Chapter 13: Dinner with a Dreamer
The Hargeon sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and pink. In a small restaurant near the port, the clatter of plates and chatter of sailors filled the air.
At a corner table sat an odd group of four: a pink-haired boy with an endless appetite, a flying blue cat happily munching grilled fish, a blonde woman trying to keep her composure, and a dark-haired young man with crimson eyes watching quietly as his chains swayed faintly at his side.
Natsu slammed down an empty plate. "Another one!"
The waitress sighed. "That's the fourth plate of roasted pork, you bottomless pit."
Happy raised a paw with fish bones dangling from his mouth. "And more fish for me! Aye, sir!"
Lucy giggled nervously, covering her mouth. "You two really can eat."
Menma sat across from her, barely touching his food. He spoke calmly. "…They're always like this."
Lucy blinked, curiosity sparking in her brown eyes. "…So, are you three traveling together?"
"Yep!" Happy said proudly, tail flicking. "We go wherever we want!"
Lucy smiled, leaning forward. "That's amazing! I'm a mage too, you know."
Menma's crimson eyes flicked toward her, but he said nothing.
Lucy continued, lowering her voice like she was sharing a great secret. "I specialize in Celestial Spirit Magic. I can summon spirits using keys. Not everyone can do it!" She reached into her bag, pulling out a silver key and holding it up with pride.
Natsu paused mid-bite. "Keys? That sounds like it could be useful in a fight."
"Of course it is!" Lucy said quickly, cheeks puffed with determination. "I've been practicing for years. My dream is to join a famous guild… like Fairy Tail!"
At the mention of the guild's name, Natsu choked on his food. Happy smacked his back while laughing hysterically.
Menma lifted his cup, sipping calmly to hide the faint flicker of amusement in his crimson eyes.
Lucy didn't notice their reactions and went on, eyes shining. "I've heard so many stories about them—how powerful and wild they are! I just know I'll fit right in. People will recognize my talent, and I'll finally get to live my dream as a real mage!"
Happy whispered loudly to Menma, "Should we tell her?"
Natsu grinned, shaking his head. "Nah. Let's see what happens."
Menma gave a quiet hum, eyes half-lidded. "…She'll find out soon enough."
Lucy puffed out her chest proudly, clearly mistaking their silence as awe. "So, what about you three? You're obviously not normal travelers. You must be mages too, right?"
Natsu scratched his head. "Heh, something like that."
Happy smirked. "We're pretty strong!"
Menma remained quiet, chains faintly rattling against his armrest.
Lucy leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Well… between us, don't you think that so-called Salamander was fishy? He almost got me with his charm spell, but… thanks to you three, I snapped out of it. I owe you."
Menma's crimson eyes narrowed faintly. Bora of Prominence… he's not done yet.
Lucy smiled warmly. "Anyway, thanks for the food. You've been so kind. Maybe tomorrow I'll go check out that ship of his. He said he's hosting a private party tonight…"
The table went silent.
Natsu nearly spat his drink. "What?! Don't even think about it! That guy's scum!"
Happy waved his tiny paws frantically. "He's a slave trader! Didn't you notice the shady vibe?"
Lucy blinked, taken aback. "…Eh?!"
Menma finally spoke, his voice low and serious. "…If you value your freedom, stay far away from that ship. Bora doesn't charm women for fun. He sells them."
Lucy paled, her hand tightening around her key. "Y-you're serious?"
Natsu slammed his fists down. "Damn right we are! And if he thinks he can get away with that, we'll smash him to bits!"
Happy nodded eagerly. "Aye, sir!"
Lucy stared at the three of them, suddenly realizing they weren't ordinary travelers at all. There was something deeper behind their words—the kind of certainty that only came from strength and experience.
Menma's crimson eyes glowed faintly as he met her gaze. "…Stay with us tonight. If Bora makes his move, we'll end it."
Lucy swallowed, her earlier bravado fading. "…Alright."
As laughter and chatter filled the restaurant, their corner table sat in a quiet bubble of tension. None of them said it aloud, but each knew: tonight at Hargeon port, Bora would make his play.
And Fairy Tail would be waiting.