//------------------------------// // Meeting Gildarts // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Spike wakes up in the middle of the night. He sees Lucy sleeping on the floor. "Lucy?" Lucy slowly wakes up after hearing Spike call her name. She looks around to see that she's on the floor. "Huh? How did I end up here?" Lucy turns to see a sleeping Natsu and Happy on her bed. "Why you," Lucy slaps the two on their faces, waking them up in the process. "I'm up, Erza! I'm up!" Natsu instinctively said. "Happy is up!" Happy said. Natsu and Happy see Lucy upset. "What are you two doing in my bed?!" "Sorry, Lucy. Your bed is so comfortable," Natsu nervously chuckles. "Aye," Happy nervously concurs. "Get out!" Lucy points to the front door. "It's 2:43 in the morning. I need my sleep! I don't have the energy to deal with you two right now." "Sorry, Lucy," Natsu leaves the apartment with Happy. "Can we at least sleep on the couch?" Lucy slams the door. She's too cranky to deal with their nonsense at the moment. She sighs and turns to Spike. "You okay?" Spike asks. "I'm fine. Just need a little more rest," Lucy gets back in her bed and falls asleep. It is now 8:30 in the morning. Lucy wakes up after smelling the aroma of pancakes. She sees Spike making breakfast. Spike is feeling better after the 24-Hour Endurance Road Race. He decided to make breakfast since it was Lucy that carried him home yesterday. "Morning, Spike," Lucy smiles. "Morning, Lucy. Feeling better?" "Yes, and rejuvenated," Lucy gets up and stretches. "I'm making pancakes. I already finished making sausages. It's on the table," Spike points to the table. "Sounds good, Spike. Thank you," Lucy graciously said. "You're welcome. I wonder what we're doing today." "We will find out sooner than later, Spike." Spike finishes making pancakes. He places them all on a big plate. Lucy is getting dressed after freshening up for the day. She smiles as Spike starts serving her two slices of pancakes and three sausages. Spike adds the same amount to his plate. By the window of Lucy's bed, Happy and Natsu are drooling. "Uh, Lucy," Spike said after noticing the two. "Yea?" Lucy is about to sit at the table. "Look," Spike points to Happy and Natsu that are outside the window. "Hey, can we come in?" Natsu pleads. "We're hungry," Happy said, drooling a little. "Up to you, Lucy," Spike said. Lucy sighs and nods her head. Happy and Natsu come through the window and sit by the table. Spike made double portions, in case he or Lucy wanted more. Now it goes to Natsu and Happy. "Thank you, Lucy," Natsu grabs his plate of food. "We're sorry about last night," Happy said. Lucy sighs. "Please, just ask if you want to sleep over, okay?" "Okay!" Natsu and Happy say in unison as they start gorging on Spike's cooking. It is the first time they ever tasted his cooking and fall in love with it. "Spike! This is delicious!" Happy said as he continues to eat. "Who taught you how to cook like this?" Natsu asks. He continues to eat joyfully. "I had to teach myself. Then I would cook for the others before coming here." "Oh," Natsu, Happy, and Lucy said. They know Spike meant by Twilight Sparkle and her friends. "Look," Spike looks at each of his friends seriously. "It's okay. I'm okay. I don't mind answering questions about my life in Equestria as there are some good." "It's not that, buddy. It's just," Natsu sighs. "You are an awesome friend. You're quite amazing, I should say. You're helpful, fun, powerful in your own right, smart, and caring about others." "Yea," Happy nods. "We still don't understand how those ponies that claimed to be your friend treat you below them when they are these Elements of Harmony you spoke about." "Also, this Friendship of Magic thing of theirs is flawed due to how they treated your species. If you were to ask us, our guild is the embodiment of what Friendship suppose to be." "Another thing, we're family. Family sticks together," Natsu puts an arm on Lucy and Happy to show what family is. "Thanks for reminding me, guys. It puts a smile on my face," Spike smiles. "You're family, Spike. We care about you. Now, let's eat and go on a job together!" Natsu happily said. "Yea!" Spike, Happy, and Lucy cheers. Natsu, Spike, Happy, and Lucy eat more of their breakfast and enjoy each other's company. Natsu and Happy were telling some stories of their previous adventures before meeting Spike two days later. All the jobs they went through and how they grew up in the Fairy Tail Guild. Spike had good laughs as Lucy smiles. She laughs and cries a little when the stories reminded her of her embarrassing moments. After breakfast, Natsu and Happy decide to clean the dishes. Lucy was caught off guard when they volunteered to do it. After a few minutes, the gang leaves the apartment and walks to the guildhall. After they arrive, they see Wendy and Carla sitting by a table. Gray is shirtless while looking at the job board. Erza is talking to Master Makarov. Things in the guildhall are busy. "C'mon, Happy, let's find a good job for Lucy, Spike, and us to go on!" Natsu said. "Aye, sir!" Happy flies next to Natsu as they observe the job board. Spike walks up to Wendy and Carla. "Hey, you two. How are you doing?" "Doing well, Spike. Thanks for asking," Carla said as she drinks her cup of tea. "I'm good, Spike. How are you feeling?" Wendy asks. "Pretty good for the most part," Spike smiles. He decides to sit next to Wendy. "What book are you reading?" "Just some book of spells that could be useful with my Sky Magic." "Interesting. Perhaps you and I can train together. Blend our magics into a unison raid." "Sounds like fun. One of these days, we should try it." Wendy loves the idea of working with Spike. Training, of course. But being around him is sweet. Warren and Max slams the door of the guildhall open with important news. Then all of a sudden, warning bells and alarms sound off. The people of Magnolia recognize the alarms and scatter. "What is that?" Lucy asks. "Sound like bells," Carla, Wendy, and Spike said in unison. Natsu and Happy are delighted to hear the bells ringing. Most of Fairy Tail becomes excited except for Cana. They all cheered and chanted Gildarts is coming home! "Gildarts? Who's that? Are they in the guild?" Lucy asks in curiosity. "He's the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail," Mirajane answers Lucy's question. "Strongest, huh? I have to meet him," Spike said; he's eager to know how powerful Gildarts is. "Are you serious? I thought Erza was top-dog around here," Lucy freaks a little. "All modesty aside, I don't even hold a candle to him," Said Erza. "I bet he's the King of Breaking Stuff around here," Lucy said, thinking about how crazy this Gildarts fellow is. "You think I have a shot against him, Sis?" Spike asks, curious to know where he would stand in a fight. "Hmm, that's an interesting thought. What do you think, Mirajane?" "I'm not sure. I haven't seen all of your magic capabilities, Spike. I want to say for sure but, I'm not sure. Too soon to think of an answer here." "Fair enough," Spike shrugs. "Wow, everyone is going nuts," Lucy said as she watches the guild going into a frenzy. "Look how happy they all are," Said Wendy. "Certainly more out of control than usual," Carla noted. "It's only natural that everyone's excited; he's been gone for quite a while. Three years, in fact." "Wow," Spike and Wendy said on cue. "So, what has he been doing?" Lucy asks. "Well, we have regular jobs and S-Class Quests. Above those are S-S-Class Quests. And above those are called Decade Quests." "What?!" Wendy and Spike are in shock to hear about jobs that are like that. "Decade Quests?" Lucy's eyes beam wide open. "There jobs that no one has been able to complete in less than ten years. Thus the name Decade Quest. Actually, Gildarts took on a higher-level job than that. A Century Quest," Erza informs. "No way," Spike's jaw drops. "You've got to be kidding? Who in their right mind would take a job that lasts for a hundred years?" Lucy couldn't believe that Gildarts would go on a job that takes a hundred years. It's unheard of for her. "Him," Erza calmly answers. Everyone hears the announcement that the citizens need to get to their designated positions for the Magnolia Gildarts Shift. Lucy and Spike ponder what that sequence is all about. Carla says it's ridiculous how Magnolia is treating Gildarts as he's making his way home. Erza suggests that Lucy and Spike step outside to see what the Magnolia Gildarts Shift is. Lucy and Spike take Erza's suggestion to see for themselves. Wendy and Carla follow them. "No way!" Spike shouts. "Unbelievable, the entire town of Magnolia is elevating," Carla said in shock. "The builds and structure are rising and expanding!" Wendy shouts. "Look! It's creating a narrow pathway!" Spike points at the arrow stickers on the grounds of the pathway. "Wow, Magnolia split in two!" Lucy can't believe what she and her friends witnessed. "A precautionary measure for Gildarts Crash Magic," Erza informs the four of his magic expertise. "Since he destroys everything he touches, it's much better for everyone if he stays clear of their homes and businesses," Mirajane said, adding onto the info Erza said. "Lucy, you called it. The King of Breaking Stuff," Spike chuckles. "I was joking around. I didn't think it'll be literal!" Lucy replies. "They modify the town cause he's clumsy!" "He sounds amazing!" Wendy said. "Amazingly stupid," Carla said. Natsu is so excited to see Gildarts for the first time in three years. Everyone else can't wait to see him. They all stand by patiently waiting. Gildarts arrives in front of the guildhall and enters. Gildarts is a tall, muscular man with shoulder-length orange hair and a stubbly beard. He wears a long, black, high-collared, and tattered cloak with shoulder plates; around his waist is a simple belt. Gildarts also wear loose-fitting dark pants, complete with an armored waist-guard bearing plate similar to the ones on his shoulders, tucked inside simple boots. Gildarts looks around and takes a deep breath. Natsu greets Gildarts. "C'mon, you old geezer, let's throw down!" "Hey, that's no way to treat a man!" Elfman said. He's angry that Natsu only wants to fight Gildarts. "Welcome home," Mirajane welcomes Gildarts as he walks up to her. "He's the most powerful guy in the guild?" Lucy thought that Gildarts would be more mean-looking. "Sorry to bother you miss, but I'm looking for a guild that used to be around these parts called Fairy Tail," Gildarts calmly said. "This is it, remember me?" Mirajane looks up at Gildarts. "Mirajane." "Mira?" Gildarts doubletake a little and remember Mirajane for who she used to be and see the transition into who she is now. "Wow. You sure have grown up a lot, little girl. Did you change some stuff around the hall too?" Gildarts is now noticing a lot of changes within the guildhall and becomes excited. "He didn't notice from outside?" Lucy said. She can't believe that it took this long for Gildarts to notice the changes. Gildarts notices Spike standing there and froze. The sound of a dragon's roar echoes in the back of his mind, sending chills down his spine. Gildarts sees Spike's face and imagines the face of the dragon he fought. The terror on that day gets to him mentally. He walks up to Spike. "Hey, Gildarts. I'm new to Fairy Tail. I'm Spike the Fairy. You can call me Fairy Dragon if you wish," Spike offers his claw to shake his hand. Gildarts has pure vengeance in his eyes as he's ready to take out the dragon he fought that he's imagining. He raises his right hand to attack when he hears Natsu yelling, snapping him from his trance. "Gildarts!" Natsu is happy to see Gildarts. "Natsu," Gildarts smirks. "Hey pal, there's someone I recognize." Natsu chuckles. "Good to see ya!" Natsu springs into action, wanting to fight Gildarts. Gildarts uses his right hand to catch Natsu, spin him around, and let go, causing Natsu to crash into the ceiling with force. "Not now, kid," Gildarts said. Lucy's jaw drops, seeing how easy Gildarts defeated Natsu with one hand while standing still. Spike is in awe after seeing that. Wendy and Carla remain quiet after seeing that happen to Natsu, silently agreeing that Gildarts is indeed powerful. "Thank you for snapping me back into reality, Natsu. I nearly ended this dragon's life." Gildarts sighs quietly. He knows that this isn't the dragon that attacked him but, for whatever reason, seeing Spike causes those flashbacks. Natsu snaps out of his daze from Gildarts' counterattack. "Oh yeah, he's still so awesome." "Same old tough guy we've always known," Gray states. "Genuinely old fashion man's man," Elfman said, pleased to see Natsu getting his just desserts. "I see a couple of new faces here, too," Gildarts smiles. He turns back to Spike. "What's your name again? Sorry, I was a bit distracted when you introduced yourself to me." "Spike the Fairy. You can also call me Fairy Dragon if you wish," Spike smiles. Gildarts gently pats Spike's head so incredibly slow. He's still on the edge due to the flashbacks. "Gildarts," Master Makarov calls his name. Gildarts walks up to Master Makarov. "Oh, Master, you're looking well." "How the job go?" Makarov asks, hoping that Gildarts completed the task at a record-breaking case. Gildarts thinks it over and laughs a little. "No good. Way too much for me," Gildarts admittingly addresses. Everyone is stunned to hear that Gildarts quit on the job. One of Fairy Tail's strongest wizards admits that the quest is tougher than it sounds. Lucy wonders what it'll take to go on a Century Quest. Erza knows what Lucy is thinking but, Lucy says that she wasn't thinking. Gildarts mentions that he has a gift for Natsu and something for Fairy Dragon. Instead of leaving the guildhall through the door, Gildarts walk through the wall. His magic shatters the wall creating a hole. Everyone is amazed to see it happen. "I wonder what he has for me?" Spike wonders. He just met the guy today, and he has something for him already. "Not sure but, let's wait a while before visiting him, Spike," Natsu put his hand on Spike's shoulders. Natsu then punches the wall, creating a way out just like Gildarts. "Let's go, Happy and Spike." "Aye, Sir!" Happy flies out the wall. Spike follows through the wall. The trio walks together as Magnolia resets itself in formation. Natsu starts remembering the old days of growing up with Gildarts being more involved in his life. Spike wonders what Gildarts have for him. It's all he could think of as he's following Natsu and Happy. Two hours later. "I bet he bought me some kind of rare fire from another kingdom or something," Natsu said. "Yea, I wonder what it is," Said Happy. "I wonder what Gildarts have for me. I just met the guy a while ago. What could he have possibly for me?" Spike said, confused as to what Gildarts will be giving him. "Must be cool if he chose you, Spike." Natsu, Happy, and Spike arrive at Gildarts' house and opens the door. "Hey, Gildarts." "What's up, man?" Happy said. "Uh, hey, Gildarts," Spike said nervously. "Hey, good to see you," Gildarts is sitting on his chair while making tea. "Glad you can make it, young dragon." "Man, it's been a long time since we've been here, huh, Happy?" Natsu said. "Aye. It's been forever," Happy replies happily. "So, what you got for me, pops?" Natsu asks. "Never mind that. How have you and little Lisanna been getting along since I've been gone? Huh?" Gildarts smirks a bit. "What?" Natsu's demeanor changes after hearing Lisanna's name. "You don't have to play coy," Gildarts laughs, thinking that Natsu is in denial. "Lisanna died. Two years ago," Natsu seriously replies. Sounding upset. "Who's Lisanna?" Spike thought to himself. He never heard of a Fairy Tail Wizard named Lisanna. Gildarts gasps. "You serious?" Gildarts takes it all in and now knows how Mirajane changed her personality. He mourns a little. "I see. That explains why Mira.., my condolences." "If that's all you want to talk about, I'm out," Natsu turns to exit his home until Gildarts stopped him. "Listen, while I was gone, I met a dragon." Natsu turns to face Gildarts. He's silent from hearing that. "You didn't get the info from some bozo named Daphne, right?" Spike asks. Gildarts shakes his head, confirming what he saw was a real dragon. Natsu, Spike, and Happy remain quiet so Gildarts can finish his explanation. "It's not the one you're looking for, though. It was black as a moonless night." "Where was it?" Natsu is now eager to meet the dragon Gildarts met. "Sacred Mount Zonia. He's the real reason why I failed on my quest." Spike and Happy's jaws drop. Natsu is daze with the information. Natsu clears his conscience and decides to search for the black dragon. Spike and Happy turn to Natsu. "So, what are you going to do?" Gildarts asks. "Well, obviously, I'll ask him if he knows where Igneel is." "Think again, kid. That black one is long gone by now. He's out flying out in the wild blue yonder." "I don't care. I can track him down when I put my mind to it," Natsu retorts. Gildarts sighs and stands up. "Natsu, look at me," Gildarts zippers his cloak to reveal his injuries. Spike and Happy gasp in horror while Natsu starts trembling. "It was over before I knew what hit me," Gildarts reveals his injuries. His left arm is missing, his left leg is wooden, and bandages on his left side of the body. "It ripped off my arm, my leg, and it gutted me," Gildarts puts the cloak back on, covering his injuries. "Igneel may be a different kind creature, but I'm telling you this black one is no friend to anyone. There's not a man that can beat him." "Look! We Dragon Slayers aren't just called that for nothing, you know! This guy doesn't stand a chance against what I'm capable of," Natsu fires back on Gildarts' statement about defeating the black dragon. "If that's what you believe, I'm not going to try and stand in your way," Gildarts calmly said. "Good!" Natsu angrily expresses and leaves Gildarts's home. He is running to Scared Mount Zonia to begin his search on the black dragon. Happy follows him. Spike remains silent as he heard everything Gildarts had to say to Natsu. Now, he wonders what Gildarts has for him. "You're Spike, right?" Gildarts turns to Spike. "Yes. What do you have for me?" Spike nervously asks. Gildarts sighs and sits on his chair. "I want to apologize to you, actually." "For what?" Spike is confused. "Before Natsu came to attack me, seeing you for the first time gave me flashbacks when the black dragon attacked me. I was close to ending your life without thought." "Oh," Spike looks down. "However, there is something else you need to hear." "What is it?" "In two weeks, I want you to spar with me." "What?" Spike is perplexed. "The reason why is because I believe when you're older, you may have a better shot of taking down the black dragon." "I.., I'm not sure..," Spike doubts himself. "A while ago, this person named Daphne created an artificial dragon, and I had my ass handed over badly. I can't even fly, so I'm not sure if I can defeat this black dragon." "I say you can because you still have a lot of growing to do. I want to test your power to see if I can pinpoint how close or far you are from the black dragon's power." Spike takes a deep breath. "Why in two weeks?" "I have to make an appointment to get an artificial arm and leg. Then, I have to get used to my body once the operation is a success. To break it down, I need a strong opponent. As you saw, Natsu is not a match. You," Gildarts take a deep breath. "You are a dragon, and dragons' magic is different than man's magic. I heard some stories Makarov told me when he came by to visit an hour ago. I was astounded when Makarov talked about your capabilities. I have to see for myself." "Okay. Should I tell anyone about this?" Spike asks. "It's up to you. I think the guild will explode to see the two of us spar with each other. As for your wings, I think yours will come when the time is right or during a growth spurt." "Okay, then. Need anything before I go?" "For now, I'm good. See you in a while, Fairy Dragon." "Later," Spike leaves Gildarts' home and goes back to the guildhall.