Keeping Secrets

A Simple Mistake

Well, here we are. Back to chapter one! Hope everyone has enjoyed the ride so far! Now buckle up, this is an angsty one...

KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 20: A SIMPLE MISTAKE

"Huh? No way am I riding in one of those moving death traps! We could just teleport back! What happened to avoiding transportation and people?"

Zeref sighed at Natsu's stubbornness. "Natsu, this isn't about what we want to do... this is about playing a part. We won, the war is over, and thus, patriotism is at an all-time high. You, and I, as well as all the other soldiers... even Jackal... we're heroes, in everyday peoples' eyes. So, we sit in the military vehicles with the other soldiers, smile and wave as we pass through the towns on the way back to the capital as the people cheer... it's actually kinda fun. I thought you would like it, honestly."

Natsu snorted. "I can have fun doing that while I walk. I don't see a point in making myself miserable by getting vehicles involved. No way is Irene on board with this either."

"Irene's staying here to help organize rebuilding efforts and help reestablish the government. But if you really want it that way, suit yourself." Zeref said, shrugging.

Natsu later wished he had just put up with the discomfort, even if they were taking the long way back to Vistarion, and it would take three whole days.

Or lent Zeref his scarf for the whole trip.

But he had no way of knowing what was waiting on them when they got back to the capital.

The first day went fine. Natsu, and Jackal, who'd faithfully offered to walk with his 'boss', kept up with the military convoy as they passed through towns on the way home, smiling and waving at the cheering crowds. It was fun, and Natsu was happy to see the relief on everyone's faces, especially in the towns they passed through in Devereaux, that the conflict was resolved, and Ashford and his people were behind bars.

Day two was when the big problem happened. Their convoy had stopped for the night and made camp. One second Natsu remembered laughing and talking with his brother and the others, and the next, Jackal was standing over him yelling something.

".... boss! Come on! WAKE UP!"

Natsu shot up, Jackal's voice reverberating through his ears. "I'm up, jeez, what-" As he got up and looked around, Natsu's eyes widened, finding the campsite empty of everyone and everything but him and Jackal. "What happened? Where is everyone?"

"They left us behind!!! How could they?!" Jackal yelled dramatically.

Natsu scowled, and pulled out his communication lacrima, to find it was 13:00... he slept that long?!

He called Zeref, who surprisingly picked up very quickly. "Yes?" Natsu didn't miss the amusement in his brother's voice.

"What gives? You think it's funny just leavin us here?" Natsu shouted into his lacrima.

"Calm down, little brother." Zeref said. "We tried to get both of you up before you left. Even drove one of the big trucks up to where you guys were sleeping and honked. But neither of you budged. Guess trying to keep up with us all day yesterday took a lot more out of you both than you thought it would. Wanting to respect your choice not to ride in vehicles, we had no choice but to leave... but it's a straight shot, you'll catch up to us in no time!"

Natsu scowled, and grumbled into the lacrima, "What time did you leave?"

"Hmmmmm... about 09:00, I think?"