Fairy Tail, Guild Hall.
After the announcement of the S-Class Promotion Trials and it's participants, things were even more livelier than usual. Discussions and bets were seen all around, followed by their signature brawls.
Well, that was simply the norm for a Fairy Tail Mage.
Then time has passed, and the one week grace period was nearing it's end. All of those who were chosen had already picked their partners, along with their silent anticipation of what's to come.
The participants mentally prepared themselves, while also discussing their strategies to pass the trials. Since there was only a day left, the rest of the guild subdued their rowdy activities out of consideration, thus creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Although, there was another reason as to why this was the case. Numerous worried gazes were directed towards a certain pink-haired dragon slayer, laying his head down on the table in a gloomy manner.
"Natsu… Master already assured us that he'll create a special arrangement for you after the trials are finished." Happy comforted his partner by rubbing his back, while still eating his fish.
Natsu could only groan after hearing that. "You know it ain't the same, Happy! What's the point of being S-Class if I don't beat one!? We already planned to target Erza, along with a great plan and all." He waved his arms as he complained.
"That was a plan? It was just your daily ramblings about beating her." The blue Exceed sweatdropped at his antics.
"Yeah, but I had a feeling that I'll finally beat her! That sweet promotion was mine for the taking, if it weren't for gramps suddenly changing his mind anyway." Natsu sighed as he still didn't lift his head from the table.
"It's still not fair, you know? I'm surprised that you reacted a bit calmly towards such a decision. Knowing you, protesting strongly suits your personality more." Lucy remarked from the side, absentmindedly playing with his hair.
Her expression softened as she looked at him. Seeing him like this is rare, he looks so cute~ Unholy thoughts filled the blonde's mind, yet her face didn't change at all.
But, she truly felt demoralized alongside the destructive and bright young man. Witnessing his hard work those past few weeks meant a lot, and it was snuffed out just like that. She couldn't imagine how he's currently feeling, knowing this outward appearance of his only displayed a fraction of it.
"Lucy's right. I'm against gramps' approach regarding this. Rescinding flame-brain's participation in the trials dampened the mood." Gray stated, crossing his arms while leaning on a pillar close to the table.
"Your clothes, Gray." Lucy glanced at him as she rolled her eyes.
"What!? When did that happen!?" He comically widened his eyes, bolting around with his boxers while looking for his clothing.
Ignoring the ice mage, she returned her attention to Natsu. Keeping him company was the best thing she could do at present, so she wouldn't miss this chance. Maybe she'll treat him to some fancy treats when she comes back.
"Um, isn't there anyway to change the Master's mind? I don't want to see Natsu-san like this…" A gentle voice joined the conversation, as their presence went towards the table.
Lucy looked at the source, and saw Wendy who was accompanied by Carla. Concern adorned her face, making her appearance even more adorable than usual. She shook her head at the sky dragon slayer's remark.
"The decision was final already, although he didn't specify the contents of the quest. It was formally sent by the council." She replied, as she went back to caressing the dragon slayer's hair.
"That still doesn't explain the Master's sudden choice on the matter." A scarlet-haired woman approached them with strong strides, indicating her opinion openly. She had a scary aura and expression, and those who were on her path made way for her.
A common sight for the great Titania.
"Happy, you were in the office with Natsu. What did he say?" Erza glanced at the blue cat.
"Aye." Even his signature word was spoken with no spark of energy. "The council issued an urgent extermination quest. They spotted a medium-sized nest of fire drakes near a village that was days away from Hargeon. Adding to the fact that their element is fire…" Happy stopped there as the rest understood.
"He's basically the perfect mage for the job." Erza finished his explanation, not forgetting to sit down across the table. She discreetly narrowed her eyes as she noticed the blonde woman's actions towards the dragon slayer.
Oblivious to Erza's stare, Lucy was still a bit skeptical about the whole thing. "Even if that were the case, there has to be guilds stationed within the vicinity of Hargeon. They are closer and can probably respond faster."
"Remember your first visit there? I'm pretty sure one of the locals mentioned to you that most of the residents are simply normal." Happy looked at her, reminiscing about how they met the Celestial Mage.
"Ugh. That checks out." Lucy had a helpless expression. She still didn't give up on brainstorming any possibility to bring Natsu back into the trials.
"It's fine, Lucy." The fiery young man finally raised his head as he sighed. Although feeling down, he managed to give her his trademark smile. Something that lifted her spirits, no matter how dire the situation was.
Natsu scratched his head in annoyance. "I'm not really mad at gramps, since it wasn't his fault anyway. And besides, beating up bad people or monsters is Fairy Tail's bread and butter, right? It will be a piece of cake!" He clenched his right fist as he produced his fire, pumping himself up.
"Heh." Gray returned with his clothes on, smirking at his friend bouncing back with strong enthusiasm.
That's just how the dragon slayer was, having the mindset to never give up is his motto.
The rest were also influenced with his optimistic thought process, understanding that this setback won't deter him at all. They were also relieved that it did not put him down too much.
"You really have a way with words, Natsu." Erza gazed at him softly, as she quickly yanked his head towards her chest. The poor young man hummed in surprise, but realized that her hug wasn't too strong. She also has a normal sleeveless white shirt, and not her armor.
Well, at least it doesn't hurt anymore. This is... nice and comfortable. Natsu didn't resist at all, unlike the other times that he did. Obviously, the lack of physical pain was a plus.
Erza, on the other hand, also had her own thoughts. She caressed his hair gently, while also feeling euphoric at such close contact with this brash and lovable dragon slayer of hers.
Helping her overcome her trauma by being himself which made her come to terms with her past. Supported her by trying to cover for Jellal during his arrest even when he didn't need to… Because he admired and respected her, something that she wasn't sure if she truly deserved it.
She did some soul-searching for herself these days, and realized how stupid she had been. The feelings she had for Jellal were akin to childhood and nostalgic attachment, making it so glaringly obvious when she found out he was brainwashed.
But that was the past now, because she has a family that accepted her for who she is. Joining the guild was one of the greatest things that has ever happened to her, having someone who will always be there for her was a bonus.
As such, once she understood her feelings for the dragon slayer, strong emotions filled her like strong tides. Always threatening to break out of her shell, wanting it to pour her devoted love to him.
Unfortunately, Natsu still has a lacking part when it comes to emotional intelligence. Although he is sharp in terms of platonic relationships, love eludes him like a plague. So, the quality of pure density in that head of his is unmatched.
There's no rush, she is a patient and disciplined woman. She will need to guide him and help navigate this complicated topic, like a good older sister… And after that? It's honeymoon time-
"Oh my~ May I ask of you to let him go, Erza?" A cheerful and bright voice interrupted her musings, prompting her to glance at the new arrival.
"I don't see the problem by doing this, Mira. I would've stopped if he complained." Erza calmly said, although she was slowly getting annoyed internally.
She almost forgot, there were obstacles to obtaining Natsu's love: Pesky Rivals.
"It simply might be uncomfortable for him, especially when he's not used to having no contact with your armor." Still with a smile, Mirajane gently walked over to Natsu's vicinity. Intending to pry him off from the scarlet-woman's hold.
"Big sis has a point, you know? I don't think Natsu was prepared for the sudden hug." Another woman interjected, looking like a younger version of Mirajane. Both had similar tones of voice, yet it somehow felt poisonous.
"Lisanna… You-"
"I agree with their sentiments, there are other ways to cheer him up. We could order food at the bar for starters." A third challenger entered, coming from Lucy who was watching the whole thing.
"Hoh~? Since when did you have the courage to talk to me like that, Lucy?"
"Courage? No, I'm just worried that you'll suffocate him."
"Good, good. So this is an open challenge already. It appears you guys couldn't conceal your emotions this time." Erza sternly stated, tightening her hold on the pink-haired young man.
"That's rich coming from you. We just followed your example, and here we are now." Mira tilted her head, as her hand rested on her cheek. Magic pressure emitted from the bar maid, shaking the area around them.
Gray detected the tense atmosphere in time, and smoothly got out of that dangerous table. Sitting down beside Elfman while mentally swiping his non-existent sweat. He glanced at the male Strauss afterwards.
"Aren't you gonna stop your sisters? Especially Lisanna, I've never seen her this motivated." He inquired curiously, aware of the protective nature Elfman had for them.
Surprisingly, Elfman shook his head. "Actually, they already told me about it. So they wanted to know my stance regarding him."
"I don't see you moving, does that mean…?" Gray raised an eyebrow as he asked.
Elfman stood up in response, taking in a deep breath. "Natsu is MANLY! I accept him as my brother-in-law! Then, we can be both manly together!"
Shing!
A sword grazed his cheek, piercing itself into the wall behind him. He froze in place, unconsciously staring at the scarlet-haired woman who was glaring at him angrily. He rested again on the bench, crossing his arms as if it didn't affect him.
That seems to be the case, if it weren't for his sweating and trembling. Gray could only pat his shoulder in pity. "Provoking Titania is like signing a death warrant. See you on the other side, buddy."
"Thanks for the encouragement, I guess."
The ice mage chuckled, then looked back at the clueless, pink-haired young man. "Trying to make that guy understand love is equivalent to a Ten-Year Quest. I wonder if they'll make any progress with him being a bit dumb in that regard."
"Ufufufu~ They're being so straight forward with feelings! We should also do the same, Gray-sama!" A dreamy voice startled the both of them. Gray stiffly looked back at the woman who was hiding around the pillar, gazing at him with intensity.
"Geh! Why are you a professional at being sneaky, Juvia!?" Gray quickly stood up and ran away.
"Don't be shy, my dear! Juvia shall mark you with her love!" The rain woman chased him around.
Like that, the crazy antics of the guild returned to normal. Unknown to the dragon slayer who was currently knocked out due to Erza's strong hug.