Chapter 12: The Port of Fate
The salty air of Hargeon port clung to Menma's cloak as he walked through the crowded marketplace, chains tucked quietly at his side. He had just completed a week-long job eradicating stray Space Fiends along the coast and was ready to rest before returning to Magnolia.
But his crimson eyes caught sight of a crowd gathering ahead—mostly young women swooning and gasping at a man with violet hair and a gaudy suit.
The man raised his arms dramatically, releasing a faint haze of magic that clouded the air. "I am Fairy Tail's Salamander!" he declared smugly, basking in the women's applause.
Menma stopped. His eyes flickered faintly. Fairy Tail's Salamander…? That's not right.
From the other side of the crowd, another voice cut in, sharp and loud.
"That's a lie!"
Menma turned and immediately recognized the pink-haired boy forcing his way through the mob. Natsu Dragneel, scarf trailing in the sea breeze, fists clenched.
"The real Salamander's me—Natsu Dragneel!" he shouted proudly. "And besides, I'm not here for you. I'm looking for Igneel, my dragon!"
Gasps rose from the crowd. "Dragon?!"
Happy hovered overhead, flapping furiously. "Aye, sir! We're still searching!"
Menma allowed himself the faintest sigh. Still chasing Igneel. Still loud as ever.
The fake Salamander—Bora of Prominence, though Menma recognized the name too late—stiffened as some of the women began to doubt him. His smirk faltered, but he quickly covered it with a bow.
"Well then, since my greetings here seem misunderstood, I shall host a private party… aboard my personal ship tonight!" He flourished his cape, ignoring the skeptical looks, and made a quick retreat toward the docks with a handful of enraptured women trailing after him.
Menma's eyes narrowed, watching him go. He reeks of foul play.
The Meeting
As the crowd dispersed, Natsu groaned loudly. "Tch! That guy's a fake! He doesn't smell like Fairy Tail at all!"
Happy bobbed beside him. "You say that about almost everyone, Natsu."
Menma stepped forward, his chains clinking faintly against the stone pier. "…You're still chasing Igneel, huh."
Natsu blinked, then broke into a grin. "Menma! You're here too?!"
Menma inclined his head. "…Been a while."
Before either could say more, a voice hesitantly spoke up.
"Um… excuse me?"
They turned to see a young blonde woman clutching a shopping bag. She looked flustered, cheeks slightly pink. Menma recognized her faintly from the crowd—she had almost fallen under Bora's charm.
"I… I wanted to thank you three," she said quickly, bowing her head. "If you hadn't interfered, I might've been dragged along with the others. So… would you let me treat you to dinner?"
Natsu blinked. "Dinner? Free food?"
Happy's eyes sparkled. "Fish?!"
Menma studied her carefully. She didn't seem dangerous—just shaken, trying to be polite. After a moment, he gave a small nod. "…Acceptable."
The girl smiled faintly in relief. "I'm Lucy. Lucy Heartfilia."
Natsu threw an arm around Menma's shoulders, grinning wide. "Looks like we scored dinner, Menma! First Igneel, then food!"
Happy chimed in, wings flapping excitedly. "Best day ever!"
Menma, however, kept his gaze fixed in the direction Bora had vanished, his crimson eyes glowing faintly for just a second. Something tells me this isn't over.