Inspired by Ashes of Love.

There was a rumour passing through Tenrou Isle recently. The Dragon King Acnologia, ever since his ascension to godhood, has been rallying his army. The guards stationed at the border between Tenrou and Alvarez noticed increased military actions. An unease passed through Tenrou and immortals feared that the long standing peace between the Four Realms would be disturbed. This was especially true of Emperor Igneel, who was seated on the Throne of Tenrou. While the Four Realms were equal on the surface, the major power was actually Tenrou Isle.

The Emperor worked hard to establish laws and rules that would keep the peace between the Realms, but this lead to an increasing dissatisfaction from the leaders of the other Realms. Why was it that Tenrou could create rules for them to abide by? Were they not all equal in power? This feeling was especially true of Alvarez, who lost the Great War hundreds of thousands of years ago. They had their army stripped away and they were forced to become complacent. Until recently.

Igneel knew that if Acnologia rebelled and started a war, the other two Realms would not sit by idly. They would choose to side with Alvarez and dethrone Tenrou. Although Tenrou's army was vast and powerful, it was not so powerful as to be able to withstand the pressure from three realms.

"Summon the Second Prince!" Igneel commanded, a deep scowl on his face. The guard bowed and then scurried away to summon the Prince. A moment later, Prince Natsu strolled into the throne room.

Natsu was the Second Prince of Tenrou. Although he was not the eldest son, most people regarded him as the heir to the throne. It was only a matter of time before he was titled Crown Prince. This, of course, was not without merit. He was the commander of the Divine Fairy Troops, Tenrou's largest army, and has quelled many disputes and rebellions. He was the Fire Deity, and ascended to godhood at the young age of 19,800 years. Not only was he well decorated in military affairs, he was charismatic and as passionate as the flames that he wielded. Many in Tenrou worshiped and loved him. As such, Igneel often shared many of his burdens with Natsu in hopes of training him to one day take over the throne.

"Greetings Father," Natsu said, bowing.

"I've summoned you here today to discuss a serious matter with you," Igneel said. The scrolls at his desk were taken and then presented to Natsu. They contained the reports from the past 5 years regarding the movements and actions of Acnologia. All of which, led to one conclusion: the peace between the Four Realms would soon come to an end.

"Father, this -"

Igneel sighed deeply. "During the Great War, many immortals perished. Their sacrifices led to hundreds of thousands of years of peace, yet now Acnologia wishes to rise above all and rule the Four Realms."

"Father! If it is true that Acnologia wants to wage a war, you know very well that the other two realms would not hesitate to rise up against us as well. Our army may be able to take on Alvarez, but it cannot possibly take on Edolas and Fiore all at once," Natsu advised. He knew his father well. Igneel was the Emperor of Tenrou, a man with both pride and power. In the face of such a challenge and threat, he was not one to cower. However, as the commander of Tenrou's troops, he knew very well the capability of his soldiers. Many of the elite squads were handpicked by him and trained by the Seven Gods. Against Alvarez, whose army was stripped away after the Great War, it was a guaranteed victory. Against three realms, victory seemed as fleeting as a breeze.

"It is not as if I did not know this Natsu. I know very well how those other two rulers regard us. Those who are weak cannot wait to see those on top fall into a miserable fate."

"I am the Ambassador of Tenrou. With your permission I am willing to pay a visit to Acnologia and discuss terms of negotiation."

Igneel was silent. He knew very well what the consequences of this war would be, should it come. Still he did not believe that Acnologia was an unreasonable man. With his current strength, even if he were to form an alliance with Edolas and Fiore, there would be numerous casualties on his side.

"Alright. You will go right away to Alvarez and discuss terms of negotiation. As long as it is reasonable, do whatever it is in our power to preserve the current peace. However, keep in mind who you are. You are the Second Prince of Tenrou. Those who are in power must not display any signs of weakness," Igneel reminded sternly.

"Yes Father. I will go right away." Natsu bowed and then left the throne room.

Igneel waited until Natsu was gone before turning to Atlas, his advisor. "Notify the Seven Gods. Let them prepare the Divine Fairy Troops. In any case, it is better to stay alert," he instructed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

A dark shadow passed over Igneel's face as he stood. He folded his hands behind his back and stared out at the unobstructed view of the Heavens. When he fought in the Great War, he had lost many of his comrades. Even his younger brother had perished in the war. For the sake of their lives and what they sacrificed, he must attempt to keep the peace between the Realms.

"I would not have your lives be lost for naught," he swore to himself.