"Natsu, I want to go on a mission."

Natsu choked on a bit of his drink. He wiped away any extra on his lip and turned to the pink haired girl standing right beside him. Yesterday, Nashi had beaten up Elfman's kid and Natsu's respect for her increased drastically. He had already started to warm up to her, but then again, anyone who can win a fight in the guild was cool in his book.

Right now, they were at the guildhall. Natsu was sitting at a table with his girlfriend and Gray when Nashi came up to him and asked to go on a mission.

"What brought this up?" he asked putting his glass on the tabletop.

"Gale was talking about how she was going on a mission with her daddy and I want to see what it's like on a mission too," Nashi clutched her hands together in a pleading motion, "please, please, please Natsu, can we go on one?"

Natsu started thinking about it when Lisanna jumped into the conversation. Gray couldn't help but notice how frantic she seemed.

"Nashi that's a terrible idea. Missions can be extremely dangerous and you could get hurt." Natsu was kind of leaning with Lisanna on this one. He was about to tell Nashi no when a certain Ice Maker mage voiced his opinion.

"Come on Flame-Brain, what's the harm in taking her on a mission. She is a member of the guild after all," He said. Lisanna shot him a look of distaste.

"But Gray, the jobs we do are S Class, Nashi would get seriously injured if she went with you."

Gray shrugged, finding the issue not to big of a deal, "Then we can take an easy one. Just because Me, Natsu, and Erza are S Class wizards doesn't mean we are banned from the regular request board."

"But what about finding Nashi's mom? We can't do that if we go running around the country." Lisanna had a point. Nashi had been in the guild for about four days and they still and no leads on her mother's kidnappers. Nashi let her eyes fall to the table in front of her, sadness overpowering her. Gray let a sad sigh slip from his lips.

"Lisanna, the way I see it, we can't really save Nashi's mother without any idea who took her. Gramps and Levy have been doing research on these guys and still have nothing. Gramps is in Era right now trying to find information in the council archives, so until he get something we can work with, I suggest that we try to take Nashi's mind off of this whole situation." Natsu nodded in agreement. He wanted to help Nashi just as much as the rest of the guild, but not even he could work with nothing. Nashi turned to Natsu expectantly.

"Does that mean I can go?" Lisanna tried to think of something else to argue about, but before anything could come out of her mouth, Erza walked up to the table.

"I think it's a marvelous idea," she said, pulling a piece of paper out of her skirt pocket, "I was looking at this request when I overheard your conversation. It's not to difficult and we should have some extra time to hang around the town." Erza handed the request to Gray who started scanning over it, "I think it is splendid that Nashi wishes to go on a mission, it will give her some future experience."

"I don't feel comfortable having to watch over her while on a job," Lisanna said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"That's why it's Natsu's job to watch over her," said Gray, still scanning over the piece of paper. He could hear Lisanna grumble, "I'm not comfortable with that either."

Gray placed the paper on the tabletop, "This looks fine enough. All we have to do is flush out these bandits who are hiding in the Valley of the Lost near Rose Garden." Natsu's eyes shot at Gray.

"Rose Garden, isn't that the place we stayed when we were taking Éclair to the Boundary Forest?" Nashi looked at her father in confusion.

"Yep, the bandits hideout actually isn't to far away from the Boundary Forest." Nashi smiled up at her Daddy.

"So I can go with you." Natsu couldn't find it in him to say no.

"Alright Nashi, we can go." Nashi jumped around happily and then hugged Natsu. Erza and Gray found this exchange quite adorable while Lisanna looked away. Nashi pulled herself away from Natsu, fidgeting in place.

Natsu stood from his seat, ready for a new adventure.

"Come on Happy, let's go pack! I'm all fired up!"

🌟FAIRY TAIL🔥

Erza, Gray, and Lisanna were waiting for Natsu, Nashi and Happy over at the train station. After deciding to go on the mission, everyone split off into groups to pack their belongings. Now only Natsu's little party was left. The half of Team Natsu that was already at the station saw the pink haired people and flying cat running through the crowd.

"Sorry it took us so long," Happy said when they reached their team. Erza shook her head in disappointment.

"Honestly you three, we almost missed our train." All eyes fell on Natsu, expecting him to over react about having to travel by train, however they were all amazed to see him virtually unaffected. Natsu realized what they were all thinking and revealed the small patch behind his ear.

"I put this on before leaving home. Now I never have to worry about my motion sickness again," he stated proudly. Nashi giggled at her father. Erza and Gray were quite impressed by this newest development while Lisanna looked away pouting.

A few minutes later, the team's train arrived and they all filed in. Gray, Erza, and Happy sat on one bench while Natsu, Nashi, and Lisanna sat on the opposite side. Nashi let her head lean against Natsu's arm. Natsu paid no mind to this, however Gray noticed a certain white-haired Take-Over mage was very envious of the girl. Gray had been observing Lisanna's behavior since Nashi arrived (sometimes purposefully provoking it) and knew that he had to tell Natsu his thoughts soon. Watching Lisanna get jealous of a child was starting to look ridiculous and the sooner he talked to Natsu the better.

"Auntie Erza?" Nashi asked, earning the attention of the red haired swordswoman, "Why is it called the Valley of the Lost?" This actually spiked the attention of the rest of the group. None of them had ever been there before and it was a very strange and eerie name for a valley.

"Well Nashi, in the valley there is a lake, and it is said that the lake is filled with monsters." Nashi raised an eyebrow.

"What kind of monsters?"

"Sirens." All the other adults in the group began to feel uncomfortable and restless when they heard about the inhabitants of the lake. Sirens weren't too uncommon in Fiore, but they still had an alarming reaction from the general public. Nobody liked them because of how creepy they were and the kind of effect their magic had on people.

"The people of Rose Garden know this, but if you were to gaze at the lake, the sirens would take the form of someone you love, not just anyone, someone you have lost. They will lure you towards the water in their new form and when you get close enough, they pull you in." Nashi gulped nervously.

"Nobody has ever been found in that lake," Erza finished. Nashi pushed her self a bit closer to Natsu. Natsu lifted his arm and wrapped I around the little girl.

"Don't worry Nashi, I won't let anything happen to you," he said smiling. Nashi said nothing as the train continued its journey to Rose Garden.

They reached Rose Garden just before dinnertime. Nashi marveled at the large buildings and all the magic being used throughout the city. Natsu took in a deep breath as they exited the train.

"It feels good to be here again," he said stretching his arms out wide. The group of friends nodded in agreement besides Lisanna and Nashi. They all unloaded their luggage and started moving about the town. Nashi skipped along as they walked toward their hotel. She stared in awe as flying carpets sped away above her.

"This place is so cool!" she cheered.

"Have you ever been anywhere outside of your hometown Nashi?" Erza asked. Nashi shook her head.

"Nope, Mommy doesn't like leaving town" She doesn't want to run into old friends, Nashi thought the last part to herself. Nobody questioned her. It was understandable that her mother was uncomfortable leaving their hometown, Fiore isn't exactly the safest place in Earthland. The team walked down town until they found the "Hills Hotel". After signing in and putting their stuff away, they all met outside to decide what to do next.

"I propose we wait to attack the bandits until after it gets dark. That way, most of them will be there and it will be easier to round them up," said Titania. Nobody argued with her. Erza told them that in the mean time, they sound enjoy the city and what it had to offer. Lisanna didn't waste another second clinging to Natsu's arm.

"If that's the case, then why don't Natsu and I go on a little date." Nashi pouted.

"But I wanted go to one of the restaurants with Natsu. He said he's been here before and I'm getting hungry." Lisanna waved the small child off, however Erza got involved.

"I think it's a lovely idea. Why don't we all have dinner together. We are a team after all." Nashi, Gray and Happy didn't mind the idea, leaving only Natsu and Lisanna left.

Natsu shrugged, "I don't see a problem with that. I remember a really good restaurant. Are you okay with that Lisanna," Natsu said, turning to his girlfriend. Lisanna bit her lip in frustration, but smiled at her friends anyway.

"S-Sure," she said, "It'll be fun." The five friends followed Natsu's lead as he led them to the restaurant he was talking about. When he found it, they were welcomed by waiters and waitresses and led to a table big enough to hold them. They were given menus and excused to decide what they wanted.

"Hey Natsu, you said you've been here before?" Nashi asked beside him. Natsu looked away from his menu and at the small child.

"Yeah," he smiled, "We were taking our friend Éclair to the Boundary Forest not far from here. We spent the night in this town."

"What happened to Éclair?" Nashi's innocent question caused Natsu's smile to drop slightly. She noticed that Erza, Gray, and Happy were all sharing the same sad expression. She gazed back at her father.

"She's no longer with us," he said softly, a sad smile on his face. He could still remember the young girl even all these years later and how despite her demise, she was smiling. Natsu felt a small hand on his arm. He stared at Nashi who was looking at him angrily.

"What did I tell you before Natsu," she said. All the table's occupants watched as Nashi placed her hand over Natsu's heart.

"She's in here," Nashi raised her hand and pointed at Natsu's head, "and there."

Everyone was confused by Nashi's actions. Natsu was taken back for a moment before a tender smile graced his lips.

"Yeah, thanks Nashi." Nobody knew what to say. None of Natsu's friends had seen this side of him, not even Happy. Natsu and Nashi ignored their friends' stares as Nashi showed him her menu.

"What do you think I should get?" Natsu grabbed his chin in thought before pointing to one of the items on the paper.

"I remember that tasting pretty spicy." Nashi thanked him. After the waiters came to take their orders, Erza felt the need to start a new conversation.

"So Nashi, why don't you tell us a little bit about your mother." Nashi almost choked on her water, but nobody noticed. Nashi placed the cup down on the table and looked into the waiting eyes of Team Natsu.

"Well," she mumbled, trying to think of something to say without giving away whom her mother is.

"She's an author." Nashi received nods of approval from the table.

"What has she written?" asked Lisanna.

"Seeking for the Clock," she said hesitantly. She received looks of pondering from the adults.

"That sounds vaguely familiar," said Natsu, scratching his head. Gray scoffed from across the table.

"I don't know how it could, you don't know how to read." Natsu slammed his palms on the table.

"I can read too, you freaking exhibitionist!" Gray stood from his seat, ready to attack Natsu for his insult, however, Erza's terrifying glare scared them into submission. The two rivals sat down, grumbling about how unfair the Titania was.

"I'm afraid none of us have read that book before," said Erza. Nashi waved them off, telling them it was fine, better than fine actually.

Their conversation was forgotten when their food arrived. The friends ate, laughed, and occasionally argued about random things. Their dinner was cut short when Natsu leapt across the table and attacked Gray, causing the restaurant security to toss the whole group out. After beating the two idiots, Erza spotted a clock on one of the lampposts.

"It's about eight o'clock. I say we go complete our mission." Everyone agreed, ready to fight on behalf of their guild. Nashi squirmed excitedly, eager to see Fairy Tail wizards in action. Prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed, Team Natsu made their way to the Valley of the Lost.

🌟FAIRY TAIL🔥

The Valley of the Lost had a very strange vibe to it. All of Team Natsu could sense it, even Nashi could tell too. From far away, it looked like a regular valley, green, rocky, very beautiful, but when they actually entered, it had a darker atmosphere. The trees were dark and ugly, the ground was mucky and stuck to their feet. Nashi held Natsu's hand as he pulled her through the swamp like terrain.

"Why did we pick this place again?" he complained.

"So we could bring Nashi," Lisanna grumbled, swatting away the mosquitos. Nashi began to feel guilty for forcing all her friends into this dreadful place. Gray touched her on the shoulder, giving her a comforting smile.

"Don't sweat it kid, we go through worse situations." Erza shushed him. She pointed a metal finger at what looked like a log cabin a few yards away. Everyone ducked behind the bushes.

"You think that's it?" Natsu questioned. Gray glared at him.

"Well obviously, who else would be stupid enough to live out here Squinty eyes."

"What did you call me Droopy-"

"BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!" Erza whisper yelled. The boys shivered in fear and nodded. Erza's brown eyes fell on the pink haired girl beside Natsu.

"Nashi, I'm going to need you to wait here."

"What? Why?" she asked. She wanted to come on this mission to watch them, not cower behind a bush.

"We don't want you getting hurt, this is serious." Nashi sighed and nodded in understanding. Natsu patted the little girl's head.

"Don't worry Nashi, I'll throw one out the window for you to see," he said happily. Nashi giggled. The four adults and Happy stood from their places and snuck towards the cabin. Nashi watched from her place as her father kicked down the door and ran into the house.

Screams and yells could be heard from the men inside the building. From one of the windows, Nashi could see Gray capture a man with a large ice cage. Just like he promised, Natsu chucked an unconscious bandit out the window. The sounds of spells and yelling continued for a few minutes, the whole while, Nashi watched the cabin in disinterest.

This is not how I wanted my first mission to be, she thought bitterly.

Suddenly, a figure ran out of the cabin and into the brush. Upon closer examination, Nashi could tell it was one of the bandits. Nashi jumped up from her seat, freaking out. She was about to call for one of the adults, but they were still trying to take care of the bandits inside the cabin.

Nashi debated on what to do. Whether it was the smartest idea or not, Nashi ran in the direction of the thief. If she was lucky, her father would follow her scent and find her and the thief.

The pink haired child ran through the swampy valley, running into thorns and sharp branches as she chased him. She stumbled constantly as she tried to keep up with him. She smiled in delight when she spotted him standing still, his back towards her. She didn't care what he was looking at, only that he was there. Nashi emerged from the bushes, ready to capture him. The man did not move. Nashi looked ahead of him to see what he was staring at. Her eyes widened at the sight of it.

It was a murky lake. The bottom of it was practically invisible, but Nashi doubted anything could survive down there. Above the lake were a bunch of white lights. Nashi thought they were fireflies at first, but they didn't behave like fireflies. The bandit was staring at one of them that was just hovering in place. She watched for a few minutes before the man moved. He walked closer to the edge of the lake in a trance like state. Nashi couldn't understand what he was doing until Erza's words echoed through her ears.

They will lure you towards the water in their new form and when you get close enough, they pull you in.

Nashi gasped when she realized what was happening. The sirens were trying to take this man.

But I thought Auntie Erza said they would take a new form, I don't see anything there, Nashi thought frantically, Who cares at this point! I have to stop him!

"Hey, Stop!" she yelled, running after him. Nashi jogged in front of the man and tried pushing him back. It had very little effect on him as he continued to trudge nearer to the murky water.

"Stop, it's a trap! They'll pull you in," she hopelessly pleaded. Tears of fright began to pour from Nashi's eyes. He may have been a thief, but he was still human, and Nashi really didn't want to watch someone die. The dirt under her feet provided little help as she tried to hold him back. Nashi looked over her shoulder to see only a few feet between her and the waters edge. Reality came crashing in when she figured out that she would be pulled in as well. The tears fell harder as her heel slipped into the water.

"Please!" she pleaded. Nashi's breath began to grow uneasy. Her body began to feel hot, burning even. All she wanted was her father to help her.

"STOP!" The man was blasted back from Nashi. Nashi climbed out of the water and stumbled closer to the bandit. She neared the man who had collapsed on the floor. Her eyes expanded at the marks on his stomach. They looked like burn marks. Nashi looked down at her hands that were once feeling hot.

Did…Did I do that?

"Nashi!" Natsu's cry forced Nashi's eyes way from her hands and to the brush. Natsu ran out of the bushes and toward the little girl, followed by the rest of Team Natsu. All their eyes fell on the man lying beside Nashi.

"Nashi, I told you to stay by the bush," Erza chastised, ignoring the injured bandit. Nashi looked at the ground dejectedly.

"I-I saw him running away so I followed him," Nashi put her hands together and placed them in her lap, "Sorry Auntie Erza."

"Did you do this?" Happy asked, lifting up the man's burnt shirt to see if he had any major wounds. Everyone at the party looked at Nashi expectantly.

"I don't know, I guess. I just got really scared and then this happened," she said gesturing to him. The team was speechless by Nashi's explanation, however no one was as stunned as Natsu. The man's onyx eyes looked over Nashi as if she was a foreign object.

"Well, no use wondering about it," said Gray as he lifted the bandit and threw him over his shoulder, "Let's get him and the rest of his buddies into the city." Erza nodded reluctantly, still not satisfied with the information Nashi had given her. The wizards started off back to the log cabin. Natsu continued to watch the girl in interest. First eating fire and now this, what was with her? Nashi stood from her spot and followed the rest of the group. Her eyes were directed to the floor beneath her. After Natsu passed by her and went after the others, Nashi heard a whispery voice from behind her.

Nashi

Nashi stopped in her tracks and glanced back at the lake. She saw nothing but the green water, not even the little lights were there. Feeling a foreboding sensation inside her, Nashi sped up her pace to reach her father's team.

Despite how dark the terrain had gotten, a small white light shined brightly in the pitch darkness.