"When we were in Shirveil, we heard that there was a dragon sighted in Magnolia.
After arriving here, we also heard about the beast riot in the forest, and someone even mentioned seeing a dragon among them.
After some investigation, we found out that the person who dealt with the riot was named Rhodes, and he destroyed an entire forest—he sounds like a reckless guy."
Carla looked at Rhodes, "So, if there's anyone who might know about the dragons besides the 'Fire Dragon,' it's you."
"Whoa, amazing! Destroying an entire forest!" Natsu clashed his fists together, excited. "Rhodes, you're that strong already? Want to have a real match? And didn't you say you haven't seen a dragon?"
"First of all, I've never seen a dragon. Secondly, I didn't destroy an entire forest—Natsu, you were just there a few days ago. Use your brain every once in a while, idiot!"
Rhodes cleared up the rumors, then added, "The beast riot probably did happen, and if you saw yesterday's parade, you might have a bit of an impression of my magic?"
"That clunky writing magic doesn't seem like your primary magic," Carla commented, recalling the giant crab she'd just seen. "So, it's magic that creates monsters and then controls them?"
"Carla~" Wendy thought Carla was being a bit harsh.
Rhodes couldn't really get mad since it was true. "To be precise, I summon all sorts of creatures."
As he spoke, he summoned Wurm.
Wendy was immediately captivated by the creature. "So cute!"
Wurm looked around and went to rub its head against Carla.
Carla made a disdainful face but didn't push it away.
Happy, in the corner, looked like he'd been struck by lightning. "W-Wurm, I challenge you to a duel!"
"Wurr?" Wurm ran over to rub its head against Happy instead.
Happy raised his fish like a weapon, but couldn't bring himself to strike.
"When I was in the forest, I encountered danger, and my magic might have gone out of control, summoning a group of creatures.
The forest was partially destroyed, but it wasn't as exaggerated as the rumors made it out to be. As for the dragon..."
Rhodes hesitated, "There might have been a dragon among them, but it probably isn't related to the dragons you're looking for."
Natsu tilted his head, thinking. "Igneel isn't the type to just obey someone."
"Grandine... Grandine loves humans very much..." Wendy wanted to ask Rhodes to summon the dragon he'd summoned before, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Luckily, Carla was there. "Can you..."
"Rhodes, summon the dragon for us to see!" Natsu interrupted, speaking and swinging his fist at the same time.
Natsu's empathy often came out in odd ways.
Rhodes squinted at him. "You just want to see it?"
"Of course, I also want to fight it! Wendy and I are Dragon Slayers—what kind of Dragon Slayer would we be if we don't fight a dragon?"
Wendy was startled, "Ugh... fight?"
Carla scolded, "Hey, you're scaring Wendy!"
"Sorry, but even if I wanted to, I can't summon it," Rhodes sighed. "Last time was a fluke; I can't do it now."
Natsu slapped his hand on the table, stepping up onto the bench. "Don't just say you can't do it. We're Fairy Tail wizards, summon that dragon!"
"I already told you, I can't."
"Use some determination!"
"Why don't you show me how to do it with determination first?"
"I will! Give me your pendant!"
"Not a chance!"
"Stingy!"
Natsu crossed his arms, sitting down, his face turned to the side, sulking like a child.
Rhodes... Rhodes wanted to slap himself for being dragged into an argument by this idiot.
Wendy was at a loss.
Carla patted her own forehead. As expected, they were an idiot and an idiot's friend.
Mira watched them bicker with a smile. She felt like the more Rhodes hung out with Natsu, the more entertaining he would become.
Rhodes looked at Wendy, trying to speak in a gentler tone. "Sorry, but this is all the information we have on dragons. As for summoning a dragon, I'll have to get stronger before I can try again. When I can, I'll definitely let you know."
"Thank you." Carla, the tsundere cat, could sense their good intentions. "Let's go, Wendy."
"Carla, do we have to go?" Happy came over. "Why not stay in Fairy Tail instead?"
Carla rolled her eyes. "Hmph, we have our own guild, why would we stay here?"
Poor Happy. Rhodes thought about it and decided to lend him a bit of help. "It's almost noon. Why don't you stay for lunch?
Two Dragon Slayers together—you might learn something by talking more."
Happy's eyes sparkled, thinking Rhodes was a good person. He'd help prank Natsu next time, too.
Mira added, "That's right. It's not every day we have guests from other guilds. Let us properly host you with some Fairy Tail specialty dishes—they're delicious."
Wendy seemed tempted. "Carla~"
Carla flicked her tail. "Do whatever you want."
Wendy cheered, "Thank you!"
Happy was even happier than she was. "Thank you for the food!"
Mira patted Happy's head. "You should say 'You're welcome.'"
"Aye!"
...
Rhodes was curious about Wendy. "Natsu, as a Fire Dragon Slayer, can eat fire. What does a Sky Dragon Slayer eat?"
Wendy replied, "Air."
"Is it tasty?" Natsu asked.
Wendy hesitated. "Well... it's hard to describe."
"Why not try a little?" Natsu suggested.
Carla frowned. "Do you go around eating fire for people to watch?"
Natsu turned his head. "Rhodes?"
"Solid Word Magic: FIRE."
"Slurp slurp~~~" Natsu inhaled the flaming word, then wiped his mouth. "See?"
Carla sighed. He was such a handful.
"It's okay, Carla." Wendy opened her mouth, making exaggerated chewing motions as she ate a bit of air and swallowed.
It was kind of cute, though nothing seemed particularly special.
Anyone could do such an action, but Wendy made it look like she was really eating something.
"Uh..." Suddenly, Wendy's eyes widened, and it looked as if tears were about to fall.
"Wendy?" Carla asked, worried. "What's wrong? Is the air here unclean?"
"Grandine!" Wendy's voice was choked up, "I can smell Grandine's scent!"
"What?!"
Everyone immediately stood up. Natsu rushed outside, sniffing the air while looking around frantically.
Rhodes, however, tried to stay calm. "Wendy, are you sure?"
"Yes! Although it's faint, it smells exactly like Grandine."