The sky stretched endless and blue, unmarred by clouds, as the Fire Village pulsed with its daily rhythm. Smoke curled into the air from various cooking fires, filling the village with the mouthwatering scent of roasting meat. Village women cooking, children weaved through the streets playing games, and the rhythmic scratching noises from craftsman making arrowheads and wooden weapons alike echoed against the earthen walls of the settlement.
Amidst this everyday commotion, a particular salmon-haired youth navigated the bustling streets with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. Natsu carried two massive baskets of freshly hunted meat, each weighing heavily on his shoulders. Beads of sweat clung to his skin, but he paid them no mind—this was routine.
He arrived at a tent where a butcher was already working, skinning a boar with precise strokes. The man barely looked up before speaking.
"What do you need?" he asked, his voice gruff but familiar.
"Medicinal herbs, like always," Natsu replied, setting the baskets down with a heavy thud.
The butcher wiped the blood from his hands and disappeared into his tent, rummaging through shelves of various dried plants and roots. While waiting, Natsu glanced around, quickly growing bored of the idle chatter among his fellow hunters. Then, a commotion from the village square caught his attention.
A group of Fire Village women, clad in ceremonial robes, moved in elegant formation. In the center of the procession was a familiar figure—Éclair. But she was different. Gone were the simple robes she normally wore. Instead, she was adorned in flowing red and gold garments decorated with phoenix insignias, her long brown hair pulled back in elaborate braids.
"The hell is she wearing?" Natsu muttered, his brow furrowing.
One of the nearby hunters smirked. "She's the chosen Priestess for the Fire Village. She's about to undergo the Fire Purification Trial."
"The what now?" Natsu looks confused.
"It's a tradition," another hunter explained. "Once a priestess is chosen, she has to travel beyond the village, gathering offerings for the Phoenix Stones. It's a way to strengthen their bond with the land and prove their worthiness."
"So… it's basically a long trip?" Natsu raised an eyebrow.
"More or less. But they don't travel alone." The Hunter continued explaining. "Someone from our village is always chosen as an escort."
Natsu scoffed. "Sucks for the poor bastard who has to go with her."
At that moment, the butcher returned with the baskets of herbs, trading them for the meat. The transaction complete, Natsu and the hunters prepared to return to the Dragon Fang Village, eager to finish their duties for the day.
But fate, as always, had other plans.
Half an hour later, Natsu found himself seated before Elder Mako in the Dragon Fang Village's central gathering hall. Around the elder sat several other village leaders, their expressions unreadable.
"We're assigning you to escort Éclair on her journey," Mako declared without preamble.
Natsu stared. Then blinked. Then stared again.
"WHAT!?" he shot up from his seat, pointing at himself. "Me!?"
Mako nodded, completely unbothered by the outburst. "Indeed. You will take her beyond the Fire Village and ensure her safe passage until she returns."
"Why me?! Why not someone else?!" Natsu demanded, his arms flailing. "I'm not a babysitter! And you know how she is—bossy, smug, and loves ordering me around!"
The elder smirked. "That's exactly why she requested you."
Natsu froze. "She what?"
Mako rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If I remember correctly, her exact words were: 'He's easy to order around and can last the longest in a journey.'"
Natsu's eye twitched. "you've got to be shitting me.."
Still, something about it nagged at him. Éclair had never been the type to accept traditions so easily. She had always been independent, quick to challenge authority. If she had requested him, there had to be something more behind it.
"…How long is this trip supposed to be?" he asked with a sigh.
Mako's expression turned solemn. "The priestess must venture in a single direction until she reaches a point far enough to collect a piece of the land—be it stone, soil, or relic—to prove she has journeyed beyond home. Upon her return, she will use it in the Fire Purification Ceremony, which will bind her role as the Phoenix Priestess."
Natsu crossed his arms, absorbing the information. "So basically, it's a test?"
Mako shook his head. "More than a test. It is a sacred duty—one that ensures the continued blessings of the Phoenix Stones."
Natsu still wasn't convinced. But one thing was clear: Éclair would be heading into unknown territory, and whether he liked it or not, it was his responsibility to make sure she came back in one piece.
"Fine, I'll do it," he muttered. "But I swear, if she gives me hell, I'm blaming you."
Meanwhile in the Fire Village.
Steam curled into the air, carrying the scent of floral herbs. The warm water rippled as Éclair sat still, letting the village women pour the mixture over her bare skin. The ritual bath was meant to purify her before her journey, washing away any lingering impurities.
She remained motionless, her mind drifting elsewhere. The voices of the villagers from earlier echoed in her thoughts.
"We are truly blessed to have you, Lady Éclair." "Thank you for accepting this honor." "You will bring prosperity to our people."
The words all blended together, their meaning lost in the overwhelming weight of expectation.
Éclair had forced polite smiles, nodding when required. But deep inside, she wanted to scream.
She hadn't chosen this. The Fire Village had chosen her.
Her fingers curled into fists beneath the water, nails pressing into her palms.
'How is this anything blessed?' she thought bitterly. 'Why do they believe I want to be the priestess?'
No one had asked her if she wanted this life. No one had considered her own wishes. The Phoenix Stones had deemed her worthy, and that was all that mattered.
She lifted her gaze, watching the surface of the water ripple. The warmth did little to ease the cold weight in her chest.
This journey was nothing but a gilded cage, a path she was being forced to walk for the sake of tradition.
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Fire Village as the day of departure arrived at last.
Smoke from the early cooking fires drifted lazily into the air, mingling with the scent of burning incense. A small crowd had gathered near the village entrance—an assembly of elders, villagers, and those who had come to bid farewell to the newly chosen Phoenix Priestess.
At the center of it all stood Éclair, dressed in light traveling robes. The red and gold fabric, though more practical than her ceremonial attire, still carried the mark of her status. Phoenix insignias were embroidered along the sleeves, and a feathered pendant hung from her neck. Yet despite the regal image she projected, her expression remained unreadable.
Her gaze swept over the villagers, their faces full of reverence and expectation. The weight of their faith pressed heavily on her shoulders, but she remained silent, accepting their words of blessing with nothing more than small nods.
A few paces ahead, near the village gate, stood her escort; Natsu
Arms crossed, scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, and his ever-present scowl in place, he looked thoroughly unimpressed by the grand send-off. His attire was as practical as ever—sleeveless, dragon-marked tribal garb that bore the red insignia of the Dragon Fang Village. The contrast between them was almost comical; Éclair, a symbol of divine tradition, and Natsu, a warrior raised by dragons, now bound to travel together.
At the front of the gathering, the elders stood side by side. Mako, the elder of the Dragon Fang Village, rested both hands on his staff, watching the two with an unreadable gaze. Beside him, the Fire Village's elder—an aged man with long, graying hair—folded his arms, his expression one of solemn pride.
"As tradition dictates, the Phoenix Priestess must walk beyond the lands of fire, carrying the spirit of our people forward," the Fire Village elder proclaimed. "Lady Éclair, may your journey be blessed."
Éclair bowed her head slightly, but the words rang hollow in her ears.
Mako then turned his sharp gaze to Natsu. "And you, Natsu Dragneel, son of Igneel. You will act as her guardian. Do not fail in your duty."
Natsu let out a snort, rolling his shoulders. "Yeah, yeah. I got it."
The Fire Village elder smiled faintly, ignoring his attitude. "Then go forth, and may the Phoenix's light guide you both."
And with that, their journey began.
They traveled in silence for a long while, the village fading behind them as the dirt path stretched endlessly ahead. The road led through a dense forest, golden leaves swaying gently in the warm breeze.
Natsu adjusted the strap of his travel pack, sneaking glances at Éclair as they walked. She moved with precision—her steps neither rushed nor hesitant. There was an air of quiet detachment about her, as though she were simply fulfilling an obligation rather than embarking on an important pilgrimage.
Eventually, Natsu let out a huff.
"So… where exactly are we headed?" he asked.
"West."
"That's specific," he muttered sarcastically.
Éclair didn't turn to face him. "It's the direction I chose. That's all that matters."
Natsu frowned. "Doesn't that seem kinda… pointless?"
At that, she stopped walking and faced him fully. "Do you need everything to have a reason?" she asked, her tone cool, devoid of frustration or amusement—just blunt curiosity.
Natsu blinked at her. "Uh, yeah? Otherwise, what's the point?"
Éclair regarded him for a moment before shaking her head. "Not everything has to make sense to you. Some things must simply be done."
There was no exasperation in her voice, no attempt to debate with him—just a matter-of-fact statement, as though his opinion was irrelevant to her decision.
Natsu stared at her for a moment longer before exhaling sharply. "Fine. But don't expect me to carry you when you get tired."
Éclair scoffed. "I'd sooner let a wild boar carry me." She turned away and continued walking. "Than let you do anything to me."
Natsu snorted. "Yeah? Well, I hear they're better company, too."
Without breaking stride, Éclair swiftly removed her right foot's straw slipper and hurled it at him.
WHACK!
The slipper smacked him dead in the face.
"OW!" Natsu stumbled back, clutching his face, an imprint of the slipper perfectly marked on his skin. "What is it with you and throwing things at me?!"
Éclair glanced at him over her shoulder. "You give me plenty of reasons."
Natsu grumbled under his breath as he picked up the slipper and tossed it back to her. "Tch, and I'm supposed to protect you?"
Éclair caught it effortlessly, slipping it back onto her foot. "If you can't even dodge a simple sandal, how do you expect to protect me from actual threats?"
Natsu glared at her. "Alright, that's it. Next time, I'm catching it and throwing it right back at you."
Éclair simply resumed walking. "You can try."
Natsu grumbles, adjusting his travel pack on his back and follows after Éclair.
Some hours later, The glow of the campfire flickered gently, its embers crackling against the cold night air. Natsu sat near the flames, arms crossed, staring into the dancing flames. The scent of burning wood mixed with the crisp scent of the wilderness, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Éclair sat a few feet away, legs folded neatly beneath her, her eyes reflecting the fire's light. She had been silent for most of their journey, answering only when necessary. At first, Natsu thought it was nerves—being chosen as the Phoenix Priestess seemed like a big deal, after all. But something felt off.
"You've been quiet," he finally said, breaking the silence.
Éclair didn't look at him. "I speak when needed."
Natsu scoffed. "Yeah, I noticed. It's kinda creepy."
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Silence bothers you, doesn't it?"
"Tch. Maybe." He leaned back on his hands, watching the sparks rise into the night sky. "Kinda used to people talking to me, y'know? Even Igneel wouldn't shut up sometimes."
Éclair didn't respond right away. Instead, she picked up a twig and turned it in her fingers, her expression unreadable. "Then perhaps you should find someone else to travel with."
Natsu rolled his eyes. "Too late for that." He tilted his head toward her. "You really don't want to be a priestess, do you?"
She finally turned to him then, her gaze steady. "What I want is irrelevant."
Natsu studied her for a moment before sighing. "You're real fun killer, aren't you?"
Éclair turned back to the fire and stayed silent.
Silence stretched between them again, but it felt different this time. Not quite comfortable, but not entirely unwelcome either.
Natsu let out a long breath and stretched his arms behind his head. "Well, if you're not gonna talk, at least tell me you know how to cook. I'm starving."
Éclair finally looked at him with an expression that, for once, wasn't entirely blank. "…You didn't bring food?"
Natsu blinked. "…Shit."
For the first time that night, Éclair let out the faintest, barely-there smirk.
Time soon passes as the night continues, the fire had burned low, its last embers barely flickering beneath the night sky. The forest surrounding their small camp was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by the midnight breeze.
Natsu lay sprawled beside the fire, snoring lightly, his scarf wrapped loosely around his neck. The day had been long, and while he had grumbled about the journey, he had dozed off faster than expected.
But something stirred in the darkness. A rustling noise—soft but deliberate.
His instincts, honed by years of living among hunters and warriors, flared to life. His eyes snapped open, his body tensing as his senses sharpened. The first thing he noticed was that the noise wasn't from the wind or a passing animal. Someone was moving.
His gaze flickered toward the sleeping mat Éclair had been using.
Empty.
Natsu sat up, fully alert now. His sharp eyes darted toward the trees beyond their camp, scanning the darkness. His muscles coiled, ready to move.
"That damn girl…" he muttered, already on his feet.
He moved quickly, his steps light but swift. It didn't take long for him to spot her—Éclair's figure moving through the dense underbrush, her posture stiff and determined.
She wasn't wandering. She was leaving.
Natsu's brow furrowed. "What the hell is she thinking?"
Éclair moved with purpose, her steps careful but unwavering as she made her way through the forest. The darkness didn't frighten her—she had spent years moving through the land, collecting herbs in the dead of night, avoiding wild animals and unwanted company. But this time it was different. This time, she wasn't just searching for medicinal plants or gathering supplies for the village. She was leaving.
Her grip tightened around the small bundle she carried. She had only packed the essentials—a waterskin, and a small pouch of food she had secretly tucked away during the evening.
Her mind was clear. This wasn't hesitation. This wasn't doubt. This was a decision.
The Fire Village had dictated her fate long enough. If she was going to leave, she would do it on her own terms.
But just as she neared the edge of the clearing, a voice cut through the silence. "Oi!"
Éclair froze for only a second before pressing forward.
Natsu growled in frustration, quickening his pace. "Where the hell do you think you're going?!"
She ignored him. She knew he wouldn't give up easily, but if she just kept moving—if she kept walking—he wouldn't be able to stop her, but Natsu was faster.
He cut in front of her, blocking her path, his brows furrowed in frustration. "What's going on?"
Éclair finally lifted her head, eyes burning—not with determination, but with something raw, something darker.
"I'm leaving." Her voice was calm in a Matter-of-fact tone.
But Natsu wasn't having it. "Leaving?! You can't just walk away from this!"
"Watch me." Éclair scoffed, trying to push past him.
But Natsu blocked her path again, his frown deepening. "Why? This whole journey—"
"I never wanted this!" she suddenly snapped, her voice trembling.
The raw emotion in her words made Natsu take a step back. He had seen Éclair act cold, indifferent, even annoyed—but this? She looked furious. And hurt.
Her fists clenched at her sides, her breathing uneven. "I didn't ask to be the Phoenix Priestess," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't care about this ritual, about this village, about any of it!"
Natsu's brow furrowed. "Then why didn't you say anything?"
Éclair let out a bitter, hollow laugh. "Because it wouldn't have mattered." She met his gaze, eyes filled with something close to resentment. "Once you're chosen, that's it. You don't get a choice."
Natsu remained silent, letting her continue.
"My father, Kalard, was chosen for something, too." Her voice wavered slightly, though she quickly steadied herself. "He left me in that village after my mother died. Left me alone. And now they expect me to just… follow orders, just like he did?!"
Natsu's hands curled into fists. He didn't know much about parents—not human ones, anyway—but something about the way she spoke made his chest tighten.
Éclair's voice was quieter now, but no less sharp. "I'm not going to let them control my life." Her eyes darkened. "I'm going to find my father and demand answers."
A heavy silence stretched between them.
Then Natsu scoffed. "You're an idiot."
Éclair's head snapped up, her eyes flashing with anger. "What?!"
"You heard me," Natsu muttered. "You think running away is gonna solve anything?"
Éclair let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "Oh, please, tell me, what do you know about any of this? You don't know what it's like to be abandoned! You don't know what it's like to have everything taken from you!"
Natsu's jaw clenched.
Éclair's expression twisted into something bitter, mocking. "You're nothing but a stupid eyesore," she sneered. "All you do is get in my way. Maybe if I didn't have you tagging along, I'd already be gone by now."
Natsu felt his blood boil.
Éclair wasn't done.
"Just leave" Her voice was ice. "You're useless to me."
The words hit harder than he expected.
Before he could stop himself, his hand shot out grabbing Éclair by the wrist and pinning her against a nearby tree. Her back hit the bark, but she barely reacted.
Natsu's grip wasn't tight, wasn't meant to hurt, but it stopped her from running.
Éclair stiffened, her expression unreadable.
"Say that again," Natsu growled.
Éclair smirked bitterly. "What? Gonna hit me? Go ahead."
Natsu's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.
She continued, her voice cold and taunting. "Hurt me. Break my arm. Hell, even—" She let out a short, hollow laugh. "You could rape me, for all I care."
Natsu felt his stomach drop.
Éclair's gaze was distant. Empty. "The village wouldn't want a soiled priestess. You'd be doing them a favor."
Something inside Natsu snapped.
His fist lifted—instinct, anger, all of it rushing to the surface—
But then, he stopped. His hand trembled. His breathing was heavy.
Igneel's voice echoed in his mind.
"Your strength isn't for harming the weak, Natsu."
He felt sick. Éclair wasn't challenging him. She had given up.
Natsu slowly lowered his fist, exhaling through gritted teeth. His grip on her wrist loosened.
"I'm not gonna hurt you," he muttered.
Éclair scoffed. "Why not? You seem pissed enough."
Natsu took a step back. "Because you're wrong."
Éclair looks at him with a confused expression and just before she could respond, a low growl rumbled through the air.
Both of them froze as they turn and see a massive centipede-like creature emerged from the undergrowth, its gleaming black exoskeleton catching the moonlight. Its beady red eyes locked onto them.
'shit! All our talking attracted it!' Natsu tenses up as his instincts were screaming at him to get ready.
With a piercing screech, the centipede lunged.
"Get back!" Natsu yelled, shoving Éclair aside as he leaped forward, flames erupting around his fists.
Éclair stumbled back, her heart pounding. This wasn't part of the plan.
Natsu, however, had already thrown himself into battle. The salmon haired man igniting his fists in flames and delivered a punch that the centipede dodges.
Seeing how Natsu is occupying the centipede, Éclair did the one thing she has been planning to do since the start of her journey, she ran away.
Natsu sees her running away before he focuses back on the centipede that screeches while exposing its long fangs.
"come on, you ugly piece of shit!" Natsu shouted as he ignited his entire body in flames. "you want some meat!" the flames gathered to his fists and rages. "Come and get some!"
Éclair ran through the darkened forest, her breathing shallow and uneven. Twigs snapped beneath her hurried steps, and thick foliage brushed against her skin as she pushed forward, determined to leave everything behind.
She needed to move faster. She needed to get as far away as possible before anyone could stop her.
Her heart pounded, not just from exertion, but from the weight of what she was doing. There was no turning back now.
Her mind raced ahead of her, trying to make sense of what came next. What now? Where would she go first? She had no map, no real plan—just a desperate desire to find her father. Kalard. The man who had abandoned her, leaving her in the Fire Village's care.
She would find him. She would demand answers. She had spent her entire life being told where to go, what to do, who to become. No more.
She clenched her jaw.
'This is the right choice.' Éclair thought, but even as she repeated those words in her mind, something nagged at her.
Something she was trying desperately to ignore. Natsu.
Even now, she could still hear his voice in her head—his stupid, persistent voice, always throwing himself into danger without hesitation.
And then..
"AGHHH!"
A scream of pain tore through the night air, causing Éclair to froze mid-step.
Her breath caught in her throat. Her body tensed.
She clenched her fists as she huffs her breathing a bit. 'Don't stop. Just keep moving. He's nothing to you.'
But then…
"AGH—DAMN IT!" Another scream, and this time, she heard the sound of something massive slamming into the ground, followed by a low, monstrous hiss.
Her chest tightened. She could see it in her mind—Natsu fighting, struggling, getting beaten down.
'Why do I care?' Éclair's legs carried her forward. She forced herself to take another step.
Then.
"GRHHH!" Another cry of agony and this made Her feet stopped moving.
Her hands trembled at her sides, nails digging into her palms.
'Just go. You don't owe him anything.' Her mind screamed at her to keep running. 'He doesn't need you. He can handle himself. He's not your problem!'
But then…
"AAAAARRGHHHH!"
She spun around. Her stomach twisted painfully.
'That... that was different.' Éclair looks rather wide eyes as she knows a scream of pain when she hears one.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
A vision flashed through her mind—Natsu lying on the ground, lifeless, his stupid grin wiped from existence.
The thought made something inside her snap. Her entire body moved before her mind could even process it. She turned and ran back as fast as she could.
The moment Éclair arrived back at the clearing, her heart dropped.
The massive centipede-like creature loomed over the battlefield, its gleaming black exoskeleton glinting under the moonlight and beneath it is Natsu.
He was pinned to the ground, his body wrapped tightly in the centipede's long, segmented form.
The creature's razor-sharp mandibles were buried deep in his right shoulder, dark purple venom visibly seeping into his veins.
Natsu's breathing was ragged, his body twitching as the poison spread. His flames flickered weakly, barely clinging to life. His usual strength, the overwhelming fire that had made him seem unstoppable, was fading fast. But what hit Éclair the hardest were his eyes.
Even now, even like this, they burned with determination.
Refusing to give up. Refusing to die.
The centipede tightened its grip, preparing to crush him completely.
Éclair didn't think. She reacted.
With swift motion, she pulled a small medicine ball from her satchel—a tool used by Fire Village travelers to repel insects—and hurled it directly at the centipede's face.
BANG!
A thick white cloud exploded upon impact, engulfing the creature's head in a dense medicinal powder.
The centipede immediately shrieked, its entire body writhing violently as the powder burned its sensitive antennae and eyes causing its grip loosened before it fled and left the area.
Natsu dropped, landing hard on the dirt below. With that Éclair was already moving.
She slid to her knees beside him, her hands instinctively reaching out.
His skin was burning up, sweat clinging to his forehead as his breaths came in short, painful gasps.
The veins around his shoulder were black, spreading like twisted roots across his skin.
She swallowed back the panic rising in her throat.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
She reached into her bag, her hands working frantically as she pulled out a small glass vial filled with a murky blue liquid.
With a sharp movement, she uncorked it with her teeth and poured half of it over Natsu's wound. The other half—she forced into his mouth.
Natsu coughed violently, his body twitching as the medicine began to fight the poison.
Éclair didn't stop. She grabbed his arm, pulling it over her shoulder.
"Come on, you idiot," she muttered, trying to haul him up despite her own exhaustion, but Natsu was heavy—his body pure muscle, and he was completely limp. She gritted her teeth, adjusting his weight. "Ugh! You eat too damn much!"
With tremendous effort, she managed to half-carry, half-drag him away from the battlefield, staggering toward the trees.
Behind them, the centipede thrashed violently, still writhing from the effects of the medicine bomb.
But Éclair didn't look back. She didn't care about the monster. She didn't care about anything else but Natsu whose life is hanging in the balance.
By the time Éclair reached their camp, she was gasping for breath. Her legs felt like lead, her arms aching from dragging Natsu's weight the entire way, but she didn't stop. She couldn't.
She lowered him onto his sleeping mat, her fingers immediately going to check his pulse.
'Weak. But still there.' Éclair looks at his face and then at the black veins on his shoulder that weren't spreading anymore—the medicine was working.
She exhaled sharply, her body slumping as exhaustion hit her all at once.
Her hands shook as she reached for a fresh cloth, dipping it into the cool water they had collected earlier. She pressed it against his forehead, wiping away the sweat.
Her fingers hesitated for just a second, then, she let them linger.
His body was still burning up, but his expression wasn't pained anymore. His breathing had steadied.
She stared at him, taking in every scar, every wound—proof of every fight he had ever been in, proof of his relentless stupidity.
She clenched her fists. She had left him, and yet, here she was, tending to him. Saving him.
'…Why?' Éclair exhaled shakily, running a hand through her disheveled hair. This wasn't part of her plan. This wasn't supposed to happen. But somehow—somehow—she had ended up back here. Taking care of a boy who had no business making her care.
She shook her head.
"I hate you," she muttered under her breath.
But even as she said it, her hands continued tending to him, making sure he was safe.
Because despite everything, she wasn't going to leave him behind again.
That's a wrap!
Bye bye