The Paradox of Time - A Fairy Tail Fanfic

Chapter 13

Lucy, Wendy, and Happy were all sitting on Natsu's couch, casually conversing about each other's lives. They chatted about various topics, but the celestial mage couldn't help but wonder just how bizarre this all was.

Just the day before, Lucy was told that her best friend had become Fiore's darkest mage, all because of a time-travel mission gone wrong. So, along with Gray and Erza, Lucy had spent the entire day researching in order to understand how this came to be.

But now, here she was, sitting on the infamous Salamander's couch, chatting with Wendy and his cat. And as it turns out, this new Natsu is nothing like how everyone said he would be.

Lucy had decided that this was a perfect opportunity to find out more about Natsu and Happy, because any information could be useful to relay it back to Gray and Erza. And thankfully, the blue cat made it all the easier for Lucy as he rambled on about his life in Dark Sparrows. From this, Lucy had learned that it was in fact Diesel and Ruby who took care of him and Natsu when they were younger.

"So... You and Natsu grew up in your guild?"

Happy nodded, munching on his very own fish. "Yep," he said between mouthfuls. "Natsu found me when I was just an egg! We've been best pals ever since."

"Happy, you should really meet my cat, Carla. She's very nice, and I bet you two would get along great." Wendy said, her legs politely crossed. Her petite form was swallowed by one of Natsu's black hoodies, the loose top fitting her like a dress. Lucy had one of his shirts on as well, accompanied with baggy sweatpants. Happy had overheard Lucy complaining earlier that she felt dirty from not taking a bath, and he ended up throwing fresh clothes at them and insisting for them to feel at home and to use the shower.

"Carla! Even her name sounds pretty!" Happy's eyes lit up, and he hugged his fish, captivated by his own daydream.

Lucy noticed how Wendy's smile fell, and the young girl lowered her gaze with dismay. "Happy..." She started, gripping the edge of her hoodie-dress. "How did you end up in a dark guild? You don't seem like the type to be doing evil. And even Natsu... he is known to destroy towns and to burn people, but even now I'm starting to believe he is being made to do that against his will."

Happy released his hug on the fish, tilting his head. "Well, it's like what I said; Natsu found me. But for Natsu... I guess when he was a kid, Diesel and Ruby found him. We've all been a family ever since."

Lucy nodded. If her hunch was correct, then Happy was talking about the day they went back in time— July 7, x777. Her only guess was that the Dark Sparrows had got to young Natsu before Gramps did. That has to be it.

"So... you like your guild?" Wendy asked, ever so hesitantly.

"I guess. The members there can be a bit scary, but as long as I'm with Natsu or Siren, then I know I'm safe! Did you know that they are the youngest mages in our guild to be ranked S-class?"

Lucy shivered at the name Siren. That was the girl's name from Solona Village, wasn't it? She had pink hair matching Natsu, but her darker skin tone complemented his pale complexion. And when she saw them yesterday, they both sported black clothes, with piercings decorating their ears and partially shaved heads. They looked like the cutest couple. Lucy felt anger bubble inside of her. Why was she even feeling this way? It's the old Natsu I like, not this one. And I will get him back.

"Oh, okay. Just be careful, then. I wouldn't want you getting hurt again." Wendy said, her tone obviously disheartened. Lucy hadn't noticed before, but she could now see how much Wendy had come to a liking with Happy. Lucy could even see that she is opening up to Natsu as well, considering the talk they had this morning.