The next day, Natsu was still unconscious, sleeping on a bed in the camp's infirmary.
Lucy, who had stayed by his side since he fainted, stared at his serene face. She raised an eyebrow when she noticed his cheeks were flushed – *What the hell are you dreaming about?*
While sleeping peacefully, Natsu was having a rather "spicy" dream, with the blonde as the protagonist.
*"Natsu was thrown onto the bed, feeling a blonde climb over his body – What are you doing, Lucy? – he asked, seeing the mischievous smile on her face.*
*Lucy – What are you talking about? – she brought her face closer to his – I'm just taking care of my baby...*
*Natsu – Baby? – he found it strange.*
*Lucy – Yes... – she whispered, bringing her lips closer to his – My baby. Because you're so cute and need someone to take care of you. And that someone is me.*
*Natsu swallowed hard, aroused by the way she spoke – We can't. We're too young.*
*Lucy – What do you mean? – she got even closer – It doesn't matter if we're young. When two people love each other, they should make love. Age doesn't matter.*
*Natsu – Lucy... – he whispered, bringing his face closer – I lo..."*
Lucy stared at Natsu with a sweatdrop. She saw his flushed cheeks, but a vein pulsed on her forehead when she heard what came from his lips:
Natsu – *Luce, don't do that! You're such a bad girl... Oh no... Don't do that...* – the words came out as a moan, his cheeks still flushed.
The blonde, though blushing, got angry at how he said her name – *Wake up, you jerk!* – she pulled one of his cheeks, trying to wake him.
Natsu stirred, rolling to the side and, with moderate strength, pulled the blonde, causing her to trip over her own feet and fall on top of him. When she regained her composure, Lucy stared, completely flushed, at Natsu, who was beneath her, still sleeping serenely.
Lucy smiled at his serene face. But what really caught her attention was his hair – *It felt so good running my hand through his hair...* – she smiled, remembering what she did when he fainted in the forest – *I wonder if you really are the one from my prophecy...* – she blushed slightly – *If you are, we'll have some problems since you're such a big idiot...* – she sighed.
Natsu – *Even when I'm unconscious, you don't have pity on me?* – he asked calmly.
Lucy stared at him with wide eyes, shocked to see him awake – *You... are... awake...* – she said slowly.
Natsu – *Uh... Of course I'm awake.*
Lucy's eyes teared up. In a flash, she grabbed a pillow, pressing it over his face – *Die, please! You weren't supposed to hear that! So die!* – she pushed down hard, suffocating him.
Natsu – *Luce...! Stop... I... can't... breathe!*
Lucy – *Die! Die! Die! Die!* – she was about to have a breakdown.
Minutes later, after Lucy stopped trying to suffocate him, Natsu sighed in relief, feeling fresh air fill his lungs – *You really wanted to kill me?* – he growled, seeing her look away – *But that's beside the point. What did you mean about me being the one from your prophecy? And what problems would we have?*
Lucy glanced at him from the corner of her eye, unable to meet his gaze – *It's none of your business...* – she whispered.
Natsu growled, a vein pulsing on his forehead – *You were talking about me, so of course I have the right to know.*
Lucy glared at him, a vein pulsing on her forehead too. She stood up suddenly, getting close, her face inches from his – *I'll tell you if you tell me what you were dreaming about that made you moan my name!*
Natsu turned bright red. Memories of the dream flooded back – *I-It's none of your business!* – he stammered, looking away – *It was my dream! And it had nothing to do with you!*
Lucy, cheeks flushed, growled – *Oh, really? But you were the one moaning, 'Luce, don't do that! You're such a bad girl... Oh no... Don't do that...'*
Natsu stared at her, stunned – *I said that while sleeping?* – he gulped, shocked – *No way!*
Lucy got even closer – *But it's true!*
They glared at each other, faces red, growling angrily. But suddenly, the infirmary door opened, and a familiar voice interrupted:
Gray – *Lucy, has Natsu woken up?* – he entered, freezing when he saw their position – *Uh... Am I interrupting something?* – he gave an awkward smile.
Lucy/Natsu – *Huh?* – they didn't understand but soon realized how close they were – *Of course not!* – they pulled away from each other.
Gray smirked mischievously – *You sure? I can leave if you want* – he suggested.
Lucy/Natsu – *Don't be an idiot!* – they shouted.
Gray – *Alright, alright. No need to worry. I didn't see anything* – his mischievous smirk returned – *But if you want, I can go.*
Lucy glared at Gray with dull, stormy gray eyes, intimidating him – *I'll stab you with my dagger, shave your head, wax your legs, and hang you by your hooves on Long Island's central tree if you say any more nonsense* – she threatened coldly.
Gray's eyes filled with tears at the threat – *You're so mean!* – he crouched, hugging his knees – *All the satyrs would laugh at me if you did that!* – he whimpered – *So please, don't do it!*
Natsu sighed – *She won't do it, Gray.*
Gray – *You sure?*
Natsu – *...Yeah...* – he raised an eyebrow at Gray – *But what happened last night?* – he recalled the previous night's events.
Gray and Lucy exchanged a glance, deciding who would explain.
Lucy – *I'll tell him...* – she looked at Natsu – *I'll explain what that was.*
Minutes later, Lucy had explained everything, from when Natsu fought the hellhound and she was stopped by Gildarts from helping, to when he turned the monster to dust.
Natsu – *So I defeated that monster?* – he saw Lucy and Gray nod – *Hmm... Did anyone get hurt?*
Lucy – *Huh?* – she found it odd – *Well, no one got hurt because the hellhound was after you* – she explained.
Natsu – *Good* – he smiled, surprising Lucy and Gray – *No one got hurt, and I'm glad. And we won, right?* – he lay back on the bed.
Gray – *What are you talking about?* – he smirked – *Your team lost. You'll have to parade in panties and a bra.*
Natsu – *Huh?*
Lucy – *You didn't beat Erza. So you'll still have to run around in panties and a bra* – she smiled.
Natsu started sweating coldly – *You're kidding, right? I'm sure I beat her! You're messing with me, aren't you?* – his eyes filled with tears – *I don't want to parade in lingerie around the camp... I don't...*
Gray and Lucy held back laughter, which Natsu noticed.
Lucy – *Don't worry, idiot* – she laughed – *We won. Thanks to you.*
Natsu sighed in relief – *Thank goodness...*
Gray, still chuckling at Natsu's reaction, remembered something – *Hey, Natsu. Gildarts wants to talk to you.*
Natsu – *Talk to me?* – he found it odd.
Gray – *Yeah. He said as soon as you woke up, I should take you to the Big House to talk to him. Wanna go?*
Natsu – *Alright...* – he sighed, getting out of bed – *Let's go. If we take too long, Gildarts will get mad.*
Outside, walking calmly with Gray and Lucy, Natsu saw the sky thundering, as if a storm was ready to devastate everything. He ignored it and kept walking. When he spotted the Big House, he saw Gildarts in his wheelchair, a serious expression on his face.
Natsu – *Everything okay, Gildarts?* – he got worried – *You look kinda mad.*
Gildarts – *Natsu, come in, please...* – he pointed to the Big House door – *We need to talk about something serious.*
Without asking for explanations, Natsu entered, seeing the house was the same as during the head counselors' meeting. He sat at one of the chairs around the ping-pong table, with Lucy sitting beside him and Gildarts and Gray in front.
Natsu – *What do you want to talk about?* – he got straight to the point.
Gildarts sighed – *I don't know if you remember, but why did the Kindly One attack you?* – he asked seriously.
Natsu – *Kindly One...* – he whispered, recalling what that meant – *Oh! The Fury, right?* – a thunderclap roared – *Professor Rinza almost killed me asking about something related to legendary weapons...*
Gildarts – *And do you know what those weapons are?* – he saw Natsu shake his head – *You should. The legendary weapons, Natsu, are the most powerful weapons in existence. They're the weapons the gods use* – he explained.
Natsu furrowed his brow – *What do you mean?* – he didn't understand – *Weapons the gods use?*
Gildarts nodded – *You must've noticed each cabin has a symbol. That symbol represents the divine power of the gods. And so, each cabin has a miniature version of their divine parent's power. But about two months ago, most of the gods' legendary weapons, which represent their powers, were stolen.*
Natsu – *Who stole them? And what do I have to do with it?*
Gildarts – *The gods think you stole them* – he said bluntly.
Natsu stared at his former Latin teacher with wide eyes – *Me? Impossible! Two months ago, I didn't even know gods and monsters existed!*
Gildarts sighed, rubbing his forehead – *I know, kid. But the gods believe it was you.*
Natsu – *Which gods?*
Gildarts looked at him seriously – *Not all the gods were robbed. Only six: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Ares, Demeter, and Hades* – a thunderclap roared with each name – *Those are the gods whose weapons were stolen.*
Natsu – *My father too?* – he saw Gildarts nod – *But who would steal so many legendary weapons?*
Lucy – *We don't know* – she caught his attention – *But what we do know is that whoever it was, was very good; even the gods didn't notice their weapons were gone. But when they did, they started accusing each other, threatening war.*
Natsu – *That's why the sky's been thundering so much...* – he whispered – *They're on the brink of war...* – he saw Lucy nod – *But why haven't they gone to war yet?*
Lucy sighed – *My mom is doing everything she can to prevent that war...* – she blushed slightly – *She knows about my prophecy, so she's trying to help, because she knows you're the only one who can stop this war.*
Natsu – *Hmm... That prophecy you still haven't told me about...*
Lucy looked away – *And you don't need to know!*
Natsu – *Oh, come on...* – he growled – *If it's about me, of course I should know! So I demand you tell me!*
Lucy growled, glaring at him with intense, stormy gray eyes – *I'll only tell you my prophecy if you tell me what dream you were having!*
They glared at each other angrily, starting an argument.
Gildarts – *STOP IT, BOTH OF YOU!* – he shouted, getting their attention – *We're facing a divine-scale war, and you two are bickering like children!* – he took a deep breath, calming down – *You two should stop arguing since you'll now have to go on a quest.*
For the first time since sitting at the ping-pong table, Gray spoke – *You sure, Gildarts? They're pretty inexperienced; they could put each other's lives at risk.*
Gildarts smiled – *Don't worry, Gray* – he looked at the satyr – *That's why you're going with them...*
Gray relaxed in his seat – *Good...* – his eyes widened – *What did you say? I have to go with them? No way, Gildarts!*
Gildarts looked at Lucy and Natsu – *You don't have a choice, Gray. The Counselors of Cloven Hoof have already decided you'll go with them.*
Gray – *What?* – he couldn't believe it – *You've gotta be kidding, right?*
Gildarts – *No. If you want to prove you can be a Searcher, Gray, you first have to show your worth by returning from a quest that could save or destroy the world.*
Gray – *No...* – he shook his head – *What did I do to deserve this! Baaahhh!*
Gildarts sighed again – *Natsu, what you'll face ahead, I wouldn't wish on anyone. But it must be done. So I want you to promise me something.*
Natsu – *What?*
Gildarts – *That you'll save the world from destruction and protect everyone from the evil that's coming.*
Natsu was surprised. He really wanted Natsu to save the world. He lowered his head, trying to think about what he'd have to do. Nothing came to mind. He knew he wouldn't earn the hero title like his mother, but he'd do everything to protect everyone.
Natsu – *Yes. I'll protect everyone* – he spoke with a confidence he didn't know he had.
Gildarts smiled – *Good! Go to the third floor, at the end of the hallway, you'll see a door in the ceiling that leads to the attic. There, you'll find the Oracle of Delphi. Once it assigns your quest, speaks of your prophecy, and tells you about your future, we'll see if you return 'sane' to tell us what you'll have to do.*
Natsu felt a shiver at the word "sane" and how it was said – *O-Okay. I'll go.*
Minutes later, after climbing the stairs, Natsu saw the door in the ceiling with a small cord hanging – *Guess I pull this...* – he whispered, grabbing the cord and pulling it down. After the small ladder touched the floor, he climbed it toward the attic. Entering, Natsu coughed as if he had pneumonia, but saw it was just dust – *Where's this Oracle?* – he looked around, seeing strange objects with plaques: *Minotaur Slayer, son of Ares. Conquest of the Blooming Rose, daughter of Athena.* Among other similar things – *Damn. Just junk...* – he grumbled. But suddenly, he looked toward the window, noticing a mummified figure below it; white hair falling down its back; wrinkled hands, almost showing bones; deformed facial skin; no eyes, just huge sockets; clothes like a 1970s model – *Definitely a mummy. Did I switch from Greek to Egyptian mythology?* – he muttered – *I'm outta here.*
As he turned to leave, Natsu felt a chill, like eyes watching him. He spun around, seeing nothing but the mummy in the same spot – *Must've been my imagination...* – he whispered, sighing in relief. But something caught his eye: a small pendant on the mummy's neck, glowing in the sunlight – *What's that?* – he approached, reaching for the chain around the rectangular pendant with a rolled paper at the end – *A scroll?* – he moved to touch the paper but was stopped by a bony hand grabbing his wrist – *W-W-What?* – he pulled away, staring in fear at the mummy, which had placed its hand on its lap – *It's alive?*
A greenish smoke began pouring from the mummy's mouth, spreading through the room, making it even gloomier.
The mummy looked at Natsu, tilting its head – *I am the spirit of Delphi. I inhabit this body as my host. Tell me what you seek, only then can I reveal what the future holds...* – more smoke poured out, terrifying Natsu.
Natsu – *Well...* – he gulped – *I came to learn about my quest, my prophecy, and my... future.*
Delphi nodded – *Listen carefully, Natsu Dragneel, son of Poseidon. I will tell you what lies ahead: a hard life; many problems. I tell you, the future is not bright for you, child. The problems are unreal, with a chaotic future. Friends will die. Others, you will save. Natsu Dragneel, your first quest will be to find the divine weapons that were stolen. But do not forget: your heart is weak. So you may be corrupted by the darkness within it.*
Natsu – *What?* – he didn't understand.
Delphi let out a hoarse choke, as if disagreeing with his question – *Now, your prophecy:*
*You will return by sea, in search of what is yours.*
*The god who turned disloyal will try to stop you.*
*You will succeed in returning what was stolen, achieving victory.*
*The gods will revolt, and try to kill in the end.*
*And with what you cherish most, you will return home.*
Delphi let out another hoarse sound, catching Natsu's attention – *And what the future holds, you'd better see with your own eyes...*
Natsu – *Huh?* – he didn't understand, but his eyes widened as images and voices flashed through his mind:
*" – Natsu! No, I can't do this! – the blonde screamed, crying harder.*
*[…]*
*– Just don't forget... – she placed her finger on his forehead, pushing him – You're the child of the prophecy. So, if you need to protect everyone, do it by all means – she smiled.*
*[…]*
*– Hey, man, don't worry. I can take care of myself – he smiled – I'm a Searcher, after all. I can't run from what the future holds. I need to be strong to find Pan.*
*[…]*
*– Have I told you what an idiot you are? – she hugged him – I'll never leave you. I'll protect you from everything and everyone if I have to.*
*[…]*
*– Come on, idiot! – he punched the back of Natsu's head, getting his attention – If you give up, I won't forgive you! If you really love her, fight for her! – he smiled.*
*[…]*
*– I learned to love you... – he smiled, laying the blonde on the bed, seeing her smile through tears – So don't worry. I still plan to take you on a cruise without a monster chasing us, trying to kill us..."*
Natsu fell to his knees, panting. His head throbbed from the images, though he didn't recognize some of the people – *What... does all this... mean?* – he looked at Delphi, expecting an answer.
Delphi let out another hoarse sound – *Your future. You must survive, at all costs, to see what it holds...*
The mist in the room dissipated, as did the Oracle's voice.
Natsu stood, his head still throbbing – *What does it all mean?*
Minutes later, Natsu descended the stairs calmly, seeing Gildarts, Gray, and Lucy still around the ping-pong table.
Lucy – *Natsu!* – she ran to him, hugging him – *I was worried you took so long...*
Natsu blinked, surprised, but blushed, recalling the images Delphi showed him – *I'm fine...* – he gave an awkward smile, gently pushing her away – *Just a bit confused.*
Gildarts pointed to the seat in front of him – *Sit. Tell me everything Delphi said.*
Natsu nodded, sitting across from Gildarts, with Lucy beside him. He explained everything Delphi said, omitting some details.
Gildarts – *Hmm... So the quest is really yours...*
Natsu nodded.
Gildarts sighed – *I have no choice. You leave in two hours.*
Natsu furrowed his brow – *Leave?*
Gildarts nodded – *Yes. You'll have to go to the city and find a way to recover the stolen legendary weapons.*
Natsu gulped – *Alright.*
Gildarts – *As I said, Gray and Lucy will go with you. You'll need to retrieve the gods' divine weapons. Go to your cabins and take only what you really need.*
The three nodded, standing and heading to the Big House door to leave.
Gildarts sighed, looking at the fire – *Looks like we'll have many problems, just as your prophecy said, Virgo.*
Outside, Natsu saw Gray run toward the forest, remembering he lived there. He also saw Lucy detour toward Athena's cabin.
Natsu sighed, stopping in front of his cabin door. He opened it and entered.
Happy – *Yo, boss! Looks like you stayed alive!* – the cat exclaimed, sitting on the sofa, as Natsu entered – *Boss?* – he saw Natsu walk past, ignoring him.
Natsu – *Sorry, Happy. Got some stuff to do* – he entered his room – *I need to save the world.*
Two hours later, at the top of Long Island's hill, near a massive pine tree, Natsu, Lucy, and Gray listened as Gildarts addressed the campers below.
Gildarts – *...As you all know, someone stole the gods' legendary weapons! And if we don't find out who and return them, a divine-scale war will begin! So, these two demigods and this satyr who 'volunteered' to join them will go in search of the legendary weapons!*
Gray grumbled softly – *Volunteered? You threatened me!*
Natsu and Lucy stifled laughter at Gray's anger.
Natsu – *Hey, Lucy. Why do you seem so happy?* – he saw her radiant smile.
Lucy – *How can I put it? I'm just happy. I finally get to go on a real quest!*
Natsu had a sweatdrop but smiled, seeing her enthusiasm for the quest.
Gildarts – *...Now, Mr. D will say a few words!*
Natsu's eyes widened, seeing the purple-haired man walk calmly toward them – *I forgot about him!*
Dionysus – *I didn't plan to come, but Gildarts changed my mind. So, I have to say you brave heroes might be of great help to save the world. Blah, blah, blah. Come back safe. Blah, blah, blah. Save the world. Blah, blah, blah. Be heroes. Done, you can go. I'll dance on your graves when you die* – he walked away.
Natsu and Lucy stared at the god with sweatdrops.
Gray clapped, tears in his eyes – *Splendid! Wonderful! You're one of a kind, Dionysus-sama!*
Natsu/Lucy – *Shut up, or I'll shave your head...* – they growled, threatening Gray.
Gray – *I'm gonna die!*
Gildarts sighed, then smiled at the trio – *Natsu, Lucy, Gray! You three are the salvation not only of the camp but of the world! We don't know where you should start or how you'll find the legendary weapons, but I know you'll complete your quest! And I hope you return alive for our next capture-the-flag game!*
The campers raised their swords, spears, and other weapons, shouting excitedly.
Gildarts – *I hope you return safe, kids* – he smiled – *Well, uh, you'll need to go to Manhattan. Alzack will take you to the nearest bus stop to Manhattan. After that, you three are on your own!* – he saw them nod. The centaur sighed again. He galloped toward Natsu, catching his attention – *Sorry, Natsu* – he placed a hand on his head – *If we had more time, I could've trained you better. Hercules, Jason, Achilles... they all had time and proper training. I'm sorry you didn't get that.*
Natsu smiled – *Don't worry, Gildarts. I'll definitely find the thief who stole the gods' legendary weapons and defeat Kronos! It's my destiny!*
Gildarts gave a small smile at the boy's enthusiasm – *Then go! Come back safe! And bring a victory for our camp!* – he saw Lucy and Gray match Natsu's smiles – *Go. Alzack will help you* – he looked at the satyr, who nodded.
Natsu – *Let's do this!* – he ran down the hill.
Gray – *That's right! Let's save the world!* – he followed Natsu.
Lucy – *H-Hey! Wait for me!*
Gildarts smiled faintly, watching the three, accompanied by Alzack, descend the hill.
Gildarts – *I just hope you come back safe, kids...* – he looked at the sky, seeing it thunder and grow grayer – *Not just Zeus, but other gods are revolting. So be careful.*