Ruthless Winds and Raging Seas

Chapter 37

They made it back to the ship and got right back on their course for Tendrou Island. But during the trip Natsu had become very depressed and he didn't know why.

"You feeling alright?" Gray asked noticing how depressed his oldest friend looked.

"Yeah I'm fine." He sighed.

"You don't look fine."

"I guess I just haven't eaten in awhile that's all."

"That's it?" Gray said not quite convinced by his words.

"That's it."

"Natsu you know you can tell me anything right?"

"I know."

"So why won't you tell me what's really bothering you?"

"I did. I'm just hungry."

"Please, you never get depressed when you're hungry. Crabby yes but never depressed so what's really got you down?"

"I'm not depressed."

"Yes you are. It's written all over your face."

"Leave me alone Gray! Why do you always have to play the priest?"

"Hey I'm just trying to help. There's no need to get angry."

"Can't you just accept my answer and be satisfied with that?"

"I don't want to but I will if that's what you want."

"Thank you because right now I don't want you to drag me to the nearest pope to make a confession."

"Natsu I'm protestant. Confessions to the pope is Catholic."

"Whatever."

Just then Laxus walked into the captain's quarters.

"I just spoke with Gajeel." He said. "According to him we should reach the island in two hours."

"Good to hear." Natsu said.

"I think now would be a good time to get a tear from that creature."

"She has a name Laxus." Gray said.

"Who cares? We need to get that key made."

"Agreed. Gray bring her in." Natsu said.

"Yeah about that." Gray said. "There's a bit of a complication."

"What do you mean?"

"She can't cry."

"What do you mean she can't cry?"

"I mean she can't cry. She told me one night that she's never cried once in her life. She says that mermaids can't cry."

"If that's true then why the hell is a mermaid's tear needed to make the key?"

"I don't know! I don't make the rules! The point is she can't give us a tear."

"Oh I think I know a way we can get some tears out of her." Natsu said holding up a knife.

"Natsu you don't mean..." Gray trailed off in fear.

"We just chop up some onions and she'll be crying tears in no time."

"Oh..." His religious friend sighed in relief. "You had me worried for a minute."

"I don't think onions is the answer here." Laxus said. "No one on this ship cries because of onions except you."

"Alright do any of you have any better alternatives?"

At the moment Juvia happened to be walking by the cabin and the door was left cracked open. When she heard her name being mentioned, she quietly stayed hidden and listened in on the conversation.