This chapter is dedicated to universal_mangalover for she always commented on my story and I really love the comments she gave. :)

-------------------------------------------------

_Lucy_

I need to pay for my rent. Or else the land lady would never let me have my apartment anymore. I've not been paying for many months now. I strutted my way towards Mira who was cleaning the counter.

"Hey, Mira. Do you have any job available? The one that I can handle by myself?" Yes, I want to be alone. I don't want Natsu, Happy, Gray and Erza with me or else master would be stressed. Oh, you know what I mean. I don't want them to wreck any town anymore!

Mira looked at me like I am an alien or something. "Well, I have the easiest one here. But in this job, you need a companion here. Anyway, why would you want to be alone? Do you not want Natsu with you? There's no easy job left. And anyway, I think if you handle this easy job alone, you might be at danger." Oh, great. So much for my goal. Guess I have no choice.

I took the job request from her and read it aloud. "Help Us! Please, this is urgent! A monster at Bear Island has been killing people. The monster is very tough! Reward: 600,000 jewel." 600,000 jewel? I think I can finish this job quickly. But.. based on what I had read as a reward... the monster looks scary. Yep, I definitely need someone like Natsu here. But he can wreck the Bear Island! Who on earth can go with me? A reckless one?

I noticed a note below the job request: If you want to beat the monster, bring only ONE companion with you. Make sure it's a girl if you're a boy, and a boy if you're a girl. I frowned. Then I heard snickers.

Suddenly, I heard Wendy and Carla behind me. "Lucy-san? What is that job all about?" Wendy inquired. A little hope lightened up in me. But when I saw Carla holding a job request, that little hope died out. I also just remembered that I must bring a boy. So much for my luck.

"Nah, a job all about a monster, it says." I said, frowning a bit.

"Well, we should get going. Bye, Lucy-san!" Wendy and Carla bid goodbyes at me. Guess I have no choice but to ask Natsu, huh?

Wait, I could just bring Gray! Nah... Juvia's around him, so better not. I'm afraid I might lose my life at such a young age.

And I couldn't bring anyone anymore! They're all teamed up. Natsu's the only choice.

I felt someone tap my shoulder. When I turned around, it's Natsu. "Yo. Gonna go to a job? Bring us." he said, grinning. Happy was behind him, coughing. He looked pale.

"Sorry, Natsu, Lucy. I'm sick. Guess I can't tag along with you two for now." Poor Happy. I want to take care of him, but what about my rent? "It's okay. You two may go now." Happy flew away, back slouched.

"So, come on?" Natsu asked, turning to me. "Don't worry, Happy can take care of himself. He'd soon get better." he reassured me, giving me a thumbs-up while smiling. I smiled back and told him ok.

_while we were in the train..._

"Grgh...." Natsu's face is so colorful. Once, it's green, and now it's purple. "Oh no, he's gonna puke again!! Stay away from me!" I hissed at him, disgusted. Still, he kept up that stuffed face of his. Then he looked at me. Aww, he looked so helpless. The poor guy.

Natsu was mumbling something I couldn't understand. I just stared at him and looked at the window. I just remembered what Cana had told me. You know, the one when she told me that I'd have a fateful encounter? I've been thinking... when will I meet this guy? And who must he be? I'm so curious.

Suddenly, something caught my eye. It was Jellal! And he's with... Erza. Erza was munching on a cheesecake. Jellal was just staring at her while her face was full of food. I smirked. Erza's so secretive. I never imagined he'd be with Jellal all of a sudden. Or maybe they're not in a relationship. Maybe they're only just friends.

I decided to stand up and call her when Natsu held my hand. He was still trembling. "Don't..." But why? Nah, maybe they wanna have some time together alone.

I just sat back at my seat and put Natsu's head in my lap. I wonder how's Happy. My conscience is eating me. I shouldn't just leave him alone. But I really need my rent. I decided that I'll just make it up to him once we come back home.

When we arrived at our destination (which was a motor station), I heard Natsu's energetic growl once again. "Alright! I'm back to life!!!"

I felt my throat dry up so I went to a vendor and asked for a bottle of water. Then I decided to ask Natsu about Erza and Jellal. "Hey, how are Erza and Jellal? Why are they in the train together awhile ago?" Natsu smiled at me and answered.

"They're in a relationship." And that's when I spit out my water. Seriously? Is he just kidding me? He noticed my reaction so he laughed. "It's true. Pretty amazing, right? Our scary Erza has finally got a love life."

I went speechless as I headed towards a motor man. Natsu froze and his face became pale. He shook his head rapidly. "No. I'm not riding any form of transportation. I've just recovered. There's no way I'm gonna ride in it. I'm just gonna walk on my own feet," he was about to walk away when I grabbed his hand, smirking.

"And there's no way you're gonna reach our destination if you walk alone. We could take days if we walk with our feet!"

"Ahh! But I don't wanna!" He refused like a child, frowning.

"Uh-uh. Now come on." I pulled him. No, more like dragged him, while he was crying.

In the ride, Natsu was holding my waist really tight. His face was buried in my back. I'm suffocating. And the way he holds me... it makes me uncomfortable. It's more like a hug, if you ask me. And by that thought, I'm blushing right now.

"Uhh, could you please, you know, like loosen up your hands on me? I-it's suffocating." I stuttered. He just replied with a groan. Oh darn, I remembered he has motion sickness!!! He can spit on my clothes in any minute now! "What the -- please move your face away from my back!"

And with a muffled voice, he replied, "The world's spinning...." then I think he passed out.

I have to stay strong.

When we arrived, I sighed in relief. Natsu screamed louder. He was really happy he'd got out of the motor. I, on the other hand, is also grossed out. My clothes are stinking and dirty! And I haven't dragged extra clothes with me. I have such a great luck.

"Sorry 'bout your clothes, Luce." he told me awkwardly. I scowled but then shrugged. I can't blame him. It's his motion sickness, after all.

"Never mind. Its's okay." I smilled at him. He just smiled back at me.

Just then, while we were smiling at each other, someone growled. I even got goosebumps! Now that's what you call scary! I didn't noticed I was clinging onto Natsu's arm so I jumped back a bit away from him.

The monster picked us up with such force that my clothes got ripped off! "Kyaaaaaaahhhh!!!" Natsu was struggling when he looked at my way.

"Why are you naked?"

"Don't look! Cover your eyes!!!" I screeched at the top of my lungs. I swear I know I'm blushing right now. If I have anything to throw at him I swear I already made him look away at me right away.

Natsu tried to use his magic but was useless. The blue-green monster was suffocating us to death! His only eye was looking fierce. Oh no! I can't die yet! I have so many dreams to achieve. I still wanna meet and marry my prince charming. I still want to live and enjoy my life in Fairy Tail. I gotta stay strong.

I struggled harder. That's when the monster threw us... into a miniature island. The monster became... bigger? Or we became smaller? "Muhahahahahaha! You two cannot leave this little island of mine. FOREVER! The pink-haired dragon slayer cannot use his magic anymore. Same for you, lovely lady. So now, I've gotta finish my work. Farewell!" And it disappeared. Awh! I need to get outta here!

"Gh! Ngh! Mgnh! Come on!" Natsu punched the walls. But now, we are too hopeless. His magic isn't working anymore. I can't feel his magic. Mine too. Our magic are drained out. Guess we're stuck here forever.

I came to a sudden realization that... I'd grow old with Natsu! Maybe I'd even have babies with him and get married! All these thoughts came into my head once, that I hadn't noticed my face was steaming.

"Why are you blushing?" I realized that Natsu wasn't punching the invisible wall anymore. I've gotta think of an excuse.

"Nah. Never mind. Just thought of something that made me blush."

"What is it?"

"I said, never mi--!"

The ground started shaking. Oh no! What now? Could this be the death of me? With Natsu? This isn't good...

I heard Natsu say, "Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" but no flame came from his fists. At this moment I must laugh, but now? Ugh, I can't. I'm gonna die and I'm still gonna laugh? What a joke.

"Why won't you come out?! Argh!" he growled. "Come on! I need fire! Now! I wanna fight that ugly monster! Get revenge on him."

From that very moment, I have known that I'd be stuck with him in this island FOREVER. I can never write on my novel ever again. I could never hear Happy's teases. I would never hear Erza's scary roar again. I would never see my guildmates. I would never see my guild again.

That's when I cried. Natsu stopped growling and faced me with a worried expression. Then his face became determined. "Don't worry. We'll get outta here soon. I'm gonna kick that monster's gut. So stop cryin' and don't lose hope, 'ya hear me?" those words became my inspiration. I nodded eagerly and smiled at him. We can do this. I must believe that we can get out of here.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning almost struck us. I jumped and shrieked. Then I saw a letter at the ground, written in a sloppy font:

YOU WANNA GET OUT OF HERE? THEN KISS YOUR PARTNER!! PASSIONATELY.

I nearly choked my own saliva. Kiss? My partner? I don't even have one! Unless... it is talking about.... the one who you're with.... and I'm with Natsu... No way. I'm never gonna kiss him. Not in my life.

When Natsu saw the letter, he just stared at it, as if he don't get it. I gulped hard and turned away from him. Then he tapped my shoulder lightly, "Nothing's gonna happen wrong, right?" He doesn't mean it. Right? Right? He's gonna do it?! Gah! Seriously? He slowly inched his face towards me. And me? I just froze.

There's no way he's gonna do this, right? A passionate one? Ok. I'm starting to freak out now.

Finally, I found my lost voice. "N-no. What are you doing?"

"We need to get out of here, right? Now let's do it."

"Do you even know what you're thinking? A passionate one? Hello, like we can do such a thing."

"Then, let's give it a try." Is he crazy?!

"Ugh. We can't. We can't do this."

"But why? I thought you want to get out of here."

"Yes, I want to get out of here. But we're never gonna kiss, you know? I ain't giving you permission to steal my first kiss. "

"You've never had one?" He's such a jerk! Of course, isn't it obvious?! I blushed madly infront of him and turned to walk away. "Well, if you say so. " he muttered. I sighed.

"How will we get out? By what? Not that I hate Natsu or anything. I mean, that'll be my first kiss you know? I've never done such a thing in my life. So maybe... I will stay with him here forever..." I told myself.

I composed myself, eager to find a way out here. I'm sure there's a way out here. I turned around to find Natsu when I saw... nothing. What the -- !? Where'd he ran off to? I ran around the island only to see him... with Gajeel and Levy? How'd they end up here? Why is Levy unconscious?

"Guys! What happened to Levy?!" I exclaimed worriedly. Oh, I hope she's fine. I hope she isn't injured.

"Don't worry, nothing serious happened. She was just knocked unconscious by that ferocious monster. By the way, before you ask, master sent us here. He said we should follow you two. He said it'd be dangerous if it's only you two alone." The iron dragon slayer explained.

"Lucy and I don't need your help, you punk. We're gonna beat the crap out of that monster once we get out of this." Natsu boasted. Oh, what a pain in the neck. And I'm sure I know what would happen next.

"What'd you say?! You want a piece of me, you ugly pinky?"

"What the -- !? Ugly pinky? My hair's not pink! It's light red!! You want to really fight, you ugly iron-face, huh?!" And the brawl started.

"Cut it out, you guys! We're here for a job, not to fight. Levy's unconscious. We've got to find a house or something. We'll settle for the night." Still, the two did not flinch. I guess I have no choice but to leave these two alone. I put Levy's arm on my shoulder and tried to walk around a strange forest. Maybe I could find a house somewhere, just like Alice in Wonderland.

"Hey, wait for me!" Natsu shouted from behind. I still continued walking. That's when I saw a pair of red eyes. Oh no. This can't be good...

Then wolves attacked. I let out an ear piercing scream, "Kyaaaaaaahh!!"

"Lucy!!!" Gajeel and Natsu shouted. Luckily, they have defended me from the attack. Whew, that was close. Suddenly, after all the wolves have been beaten, a grumbling sound was heard.

"Looks like somebody's hungry." I snickered. I figured out it was Natsu. I just remembered, he haven't eaten yet.

"Where can we find food?" Levy's awake!!

"Thank goodness. You're awake. How are you feeling?" I asked worriedly.

"Better." she replied.

After her reply, we started looking for food and shelter for the night.

Then we found a space where we can settle in for the night. But hey, how are we supposed to sleep in here? We don't even have tent for sleeping or anything.

"Hey look, guys! I saw a tent in here!" I saw Levy waving at us.

Pretty strange. "Does it mean that somebody's here too other than us?" I asked.

"Looks like nobody's here. Guess the monster set it up for us?" Natsu asked.

"Yeah, right. Like he would do such a thing." I muttered.

"Well then, we're gonna call this a night." Gajeel said. I'm hungry like Natsu. But anyways, I'm tired already, so I'm gonna sleep.

"Alright. Night, guys!" I exclaimed. That's when I noticed something. The tent is only one. Okay... so Natsu and Gajeel must sleep here?

"Is something wrong?" Levy asked me.

"The tent is only one." I pointed out. She went speechless and frozen at the same time. She nodded slowly and stammered.

"I-I know. They're g-gonna sleep w-with us..." I gulped at what she told me. Is she for real?! And by that tone on her voice... I think she isn't kidding. It means... I've got to sleep with Natsu by my side. I blushed madly. I can't help it. It's my first time, you know?

"Don't tell me you two are fantasizing about what's gonna happen. We're gonna stay up and guard the tent, you hear that?" Gajeel said. I looked away and started heading to the tent.

"Fine then. Careful." I replied without looking back. Do you know the feeling of assuming things? Yep, that's what I feel right now. Shame on me.

After I have cleared my thoughts, I went to dreamland. I'm so tired. Maybe it isn't wrong to sleep for a while....?

Am I seeing things? Why do I feel like there's a prince on top of me with pink hair? Strange, but I can't help but wonder. Suddenly, my "so-called-prince" of mine closed the distance between us. He kissed me passionately. Wait a minute... I know that hair everywhere. Is he...!?

"Lu-Lu! Wake up!"

"Aaaahhh!!" I screamed. Oh, it's just Levy. Thank goodness, it was all just a dream. Just then, my face went all red. I remembered my dream -- loud and clear. Holy Blue Cat, why is that dream keep on repeating in my head? Is this some kind of sick joke? And why is Natsu popping in my head?

Suddenly, a ray of white light almost blinded us. What's happening? Why are we glowing? Then we all got out from the little island. We're back to normal! Thank the heavens!

Oh my... we got out of here... which means.... holy crap! It isn't a dream!?

Then we saw Natsu and Gajeel fighting the monster. I've got to help them. My questions would be answered later I guess. I need to focus. Clear your mind, Lucy.

"Hiyaaa!!! Open, gate of the Lion, Leo!" I exclaimed. "Take that out at once."

"Of course, my lovely lady." Then he attacked the monster. Sometimes, I could really use this guy for good. The monster was defeated at once. Now, there's only one thing left for me to do.

"Guys..."

"Would you mind explaining everything that happened?" my bookworm friend continued.

"What do you mean explaining, huh?" Gajeel asked.

"Oh, you know what we mean. Why are we out of the island already? What happened?" I pretended to be calm. Yes, on the outside I look calm, but on the inside I'm shaking badly!

"Oh.. that? We used up our powers. Isn't it obvious? Unless the two of you are thinking about something." Crap, I should've never assumed things. Now I'm screwed. Natsu got us there. But I have to fight for my pride.

"What do you mean? You mean assumed?" Levy covered up. Surprisingly, she's also calm in the outside. Lucky I have Levy by my side.

"Nah, never mind. Let's just go home." The pink-haired dragon slayer said.

_Narrator_

The two girls -- Levy and Lucy -- did not know that Natsu and Gajeel kissed them when they were asleep. Lucy thought of it as a dream. She never knew it was real. Even Levy thought of it as a dream. She thought it was a real one. Unfortunately for her, no.

-------------------------------

On the special chapter: Natsu and Asuka, I was inspired to write a chapter like this.

Anyway, I wanted to ask an opinion: Do anybody think that Fairy Tail would last sooner or later? I mean, the last dark guild on the Baram Alliance is Tartaros, right? Well, comment your opinions, anyone. :)