Here you go another chapter to go. Sorry it's super late the month of October has been super busy for me lately especially Halloween one of my favorites next to Christmas and others lol. Anyways I do not own anything or anyone except my own OC's. Don't forget to leave a comment about it, I accept criticism but not too sensitive or hurtful.
"Ah...This sucks". Said the man listening in on the radio hanging out at the street looking completely wasted and drunk.
"That was the Bay Side Rockers, brought to you by K.J". The Radio DJ spoke on the radio. "And that's all for tonight folks, tune in again next week, same time same place".
"The program you just heard was sponsored by Dreyar Electronics, bringing the future to you". Said the Radio Announcement. "The time is now 12 AM".
And just like that the same thing happened on the night Natsu and Happy arrived. When the clock strike midnight the sky turned green, the moon became yellowish green, bloodstained pool appears and people all around turn to coffins.
All expect the man was listening to the radio before noticing what's happening. "Huh?". The man gasped horrifyingly when he gets up and saw everyone had turned into coffins and everything just gives off a horror movie like vibes. "What-the...".
Black liquid suddenly form all around his body as if he was melting down into a pile of slime."W-W-What's happening to me!?, uh...Ahhh...Aaaaaaaaaaghhhhhhh!". The man shriek in terror and fear as his body suddenly vanished into nothingness until there was nothing left of him.
...
"Hmmm... He's still sleeping". Chairman Precht mutters quietly as he is observing Natsu who's still sleeping peacefully on his dorm room with Happy snoring besides him. "The Dark Hour occurs everyday at 12 midnight. You could say it's the 'Hidden' hour. During this time, an ordinary person transmogrifies into a coffin, and is oblivious to all that occurs".
"And yet... He's still here". Mirai examine closer with the others as they came to the same conclusion. "He didn't turned into a coffin. Which could only mean...".
Lisanna gasped when she knows what her sister's meant. "Then, he must be-". She said in surprise.
"Yes he is". Erza said seriously as she kept a blank stare while watching Natsu through the screen. "Just as we suspected the night he arrived".
"As you can see, he's retrained his human form". Chairman Precht explained carefully. "He may be asleep, but he's definitely experiencing the Dark Hour. The only question that remains is whether or not he has the potential. Though come to think of it, he must...If he didn't, they would've prayed on him by now".
"Scary...". Lisanna mutters softly.
"In any case, we should continue to monitor him for a few more days". Chairman Precht said seriously.
"Yes sir". Erza nods in understood.
"Still though...I feel kind of bad spying on him like this". Lisanna whisper a little guilty and embarrassed again about feeling this way.
Inside of Natsu's mind...
Everytime felt like a dream to him the moment he opens his eyes and realize his surroundings. Flaming hot flames burning in every corner, lava on every location, fire pits and everything that counts for fire it almost felt like he's in hell. But he wasn't.
The atmosphere felt like a dragon fighting ground with a campfire in the middle of it. And a cage surrounding the place as Natsu sat on a chair next in front of a weird old gentleman with long nose and a young girl next to him.
The man was very weird looking with a long nose, pointed ears and bulging, bloodshot eyes. He wears a black suit, white gloves, white or black socks and black shoes. He appears to be quite tall when fully stood up and is almost skeletally thin.
(https/megamitensei./wiki/Igor)
While the girl on the other hand has very long, wavy, pastel yellow-blonde hair that reaches down to her feet with a small ahoge; large green eyes with no pupils; peachy skin and a slight child-like build. Wears a frilly, pink layered robe with a red ribbon tied in a bow around her neck. Around the chest are three blue diamond patterns with two blue triangles above. She wears wing-like adornments around her ears and small hoop earring.
And she appears to be barefooted.
(https/fairytail./wiki/Mavis_Vermillion)
"Welcome to the Velvet Room". The weird old gentleman with the long nose greeted Natsu as he took a second to open his eyes and realize where he is.
"Huh?". Natsu groaned tiredly before looking around and was completely shocked by his surroundings. "What the...Where the heck am I?. Wasn't I just sleeping in my room?. And where's Happy!?".
Natsu then noticed the weird old gentleman with the long nose and looks at him weirdly. "Who the heck are you?". He asked rudely as he glared suspiciously at him.
But the weird old gentleman with the long nose just smiled before introducing himself. "My name is Igor, I am delighted to make your acquaintance". He says without any sign of evil or anything suspicious. But Natsu still doesn't trust him.
His attention then turns to the girl besides him. "This is Mavis Vermilion, she's a resident here, like myself". Igor introduced the girl besides him as she smiled at him.
"Pleased to meet you Natsu Dragneel". Mavis smiled gently and warmly that gives Natsu a good feeling about her. However that doesn't erased the strange feeling like he'd known her from somewhere.
"How do you know my name?". He asked suspiciously while keeping his dull expression not showing any sign of emotions. "And you still haven't my question, where am I?, what is this place?".
"This place exist between dream and reality, mind and matter". Igor explained.
If Natsu had the brains to understand what the heck he's just said he wouldn't be making a very confused look on his face as he just grunts upsettingly and frown. "You're gonna have to explain in another way old man cause I have no idea what the hell your saying". He complains strictly and feeling more confused than ever. "So what?, this is like my dream or something?. For a second there I thought I'm in hell...Not that i wouldn't mind".
Igor the continue to explain despite Natsu's protest. "Only those who signed the contract can enter this place". He said while showing Natsu the same contract he sign from the little boy he and Happy met when he first arrived at the dorm.
"That's the...The contract I signed at the dorms!". Natsu gasped as he remembers the strange boy that asked him to sign it. "So it was real... Either Happy or I imagined it".
"From now on, you shall be welcome here as a guest in the Velvet Room". Igor says so as he smiled at Natsu who just keep glaring at him with no reaction whatsoever. "You are destined to hone your unique ability and you will require my assistance to do so".
"Uh...Okay?". Natsu just went along and played with whatever mind games this is even though he has absolutely no clue what's going on.
'Velvet room?'. He thought surprisingly that's what it called as he looked around the place. 'Looks more like hell to me. Though it is rather awesome looking. Almost like it fits just for me'.
"That's because it is. It's how you picture it in your mind as a metaphor". Mavis said out of nowhere as if she just read his mind. "Very interesting choice for images of your version of the Velvet Room Natsu".
"Eh?. Did you just read my mind lady?". Natsu felt a little offended by her reading his thoughts before shrugging. "Also I still have no freaking clue to what you or the old man are talking about. But if you says I'm a guest than whatever you say...I guess. Thanks?".
Igor felt happy to hear that even though Natsu was only being sarcastic and playing to whatever dream he's having weirdly. "Excellent, I only asked for one thing in return". He says calmly as he points his finger at him. "Abide by your contract and assume full responsibility for the choices you make".
Natsu just sighed as he rolled his eyes and lean against the chair he's sitting. "Yeah yeah sure... Whatever you say". He replied sarcastically as he doesn't seem to care what he's hearing cause he ever seems to understand a clue.
"Hold on to this". Igor then gives Natsu a strange looking velvet key that he didn't hesitant to take it. "Until we met again".
"Have a safe journey Natsu". Mavis smiled as she waved goodbye to him. "We'll be seeing you soon".
But Natsu didn't reply as he just stared at the Velvet key with blank expression on his face. He seriously has no clue what the hell is going on, who these people are, or where even is this. But one thing is for sure.
This is one weird dream that he knows he'll never forget. Or able to get it out of his mind.
April 9, 2009
'Man...What a weird dream that was'. Natsu to himself as he was staring at his reflection after waking up in early morning while preparing himself for school. 'At least I think it was...But it felt so real like I was almost...I don't know what to think of it'.
Natsu then turn his gaze towards Happy who seems to be still sleeping considering he remembered how tried he was after eating that much fish. 'Should I tell Happy about it?, I know we tell each other everything but.....'. He thought narrowing his eyes before shaking his head. 'Nah. It's probably not even important anyway. A dream is a dream right?'.
Unfortunately he knew better than to deny it as he stared at the Velvet Key that still remain in his hand. Showing as prove that maybe it wasn't a dream. At least that's what he thinks but wasn't sure if he believed it himself.
So with no thinking he just puts the key back in his pocket. 'Whatever I don't even care about what's the old big nose man name was or who that girl was...Even if she does look familiar'. Natsu just slapped himself multiple times to get over the thinking and snap back to reality. 'Anyways...Time for another boring regular day at school'.
...
"Morning!". Gray's voice shouts so loud sadly Natsu can hear him all the way.
'Oh god... Please anyone but him'. Natsu thought annoyedly as he just sighed and glared at the stripper walking up to him.
"Yo... I'm sleepy today". Gray yawns as he slowly walk up to Natsu who just ignored him and keeps walking. "You know in times like these, the best course of action is to sleep during classes".
'Why is he talking to me?'. He thought so as he felt the urge to punch him for being annoying but managed to resist the temptation.
"That adrenaline rush you get from dozing off right in front of the teacher can really spiced up your dreams". Gray explained even though Natsu didn't bother to look at him or stop. He just kept walking and trying to ignore him.
Unfortunately ignoring him may prove to be difficult. "I know what you mean...". He said sarcastically but because he agreed with Gray but because he wished he could do that so that he wouldn't have to listen to him yapping.
"It's really addicting, ain't it?". Gray chuckle that Natsu actually said something and agrees. "After you build up the courage to do it once, you try it again".
There was a few seconds of silence before Gray spoke again much to Natsu annoyance. "Then again...Since I'm not listening to the lecture, I'm pretty much screwed later". He says with a look of concern on his face. "Oh, but we have literature today...That means we're stuck with Mr.Nasty Ol Michello".
"I'm guessing he's not everyone's favorite teacher?". Natsu asked even though it didn't really bother him.
"Trust me...The guy's the worse". Gray replied growling before letting an exhausted sigh as he and Natsu went to class.
...
Michello is a short, old man with oddly flat brown hair, which tapers to a point in three places: on both sides of his face and in the center of his forehead. He also has tufts of hair on either side of his head that resemble ears and what appears to be a light-yellow tail growing out of his backside; these two attributes give him a strong cat-like appearance. Other distinguishing facial features are his bristle-edged mustache, along with tiny, dark-colored eyes and eyebrows that resemble musical notes.
His attire is that of a robe that bore stripe-like markings on both sleeves, down his sides, and on his back. He also possesses a wooden cane.
(https/fairytail./wiki/Michello)
"Ahem... I'm Mr.Michello, I'll be your classic literature teacher". He says with a bit of strict rudely tone. "We'll be learning all about the good old japan through some truly great stories, exciting right?".
'More like boring'. Natsu thought boredly as he yawn softly so he wouldn't get caught dozing off.
Michello continues. "Now some people say classic lit isn't relevant anymore, but oh they are wrong!". He talks demandingly. "The students, the teachers, they don't know what they're talking about!. Nobody really understands it like they should".
Because of the weird dream he had last night Natsu can't help but feel a little sleepy due to not being able to sleep well. 'Ah man...That weird dream couldn't make me sleep well last night... Should I close my eyes for a few minutes?'. He wonders to himself if he should sleep off during class.
"Hey you!". Luckily Michello slam his cane to the floor so loud it caused Natsu to yelped fully wide awake. "Are you even listening!?".
"Y-Yes sir". Natsu said gulping hesitant sweating a bit before paying attention again.
Michello just glared as he scoff before returning to his lesson. "Let's wake up shall we children?, now open your textbook!". He talks very loudly so no students would fall asleep. "First on our syllables is Ise Monogatari, the orgin of japanese literature. It's a very interesting story, you youngsters might even call it 'Da Bomb'".
The students all just groaned hearing that as Michello just sighed. "I can tell you people are 'Zoning out' on me". He said complaining upsettingly.
And so Natsu was forced to stay awake and listen to the entire lecture.
...
After school Gray suddenly walks up to Natsu who wasn't anything but stare at the window looking at the sky. "Sup man, how's it going?". He greeted as he went to him.
'Can't I have one day to myself without anyone walking up to me?'. Natsu thought as he complained about that in his mind. 'Especially him of all people'.
"Hey wanna stop somewhere on the way home?". Gray asked a little awkwardly as he puts his hand on his neck trying to think of the right words to ask Natsu to hang out.
Though this caught him by surprise. "Where?". He asked curiously and a little surprised that Gray was inviting to hang out.
Gray shrugs as he just act cool. "I don't know, maybe grab a bite to eat?". He suggested before realizing something. "Oh wait that's right... You're still new around here. No worries, I'll show ya. It's just around the corner from here. Let's go!".
Before Natsu could even declined or say anything Gray just grab him by the hands and drag him out of class. "H-Hey wai!". He argues but didn't seem to budge him.
'Great...Now he's forcing me'. He thought annoyedly as he had no choice but to go with it. 'Just as long as he strips I'll play along...For now'.
...
"This is Paulownia Mall". Gray says as he showed Natsu around the mall which was very huge place for people to hang out or go shopping or even go to a place to eat. "Whenever I like to hang out myself or with the guys from school, I ended up coming here".
"It's a lot bigger than I thought". Natsu said impressed by the sight of the appreance of the mall.
Gray nodded in agreement. "There's a karaoke box, an arcade...Oh yeah. You can rent out CD's too". He says confidently pointing to each shopping district. "And then there's that club over there...-Not that I've ever gone there myself".
"You sure about that?. Considering you love striping I'm sure they would've love to have you-. Natsu says sarcastically as he points out Gray's striping habits-.
Which is what he just did right now!.
"WHAT DID I JUST SAY!?". He shouts angrily pointing at Gray who took off his clothes out of nowhere randomly and once again just leaves out his trunk.
Gray yelled in frustration and embarrassed. "NOT AGAIN!". He whines humiliatingly. How he wished he could stop doing this to himself.
...
"This place may not look like much, but I'm not complaining". Gray chuckle as he finished putting his clothes together again before showing Natsu around again. "Let's check out the CD's first".
'This guy really has no sense of humility doesn't he?'. Natsu thought unbelievably before shaking his head and sighed. He will never understand his weird striping habits.
Suddenly Gray walks up to something he never seen before. Capsule toy machines loved by kids and adults alike. They are also called Gacha gacha, because of the gacha sounds that they make when you turn the handle to make a capsule fall out.
"Whoa, that's new". He exclaim in amazed. "I gotta try this, let me show you mad crane game skills".
Unfortunately his words were nothing but loud talk as Gray appears to be very terrible at the controlling the handle of the machine. He sucks so bad Natsu didn't bother to say anything but watch in embarrassed.
"Ohhh come on...Man". He whines but not giving up as he held a confident look thinking he got one but failed. "I am not leaving empty handed. Dude, help me look from the side!".
Natsu just scoff finding this stupid. "No way man". He said coldly before looking away. "This stupid".
But Gray wasn't listening as he's too focus on the game till he managed to snagged a price. "Yeah!, that's right!". He gasped confidently before groaning in disappointment failing to get a capsule again. "Or not. One more try, just one more!".
Natsu just watched as Gray was enjoying himself and seems to be having fun. He can't help but feel a little jealous. How he wished he could experience fun like that.
But with how he's feeling in his current state. Natsu can't feel anything expect but boredom and annoyance. He really wished he could feel what it's like to have fun and be normal.
Unfortunately he's not and he doubts he could ever be.
'If only I'm a different person right now'. Natsu thought dully as he look at the ground. 'I wished I could learn to care more and actually have fun like normal people are...But how can I when I'm not?. Am I going to be stuck like this for the rest of my life?. Just feeling nothing'.
And so despite not feeling the joy of having fun or experience of having fun. Natsu tried forcing himself to hang out with Gray for a while before heading back to the dorm.
...
"Hey Natsu?". Happy called out to his partner who seems to be dozing off between falling asleep and staying awake as he sat on his bed the moment he got back from hanging out with Gray.
"Hmm?". He mutters softly while trying to stay awake.
"You feeling alright?. You look so tired". Happy said in concern as he shows worries for his buddy. "Did it had something to do why you came back a little late?".
Natsu sighed as he tried rubbing his eyes and looks at Happy patting his head. "Sorry buddy, I was actually out hanging with Gray". He answered honestly while rolling his eyes. "Even though I didn't really had any fun".
"At least your finally hanging out with someone other than me". Happy said happily despite that he's just glad Natsu's making some friends. "Just don't end up forgetting me okay?. I'll always be your number one best friend right?".
Natsu just smiled even though that smile felt a little empty he tried to be sincere. "Sure". He just said that without saying much.
'I feel so exhausted than I was before...Maybe it's because I haven't gotten used to living here'. He thought to himself as he suddenly laid on his back against his bed.
As he was just staring at the ceiling Natsu then turn his attention toward the Velvet Key that he still kept in his pocket. 'Just who was that weird old man with the long nose from the dream I had last night?. Not to mention that barefoot girl'. He thought curiously still debating if that's consider a dream or not. 'And what was that 'Contract' all about?'.
"Hey where'd you get that weird looking key?". Happy asked when he noticed the unfamiliar key Natsu's holding only to see him slowly falls asleep. "Natsu?. Huh...Guess he must be tried than I thought".
Happy then walks up to the sleeping Natsu before putting a pillow underneath his head to helped him sleep a little better and comfortable this way. He puts his paw around his check to smooth him carefully letting him rest. "One step at a time Natsu". He said whisperly not wanting to wake him up. "I'm sure you'll change to be a better and more open hearted person. That way you can got out and make lots of friends to hang out, instead of always locking yourself in your room shutting the whole world out. I may not what happened in your old life before we met, but I hoped you won't stay stuck in the past and actually feels what it's like to be...Alive. And happy".
Suddenly the same thing happened like on the night before and before and before. When the clock strike midnight the sky turned green, the moon became yellowish green, bloodstained pool appears and people all around turn to coffins.
Happy who noticed this instant felt scared as he curled up in blanket covering himself. "Not again...". He said fearfully. "Why is this keep happening?".
...
"How is he?". Chairman Precht asked as he along with Erza, Mira and Lisanna once again observing Natsu in the command room.
"Looks like he's a little worn out. He went to bed without changing out of his clothes". Erza answered while folding her arms closely. "Other than that, nothing has changed since last night".
Precht could only put his finger on his chin as he sighed. "Hmm...Very interesting". He says while referring to Natsu. "Even those who have the potential tend to be unstable at first. Memory loss, disorientation. This subject is rather unique. He hasn't exhibited any of the common symptoms".
Lisanna gulped hesitant not liking to refer Natsu as a 'Subject'. "Um...Not to sound rude Mr. Chairman but Natsu's not a test subject". She says honestly and a little defensively. "I mean we're literally treating him like a guinea pig".
"Oh don't look at it like that". Precht said reassuringly as he's showing that's not what he intended to do or say. "The two of you are classmates right?. Consider it an opportunity to have someone your own age here. Besides we need all the help we can get".
Lisanna sighed as she just turn to look at Natsu thought the screen. "I guess that's true...But still". She says in guilt not liking about doing this again.
"Lisanna...". Mira was about to say something to comfort her little sister when suddenly their attention was interrupted by sound of a communicator.
Luckily Erza quickly picked it up. "Command room speaking". She answered as she knows who it is. "Gajeel?. What's wrong?. Are you and Lily alright?".
There was a sound of struggle and groaning as if the person Erza called Gajeel sounds like he's in pain. "You're not gonna believe this!. This thing huge!". He shouts through the communicator. "Unfortunately it's chasing us right now".
"Gajeel is badly wounded. We're almost back". Another voice waxheard which came from his partner Panther Lilly. "Just letting you know in advance".
The Strauss sisters both gasped as they stood up from their chairs. "Does that mean... They're bringing that thing here!?". Mira asked almost sounding a little panicked and shocked.
"Mr. Chairman. That's enough observation for now, we need to prepare for combat". Erza said calmly turns to Precht.
"R-Right. Be careful". Precht stammers a bit before keeping calm knowing Erza's right and needs to take action.
...
Rushing through the doors inside the dorm came a tall and muscular young man with long, spiky black hair. He has red eyes with slitted dark pupils, and has no visible eyebrows.
His outfit consists of a shabby, black, sleeveless tunic with studded edges, a studded belt around his waist, loose, beige pants tucked inside studded black boots, and a pair of studded brown gloves paired with similarly studded wristbands. He also sports a distinctive wing-like ornament, seemingly made of feathers, jutting upwards, over his right shoulder, attached to his tunic by a large stud.
(https/fairytail./wiki/Gajeel_Redfox)
Leaning him as he's helping him while he's injured is a black panther's, but he has a tall, muscular build similar to that of a human's. He has a white muzzle, small red eyes, and a scar running down across his left eye.
(https/fairytail./wiki/Panther_Lily)
"Gajeel!. Panther Lily!". Erza gasped when she and the others ran up to them and saw how their badly wounded with bruises and scratches.
"Aagh!. That bastard!". The one called Gajeel winced in pain and groaned frustratedly.
"He's alright". And the called Panther Lily said reassuringly while holding to his right arm which was injured. "Though we're badly wounded at least we're still alive. Unfortunately it followed us so apologies that we were reckless to return".
"At least you made it back alright". Mira said in relief even though there's still danger to come.
Gajeel then chuckle lightly while smirked overconfidently. "Get ready to be surprised...It'll be here any second". He says it like it's no big deal.
"This is no time to joke around Gajeel!". Erza yelled sternly can't believe he's playing around like it's nothing.
"Is it one of them?". Chairman Precht asked making sure if it's what they think.
"Yes but not an ordinary one". Panther Lily said seriously as Mira helped him out. "It's... Unlike the ones we faced before".
As he said that the whole building suddenly started shaking like a huge earthquake has been hit. "Ah!. What was that!?". Lisanna felt scared by what's happening. "You've gotta be kidding!".
Erza turns to the Precht. "Mr. Chairman. Please head back to command room!". She orders before looking at Lisanna. "Lisanna go upstair and wake Natsu up!, then escape out of the back!".
"But what about you?". Lisanna asked worriedly not liking where this is going.
"We'll stop it here". Erza said deathly serious. "You're the one who let it here Gajeel, so I'm going to have you and Panther Lily to fight".
"Erza!". Mira said angrily not liking her forcing them to fight even though their injured. "It's not like they ask it to follow them!".
"It's fine. She's right". Gajeel said despite being in pain still holding on and putting up a fight. "What are you waiting for Lisanna?. Go!".
Lisanna wasn't sure if she agreed with this idea but seeing she can't argue with them she has no choice. "O-Okay". She obeyed before wishing her sister to be careful and quickly rush over to the second floor heading to Natsu's room.
I know I ended it in a bit of a cliffhanger but I wanted to save the whole Dark Hour thing for next chapter which will be soon enough.
Next chapter: Natsu experience the Dark Hour and awakens to his power and his Persona. Noted his persona will be based on his personal characteristics along with everybody else.