Picnic For Two [Private/Natsu]

Fresh air. Blue skies. A cool breeze.

This was indeed the perfect day for the seven year old Fairy Tail wizard to endeavor in his culinary skills to surprise his parents and peers. Since Junpei was often left a lot of free time, he had decided to learn how to cook, often wanting to surprise his friends and family with tasty treats. Some came out half-decent and the others came out looking like black rocks. So he was out, away but near Magnolia, in search of a variety of seasonings, fruits, and nuts that weren't already hoarded by the forest's furry critters.

"Hmmhmhmm..." Hummed Junpei, looking at his feet and skipping across the ground with a wooden basket hanging from the grasp of his digits of his right hand, filled with nuts and fruits. Everyday was oddly innocent to him, not once had he had regretted any of them. Well... perhaps the times he had failed to cook. But suddenly, the chirping of the birds had ceased, the small bodies of water which the minnows had darted across would halt, and only a forest clearing would lie before him. Lost for words, Junpei stared with a glimmer in his eyes, struck with awe. Only the warm breeze and the rustle of leaves brushing against one another had greeted him. The locks of black hair clung to the routes of the winds and fell to the sides of his skull. "Pretty..." He mumbled under his breath.

His leg had slightly ascended upon the crust to take another step, but blinded by awe, he managed to slip over nothing and tumble to ground with his rear in the air and jaw colliding with the dirt, though covered in long, soft blades of green grass. As the same blades tickled the tip of his nose, he sneezed a sneeze so powerful, it caused to to roll onto his back with the  contents of the basket scattered about. "Owwie... huh?" He turned to face the messied nuts and berries. "Oh no... geez!" He jerked his head upon the sight of the mess and panicked, hurrying to place them back into the basket in a haste. "L-Lets see! One... Two..." But, a figure in the near distance had been found notable within his sights. "Huh?" His panic had halted and was overwhelmed with a sudden hesitation, "H-Hello?" He called out, wondering if it was only the miscommunication of the silent winds.

AND NOW ITS ENDING IN MY RESURRECTION

Tired. Hungry.

Those two offences alone were enough to inflict pain within her form, the heated weather of Magnolia hardly evaded within the shade of lush canopy trees. After departing from the one person she never wanted to assemble with, she had not stopped moving. Through even the night that left her feeling lonely, sleep could never seem like an option, when all that was on her mind was this and that. It was almost like she was back in that time again. Trapped with the very realization, that those whom embarked on darkening roads, knew of the secrets she carried. She couldn't help but feel nauseous now knowing that somebody... somebody who cared about her, knew everything about her. Would he tell the others? Would the people she treasured covertly within her heart, look at her differently? She didn't want to know that answer. In all honesty, the vermillion-haired girl just wanted to disappear. If she could do that, then maybe she wouldn't have to burden the thought of loosing those that drew close to her. After all... there was nobody that could promise to stick by her side through thick and thin, while enraptured in the grasp of time's flow. Because for her time never happened.

Slender hands ambled from tree to tree, supporting her as she endeavoured just to keep walking. Where was she even going? By this point she would hit town, and that was somewhere she did not want to be. Nobody really knew her. Though, some part of paranoia deluged her emotions that maybe somebody she did know was awaiting her appearance in that place. Pausing slightly in her movement, breathing ragged, a voice called out into the distance, startling her as her shoulders tensed. Large blue eyes peered behind the tree she stood aside, noticing that it was just a mer boy that knelt there, basket of berries and nuts scattered everywhere. A soft frown composed along the features, wondering if she should just continue onward, or perhaps help the child that settled out here, seemingly as lost as she was. What was a boy his age doing out here anyway? Where were his parents? Another array of questions sprouted into her mind, but she shook her head to rid of them quickly. "Don't mind me." was all she managed to say, sliding out of sight with her back urged against the tree, seated against the cool floor of the earth. "You shouldn't be out here all alone. The forest is dangerous." go away! Hurry! She wondered why she wasn't being as honest as usual. Was it because he was just a kid? Or the fact she was so anemic in this situation to even bother spouting a few venomous words. Her entire figure shivered, as if cold in the summery atmosphere of Fiore, vision hazed slightly.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

His vision blurred by the tears forming in the corners of his eyes, he winced and rubbed the moisture away from his optics so he could witness the true beauty that stood before him.


A young woman, with long vermilion locks and eyes bejeweled with the enchanting image of an ocean as clear as a summer day and skin pale by as seemingly soft as the clouds that would decorate the ether like paint strokes. A series of physical features had seem to enhance the beauty as well as other items to adorn her.

It was surprising to had caught all of that in just a few short moments but he was certainly lost for words before he collected the remnants of edible items on the ground, into the basket, and ran towards the girl who had seemed to conceal her presence. As he approached the tree she had stood near, he had decided to keep his distance for the sake of her own comfort. But as far as he knew, she had a very small zone for comfort.

A wide grin danced across his cheeks, blushing and nervous. He had not expected anyone else to be here! What... what luck! Such a mysterious, questionable encounter to brighten his day and to become the highlight above all events this day! He was rather excited, and was tempted to dash forward but mustered up the courage to speak instead.

"You're really pretty, miss! I usually don't go out this far, so I wouldn't really know if it were dangerous or not. But you're here. - So it must be okay, right?" He raised his arms to chest and looked down, twiddling his thumbs together to collect himself before raising his head and fixed his gaze to the tree against, slowly stepping closer with a shy smile. "I'm Junpei!" He walked closer with the basket hanging from his fingers behind his back, "W-What's your name?"

BUT NEVER DID HE THINK HE'D BE BORN A HERO

He didn't leave.

Unable to express any sort of exasperation into the reality of now, she could only listen to the child as he came closer and closer. It wasn't that she disliked socializing with the humans that were as young as him. They were easy to handle, and quite honestly, better at conversation than most of the "adults" she had met within her time. Yet, right now was not the time to socialize. Her stomach caved inward, her throat charred and her breathing worn. If she was still standing up she might have toppled over by now. Gravity felt much more heftier in this unpleasant situation. As soon as the kid opened his mouth, her body tensed in dismay to the words that rolled so easily off of his tongue. They were as light-hearted as spring. Colourful and innocent. And most of all... true. She could tell when one truly meant what they said, and coming from a mer child, she knew how genuine those words were. Features flushed just barely, awkwardness falling upon her as the young boy introduced himself, only to expect her own name in reply to his own. If it was anybody else, she probably would have denied and told them to just go away. But, there didn't seem to be any harm in just talking for a little while.

"I-I guess its fine." said aloud, mainly to her own self, rather than the kid, she leant over to the side, peering over to look at him from behind the tree. Messy strands of pale-red locks fell just over her shoulder, the craving of food drawing her attention to the basket that he held behind him. "I'll make you a deal." a slender hand raised, index finger pointing to the object that he seemed to grasp so carefully behind him, "If you give me your basket, you can have my name." the idea seemed fair enough to her. Plus, in the end it would at least settle the current status of her body, and give her a bit of company.. for at least awhile. Sooner or later she would have to keep moving. There was no place for her anymore. Especially after everything she had done. It would never be admitted by her as honestly as most... but, she truly did hate the idea of hurting just about anybody. Even if the evil deserved it. Out of everybody in the world, she felt she was the most villainous of all. Tie me with anchors and toss me into the deepest part of the oceans! Yeah. Maybe then she would no longer affect the lives of others. The darkness would be her friend. The silence and the heaviness of isolation would deluge her over and over again.

Colour was fading within her thoughts of utter misery.
The world turning monotone as the seconds ticked by.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

Junpei stared to her in a state of curiosity and awe. The beauty of the woman still shocked him, but exposing her current condition. The mysterious young woman stood behind nature's pillars, peering back and meeting gaze with him. - Or rather, the basket. A bit oblivious, he continued to stare at the young female with big, soft, round eyes with the basket she so desired hanging from his hands ever so loosely. A short moment of silence stood between them, a wind with riding leaves passing through before she had opened her mouth once more, words squeezing through her seemingly soft lips. The words had orchestrated a proposal, with her digits directed to the basket. Following her true gaze, he tilted his head cluelessly and looked down to the item. He stood there silent and jerked his head from the basket to her finger, still unable to grasp her motive until he giggled, upon the silence, getting so close to her that he was at point blank.

"Okay! But I will also make a deal with you! - In order for you to get this biiiiig basket, we must eat whatever it has together!" He spoke with a chipper tone, but with a true goal. His words were as sweet as candy and a red tint on his cheeks as warm as the sun that shone upon them. He was eager to learn of the young woman's name, so he would be flexible with the offer. The the mysteries the young woman had held were of great interest to him, or would at least make a good story.

He looked up to the young woman with a glimmer in his reddish-brown optics, innocence captivating it. He was thought to believe that his parents did not like him out and away at late hours, and he never stayed out for long. He had nightmares of demons snickering, moaning, and whispering nothings from a dark room. When he would approach the door, he would hear scratching noises, most likely from the long and bloody talons he had foresaw they'd have! And when he'd open the door, a thousand, no a million demons would reveal their hideous bodies and say "We're coming for you, little boy! Bwahaha!". But that is where he'd wake up in a fit, and bawl until he was comforted. It was because of those nightmares that he fears darkness, for at least needs the someone near to comfort him. To remind him that this was a reality where people he loved would always be near. So he would never stay past sundown. Where the bad spirits would come for little kids!

But, the sun was shining bright and reflecting off the young woman's eyes. What was this feeling he was bestowed to? A feeling of security? It didn't matter now, he was only focused on the consumption of the strawberries and nuts!

"NO DEMONS CAN GET ME."

The voice of the child impaired the thoughts that seemed to make this world grow so colourless, the dye of this planet's features rebounding as boldly as it commonly had been. Large orange eyes drew close to her own, figure jerking back just barely in dismay as she found herself lost in the wonder of such inquisitive irises. Every aspect of this child's features spoke utter innocence, not a single spectrum of ill intent perceived as he spoke almost shyly towards her. His voice a gentle yet lighthearted hum that rested impeccably on the warm spring air. As much as she wanted to deny the twist in this offer, her stomach could not resist the option to eat something. It had been at least a week since she last scarfed down a decent meal, her stomach rumbling in agony for the need to deluge in at least a snack before continuing on this endless and tiring journey. She figured she would reach the shores in no time — disappearing into the depths of the icy oceans grasp. Maybe then some humans in a distance life would find her floating along the sea floor, forcing her to return to the same suffering she was going through right now. Such was the curse of the one whom could never die.

"...Sure." a hand sneaked to the basket, quickly taking one of the strawberries before it vanished behind the lining of her lips. She hadn't noticed how dehydrated she was until the juices of the single berry tumbled down her parched throat, an almost uncomfortable, yet, slightly pleasant feeling before she started to reach for more. As soon as her fingers made contact with the second fruity victim, she paused to own up to her side of the deal. Although it was rather easy to just snatch the basket and run off, she was not the kind of person to do such a cruel thing. Especially to a child. When she thought about that briefly, it almost felt like she was lying when in regards to all the horrible things she had done before. Just for her own selfish reasons. The reasons that she had thought to be good, but in the end, only hurt those that she cared for.

"My name..." what should she say? If this kid was the last one to ever lay his eyes on her, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. To finally tell somebody the truth. Taking a bite of the second strawberry, lips parted to speak, "Natsuzora. But, feel free to call me Natsu." it felt strange introducing herself with that name. She was so used to coming up with all these strange, false identities, that to actually hand out her true self, for the first time, in a long time, was odd. For a moment she wondered if she had actually just said what she did, but the taste of this berry that settled on the roof of her tongue, was indeed as real as the words that parted from her lips.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

Junpei couldn't help but notice how eager she was for the sweet treats in the basket. Perhaps she was subjected to a hunger so powerful, she was rendered desperate? Well, it was obvious that she was focused on retrieving the basket from his possession, and despite his end of the deal, he practically decided to give it all to her.

Junpei took a seat on the soft patches of the green blades of grass, ants crawling about the soil and the insects chirping a sound of great noise. It was a comforting spring day, and he could almost conclude that this was a picnic for two. Despite the consumption not being mutual. He simply enjoyed watching the strawberries disappear in between her seemingly soft lips. But then she proposed her name. - Natsuzora. Or rather, Natsu. It was a rather stunning name, or at least notable. But she had seemed hesitant, as if she were unsure if this was the right decision. Or perhaps she was just hungry? Either way, he had wanted to start conversation before the silence would remain until she finished. "That's such a pretty name!" He giggled, standing to his feet and dusting himself off of the remnants of soil on his rear and back, looking down to her with innocence in his reddish-brown optics and a warm grin dancing across his lips.

"Hey, lets play a game!" He announced, walking over to Natsuzora in a haste, sitting next to her with a fixed gaze and warm countenance. He had wanted to get to know the young lady next to him while having some fun, but he had maintained patience seeing as she seemed hungry. "I know lots of fun games. - Like grass sumo, Hide'n'Seek, tag..." He had continued on about the list. In this childhood, Junpei's backyard was the world. He had made and played games with tools as simple as leaves. He would often be taught things by his mother, of which she had learned when she was in a brighter youth. He could consider himself lucky, for a kid.

When other kids were out with their guilds learning to cast spells and throw a good strike with a bastard sword, Junpei was picking flowers for his family and playing alone. He wasn't lonely, though would sometimes get a bit anxious when left alone in a room. He didn't like being alone, and demanded that he was always by someone's side. But knowing how unlikely that was, he was drawn to accepting it but yearned for people's undivided attention. Partly why he was so thrilled to discover Natsuzora, a beauty thriving in nature's untouched majesty. What were the odds that he'd ever be completely alone? He sought to make friends disregarding their alignments and ambitions, though he was guided not to.

He could feel a bond between Natsuzora and he begin to form, despite the silence in between them.

AND NOW ITS ENDING IN MY RESURRECTION

A silence washed over the two as she touched the emptiness of the basket, perceiving that through the seconds, or the minutes, that had just passed them both, she had managed to eat every single thing. What a greedy girl she was. The kid hadn't said anything, so, her selfish endeavour just to quench her hunger had automatically guessed that it had all been for her. Glancing over and away from the figure of the one who sat closer by, captivating irises of ocean blue widened to the compliment that so simply parted from his lips, the sound of her name coming from somebody other than her so strange. In-fact it was... nostalgic. Facing him as he stood up to his feet, some part of her wished that she were like him. That she were human. Life was so fleeting, so full of light and adventure. As a child, the world was new and intimidating, yet, to her, it was dull and boring. And most of all, it was so... painfully lonely.

At the mention of a game, hesitation approached her. With that look on his face, that practically screamed his desperate need for a moment of fun, she glanced away from him briefly, unsure of wether she should go along with it. Still thirsty, most of her aching hunger had been satisfied for the time being, though, her mouth felt dry. She could come up with a bunch of excuses as to why she shouldn't go off into the woods and play with him, but he was just a kid. His bright demeanour that shined like the sun would leave her feeling guilty if she made him gloomy instead. "...Hide'n'Seek then..." muttering out those words into the calming silence of the forest, she spoke and acted almost shyly before continuing on, "It's been awhile, since I've played though." slender fingers gripped at the tree behind her, using it as support as she stood to her feet. Quite frankly she was a mess.

Covered in patches of smearing marks, all from either falling or stumbling onto the surface of the earth. Lengthed locks of a pale-ish red were all in a disarray, her clothing slightly torn. Usually, she did well to take care of herself, even while out within the wild. But, since she had been so keen on getting as far as possible from those that sought her out, the whole appearance thing had slipped past her mind. Accidentally bumping into somebody was not what she had been expecting anyway. Looking down at the raven-haired youth, she awaited for him to sort've... lead the way with this whole thing. It was true that she had not played any games like that for a long time. Only the name was familiar to her, and its obvious title gave way to what this whole thing had to offer. Though it was always safe to be certain. Despite being quite intelligent, even those that lived with the beginning had trouble remembering.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

He watched Natsuzora consume each and every strawberry. He probably should of washed them first, but she had already eaten them. So there wasn't much of a point in telling her now. But with excitement and innocence clouding his vision, he saw only a beautiful woman in front of him. The markings on her flesh, invisible to him. He was still merely a child. The mind of a child. The heart of a child. The spirit of a child. The eyes of a child. But what was he? The daughter of Kanix and Jaeger? Or was he the young wizard of Fairy Tail? He didn't know what he truly was. He didn't know where to start. So... he started with picture books. Grand tales about chivalrous heroes who save people from the bad guys. It was something he'd dream about. Some would say "You needn't worry about that at your age" or "You're too young to worry about things like that, leave it to the grown ups."

He wanted to be apart of those deeds.

He wanted to save the day and be known all throughout Fiore. He wanted to be apart of that. He wanted to be like his Uncle Heero. Strong, well known, and reliable. But what could a child do? To him, the world was bright and lucid and covered with mystery. He wanted to uncover those secrets. But he couldn't. He had to wait until he was big and strong. It was like some invisible chain restricted him, some blindfold had masked him only in the times where his curiosity was in it's prime.

But his mind regressed back to reality and realized that she had agreed to the game of Hide'n'seek. He spread his arms and twirled with glee, before facing her again with his arms folded behind his back and a grin dancing across his pale lips. A breeze had run through the two, his raven black locks riding it's coolness as small blades of grass flowed with it, bidding it's farewell as it disappeared into the sun's falling light. And with that, Junpei's grin softened to a warm smile and struck a finger to his playmate's location, "You can hide! I can count to twenty!" He spoke excitedly, displaying both palms and their fingers.... but only managed to display ten. Bewildered by this, he began to count his fingers again, trying to match them up to twenty.

AND NOW ITS ENDING IN MY RESURRECTION

She had forgotten what it was like to be a child. To act so carefree and elated by a simple game — finding pleasure in the things that were no longer as enjoyable to those of the adult faction. Memories of her earliest days back home, crept into her mind like foggy and unclear pictures, causing her to either frown, or think of something else that wasn't as frustrating as reliving the past. For now, somehow just watching the early bud pivot out in front of her, was more than enough for her to understand, that perhaps her child-hood had been just as lively. Or at least she hoped it had been. From there on out it had truly spiralled downward, or in other words — Natsu had hit rock bottom.

Normally with that saying, there was nowhere further than rock bottom, but she had felt like the solidity of the saying gradually changed like quick sand, tugging her further and further into the abyss of misfortunate. There was no up for her. Only down. That had proven itself when she stranded Kurama at the wooden structure of Infinity, lied to her friends, betrayed them and worst of all.. hurt them. How much had she done? Natsu could not count the amount of times she made all those close to her weep in agony. Now she'd only wish that instead of befriending, hatred would come instead. It would do all of them good, including her, if everything had been that way from the start.

Ocean blues peered through the strands of vermillion, looking over at the youth who gestured an order with excitement. After getting entangled in many thorny shrubs, tripping, falling and continuously ending up wounded, even with the snack settled in her stomach, fatigue still loomed over her teasingly. Natsu bobbed her head in understanding towards Ahote, quickly back-stepping into the thicket from which she came before facing the unseeable path. The plants rustled and shook to her moving figure, motioned at a slightly fast pace as she used the nearby trees as support for her thin and tired legs. Once far enough from the opening, the young slayer maneuvered off her scare trail and behind a much larger oak.

The heavy gasping was forced quietly down as she lowered her crown in an attempt to regain a steady course of breath, faintly hearing the sound of Ahote whom had concluded his count in the distance. At this moment though, his calling was not the only thing she had heard. Something else was in the forest with them. Something larger and beastly. She couldn't see it, but it's wolfish smell rolled against the tip of her nose, grunting breath lowered but loud enough to hear within the shrubs. It was a familiar scent. But, at the same time, it was hard to make out within every object and distraction that lived in the forest. Glancing left and right, Natsu did not know where it was. Though her senses or rather intuition, told her vividly enough, that it had not set its eyes on her, but on the child whom searched intently, instead.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

It had begun.

Ahote counted in a rhythm, every word rolling off his tongue as sweet as candy, embracing the harmony of sounds flowing throughout the woods, joining it it's chorus. But this chorus remained silent, but so loving and sweet. It was his absolute favorite place to be, and simply exchanging only a few words with Natsuzora was joy at it's finest. But there was something mysterious about the vermilion haired girl, blue eyes that reflected one's own, skin pale but beautifully woven together by cells.

"...Seven!" He exclaimed, hearing his friend dash off into the nothing so weakly, and so faintly. All fell silent a few seconds later, and had come to the conclusion that she had successfully hidden herself from the prying eyes of his searching. But there was this tension that seemed to make itself even more present with each count. Yes, a tension acting as if... a harbinger. He wasn't exactly worried about it, per say. But he felt as if something were to become of him or his newly found friend once this countdown had concluded. Or perhaps it was the sheer excitement of the moment? The shivering nostalgia? It didn't make much mind to him, it was rather just childlike innocence, in his mind.

Yes, it was the nostalgia of the moment and the childlike innocence. That was it's cause. "...Twenty! Ready or not, here I come! Heh!" He announced to the nothing, the lovely vermilion haired woman who was just moments ago sitting in front of him, now gone and in hiding. The tension had passed, but had the tingling feeling that it lingered in the atmosphere. He chose not to mind such a trivial thing as something as simple as tension.

His cupped hands ripped away from his eyes and fell to his sides, a smile carved it's way onto his lips, a glimmer had flickered in his eyes. It was excitement in it's prime. His face fixed right, then to the left, scanning the scene for any clues. Upon the recollection of the sounds she made while hiding, he decided to pursue towards that direction.

"Natsuuu!~ Where are you?" He shouted as he looked. He searched behind trees, under rocks, through bushes. But soon he approached the nearby thicket, if anything, it seemed dangerous. But, perhaps this were the only place he hadn't looked. Overcoming the anxiety, Ahote thrusted his hand into the greenness and groped around for possible clues of her arrival. He reached as deep as he could and continued to grope about. But the barrier which kept him away from it's interior suddenly grew thin and feeble, feeling his body fall into it's lush greenery, which happened to be a large, thorny bush. "W-Whoa!" He spoke with a startled tone, falling into the thicket. Harshly, before he stumbled to the ground, he caught himself in motion and managed to stay on his feet, unscathed.

With a blank expression, he brushed himself off from the cling leaves and twigs on his body, looking around to realize that he found himself in a peaceful avenue of trees and other plants. It fell completely silent, and only the crickets and birds chirping were there to break the ice. "Natsuuu?" He called out again, walking down the uncharted path.

P.S, I am so sorry for this shitty, confusing post. Wrote this so late in the night. ;3;

AND NOW ITS ENDING IN MY RESURRECTION

She could hear the youngling as he floundered into the thicket, not a single ounce of grace retained as he embarked audibly on the concealed path. Near enough to be within reach, ocean blues peered through the layer of green that separated the two of them, hesitation clearly settled within her figure. The floor of the earth shuddered against the approach of another — the beast stalking inward carefully, unseen and unheard. Every single noise, the chirping of birds, the crunching leaves, and the calling of a child distracted her from the excessive growl that rumbled silently into the crowded woods — all of which drew uncertainty within her.

Perhaps she was apprehensive over the fact that the set of crimson irises, were not tracking the child, but her instead. That this game of beast and prey was a ploy to get her out and into the open. Natsu bit the inside of her cheek, brows arched into a frown as her body decided to move on its own. Wrecking though the single shrub, gloved arms wrapped firmly around the raven-haired youth — quite literally tackling him over as the array of deadly fangs barely grazed the two of them, blue and red clashing in a mixture of surprise. Rotating violently into the nearby obstacles of branches and leaves, she made sure Ahote was shielded thoroughly before springing back to her feet, slender hands just barely apprehending the muzzle of another attempted attack — large fangs coated in saliva snapping out bitterly in the endeavour to throw her off, though she held her ground.

"How unlike you to save a child!" the fox growled, evidently enraged. Sweat formed in beads along her features, guilt but a faint light wielded in her eyes, "Did you think you could just leave me there with those disgusting humans!?" pushing forward, booted feet heeled into the earth's floor, sliding back barely, "And I thought you were different! But, here you are, standing before some child you don't even know!" strands of vermillion concealed her face as the crown of her skull lowered, an abrupt boom resounding into the forest as the massive fox crashed backwards, meagre remains of lightning dancing across her hands like static. It did not take long for the nine-tails to stand back up, brushing off her attack like it was nothing. "Answer me! Why did you leave me there!?" he growled again, his voice booming into the forest as the birds went silent.

"You don't belong with me, Kurama." pausing, she tilted her head upward, revealing the usual gems of such mystery, the ones that held every secret laced within her words, "I left you there because, I knew that place would suit you better. All of them treated you like family, no matter how cruel you may have been." as she spoke, the growl that rumbled out from the fox calmed into the silence of the forest, a glare still burning in his large crimson eyes.

"You don't make these decisions for me... I told you, you stupid girl-" approaching her, with less aggression in his steps, a sudden light enveloped him, figure of a much more intimidating nature suddenly shrinking down as he now stood before her as a rather tiny, and much more adorable creature, "I would follow you on your journeys, no matter where you go." brazen in his irritation, Natsu looked down on him with a brief hint of dismay. She had not expected the demon to so easily forgive her, especially in a matter of seconds when it was evident that he had wanted to kill her. Lashes fluttered, gems concealed as her features lighted up slightly into a soft smile.

"Do as you please then." at this point, the image of Ahote bounded into her mind, and she turned over to him. Anyone in this situation would likely be confused or frightened, after all, the now innocent looking fox had originally attempted to kill him and her both. A soft sigh evacuated from her parted lips, wondering how to explain what had just occurred — the game of hide'n'seek obviously ruined. "Are you alright?" she started, "Sorry about Kurama, he can get a little rowdy when he's in a bad mood, but he truly doesn't mean any harm." unfamiliar with socializing, let alone, apologizing, there was a strange feeling of hopefulness resting along her heart.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

A silence had reigned superlative in this avenue of trees. The sweet utter of birds chirping, leaves brushing against leaves of trees and plants in response to a different wind. It was this sort of nature that Ahote could appreciate as a child, but it soon became rather discomforting when Natsuzora, the vermilion haired woman, was nowhere to be found. It was rather unsettling, but the optimism and confident attitude which Ahote had thought in had eased his doubts and pushed him onwards. At this point, he seemed far from Magnolia Town, and home had slipped from his mind. Where was he, exactly? However, not in doubt, he refused to abandon his playmate some unknown thicket.

Every few steps, he'd stop to observe and scan the unfamiliar avenue, in search of his playmate. Softly, he'd call her, over and over again, until he was near silent. "Natsu?... Nats-- !!"

Suddenly, smooth arms would bundle him up in a tight embrace as he would be tackled elsewhere, the sudden glimpse of a toothed beast flashed before his eyes, much like the demonic beings he'd see in his nightmares. Fangs would glide across their skin, though untouched and unharmed, a sense of horror and fear had inflicted on his mind, and was left speechless.

What's going on? What's happening?...

Too much in shock to speak, the questions floated in his mind as the two conversed. The fox-like beast obviously enraged and infuriated. Ahote's eyes fixed over to Natsuzora's, noticing the subtle anxiousness possessing her body, though unapparent in her tone of voice.

Time had passed quickly, moments and minutes coursing by in the period of breaths. Natsuzora and the fox-like beast, who appeared to be going by the name of Kurama, had finished conversing. From what they were talking about, Ahote assumed that the two had known each other before this event, and after seeing the large beast shrink to a cute a lovable critter, the fear had instantly faded away, and Ahote, who was bundled near Natsu, slowly raised himself from the ground in a surprising awe, looking up to her. "I'm fine, thanks to you, Natsu! Can I hold Kurama? He looks cute and fluffy!"

He turned to look to Kurama with wide eyes filled with awe and wonder, curious to befriend the strange creature. "Can he come play with us?" He grinned, tugging on her hand.

AND NOW ITS ENDING IN MY RESURRECTION

The opposite. If not for the change in Kurama's appearance, she doubted the youth would've reacted in a way that was most expected; fear, confusion and shock. The world of magic was a big place, crowded and never-ending with new things that seemed to appear from nowhere. There were either those that shrunk away from what was now evolving, or found complete fascination in the continuous cycle of everything that remained different. And in this case the fox was merely adorable to the eyes of a child. With that she found truly nothing wrong.

Tears were something she was not well aquatinted with. Handling those in their own stages of weeping was an addition to something she did not enjoy dealing with. Natsu avoided others enough already; even endeavouring to initiate speech was an often occurrence. Despite her stilled features appearing otherwise in most eventful situations. She could definitely throw spite without fumbling over her own words. Though, spite was not a single thought she lingered over within her mind. What was, was the fact that Ahote had not cried.

"Cute and fluffly!? How dare you!" quickly the demon let out a growl, the usual glare left to burn brilliantly in those crimson eyes. It was doubtful that he'd let something human cling onto him. Nobody had dared to trek over that daunting area quite yet. Though it was possible. Especially when those ocean-like pools loomed over the both of them in a mysterious and somewhat frightening intimidation (at least to Kurama), he couldn't help but keep his claws downward and merely mutter insults.

Almost carefully she observed the both of them, gentle touch across her hand bringing most attention the youngest of the group. His question tempted her to smile, but she was reminded of the reason she was here in the first place. That she had traveled far from the mountainous lands, from guild to torture, from friend to departure, and then to finally rest. Slumber deep within the waters of the ocean; never to be found and never to evoke heartbreak. That was her plan, but... she decided against it.

"...Sure, lets go." little orangey flinched in a seeming disgust, forcing himself to follow as the three of them made way from the darker and far-off rooting of thickly layered trees - and into the opening where they had previously met. After this, she knew where she wanted to go from here. Even if it meant nothing to them, it now meant everything in the world to her. As long as they strayed from harms way, that would cast a light to her forever lasting gloom.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE