Keeping Secrets

Invictus

So, things are a bit calmer for the next few chapters. I got self-conscious about that when I wrote chapters seven and eight, but everyone seemed to like them, so I hope y'all enjoy these as well.

ALSO! Spot of Tea on A03 drew a scene from the last chapter- the part where Natsu defeats Larcade's famished soul spell by attempting to eat Larcade! It's included as the cover photo for this chapter!

Thanks again so much Tea! Follow her on Tumblr, she posts a lot of good stuff- https://spot-of-tea.tumblr.com/

Might as well take this opportunity to tell you to follow me too, I post bad memes, sometimes- https://www.tumblr.com/blog/slitheryowl

Keeping Secrets CHP 12: INVICTUS

'Erza' narrowed her eyes and scowled. "How would you know- oh that's right. I forgot. His Majesty told me that you and that brat were part of the same wizard guild."

Now that Natsu's senses had returned, he could make out the woman in front of him in absolute clarity, and he could see that she wasn't Erza. They were VERY similar but there were also some noticeable differences between Erza and this woman. For one, her hair was longer, and she had a big hat, kinda reminding Natsu of a witch from kid's story books. Plus, her voice sounded different, and her scent... well it did kinda smell like Erza, but it also smelled... like a dragon?

"Uh...haha, sorry. I've been out of it for a bit it seems. It's just, you look a lot like a friend from my guild." Natsu smiled. "I'm Natsu, by the way!"

Not Erza didn't lose the scowl, but her body seemed to relax, and she stopped narrowing her eyes. "Yes, Your Highness. I'm well aware of who you are." Her brow furrowed, and then she offered, "Sorry, I shouldn't be so short with you. My name is Irene Belserion, of the Spriggan 12."

"Oh! My brother told me about you! He said you helped out a lot with my dragon seed thingy. Thanks for helping him save me!"

Irene smirked. "Well, good. It was no walk in the park, getting you back to normal. You have a very grouchy and overprotective dragon living inside you."

"Hey, Igneel's not grouchy!" Natsu exclaimed, not liking that she had something ill to say about his foster father.

Irene sighed. "Sorry, sorry. I have a... distaste for dragons, is all. I know he was just trying to protect you. Anyways... as for the reason I resemble your friend so much, it's because she is my daughter."

"Oh, that makes sense." Natsu said, the gravity of Irene's sentence hitting him moments later. "WHAT?! YOU'RE ERZA'S MAMMA?!" He screamed.

Irene clenched her eyes shut for a moment, grimacing from Natsu's outburst. "I am, and as a dragon slayer, I thought you'd be more mindful of your volume."

"Oh, uh, sorry." Natsu said, smiling and scratching his neck. "I was just really surprised, ya know. I didn't know Erza's parents were still alive... she said she was an orphan before that cul-"

"I understand your shock, but with all due respect, Your Highness, let me set a couple things straight. Firstly, Erza's father is most definitely dead. Secondly, I left her in that village because I had no need for a useless brat to drag around. That is all I wish to say about her, and going forward, I would appreciate you not bringing her up in my presence." With that, Irene walked towards the door. "Seems your brother is almost here so I'll leave you be. It was nice meeting you, Your Highness, and I'm glad you're alright." At that, Irene departed.

Natsu balled his hands into fists and clenched his teeth. HOW COULD SOMEONE SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT ABOUT THEIR OWN DAUGHTER?

The door to Natsu's room was practically flung open and a very exhausted looking Zeref rushed inside. "Natsu!" Zeref smiled the biggest grin he'd ever seen his brother smile.