Chapter 11:The story of Natsu

The next morning, the sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the camp. Natsu stretched and yawned, his spiky pink hair tousled from sleep. Lucy woke up shortly after, rubbing her eyes and smiling as she saw Natsu and Happy already bustling about.

"Morning, Lucy!" Happy chirped, fluttering around with a fresh fish in his mouth. "Breakfast is ready!"

Lucy smiled, feeling a sense of normalcy she hadn't felt in a long time. "Good morning, Happy. Thank you."

Natsu turned to her, grinning. "Ready for the day? We're heading straight for Greythorn."

Lucy nodded, determined. "Absolutely. Let's find those dragons and figure out what the Dark Vortex is up to."

As they packed up their camp, Lucy couldn't help but notice how Natsu's presence made everything feel less daunting. His unwavering optimism and energy were contagious. They set off down the path, the morning air crisp and refreshing.

"So, Lucy," Natsu began, glancing over at her, "how did you learn about the Dark Vortex? They're pretty secretive."

Lucy's expression darkened slightly. "I did a lot of digging after my parents were killed. It wasn't easy, but I found some clues. They have a leader, someone who commands a lot of power. That's who I'm after."

Natsu nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like we both have some big goals. But don't worry, we'll take them down together."

Lucy smiled at his confidence. "Thanks, Natsu. I'm glad we're on this journey together."

Happy floated ahead, leading the way with his cheerful antics. As they walked, the landscape began to change, becoming more rugged and wild. They approached a dense forest, the trees towering above them, creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, green glow.

"We need to be careful," Lucy warned. "Forests like these can be tricky to navigate."

Natsu grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "No worries! We can handle anything!"

They ventured deeper into the forest, the sounds of nature surrounding them. Birds chirped, leaves rustled, and the occasional snap of a twig kept them alert. After a while, they came across a narrow, winding path that seemed to lead in the direction of Greythorn.

As they walked, Natsu noticed Lucy stealing glances at him. He caught her eye and grinned. "What's up, Lucy? Something on your mind?"

Lucy blushed, quickly looking away. "N-no, just...thinking about our plan."

Natsu chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "You're cute when you're flustered."

Lucy's blush deepened, and she swatted his hand away playfully. "Cut it out, Natsu!"

Happy giggled, enjoying the banter between his friends. "You two are funny."

As they continued on their way, Natsu decided to share more about his past to pass the time.

"Hey Lucy," Natsu started, "I haven't told you much about myself. Ever wonder how I ended up with Fairy Tail?"

Lucy looked at him with curiosity. "I'd love to hear more. How did you join the guild?"

Natsu's eyes grew distant as he began recounting his story. "Well, when I was a kid, Igneel found me in a village that was attacked by dark mages. He raised me as his own, taught me Dragon Slayer magic. he raised me like his own son, and he was everything to me."

Lucy listened intently, her curiosity piqued. "So how did you end up joining Fairy Tail?"

Natsu continued, a nostalgic smile on his face. "One day, Igneel disappeared, and I was left alone. I wandered for a while, not really knowing where to go. Then, I met a few Fairy Tail members by chance Erza, Gray, and others. They helped me out, and I joined the guild. Erza was the one who taught me how to read and write. I couldn't even do that properly when I first joined!"

Lucy laughed softly. "Erza taught you? isn't she the Fairy Queen?I heard she's quite strict."

Natsu nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, she's tough, but she's also really kind. And Gray's a great guy, too, though he's always arguing with me."

Happy fluttered alongside them, adding his thoughts. "Aye! And don't forget about Natsu's big fight with the guild members! He was always so determined."

Lucy smiled, imagining the lively dynamics of the guild. "It sounds like you have a great family in Fairy Tail."

Natsu's expression softened. "Yeah, they're like family to me. And I know they'd back me up in a heartbeat. Just like I'm here for you."

Lucy felt a warm glow at his words. "Thanks, Natsu. I'm grateful for your support."