Natsu Dragneel. Lucy Heartfilia.

“Natsu-kun! Let’s play something!” The little blond shook Natsu’s shoulders excitedly. Natsu looked at her from playing blocks.

“Okay, but isn’t it boring if it’s just the two of us?” he queried, turning back his attention to the big pile of blocks.

Lucy, the blonde girl, pouted. “Uhm, you’re right. But we just have each other as best friends. We can’t find a friend easily, right? We don’t even know how to make friends! Besides, it’s okay if it’s just the two of us, right?” Lucy answered, her eyes glimmering with hope.

Natsu, the salmon haired boy, stared at his feet. He knew his bestfriend was right. All he knew was Lucy and his parents, nothing more. Lucy was just the same as him. They weren’t that popular with kids.

‘What can we do to gain more friends?’ He thought to himself when suddenly, he noticed that he was being pulled by Lucy to their favorite playground near the village.

“Don’t think too much about it, alright? We’re having fun on our own anyways, right? So let’s go.” Lucy told him with the brightest smile on her face. She was eager to make Natsu feel that he wasn’t alone, and that she alone as his friend was enough. He didn’t need plenty of friends, was what she thought.

Natsu, getting the idea of Lucy, snickered and nodded. Together with Lucy, they played on the playground.

Jellal Fernandes. Erza Scarlet.

A scarlet haired little girl was crying in the rain. She was soaking wet. A blue haired boy with a tattoo on his face was carrying an umbrella, scrutinizing the red haired girl.

He was certain that the girl was crying. He wanted to come near her and comfort her, but he was so shy; it was his first time seeing a girl. He was always locked up at his house, never wanting a friend. He was restricted, rather. Sometimes, he thought it was really lonely.

He doesn’t know why, but he wants to be friends with the scarlet head. He mustered up his courage and walked slowly to the girl. He brought the umbrella over their heads, which made the girl look up. The crackling thunder made her scream a little bit.

“Why are you crying?” He slowly asked. His body was full of nervousness up to the point that that was the only question he could think of.

“M-My friends... t-they betrayed me. They don’t want me as their friend.” She stuttered, shivering. She felt really cold. There was no one for her—her parents were working.

‘Friends, huh?’ Were the words that came into his mind. He suddenly thought of something crazy. Without another thought, he spoke.

“Say, I could be your friend. I would not betray you. In fact, you’re the first girl I ever talked to and you would be my very first friend... if you’ll accept my offer. If you don’t want, it’s okay. I don’t mind.” But it really wasn’t. He really wanted her to be his friend.

“Are you sure I can trust you?” Erza asked reluctantly.

Jellal looked at her with wonder. “Of course!”

“Hm, name?”

“What?”

Erza chuckled. “What is your name?”

“Jellal Fernandes. What about you?” Jellal smiled, realizing that the girl was already interested about him. He thought that maybe having a friend was a wonderful feeling.

“Erza.” she replied shortly.

“Last name?”

“Don’t have any.”

Jellal, the blue haired boy, scratched his head in confusion. “What do you mean? Don’t you have your parents?”

“I don’t have a last name. That’s it. My parents aren’t married, so I don’t really know what my last name is.” Erza said, though she seemed undisturbed about it. Something about this made Jellal frown.

Jellal stared at Erza’s face. His eyes caught Erza’s scarlet hair and suddenly, he flicked his fingers in the air. “From now on, you’re gonna be Erza Scarlet." Erza’s eyes lit up in amazement.

“Really?” She asked which was answered by a nod. “Yipee! Thanks! From now on, you’re my friend.” Jellal smiled at his first, new found friend. A blessing. He was happy she didn’t reject him. He was happy she accepted the friendship he offered.

Gray Fullbuster. Juvia Lockser.

Ice came from water. Water came from ice. How are they connected?

If water is placed on a freezer, it will become an ice. Water came from ice. Remember that there was an ice age where everything is ice? If ice is melted, it will become water.

This explains the connection of a boy and a girl. The boy was cold hearted, and the girl was warm hearted.

Everything changed for the cold hearted boy when he saw the warm hearted girl. He wanted her to be his friend.

It was an urge and he couldn’t help it. He ran towards the girl, saying “Hello! My name is Gray Fullbuster. You can call me Gray if you’d like, and I want to be your friend!!” He smiled at the girl which is what he can call For The First Time In Forever.

The girl smiled brightly at Gray like a sun, which melted his cold heart. "Hi! I'm Juvia Lockser. It's a pleasure to meet you! Of course, I want to be your friend. It will be an honor." Juvia's friendly aura made Gray laugh for no reason. Juvia just laughed with him.

Gajeel Redfox. Levy McGarden.

It was a rainy day and a blue haired girl went to a library. Her eyes were itching to read a book.

She found a book all about a unicorn being abandoned. She happily sat on a chair and started reading the book she was holding. Little did she know, there was a black haired boy who was watching her read a book.

The girl shuddered when she felt someone was staring or rather watching her. "Um, stop watching me." She said quietly.

The boy came out of the book shelves, peeking through the girl's book.

The girl felt like she was being watched again. When she looked up, the boy was still watching her. She noticed his black, spiky hair and black piercings on his eyes and ear. She became scared. She thought it was another bully again.

"Don't be afraid." The black-haired boy spoke. "I mean you no harm. I just wanted a friend, that's all." The girl stopped shivering and scrutinized the boy. He looked sincere, so she let him sit with her.

The blue-haired girl noticed his black and spiky hair once again. She had this sudden urge to touch his hair.

"Uhm, can I touch your hair?"

"S-Sure." The boy answered, feeling puzzled.

"My gut says you're a nice person. I'm Levy McGarden anyways. It's nice to meet you..." Levy trailed off because she doesn't know his name.

"Gajeel Redfox. Nice meeting you too." Gajeel grinned at Levy. Levy just continued to read the book.

"I perceive this to be a good friendship." Levy said as she closed the book and returned it to the shelf. She knew that Gajeel wants her to be his friend and she granted his wish in her mind.

Gajeel looked at the window outside. Would you look at that. It stopped raining. "I think so too."

Four pairs of friends.

They all went to a playground which they call "The Paradise".

They saw each other and asked, "You all know this place? How come?"

They all laughed at each other.

'There, Natsu. We could be friends with them.' Lucy thought.

After that, they played together. And that's when The Circle of Eight was born.

_________________________________________

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN FAIRY TAIL! MASHIMA- SENSEI DOES!

It's the Circle of Eight! What will happen next? Find out on the next chapter.

~sheimaenalu