puzzled. "But why? I thought we were just friends!" His innocent smile made Wendy's heart flutter and ache at the same time.
Just then, the door swung open, and Lucy walked in, a stack of towels in her arms. She looked up, and her expression softened upon seeing Natsu awake. "Natsu! You're finally back with us!" She rushed to his side, gently placing a cool towel on his forehead. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I just got blasted by a dragon!" Natsu replied, trying to make light of his situation. He scanned the room and noticed the remnants of the earlier chaos—broken chairs and a few scorch marks on the wall. "What happened?"
Gray leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. "You really are a moron, you know that? Jumping in like that. You could've gotten seriously hurt."
"Hey! I was trying to save the day!" Natsu protested, still oblivious to the deeper dynamics at play. "Besides, it's what teammates do, right?"
Erza entered next, her fierce demeanor slightly softened. She walked over to Natsu, crossing her arms. "Natsu, you need to be more careful. I appreciate your bravery, but you can't just throw yourself into danger like that. Especially not when Wendy is worried about you."
"Yeah!" Lucy chimed in, her voice rising slightly. "Wendy cares about you, you know! You scared her half to death!"
"Exactly," Mirajane added, her usual cheeriness dimmed by concern. She leaned in closer, her expression serious. "What if you got really hurt, Natsu? You have to think about how your actions affect your teammates."
Natsu shrugged, a grin still plastered on his face. "But it's all good! Besides, you guys know I can handle it!"
Wendy shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her heart racing at Natsu's innocent yet oblivious demeanor. "Natsu, it's not if you get hurt! We want you to be safe," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Mirajane noticed the tension and tried to lighten the mood, though her worry was evident. "You know, Natsu, sometimes friends can get a little… competitive, especially when it comes to women," she teased, glancing between him and Erza.
"Competitive? I don't get it," Natsu replied, scratching his head again. "I thought we were just having a good time!"
Wendy forced a smile, biting back her frustration. "We were having a good time, but that brawl ruined it. Maybe we should focus on acting civil instead of fighting? As your teammate, I just want to make sure you're okay."
Erza raised an eyebrow, her expression softening as she saw Wendy's genuine care. "You're right, Wendy. We should focus on not letting personal issues get in the way of what's really important. But Natsu, that means looking out for one another, too. Meaning in your case, not being careless."
Mirajane nodded, her playful side shining through. "Or maybe someone needs to confess their feelings instead of brawling over them," she teased, a smirk dancing on her lips as she glanced at Erza.
Natsu tilted his head in confusion. "Feelings? What feelings? I thought we were just friends!"
Wendy's heart sank, and she shifted her gaze to the floor, hiding her embarrassment. "Um, yeah, we're all friends…" she stammered, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks. "I just meant that as your teammate, I care about you."
Lucy giggled, catching the moment. "Yeah, Natsu! We all care about you, right?"
"Of course!" Natsu replied, still oblivious to the deeper meanings behind their words. "You guys are awesome! But why would you fight over something silly like that?"
As laughter filled the room, Wendy felt both relieved and frustrated. She wanted to spend more time with Natsu, using their partnership as a way to show she cared, but he saw it as nothing more than friendship.
"Okay, Natsu," Gray said, crossing his arms with a grin. "Next time, just try to stay out of the way when the girls are fighting, alright?"
"Good idea!" Natsu exclaimed, nodding earnestly. "But I'll be there if you need me! That's what friends are for, right?"
With laughter echoing through the guild hall, Natsu closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of friendship wrap around him like a comforting blanket. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew they would face them together. But as he glanced at Wendy, who was trying to hide her discomfort, he remained blissfully unaware of the deeper feelings stirring beneath the surface.
As the chatter faded, Gray, Lucy, Erza, and Mirajane shared knowing glances. They were well aware of the unspoken tension in the air. "Alright, let's give Natsu and Wendy some space," Gray suggested, breaking the moment.
"Yeah, let's not crowd him," Lucy added, glancing back at Natsu, who was still blissfully unaware of the emotional undercurrents surrounding him.
Erza nodded, her fierce resolve returning. "We'll keep things civil from now on, even if it's a challenge," she said, her eyes briefly meeting Mirajane's.
"Agreed," Mirajane said with a soft smile. "Let's promise to keep it under control, even if it's hard."
As the others filed out, Wendy took a deep breath, the atmosphere shifting to a more intimate space. She turned her full attention to Natsu, who still seemed dazed but had a playful glint in his eyes. "Natsu, I need you to promise me something," she said, her voice suddenly serious.
"Sure! What is it?" Natsu replied, propping himself up on his elbows, his earlier confusion replaced by curiosity.
"Promise me you won't do something reckless like that again. I don't want to see you hurt, especially not for something that could've been avoided," she pleaded, her eyes earnest.
Natsu raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "You mean jumping in to save the day? Come on, Wendy! That's what I do!"
"Exactly! But you can't just throw yourself into the middle of a fight like that! I've been healing you for hours, trying to keep you stable," she said, her voice breaking slightly as the weight of her worry came pouring out.
Natsu's smile faltered for a moment, and he could see the worry etched on Wendy's face. "I didn't mean to make you worry," he said softly, a hint of sincerity in his tone. "But I promise, I'll be more careful… for you."
Wendy felt her heart race at his words. "Thank you, Natsu," she whispered, a sense of relief washing over her. "And since we've lost so much time being apart over the last four years, I think we should make some plans to catch up. I want to hear about everything you've been up to."
Natsu's expression brightened. "If you ever want my time, all you have to do is talk to me! I'll drop everything to spend time with you," he replied enthusiastically, completely missing the subtle weight of her words.
Wendy's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. "Really? You mean it?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, even as her heart raced with anticipation.
"Of course!" Natsu grinned, the lightheartedness returning. "You're my teammate! It's what friends do."
"Right… just friends," Wendy said quietly, her heart sinking again as she picked at the hem of her sleeve. She wanted to say more, to show him the feelings that she kept buried, but the words felt trapped in her throat.
Natsu chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "I mean, when I woke up, I thought I saw the light. I was like, 'Oh no! Am I going to heaven already?'"
Wendy blinked at him, her brow furrowing. "
Natsu, don't say that! You almost died!"
"I'm joking!" Natsu laughed, rolling his eyes. "I'm way too awesome to die that easily!"
She sighed, her shoulders dropping in exasperation, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Just promise me you won't take any unnecessary risks, okay?"
"I promise," he said, raising a hand in a mock salute. "No more reckless stunts… unless it's for a good reason."
"Like what?" Wendy asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Um, like… saving you from a giant monster!" Natsu exclaimed, a wide grin stretching across his face.
"Of course," Wendy said, laughing softly, yet feeling a bittersweet pang in her chest. "Just… please be careful next time."
"Always!" Natsu declared, his enthusiasm infectious.
As the two settled into a comfortable silence, Wendy couldn't help but feel grateful for the moment. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to show him how much he meant to her, one step at a time.
The next day
The morning sun poured through the large windows of the Fairy Tail guild hall, casting a warm glow over the bustling interior. Laughter and chatter filled the air as guild members gathered for breakfast. Natsu sat at the bar, a plate piled high with pancakes in front of him, his usual exuberance restored after a good night's sleep. He dug into his meal with gusto, savoring every bite.
"Wow, Natsu! You really are back to normal!" Lucy exclaimed, joining him at the bar, a playful smile on her face. "I thought we might have to start a Natsu Watch just to keep you from getting into trouble!"
Natsu laughed, a pancake dangling from his mouth. "You know me, Lucy! Trouble just finds me!"
As he continued eating, Erza walked in, her presence commanding attention. With her armor gleaming, she strode over to Natsu, her serious expression softening as she approached. "Natsu," she began, "now that you're back on your feet, I was hoping we could make some plans."
"Plans? For what?" Natsu asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"For training!" Erza replied, her eyes shining with determination. "I think it's essential we keep honing our skills, especially after what happened. You might have a few reckless ideas, but I want to make sure you're prepared for any challenges we face."
Natsu grinned, his competitive spirit ignited. "Sounds good! I'm always up for training with you, Erza!"
Just then, Mirajane approached, her smile warm and inviting. "And I have an idea too, Natsu. After your training, how about we catch up over some drinks? We haven't had a proper hangout since you got back."
Natsu paused mid-bite, considering the proposition. "That could be fun! But I'm not much of a drinker—"
"Not alcoholic drinks, silly! Just some time to relax and chat," Mirajane interjected, laughter bubbling in her voice. "I want to hear all about your adventures!"
"Adventures? Oh, there's a lot to tell!" Natsu's eyes sparkled with excitement. "But maybe I should start with the time I fought a giant magical fish! That one's a classic!"
As Natsu animatedly recounted his stories, Wendy walked in, her heart fluttering at the sight of him so lively. She took a seat nearby, her gaze lingering on Natsu as he animatedly described the magical fish's outrageous antics.
"Maybe we could all do something together," Wendy suggested, her voice barely audible over Natsu's excitement. "I mean, we could—"
"Actually, we were just talking about that!" Erza interrupted, turning her attention to Wendy. "I think it's a great idea to catch up as a group. We could train and then spend the evening together."
"Exactly!" Mirajane chimed in. "Natsu, how about you take us on a tour of your favorite spots from your travels? I want to see everything through your eyes!"
Natsu's face lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "That sounds amazing! I have so many places I want to show you all! There's this one waterfall that glows at night; it's awesome!"
Wendy smiled, her heart warming at the thought of spending time with Natsu and the rest of the guild. "I'd love to see that!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"Great!" Erza said, crossing her arms confidently. "Let's make a proper plan. We can train in the morning and then head out for the tour in the afternoon. It'll give us a chance to bond and catch up."
"Perfect!" Mirajane added. "And if we have time afterward, we can come back here for dinner. I'll whip up something special!"
As the conversation flowed, Natsu beamed at his teammates, feeling grateful for their warmth and enthusiasm. "I can't wait! This is going to be epic!"
Erza glanced around, sensing the energy in the room. "Let's finalize the details later, but for now, let's focus on training. Natsu, I expect you to give it your all!"
"Always!" Natsu replied, his competitive spirit flaring once more. "Just try to keep up with me!"
With their plans set, the guild members began to scatter, excitement buzzing in the air. As Wendy observed Natsu interacting with everyone, she couldn't help but feel a mix of joy and nervousness. She wanted to find the right moment to talk to him, to express what had been weighing on her heart.
But that time would come in the future, when the right time and moment would present itself.
A/N:
Hey everyone! Thank you for reading this chapter! I really enjoyed bringing some heartfelt moments to Natsu's return and capturing the guild's unique bond after such a rough time. I hope you all liked the balance between the serious and light-hearted interactions here, especially with Natsu and Wendy's growing connection. It felt like the perfect time to let their relationship develop amidst the chaos that is Fairy Tail!
This chapter was all about building those small moments where the guild gets to act like family—Erza and Mira competing, Lucy sighing at Natsu's antics, and even Wendy trying to keep Natsu grounded. I think these little bits of humor and affection add depth to their dynamics, especially now that they're planning some well-deserved time together.
As always, I'm open to feedback, so feel free to share your thoughts on the chapter! Do you think Natsu and Wendy will get closer during their upcoming training sessions? Or will Erza's intensity and Mira's curiosity lead to even more "interesting" situations? I'm excited to see what you all think!
Stay tuned for more Fairy Tail adventures!
Next time on If my Heart Could fly: Time Reconnected