Extremely long note ahead and the same note across all stories I just updated.
In the first instance, the reason I am updating so many stories all at once is because I stick to my word and I did say if I passed my specialist exam, I would update every story that had a proofread chapter ready.
Studying for this exam has basically consumed two years of my life so it is a relief that it is over.
The reason I seem to have disappeared for most of the year is not because I've actually disappeared, but because I haven't been able to shift my focus.
After getting COVID on the back of last year, I started writing a Danmachi fic. It was fun, easy, and since the world is easy to encapsulate, I was focusing on that in the lead up to my exam, with the plan to switch to my Naruto story, TTONU, after the exam.
Then I failed the exam which was quite frankly a crushing blow to morale.
At the same time this was all going on, my dad, who has been sick for a while now, got a lot worse this year and passed away mid-year.
Even with all of that going on, I was still trying to study for the resit of the exam in October.
Then, my own health, which also hasn't been great, also worsened and I needed to be admitted to hospital briefly for some heavy immunosuppression.
Again, all this time I was studying for an exam which basically is a hurdle to ever get into a medical speciality and has limited attempts so I was very anxious and stressed.
How this ties into the fanfiction aspect of things, is given all of this happening, I just couldn't muster up the motivation to switch stories. What this has meant though, is I've written 300K+ of Danmachi fanfiction in the past year.
There is a second exam that I need to do next year, but it is a practical exam, not a memorise all of medicine multiple choice trivia exam.
I will keep writing for Danmachi up to a certain point, I'm thinking the Xenos arc, as that one I'm a little bit stuck trying to work out how to play it.
Coming to my other stories now.
I very much intended to finish TTONU this year but as above, lots of stuff happened. Once I switch from Danmachi, I fully intended to focus on it.
That being said, I will also be writing for other stories too.
Again, because of the exam, I haven't really been able to enjoy anything, as anything that was not study related, would bring up a feeling of guilt. For that reason, for most of the past 12 months, I've just been watching shows that I can passively watch in the background without distracting me, in other words, not anime. This means I have yet to watch the end of Naruto (really far behind), end of Fairy Tail (somewhat far behind), or Cour 3 of TYBW (releasing now).
I plan to write for these archives when I get around to watching them, which will probably be from the start of next year.
My pat reon has also been increasing in support so I am now doing two updates a month.
I also made a discord server, plus there is another shared writer discord server where I have been spending most of my free time this year
Remove spaces first:
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan personal discord - discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Shared writers' discord - discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh
Currently, I'm doing a rural term and the internet here is pretty spotty, so I'll be doing a lot more writing as I can't really do much else. As I said, I'm probably going to get out a decent amount of Danmachi in the first instance. I'm up to LN 5 at the moment and will probably work my way through to LN 7 or the just before the end of 8. Then I will start catching up on my anime and write for some other archives.
The thing is though, I do have a lot of chapters banked, even with all of these updates, I still have 8 raw chapters done and 39 proofread chapters ready to go, so I'll be doing double chapters every month with ease for almost 2 years, even if I don't write a single word, but of course I will be writing.
As I have said many times in the past, even if it takes years, I plan to finish each and every story I've started.
Thank you everyone for bearing with me and enjoying my stories, I hope to continue to deliver the best work I can for all of us.
TL;DR Life has been hard, hopefully turned the corner now.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Jellal would pay a trip to Brain, the leader of Oración Seis and discuss his offer of assistance. Brain would gratefully accept Jellal's help and agree to help Jellal get his revenge on Natsu through Nirvana. Elsewhere, Team Natsu would take a mission to subdue some bandits and run in to Loke, with Lucy again failing to thank him for retrieving her keys, as he quickly vacated the area. The group when then discuss Natsu and Erza's developing relationship, with Lucy suggesting Erza and Natsu could now do the activities in her books, eventually leading to Erza asking to sleep with Natsu that night. As Natsu, Gray, and Erza engaged in a pillow fight, Lucy would be accosted by some rogue mages, only to be rescued by Loke. Managing to convince Loke to have a drink with her, Lucy was finally able to thank him properly, only for Loke to make a comment about running out of time, which he tried to cover up, only for Lucy to press him further, causing him to leave. Happy would get Erza and Natsu to help out, with Natsu speaking to Loke, while Lucy and Erza discussed Erza's nervousness around her relationship with Natsu, with Erza consequentially becoming slightly tipsy. Natsu and Erza would then fall asleep in a comfortable embrace, after Natsu soothed Erza's anxiety.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 8 – Restoration
Erza woke the next morning feeling very relaxed. She felt extremely cosy in bed, a comforting warmth around her. Enjoying the feeling for a few more minutes, Erza eventually remembered that she had slept with Natsu yesterday. The thought made Erza smile as she looked at the arm wrapped around her, only to find it was not the same arm that had embraced her last night. Erza was just about to boot the person who had dared to sneak into her room, before pausing for the barest of seconds, and noticed it was Natsu's face in front of her own. Erza blinked and realised that while it was still Natsu, he appeared different. To be more precise, he looked as he did before his transformation against Phantom Lord. Erza gently traced her fingers over his unblemished skin, no longer marred with black shadows, with his other hand now having fingers rather than claws again. Erza had no idea what had caused the change, but found herself getting lost in her activity of trailing her fingers along his arms.
'Morning.' Greeted Natsu, jolting Erza out of her thoughts.
'Natsu, you're awake.' Said Erza, slightly embarrassed at having been caught.
'I have been since you woke up, I didn't want to rush you.' Explained Natsu, causing Erza's face to match her hair, before she controlled it.
'Why didn't you tell me to stop?' Asked Erza.
'Why? You seemed to be enjoying it, and it wasn't bothering me.' Countered Natsu, opening his eyes.
'Natsu, do you realise you've returned to normal?' Asked Erza.
'On the surface, sure, but there is no going back after what I did.' Replied Natsu.
'What do you mean?' Asked Erza.
'It wasn't just the outside that changed, it was my very magic that changed.' Elaborated Natsu.
'So why has the outside changed now?' Asked Erza.
'That's because of you.' Replied Natsu.
'I don't understand.' Admitted Erza.
'Do you remember when I told you that we are linked now?' Asked Natsu, causing Erza to nod before he continued.
'And how I told you that you were my anchor?' Continued Natsu, getting another nod.
'When you are close to me, everything is better. I don't just mean my mood either, although I do like being with you. When you are with me, my magic is soothed.' Explained Natsu.
'I see… then why is this only happening now, what about on the boat?' Asked Erza.
'Well this was a lot longer than a boat ride; we've been lying next to each for hours now.' Clarified Natsu.
'So if I stay next to you, your magic control is better?' Clarified Erza.
'Yes and no. Next to me, yes, but not just being physically next to me. You remember how everyone was saying we were acting more like a couple yesterday?' Asked Natsu, only for Erza to nod again.
'That's because you've opened up to me emotionally now, from about that time you hugged me on the island.' Revealed Natsu with a small smile.
'I don't understand.' Admitted Erza, her brow furrowed slightly.
'How did you see both of us a week ago?' Asked Natsu.
'As close comrades of the same guild.' Said Erza, causing Natsu to nod.
'And do you sleep with anyone else at the guild?' Asked Natsu.
'N-no.' Stammered Erza, causing Natsu to laugh.
'Sorry, that wasn't meant to tease you, I'm just saying this is a step forward for the two of us as a couple.' Said Natsu reassuringly, causing Erza to open her mouth in realisation.
'So you mean the deeper our emotional connection, the better controlled your magic will be?' Asked Erza.
'Yeah. Like you saw how I linked us with a kiss and sleeping next to each other helped me turn back into my old form. The closer we get the more stable I become.' Admitted Natsu.
Erza mulled this over for a second, before realising something.
'So if something happens to me, what will happen to you?' Asked Erza.
'Like I told you when Jose was hurting you, I feel all of your pain as well. If something happens to you, it is magnified for me. This is why I said I won't let anything happen to you Erza. The more hurt you are, the worse I will feel. That aside, I never want you to be hurt anyway.' Clarified Natsu, his expression stern.
'So if something should happen to me, like I am seriously injured… or worse, what happens to you?' Asked Erza.
'What do you mean, worse?' Asked Natsu.
'W-What happens if I die for example, will you die too?' Asked Erza, only to see Natsu's expression harden.
'No. I won't die, but I will beg for death for the rest of my life, and nothing will be able to soothe me.' Revealed Natsu, his tone grim.
'Natsu… why, why would you pick me for something like that, I'm not a strong person?' Asked Erza, feeling tears brimming in her left eye.
'Erza? Do you really not understand?' Asked Natsu.
'Understand what?' Asked Erza.
Natsu brought his forehead against hers and looked into her eyes.
'I love you.' Intoned Natsu softly, causing Erza's right eye to start releasing tears as well.
Natsu pulled Erza into his chest and let her cry her heart out, drawing comfort in her presence. After a few minutes, Erza stopped crying.
'Natsu, I'm so sorry.' Sniffled Erza, blinking the last of her tears away.
'About?' Asked Natsu.
'I don't know how to say it, I don't want to say it either.' Said Erza.
'Erza. I love you. I don't need you to love me back right now. We are on your schedule, not mine. My feelings won't change, and they have been there for some time, your feelings are still new and I have no problem with giving you time to understand them first.' Said Natsu reassuringly, a small smile on his face.
Erza felt herself start sobbing again, only for Natsu to tighten his embrace.
'Please don't cry over this, Erza. I was the selfish one who dragged you into this, you don't need to feel pressured about any of it.' Whispered Natsu softly.
Erza felt her body shake again, self-loathing starting to well up inside her.
'It isn't fair. You deserve better.' Mumbled Erza.
'There is no one better, you are the only one for me.' Said Natsu, causing Erza to hiccup softly.
'I'm sorry Natsu. I shouldn't be making this all about me.' Apologised Erza, pushing away from Natsu.
'Like I said, you have nothing to be sorry about.' Repeated Natsu.
'Please be patient with me Natsu.' Requested Erza, causing Natsu to nod.
'Of course.' Replied Natsu easily.
'Good, then we should head back to the guild.' Declared Erza, getting out of bed quickly.
'Sure, I'll go and see if Gray is awake yet.' Advised Natsu, getting out of bed and making for the sliding door.
'Natsu, one more thing before you leave.' Called Erza, causing Natsu to turn around.
As Natsu turned around, he noticed Erza a step away from him, the distance vanishing a second later, as Erza stepped into his personal space and kissed him on the lips.
'I think we should move in together.' Declared Erza, leaning back after the brief kiss.
Natsu smiled and gave a nod, which Erza returned, before resuming his task of going to wake up Gray.
-line break-
'Now you're moving in together as well!' Exclaimed Lucy on the train.
'Yes, is that not what you suggested?' Asked Erza.
'I didn't mean right now! Sure, you're basically married, but moving in together is huge.' Squealed Lucy.
'Actually, that reminds me, I'll need to build a new house.' Commented Natsu thoughtfully.
'Will you need any help with the construction?' Asked Erza.
'Not really, but it will go faster with more people. I do like the idea of us building our house together though.' Admitted Natsu.
'Shouldn't we help out as a team then?' Asked Lucy.
'Not a lot of people know where we live though.' Said Happy hesitantly.
'I do.' Admitted Lucy, before letting out a squeak as Erza rounded on her.
'How do you know where they live, Lucy?' Asked Erza.
'I-I uh, figured it out one day to get back at them for breaking into my home all the time, so I broke into their home, but then they never came home!' Stammered Lucy.
'Oh, so that's why it was so clean when we got back that day. I just thought a strong wind blew through.' Exclaimed Natsu in amusement.
'So you went over to surprise them by cleaning up for them, that was quite thoughtful.' Said Erza, causing Lucy to exhale in relief.
'I guess this means the only one who doesn't know where we live on the team is you, Gray.' Continued Natsu.
'I'm not too fussed.' Said Gray.
Erza looked to Natsu questioningly, before he gave a shrug.
'Nonsense, as a team, we shouldn't hide any secrets from each other, you will come and see the home when it is complete, Gray.' Decided Erza.
'Well, can't really say no to that, at least I don't have to help with the building.' Shrugged Gray.
'Well, we can work out the details later, we've still got a guild to rebuild as well, and we wouldn't want to take away from things there.' Suggested Natsu, with Erza nodding.
'Agreed, the guild is the first priority, but I don't mind staying in a smaller space in the meantime.' Added Erza.
'Ok, but the armours won't fit in our house right now.' Cautioned Natsu.
'That's fine, I was planning to keep my extra rooms at Fairy Hills for storage. I don't want to take up all of your space either.' Admitted Erza.
'Don't worry about that, my space is your space.' Spoke Natsu reassuringly.
'Finally we're here.' Groaned Happy.
'That was rude, Happy!' Chided Lucy.
'I need more drama!' Huffed Happy.
'Oh I bet you'll have a lot of drama soon, and I'll be there to tease you about it.' Teased Lucy.
'Come on, let's see what's happening at the guild.' Suggested Natsu, as the team with his namesake made their way back to Fairy Tail.
'Hey, is Loke here?' Asked a woman, part of a group that was currently crowding Mira.
'He broke up with me last night.' Said one of the girls.
'Me too!' Added another girl, all of them looking surprisingly distraught.
'I-I'm sorry, I don't know. Oh Lucy, there you are!' Exclaimed Mira.
'Me? What are you looking at me for?' Asked Lucy nervously.
'Pfft, maybe it's because you went on a date with Loke yesterday?' Suggested Happy.
'A date? With Loke?' Asked a girl.
'He's lying! Tell them you're lying!' Demanded Lucy, shaking Happy while she choked him.
'I… was… lying.' Gasped Happy, before passing out due to lack of oxygen, his little soul floating out of his mouth.
'Ah, Happy! Don't die, I didn't mean it! Mira, why did you get me involved in this?' Complained Lucy before running away, taking the comatose Happy with her.
-line break-
Once Happy had been revived and after Lucy apologised, Lucy called one of her spirits to ask for help, summoning The Southern Cross, Crux.
'Grandpa Crux can search for anything about Celestial Spirits and their owners when he goes to sleep. I was thinking if Loke had problems with a Celestial Spirit mage, maybe he might be able to find something out.' Said Lucy.
'That's really smart Lucy! Or are you just doing it to get dating advice for Loke?' Teased Happy.
'Don't make me choke you again! So that's the story Grandpa Crux, I know something is wrong and it sounds like it might be dangerous so I was hoping you could tell me something about why Loke is scared of Celestial Spirit mages and is running out of time for something.' Explained Lucy.
'Lucy, he fell asleep!' Exclaimed Happy, seeing the cross-shaped spirit fall asleep.
'No he's searching.' Replied Lucy.
'You're joking, he has to be sleeping.' Insisted Happy indignantly, only for the spirit to wake up and gasp, startling Happy.
'Did you find something, Grandpa Crux?' Asked Lucy.
'In the Spirit World, one's activities are private, so I can't be too precise. What I can say is that Loke has been in contact with a Celestial Spirit mage in the past, Miss Karen Lilica.' Said Crux.
'Who's that? Do you know her, Lucy?' Asked Happy.
'She was a very famous Celestial Spirit mage and also did modelling for Sorcerer Magazine like Mira… although I heard that she died on a mission a few years ago… I think she was part of Blue Pegasus, but what does that have to do with Loke?' Muttered Lucy.
'That is all I can say.' Finished Crux, before seeming to doze off again.
'Well, he said he can't, but I guess he is looking into it anyway.' Commented Happy.
'No, he's asleep this time.' Mumbled Lucy, placing her thumb on her lips in thought.
'Ehhh? How can you even tell?' Asked Happy in disbelief.
'Let's go look into this, Happy.' Said Lucy.
'Aye!' Agreed Happy.
-line break-
Back at the guild, Natsu was watching as Erza helped her friends from the tower coordinate in their building efforts.
'You planning to just stare at her all day?' Asked Gray, as he came to sit next to Natsu.
'Not all day, just a little bit. Erza really likes taking control of things.' Admitted Natsu with a smile.
'If that's your nice way of saying she is an overbearing control freak, then sure.' Joked Gray, causing Natsu to laugh.
'Yeah, but I guess it makes sense now.' Spoke Natsu quietly, before turning to Gray.
'So, any thoughts about what I told you a few days ago?' Asked Natsu.
'I know you aren't lying to me or playing a joke, but it is hard to believe. Do I even want to know why people like that are looking for you anyway?' Asked Gray.
'Well, if you want to know I could tell you, but it's all in the past now.' Admitted Natsu.
'Hey, if it doesn't bother you, then I'm happy to let you keep things to yourself.' Shrugged Gray.
'Thanks. Also, is there a reason that girl with blue hair is following you around all the time?' Asked Natsu, causing Juvia to squeak and duck out of view.
'Who?' Asked Gray, looking around, but not spotting Juvia.
'Hey! You! Gajeel's friend, why don't you come over here?' Offered Natsu, causing Juvia to poke her head from behind a wooden beam.
'Whoa, how'd you even spot her?' Questioned Gray.
'Where is Gajeel by the way anyway?' Asked Natsu, as the girl stepped fully into view.
'Gajeel is trying to find a place to reside. Some of the townsfolk are a bit nervous about him being around right now.' Admitted Juvia, walking closer to the pair.
'Well, he did do some pretty bad renovations here, I bet they are worried about him starting trouble.' Commented Natsu.
'Juvia thinks so too, but Gajeel is a good person.' Asserted Juvia softly.
'I don't know about good… but to have a friend stick up for him means he has to be worth something.' Added Gray.
'Yes! Gajeel and Juvia are actually good friends, but only friends, nothing more than friends!' Said Juvia quickly.
'Uh, okay…' Said Gray, taken aback by the vehemence in the woman's tone.
'Why don't I go out and look for him, I know a place he might be able to stay? Why don't you get Gray to show you around town?' Suggested Natsu.
'Juvia would like that very much!' Squeaked Juvia.
'Shouldn't we be focusing on rebuilding; Erza will drag us over there if she thinks we are slacking?' Questioned Gray, causing Juvia to adopt a worried expression.
'Juvia doesn't wish to cause any trouble.' Spoke Juvia nervously.
'Don't worry about Erza, I'm sure she'll be fine with it; besides, you're just going for a tour, you need to be back to help build later after all. I'm sure Juvia will want to help out as well, since I think there was some kind of plan for a pool or something too.' Added Natsu.
'Yes, Juvia will be happy to help after the tour!' Agreed Juvia excitedly.
'See, so go.' Prompted Natsu, waving the two off.
'Okay, but if Erza gives me hell over this, I'm blaming you.' Warned Gray, before he and Juvia walked out of the partially reconstructed guild.
'I thought I was the only one who liked to play matchmaker.' Joked Mira, coming to stand across Natsu's spot on the bar, from behind the counter.
'It's not playing matchmaker, since I already know the outcome, you just like to throw people together and see what happens, you're more of an evil scientist.' Countered Natsu, causing Mira to smile.
'Hey, Natsu… I'm sorry.' Apologised Mira, with a small frown.
'What are you sorry about?' Asked Natsu.
'We both know what I'm sorry about. I'm embarrassed that I couldn't even say it until now and it's only because you look normal again too.' Admitted Mira.
'I know things are still hard for you, Mira, especially after Elfman told me what happened with the two of you and Phantom Lord. If I can give you a little advice; eventually you need to make a change, you can't grow if you stay stuck in the past… I'm living proof of that after all. I wouldn't be like this right now without Erza.' Suggested Natsu.
'To think, I still remember you as the cute little boy who looked adorable when I teased him, I must have missed the part where you became a man.' Jested Mira softly, causing Natsu to smile.
'We all need to grow up sometime, Mira.' Commented Natsu.
'What is going on here?' Asked Erza, walking up to the pair.
'Oh nothing, I was just taking Natsu's order. I'll be right back.' Said Mira quickly, before walking away.
'Mira was just saying sorry… about the changes.' Whispered Natsu quietly to his partner.
Erza was not normally the most perceptive individual around, but she seemed to understand what Natsu meant this time, having noticed Mira's inner turmoil as of late, knowing full well how her former rival would hide her emotions in the past.
'Where is Gray? I thought I saw him here earlier?' Asked Erza.
'He was, I sent him to go show the new guild member around town and they will come help with the pool later. I'm guessing you've done the same with your friends as well?' Asked Natsu, to which Erza nodded.
'Yes, I do wonder about Gajeel though.' Admitted Erza.
'Leave that to me, I'll go help him out now. It's only fair, right?' Offered Natsu.
'Very well. We will need some help with steelwork soon, so it would be useful to have him nearby.' Agreed Erza.
'He'll be here within the hour then; your wish is my command.' Joked Natsu, causing Erza to blush.
'Thank you.' Mumbled Erza, before Natsu went out to search for Gajeel.
It took Natsu only a few minutes, having found Gajeel on the outskirts of town rather easily.
'Hey, you still looking for a place to stay?' Asked Natsu.
'Who told you about that?' Asked Gajeel.
'Your friend. Follow me, Erza needs your help at the guild, I'll show you a place on the way.' Ordered Natsu, before walking off.
With a small sigh, Gajeel followed after Natsu, as he led him into the forest.
'This was my first try at building a four-wall house. Didn't work out too well, but with some steel supports, it should hold up a bit better.' Explained Natsu, showing Gajeel a rudimentary wooden dwelling, which looked quite slanted, but seemed stable enough.
'Are you planning to bury me in a wooden box?' Asked Gajeel, looking at the structure.
'No, but you're really going to want to put some steel in, to hold the slats in place, they are a few years old. You've got water and a bed inside though, so it's probably better than sleeping outside, at least until you can find a better place.' Said Natsu.
'I'm not going to thank you for giving me four shaky walls to sit in.' Said Gajeel after a moment.
'Of course not, you'll only be here to sleep, you need to spend your time in the guild after all, so let's go, Erza is expecting you.' Said Natsu.
'I don't get you, Salamander. You're crazy… and going after Titania… that's even more crazy.' Continued Gajeel.
'Hey, you know as well as I do, that sometimes finding a mate can be crazy… but denying it doesn't work in the end.' Said Natsu.
The pair walked in silence until reaching the guild, before Natsu led them over to Erza, who was directing Laki, Droy, Levy, and Elfman, who were either creating, or moving wood around, in the construction effort.
'Natsu, you're back already.' Spoke Erza, noticing Gajeel was also with him.
'Yep. I'll have to go and get started on my own building, but Gajeel will take my place and help you out, isn't that right?' Said Natsu, turning to the Iron Dragon Slayer.
'Hmph, just tell me what you need me to do.' Scoffed Gajeel, turning his head to the side.
'The metal is there, shape them into equally sized support pillars of two metres in length, I expect at least two dozen, so don't eat them until we are done.' Ordered Erza.
'I wasn't going to eat them… all.' Mumbled Gajeel.
'Well, I'll leave you in the very capable hands of Erza for now then.' Declared Natsu, before leaving the guild again.
-line break-
Later that afternoon, while Natsu was gathering wood for the construction of his new home, the sky seemed to freeze. Natsu tried to drop the tree trunk he was carrying on the floor, only for it to remaining floating.
"Well that's a pain." Thought Natsu, before seeing a massive spectre in the sky.
'That's a big moustache.' Spoke Natsu in surprise, before making his way over there slowly through the air.
"Something big must be going down, I better be careful." Thought Natsu, being careful to remain hidden as he approached.
Natsu felt an influx of magical power and felt Lucy's magic almost collapse to nothing, making him fly much faster, until he was able to spot her, finding her collapsed on the floor, with Loke leaning over her protectively.
'Leo, I'll allow you to return to the Spirit World. You were falsely accused. Thank the guidance of the stars.' Said the large moustached construct with a grin, before it seemed to notice Natsu.
The facial expression of the behemoth switched from a grin to a firm line.
'Hi there, I was wondering if you could help me out.' Greeted Natsu, his voice carrying far enough that Lucy and Loke could hear.
'Natsu! What are you doing here?' Asked Lucy.
'Well, I was trying to get some wood to build a house, but then the tree trunk froze in mid-air.' Joked Natsu.
'That's because time stopped, how are you moving around right now?' Asked Loke.
'Have you forgotten, Leo? This is the child of light and darkness.' Said the large figure.
'What do you mean, Celestial Spirit King? That's Natsu.' Questioned Lucy.
'He is a member of Fairy Tail.' Added Loke.
'I guess you're worried about this part, right?' Asked Natsu, letting his black markings appear again, causing the king to tense up.
'Have you come to seek battle?' Asked the Celestial Spirit King.
'Actually, I came to ask for your help.' Admitted Natsu, as his markings faded.
'Help?' Parroted Loke.
'Natsu, what are you talking about?' Asked Lucy.
'I need your help to hide me from Tartaros.' Requested Natsu.
'It is impossible. Such a feat cannot be done without a bond to the Spirit World.' Refused the Spirit King.
'Isn't there anything I can do?' Asked Natsu.
'Unless you find a spirit willing to aid you, no aid can be offered.' Said the King.
'Celestial Spirit King, if Natsu needs a spirit's aid, I will lend him mine.' Interjected Loke, causing the king to look at him.
'Moments ago you were at the edge of existence and now you plan to risk it all again?' Asked the King.
'It is only thanks to my friends that I survived, so I can't abandon my friends now.' Replied Loke.
'I see, then I will consider the request once my old friend Leo has regained his strength.' Declared the King, turning back to Natsu.
'Thanks.' Said Natsu, before the Spirit King vanished in a plume of star dust, with Loke starting to fade away as well.
Natsu landed next to Lucy, as a key materialised in her hands. The key of Leo the Lion.
'Thanks you two. I'll talk to you both soon.' Said Loke, before he disappeared.
Time restarted once Loke had vanished, which left Natsu and Lucy together.
'How did the Celestial Spirit King know you?' Asked Lucy.
'That's a long story, Lucy, and you look like you're about to fall asleep. Come on, I'll carry you home.' Deflected Natsu, picking Lucy up in a princess carry.
'What… would Erza say… about this?' Mumbled Lucy, as she started to fall asleep.
'Probably kick both of our assess so let's just keep this part quiet, otherwise you really might need Gray's ice to cool off your bottom.' Laughed Natsu.
'Okay… Natsu… if you need help, I'll help you too.' Muttered Lucy.
'Thanks Luce, but you've done enough helping today already, get some rest.' Advised Natsu.
'Okay.' Said Lucy, before sleep finally claimed her.