Fairy Tail: Romeo's Story, Chapter 1

ROMEO'S IDOL

Romeo wished growing up didn't take so long.

He wanted, more than anything, to be a Fairy Tail mage and have that stamp placed on him. He knew just where to put it, too.

He admired all the mages in his father's guild. He sneaked down there whenever he could, sometimes skipping school if something big was happening.

He liked talking to Mirajane, who always made him blush and wish he was older. He enjoyed sneaking fish to Happy just to see his eyes light up. He admired Elfman because he was the only person who called him "a man" and not merely a boy or child. Cana was like a big sister or aunt...although she smacked him when he once called her that. When Wendy joined them, he regretted that he was slightly too young for her. He hoped that maybe, when he grew up, just maybe she'd be willing to date a younger guy.

Yet there was one man he admired most. His father would probably be upset that his idol was not one of the more mature mages in the guild—really, were any of them truly mature?—but such a reckless one, maybe even the most reckless.

He idolized Natsu's strength, but more than that, he liked how loyal the dragon slayer was to the guild and to his friends. He wanted to be like that one day. He wanted to be someone others could depend upon. He wanted to be strong, of course, but he knew there was more to a mage than mere strength. There was heart!

He wanted to have a heart like Natsu.

He knew where he would place the guild mark when he became old enough to join: on his shoulder, but on his left arm, opposite of Natsu. That way, when he and the dragon slayer stood side by side to fight for their friends, their symbols would touch.

As he stared out at the sea that had claimed his idol, Romeo knew those brave mages had to return some day. They had to! And when they did, he and Natsu would stand side by side, their guild marks a reflection of each other. They would fight the numerous enemies who had cropped up over these past seven years. They would protect Fairy Tail and the new generation of mages.

And maybe now, he would be brave enough to tell Wendy about how he felt.

End of Chapter 1