Beta'd by ThatOneGuyYouAllHate
The sun dipped low, painting the sky in a dazzling array of oranges and pinks. Lucy clung to Pegasus, the celestial horse's wings beating steadily beneath them. Ben sat behind her, his body tense and alert. Happy zoomed ahead, Natsu dangling from his paws with a grin.
Lucy's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as they flew towards the boat. This was it - a real mission with a genuine Fairy Tail wizard! The thrill of adventure coursed through her veins, but as she glanced back at Ben, her enthusiasm dimmed slightly.
Lucy sat atop Pegasus, the magnificent flying horse Ben had gifted her. The wind whipped through her blonde hair as they soared above the coastline, the sea stretching out endlessly below them. She felt exhilarated, her heart racing with excitement at the incredible view and the sensation of flight.
However, something nagged at her, a subtle unease that she couldn't quite shake. Ben sat behind her, his body pressed close for balance, but there was a rigidity to his posture that felt different from their previous flight together. Last time, his stiffness had been born of a dislike for heights. This time, it was something else entirely.
Glancing over her shoulder, Lucy studied her friend's face. Gone was the gentle, easygoing groundskeeper she had come to know. In his place sat a man with a laser-like focus, his eyes constantly scanning the horizon with practiced precision. The usual warmth in his gaze had been replaced by a steely determination that both impressed and unsettled her.
"You okay?" Lucy whispered, unable to shake the feeling that there was more to Ben than she had ever realized.
Ben's eyes never left the coastline. "Fine," he replied, his voice clipped and devoid of its usual gentleness.
Lucy frowned, turning slightly to get a better look at him. His jaw was set, muscles tense beneath his skin. It was clear he was in some kind of mission mode, and while it was undoubtedly useful for their current situation, it was also a bit scary. This wasn't the Ben she knew from the Heartfilia estate - this was someone else entirely, someone with experience in high-stakes situations.
As they flew, Lucy couldn't help but notice how Ben's hands, usually so gentle when tending to the estate's gardens, now gripped the horn of Pegasus' saddle with a controlled strength. His breathing was steady and measured, like a soldier preparing for battle.
Lucy shifted uncomfortably on Pegasus's back, feeling the tension in Ben's posture behind her. The wind whipped through their hair as they soared above the sparkling sea. It was nothing like their first flight together when Ben had been nervous about the height. This time, he was rigid for a different reason.
"Ben," Lucy called over her shoulder, trying one last time to get him to open up. "What's really going on with you?"
Ben's reply was frustratingly vague. "Just focusing on the mission, Lucy. Old habits, you know?"
Lucy bit her lip, more confused than ever. Which Ben was the real one? The guy who cracked jokes while they worked in the garden, or this cold strategist perched behind her?
She couldn't shake the feeling that she was seeing a whole new side of her friend. It was like he'd flipped a switch, becoming someone she barely recognized. Part of her was intrigued, but mostly she felt unsettled.
As they flew on, Lucy's mind raced with questions. What kind of past could turn her easygoing friend into this intense, focused person? She thought back to how easily he'd come up with their plan earlier. It was like he had firsthand experience with this stuff.
Lucy sighed, forcing herself to concentrate on scanning the waters below. They had a job to do, after all. But she couldn't quite push away the nagging worry about who Ben really was, and what other secrets he might be hiding.
"Look!" Lucy pointed, eager to break the tension and get things moving. "That fancy boat - that's our guy."
Ben's eyes narrowed. "Good eye. Let's get closer."
Natsu's grin widened. "Finally! I'm all fired up!"
"Shh!" Ben hissed. "We're trying to be stealthy, remember?"
Lucy bit her lip. Ben was right, of course. But his intensity was still throwing her off. As they approached their destination, Lucy couldn't help but steal another glance at Ben. Who was he, really? And what kind of past had shaped him into this person who could switch so seamlessly between gentle gardener and focused tactician? These questions would have to wait, she reminded herself. For now, they had a mission to complete.
Lucy couldn't see Ben's face as she sat in front of him on Pegasus, but she could sense the tension radiating from his body. His voice, when he spoke, was low and taut with concentration.
Ahead of them, Happy zipped through the air, his white wings a blur as he carried Natsu. The fairy tail mage dangled from the blue cat's paws, his face a mix of excitement and impatience.
"Can we fight now?" Natsu called out, his voice carrying a hint of a whine.
"Soon," Ben promised, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We need the element of surprise on our side."
Lucy's curiosity got the better of her. "Ben, how did you know about using the sun like this for cover?"
There was a pause, and when Ben spoke again, his voice was carefully neutral. "Just... something I picked up somewhere ."
Lucy frowned, wishing she could see his expression. There was clearly more to the story, but now wasn't the time to press. She focused on the mission ahead, her heart beginning to race with a mix of nerves and anticipation.
Happy piped up, "Ben's smart! Like a sneaky ninja!"
Lucy forced a smile, but the questions swirled in her mind. What wasn't Ben telling them?
As they neared the yacht, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifted up from below. Ben's grip on Pegasus tightened, his eyes scanning the deck intently. The setting sun cast long shadows across the water, providing the perfect cover for their approach. The yacht's deck looked like someone had dropped a fancy restaurant on it. White tablecloths everywhere, with pretty flowers in the middle of each around one there were rough-looking guys sticking out like a sore thumb. They looked like kids on Christmas morning, all excited and fidgety
"I see them," Ben whispered, his voice barely audible over the rush of wind. "Four men, gathered around a table. They look out of place – definitely not party guests."
Lucy nodded, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. "What's the plan?"
Ben's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "We need to get closer. Lucy, can you fly Pegasus as low as possible without being spotted?"
"I'll do my best," Lucy replied, gently guiding the winged horse lower.
As they descended, the details of the deck came into sharper focus. The four men stood out starkly against the elegant backdrop of the party. Their rough appearance and wary glances marked them clearly as hired muscle rather than revelers.
"Ready?" Ben asked, his hand hovering over the pouch at his belt. His voice was steady, but Lucy could sense the tension coiled within him.
She gave a determined nod. "Let's do this."
With a grace that spoke of years of training, Ben slipped off Pegasus's back as they glided just above the deck. He landed silently on the table, startling the thugs gathered around it. Before they could even register what was happening, Ben was in motion.
His foot connected with the nearest man's jaw, sending him stumbling backward. In the same fluid movement, Ben's hand dipped into his pouch, scattering seeds across the deck. The thugs barely had time to reach for their weapons before vines erupted from the wooden planks, wrapping around their legs and arms.
"What the-?" one of them managed to sputter before a well-placed blow from Ben silenced him.
The entire encounter lasted mere seconds. By the time Ben's feet touched the deck, all four men were incapacitated, bound tightly by his rapidly growing plants. The vines snaked around their arms and legs, effectively immobilizing them before they could even reach for their weapons.
Natsu and Happy dropped onto the deck, the mage's face a mix of awe and disappointment. "Aw man, you took all the fun!" Natsu complained, crossing his arms with a pout.
Ben remained vigilant, scanning the deck. "Don't worry, Natsu. I'm sure there's plenty more action waiting for us below deck. The fake Salamander won't go down without a fight."
Lucy guided Pegasus to land nearby, her eyes wide as she slid off the winged horse's back. With a shimmer of golden light, Pegasus disappeared, returning to the celestial spirit world. Lucy's gaze fixed on Ben, a mix of admiration and concern etched across her face.
"That was... incredible, Ben," she said, her voice tinged with awe and a hint of unease. "I've never seen you move like that before."
Ben's posture remained tense, his eyes scanning the deck as he offered a tight smile. "Thanks," he replied, his voice clipped. "But we're not out of the woods yet. The real target is still out there, and I'm willing to bet there are more men on this ship."
Lucy nodded, but her brow furrowed as she studied her friend. This was a side of Ben she'd never seen before – efficient, almost ruthless in his takedown of the thugs. It was jarring to see the usually gentle gardener move with such deadly precision.
"Ben," she started, hesitation clear in her voice, "where did you learn to fight like that? This seems a bit beyond just 'handling yourself.'"
Ben's eyes flickered to Lucy for a moment, a shadow passing over his face. He opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly struggling with what to say.
Lucy noticed his hesitation and pressed on. "You've been acting strange since the restaurant, and now this? What's going on?"
Ben sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Lucy, I... it's complicated. Can we focus on the mission for now?"
Lucy frowned, not satisfied with his deflection. She took a step closer to him, her voice low but firm. "We're talking about this later, Ben. That's a promise."
Ben flinched at her words, knowing full well how seriously Lucy took promises. He nodded reluctantly, unable to meet her eyes.
"Okay," he said softly. "Later. I promise."
Lucy held his gaze for a moment longer, then nodded. "Alright. Let's get back to the mission."
As they readied themselves for the next phase of their plan, Lucy couldn't shake the feeling that there was far more to her friend than she'd ever realized. The quiet, kind-hearted gardener who had become her closest friend at the estate suddenly seemed like a stranger.
Questions piled up in her mind, but Lucy pushed them aside for now. They had a job to do, and she needed to focus. Still, as she glanced at Ben from the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but wonder: who was Benjamin Witt, really? And what other secrets was he hiding?
Lucy's hand instinctively went to her belt, where her celestial keys sat, giving her some comfort. The deck was eerily quiet, the calm before the storm.
"So, what's the plan now?" Happy whispered, his wings barely making a sound.
Before anyone could answer, Natsu's patience ran out. "Hey, fake Salamander!" he yelled, his voice echoing across the empty deck. "Come out and fight me, you fraud!"
Ben winced. "So much for the element of surprise," he muttered.
Footsteps thundered below deck, and suddenly the cabin door burst open. A group of tough-looking guys spilled out, led by a man with spiky blue hair and an annoying smirk.
"Well, well," the man drawled, his rings glinting in the fading light. "What do we have here? A bunch of kids playing hero?"
Natsu's fists burst into flames. "We're here to take you down!"
The man's smirk twisted into a scowl. "You dare threaten me? Do you know who I am? I'm the Salamander, and Fairy Tail will make you pay for this!"
Lucy couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Nice try, but we know you're not from Fairy Tail."
The fake's face flushed with anger. "Get them!" he snarled, pointing at the group.
Lucy's fingers wrapped around a familiar golden key. Her heart raced as she felt the warm pulse of celestial magic.
"Open, Gate of the Golden Bull! Taurus!" she shouted, her voice clear and strong.
The air shimmered, and with a blinding flash of light, a massive figure materialized on the deck. The wooden planks creaked under his weight as Taurus appeared, his muscular form towering over everyone present.
"Moooooo!" Taurus bellowed, his deep voice rumbling across the yacht. "Miss Lucy, your body is looking extra fine today!"
Lucy rolled her eyes, but couldn't help a small smile. Same old Taurus.
The celestial spirit was a sight to behold. His enormous frame was covered in a striking black and white pattern, reminiscent of a dairy cow. But there was nothing docile about him. Rippling muscles bulged under his hide, and his bovine head sported a pair of wicked-looking horns. A giant golden ring gleamed in his flat nose, catching the last rays of the setting sun.
Taurus brandished his massive axe, the blade glinting dangerously. "Who dares threaten Lucy's rockin' bod?" he demanded, eyeing the men with obvious disdain.
One of the thugs, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, took a step back. "What the hell is that thing?" he muttered, fear evident in his voice.
The fake Salamander tried to maintain his composure, but Lucy could see the sweat beading on his forehead. "Don't just stand there, you idiots!" he snapped at his men. "Get them!"
As the thugs charged forward, Taurus let out another mighty "Moo!" and swung his axe in a wide arc. The flat of the blade caught two men square in the chest, sending them flying back into their comrades.
Lucy cracked her whip, the leather snapping through the air. "Nice work, Taurus!" she called out, her confidence growing. "Let's show these guys what real Fairy Tail wizards can do!"
Ben caught her eye from across the deck, a hint of a smile returning to his unusually serious face. "Whoa there, aren't you putting the horse before the carriage?" he teased. "Thought you weren't officially a member yet."
As he spoke, Ben reached for one of the centerpiece flowers. With a flick of his wrist, the delicate bloom transformed into a long, thorny whip. Lucy's eyes widened in amazement.
"Well, after this, they'd be crazy not to let me join!" Lucy grinned back, ducking under a wild swing from one of the thugs.
The deck erupted into chaos. Natsu barreled into the fray, fists blazing. Ben's new flower whip lashed out, tangling around the thugs' feet. Lucy stayed back, letting Taurus do most of the heavy lifting. His massive axe swung in wide arcs, clearing a path through the attackers.
It was messy and loud, nothing like the stealthy takedown they'd planned. But as Lucy watched her friends in action, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This wasn't exactly how she'd imagined her first real wizard fight, but it was definitely more fun than she'd expected.
After a few minutes of mayhem, the deck was littered with groaning thugs. Ben, Natsu, and Taurus stood triumphant, barely breaking a sweat. The fake Salamander, looking decidedly less smug now, held up his hands.
"Enough!" the fake Salamander shouted, his voice cracking slightly. But there was a glint in his eye that Lucy didn't like. "I may not be the real Salamander, but I'm not a complete fraud. I'm Bora the Prominence, a real fire mage!"
Lucy raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Oh really? Then why all the tricks and lies?"
Bora's face twisted into a snarl. "You want proof? I'll give you proof!"
Suddenly, the air around Bora crackled with energy. A purple flame burst to life in his hands, growing larger and more intense by the second.
"Ben, watch out!" Lucy cried, her voice laced with panic.
Ben's eyes widened in alarm. He reacted instinctively, his thorn whip lashing out to grab a nearby table. With a sharp tug, he pulled it towards him, intending to use it as a makeshift shield.
"Everyone, get behind me!" Ben shouted, positioning the table in front of them.
But before the attack could reach them, Natsu stepped forward, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I got this," he said with a confident grin.
"Natsu, don't-" Ben started, but his words were cut short as Bora hurled the conflagration straight at them.
Lucy's heart leapt into her throat as she watched Natsu jump in front of the attack. What was he thinking? She braced herself for the worst, but what happened next left her completely stunned.
Natsu opened his mouth wide, and to everyone's shock (except Happy, who looked oddly calm about the whole situation), the purple flames seemed to bend in midair. They funneled straight into Natsu's gullet as if he were slurping up a giant, fiery noodle.
Lucy's jaw dropped. "Is he... is he eating the fire?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ben lowered the table, his eyes wide with disbelief. "I've never seen anything like it," he muttered, watching as Natsu consumed the last of the flames.
Happy floated over to them, a smug smile on his feline face. "That's Natsu for you," he said proudly. "The dragon that raised him didn't just teach him magic. He taught him Fire Dragon Slayer magic!"
"Dragon Slayer magic?" Lucy repeated, her mind reeling from this new information.
Ben's brow furrowed. "I've heard whispers about that kind of magic, but I always thought it was just a legend."
When the last lick of flame disappeared, Natsu smacked his lips and made a face. "Blech!" he exclaimed, sticking out his tongue. "That's some nasty fire you got there, 'Prominence.' Tastes faker than your whole act."
Bora stumbled back, his face pale and his confidence clearly shaken. "But... how...?" he stammered, unable to comprehend what he had just witnessed.
Natsu cracked his knuckles, his grin turning fierce. "Now, let me show you what a real Fairy Tail wizard's fire looks like!" He took a deep breath, his chest expanding as he drew in air.
Lucy and Ben exchanged a quick glance, both sensing that something big was about to happen. They instinctively took a step back, giving Natsu some space.
"Fire Dragon's..." Natsu's voice rumbled deep in his chest, building with power. Then, he leaned forward, unleashing his attack. "ROAR!"
A massive jet of fire erupted from Natsu's mouth, far more intense and vibrant than Bora's purple flames. The heat was so intense that Lucy could feel it from where she stood, and she had to shield her eyes from the brightness.
The fiery torrent rushed towards Bora, who stood frozen in shock, his eyes wide with fear. At the last second, he managed to dive out of the way, but the edge of Natsu's attack caught him, sending him tumbling across the deck.
As the flames dissipated, Lucy lowered her arm, blinking in amazement at the scene before her. A large portion of the deck was scorched black, and wisps of smoke curled up from the charred wood. The damage was more extensive than she had initially thought, with several planks splintered and cracking under the intense heat.
"That," Natsu said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, "is what real fire magic tastes like."
Bora, who had managed to avoid the full brunt of the attack, stumbled to his feet. His clothes were singed, and his hair was sticking up in all directions. The once-confident smirk had vanished from his face, replaced by a look of sheer panic.
"Wait, wait!" Bora held up his hands, his voice shaking. "Let's not do anything crazy here. How about we make a deal? I've got connections, you know. Money, girls, whatever you want!"
Natsu's eyes flashed dangerously. The air around him crackled with heat, making Lucy take a step back.
"You think you can buy me off?" Natsu growled. "After what you did to Fairy Tail's name?"
Bora's face went pale. He stumbled backwards, nearly falling over his own feet. "Hey, come on now. It was just business, right? No hard feelings?"
"Business?" Natsu's voice was low and dangerous. "You tricked people using our guild's reputation. You kidnapped innocent girls. And now you're trying to bribe me?"
Lucy watched, wide-eyed, as flames began to dance around Natsu's clenched fists.
Bora's eyes darted around, looking for an escape. "Look, I can explain—"
But Natsu wasn't listening anymore. With a roar of anger, he launched himself at Bora, his fist blazing with fire.
"This is for Fairy Tail!" Natsu shouted, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu roared.
His flaming fist connected squarely with Bora's jaw. The impact was so powerful that it sent the fraudulent mage flying backward. Bora crashed through the weakened deck with a resounding crack, disappearing into the bowels of the ship.
Lucy gasped, rushing to the edge of the newly formed hole. "Natsu! Isn't that a bit much?"
Ben joined her, peering down into the darkness. "I think he went through at least one more level," he said, a hint of concern in his voice.
From below, they could hear the sound of rushing water. A faint trickle began to seep up through the splintered wood around the hole.
"Uh, guys?" Happy called out, hovering near the ship's railing. "I think we might have a problem."
Lucy turned to follow Happy's gaze, her eyes widening as she saw what the cat was pointing at. In the distance, the unmistakable silhouettes of Rune Knights were visible, their armor glinting in the fading light as they made their way towards the docks.
"Oh no," Lucy breathed, her heart racing. "The Rune Knights are coming!"
Natsu's head snapped up at the mention of the magical law enforcement. His eyes narrowed, and without a moment's hesitation, he sprang into action.
"Time to scram!" he shouted, already backing away from the edge of the ship. "Come on, Happy!"
"Aye, sir!" Happy chirped, swooping down to grab onto Natsu's back.
Ben, still processing the sudden turn of events, felt a surge of panic. The sight of approaching authorities brought back memories he'd rather forget. Without thinking, he started after Natsu.
"Wait!" Lucy called out, reaching for Ben's arm. "We don't need to run! We haven't done anything wrong!"
But her words fell on deaf ears as Natsu, with Happy clinging to his back, leaped off the ship and onto the dock. Ben hesitated for a split second, torn between following Natsu and listening to Lucy.
"Ben, listen to me," Lucy said urgently, her hand still on his arm. "The only thing we damaged was Bora's ship, and he practically admitted to using it for human trafficking. We should be fine if we just explain what happened."
Ben's eyes darted between Lucy and the retreating forms of Natsu and Happy. The panic in his chest was slowly subsiding as Lucy's words sank in. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.
"You're... you're right," he said, his voice still shaky. "I'm sorry, I just... old habits, I guess."
Lucy's expression softened. "It's okay. I understand. But we need to stay and sort this out. We can't just leave after causing all this commotion."
Ben nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed about his knee-jerk reaction. "You're right. We should explain what happened to the Rune Knights."
As they stood on the deck, surveying the damage from their staged fight, Lucy couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and worry. They had successfully exposed Bora's scheme before any unsuspecting girls could fall victim to it, but the destruction they'd caused in the process was more extensive than she'd anticipated.
"I hope we didn't go overboard," Lucy murmured, eyeing a particularly large scorch mark on the deck.
Ben followed her gaze and winced. "Well, at least there weren't any innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. We made sure to stage this before Bora's so-called 'party' could start."
Lucy nodded, relief evident in her voice. "That's true. I'm glad we acted when we did. Who knows how many girls he might have tricked if we'd waited?"
Lucy couldn't help but glance in the direction Natsu had run off to. She sighed, shaking her head. "I can't believe he just took off like that," she said, a hint of frustration in her voice. "What kind of Fairy Tail wizard runs at the first sign of authority?"
Ben chuckled softly. "Maybe it's a regular occurrence for him. You know, destroy first, ask questions never?"
Lucy couldn't help but laugh at that, even if it wasn't the funniest joke. It was the first glimpse of her friend she'd seen in hours, and it was a relief. "I suppose you're right," she said, still giggling. "Still, I hope this doesn't make things more complicated when we explain everything to the Rune Knights."
As the sound of armored footsteps grew closer, Lucy found herself studying Ben. He seemed more relaxed now, but his eyes kept darting around, always on alert. It was like watching two different people in one body.
She watched, fascinated, as he expertly manipulated the whip he'd used against Bora. With a quick gesture and a soft green glow, it turned back into a simple flower. Ben tucked it into his jacket pocket, a small smile on his face.
Lucy couldn't help but feel amazed and curious. This wasn't the quiet gardener she knew. This Ben moved like he'd been in fights before, like he knew exactly what he was doing.
"That's quite a trick," she said, nodding at the flower. "I didn't know you could do that with your magic."
Ben shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "There's a lot about my magic I haven't shown you yet. It's been a while since I've had to use it like this."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sounds like there's a story there." She watched him closely, noticing how his eyes never stopped scanning their surroundings, even as he tried to appear casual.
Before Ben could respond, the sound of the approaching Rune Knights grew louder. Lucy glanced around at the damaged ship, suddenly realizing they hadn't made any effort to clean up.
"Should we have tried to tidy up a bit?" she asked, gesturing at the scorched deck and splintered wood.
Ben shook his head, his expression turning serious. "No need. This ship belonged to a criminal. I doubt the authorities will mind the state it's in, especially once we explain what Bora was up to."
Lucy nodded, feeling a bit more relaxed. She trusted Ben's judgment, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than she had initially thought. As they stood side by side, waiting for the Rune Knights to arrive, Lucy found herself stealing glances at her companion.
Who exactly was Benjamin Witt? The quiet, hardworking groundskeeper who had become her closest friend, or this confident, skilled mage who could turn flowers into weapons and face dangerous situations without flinching? The contradiction intrigued her, and she made a mental note to ask him about it once things calmed down.
For now, though, they had more pressing matters to deal with. The first of the Rune Knights were coming into view, their armor glinting in the fading light of the evening.
"Ready?" Ben asked, his voice low and steady.
Lucy took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this."
As they prepared to face the approaching authorities, Lucy couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was it – the start of her new life as a mage, facing the consequences of her actions, standing up for what was right. And despite the uncertainties ahead, she was glad to have Ben by her side, even if he had suddenly become a bit of a mystery to her.
The salty sea breeze ruffled their hair as they stood their ground, waiting to explain their actions and hopefully take their first step towards joining Fairy Tail. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Lucy was determined to face them head-on, with her enigmatic friend by her side.