The Gifted Mermaid➳Nalu

Chapter 9: Changing Direction

"Natsu, how did you meet Lucy?" Sting asked as the Fairy Tail Captain walked back up to the upper dock, a stressed and worried look on his face.

Natsu smiled at the memory, he couldn't forget how shy she was. "On Riduele, well we had just stopped because it's known for its rare spices and herbs that Mira wanted. We all just went to look around, and for a while I was with Gray, Lisanna, and Happy."

Sting noticed his expression change, him letting out a tired laugh. "I was pissed off from Gray and I just decided to leave them, I needed some alone time. I was purchasing this sword-" Natsu pulled the blade only halfway from its protective sheath, then sliding it back into place. "-and the lass just ran straight into me. She was gettin' chased by these three guys who wanted her for the money and ways to the Mesidian Sea."

"Could those be the men who attacked Riduele? They were both after the same thing." Sting mindlessly said, trying to piece information together.

Natsu's eyes widened as he pictured the three faces, instantly feeling a fire growing within him. "It's gotta be, there's no other way. That bastard Harley." His voice was distasteful as he spat his name, wanting to rip his heartless soul from his body the next time he'd see him.

"So if it's true...someone's after Lucy. It may be one specific person, but they've got their hands on a whole crew to help them." Sting warned, quickly coming to a conclusion. "Take her to Sohona. If her father's there, you may be able to get more answers since he knew Riduele was going to be attacked."

Natsu nodded in agreement, biting his tongue for a second. "I know it's risky for everyone, but I'm doin' it."

Sting and Natsu finished their conversation, shaking hands and Sting swinging back across to his ship with Lector behind.

As the sun set, Sabertooth retreated to their ship, saying their last goodbyes before heading towards another place to send help for Riduele.

Natsu crossed his arms, staring at the ground lost in thought. He wondered how Jude Heartfilia had known to send a warning to Lucy, it didn't add up. Wouldn't the attack been an ambush? No Captain of any crew would spill their plans to the enemy...

Unless that's exactly what they did to pressure Jude.

___________

As always, Natsu was on the upper deck steering the ship over bumpy waves, holding in something that felt like throw up. "Oi, this gets old fast." He mumbled, placing one hand over his mouth as his face turned a shade of blue, the color darker than a blueberry.

"Aye! You better pray you don't throw up when Lucy walks up!" Happy laughed while Natsu gave him a glare for a second, but leaned over from his stomach that churned. "Ugh....I need a break." He managed to breath before severely coughing, disgusting the both of them.

"It's only been half an hour."

"Shut up, cat."

"Lemme steer the damn thing Cap'n, I'll take the shift for now." Erza moved Natsu out of the way and took his position, grabbing onto the wheel with both hands sternly.

Natsu took a few steps and held his stomach with one hand while covering his mouth with the other. "Thanks Erza, I owe ya one." He keeled over, a serious headache throbbing in his head. Ever since he was a child he found out about his motion sickness, but it wasn't as bad as it used to be.