edited chapter 3
It took only a split second for Gajeel to find his mate, the single person he was destined to be with for the rest of his life.
From the outside world, it was only a few seconds till they separated. But, from their perspective, it felt like a lifetime, full of hope, love, and happiness, something that girls dream of and guys hope to have.
Gajeel barely managed to pull himself from her eyes and focus on the job board, using all of his willpower not to turn back to her.
He attempted to scan the board, doing his best not to look back at the girl who somehow made his heart beat faster. He continued to look at the board, mind racing and unable to focus on reading the requests.
He sighed in annoyance before he grabbed a random flier and tore it off the board.
Gajeel noticed Pantherlily approaching him, hoping Pantherlily would come with him, so he could finally calm his beating heart.
"Hey Pantherlily, unless you're busy, wanna go on a job?" Gajeel asked as he looked down at the black cat.
Gajeel silently hoped he will accompany him since he is still unfamiliar with society as a whole. Let alone accepting a job and being a functional part of society.
"Sure, Gajeel, I have time to spare. So what's the job?" Pantherlily asked curiously, wondering why Gajeel would want to leave so early after he just got here.
"According to the flier, we have to take care of a wyvern... The reward is 40,000 jewel," Gajeel said, citing the flier with minor difficulty. Making Pantherlily glad since he had heard many stories about how little Natsu knew once he finally began to integrate with society.
"Ok, then let's get going, Gajeel," Pantherlily said as he hopped with his strong legs onto Gajeel's shoulder, and just like that, Gajeel and Pantherlily were off to stop a Wyvern.
Gajeel let out a sigh of relief once the doors closed behind him. Thinking that his reaction to the admittedly cute girl was simply because he was awed by the guild and nothing else.
During the conversation, the two bluenettes found a seat at a nearby table in the guildhall. Levy still had her eyes locked on Gajeel, not paying attention to Wendy till she poked her gently in the cheek, trying to get her attention.
"Hmm, wha... Wendy, why are you poking me," Levy said with a dazed look, trying her best to figure out why she couldn't get the dark-haired boy out of her mind, confused as to why she gave him more than a glance thought at all.
"You locked eyes with the other dragon slayer a minute ago, and I couldn't get your attention, so I poked you," Wendy said innocently.
Not realizing the gravity of her statement-making, Levy's eyes shot open in shock.
"Wait, how do you know he was a dragon slayer, Wendy?" asked a shocked Levy. Hoping beyond belief that the little girl was mistaken and that they didn't get yet another uncontrollable powerhouse in the league.
"The reason I know he's a dragon slayer is because I'm one as well," Wendy said, unable to look the other bluenette in the eye. She didn't see the same disbelief and distrust she had seen from everyone else.
"You're a dragon slayer as well?" Levy said, still holding her shocked expression, considering what happened a few days ago, getting their first dragon slayer and just how strong he was. She worried that it was the typical power for a dragon slayer, that this is the power required to kill a dragon.
"Yes, and how I know is because I could sense an aura coming from him when I saw him," Wendy said. Still unable to look at Levy, hoping that Levy wouldn't be like other people, disbelieving that a dragon would raise a young girl like that.
There was silence between the two for a good minute, and during that time, Levy was able to process all the new information. Thank Mavis. She read a lot of books allowing her to process it quicker than most.
"Sorry Wendy, I didn't mean to scare you, but the guild got our first dragon slayer a few days ago, and he's strong. But, unfortunately, half the guild passed out when someone said the dragon who trained him wasn't real."
She shuddered in fear at the memory, confused as to how such a young boy had gotten so strong.
"Well, I'm nowhere near that strong, but I wouldn't question him. He was trained by a dragon as well, and the same for the black-haired kid. He had the scent of a dragon on him like my mine. Still, a little different, more metallic and rustic," Wendy said curiously as she looked at Levy, hoping to learn more about the dragon slayers around her. Maybe, just maybe, they might know where to find Grandeeney.
"Ok then, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of dragon slayer magic do you use ?" Levy asked, always wanting to learn and grow since even at this young age, she could already tell physical strength will never be her strong suit.
"I'll only say if you tell me what your first dragon slayer magic is," Wendy said back, making Levy smile. Proud to see such a bright young lady not giving too much information without learning anything either.
"Ok then, he uses Fire dragon slayer magic, and his name is Natsu. And what is your magic?" Levy asked with a slight smirk on her face, curious about what type of lady Wendy would grow up to be.
Being shy but confident, smart but innocent. Levy just hoped she would grow with her fellow bluenette and become the family that Makarov always says they are.
"I use sky dragon slayer magic," Wendy said with a slight smile, proud of her magic. The only thing she had left of Grandeeney other than her influence.
"Ok then... Oh, I never told you mine. I use sold script magic," Levy said, already trying to help the young girl before she grows at least as strong as Natsu.
"Solid Script... Do you think you can show me?" Wendy said curiously, not being overly familiar with most types of magic, let alone one like Solid Script that is always kept out of the sunlight.
"Ok, stand back…..Gust" Levy shouts as the word gust appears in thin air shortly after a small but strong gust of wind is released. Literally spelling out the word gust, which then shot towards Wendy, enveloping her for a few seconds before dissipating. Proving to Levy that she was indeed a Sky Dragon Slayer, showing no damage or even annoyance to the spell that hit her.
"That was amazing," Wendy said with a look of amazement in her eyes, almost wishing that she had such control over so many elements.
"Well, it's not much. I still have a lot to learn," Levy said with a slight blush from the praise. Her humility showing through, making Wendy look up at her with a mixture of awe and inspiration, making Levy an instant role model for the impressionable little girl.
Levy's display did not go unnoticed. Makarov walked up to the two bluenettes, proud that the two seem to be getting along, noticing just how much Levy inspired Wendy to grow smarter AND stronger.
"You two seem to be getting along well," Makarov said with a smile. At first, having had worried that Wendy would be heartbroken, abandoned once more, and was glad to see her still able to smile.
"Yep, Levy showed me her magic. It's amazing," Wendy said brightly, making a warm feeling bloom in Makarov's chest, reminding him just why and how he put up with all of his young brats. Already seeing signs of their potential but leaving him worried about what steps they would take to reach that potential.
"Levy, I wanted to talk to you. Do you mind if Wendy bunks with you for the time being? At least until she can make a team and do jobs of her own," Makarov asked, hoping that Levy would accept his request because of how well the two were hitting it off.
"Funny, I was just about to ask you about that... I would love to have her as a roommate," Levy said, turning to Wendy for an answer. Hoping that the young girl would trust her enough to spend time with the young girl, finding her unbelievably cute and fun to be around.
"I would like that, Levy," Wendy says with a smile mirroring Levy's face. At the same time, Makarov simply watched, glad to see such a friendship growing before him.
"Well... it seems sleeping arrangements have been set up for you Wendy, I just have to do Gajeel when he gets back from his job."
Internally he was doing backflips while he shouted at joy because of all the money he saved from the news of Levy and Wendy bunking together for the time being.
With Natsu and Ultear
"HELLFIRE DRAGON INCINERATION FIST," Natsu yells as his hand becomes engulfed in bright yellow-orange flames.
It collides with a forest Vulcan sending it flying toward a tree resulting in the tree being snapped at its trunk. However, Natsu was too focused on the Vulcan that he sent flying to realize another was coming behind him.
"REGULOS," Loke shouts as he takes out the Vulcan that was coming behind Natsu. Noticing that he will have to help train his current body's senses as well.
"Whoa, thanks for the save, Loke," Natsu said with a slight smirk on his face, enjoying that he will always have a friend to cover his back this time. Before turning to the other Vulcans approaching them, excitement bubbling in his chest as he anticipated the upcoming fight.
"No problem, master, but it looks like we may be in a bit of trouble," Loke says back as several Vulcan surrounded the two.
"Yeah, for you but, this is just getting good," Natsu says with his iconic grin taking its rightful place on his face. Loke sweat drops at this, yep, even in the face of danger, Natsu's love for battle can never be filled, not even close...
"Well, what do you have in mind," Loke asked, afraid of the answer after knowing Natsu for so long, realizing that there might not even be a game plan.
"Simple, we can get them all together so I can nail them with Hellfire Dragon's Roar," Natsu says with a smirk. Loke gawks for a second before being replaced with a grin that mirrored Natsu's.
"How are we going to group them?" Loke asked with a questioning look on his face. More than aware that neither of their magic was a good idea for such a strategy.
"Maybe this will help ICE MAKE WALL," Ultear shouts from a tree branch above the battleground as a pink-colored wall of ice forms around Natsu and Loke. Cutting them off from the Vulcans, granting them more time to plan the best attack.
"Thanks, Ultear!" Natsu says proudly as he beamed up at his mate, surprised to see such a smile on his face.
"No problem! Let's get out of here quickly before they break the ice," Ultear's says as she dropped down from the tree as the trio headed deep into the woods.
After about a minute, the Vulcan managed to break the ice and group up blindly, following the three wizards. Not long, they caught up to the trio, and Natsu stood there ready and began to charge his attack just as the Vulcan got into range.
"HELLFIRE DRAGON ROAR," Natsu shouts as a torrent of bright yellow and orange flames shot out of his mouth, catching the Vulcan off guard, but it was too late for them as they all reduced to ashes.
"Whoa... I didn't think hellfire dragon flames were this powerful," Loke says. So astonished at that power before he and Natsu fought a dragon using these flames not too long ago.
"Yeah, they're powerful, but I just started using them, so they're not much stronger than my regular flames," Natsu says nonchalantly.
Not noticing the look of shock in Loke's eyes at what he said, never having known the sheer power difference between flame types.
"Well, it's time to make our way to the next quest to stop those bandits," Ultear said to her mate, a slight blush growing on her face because of referring to him as her soulmate.
"Ok, but let's stay the night in town and rest up," Natsu says casually, making Ultear's blush deepen until she quickly realized he didn't have that in mind.
"Ok" is Ultear's simple response to her mate as she waited for him giving him time to enjoy his companionship with his other friends.
"Well, that's everything, it's time for me to get back to the spirit world," Loke said before he vanished in a flash of light, making Natsu and Ultear cover their eyes, and when they double-checked, he was gone,
"Well, time to go collect our reward," Natsu said, And like that, They were finally finished with their first official request.
Later at the inn
It was sundown when Natsu and Ultear had just gotten their reward for the Vulcan elimination. Fortunately, the Vulcans lived in the wilderness, so they didn't have to forfeit any of their reward from damages any fairy tail mage usually causes.
They just got into their room at the inn, and Natsu being the guy he jumps right into bed resulting in a bounce before settling down flat on his back.
Ultear simply crawled into bed, resting her head on his chest, enjoying the natural warmth Natsu gives off from his magic. It didn't take long for Ultear to start drifting off to sleep, and Natsu liked this too. He wrapped his arms protectively around her shoulder before drifting off to sleep. Finding comfort in knowing that his mate was in the safest spot in all of earthland, in his arms.
While Ultear was sleeping the night away, basking in the warmth of her mate's arms, Natsu was currently in a mindscape conversing with Igneel.
In Natsu Mind
Natsu is in his mindscape. He was curious about what his mindscape wood looked like but wasn't too surprised when it took the form of a volcanic wasteland.
He wandered unknowingly, going in the right direction for several minutes until he came across the entrance of a dark cave. He waited for a few minutes until two yellow eyes appeared out of the darkness. Seconds later, the creature with yellow eyes was revealed to be Igneel.
"You wanted to talk, Natsu," Igneel said as he looked at his surrogate son, wondering what he could risk asking now at such a dire time.
"Yes... I wanted to know more about my past before you took me in, and... about, E.N.D.," Natsu said in a solemn tone. Igneel sigh having had known that he would have had to answer that question. But, unfortunately, only he and a handful of others could.
"I was wondering when you wanted to know more, and I will gladly tell you everything I know about E.N.D, your brother, and your time with the parents that gave you life," Igneel said
"Ok, but I don't know where to start, though," Natsu said with a front on his face, head held down.
"I'll start with E.N.D., and we'll work our way backward from there. Sound good to you," Igneel said, internally cringing, worried as to what such information could do due to such a thing.
"That sounds fair, but can you explain how I'm a demon first," Natsu said curiously. Igneel chuckle, having had already predicted his son would do such a thing.
"Technically, you are a demon, but it would be more accurate you are half-demon. The body, your soul, inhabits is your birth body. When E.N.D. was created, it altered your body to take on a more demon-like appearance. For example, when E.N.D. was in control, you had horns on your head, not like those you wore in Edolas," Igneel said with a chuckle. At the same time, Natsu pouted, having had actually enjoyed the appearance of those cheap horns.
"Really, so this is the body I was born in," Natsu said, slightly relieved at that news, knowing that it could be at least ten times worse.
"Yes, What would you like to know next?" Igneel said, making Natsu ponder for a few before asking his next question.
"I want to know more about E.N.D. What is he like compared to me," Natsu's curious if they were completely different people or so similar it's hard to tell them apart.
"E.N.D. Personality was basically the same as any other demon created by Zeref. They all have the never-ending drive to return to Zeref and kill him; E.N.D. was incredibly powerful, stronger than me, and stronger than Acnologia. What made him such a formidable opponent was his defensive power. Time it's self-shuddered in fear at his wake making him immortal," Igneel said as a look of shock came over Natsu.
"E.N.D. is really that powerful?" Natsu said, still holding a shocked expression on his face making Igneel sigh. Worried what would happen if E.N.D. were accidentally released before the world was ready for such a calamity.
"Yes, he is, but only when he's in control, though. What next?" Natsu rolls his eyes as he watched Igneel go through this question as if they were a test.
"Can you explain how we can share the same body?" Natsu said, making Igneel pause, looking for the best way to explain this to him.
"The best way to think of it is you, and E.N.D. are two sides of one coin, one good one bad, you're the good half, and he is the bad half. Is this making sense to you," Igneel watched Natsu for any sign of confusion he might have, and was surprised and honestly a little proud to see none?
"I think I get it, but Osiris said you asked for his help once before. So what was it about?" Natsu asked, causing Igneel to have a look of unease came over him, this being the secret he did not want to be brought up.
"The first time I asked for his help was after you died with your parents. When Zeref found out, he went to the site of the dragon attack. All he found was your body and was unwilling to let go, so he preserved your body so it wouldn't decay. Because of the death of his family, Zeref went into a state of despair. Driven by loneliness, he eventually went mad, trying to bring you back. He searches endlessly every way he found would only leads to disappointment and hardship. So he found another way. If he couldn't bring you back to life, he figured he bring you back as a demon," Igneel said, gazing at Natsu for a response.
"Ok, if he brought me back to life as a demon, how did E.N.D. end up in control of our body?" Natsu said with thinking pose
"Because your soul wasn't in your body to stop him, at first you behaved normally like any kid but in time E.N.D. slowly but surely took control and making you a vile monster countless opponents tried and failed to stop, that's when I stepped in, I asked Osiris to retrieve your soul from the afterlife to keep E.N.D. in check, however when your soul was returned in hopes of stopping him, E.N.D. was too powerful, so I had to fight him for you to be in control, I lost, but I wasn't trying to win, I was weakening him enough to for your soul to take over which it did" Igneel said pausing to let Natsu process everything so far
Natsu processed everything Igneel told him about E.N.D. for several minutes, but he knew he couldn't dwell on it for too long. He had a lot more questions that need answers.
"What can you tell me about my brother Zeref," Natsu said in a severe tone,
"Very well then, where do you want me to start," Igneel said. At the same time, Natsu thought over what was more important to him, knowing full well that Natsu would pretty much be doing whatever he said.
"What caused Zeref to become the most powerful dark mage in history? " Natsu said with his head hanging down, already having a bad idea as to why such a mage was labeled so deadly when he seemed to be a decent guy.
"Well, it was partly because he was so desperate to bring you back to life. That wasn't what made him a dark mage. It was the results trying to bring you back to life. One example is the R system that Jellal was brainwashed for to complete, the eclipse gate, and many others in an attempt to keep you alive. Both those methods cost was too great. His crusade to bring you back did not go unnoticed. Ankersam did not like it one bit, the god of life and death. He cursed him with the contradictory curse. It went downhill from there," Igneel eyed Natsu to see if he should continue.
"What's the contradictory curse and Keep going? I have to know more," Natsu said sternly, not wanting Igneel to stop once he already started. He wanted to have every single piece of the puzzle before referring to his final judgment.
"The contradictory curse is that black cloud of death coming off Zeref on Tenrou Island. It also goes by Ankersam's black magic. So if it wasn't obvious enough, it's death magic. Anyways back to Zeref, when Zeref was cursed, he also gained immortality, which further drove him to madness. He wanted to die because nearly everyone who got close to him dies because of his curse, and so he sought a way to kill himself by creating demons in hopes of it. But, as you know, many are still alive and causing destruction like deliora, lullaby, and the demon that later formed Tartarus," Igneel said. He closely watched Natsu, looking for any reaction or sigh that he should stop.
"That still doesn't explain how I came to be the strongest," Natsu said with a questioning look, making Igneel sigh. Then, wishing that his adopted son would simply let him finish before asking more questions.
"I'm getting to that. As Zeref began creating demons, his mind became more and more twisted, with each demon he created failing to kill him, causing him to make more, each stronger than the last. Ultimately leading to your revival as the creation of E.N.D. However, at the time, War was everywhere back then. Not long after, Acnologia was born, quickly decimating everything in his path. Zeref came back to his senses and stopped his dark arts for the time being. All of Zerefs focus was on aiding me and the other dragons and their slayers in hopes of beating Acnologia. He was instrumental in our plan to stop Acnologia. After all, he created the eclipse gate that we used to come to the future." Igneel waited to see how Natsu would react, whether he would be amused by his strength or burdened by his purpose for life.
"I've heard enough now. Can you tell me about my parents Igneel," Natsu said with his head held down again, this whole thing almost being too much information to grasp.
"Very well, but first, my knowledge of your parents is limited. There are only a handful of humans that I had had the privilege of talking to before we came to the future," Igneel said. Natsu sigh, hoping Igneel would be able to answer his every question. Still, he was at least grateful Igneel was taking this time to explain things to him.
"Tell me as much as you know them, please?" Natsu said. Igneel nodded. Knowing that no matter how much he helped or taught Natsu, he would always want to see the truth about his birth parents. As it is almost human nature, even though Natsu isn't wholly human.
"From what I heard from Osiris. Your mother was a mighty seer, being able to see the possible outcomes of action like saving someone from a lethal blow. Unlike that exceed Carla, who can only see the bad. Your mother could see anything she wants. The good or the bad, and change the future so that only the good happens. However, she can only see the future three times a day. Your father was a scholar and ironically studied and did temple work for Anskheram of all things. He was an honorable man who did his job well. The only thing he asked was that his two sons be safe," Igneel said, looking to see how Natsu is taking this all in, worried since this was such an integral piece of information.
"You said my mother was able to see into the future…..did she see her, me, and my father's death?" Natsu says with his bangs covering his eyes. She was afraid to know whether she knew they would die and let it happen anyway, learning all the pain and carnage Zeref caused in his grief.
"Yes, she did. She told your father, and they accepted their fate. Still, they refused simply let you die with them. As I said before, she can see possible future outcomes and what would happen if Zeref was forced to live the rest of his life with no one. Let's just say things would be a lot worse if they did nothing and let you die with them. And they were close to saving you, but time was not their ally. The dragon that killed you and your parent came sooner than expected. They were burned alive. However, they managed to protect you from the flames, but they couldn't protect you from the smoke. You died from the smoke going into your lungs not long after your brother found your body." Igneel said, eyeing Natsu for some kind of reaction, anything at all that would tell him that Natsu wouldn't be able to handle anymore.
Igneel didn't respond to Natsu, leading him to believe that Natsu took the time to process this revelation about his past. After several minutes, Natsu's head shot up. His expression was that of determination for what he was about to find out.
"I only have one more question what did Osiris mean by unlocking my E.N.D. Power? I thought E.N.D. was too strong for my soul to take over my body," Natsu said with a questioning look, confused as to why Osiris would ask him to take such a risk.
"Simple, your strength and willpower have grown to the point where you can control E.N.D. So, without him taking over, now I assume you want me to go into greater detail once more?" Igneel said, making Natsu nod, wanting to know more about his E.N.D. Powers so that he could make an informed decision.
"There was more to teaching you dragon slayer magic than simply devising a plan to take out Acnologia and giving you power more suited to your personality. As Osiris said, dragons are very prideful creatures, and they have a never-ending drive to prove they're the strongest. And since dragon slayers take on traits of the dragon they were raised by... Where did you think your thirst for battle came from? And why do you think you but heads with the other dragon slayers? But, of course, that's including those false dragon slayers as well," Igneel said with a slight chuckle. Natsu smirks, as this is one side effect he does not mind at all.
"So you're saying my love for battle and stubbornness and never-ending strength is from my magic?" Natsu asked with his iconic grin, making Igneel once more, knowing that this little tidbit of information would make his hatchling smile.
"Not all of it. Your magic made those traits that every creature has stronger so that you are on par with dragons!" Igneel said, still chuckling, making Natsu laugh as well, as he finally understood why the other dragonslayers and himself are so hot-headed and stubborn.
"Wait, one more thing Igneel... Why can't I remember anything before I met you like me, and not E.N.D.?" Natsu asked. Igneel smirk, showing his large, white canines, proud that his son was growing smarter. Even if it was long overdue, having had already technically died...
"Because they were sealed away with E.N.D... That reminds me, ever since I started teaching you your magic, I've been keeping an eye on E.N.D., making sure he stayed locked away inside you. Over the years, he's become rather impressed with your feats in the old timeline," Igneel said in an amused tone. Natsu smile, glad to know he could make even a demon proud.
"Well... I never fail to disappoint," Natsu chirps, making Igneel shake his head in amusement, knowing this is precisely how Natsu would react.
"Back to your memories... I can unlock your memories at any time, not all at once, or else you'll probably end up in a coma for a month, struggling to get through all of them at once. So if you want to access them, I'll make sure you don't get overwhelmed all at once," Igneel said, making Natsu smile, as that was the next question he was about to ask.
"Yes, I would like to... start remembering my past. But I don't know if I'll have the time to remember them?" Natsu says with a nervous chuckle, making Igneel grin, having an idea of what Natsu was inferring.
"You're right about that, which is why I was going to have you relive them when you're in a safe place and asleep. Like now with Ultear," Igneel said in a knowing tone making Natsu blush, catching onto Igneel's drift.
"Yeah... That would be best to relive them as dreams. So it doesn't interfere when I'm on a magic job," Natsu said with his characteristic Grin. Making Igneel proud that Natsu was still so eager to help people and protect them.
"Just let me know when you're ready to relive those memories," Igneel said. He adjusted his large scaly body into a more comfortable position, resting calmly on the ground with his wings wrapped around his body.
"Ok then, is there anything else?" Natsu asks casually, making Igneel laugh. Proud that Natsu now actively sought information, rather than people like Erza having to beat it into his thick skull.
"For now, no. But, I think it's time you take your leave. It's almost morning, and you have a quest to do, my son," Igneel said, making a smile bloom on Natsu's face, proud that Igneel called him his son.
"Got it, Igneel... Guess I'll talk to you soon," Natsu said before he left his mindscape, to go back to his mate Ultear and maybe explain everything that went on. Still, after some serious thought and consideration, unlike the Natsu, we all know and love.
With Natsu and Ultear
Natsu was just waking up with Ultear still in his arms, sleeping soundly, or so he thought.
Slowly opening his eye, he was greeted with the sight of Ultear sleeping soundly, resting her head on his chest. He was just about to move her when he realized she was awake and doing a terrible job at pretending to be asleep. Making him shake his head in amusement.
"Did you know you talk in your sleep? Make sure igneel knows that as well..." Ultear says with a sinister smile on her face catching Natsu off guard. Worried about what she heard, as she might have listened to both sides of the conversation or just one.
Natsu had a look of complete shock on his face, and internally Igneel had one as well. Making it even more apparent that they were father and son, even if not by blood.
"H-hh-how much did you hear?" Natsu asks, breaking out in a cold sweat, as he had wanted to process all this information before telling her.
"Enough to know about your past as E.N.D.," Ultear says with a sincere smile replacing her sinister one, making him calm down, glad that she didn't hear everything.
"Oh, better you found out now rather than later," Natsu says in a solemn tone. Ultear sigh, knowing exactly what he was thinking, mainly because he hid something so life-changing.
She quickly slapped him, almost annoyed he thought she would leave him for something like this, so out of his control.
"What was that for?!" Natsu asks angrily, but it died down quickly due to the smile on her face, his anger dying away like a small candle in a windstorm.
"This doesn't change anything about why we're here and us, after all, what are mates for anyway," Ultear says with a smile aimed right at him. It was just what Natsu needed to be able to feel happy once more.
"Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Ultear, I really needed that," Natsu says in his usual cheery tone making Ultear smile, happy that she was able to put a smile back on his face.
"If anything, this is good. The more I know about you, the better," Ultear says as a seductive smile replaces her earlier one as she slowly leaned toward Natsu, making him blush. It only got worse as she got closer and closer, not knowing where she is going until he felt her soft lips lightly peck his cheek.
He stood there frozen like a block of ice at Ultear's affection, feeling something stir and grow in his chest.
"Now it's my turn to tell you something that has been on my mind recently," Ultear says as her seductive smile was replaced with a frown. Then, getting Natsu's full attention, he worried as to what would make his mate so upset.
"What is it?" is Natsu's simple response, already determined to fix or change whatever had made her sad.
"Meredy... I'm not a member of Grimoire's heart in this timeline. But, remember, if it weren't for me, Meredy would most likely have died when we attacked her village," Ultear said as a stray tear went down her cheek.
Remembering the young girl who helped her learn what it felt like to love again.
"When does her village get attacked?" Natsu responded, curious if the village might not get attacked since Ultear never joined Grimoire Heart.
"Two years from now, but since this is a new timeline, I don't know if it might happen sooner or later," Ultear said as more tears started forming. Worried about what might happen if she was too late and if she were too early, she would be able to do nothing but tear a little girl away from her family.
Natsu didn't hesitate to bring Ultear into his arm, wrapping his arm protectively around her trying to comfort his mate in her time of need. She cried and cried into his chest for several minutes at the possibility of not being able to save Meredy this time around.
After several minutes Ultear's sobs finally died down, glad that Natsu was there for her in her time need.
"Well, it looks like we'll have to keep tabs on your old guild without them noticing," Natsu says with a slight chuckle. A small but visible grin grow on Ultear's face, glad that she didn't even have to tell him or suggest that herself.
"Are you sure that will be rather difficult? I was a member. We made sure nobody got the drop on us. It will be quite the challenge," Ultear says back, not feeling nearly as confident as he did.
"You're probably right about that, but this time around, they don't have you with them," Natsu said with a reassuring look in his eyes. Making Ultear blush, as he indirectly praised her skills as a mage and as a strong woman as well.
"Well, it looks like we have something to keep us busy for the next two years or so. Besides getting stronger for the games," Ultear says, finally over breaking down minutes ago and feeling hope grow in her chest. Which was part of the reason she was glad to be Natsu's mate.
"First, we have a bunch of bandits that need taking care of," Natsu says as a sinister smile forms, only to be practically mirrored on Ultear's face as well.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go," Ultear said with newfound determination as to the two separated and began to get ready for their next job. Just like before, Ultear dragged Natsu onto the train. Fortunately, Natsu was more cooperative this time. He rested his head on her lap so his motion sickness won't be a problem for them.
Bandits hideout
The bandit harassing the nearby town was lying around their hideout; there were 20 or so bandits in the lair. Some were drinking, others were sharpening blades, and some were sparing, while others were going through their last big hull cataloging and organizing everything.
It didn't last long because the doors to the hideout burst wide open in an explosion of orange and red flames, catching them all off guard.
They stood there, waiting for the dust to settle while all the bandits had their guard up, thinking they could handle whatever caused their doors to be destroyed. Still, what they saw sent a shiver down their spines, all you could see was the silhouette of a young man with glowing yellow eyes, and he appeared to be holding something.
As soon as the dust settled, the dust cloud person was a surprisingly buff young boy. On his right shoulder was the beaten and battered body of a bandit from their group that was somehow still conscious, if barely.
"So this is your hideout... huh, not impressed, but it won't matter anyway after I'm done with all of you," Natsu taunts, getting their attention as they looked at the young boy. He was already aware of his capabilities because he took out one of their greatest lookouts with no damage done to him whatsoever.
Natsu succeeded in his taunt. Half the bandits charged him blindly, unaware that it was precisely what Natsu wanted them to do.
"This is going to be fun," Natsu says with a sinister grin on his face waiting for them to get closer so he could finally have his fun.
The bandits that charged Natsu began to slice, slash and stab him failing to land a single hit on him because Natsu was dodging them like nothing. Finally, after a few minutes, Natsu had enough playing around. He hoped that at least twenty bandits would force him to use his magic to block and defend himself and only found himself disappointed.
"FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST!" Natsu shouts as red-orange flames engulf his hand and send one bandit flying into the wall knocking him out cold. Making the others look at him in shock before attacking him once more.
The bandits attacking Natsu kept on going even though one of their members was sent flying.
And the bandits that weren't attacking him figured they would take out Ultear, leaving Natsu defenseless and completely overwhelmed.
They could only watch in shock as their weapons literally rusted into nothing, leaving them with their fists as they charged at the smirking young girl. They were completely unaware of how outmatched they were, their arrogance telling them they could at least handle a young girl... right?
After that, she quickly took them out with her expertise in hand-to-hand combat... Needless to say, they didn't even stand a chance. Not long after Natsu had finished off his group of bandits, all of them were unconscious. After all, the bandits were to be kept alive.
After everything was said and done, the bandits were tied up and taken away by the rune knights.
"Well... That was easier than I thought," Natsu said aloud, catching Ultear's attention as she had to agree.
"Yeah, it wasn't really a challenge. Well, we better get back to the guild then," Ultear said before the duo went to collect their reward, leaving the broken hideout hand in hand as they walked towards their client.
Soon after collecting their reward, Natsu and Ultear made their way back to the train station. Still, they had to pass through the market section first and partway through their journey through the crowded and loud streets. Then, something caught Ultear's eye.
They were standing outside a shop selling magic and magical items, but what caught her attention was the Lacrima orb sitting in the display window. Although it was just like her one from the old timeline, this got Natsu's attention as well, and he knew exactly what to do.
"What are you waiting for? We just got our reward from our last job. It wouldn't hurt to get equipment to help out on jobs," Natsu said, grabbing her hand and dragging her inside the shop. Making Ultear feel grateful once again that Natsu was her mate, as other males may have overlooked such a minor detail.
Once both mages got inside, they were greeted with the sight of all sorts of magic items any wizard might need.
It didn't take long for Ultear to find what she is looking for. She got a teal green Lacrimal orb just like the one she saw in the window. She even got a metal guard covering her forearm for the Lacrima orb to rest on when not being levitated.
Needless to say, Ultear was a happy customer as she could finally use her Arc of time magic more offensively as she did with her old one.
Once the little shopping trip was over, they made it to the train station. They boarded the train to ride back to Magnolia, utterly unaware of what has happened while they were gone.
beta read by AngryHenry
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