Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters.

It had only been a single day since Jellal had left the secluded cabin, with the elderly couple just getting back from their night in Clover Town. Thomas sat in their bedroom unpacking while Martha was preparing a lunch for the two of them. Seconds later, the whole front side of the cabin dissapeared before Martha's eyes. There was no explosion, no massive burst into their humble home. The wall and its accessories just vanished in an instant. Standing in front of a frozen Martha, stood a figure wearing a white cloak. With his face partially hidden by his hood, the intruder entered what was left of the home. Martha fell backwards in the counter behind her, pertified by the unthinkable happening in front of her eyes. Thomas emerged into the kitchen, a look of fear and disdain etched into his face.

The cloaked man approached them, not suprised by their stunned silence. He was amused that his magic always astonished the people that were in his line of sight. He decided to speak to the man first, as he appeared to be in less disarray compared to his wife.

"I apologize for my methods, but I like to get straight to the point when I am looking for something."

Thomas heard his attacker's calm and sophisticated voice, tempted to walk up to him and spit in his face. How dare he do this to their home, two citizens who weren't even mages.

"What do you want from us you bastard?!"

A smile slipped through the shadow of the intruder's hood, as if he appreciated Thomas being able to speak to him in such a way.

"Bastard? No, no, you have it all wrong. I just had to show you how pointless it is for either of you not to answer my questions. How could you resist a man who made half your house vanish in an instant? If you cooperate, there is a good possibility that there won't be any further damage."

Martha wailed at the situation, wondering what Thomas and her could have done to deserve this. Their house had been taken from them, and she was sure their lives were next.

The hooded wizard, clad in white, stood directly in front Thomas as the poor old man sweated and shook in his shoes. "There was an essence of dark magic nearby, I have confirmed the primary source had been very close to here up until yesterday. You folks are the only people in this vincinity who would have noticed something. I heard an agent of the kingdom was investigating these woods this past week, and I can't think of any other place where he could have had a temporary shelter. My question is simple and I expect an honest answer. Who was the mage that stayed with you?"

Thomas narrowed his eyes, not believing for a second he would let them go after they gave him his desired information. "I have no idea what you're talking about. There was never any mage here, and as you can see, neither of us are mages. How would we even notice dark magic close by?! We are living out our lives in peace in these woods, away from scum like you!"

The mage chuckled to himself, wondering why this fool thought he could lie to his face. He would enjoy calling his bluff, as he was ready to show this weak old man he had proof a mage stayed here. He pulled out a faint green lacrima from inside his cloak and placed it on the floor in front of Thomas.

"This lacrima is special. It is designed to tell me if within the past five days, someone with magical energy has stepped foot in a 30 foot radius from where I activate it. You see, it already recognizes my magical energy. So, if there's any reaction from it, I will know if another mage was here. Would you like to see it in action?"

Thomas paled at the words he just heard. Martha could only watch in horror as the hooded mage held his palm over the lacrima and whispered a few words that neither of them could hear. The lacrima began to glow and soon began flashing between a jade green and blood red. The flashing stopped after six different cycles. The hooded mage scoffed at the results.

"Oh my, that seems to be the code for two mages that have been here recently. It seems like the royal dog has found the person I am looking for. Now, old man, I will still ask you to only identify the agent who had stayed with you. I doubt you'd be able to tell me much more, and I think I have put you through enough stress already. As you can see, I am a very reasonable man. If you don't answer me, truthfully this time, I will have to take even more drastic measures."

Thomas fell to his knees in defeat, realizing he had no choice but to tell this monster what he wanted to know. Martha and his own lives were already in the wizard's grasp. His only hope was that this mage would regret tracking down his target, and the man he had housed wouldn't fall to his might.

"It was a man named Jellal. I don't know his last name. Please, that's all I can tell you. Spare us our lives, we just want to continue our peace."

A smile returned to the wizard's face, excited that he would be able to face such a reputable foe as the famed Jellal. He even knew the first place he should look, as the man was known to be asscoiated with a very famous guild.

"Thank you. I will do as you wish and take my leave. Despite what you may think, I am not a monster. I couldn't possibly live with myself had I harmed someone who has done me a great service. I bid you farewell."

The hooded figure turned away from Thomas and left the now disfigured cabin. When he was out of sight, Thomas let out a breath of both relief and shame. He did not regret letting Jellal stay at his home. His only regret being the fact he was not able to protect his house. He was thankful that his and Martha's lives were spared, but sad that they would probably never be the same after this. His house was ruined, and he now had to live with the fact that he just led a very dangerous man to someone he had only wanted to help. He hoped Jellal could withstand the menace he had crumbled to so easily, wishing upon no one the fear he had just experienced.

Nathan awoke in his empty room feeling refreshed and eager to start his day. It was eight in the morning with only an hour he had to wait until Lucy and Happy would be there. Laxus had given him bedding and a few sets of extra clothes that had been kept in the guild hall's storage, since the guild was always prepared to help someone in need. Nathan was not sure how long he would be using this dorm, but decided a few accessories wouldn't hurt to add some personality to the room. His and Happy's home had never really had too much in the aspect of personalization, such as posters or meaningful knicknacks. They were usually out fishing, searching for Igneel, completing missions, or hanging out at the guild hall. He hardly ever even slept at that house after Lucy came into his life, hijacking her comfortable bed after sneaking in every night for her to find him. He chuckled to himself but felt a little down. He definitely couldn't behave like that anymore. He wondered why Lucy even put up with it in the first place. He couldn't even fully appreciate the home Happy and him had built as he would just look like an intruder desecrating a sacred shrine. To get to the fishing spot they would spend the day at, he would end up passing his old dwelling. Seeing his old home without being able to set a foot inside was something he was not looking forward to.

Nathan would make an effort to find his own place as soon as he could. After today he will take a job on his own so he could get used to his new abilities, and so he could keep himself grounded. His dragon senses seemed to remain with him more in a sense of magical perception than physical attributes. His acute sense of smell for example, had been replaced by his magic tingling throughout his body as he sensed different people and objects. As if his dragon senses had somehow molded with his pure magic abilities. His body seemed like the completely normal body of a man, with only the magic within himself granting him a boost in power and ability. He felt adventuring on his own was the best thing for him right now, since there was still much he had to come to terms with in regards to his future.

Nathan exited his dorm to head to the communal washrooms to wash his face. On the way, he could smell breakfast being prepared in the guild's kitchen. He would certainly be visiting the counter after he was done getting himself ready for the day. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged into the common area wearing a short sleeve red shirt with a black collar, a fresh set of boxers, black cargo shorts that hung to his knees, and the same leather shoes Jellal had bought him the previous day. Trays of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and waffles sat on tables waiting to be consumed. There were many guild members shuffling in line to eat their breakfast before they began their day. Mira noticed Nathan and smiled, gesturing for him to join the line. "Good morning Nathan! Please help yourself to whatever you'd like! The only thing I ask of you is if you would eat your breakfast over here at the bar so I can give you your guild mark!"

Nathan beamed at the thought of seeing the Fairy Tail icon on his skin again, the thought not even crossing his stressed out mind until now. He made his plate and ventured to a bar seat in front of Mira. After devouring his meal and getting his fill, noticing that he could scarf down far less than when he was Natsu, Nathan turned towards Mira and stared at the pen-like device she held in her hand. Mira asked Nathan the question he wanted to hear so badly.

"Where would you like your guild mark to be? The color will decide itself based on your magic, but you can put it anywhere that's appropriate for me to see. "

Nathan thought for a moment. Natsu wore his mark upon his right shoulder, a place he had chosen to look strong when representing Fairy Tail. The red mark had seen many different battles and stuggles Natsu had gone through, but Nathan felt this time he had a different place in mind. He lifted his shirt exposing his chest. He pointed with his right hand and pointed to his left pectoral directly over his heart.

"Right here. There's no other spot."

Mira's smile stayed with her as she obliged with Nathan's request. Drawing the outline of the mark she had drawn so many times before, it never getting old in her eyes. The outline glowed and a color began to take shape. Nathan expected something dark due to his newfound magic, but he became in awe as the mark became a crimson red. As if the dragon still remained within him even after losing everything that he was. Mira stared at the mark with wide eyes and blinked a few times before resuming her smile. "Amazing! You're now officially a member of Fairy Tail! Congratulations!"

Nathan arose from his seat with a look of excitement. He felt whole wearing the guild mark again. Noticing it was nearly 9:00, Nathan bid farewell to Mira and the other guildmates present. He opted to sit on a bench that sat to the left of the dragon memorial, to wait for Happy and Lucy. He was sure it would take a while before he was used to seeing that dragon every day, reminding him of who he was before. He knew Happy and Lucy would be bringing three fishing poles as Nathan didn't really have any possessions at this time. So, all he had to do was wait for them to arrive. He was far too immersed in his thoughts to notice the aura of another mage who was watching his every move.

Juvia watched as Nathan took a seat next to the bronze dragon, having been waiting a short but hidden distance away for the last ten minutes. Lucy and Happy arrived minutes later with fishing poles in hand and a tackle box ready to go. She watched the trio exhange greetings and listened to their conversation.

"Good morning Nathan!" Lucy beamed. "You all set to head out? Happy will lead the way."

Nathan smiled back at her, happy that she seemed so excited to spend time with him. He noticed though that Lucy's aura did not seem as bright and warm as he remembered. He hid the sadness from his face that welled up inside him while he wondered what she had to go through these past three years without him. Today would be the start of making that up to her, no matter what it took. Lucy wore a simple white tank top and blue jean shorts, looking as stunning as she did in her dress the night prior. He did his best to not look into her eyes too much or he wasn't sure if they'd ever get going.

"Good morning Lucy. Good morning Happy. I'm all- " Nathan coughed for a second realizing what he was about to say "-ready to go! Show me the way Happy!" I'm all fired up. Had those words left his mouth just then, everything he was working towards would stop dead in its tracks. First the color of the guild mark, now his former catch phrase. It seemed Natsu was very much still alive within him, and he would have to watch himself getting too comfortable around Lucy.

Juvia followed the trio not thinking much of the exchange. Nothing seemed to out of place and Nathan did not seem awkward at all when talking to her two friends. They walked through Magnolia towards where Natsu and Happy's house sat. They found the quiet trail that climbed up the hills that defined the outskirts of town, one Nathan had traveled many times in his past life. In no time at all it seemed, Nathan had arrived at his old home. The wooden cat-head shaped sign that read Natsu and Happy still remained, its letters only slightly faded from the last time he laid eyes on it. He glanced at the home he had built using a large tree as its foundation. The stone chimney he had crafted stone by stone still stood tall with the rest of the house. He certainly didn't expect to go inside as it was most definitely a touchy subject for his companions, and noticed the sad glances both of them shot towards the house as they walked by. Nathan wouldn't remark on the house in front of Lucy and Happy. The silence told him all he had to know about how they felt walking by it. They arrived at the riverbank he had been to so many times before, but this time he had to act like this was his first impression.

"Wow, this spot looks great! You could fish all day back here! You will have to show me all the other spots you know about. I think the first thing I'll buy is my own fishing rod after I complete my first mission!" Happy sprouted his wings in excitement that he was making such a good impression on Nathan. "Aye!" Lucy smiled at seeing the blue talking cat so happy, and glanced at Nathan's grin. It reminded her so much of Natsu's grin, a grin that could shine a light on even her darkest days.

Juvia had already stripped her clothes and melded her body with the river water, making sure to resist the current and stay away from where the would be casting their bait. She wasn't sure if she wanted to feel a fish be hooked inside of her body. She hid her clothes far from where they were fishing, and hoped nothing could reveal her presence.

"Nathan," Lucy said softly. "You said you've fished before, so you're comfortable setting up your own pole?"

Nathan went to one of the three poles held by Lucy. He jolted when his skin brushed against her bare arm, but shook it off as soon as it came. "Yeah, no sweat. I have been doing this for a long time. You were saying last night there were still things you wanted to learn right?"

Lucy blushed with embarrassment as she remembered Happy's comments the night before. "I know how to tie the knots and stuff I'm just slow at it compared to Happy! I don't like touching the worms either ok! And don't even get me started on getting the fish of the hook! UGH! The slimy, wiggling..."

Nathan laughed out loud at Lucy's admission. "So you don't like fishing then?"

Lucy huffed at the remark, not like being called out by someone she hardly knew. "That's not true! I just have to get used to it, that's all!"

Happy snickered beside Nathan. "It's been three years Lucy, how much longer do you need."

Nathan wanted to keep laughing at Happy's comment, but instead looked into Lucy's chocolate brown eyes and kept his smile. "I don't mind doing all those things for you. Nothing is too much for my friends. I'll get your pole ready for you to cast. Just wait by the water for me."

Lucy proceeded to blush as Nathan grabbed her pole, as well as the one he'd be fishing with. How is this man making her so flustered having just met him? His eyes when he called her a friend glistened, and she could stare at them all day. She even liked the joking side of Nathan as he poked fun at her, another reminder of her lost dragon slayer. The water upstream from them started to bubble as Juvia gushed seeing Lucy look so flustered. She was begininning to think Gajeel was right, Lucy was into Nathan, at least a little. It hadn't even been a full day though, and Lucy could just be openning up to Nathan simply because he is something brand new to her. Outside of the depressing routine she had put herself through these past three years. Juvia hoped all this spying on Nathan would be for nothing, and the man would be a great positive in all their lives. Still, she had a mission to do. Juvia would make sure to not let her own first impressions make light of any possible danger.

The trio fished for hours, well into the afternoon. Lucy, Nathan, and Happy talked about life in the guild and as much backstory Nathan could make up about being from Jellal's home village. He made sure to try and not bring up the subject of Natsu to them, as it was clear they were seeming to purposely avoid it. All three had caught quite a few trout that had begun to move out of the deep water as the air began to cool, and autumn approached. They decided to keep the four largest fish to have for dinner that night, saving an extra one for Happy that Lucy knew he would be begging for later. Nathan had stayed true to his word and took care of the more intimate tasks for Lucy, and was so happy his day had been so rewarding.

"This is great! I think we should head back to the guild and I can filet these in the kitchen for us to eat. Plenty of meat on each of these fish for us not to be hungry tonight!"

A thought crossed Lucy's mind at his words. She was enjoying her time with Nathan so much, she really didn't want an opportunity for someone to whisk him away at the guild hall. She had a perfectly fine kitchen at her apartment that desperately needed more company.

"Why don't we prepare and cook them at my place? We won't have to worry about anyone else trying to reap the benefits of our hard work today! I have a filet knife and plenty of other utensils at home that you can use? Is that okay with you?"

Happy stared at Lucy like she had two heads. She never lets anyone besides Levy and sometimes Erza to hang out with her at her apartment. He looked at Nathan and saw him blinking with a suprised look on his face, as if that was the last thing he'd ever expect Lucy to say. Nathan struggled for a second to find his words as he was honestly not sure how he would react to being in Lucy's apartment.

"Um sure, I don't see why not. I'm really enjoying hanging out with you guys and the day is still young. Let's do it all at your place then and we will have a great meal with just the three of us."

Lucy beamed at Nathan and they began putting away their bait and lures back into the tackle box and strung up their poles. All four fish were safely in a cooler Happy had brought with them, which Nathan offered to carry back to Lucy's apartment. The blue cat carried the tackle box with his short arms and sprouted his wings as the trio began to leave their fishing site. Juvia watched as they headed out and decided there wouldn't be a reasonable way to spy on them in Lucy's apartment. She would head back to her and Gray's apartment on the other side of town to fill him in on how the fishing trip went. She was a little concerned about Lucy brining a near stranger to her place, but Happy would be there as well so she was sure nothing terrible would happen. It was very difficult to see Nathan doing any kind of harm to Lucy after watching the natural chemistry of the two play out on the bank of the river. Juvia reached the spot where she had her clothes and went home to see what her beloved would think their next move should be.