Fairy Tail, Guild Hall.
"We're back!" Natsu kicked the guild's door without care. But this time, Happy wasn't the only one accompanying him. A purple-haired woman followed, observing the inside in silence and curiosity.
"Oh? Our Ace has returned!"
"Good work out there."
"Welcome back, Natsu-nii!"
"Those doors are gonna break sooner or later…"
Macao was talking with Wakaba like usual, and greeted the dragon slayer when he heard the strong thud of the poor entrance. "Thanks for your efforts, Natsu. Although, I don't need to remind you again to take a break once in a while, right?" One person could only do so much on their own.
"I know, I know. The guild's fine by now, so I'm already plannin' to tone it down anyway." Natsu looked at Nab, who went back to his usual loitering. "Can't be having the quest board empty." He could only sweatdrop with a speechless expression.
Macao chuckled a little bit. "I'm glad you're aware. The Ace shouldn't overexert himself." He then noticed the new face with him, raising his eyebrow at Natsu. "And this is…?"
"I'm gonna get to that! Just wait for a moment." The pink-haired young man glanced around as everyone were being occupied by their own activities. "Guys! I have something to tell you all!" His loud voice caught all of their attention.
"What's up, Natsu?"
"Knowing him, maybe it would be something crazy."
"Did he destroy living property again?"
Natsu patted the shoulders of the stoic woman beside him. "She'll be joining our guild from now on. Make sure you all welcome her properly!" He showed her a thumbs up as he smiled, assuring her that it's fine to introduce herself now.
Kagura stepped forward, bowing her head slightly. "Greetings. My name is Kagura Mikazuchi… I'll be in your guild's care starting today. It is a pleasure to meet you all." Her stoic and regal demeanor made it a bit awkward, but she expressed her first impression with no issue.
Only silence filled the hall afterwards, making her wonder if she carried herself wrong---
"Welcome to the guild, Kagura!
"A new member!? That's rad!"
"Yeah, I didn't think anyone would be interested after what happened."
"She cute too!"
"Dad…"
She was surprised at the warm reception as her eyes darted back towards Natsu. He had an encouraging smile that felt truly bright. Kagura unconsciously responded with one as well, even if it was a small upward curve.
The rest wanted to get to know her better, so conversations were lively. This was more so for Laki, Kinana and Bisca. They pulled her into their group and made sure she was comfortable.
Natsu and Happy left them to their own devices, as they currently rested on one of their favorite tables to use. Prior to taking that dark guild extermination quest and meeting Kagura, they actually picked up a lot more quests this week. Frankly speaking, the dragon slayer's eagerness was to blame, and Happy was simply a casualty.
The duo were motionless as soon as they felt the bench. The Exceed in particular was complaining. "Natsu… Never snatch that many quests again… Too many things happening at once." He sighed in exhaustion.
Natsu's head was on the wide rectangular space again. "Yeah, I hear ya. We just had to make sure Fairy Tail's name didn't go down the gutter. Completing a goal like that feels satisfying, don't you think?" A proud tone sounded from his tired voice.
"You're right. But it's a good thing we're partners, Natsu. I don't think anybody who's a normal mage will go along with your decisions. I better be gifted lots of fish for this." Happy's tail swayed at the thought of it.
The dragon slayer chuckled. "Sure thing, buddy. We'll go to those lakes again in the forest. There should be fresh batches around this time."
"Aye! Huhuhu~ I can't wait!"
They continued to relax for a while, surprisingly not having the energy to join in one the fun. Kagura's arrival meant that mandatory celebrations are in order. The guild was even livelier than usual, spreading joy and laughter.
Natsu felt sleepy and was ready to take a quick nap, but before he could do so, someone called out to him.
"Natsu-san."
Kagura walked towards their table, her steps were a lot lighter as she was also influenced by the radiant atmosphere. She sat beside him while petting Happy's head in the process.
"How was it? Think you'd fit right in?" Natsu asked as he lifted his head, looking directly at her eyes that already holds the answer to his question.
The swordswoman's expression softened. "Yes. This environment is similar to my village… I like it here." She lifted her the sleeves of her right arm, showing the guild's mark located on her shoulders.
He raised an eyebrow at that, since it he it was the same location as his. But he just shrugged it off and smiled. "That's good to hear! You're now an official member, so I should say this to you before I forget."
"What is it, Natsu-san?" Kagura asked curiously.
"Hehe! Welcome to Fairy Tail, Kagura!"
The dragon slayer elevated his hand, indicating for a high-five. The stoic woman paused for a moment, before showing a smile she simply reserved for the young man in front of her. She followed suit and accepted the high-five.
"Thank you. I'll cherish this moment for the rest of my life." Kagura gently put a hand on her chest, her cold expression crumbling.
"No need to get so chummy! You're part of the family now." Natsu stood up, suddenly having the energy again to bring some chaos. He urged the woman beside him. "C'mon, let's go! I'm feeling great right now, and it's time to bring back the daily brawls!" He eagerly went to the crowd.
"E-Eh? Brawls? Natsu-san, wait! What do you mean by that?"
Happy opened one eye and glanced at the clueless gravity mage, whose face slowly turned more frightening when said brawls started. He shuddered at the sense of familiarity, making sure to not move too much.
Oh boy. I hope to see you intact after this, Natsu...
That day, everybody understood that this seemingly reserved and quiet woman could transform into their worst nightmare. Still, the addition brought more liveliness like always.
…
After Kagura joined, these two weeks were to help her assimilate into guild life. A room in Fairy Hills was given to her, and the space was enough to organize her thoughts. Everything happened too fast recently ever since she met the loud and lovable dragon slayer.
It wasn't really a bad thing. She didn't regret her choice at all.
Following that, the concept of quests jobs were new to her. She took them solo, while also comparing her experiences when she just traveled around. It was a bit different, since these clients were either normal or obnoxious.
She had to consider the reputation of her guild, or else she might just whack them with her weapon. Fortunately, her mental training throughout the years filtered it very well, and her completion efficiency was at a hundred percent.
Life was good, and she had all the time in the world to contemplate about what she really wanted.
It was another day in the guild, opening the doors as she entered. The first thing that she did was look for a certain pink-haired young man. She saw him at his usual table, accompanied by his trusty blue cat.
"Natsu-san." Kagura called out to him.
Hearing her voice prompted him to stand in attention. He saluted. "Ah! K-Kagura! Don't worry, I wasn't planning on fighting in the hall at all!" Natsu comically reported his status for today.
His announcement brought out chuckles from the others, making his face twitch in annoyance. Although he didn't dare to taunt them for now, since he might get his ass beat to tomorrow.
Kagura also gazed at him with amusement in her stoic features, understanding his thought process more and more as the days pass by.
"It's a lie, Kagura. He was about to start another one before you arrived." Happy ratted him out with no remorse.
Natsu quickly widened his eyes as he shut his Exceed's mouth. "Oi! We're supposed to be partners here, damn it! Why are you trying to get me killed!?" He paled as he looked back at the woman's darkened expression.
"Well, it's fun to see you scared, Natsu." Happy's muffled voice went through his hand.
"What the hell!?"
Kagura shook her head and sighed, not really in the mood to punish him. "I'll let you go for today, Natsu-san." She walked towards the bar to order food and drinks, while the young man in question cheered.
"Hah! Take that guys! I'm on my best behavior today." Natsu crossed his arms as he nodded in a boasting manner.
"Boo! You were ready for one just a few minutes ago!"
"I was about to get you to pay another set of bills, Natsu. That's too bad."
"How sly, Macao. You're becoming more like a swindler than a Master."
"Hey! We can't afford an unlimited number of repairs, you know! I'm starting to understand Third Master's suffering…"
Kagura returned with her order, and sat down beside the dragon slayer. She also bought some for the both of them, and they thanked her for it. Natsu and Happy ate with gusto, in contrast to the proper etiquette she displayed.
But somehow, they were simply comfortable with one another. A dynamic that Natsu had with other women who developed close relationships with him. Although it's a mystery if he'd ever notice such things…
"I can tell that you're blending in nicely." Natsu started to talk as he ate. "Heck, you'd actually get mistaken for being an experienced member. That's just amazing, don't ya think?" He glanced at the woman who was eating with him, having small blush on her face.
"It's nothing to brag about, Natsu-san. My experiences in roaming around Fiore were a big help in these endeavors." She coughed in slight embarrassment.
"Ya don't need to downplay it. And you're also very strong." He awkwardly remembered the scabbard that messed him up in these recent times.
"If you say so… Then I shall accept your compliments." Kagura giggled. They continued consuming their meals in comfortable silence.
After a while, she began to stare at Natsu. Other than getting to know everybody here, Kagura inquired about that news relating to Tenrou Island. She wasn't aware about the full context regarding it, and only realized it with how close some of the members are here.
I'm not mad at you for asking about it, Kagura. Macao said to her. I can tell that you just want to help the guild as best as you can, considering we're lacking in individual strength.
Some… were all people I knew for more than a decade, and I witnessed them grow up from their childhoods. Most of them had no home to return to, and the guild accepted them with open arms.
Natsu in particular, He obviously sees everyone as family, but there were definitely few who he can consider as very close. And to suddenly receive news like that… Even with that smile of his, assuring us that he's fine, it isn't that easy to move on.
Heh… Maybe that's why he did that speech. For us to embrace that pain and move forward, even if they're not here. Yet… we're still conducting search parties for that tiny hope, no matter how useless it may seem.
He joined the second one, and the search was a failure. This was during his exploits to stabilize the guild, but he still greeted us with that loud and warm personality after returning… That's Natsu for you, always creating a strong front.
But I think you can heal him, albeit very slowly. You reminded me of how Lucy quickly became close to him, so… maybe it's worth a shot. We all owe it to him, and we can't allow him to quietly suffer for us, because that's not how Fairy Tail works!
Kagura remembered Macao's words so clearly, not noticing that her ice-cold stare made the dragon slayer fidget fearfully. Happy enjoyed it though, awaiting for the possible beating that may happen.
"Natsu-san."
"Y-Yes Ma'am!"
"Let's form a team."
"Eh?" Natsu stopped trembling, and perked up as a result. He simply smiled in excitement. "Sure! Who wouldn't want to team up with someone strong like you? I'm fired up!" He accepted it no problem.
Kagura also smiled, observing his cute reaction.
She definitely liked this new start of hers.