After the events in the dining pavilion, four days passed. During those four days, Natsu underwent rigorous military-style training. The blonde made him do push-ups, jumping jacks, and much more. Though she denied it, Lucy enjoyed making the pink-haired boy suffer. She was in the arena with Natsu, who was fighting a steroid-pumped monster in silver armor.
Lucy – Come on, Natsu! – she shouted, watching the pink-haired boy battle a guy twice his size – If you think you can beat Erza like this, think again! Because you won't!
Natsu – Give me a break! – he whined, dodging to the side and kicking the giant's legs, causing him to crash to the ground. Natsu fell on his back, feeling his irregular breathing slowly return to normal.
Lucy approached, crouching near his face – You challenged Erza, so you need to train much harder to beat her. And the games are tonight.
Natsu looked at the sky – I know. That's why you're stricter than usual – he smirked, noticing the blonde blush slightly at his comment.
Lucy – Idiot – she flicked his forehead, hearing him laugh – But seriously, you need to train. If you lose, you'll have to run around the camp in just panties and a bra.
Natsu sat up quickly, rubbing his arms, completely goosebumped at what he heard – Don't say that, Lucy! – he put his hands on his head, totally desperate – If I don't win tonight's fight, I'll have to run in panties and a bra... Around the whole camp... That's... so horrible...
Lucy sighed, standing up and looking at where the giant had fallen – I'll call the nymphs to help take this guy to the infirmary – she looked seriously at the pink-haired boy – And you, Natsu, go to Athena's cabin. We'll have a meeting soon.
Natsu nodded, watching the blonde run off to find some nymphs. He started walking out of the arena, seeing the cabins, arranged in a Greek omega shape, in complete chaos – They really love the games... – he sighed, heading toward his cabin – She said to go to Athena's cabin, but first, I'll take a shower... – he stopped in front of Poseidon's cabin door – I still can't believe this is all happening... – he whispered, opening the door.
Natsu barely suppressed a scream when he saw the horse behind the kitchen counter, realizing it would be weird for a boy to scream like that – WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE? – he got irritated, seeing the horse with its head in the fridge, a fish in its mouth.
Happy pulled its head out of the fridge, turning toward the pink-haired boy – Yo, boss! – it swallowed the fish, bones and all, neighing afterward – I was hungry, so I decided to swing by and grab a bite – it explained.
Natsu glared at the horse, a vein pulsing on his forehead – That doesn't explain how you got in here! – he walked toward the horse, furrowing his brow – You ate a fish? Isn't that, like, a distant relative of yours? – he found it strange.
Happy – Of course not, boss! – it neighed, outraged by what the pink-haired boy said – It's a fish! Fish is food! – it exclaimed, as if that explained everything.
Natsu – You're really weird, Happy – he sighed – Besides having blue fur and a funny way of talking, you eat fish that, indirectly, has something to do with Poseidon? – he laughed – What else don't I know?
Happy – I can turn into a cat!
Natsu burst out laughing, unable to hold it in.
Happy – I'm serious, boss! I can turn into a cat! – it trotted closer to the pink-haired boy – If you don't believe me, I can show you!
Natsu slowly stopped laughing – Seriously? Then do it, only then will I believe you.
Happy neighed, annoyed – You wanna see?
Natsu sighed, getting irritated – Hurry up, Happy.
Happy neighed. Contracting its back, the horse released white smoke from its nostrils, enveloping the cabin in fog.
Natsu quickly closed his eyes, afraid the mist might harm them – Happy, what are you doing? – he coughed.
Happy – Almost done, boss!
Natsu felt the fog dissipate. He slowly opened his eyes.
Natsu – Happy? – he looked around, not finding the horse anywhere – Where'd you go?
The pink-haired boy jumped when he heard a meow at his feet:
– Meow...
Staring at the blue-furred cat with pointed ears, Natsu muttered the only thing that came to mind: – A cat?
Happy – It's me, boss! – it smiled, though oddly.
Natsu – And it talks! – he exclaimed in thought, startled.
Happy sighed, shrugging – Boss, you don't need to speak mentally. This is easier...
Natsu glared at the cat, a vein pulsing on his forehead – You made me learn to speak mentally with you, and now you're saying I don't need to?
Happy nodded. But it jumped when it saw lightning sparks crackle in the pink-haired boy's hand – Calm down, boss. It's not good to kill horses. It'll give you fifty years of bad luck.
Natsu's eyes sparked with anger – You're not a horse anymore. You're a cat. And you're not black. So it won't bring me bad luck. So it wouldn't hurt to kill you – he took a step forward – Start praying, Happy...
Happy – Huh? Boss? – its eyes teared up – NOOOO, BOSS!
Minutes later, Natsu left his new room wearing an orange shirt with "Camp Half-Blood" written on it.
Natsu – How long are you gonna stay there? – he looked at the sofa, seeing the small cat – Still sulking?
Happy stood on the sofa, oddly on two legs – Shut up! You burned my tail, you meanie! – it grabbed its tail, smoothing the singed tip.
Natsu – Even though I don't know how I did that – he sighed – But I gotta go. Lucy's probably furious because I'm late – he walked to the door – So behave.
Happy nodded.
Outside his cabin, Natsu walked calmly, seeing the cabins completely empty. Passing by Ares' cabin, he noticed they were making more noise than usual – *They're really excited...* – he thought, smirking.
Natsu quickened his pace, heading to Athena's cabin. Opening the door, he noticed a discussion inside. The blonde and other boys and girls were arguing around a table with a map in the center. Natsu furrowed his brow, confused.
– Damn, they never change.
Natsu jumped when someone spoke out of nowhere beside him – Who? – he found it strange, trying to recall the green-haired girl with black eyes.
The girl looked at the pink-haired boy, smiling kindly and extending her hand – Nice to meet you. We haven't been formally introduced. My name's Brandish. I'm the head counselor of Demeter's cabin.
Natsu shook her hand, giving an awkward smile – Now I remember. You were at the meeting four days ago. And Lucy wanted to introduce me to you.
Brandish nodded.
Natsu – But... – he looked ahead, seeing the head counselors and some campers arguing for some reason – Why are they fighting?
Brandish sighed – They're like that. Each has a different strategy. But none of the leaders want to give in.
Natsu looked at the girl – And who are these leaders? From which cabins?
Brandish – The cabins with us are Aphrodite, Hermes, Apollo, Athena, and Demeter. With you representing Poseidon, we have six cabins total.
Natsu – Got it...
Brandish – But look... – she pointed to a corner of Athena's cabin, where a group of boys and girls were flirting or chatting – Both Aphrodite's and Apollo's kids are vain. They just talk. They barely help with anything. And even though we have a big group, almost none of them contribute properly – she sighed again.
Natsu crossed his arms, watching the argument – I'll take a look at the strategies. Maybe I can help... – he smiled, walking toward the arguing group.
Lucy, in the middle of the discussion, stopped talking when she saw the pink-haired boy approach – You're late! – her voice was louder than many arguing – Why'd you take so long?
Natsu – Sorry. Had to wash off the sweat! – he shouted louder, standing beside the blonde – What's this? – he pointed at the map with red and blue pins.
Lucy – The strategy points. Everyone wants to place the troops where they want, but they don't realize that against Erza's team's strength, it's useless since they practically have an army.
Natsu put his hand on his chin, thoughtful – We're the blue pins, right? – he saw the blonde nod – That's why we're losing...
Suddenly, the cabin leaders and campers stopped arguing. They all stared at the pink-haired boy, confused by what he said.
– What do you mean? – one of the leaders asked, not understanding his reasoning.
Natsu pointed at the blue pins, drawing everyone's attention – Look. We, the blue pins, are surrounded by this rock... – he pointed at a line on the map labeled "Deep Waters" – For them, that's a great opportunity, since if we enter the water, our armor will get heavier than normal. And right beside it, the forest is practically closed off. And since we're playing the games at night...
Lucy – We'd have trouble seeing where they'd attack us... – she completed his reasoning – But this is a strategic port. We set traps and other things Demeter's kids can do.
Natsu – And that's their advantage!
– What do you mean? – another leader asked.
Natsu pointed slightly upward, where the red pins were – Look. They have a smaller troop. We outnumber them. We'd have a better chance if we completely surrounded them.
Lucy – But that alone wouldn't work... – she said thoughtfully – How would we ambush them? It'd be a lot of work to get them where we want.
Natsu – That's where the rest of my plan comes in – he smiled – To get them where we want, we need bait.
– Bait?
Natsu nodded – Yup. Bait. And who does their leader hate the most? – he smirked.
Lucy blinked several times, surprised as she understood what the pink-haired boy was planning – You're offering yourself as bait? Like, luring Erza to us so we can ambush her?
Natsu – Yup. Now, the ambush plan...
A few hours later, everyone left Athena's cabin calmly. Some were excited, others not so much. All wore armor with blue-plumed helmets and carried swords or spears in their hands or on their backs.
Lucy walked up to the pink-haired boy, whispering – How did you know those tactics?
Natsu raised an eyebrow – I don't know. They just came to me when I saw the plans you guys made – he whispered back – But why are you asking?
Lucy smiled – Because the strategies you came up with were brilliant. I'd say even better than some of Athena's kids – she looked ahead, seeing Gildarts and, behind him, Erza's team – Let's stop talking. It's time to fight.
Seeing the blonde's team approach, Gildarts proclaimed – As you all know: it's against the rules to maim or do anything that could harm your fellow campers! And as always, we have a prize for the winners: an exclusive dinner, served by the losing team. Plus, you'll be free from the chores everyone has to do for a week, as the losing team's cabins will do everything for you!
All the campers shouted excitedly.
Gildarts – Alright! Head to the forest! That's where the capture-the-flag game will take place! I'll give you five minutes for each team to regroup!
Lucy took a deep breath – Everyone! To the forest! And get to your positions! As we planned!
Everyone – Got it!
Lucy – Let's go! – she marched toward the forest, followed by the rest of her team.
Gildarts saw both teams heading to their points to finalize their strategies – I have a feeling this time will be quite fun...
Minutes later, after discussing everything with her team, Lucy watched Natsu from her hiding spot, waiting for him to give the signal everyone expected – *He volunteered, I know. But I'm worried. If Erza gets him right away, the team's confidence might crumble, since everyone thinks he can help us win* – she sighed – *Please, Mom. Bless this war tactic we planned and... that idiot.*
Up ahead, Natsu was trembling with nerves – *Damn it! Why the hell did I volunteer as bait?* – he blushed slightly – *Was it to look cool in front of Lucy?* – he shook his head – *No! It wasn't!* – he took a deep breath, sighing afterward – *Can't deny it. It was to look cool in front of her...* – he quickly reached into his pocket, ready to pull out his pen, hearing the sound of branches being stepped on – *As I thought: they split into groups...* – he saw Erza's troop much smaller than before – *And knowing how Erza is, I bet she's in the first group...* – he waved his hands, giving the signal – *Time to act!* – he pulled the pen from his pocket, clicking it, turning it into a sword.
Lucy – Finally! – she smiled, turning to the side and whispering – Pass the message, Levy: we're starting our attack. Ready your weapons, because we're winning this time!
The blue-haired girl nodded, turning to her side and relaying what the blonde ordered.
Lucy watched Natsu, seeing him walk toward the sounds Erza's team was making – *You got this! So go!*
Up ahead, Natsu wielded his sword and, though reluctantly, smiled excitedly about the fight. He felt he could be attacked at any moment and needed to defend himself against whoever, or whatever, attacked. As he got closer, he stopped when he saw a mini-army approaching, led by a girl with a red-plumed helmet, a shield on her left arm, and a sword in her right hand.
Natsu – *She's really a monster...* – he whispered, smirking as he recognized the redhead – *Hey, period-hair! Come here! I'm gonna take you down!*
Erza – *Huh?* – she recognized the pink-haired boy – *Dragneel! I'm going to kill you!* – she growled, raising her sword – *Everyone, let's crush Lucy's team! And then, we'll have plenty of entertainment!*
Erza's team roared excitedly. They marched toward the pink-haired boy.
Natsu – *She didn't notice...* – he smirked – *Now it's time to start the plan!*
Natsu ran toward the starting point for their plan. He raised his sword, giving the second signal.
Lucy – *That's it... They took the bait!* – she whispered, smiling, still hidden.
Natsu, glancing back and seeing the redhead approaching with her sword raised, sighed, calming his heart. He smiled, remembering he could die if something went wrong – *I won't think negative thoughts...* – a strange joy took over him. It was as if he had only lived for this moment.
Up ahead, Erza approached with long strides. She had forgotten to be more cautious. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings – *I'm going to kill him, I'm going to kill him, I'm going to kill him!* – hearing a strange noise, she stopped abruptly, making her squad halt – *What's he planning?* – she saw his mocking smile – *He's not...* – her eyes widened as she realized – *It's an ambush! Ready your weapons!*
It was too late for the redhead to shout. They were already surrounded by the blonde's team.
Erza growled furiously, looking around and seeing they were surrounded, with no gap to escape. But then, she smirked, remembering something – *You fell for it...*
Lucy – *Huh?* – she didn't understand.
Erza – *Mecha squad! Attack!*
Lucy's eyes widened as about twenty boys appeared from the trees with red-plumed helmets – *Damn it!* – she growled, turning to one of the approaching boys – *Spread out! Break their rear guard!* – she shouted, heard by her entire team.
A tall boy with no helmet, his messy black hair falling down his back, wielded a long double-edged bronze sword, smirking – *Sons of Hephaestus! Attack!* – he pointed his sword at the blonde's team.
One boy charged at Lucy, but she dodged and countered with her sword, hitting the boy's stomach with the flat of her blade, making him double over and collapse, unconscious.
Lucy – *Everyone, don't give up! We outnumber them! We can beat them!* – she looked at Natsu, smiling, then nodded.
Natsu, understanding what the blonde meant with that nod, turned toward the darker part of the forest – *Brandish! You're up!*
Erza – *Huh?* – she found it strange what Natsu said, but was shocked when branches and plants turned against her team – *WHAT?* – she exclaimed, surprised as some of her campers fell, tangled by plants wrapping around their feet. She looked even more shocked at the boys and girls emerging from the forest's darkness.
Brandish – *Sons of Demeter, Hermes, and Apollo! It's time for our attack!* – she shouted, holding two balloons – *Get into position! Aim!*
Erza stared, startled, as the blonde's team members scattered among the trees, as if afraid of what was coming.
Brandish smiled – *THROW!* – she shouted, throwing the balloons she held, followed by others who also had balloons.
When the balloons hit the ground, they burst, releasing a green mist with a strange stench.
Erza – *What's...* – she coughed – *this?*
Lucy appeared in front of the redhead. She wore a leaf mask over her nose and mouth – *Like it? That's the power of the fabulous Queriaclobes!*
Still coughing, Erza growled in anger – *Damn you!*
Lucy smiled, despite the difficulty from the leaves – *Attack!* – she raised her sword, hearing her team members, also with leaf masks, shout excitedly.
And so, a battle began between the two teams. Brandish's squad, appearing out of nowhere, joined the fight. In the forest, a display of lights and sparks lit up the night. Lucy's team fought with vigor. Even if they got hurt, they were happy to be overpowering the redhead's team.
Natsu smiled, watching the fight. But his attention was drawn to a redhead charging at him. She wielded her sword but had no shield.
Erza – *DRAGNEEL! I'm going to kill you!* – she jumped, swinging her sword at him.
Natsu raised his sword, blocking her attack. Countering her move, he thrust his sword at her, only to be blocked by her sword. She pushed back against his blade, and he did the same.
Erza smiled – *Looks like I underestimated you. You're actually a great opponent!*
Natsu returned the smile – *Thanks! But that's beside the point! I need to beat you to avoid that bet!* – he pushed against her sword, knocking it out of her hands – *I won!* – he smiled, lowering his sword as he saw where her sword landed – *Give up, Erza. You can't beat me.*
A wicked smile appeared on the redhead's face – *You really think you can beat me?*
Natsu found her smile odd. He raised his sword again, ready for whatever she was planning.
Erza – *You, more than anyone, Dragneel, should know you can't beat someone prepared for everything* – she reached into her pocket, pulling out a large, shiny silver coin – *Come, Rebigarv!* – she tossed the coin upward, hearing a loud crash in the sky.
Natsu's eyes widened as the coin grew into a two-meter spear – *What?* – he whispered, seeing the spear's tip crackle with small lightning sparks.
Erza – *Like it?* – her smile grew – *This is Rebigarv. My spear.*
Natsu – *But it... looks like... my mom's... spear.*
Erza – *Because they're twins* – she explained, stepping forward.
Natsu – *Twins...* – he found it strange, watching her approach – *What do you mean?*
Erza – *You really don't know anything about mythology. This spear is called Rebigarv, the omega spear. It has two sisters, alpha and beta. These three spears were once known as the three celestial spears. Your mom's was a gift from Zeus. Hers is the beta. Mine is the omega. I got it from my father two years ago when I turned twelve. The alpha disappeared long ago, and no one knows where it is* – her smile widened – *But that's beside the point!* – she raised her spear – *Die!* – she gripped the tip, thrusting it downward quickly.
Natsu dodged the spear by jumping back – *ARE YOU CRAZY?* – he was shocked as the spear nearly hit him where it shouldn't – *You were trying to take out my 'low countries'? Don't you remember it's forbidden to maim?*
Erza – *Tch. He dodged* – she grumbled.
Natsu – *You really meant to!* – he stared at her, stunned. But he sighed, calming down – *That's beside the point* – he raised his sword at her – *I'm going to beat you!* – he charged, counterattacking with his sword.
Erza blocked his sword with her spear, spinning quickly and nearly hitting him, but he dodged. She growled, getting angry. She attacked again, her spear blocked by his sword.
Natsu charged again, thrusting his sword against her spear. When they clashed, sparks flew. But both froze when they heard someone shout:
– *We won! We found Erza's team's flag!*
Erza – *W-What?* – she stared in shock as a redhead brought a red flag with a boar pierced by a spear in the center, which shimmered and turned into a silver flag with a caduceus and two snakes – *Hermes' cabin symbol...* – she gritted her teeth, red with anger – *Damn it! No way we lost!*
Natsu smiled – *We won...* – he collapsed on the ground, sighing – *I thought I'd have to parade in panties and a bra...*
Erza glared at him, then raised her spear at him – *Don't think it's over! I'll really kill you in the next games!* – she smiled, turning her spear back into a silver coin – *So don't die until then, Dragneel* – she walked away, hearing her team's complaints and the blonde's team cheering for their victory.
Natsu watched her leave calmly – *She's actually a good loser...* – he whispered, standing up. His attention was drawn to a centaur approaching – *Gildarts?*
Gildarts smiled – *Congratulations, Natsu. You were amazing.*
Natsu smiled – *Thanks.*
Gildarts – *Let's celebrate!* – he started galloping out of the forest but stopped when he heard a growl.
A thunderous howl echoed across Long Island. Natsu looked to the other side of the rock, seeing a massive, nearly three-meter-tall black dog. The dog leaped over the rock, landing a few meters from Natsu. Its fur was bristled, it growled at him, and approached slowly.
Lucy – *By Zeus's underwear! What's that doing here?*
Natsu looked at the blonde, furrowing his brow – *What do my grandfather's underwear have to do with this?*
Lucy shrugged – *It's a long story. I'll explain later* – she stared at the growling monster – *But what I really want to know is how this hellhound got in here?* – she raised her sword, ready for anything.
The hellhound growled. Its crimson eyes glowed, fixed on Natsu. It took a step forward. Natsu raised his sword, his eyes turning a vibrant sea-green.
Natsu's eyes widened as the monster charged. He swung his sword downward, waiting for it to get closer, but when he went to strike, the hellhound vanished.
Natsu – *Wha...* – he was interrupted as razor-sharp claws pierced his armor from behind – *How?* – he realized the hellhound had moved behind him. Spinning, he struck the monster's eye.
Lucy raised her sword, ready to attack the hellhound, but was stopped by Gildarts, who put his hand in front of her – *Gildarts?* – she found his action strange.
Gildarts – *Let him fight alone. For what awaits him, this is just the beginning.*
Lucy looked at Natsu, silently apologizing – *It's up to you...*
Natsu saw no one approached. Despite his fear of the creature, a smile appeared on his face. He was excited to fight. He took a deep breath, standing tall, gripping his sword with both hands.
The hellhound howled again, ready to attack. It charged at Natsu, claws out.
Natsu saw the monster vanish like a shadow. He took another deep breath, calming his heart. He remembered something his mother had taught him:
*"On a foggy night, thunder roared in the sky, and in a small apartment, a pink-haired woman curiously hugged a crying pink-haired boy.*
*Virgo – Sweetie, don't worry. It'll pass soon – she rubbed his back.*
*Natsu – I'm scared... – he cried, hugging her tighter.*
*Virgo – I told you, don't worry. You don't need to be afraid. Those evil shadows won't chase you again.*
*Natsu looked at her, his eyes wiped by her hands – Really?*
*Virgo smiled – Really. They won't bother you again. And if they do, use those flames you used.*
*Natsu – Can I?*
*Virgo nodded – Of course! – she pointed at his heart – Just ignite your heart. It'll give you strength to fight anything! Because you'll be a great hero who'll save the world!"*
Natsu smiled with closed eyes – *Now I understand, Mom... What you meant about not fearing the shadows* – he felt that same pressure in his stomach. His sword sparked with flames, as if doused in gasoline and lit with a match. Like a radar, he sensed a threatening presence behind him. He was faster. Spinning, he swung his flaming sword at the hellhound, piercing its body.
All the campers, staring in awe at Natsu's still-flaming sword, shouted excitedly.
Natsu sighed, looking at the pile of ashes at his feet, his breathing returning to normal.
Lucy – *Great job!* – she caught his attention, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Natsu looked at the blonde – *Thanks...* – he said with some difficulty.
Lucy – *You okay?*
Natsu – *I think...* – he closed his eyes, his body falling backward – *Yeah* – he fainted.
Gildarts approached – *Take him to the infirmary!* – he pointed at Natsu – *And I want you to investigate how that hellhound got in here! If there's a breach in the barrier, we're in trouble!*
Lucy knelt beside Natsu, placing his head on her lap, stroking his hair – *You were amazing...* – she whispered with a serene smile – *I give you my congratulations, seaweed brain... You're really an incredible idiot. Maybe my prophecy is right...*