Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Wheels of Fire	By : Rhov Category: +. to F > Fairy Tail Views: 22712 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is the property of Hiro Mashima. I make no money, I just do this for my own pleasure.

Chapter List
- 29
- 30
- 31
Chapter 30
What Would You Do For Family
King Jellal sat on his bed, casually stroking through silky locks of scarlet hair. He remembered Erza Scarlet, the Titania of Fairy Tail. How appropriate her surname was! Supposedly, it was his alternate self who gave her that name, and it was definitely an apt choice. He had grown up in Earthland's Fairy Tail, watching those wizards with all that internal power, whereas he had to use external power for magic. He admired the true wizards, especially Gildarts, Laxus, Mira, and Erza … he studied her so much from the shadows. He watched the Titania fight. He envied her mental fortitude. Then, upon his return home, he easily fell in love with this woman now curled on his chest.
His heart had opened up living in Earthland. He briefly wondered about Natsu Dragneel, lost somewhere in this world. Was his heart opening up as well? Was he safe? He had liked Natsu back in Earthland, a wild boy but with a deep heart filled with the passion to protect his friends. He wondered how life in a dark guild that was opposite to his own would change Natsu. Or would he change them?
He heard footsteps approaching. At the faint sound, Erza Knightwalker roused from her slumber. She was breathtaking in the morning, her red hair a mess, her eyes bleary, no defenses up, just a gorgeous woman with a surprisingly cute side to her. Not like King Jellal would ever tell her that! She'd throttle him as soon as she fully woke up.
Those steps sounded urgent, so Jellal pulled the covers up, at least enough to cover his sweetheart. Maybe she did not give much care about privacy, but he was a jealous man who did not want others to see the ampleness of her bosom in their full and exposed glory.
Sure enough, the door opened with hardly a knock and a servant rushed in. "Your highness, another call from that magic land."
"Earthland," he corrected. "I'll be right there." The servant bowed and left. "Rise and shine, my love," he whispered to Knightwalker. She grumbled something, still half asleep. "I'll go on ahead. Get dressed."
Jellal wrapped a robe around that was nice enough to be worn alone. He glanced in a mirror just to make sure his hair was combed down, then place on that royal crown that showed his authority. As he hurried through sunlit halls, he wondered if the time of day was different between their dimensions as well. Did Earthland have longer days? If so, the difference was minor. Then he happened to pass a clock. No, it wasn't a time-shift between dimensions. He just really slept in! He cursed at his laziness. Whenever Erza was in the castle, his nights were always wild and his mornings started much later.
He entered one of the science research rooms where they had the best connection to the magic that linked them to Earthland. He saw Makarov's face, aged and full of wisdom, gentle yet commanding. If he was in another universe, this man would have made an intimidating king.
"Master Makarov," he greeted with a tip of his head.
"Did I catch you at a bad time?" the guild master asked.
"My sincerest apologies. I forgot the date."
"I take it you've had no success in finding Natsu."
Jellal felt a stab of guilt. Surely all of Fairy Tail was worried sick for their teammate. "We … almost had him. A trap was devised, we nearly caught the entire guild, but … Fairy Tail is infamous for being able to escape us. In the days of my father, they made quick getaways an art form. Now, without them knowing our intentions, we can't just walk up, knock on the door, and ask to speak to Natsu Dragneel. We have to snare them, and that is not easy."
Makarov nodded, although he looked concerned. "Well, I certainly can't complain. If anything, I should feel proud that your Fairy Tail is so skilled at escaping even you, Mystogan … King Jellal," he corrected.
"I really do apologize," the young king said wholeheartedly. He saw Knightwalker step in just then, wearing light leather armor instead of her normal attire. "When they escaped, two members did not go with them. We're not positive, but there's a good chance that one of those was Natsu."
Makarov hummed at the news. "Could he be heading toward you?" he asked with a calculating, furrowed brow.
"That's my hope," King Jellal said with a nod. "It's possible he's beginning to realize what danger he's in and will come here to seek help. If Fairy Tail keeps running away … well, I can't imagine a man like Salamander Natsu liking the idea of running and hiding all the time. It's no surprise that he would eventually stop running, even if it meant leaving behind the others. We heard just yesterday that Igneel Dragion was arrested. We've been searching for him for almost two decades. Finding him at this time, after years on the run … I have a gut feeling that Natsu was involved. If that's true, then it means he's heading in this direction from Fairy Tail's last known hideout. Of course, we will continue to hunt down the guild, just in case I'm wrong."
"Another week, then?"
"Give us two. If Natsu is coming here, that's how long it'll take him. I truly am sorry, Master," King Jellal said humbly. He bowed low.
"Sire!" Erza Knightwalker cried out. To see her king demean himself like this to some mere guild master…
Makarov ordered, "Raise your head, King of Edolas, and know your place! We're asking a favor from you, so we have no right to accept your apologies. We should be the ones apologizing for inconveniencing you."
"Yes," Erza growled, but a wave of Jellal's hand held her back from saying more.
"Of course, we will be patient," Makarov assured him. "However, may I make one more request?"
"Anything at all, Master," the king said with a smile. Erza Knightwalker bristled that the king dared to call that tiny old man master.
Makarov glanced behind him briefly, and his voice dropped. "It seems Edo-Natsu needs to be convinced that he's wanted back in Edolas. We still don't know if he must be sent back in order for Natsu Dragneel to return home, but whether that's the case or not, I still want him to know he is loved by his friends there. If you could please bring a few of his friends, that might help us to make things easier, either to send him back or to give him closure."
King Jellal chuckled with fondness. "Ah, yes. Fairy Tail is easy to love and hard to leave. I'll do it if I can, but capturing one Salamander will be hard enough. Ensnaring a few Fairies into our net may be too much to hope for."
"Don't harm them! Just see if they'll come willingly to ask him to return. I'll see you in two weeks, then, Mystogan. Good hunting!"
"May you also have luck with Fireball. Until next time." The scene flashed off. King Jellal stood still for a moment, his brow tense with many thoughts.
"Your highness?" Erza asked, already anticipating what he needed to order.
"Yes, keep searching for Fairy Tail. Also, set scouts to find Natsu Dragneel in case he is no longer with the guild. Scour the lands up to fifty leagues from Grimoire Heart, and all the way in a direct path between there and Royal City. I want him rescued, not captured, understood? He may be sick. He will be dangerous, but let him know it's me who wants to speak with him. At the very least, as an S-class member of Earthland's Fairy Tail, Natsu should respect my request."
"Which squad should I be on?" the red-headed captain asked, knowing this meant she would leave his side once more.
"You've always excelled at hunting Fairies. Can you make peace with them?"
Her eyes narrowed at such a request. "I can … try."
"No harm to them!" he insisted. "One of your snipers already shot a member of Fairy Tail. Never again, Captain Knightwalker!" he shouted, showing his anger. "A truce, bring in a few, with the promise that if they come to help us with the Natsu issue, the entire guild will be pardoned."
"What?" she bellowed.
"You heard me," he glowered. "Full pardon for their cooperation. Now go!"
She could have said many things to him, but her mouth stayed shut tightly. Erza spun around, her short red hair fluttering, and she stomp away.
"If she didn't love me, I swear she'd murder me," Jellal said with an amused smile. "Send out scouts. Find Natsu Dragneel!"
A servant came up to him. "Sire, why so much hassle over one boy?"
"He's not just some boy," King Jellal said with a fond smile. "Natsu is Fairy Tail. The day he leaves, they might as well disband the guild. That guild was my family for a time. That makes Natsu my adopted brother." He smiled gently at the servant. "What would you do if your brother's life was in danger?"
The servant bowed his head in understanding. "Anything in my power to save him, sire."
"Precisely. We'll rescue him, and with any luck we'll send him home to Fairy Tail … where he belongs."
Makarov turned around and gazed at the busy guild. Not many actually watched the discussion as soon as it became apparent that Natsu was still stuck … both Natsus. Most had given a sigh of disappointment and drifted away to talk about how much they were missing that hot-headed pyromaniac. Happy slumped at a nearby table, and Makarov petted his head. He knew the poor Exceed was lost without his best friend. Makarov understood that the task he had given to King Jellal was not easy. They were trying to find a single person in the midst of an entire world. It was searching for a moving needle in a haystack.
The three who stood around were Levy, Freed, and Laxus, since they had to power the device. Erza sat to the side looking grieved that Natsu was still in a strange world and potentially in danger. Laxus walked off muttering "He's strong; he'll be fine," with Freed following right at his heels.
Levy timidly walked up to the old man. "Master." Her fingers twisted together. "About Lucy."
"I know," he said, and he gazed over to the troublesome double.
Natsu Dragion sat alone. As soon as he heard that they needed two more weeks, he looked both relieved and troubled. He had walked off, not wanting to be of more trouble, and got himself a strong drink. Now he sat with Lisanna. His hunched shoulders and nervously shifting eyes showed that meek side that made him so completely different from Salamander. He did not join into conversations. He just sat and squeaked if anyone spoke directly to him.
The one person who was suspiciously not present was Lucy. Makarov had heard the rumors: a mission that almost went bad, a fight between Fireball Natsu and Loke, harsh words were exchanged, threats made, and Lucy took off, leaving Edo-Natsu and his car. Now the Edolas boy was staying with Lisanna. Lucy had not been to the guild since then.
Makarov picked up Happy and held him like a toddler, petting his head in a fatherly way. He walked over to the doppelgänger, and he realized that Happy did not like to look at this man who was not his Natsu. It was a troubling situation. Some people in the guild liked Dragion. Some could hardly stand him. Everyone wanted their own Natsu back, there was no questioning that. Natsu Dragneel was a vital element of the guild. He was family!
So what was this double who wanted to stay? Was he family now? Could they deal with Natsu twins? The thought made Makarov shudder.
"Well, Mister Dragion," Makarov began, and the pink-haired boy gave a yelp and cringed back timidly. "It seems you'll be with us two more weeks."
"I … I still want … t-to stay, if I can," he stuttered. "If I can't, I understand, but … but if I can … th-that's what I want."
"The decision will be yours, when the time comes," Makarov said. He pet Happy's head some more. "But realize, we're not leaving Natsu Dragneel over there."
"N-no! No, I get that," he said, but he cowered down. "It … it still isn't certain, right? I mean, m-maybe … maybe he can come back and I can stay. I … wanna stay here, if I can. I can drive here!" he said with a bit more passion before sinking back down. "I can't drive in Edolas. There's nothing for me there. Nothing at all. I wanna stay where I can drive." He gripped his hands as if holding a steering wheel and whispered, "Driving is my life."
Makarov really did pity the boy. "If it's at all possible, you'd be welcome in Fairy Tail."
Those green eyes lit up, and for a moment Makarov saw the smile of another little brat he had trained here in Earthland.
"So, where are you staying now?" the guild master asked.
"Oh! Um … L-Lisanna. She … I mean, we knew each other in Edolas, so … so I'm sleeping with her." He suddenly blushed. "I-I-I mean, not sleeping with her, but … staying … in her place … with Mira and Elfman too."
Makarov smiled in hopes of calming him down. "And Lucy?"
His eyes dropped with loneliness. "I dunno. She's not talking to me. I … really screwed up."
Makarov had hoped to separate the two to make the possibility that Fireball might need to leave a little less traumatic. Now, he felt bad for the two. His plan had worked, but it was probably cruel. "Perhaps you could try just being friends."
His frown deepened. "Maybe," he whispered. "Is everyone else sick of me?"
Lisanna suddenly leaned over and hugged him. "I'm not. I missed having you around, you crazy gear-head." She ruffled up his pink hair playfully.
Edo-Natsu smiled at her sheepishly, glad he still had one friend in this world. "If things really do end up awkward, I could always drive away. I'm used to being on the road more than in a guild. I … might do that. Just drive off for two weeks, if that's okay."
"Just be back before the next meeting," Makarov said sternly.
"Yeah, I'd come back with plenty of time to spare. Just … I dunno if I like being in a crowd like this every single day. Once in a while, sure, but it's really exhausting."
Makarov patted his arm. "We all must live in the way that is most comfortable to us. Find your own path, Dragion."
He gazed toward the door. "My own path," he mused. He recalled the lyrics to his favorite song. "Drive me down that sunset road, down that road that leads to home." He sighed as he realized he had a lot to think about. "Um, Lisanna, sorry but … I'm gonna go for a drive."
"Are you leaving town already?" she asked sadly.
"No, just gotta think things through. I think better in a car."
"Be careful," she pouted.
He grinned at her confidently. Then he left to where he had parked his car. He climbed in, started the engine, and instantly his confidence surged. He smiled to himself. He would be all right. Even if Lucy was mad at him, even if this meant they had broken up—he wasn't sure, to be honest—he would be okay. So long as he had his car and some gas to go, he would be fine.
Which was why he did not ever want to return to Edolas. It was a prison of fears and anxieties. Earthland's magic granted him freedom and confidence.
He had fallen in love, not only with Lucy, but with Earthland.
Later that evening, Lucy sat at her window, gazing at the peacefulness of the river that flowed by her home. She waved to some of the boatmen who knew her, and she sighed as the setting sun cast the whole world in a pink hue. She glanced down at her guild mark. The rosy glow almost made her mark blend in with her skin. It had become such a deep part of her, a family after she lost everything.
Except, she was missing one family member.
Just as she was thinking sadly of how much she missed her crazy pyromaniac, an equally crazy driver pulled up in front of her house. She got up, knowing she would need to let him in, so by the time he knocked she was already at the door.
Edo-Natsu stood on the threshold timidly, but with her nearby he felt more confidence than he normally did outside of a car.
"I said some harsh things on that mission," he began, leaping right into it with the same abandonment as Natsu Dragneel often had. "I apologize. I'll apologize to Loke as well, if you want. I just … I sensed that those two were trying to drive us apart. I didn't like it, and I lost control. Instead, I was the one who put a roadblock between us. I never wanted that."
"Natsu," she said softly, glancing to the side, unsure how to reply.
"They were right, in a way. I have two more weeks, but … how many more reprieves will I get?" he asked in dread. "I'm glad I can stay, but I see how sad everyone else is. You, too. I can't keep that Other-Me from you, no matter how much I love you. Still, at least for me," he said quietly, looking at her with cautious hope, "the risk of heartache in the future is worth the precious memories I can form in the present. I'd rather deal with a broken heart than with a million what-if regrets for doing nothing at all. I'll worry about trouble when I get to that part of the road, but my focus is the highway in front of me, not what's around the next bend."
He took her fingers and squeezed them.
"I don't want to stay away from you," he whispered. "Even if I eventually have to leave Earthland—and I really hope I don't need to—I still want this time in my life to belong to you. Maybe that's greedy or even foolish, but … but…" He shrugged sheepishly. "…no one ever said I was a smart man."
He felt her hands tighten on his, and he felt bolstered by that silent response.
"I love you, Lucy … so deeply, it scares me. Please … please take me back," he begged.
She sighed and hugged him. "I forgive you," she whispered into his ear.
He let out a sigh of relief. Then Lucy pulled back, and her eyes landed on his lips. Slowly, filled with desire but held back by uncertainties, Edo-Natsu leaned forward, gazing at her mouth, remembering the softness. Gently, their lips touched in a tender kiss of reconciliation. It was just a peck. That was all for now.
"Tomorrow," she decided, "I'll bring out Loke. You have to apologize to him as well," she said firmly in demand.
"I will."
"And to Gray."
Edo-Natsu smiled lightly. "I already did. No offense, but Gray Surge was my best friend in Edolas. I went to Gray's house first after I calmed down. He's cool. We made up and shared a drink. I came second to you because … well, I wasn't sure what to say to you. I hurt you far worse. I needed to ask Gray for some advice."
"Fairy Tail is good at forgiving," she said with a smile.
"Yeah, I've noticed," he chuckled. "I'm really glad for that. I tend to do a lot of stupid stuff when I'm in my car."
Lucy slid a hand up his arm. "I don't mind when we do stupid things."
His mouth dropped in shock, and he blinked bewilderedly as his brain insisted she could not mean what he hoped she meant. "You … y-y-you didn't … um … mind?"
"Of course not," she chuckled. "Oh! I … I don't mean I want to. Well, not right now. I mean, I don't not want to," she clarified, feeling her cheeks burning up, "but I'm not saying … um…" She cut off as she felt just as awkward as him. "We … we could do something tonight. A date? Maybe watch a movie, or go out for ice cream, or … or I can just see you tomorrow morning if you don't want to stay here."
"N-No!" he cried out. "I mean, if you … um … if you don't mind. I … I liked … sleeping with you. I mean," he cringed, "sleeping here! Here! In your place. Not … not with you precisely, or … well I did, but I don't mean … um … I'm gonna shut up now," he sighed in defeat.
Lucy bit on her lower lip to hold back her laughter. That adorable bashfulness … she missed him. "I want you back," she said quietly.
His eyes turned up, first in shock, then instantly in joy. Impulsively, he wrapped his arms around her. She was way too cute! Only his Heartfilia girl could look so adorable. In a soft and passionate voice, he told her, "Tonight, I want to sit under the stars with you, gaze at them from inside the car. We can see where things go from there."
With her heart racing, she nodded.
He hugged her and kissed the top of her head. As she snuggled into his chest, he glanced around. On Lucy's writing desk, there was a picture of the team: Erza, Gray, Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, Carla, and Happy. He looked at how the Fire Dragon Slayer had his arm wrapped around Lucy as he laughed and had fire in his mouth.
"I want Natsu Dragneel to come home," he said decisively. "You'll always be so sad without him here. You miss him, right?"
"Yes," she whispered. "A lot. He's destructive and annoying at times, but … Natsu … he's…"
"He's part of your life, a member of your family," Fireball said with understanding. "Gray too, and even Loke. I'll work on tolerating Loke," he muttered. "They're all special to you, a part of your heart, and I want all those pieces of your heart to be together." He caressed her cheek and gazed at her warmly. "I want to see you smile with absolutely no hint of loneliness."
Tears came to her eyes. "Natsu!" she sighed.
He bopped her on the nose. "But don't flirt with him. I'd hate to get jealous over another Me."
She laughed and shook her head. "You're the one I fell for."
He kissed her gently, savoring the softness of her lips and the warmth of the breath tickling him from her nostrils. He stroked her long hair and inhaled her scent.
"Let's take that drive," he said. Holding her hand firmly, he led Lucy out of her apartment and to the waiting car.
End of Chapter 30
A/N: Because I know someone will mention it, I wrote the line "Natsu is Fairy Tail. The day he leaves, they might as well disband the guild" a few weeks before Chapter 416 came out. It's just a freaky coincidence.
- 29
- 30
- 31
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Wheels of Fire