Natsu let out a sigh as he laid back on the grass while looking up at the sky. The wind lightly blew through the East Forest causing the trees around him and Happy to rustle.
"Training's not the same without Vivi." Natsu complained as he put his hands behind his head.
"I know," Happy said as he sat next to Natsu. "But you know she needed the money for her rent and Laki's birthday."
Natsu knew that but didn't change the fact he wanted his best friend to be back.
"Maybe Lucy will go on a job with us." Natsu said. "She's fun to be around too, ya know?"
"Aye!" Happy said, holding up his paw. "But when I went by the guild earlier to get some fish, I heard Vivi and Lucy took a job together."
Natsu sat up in a sitting position to look down at his little blue buddy with wide eyes.
"Those two went on a job together?!" He asked. "Why didn't they invite us?!"
"Well, I heard Lucy was going to take the job solo, but Master didn't want her to." Happy explained. "Apparently the job took them out of the kingdom, so Master wanted Lucy to go with a more experienced member of the guild. Vivi happened to walk in about then too. So, Lucy asked Vivi. Besides us, Erza, and Gray, Vivi is the only one Lucy ever went on a job with. I guess Lucy was just more comfortable asking Vivi."
Natsu supposed that made sense. Though he wished they would have asked him to go with them. He then grinned. Ah, he could go with them next time. Besides, Lucy's never been on a really fun job until she's had one alone with Vivi. Those were always the best.
"Well," Natsu began as he flipped back into feet. "Gotta get back to training. With that new technique Vivi showed us the other day, I have to catch up to her."
"Aye, sir!" Happy said as he shot up into the air with his wings. "Then when she gets back, she'll have to catch up to you!"
Natsu laughed, nodding his head as he gave his little buddy a pat on the head. He and Vivi always were close on pair in skill. True he had more brute strength than Vivi, but she had more control and precision. That was where he lacked. Together they balanced each other out. It was why combo attacks were so easy for them. Together they were an unstoppable force, but to be that force training was necessary. So, he better be getting back to it.
"I wonder if Vivi is going to use that technique during her training." Happy said.
"I don't know, Little buddy." Natsu said. "She did say she needed to test it out in an actual fight, so maybe she will."
***
Vivi grinned down at the Amazon in front of her as she looked at Vivi curiously in return. Lucy was behind her look between the two nervously. Would this woman even accept Vivi's challenge? And if she did, who would win? Some of the Amazons laughed at Vivi. They obviously didn't think much of her, but they quietened their laughter when their leader raised her hand.
The woman was a bit older than Vivi with silver hair. Her eyes were also blue in color, and she had bronze colored skin as did most people of Kea. She was also muscular built like Erza meaning she trained a lot.
"And just who are you?" The woman asked.
"Vivi d'Autriche of the Fairy Tail Guild." Vivi said. "How about you?"
"Kuja." The woman replied. "Leader of the Amazons."
Vivi grinned at the older woman as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"So how about it?" Vivi asked. "How's about a friendly match between two wizards?"
Once more laughter rose up between the ranks of the Amazons present. Their laughter didn't sit with Lucy who was worried about all of this.
"I am not just some wizard." Kuja pointed out. "I am also a warrior. I trained not only in the art of magic, but I also trained my body. Most wizards from your country don't do as I have, do they?"
"No, but I think you'll find a Fairy Tail wizard a bit different than your average wizard." Vivi said oozing confidence. "Besides, you're not the only wizard I know that uses weapons and fights close combat."
Erza immediately popped into Lucy's mind. She thought the same earlier. The Amazons were like Erza. But if Vivi can't beat Erza, how'd she beat the strongest Amazon? Kuja let out a chuckle with her lips twitching up. She then stood with the red cape falling to the ground at her feet.
"If you truly wish to cross blades with me, Vivi of Fairy Tail, I will oblige." Kuja said while holding out her hand.
A sword was immediately given to her by one of the other Amazons. One offered a shield as well, which she took in her other hand.
"I will admit I am curious myself." Kuja said as she pointed her sword at Vivi. "Who is stronger? I can tell you are no pushover. So I look forward to this fight."
"I can't believe this is happening." Lucy said, pulling at her hair. "Vivi, what about our job?!
Vivi blinked, seeming to remember Lucy and Indy were with her. She turned her head looking to her two companions.
"Oh yeah…" Vivi said scratching the back of her head. "You don't mind if we take a short detour, do you, Professor?"
Lucy looked to Indy hoping the Professor helped her reign Vivi in. If they don't do something now, they're really will be a fight. However, those hopes went down the drain as Indy smiled.
"I don't mind." Indy said. "Please, continue."
"Oh yeah! You heard the boss, Lucy. This fight is a go!"
Lucy hung her head knowing this wasn't going to go well at all. Things were going to get destroyed, and Master Makarov was not going to be happy.
"Alright, Kuja!" Vivi said while holding up her fist. "I'm ready to get started when you are. Let's do this thing!"