Chapter 3 That's a story that started more than 100 years ago
On the continent of Ishgar, in an unknown forest.
The sunlight passes through the gaps between the shades of the trees, forming flickering lights and shadows. In the dense trees, the small animals cling to each other and enjoy their time leisurely.
But soon, as a figure descended from high altitude, the chaotic sounds of scattered wild birds heralded the end of peace.
Sitting sideways on an old broom floating in the air, a girl wearing a witch's hat and her brown hair tied into two tails was walking leisurely through the forest.
As the direction of the abnormality she felt got closer and closer, the girl slowed down her flying speed and began to look left and right.
After a while, the girl dressed as a witch discovered something, slightly curved her mouth, and stopped at the target location.
"..."
Looking at the little guy lying unconscious on the ground, who looked like he was only about seven or eight years old, the girl raised her right foot and crossed her chest with her hands, showing a thoughtful expression, but soon she opened her mouth slightly with a look of enlightenment.
.
"...Really, is it already this time..."
Landing from the sky, the girl squatted down and showed a playful smile.
Originally, it was just because I noticed the wonderful fluctuations in space and time, but I didn't expect to have such an unexpected 'gain'.
(First meeting, the child of destiny who has intertwined cause and effect for more than 400 years...)
"I said! Why don't you teach me this magic that allows you to fly in the air!"
Looking up at the girl flying leisurely above him, the little devil with cherry red hair shouted dissatisfied.
Not paying attention at all, the girl holding the brim of her hat continued to hum a tune, looking like she was in a good mood.
"Hey——! Don't ignore me!!"
Waving his hands in annoyance, the panting red-haired kid stopped running.
"...Don't complain. You should be grateful to me if I am willing to give you advice! Run quickly and follow the magic power I taught you. You can at least hold on for a long time."
"Or, Natsu, you don't want to go find your 'father' anymore?"
Glancing at the rebellious kid, the girl quickly grasped his weak spot.
"Damn it!!! I know it!!! Then at least tell me where you are taking me now!!!"
Although his face was still unhappy, the word 'father' seemed to have touched his nerves, causing him to run forward crazily.
But before he could even take two steps, he was knocked to the ground by a flaming fist.
"Asshole! What are you doing!!!"
The kid, who was holding the big bump on the back of his head and almost bursting into tears from the pain, roared.
"Is this your attitude towards your 'beneficiary' who not only saved you but also kindly taught you magic? Stop calling me 'bastard' or 'you guy' and call me 'teacher' properly!"
"Well……"
Even though she said this, the girl didn't seem to be angry at all. Instead, she was more 'pleasant' because she could educate him?
"Besides, as for the destination, isn't it almost there?"
Stretching out her hand, the girl pointed forward.
After crossing the ramp in confusion, the kid who caught up looked at the prosperous city that appeared in front of him with a shocked expression.
I have been living the life of a savage these days, and this lively scenery makes the little guy who has never seen the world widen his eyes.
After taking a satisfied look at the lost little guy, the girl suddenly smiled evilly and reminded him aloud.
"I know you are very excited now, but if you don't hurry up, the 'time' will be here soon."
"……Um?"
A dazed look appeared on his face, but the faint heat from behind immediately woke him up.
That was the flaming hourglass that the girl gave him to measure time before setting off.
If today's training is not completed within the specified time, then...
"Oh oh oh oh oh ————!!!!!! I'm burning!!"
He started walking again in a panic, and the little devil named Natsu shouted his catchphrase and ran away.
(Come on, young man, or it will really start to burn.)
With some old-fashioned thoughts, the girl also activated her magic broom and followed slowly.
With an exaggerated look on his face, Natsu panted heavily at the gate of the city called "Magnolia". He wiped away the sweat that had fallen to his chin, and realized that he didn't need to accept the 'punishment'. Natsu sat down on the ground limply.
.
"Hmm, barely qualified..."
With a casual wave of the hourglass that dispersed the flames, the girl fell from the sky and came to Natsu's side.
Holding the broom, a nostalgic and gentle expression appeared on her face.
(This 'rest' is really long enough...)
Lost in the memories of the past, the girl stood quietly at the door.
It's a pity that there are always people who like to be "uninformed".
"Hey! What are you doing standing there? Why don't you go in?"
With his hands behind his head, the hot-blooded kid who had recovered eagerly walked towards the city gate.
--boom!
The flaming fist appeared again and buried Natsu's head into the ground.
"Ugh!! Ugh! Huh... I thought I was going to be suffocated to death... Damn it!"
After desperately pulling out his head and sighing about his 'remaining life', Natsu glared at the girl behind him with a vicious expression.
However, what he saw when he turned around was a face even more 'terrible' than his.
"Give me peace of mind and come and wait for me, can you?"
With a gloomy face, the girl spoke every word with a smile on her face.
"……is teacher……"
I swallowed and finally became honest this time.
Natsu curled up his neck and sat cross-legged on the ground. Although Natsu didn't know what to expect, the past month of getting along with her still made him feel in awe of the girl.
Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long. Just when he was getting impatient, a little old man in very formal clothes rushed out of the city in a hurry.
"Long time no see! It's been a long time since I sent my greetings, Master Zeira!"
He greeted the girl in a very serious manner. Although the age difference seemed so big, the little old man used honorifics towards her.
"You don't have to be like this... you look a lot older, Makarov."
After waving her hand, the girl named Zera signaled that he didn't need to be so serious.
By the way, what happened last time we met...
...
"Then Lord Zeira, do you have anything to explain to me in this summons?"
After a brief exchange of greetings, Makarov finally asked his question.
"Huh? Ahh... I almost forgot..."
Ignoring someone's resistance, the flame-condensed palm lifted the kid who had been watching in front of Makarov.
"I'll leave this child to you and train him well~"
""……well?""
Hearing this, the old man and the young man were a little confused for a while, and they didn't react until the girl sat on the broom again.
"Hey! Didn't you promise to take me to find Iguniru?!"
Running up to the girl, Natsu asked anxiously.
"...That's why I brought you here. Don't worry, as long as you stay in this city and in 'Fairy Tail', we will meet again one day."
"Because, he is in your 'heart'."
The voice changed from near to distant, and the leaving girl said seemingly "irresponsible" words.
"The rest will be left to you, Makarov."
"Yes! I understand."
Although it is still unclear why the woman he respected entrusted him with this child, Makarov still seriously agreed.
Because this gentleman is not only a member of the fairies, but also a legend who is still alive today.
At the same time, he is also one of the strongest guardians of their Ishgar continent!
After a whim brought a certain protagonist to "Fairy Tail" in advance, the girl returned to the place where she currently lives in seclusion.
Put the witch hat off on the magic broom and gently place it in front of an unnamed tombstone. The soft call of the whisper is mixed in the leaves blown by the breeze.
"...It's also a nice day today, Mavis."
The sun poured down and shone on the girl's smile.
…
Yes, that started more than 100 years ago.
A story about two little "goblins". (To be continued)