Pink and Black goes well Together

Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail, HiroMashima does.

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

Chapter 8: Prices to be paid.

Ultear walked towards her room with a barely noticeable spring in her step after waking up in the cell with Natsu. The mere act of being able to sleep beside Natsu after awhile brought her great joy and happiness. Her job and responsibilities to her guild and the Council clashed with Natsu's own. His duties to the guild and Mirajane constantly occupying his time made time for each other almost nonexistent.

Mirajane, the mere thought of the silver haired beauty made her frown. Jealousy and bitterness accompanied the name and even though their comrade in arms. She wouldn't think twice of hurting her to get Natsu, but it was Natsu that kept her from acting. The person that saved her from herself time and again stopped her from hurting Mirajane. She cursed his kindness and pure heart, the qualities that drawn her to him in the first place.

"Good morning, Lady Ultear." A woman greeted. "Did you take him already?"

Ultear regarded the woman curiously. She was taller than her by an inch with short brown hair parted to the left (showing off her forehead) and tucked behind her ear that showed off her earrings. She has deep purple eyes and pouty lips with a light shade of lipstick on her lips. She projected an aura of maturity in her even though they're the same age. A mature beauty that could make any man submits to her whim.

She wore a purple form fitting dress supported by two thin straps with a plunging neckline that showed off a generous amount of her cleavage. The dress ended mid thigh with a short slit on the left. Above her dress she wore a white lab coat and finished her outfit with black pumps.

"No. and please, stop patronizing me. Your position is no higher than mine." Ultear replied with a frown. They both stared blankly at one another before her frown broke into a smile. "Good morning to you too, Cornelia. What did Seigrain left yesterday?" She asked her aid and friend.

Cornelia's smile turned into a frown and handed Ultear the documents. "I suggest you sit this one out and let that guy handle it."

Ultear read the contents of the documents as only one word escaped her lips. "Mother…" she whispered.

It's been years since she'd heard any news about her mother or Deliora after their last visit at her hometown. She even used her new found authority after becoming a council member to get information about the whereabouts of Deliora. But even after two years, nothing came up and had the suspicion that someone was stopping her from finding its whereabouts.

Cornelia saw the haunted look on her friend and spoke. "I looked into it and found out that the information about Deliora is correct. I don't know how he got the information from the Request management department, but he did." she explained. "What are you going to do about it?"

Ultear crumpled the piece of paper and turned it to ash. Two years of searching and the news she got was her mother's imminent demise from someone who wants to revive a demon.

"I'll look into it." Ultear replied icily. "Would you cover for me at the Council meeting?"

Cornelia looked at the anger in the woman's eyes and released a sigh. "Fine." She conceded. It was either she accept or be ordered to accept. "Seriously, being your aide is more work than I bargained for." She commented with a shrug. "You know, I'm still the head of the Magical research department and have other things to do than 'BE' your lapdog. I became your aide because you begged me too." she stated with mocked annoyance.

"You never really spend any time in there anyway, and it was you who offered. Not the other way around." Ultear countered and leveled her baleful glare at the brunette.

They stared at one another for the second time and smiled moments later.

"Thanks. You're a real friend." Ultear genuinely thanked the woman.

Cornelia shook her head and began to leave. "Whatever. You owe me a night at the bar for this." She replied with a wave.

XOXOXO

Everyone greeted the Dragonslayer upon his return with Mirajane the happiest in the group. She ran up to the Dragonslayer and hugged him before kissing him for all his worth. The demon has become wary of Ultear and had to keep tabs on the Dragonslayer every time the woman is around. Their last conversation still lingered in her mind and knew that the reality of losing Natsu to Ultear weighed heavily on her heart. Their relationship couldn't match up to the bonds they shared since they were kids.

"Are you alright, Natsu?" Mirajane asked after their kiss. "I was worried that something bad might've happened to you." She stated.

Natsu looked at her curiously. "Bad? Why would something bad happen to me?" he asked. "I have Ultear to look out for Me." he added dumbly and everyone in the guild winced at his stupid reply.

"Right…" Mirajane agreed in a subdued tone.

Natsu naturally noticed her distress, but failed to see the reason. "Something wrong, Mira? Are you sick?" he asked pressing the back of his hand on her forehead.

Mirajane touched his hand and put it down and offered him a smile. "I'm fine, silly. Now, how about that date you promised me?" she added.

"Date?" Natsu repeated, crossing his arms and tilting his head to the side. "I don't remember promising you a date this week." He replied and then saw Mirajane became teary-eyed. "Oh, I remember now! I did promise you one." He said all too loudly, faking his answer.

"Let's go then!" Mirajane replied cheerily as she dragged the Dragonslayer up to the door before turning back. "Could you watch over the bar for me, Cana."

And with that Mirajane dragged the reluctant Dragonslayer to their date that she forced him to agree. Everyone in the guild felt pity for both Natsu and Mirajane. Natsu for being a gullible idiot and too caring for his own good, and Mirajane for fighting a losing battle against a woman that could easily steal Natsu if she made a move.

"They would've made the perfect couple." Cana commented as she put down her drink.

Lucy naturally heard this and asked. "What do you mean, Cana?"

"Like I said, Lucy. Natsu and Mira would've been the perfect couple if it weren't for Ultear." Cana answered.

"Ultear? But aren't they supposed to be siblings? Related by blood?" Lucy replied, hoping to get some answers to her questions.

"No. They aren't." Cana replied. "Natsu's parent is a dragon while Ultear's parent is Gray's master. Neither of them is related by blood and that means they could have a relationship with each other beyond the farce they call as siblings." She explained, too drunk to realize that she spilled everything about the two.

"That's enough, Cana." Erza spoke from behind Lucy. "You should man the bar as Mirajane asked you."

"Ok, Erza." Cana drunkenly agreed and staggered her way to the counter.

Lucy watched as the Card mage walked off to the bar as Titania sat opposite of her. "Is it true, Miss Erza? That Natsu and Ultear aren't really related by blood. Does that mean they could have a relationship if they want to?" the celestial mage asked before a thought struck her. "Are they in one now?"

"Lucy." Erza began icily, glaring daggers at the blonde and causing her to shut up. "I suggest you keep this to yourself. Those three's relationship is already under a lot of stress as it is, and we want to avoid any conversations about them." She explained remembering Natsu's confession to her about the state of their relationship.

"But-" Lucy began but another glare silenced her.

"Please understand Lucy that they are their own persons and we should be mindful of their own business." Erza stated.

She knew that if talks about those three's relationship started circulating around the guild. It wouldn't take long before their members start choosing sides until one of them would approach either one and ask, or better yet, tell them to do something about it.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry or anything. I was just curious that's all." Lucy apologized sincerely.

"I understand." Erza nodded as her expression softened. "Now, I understand that you're short on cash as of late. Do you want to come on an S-class mission with me?" Titania offered.

Lucy immediately paled at the thought of a job with the famous Titania. She'd heard a lot of stories about the woman and her tendency to be a slave driver. Not to mention her penchant for attacking her allies if they don't get out of the way. If Natsu was bad, Erza would be the death of her.

"Uh? Maybe next time, Miss Erza. I'm pretty busy right now." Lucy lied as the red head seemed to accept.

"Erza, a word with you." Master Makarov said as he landed on their table.

"What is it, Master?" Erza asked.

"I receive a message from Ultear earlier and she wants you, Gray and Natsu to accompany her on a mission." Makarov stated, handing Erza the piece of paper.

"Destroy the moon. A curse. Galuna Island." Erza read the request before looking up at Makarov. "I see, very well. I'll go and get the two. Come, Lucy."

"Ok?" Lucy reluctantly agreed.

XOXOXO

Natsu and Mirajane walked around the city enjoying their date together. They talked and told each other how their day went, laughing along the way, stopping at their favorite café where it served both food they liked.

Mirajane felt happy enjoying her time with Natsu. It was the few times that she felt that their relationship is intact after Ultear began actively seeking his attention and her threat of stealing the man she love. Natsu has become her happiness and reason for living after Lissana's death. Natsu made Lissana's death bearable and never once did he blame her for the accident and supported her decision to change herself. To be more like Lissana, and be the smile that Fairy Tail lost.

Mirajane looked beside her to see Natsu devour his food and wondered if Natsu knows she lied to him about their date.

"Natsu, did you really forgot our date?" Mirajane asked as Natsu looked at her curiously.

Natsu closed his eyes and shook his head from left to right, a gesture she found cute. "I guess, sorry about that Mira. I know I should be paying more attention to our relationship, but I guess I'm preoccupied with a lot of stuff lately. Strange dreams and whatnot." He answered apologetically.

Mirajane's sorry mood for lying to Natsu took a back seat at the mention of his dreams. "I see, is it about Ultear?" she asked, tightening her grip on his hand and her eyes downcast.

"No. It's about Igneel." Natsu replied, giving her hand a comforting squeeze, pulling it closer to his side. It was now his turn to lie to Mirajane knowing how it hurts her when Ultear's name is mentioned when their alone. "It's about the time I spent with Igneel. I really miss him, Mira." he said, unable to remember when he became good enough to mix the truth with a lie.

"I guess it's that time of the year, huh?" Mirajane commented looking to the side before glancing at Natsu. 'He wouldn't lie to me.' she thought with a smile.

"We're already back at the guild." Natsu suddenly said as Mirajane looked forward. "I guess time really flies when we're having fun." He commented with a grin.

"Why don't we take a detour then, Natsu? I'd like to show you my stamp collection." Mirajane said while smiling brightly. Her eyes carried a seductive glint in them.

Natsu stared at her dumbly for a second until he caught the meaning of her words and grinned. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against his body, kissing the woman passionately.

"I'm all fired up!." Natsu replied with a grin.

The couple ran across the streets of Magnolia towards Mirajane's house, their earlier doubts vanished about their relationship. Making love to one another is a perk they intend to indulge in, Mirajane more so than Natsu, as it was a way for her to show her love and ownership to the Dragonslayer.

They arrived at her house and shared another kiss just outside the gate. She opened the gate and entered the premises pulling Natsu behind her.

"Natsu."

The Dragonslayer stopped short from entering the Strauss sibling's premises. He saw Ultear coming out of their house garb in her mission clothes. She strode forward, briskly walking towards the Dragonslayer.

"Ultear, welcome back." Natsu greeted and frowned when he saw the serious if not haunted look on her face.

"Why aren't you packed? We need to leave now!" Ultear all but ordered as she reached for Natsu's free arm.

But before she could reach Natsu's arm, another caught it and stopped her. "Is there something you need, Ultear?" Mirajane asked with a smile, but didn't lack the edge it needed to deter the woman.

"We're going on a job, Mira. The one the Master mentioned. So, if you don't mind… let go of him." Ultear replied, trying to be as civil as she possible can towards Mirajane.

"What job? The master didn't mention anything about a job." Mirajane countered, her sapphire orbs boring through Ultear's brown ones.

Ultear's eyes narrowed at Mirajane's words. "Stop feigning ignorance, Mira, the Master must've told you beforehand." She angrily snaps back, thinking that Mirajane is simply distancing Natsu from her now that she needs him, not just his strength, but more importantly, his support.

It was Natsu who spoke first before things got out of hand. "Calm down, Ultear. I'm not sure what job you're talking about, but I'm sure Mirajane doesn't know It." he reasoned which made Mirajane smile as she thought he took her side.

"Are you taking her side?" Ultear asked, disbelief seeping in her voice. Her rational mind clouded with jealousy, fear and urgency that she spoke without thinking.

"What?" Natsu gasped as he took a step forward while she started walking away. "It's not what you think." He said almost pleadingly, catching her by the arm and brushing past Mirajane's hand.

"Let go of me, Natsu. It's obvious that she takes precedence over me." Ultear spat, her gaze directed at the pavement. "Is she more important than me?" she demanded in a harsh whisper.

This caught both Natsu and Mirajane off guard, stunning him silent. Both women waited expectantly for his answer. An answer he couldn't give knowing that it would hurt either of them and neither lying or telling the truth could avert it.

"Natsu, there you are. The Master gave us a mission." Erza's voice cut in as she approached the group with Gray, Lucy and Happy in tow. Erza immediately saw Natsu's predicament and decided to intervene before things get out of control. "I see that Ultear found you first. I guess she already told you about the job." She stated looking at Ultear.

Natsu released a sigh he didn't know he was holding and looked at Erza for answers. "What job are you talking about? Is it the same one that Ultear's telling me?" he asked.

"You haven't told him yet, Ultear?" Erza asked as said woman turned around. Her eyes grew cold and unfeeling towards Natsu.

"I see… I guess you really didn't know." Ultear stated in a business like tone. To Lucy who's new to the guild thought nothing of it, but to those that knew her knows that she's angry. Hiding her frustrations in a mask of seriousness where no one except those that knew her could tell what she's thinking.

"That's what we've been telling you." Natsu replied tiredly and just like earlier, Lucy saw it as his annoyance at Ultear, but to Erza, Mirajane and Ultear. It was a sign of defeat and uncertainty from the Dragonslayer.

"I received an order to help the people in Galuna Island to remove a curse that took over them." Ultear replied in the same business like tone.

Erza looked at Ultear and knew that she's hiding something. 'It's the same thing written in the request.' She though suspiciously. "She's right, Natsu, and it's the same one the Master ordered us to do." Erza agreed, supporting Ultear's reply.

"If it's from the Master, then you should go, Natsu." Mirajane spoke with a smile.

"Is it an S-class request?" Natsu asked Titania (purposely avoiding Ultear) to which she nodded. "Now, I'm fired up! It's been awhile since I last went on one. Let me just get my stuff." And with that Natsu ran towards his house next door followed by Happy.

The moment that Natsu entered the house, he stopped and clenched his fist in frustration.

"Are you alright, Natsu?" Happy asked his partner.

"Aye, just a lot on my mind, Happy." Natsu replied forcing a grin. Happy nodded and watched as Natsu head upstairs to get his stuff.

XOXOXO

"I guess he's the only one thrilled in going on this dangerous job." Lucy commented with a sweatdrop.

Gray scanned the three women and grunted in annoyance. He still pinned for Ultear even after his rejection years ago, and even though he stopped going after her. He still hoped that she'll get tired of Natsu and move on. He looked at Mirajane and couldn't help but sympathize with the demon.

"Let's get going, Lucy. We'll wait for them at the station." Gray said as he started walking to the station.

The Celestial mage reluctantly followed as Ultear did the same not bothering to wait for the Dragonslayer. Natsu came out of the house just in time for Ultear to walk past him, ignoring him completely. He sighed and walked towards Mirajane and Erza.

"Sorry about earlier, Mira. I guess Ultear's just having a bad day." Natsu apologized.

"It's ok, Natsu. We've all had our bad days." Mirajane assured. She didn't really care about Ultear, but she would play the considerate card and show Natsu that she's better than Ultear. "Now, be careful out there and try not to destroy a lot of stuff, ok." She added with a smile, giving Natsu a quick peck on the lips as he ran after the rest of the group.

"We'll be leaving then." Erza said as she started to leave, but a hand on her wrist stopped her.

Mirajane's eyes narrowed at Titania. "Stay away from him, Erza. I don't want any more competition for his affections." She warned the red head.

"What do you mean, Mira?" Erza asked in confusion.

"I saw you that day." Mirajane began and Erza's confused expression turned into one of understanding and regret. "I don't know why you keep taking Ultear's side, but I'm warning you. You may be my friend, but don't think that crossing me won't come without a price."

Erza knew a threat when she saw or hear one and Mirajane didn't even bother to cover it up. Up until today the memory of the kiss they shared when she managed to get him drunk enough and he mistook her for Ultear lay buried in the deep recesses of her mind.

XOXOXO

FLASHBACK

It was another rare night in Fairy Tail were its members left the guild early leaving just a scant few to drink quietly and enjoy some simple chatter. This left Erza and Natsu to enjoy a few quite drinks at the second floor where S-class mages gather. The floor was still restricted to S-class mages but he was the exception due to his connection with the three women and his skill and power that rivaled an S-class mage.

Both of them had idle chatter and it was strange sight for Titania to see the Dragonslayer drunk. Their drinking sessions were always about Natsu confiding his problems to her (his relationship with Mirajane and his feelings for Ultear) and him an ear for her own problems as well. She watched him intently and saw how different he is when drunk thanks to the drink he got from Bacchus of Quatro Cerberus -A gift to get into her panties. He's pretty serious when intoxicated that he looked like a heavy weight is placed upon his shoulders. It was then that she realized how handsome he looked when his serious.

"I think you've had enough, Natsu." Erza stated looking at the drunken Dragonslayer. She then looked at the bottle in his hand and found it funny how somebody would make a drink especially for someone like Natsu.

Natsu remained silent looking at the wooden floor with unseeing eyes. Too drunk to hear or care what Erza is saying. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to its owner to find none other than Ultear, which was strange since she hasn't come back from the Council, busy with another job.

"It's time to go home, Natsu."

Natsu heard her say but he didn't care and simply leaned forward and kissed the stunned woman.

Erza's eyes grew the size of dinner plates the moment Natsu kissed her. She tried to push him away, but the Dragonslayer merely wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. She didn't know if the alcohol played a role as the next thing she knew she kissed him back. Natsu has always been a close friend to her since they were kids and had been there for her in her time of need and it was the same reason that thoughts of a relationship beyond friendship entered her mind.

The heart she thought to have been closed to romance opened once again and wished for a relationship with the person that forced its way into her heart. He reminded her of the man that betrayed her; yet, the differences between them are leagues apart. Natsu pulled back and stared at Erza, cheeks ablaze at what they just did.

"Natsu… I-" Erza began, but was cut short as Natsu dove for more. Erza didn't care anymore as she pulled him on top of her and Requiped her armor off. His free hand roaming over her svelte body, touching places she didn't thought would feel good.

Natsu pulled back once more gazing down at Ultear who panted. "I love you… I really do…" he whispered.

Erza was once again stunned at his words and only fueled the clouded thoughts than ran around her mind. Would she ruin her friendship between Ultear and Mirajane so she could be the fourth wheel to the already crowded group? She looked at his eyes that gazed back at her and made her decision.

Natsu smiled as Ultear gently placed a hand on his cheek. "I love you, Ultear…" he whispered to the woman before his vision went dark and collapsed on top of the woman.

Erza felt her heart break at his words and realized how stupid she was. Tears stung her eyes as she's reminded of the thoughts that she entertained. Of destroying a friendship she cherished and taking advantage of Natsu's feelings for Ultear. But instead of getting angry at the man, she was angry at herself for letting her weakness get the better of her. Watching Natsu and Mirajane, or Natsu and Ultear made her realize that she wanted to experience the relationship they shared, to have someone solely devoted to you.

She had one once and he betrayed her, leaving her to face the world alone to chase his dream of paradise. She wrapped her arms around him tighter and reveled in the warmth he creates.

"Why do you have to be so likable Natsu?" Erza whispered as she held him. It was then that she decided to step back and close her heart once more. She sat up and propped him into the table and stood up, and made the decision to make amends by helping him gain his happiness wherever it resides… even if it's not with her.

Erza finally left that night, wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice the barely contained anger behind Mirajane's eyes.

FLASHBACK END

XOXOXO

Erza met Mirajane's icy stare with her own and took a step forward towards the demon. "It was a mistake what happened that night, and it made me realize the things that I was lacking and wanted to ignore." She replied, deciding that's there no reason to hide it to Mirajane anymore.

"Don't worry about me taking a shot at Natsu as I know that he's already spoken for, but I won't stand by and watch him suffer by making the wrong decision." Erza stated with seriousness as she started to leave but once again stopped by Mirajane.

"Are you telling me that Ultear is a much better pair for him than me?" Mirajane demanded, glaring daggers at the red head. "Who are you to decide what's right for him?"

"A friend that cares." Erza answered succinctly as she left.

Mirajane watched Erza leave and the perfect day she had ended in a bad note. She decided to head back to the guild and clear her mind. Working at the bar distracted her from everything else and today is a day she needed a distraction.

XOXOXO

The journey to their destination is a silent affair due to the events earlier that day. Ultear kept to herself, sitting a seat apart from the group. Erza sat beside Natsu who used her lap as a pillow since she knocked him out, deciding to look out the window of the Train. Gray looked bored out of his mind though he occasionally glanced at Ultear's location.

Meanwhile, Lucy is busy trying to stop Happy from picking on her. The flying cat hell bent on making fun of her, but even with the distraction she could feel the uneasy aura among the group.

They disembarked from the train and headed towards the docks trying to find a boat that will ferry them to the island. For awhile, nobody wanted to until a man named Bobo offered to ferry them, but with their numbers and Erza's stuff made the travel impossible. This made Ultear impatient as she stormed off into one of the seedier bars in Hargeon and roughed up the owner of the pirate ship she saw.

Moments later, the group is now on the pirate ship being directed by Bobo to the island's location while telling them about its history. The moment that Galuna Island is in sight, Bobo disappeared as they made their way into the island. They docked at the east end and made their way on foot towards their destination.

As they made their way along the forest, an observation Lacrima constantly monitored their movement and relayed their location to its owner.

Natsu's group arrived at the town and gathered information about the request. The group found out about the villagers secret and the likely source of their troubles and decided to stay for the night and begin their investigation tomorrow.

XOXOXO

"This is interesting. The famous Salamander, Fairy Tail's Ice Queen, The Fairy Queen, Titania Erza, Gray Fullbuster and the heir of the Heatfillia Railroads, Lucy Heartfilia, a Celestial mage herself." The owner of the Lacrima commented. "Would you be able to defeat such powerful opponents, Reitei?" she asked looking at her current employer.

Reitei looked at the woman, a powerful dark mage that agreed to help him for a chance to fight the victor in his fight against Deliora.

"Do not take my powers lightly, Noire." Reitei replied, freezing the whole room. "I've spent the last eight years strengthening my magic to defeat Deliora. A group of mages from some guild could never defeat me." he stated confidently.

Noire removed the hood of her cloak, revealing her long raven hair that cascaded down her back. Her hair parted nicely to the left letting her long bangs cover the left side of her face reaching down her breast while the other is tucked behind her ear.

She wore a white ceramic mask that covered her eyes. A black zip-up sleeveless bodysuit with the top part unzipped up to the bottom of her large breasts with a belt around her waist where a short sword made of Lacrima is holstered on her side. She also wore black collared trench coat with gold trim over her suit, her collar buttoned and the one just below it. And finally black heeled boots finished the ensemble.

"I see." Noire replied with a feral smile. "You wouldn't mind then if I test their strength?" she asked as started to leave before a wall of ice blocked her path. She slowly glanced back at her temporary employer and sending him a neutral yet impatient stare.

"Have patience, Noire." Reitei ordered. "Let them come to us, then will make our move."

Noire seemed to consider his order for a moment and conceded. "Very well, I'll concede for now, but bear in mind that my patience has a limit." She warned before she walked out of the room.

The moment she did, the ice that covered the room melted and turned into water. It was a show of her defiance against the Ice mage and a warning that she's not to be crossed. Reitei extended his hand forward to catch the droplet of water before he looked at the direction the woman exited.

"Was it really a good idea accepting her offer to help?" Reitei wondered if having a wanted dark mage -notorious for killing powerful mages from legal and dark guilds join his ranks.

XOXOXO

The next day remained another silent affair for the group as they walked along the jungle towards an ancient temple the villagers spoke of. Along the way they came across a group of mages. A short man wearing a trench coat with blue hair, A man with orange hair who looked like a dog wearing only his pants, and a woman with two pigtails on her pink tresses wearing a black dress and finally a giant pink rat wearing a maid's outfit that attacked them on sight. Before Lucy could even summon a spirit or run away, Natsu, Gray, Erza and Ultear struck first.

Natsu decided to go for the charging pink rat, propelling himself in the air above the massive rodent as it watch him ascend in the air. When gravity finally took hold, he allowed it to drag him back down and barreled-rolled to the left to avoid the rock throwed at him. He cocked his fist back as flames engulfed it and collided on the skull of the massive rat, creating a powerful shockwave and a massive crater.

Its owner stunned at the sudden turn of events, stood stock still as Ultear neared the group and much like Natsu her burning fist cocked back. The short man with blue hair acted quickly and erected an invisible barrier where Ultear's fist penetrated halfway. He was about to boast his ability to nullify any form of magic when Ultear clocked him in the face with a flame propelled fist, sending the man rocketing towards the dog-man and pass his allies.

The woman finally snapped out of her daze and created a golem which Gray instantly froze. Erza cut it in half with her spear, shooting pass the crumbling pieces and slammed her weapons pole on the woman's midsection, sending the woman crashing into a tree. With the fight easily concluded, Natsu was ordered to tie the three mages so they couldn't escape as Ultear placed a magic suppressing rune around them.

Natsu kicked the giant rat on the side as its owner reprimanded him of hurting her pet. "The thing isn't even a good warm up, but at least I managed to blow off some steam." He said.

"I agree." Erza nodded as she Requipped her spear back to her storage space. "It's good to let out some steam once in awhile."

"Yeah, it's nice, but Flame brain over there does it every chance he gets. It's a wonder he's still allowed to go on jobs." Gray sniped earning Natsu's ire.

"What do you mean by that, Prince Frostbite?" Natsu demanded, bumping heads with the ice mage.

"I'm saying that you destroy everything you touch, brimstone breath!" Gray snapped back.

"Are you asking for a fight, Popsicle?!" Natsu glared at Gray, fist ablaze and ready to deliver the first strike.

"Natsu!" Erza's voice boomed as the Dragonslayer directed his angry gaze at her. "Heel!" she ordered and the moment the Dragonslayer saw the deathly look on her eyes, he did as he was told.

"Pathetic! You're not a Dragon, you're a dog." Gray spat in amusement earning him an angry growl from Natsu.

"Stop picking fights with Natsu, Gray!" Erza snapped, dragging the Ice mage by the ear and sitting him beside the Dragonslayer, lecturing them both about fighting.

"Erza has them whipped." Happy tittered as he flew around Lucy and landed on Ultear's head. "Are you ok now, Ul?" he asked using her nickname.

Ultear picked up the cat and smiled. "A little, but until we're finished with this job I won't feel content." She replied.

"Why, is there something important about this job?" Lucy asked.

"You could say that this job is a bit personal for me." Ultear replied, forcing a smile.

"What do you mean, Ultear?" Natsu asked seriously, walking in front of Ultear who avoided him for a whole day. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Ultear saw the concern in his eyes and knew that ignoring him yesterday was a bad decision. He always stuck by her through thick and thin and always protected her from everything.

"There is." Ultear nodded and saw the hurt in his eyes. "This involves you too, Gray."

"Me? Why?" Gray asked walking beside Natsu.

"The real reason where here on this request is not because of the villagers, but because of the ceremony being performed on the island." Ultear revealed, nodding as she saw she has everyone's attention. "The ceremony is called 'Moon drip'; it's said to use the power of the moon to remove powerful seals or melt ice that's rumored to never melt."

Gray immediately realized what Ultear was saying. "Are saying that Deliora is somewhere on this Island?!" the ice mage gasped as Ultear nodded grimly.

"Yes, and from what I gather. The demon is where the villagers said to have seen the ceremony is being performed." Ultear added.

"So, Deliora is in the temple in the middle of the island?" Erza easily deduced. "Is there a dark guild involve?"

"No, a cult is behind this. We need to hurry before they succeed in releasing Deliora." Ultear answered as the group nodded.

"It's too late!" the woman with pink hair spat. "The ceremony has already reached its final stage and by nightfall, Deliora will be released." She stated proudly.

Gray who's already beside himself at the thought of someone trying to revive Deliora, drew the woman close to him. "Why the hell would you people want to revive that demon?! Don't you know the kind of destruction it would cause if it ever gets out?!" he screamed at the woman, remembering the people he lost because of the demon.

"We know what Deliora is capable of." It was the man with blue hair who answered. "The three of us lost our loved ones because of that demon. We're trying to free it so Lord Reitei could kill it and in turn get revenge for us." He reasoned defiantly.

Gray lost the wind in his sails at the revelation, knowing that they shared the same past with Deliora. He gently placed the woman back on the ground and took a step back. "I know what you're going through, but we're talking about my Master's life here. Melting the ice means killing my teacher and her mother, Ur." He explained as he pointed at the already departing woman.

"Let's go, Gray." Erza beckoned, waiting for the Ice mage. "Leave them, they won't be bothering us while they're bound and inside the runes. We need to hurry!" she ordered.

"Fine." Gray agreed as he followed Titania.

The group started their journey once more, but this time Ultear is once again back to her difficult self. It annoyed the Dragonslayer and decided to confront the woman, running up beside her.

"Why didn't you tell me it's about your mother, Ultear?" Natsu asked while looking forward. "I would've come with you right away if you'd told me."

"I wasn't thinking straight since I've found out that somebody is trying to kill my mother after years of searching for her. I guess… I panicked." She answered with a shrug.

Natsu stared at her in annoyance. She could be a real pill sometimes, but it was the same reason he liked her. Strong and bullheaded just like him. So, he decided to let it slide. "Didn't she die years ago?" Natsu asked curiously.

"You could say that, but I remembered that the spell she used to defeat Deliora will merely transform her body into a medium to encase the demon in ice." Ultear explained. "So, she's technically alive. She's just a giant icicle." She replied, nonchalantly, if not cold and devoid of emotion.

"She's alive, huh? Does Gray know about this?" Natsu asked again.

"Yes." Ultear replied tersely.

"That's it!" Natsu snapped, grabbing Ultear by the wrist and forcing her to stop. "Aren't you supposed to be happy that you'd finally be able to see your mother?! Why are you acting like you don't care, Ultear?!" he demanded as the rest of group looked back towards them.

"Na-?" Lucy began, only to be cut off by Erza.

"Don't interfere, Lucy." Erza ordered.

"Why do you care, Natsu?" Ultear asked, turning around to face Natsu. "Didn't you hear them? Deliora would be freed tonight and we haven't even gotten anywhere near that temple for hours and we only have a few minutes of daylight left. Unlike you, I don't keep my hopes up that I'd find her alive." She snapped at the Dragonslayer and looked to the side bitterly. "I'm not even sure if we'd even find Igneel, or if he's even alive."

"Ultear!/You've went too far!" both Erza and Gray shouted, knowing that the woman was out of the line.

Natsu's eyes widen in shock before his face twisted in anger. He took one big step forward, gripping Ultear by the shirt and pulling her close to his person. He glared daggers at her, yet, she merely looked to the side and saw the pain flash in her eyes. Natsu wanted to be angry at her for what she said to Igneel, the Dragon that took her in and taught them Dragonslayer magic, but he cared too deeply for the woman to be angry at her.

Natsu finally lets go of Ultear and took a step back. "Why do you have to be so difficult?" he said with a huff.

"I'm not the difficult one." Ultear replied glancing at the Dragonslayer. "You're the one trying to chase two rabbits at the same time." She commented with a grin that only annoyed the Dragonslayer before a thicket of trees grew from the ground.

Erza, Gray and Lucy were stuck on the other side while Natsu and Ultear remained on the other. Stunned at the sudden appearance of trees they called out to one another and asked Happy to fly over to where Natsu and Ultear is.

"How far are we from the others, Happy?" Ultear asked as Natsu continued to pound into the thick trunk of the trees.

"It's at least 10 meters, Ultear." Happy answered.

"I see…" Ultear replied taking in what she was told. "Tell the others that the goal is still the same. We'll head towards the temple and meet up there, understood?"

"Aye!" Happy responded with a salute as he flew to the others.

"Stay with Lucy, Happy. Just in case she'll need saving." Ultear shouted as the Exceed nodded. "Let's go, Natsu." she ordered.

Natsu nodded as they moved once more with silence as their company.

XOXOXO

"Is that so?" Erza asked as the Exceed nodded. "Let's get moving then."

"Hey, Erza, will those two be alright?" Lucy asked as they headed towards their destination.

Erza glanced at the blonde before looking forward. "They'll be fine, Lucy. It's those two after all." She replied vaguely.

Lucy seemed to accept her answer as she glanced at Gray. The Ice mage looked annoyed like usual. It wasn't hard for Titania to guess that Gray still had feelings for Ultear even though he stopped trying to get her attention, choosing to be a friend and wait until she looks at his direction after she gets tired of Natsu. She had to laugh inwardly at the irony; she's in the same boat when it comes to Natsu and as much as she hated to entertain the notion.

The thought of Natsu falling out of Ultear's graces had a terrifying appeal to it, and it would only be a matter of time before she could create a wedge between him and Mirajane and she could have him all to herself. Damn herself for being Natsu's close confidant, as it allowed her to fall for him and worm his way into her heart.

"Stop!" Erza ordered, jumping back to avoid the spear that landed in front of her. "Get ready to fight everyone." as Erza ordered them to prepare, they were immediately surrounded by a group of people.

"This is bad." Lucy commented, having lost count of their opponents numbers, but nonetheless ready to fight, hands already on her keys.

"This is a waste of time." Gray grumbled, already prepared to attack.

"It is." Erza agreed which made the Ice mage gawk at her. "Go on ahead, Gray. We'll take it from here."

"We will?" Lucy asked with a shrill yelp.

Gray looked back at the two and relented. "Thanks Erza." he thanked Titania and left.

Lucy summoned Cancer and looked at Erza. "Are you sure we can handle this, Erza?" she asked again.

"Do you doubt my abilities?" Erza asked, sending a deathly look to the blonde.

"No!" Lucy replied quickly.

"Good." Erza nodded with a smile. "This will be an easy fight. I assure you, Lucy."

XOXOXO

The path Natsu and Ultear took led them to a path that ended in front of a cave where a lone figure stood, a woman in all black and Ultear immediately knew who the person was.

"Noire… so the rumors are true. You do use the lost magic, Arc of Time." Ultear commented as the woman removed her hood.

"Ultear Milkovich Dragneel." Noire greeted with a smile. "To think I'd find a Council member in this quaint little island." She commented.

"Noire!" Natsu stated grimly and leveling her with a glare as Ultear glanced at him. "Who the hell is Noire?" he asked out-loud, tilting his head to side.

Ultear managed to blush in shame at Natsu's bottomless stupidity and smacked him in the head. "Then stop acting like you know her, damn it!" she snapped as Natsu looked at her like with a pout. "She's a dark mage much like Erigor, but unlike the fool, she kills for no reason." She explained as Natsu's eyes hardened.

"You're right about the killing, but I do have a reason." Noire countered nonchalantly, flicking her wrist as a dagger made of Lacrima appeared. "I kill mages that are considered powerful." She began wrapping her arms around her body. "I love the thrill of not knowing who of us would live and the thought of me standing on top once again!" she finished dramatically, her body writhing in pleasure.

Natsu couldn't really find a fault at the woman's crazy logic, though he could do without the senseless killing and she was pretty easy on the eyes as well. "Well let's see if you can kill me then?" he challenged, charging at the woman.

Noire simply smiled and threw the dagger at her hand at Natsu. "Flash Forward" The woman stated simply.

Before the Dragonslayers eyes, the dagger that was heading straight at his way vanished and surrounded him. He was stunned at the sudden turn of events as he was cut by the numerous daggers sent his way. It gave the woman enough time to rush the Dragonslayer and deliver a powerful punch that opened his guard before delivering a blow to his cheek that sent him tumbling along the ground.

"Natsu!" Ultear gasped, catapulting herself towards the woman and appearing behind Noire.

Ultear aimed her flaming fist at the woman's head, but Noire ducked before it could hit and delivered a sweeping kick of her own. Ultear avoided Noire's leg as she continued on her arc and delivered a heel drop. The ground exploded into rubble as Ultear clicked her tongue knowing her attack missed. Noire landed on her feet, flicking her wrist once more as eight pairs of daggers appeared between her fingers.

"Luminous Minutes." Noire said, throwing the daggers on top of Ultear as they multiplied and rained down like beams.

Acting quickly, Ultear created a barrier with her 'Ice Make: Dahlias', protecting her from the initial barrage before it melted into water. Just as about the rest of the daggers would strike her, something collided on her side, sending her off the daggers path. She glanced at the person responsible for saving her from getting impaled.

Natsu once again saved her as he landed on his feet while carrying her bridal style. "You, ok?" Natsu asked, placing Ultear back on the ground.

"Thanks." Ultear replied succinctly, annoying Natsu before redirecting her attention to Noire. "Your magic is really the bane of Creation mages. I would've loved to learn that form of magic if only to kill my mother." she admitted, ignoring Natsu's angry protest. "But someone made me realize what I truly want and gave me a better reason for living." She glanced at the Dragonslayer and smiled. "If only that person would stop fooling himself."

"I'm glad that you found a new reason for living." Noire commented sarcastically as an explosion came from the temple. "Well, I guess my unwilling employer got his ass handed to him by one of your friends. I guess there's no point in knowing if he could defeat Deliora if he's easily defeated." She released a sigh, "I guess I'll just have to find out for myself if Deliora is all that it's cracked up to be. He'd be close to escaping right about now." With that comment, Noire left the two and entered the cave where Deliora is kept.

"I guess Gray defeated the boss. Damn, I can't believe he took the spotlight from me!" Natsu grumbled.

"Come on, Natsu!" Ultear called, running towards the cave.

Natsu immediately caught up with Ultear, running beside her. "What are you going to do if what she's saying is true? That Deliora might be freed any moment from now." He asked and saw her determination waver.

A pregnant pause permeated the two as Ultear remained silent. "It doesn't matter now if we find the ice intact or not. What's important is we stop Deliora from escaping." She answered and for the second time that day Natsu pulled her to a stop.

"Damn it, Ultear! I'm not asking what everybody else wants! I'm asking what you want, if seeing your mother again would make you happy!" Natsu demanded forcing her to look at him in the eyes.

"Why, what is it to you if whether I could see my mother again? She's not important to you, you don't even know her." Ultear asked her voice barely above whisper. It pained her to lose her mother again the second time and felt that her wish of reliving the happy times in the past was never meant to be.

"You're right. I don't know her nor is she even important to me." Natsu answered honestly making her look away with disgust. "But you're important to me, Ultear! And if seeing your mother again would make you happy then I'll do everything in my power to make it happen!" he declared, his black orbs gazing into her brown ones with grim determination.

Ultear looked at Natsu's determined expression before she pulled him forward and kissed him. The third time they did as Natsu willingly returned it, assuring her that everything would be alright. They slowly pulled back as she held his face with both her hands.

"I don't mind not seeing my mother again if it meant that you'll return to me alive, understand!" Ultear ordered.

"Now I'm all fired up! Let's go and stop that woman!" Natsu exclaimed with a toothy grin.

Ultear nodded as they headed deeper into the cavern. She looked at Natsu fondly and silently in her mind added that she would still steal Natsu from Mirajane whatever the outcome of this mission is.

XOXOXO

Meanwhile with Erza, Lucy and Happy, their grueling fight (for Lucy and their opponents' anyway.) over. Fairy Tail stood victorious once more with their enemies unmasked. All of them victims of Deliora.

"Thank god we have you on our side, Erza." Lucy panted with her hands on her knees.

"Aye!" Happy agreed. "Erza and your spirit did all the work." The Exceed teased the blonde.

"Shut up, you stupid cat! Their powers are proportional to mine!" Lucy screamed at the blue cat flying around her.

"Tell me. Are all of you trying to free Deliora so you could take your revenge?" Erza asked looking at the defeated group.

Their enemies remove their masks and revealed them to be villagers that suffered the same fate as Gray.

"Yes, our goal is just as you say it is." The Elder of the villagers spoke. "All of us followed Lord Reitei so we could all get our revenge at the demon."

"I see, but tell me is there no one else left at the temple?" Erza asked again as the elder shook her head.

"There shouldn't be. All of us were ordered to defeat you and your group." The elder replied.

"Very well, we will do you no harm nor the Council will act against you for helping this Reitei-person, I just ask that you stay out of our way." Erza stated civilly as they all agreed to her terms. "Happy, Lucy, we need to get to the temple now. Someone is still performing the ceremony." She ordered as both mages nodded and headed towards the temple.

XOXOXO

Meanwhile, at the top of the temple, the three mages Team Natsu defeated earlier performed the ceremony. After Team Natsu left, Noire appeared to the group and freed them and told them to head to the temple to perform the ceremony on their own.

XOXOXO

Ultear and Natsu caught up with Noire at the cavern where Deliora is kept. Ultear felt the strength leave her body at the sight of the giant Ice slowly melting into the cavern floor; the moons purple beam hastens its demise. Natsu on the other hand remained focus on the task at hand and reminded Ultear of the reason they're in the cavern in the first place.

The fight between the three mages continued as Noire continued to fight both Dragonslayers into a stalemate. They both threw punches and kicks at the dark mage who dodge their attacks and countered with ease.

Dodging Noire's swipe with her short sword, Natsu landed on his feet a few feet away. He catapulted himself towards Noire once again before being sent to the wall with a Lacrima orb to the cheek.

Ultear continued to unleash a flurry of attacks at Noire, weaving around her strikes and counters with her sword while keeping a safe distance from the powerful Dragonslayer. Ultear jumped back and performed several backflips avoiding Noire's daggers, running along the cave walls and catapulting herself towards Noire.

"Fire Dragon's Brilliant Blaze!" Ultear threw the massive fireball at Noire.

Noire merely smirked and aimed her index finger at the fireball, a yellow magic seal appearing creating a small blue orb. "Too easy." She commented, firing the orb of electricity at the fireball.

The attack created an explosion just as Ultear expected, but what stunned her was Noire's attack shooting pass the flurry of flames and striking her in the process. Noire then shifted her attention to Natsu. She weaved and bobbed around Natsu's attacks, not bothered by the flames coming from his fists and legs. Noire thrusts her sword forward forcing Natsu to dodge to the left and was struck by her leg, hitting him on his chin.

Natsu spun in midair and landed on all fours like a cat and charged Noire once more using his Fire Dragon's Iron Fist. Noire moved her head to the side smirking at the Dragonslayer before she quickly spun around and delivered a palm thrust to his stomach, knocking the wind out of Natsu and elbowing him on the face. Stunned but undeterred, Natsu countered with a kick that Noire easily blocked with her arm and poised to strike Natsu with her sword forcing him to jump back.

"I haven't even move, Salamander." Noire commented gesturing at her location.

"Gahhh! I'll show you!" Natsu cried in frustration.

Natsu lunged at the woman once more delivering a flurry of blows. Noire continued to counter with her own set of attacks and delivered a feint with her left and delivered a powerful right cross sending him flying into the wall.

"You fell for it." Natsu stated with a grin.

"Let's see you dodge this at close range." Ultear seethed, appearing behind the stunned Noire. "Azure Fire Dragon's Roar!"

Ultear unleashed her most powerful attack, combining her Creation magic and Dragonslayer magic. The blue flames connected against Noire creating a massive explosion that rocked the cavern and sent Ultear flying back into Natsu's arms. The explosion created a massive ice structure that encased Noire just as the moons purple beams stopped washing over Deliora.

XOXOXO

At the top of the Temple, Erza, Lucy and Happy once again stopped the trio of mages that was freed by Noire. The Fairy Tail mages looked down at the once again bound mages.

XOXOXO

"To think I'd have to use it on you." Ultear panted and would've collapsed on the floor if not for Natsu's help.

"Are you ok?" Natsu asked as he admired the giant ice crystal that stood in the middle of the cavern. "What was that move you just used? Igneel never taught us that."

Ultear smiled tiredly and spoke. "He didn't." she answered simply. "I made that spell by myself, by combining Creation magic and Dragonslayer magic. Though using it places a large amount of strain on my body." She explained.

"Can you teach me that?" Natsu asked as he sat down with the woman between his legs.

"I'm afraid I can't, Natsu. I was able to do that because I'm born with a natural talent for Creation magic." Ultear answered which only made Natsu confused.

"Does that mean that Creation magic will always come natural to you even if you stopped using it for years?" Natsu asked.

"Uh-huh." Ultear nodded before she stood up glancing at Deliora before looking at Natsu in the eyes. "Remember to come back to me, ok, Natsu…" she ordered before falling unconscious.

"I guess you really pushed yourself too far, huh?" Natsu commented with a smile.

"Hey Natsu!" Gray shouted as he ran towards the Dragonslayers, stopping in front of Natsu. "You look like shit." He commented with a grin. "Did Ultear do that?"

"You look as great as you always do, Popsicle." Natsu countered, looking at the battered and bruised Gray. "She did. Awesome, huh? Wish you could be as powerful as us."

"Yeah, right." Gray snorted. "She's powerful, but I could beat you with my eyes closed and an arm tied around my back." both men glared at each other for awhile and relented.

"Here." Natsu handed the woman to the ice mage. "Take her outside to safety. I'll find a way to bring Deliora outside."

Gray looked at the Dragonslayer curiously and wondered how he would bring the giant form of Deliora outside. He then looked at the unconscious form of Ultear and shook his head. "Whatever. Just don't go asking for my help, because there's no way in hell I'll help you carry or pull that thing outside." He snapped before walking outside with Ultear on his shoulders.

Natsu now stood at the frozen form of Deliora, scratching his head for taking in more than he can chew. He then tilts his head to the side, crossing his arms to his chest and closed his eyes to think.

"What are you thinking, Salamander?" Noire's voice broke him out of his thoughts as he spun around and saw the woman break free of her prison.

"How did you got out?" Natsu asked before he looked to the side to give the woman some privacy. Her clothes ruined from Ultear's attack, showing a lot of her skin in the process.

"Well, aren't you the gentleman." Noire teased, using her Arc of time to repair her clothes. Content that her clothes are fixed she directed her gaze at the Dragonslayer. "It was quite easy actually. The moment I felt the ice started form, I immediately used my Arc of Time to create a thin barrier around me before I passed out and the ice continued to expand outward. If I wasn't myself and this battle armor, I'd be dead."

"I guess it's up to me to finish the job." Natsu declared, lunging at the woman.

"Can you?" Noire taunted as she moved her head to the right, avoiding Natsu's flaming fist.

Natsu continued to rain fiery blows against the woman who weaved and bobbed under his fists. Having seen everything the Dragonslayer has to offer, Noire decided to end the fight with one blow. She blocked Natsu's fist with her forearm and held his arm before electrocuting the Dragonslayer and delivering a powerful blow that sent Natsu crashing into the cave wall.

Noire pushed her advantage, charging the Dragonslayer as he's about to remove himself from the crater he's in. Her knee embedded itself in his midsection, forcing the air out of his lungs as he coughed up blood. She grabbed his scarf and held her close to her person.

"You're strong Salamander, but you still have a long way to go before you're worth killing." Noire stated as Natsu passes in and out of consciousness. She tossed Natsu into the air and delivered a powerful kick to his midsection, slamming him to the crater he made before collapsing on a heap in the ground. Noire looked down on Natsu before she turned around and began to leave.

Natsu watched as the woman leave and reached forward before she could take another step. "We're not done here…" he hissed, glaring at the woman.

Noire turned around and delivered a kick, hitting Natsu in the chin sending him to the heavily damaged wall once more and catching him in his scarf. "You really are persistent, aren't you?" she stated with a smile and saw the annoyed expression on his face. "Don't bother trying to move your body. If you really want to fight me to the death, then let's play a game. The next time Ultear and I cross pads, I'll kill her." she whispered darkly.

Natsu's eyes widen in anger. "I won't let you…!" he snarled before receiving another punch, this time hitting his temple. He stared dumbly at the floor as his eyesight blurred and his ears continued to ring from the blow before falling into the ground. He watched as Noire started walking away, cursing in his head as unconsciousness took over him.

XOXOXO

Lucy watched as Erza shake the unconscious Sherry for answers on how they managed to escape. The sight was comical at best and had to put a stop to it less she shook the woman to death.

"Erza… she can't answer you if she's unconscious." Lucy suggested as the angry red head directed her attention to her, flinching as she did.

Erza was about reply when out of the shadows Noire appeared and knocked Lucy unconscious. "Lucy!" she cried, leaping towards Noire.

Noire dodged Erza's swing and spun around Titania and knocked her out like Lucy. She left the two unconscious women on the ground and walked past the trio of unconscious mages, stopping in front of the ritual circle.

"Let see if this Demon lives up to its reputation." Noire stated as she performed the ceremony alone.

XOXOXO

"Natsu…"

Natsu slowly opened his eyes and wiped the grime of them. He saw Igneel's massive head looking down at him. "What is it, Igneel?" he asked groggily.

"Come, I need to talk to you about Ultear." Igneel said which wiped away any trace of sleep from the young Dragonslayer.

"Ok." Natsu nodded as Igneel started to walk away from the camp. Natsu slowly sat up as to not wake up Ultear who slept beside him.

He could still remember the sadness and pain Ultear suffered when she found out her mother died hours earlier. It was the first time they slept together as she clung to him like a life line. Even now that she's asleep, her hand gripped his scarf tightly as if afraid that he'll leave her. He gently untied his scarf from his waist and left it on his spot so she wouldn't notice he left as he stood up and prepared to leave.

"Don't leave me… Natsu…" Ultear muttered in her sleep, clutching the scarf tightly.

Natsu looked back and grinned at the sleeping girl. "I won't, and that's a promise." He declared and ran off to find Igneel.

It didn't take long before he found Igneel waiting at their training grounds looking at the sky. He walked up beside the Fire Dragon and waited for Igneel to notice him.

"Natsu, I'm going to teach you a spell, a spell unique to a Fire Dragonslayer and the only spell that doesn't destroy." Igneel began as Natsu looked at him disbelievingly.

"Are you pulling my leg, Igneel?" Natsu asked. "I thought we're going to talk about Ultear?"

Igneel stared at his adopted son and couldn't decide whether to be annoyed or proud, annoyed at his bottomless well of stupidity and proud at his deep connection with Ultear.

"Yes, Natsu, fire doesn't always destroy, it gives and creates life. The sun in the sky is a great example; it gives life to everything around you." Igneel explained even as Natsu tried to wrap his head to what his father is trying to say, but failing miserably.

"So, you're trying to tell me that this spell you're going to teach me will help Ultear?" Natsu asked, dropping everything he heard from Igneel and focused on his objective.

"Correct. I'm going to teach you 'Solaris, the flames of life.'" Igneel answered. "It's the only spell I know that has a chance of reversing the effects of the Iced shell, and hopefully reunite her with her mother."

"You mean she's not dead?" Natsu gasped, looking at his father in disbelief. "I need to tell Ultear!" he screamed in joy ready to run back and tell Ultear the news.

Igneel shook his head and used his tail to block Natsu's path – the young Dragonslayer colliding with his tail. "Don't. You're only going to give her false hope if you do."

"But why, isn't this a good thing?" Natsu asked looking up at his father from the ground.

"It is, but you must know that the spell requires a lot from the user. One must have large amounts of magical reserves and must be at his full strength to cast the spell. Otherwise…" Igneel paused as Natsu looked at him expectantly. "The user will die from the heavy strain it places on the body and exhaustion of all his magic…"

"You mean I might die?" Natsu asked quietly as the gravity of the situation struck him. "Will it really bring her mother back?"

"It might. The spell that Ultear's mother used is a powerful sealing spell that uses the casters body as a catalyst to imprison its enemies in ice for all eternity while draining away its life force. Solaris is used to remove the effects of the most powerful of sealing spells and curses while undoing any damage done. It's the only healing type magic a Fire Dragonslayer has." Igneel explained once more and saw the look of determination in his young eyes.

"Teach me, Igneel!" Natsu ordered to his father. "I don't ever want to see her cry again!"

Igneel's eyes showed how proud he is of his son and spoke. "Very well, then. I shall teach it to you, but you must promise me that you'll follow the conditions for using it, understood?"

"Aye!" Natsu agreed.

XOXOXO

Natsu slowly opened his eyes to see the ice from the demon began to shatter as the moon's rays once again showered the demon. It also meant that whatever was left of Ultear's mother is turning into water. He knew that he only have few moments before Deliora escapes and the ice completely breaks, but enough time to perform a spell Igneel taught him years ago.

"Why do I always forget these things…?" Natsu mused as his magic seal appeared beneath him. His flames swirled around him in a violent gale as he closed his eyes in concentration. "I hope this works, Igneel…"

His red flames slowly changed in color to a bright orange that resembled the sun. He extended both of his arms, palms pointing outward as the flames gathered at its center. He then drew them together and fused the flames in both hands in a stance that resembled of one using Fairy Law. Natsu opened his eyes as the same magic seal appeared above Deliora and the flames between his hands resembled a small sun.

"Flames of Life, SOLARIS!" Natsu exclaimed, slamming the concentrated orb of fire with his right hand into the ground.

The flames disappeared from his seal the same time as Deliora is engulfed in a pillar of fire. He could feel all of his magic being drawn away from his body as the flames is channeled through his magic seal and into the one on top of Deliora. After what seemed like hours, the spell finally ended and the flames washing over Deliora vanished.

Natsu collapsed on the ground as dark spots started to from at the corner of his eyes. "Did it work?" he asked with labored breaths, forcing his body to stand up once more.

Deliora released an ear piercing roar and saw the Dragonslayer in front of him, standing defiantly before its might. It reared its massive fist back and aimed it at the Dragonslayer.

Natsu watched as Deliora's fist rushed towards him, and just as it's about to hit. He saw rose vines shot towards Deliora's fist, piercing the massage appendage. More came from behind him and skewered the demon, as moments later Deliora shattered into thousands of pieces.

Natsu looked behind him and saw a woman standing a few feet from him, naked as the day she was born. "Ultear…?" he asked before he collapsed in a heap.

The woman walked towards the Dragonslayer and removed his scarf that held a feint glow in it and tied it around her impressive bust. Then she removed his waistcoat and belt and tied it around her waist to cover her nether regions. She then lifted the unconscious young man and started her way out of the caverns.

XOXOXO

Lucy, Gray, Ultear and Erza stood outside the shoreline waiting for Natsu's return. Lyon and his group also sat at the same place, their earlier transgression all but forgotten after their defeat. They waited in silence for Natsu's return.

"What do you know about Noire?" Ultear asked Lyon, breaking the silence.

Lyon looked at her master's daughter and couldn't help but see the face of his master.

"Nothing. It's still a mystery to me how she found out about what we we're doing in this island." He replied honestly as Ultear seemed to accept.

Another silence permeated the group as different emotions ran high. Mostly fear for the Dragonslayer's safety.

"Shouldn't we check on Natsu?" Lucy asked as all eyes landed on the Celestial mage. "I-I mean if he needed our help or something." She stammered.

Erza saw Ultear grip her arm tightly and knew that she's afraid of what might happen to Natsu. "He'll be fine, Lucy. It's Natsu we're talking about here." Titania assured the blonde much like herself.

"Yeah. Just you wait, when that idiot comes back, he'll be gloating about how he defeated Deliora." Gray added, even he is worried for Natsu's safety.

"Aye! Natsu's just fine, Lucy." Happy agreed.

Lyon watched as the group from Fairy Tail and saw how much of a family they are to one another. This in turn made him wonder if he would experience such simple joys if he joined in a guild. Simple joys that Ur wanted them to experience.

"I also believe that Salamander would be alright." Lyon joined in, gaining the groups attention. "The last roar that we heard must be Deliora's dying breath as Ur's magic might've already drained it of all of its life force." He commented. It also made sense to him that Deliora would've died the moment it escaped its frozen confines.

"Well, this is interesting." The woman commented gaining everyone's attention.

Everyone froze at the sight of a scantily clad woman carrying an unconscious Dragonslayer on her shoulder.

"Ur?" both Gray and Lyon gasped at the sight of their teacher.

Ultear the moment she heard the name stood up straight from the rock she's leaning on and looked behind her.

"Mother…"

XOXOXO

Three days later…

"Ugh… what happened?" Natsu asked looking at the ceiling. "Where am I?" Natsu looked around him and realized that he's still at Galuna Island. He tried to sit up and realized that something is weighing him down. He glanced down on his midsection and saw a blue ball of fur and the familiar mop of hair on his bedside.

Happy sensing some movement from the Dragonslayer caused him to wake up. "Natsu! You're alright!" the Exceed cried, hurtling himself at the Dragonslayer's face.

Natsu laughed at his friends antics and untangled the Exceed from his face. "Did you miss me that much?" he asked.

"Aye! I don't want to lose my number one fish provider." The Exceed answered as Natsu laughed at his straightforward and teasing reply.

"Don't you have Lucy for that?" Natsu asked, letting go of the Exceed.

"You know Lucy can't provide me any fish, she's dirt poor and bad at fishing. I just use her dresser to keep my fish." Happy replied truthfully as another round of laughter ensued.

After their laughter subsided, Natsu focused on the woman asleep on the side of his cot. "Hey Happy, did Ultear stayed by my side the whole time I was asleep?" he asked, while looking at Ultear's sleeping form.

"Aye! Erza and the rest visited you from time to time, but Ultear never left your side." Happy replied just in time as the aforementioned woman slowly rouses from her sleep and he took the time to fly outside and leave the two alone.

Ultear slowly woke up from her slumber as her eyes landed on the grinning Dragonslayer. "Natsu…?" she began before enveloping Natsu in a fierce embrace. "I'm glad that you're finally awake. I was so worried about you…" She said as tears slowly fell from her face.

Natsu returned her embrace with a smile and allowed the woman to cry. After she calmed down and untangled herself from Natsu, he spoke. "So, did it work? Is your mother back?" Natsu asked.

"It did work, Natsu. She's back, my mother, Ur, is back." Ultear replied quietly, ashamed at her answer. "Now that she's back… I don't know what to say, Natsu."

Natsu stared at the woman in disbelief. It was just like her to run away when things are finally going her way. It was an annoying trait of her that he wanted gone because it's the same reason he ended with Mirajane in the first place. He looked at her and saw how lost she looked and decided to push her in the right direction even though he's going to burn at his decision.

"And you're telling me that you're going to steal me away from Mira. You can't even talk to your mother, Ultear." Natsu said in exasperation. "Just give up, Ultear, and leave me and Mirajane alone. You'll just run away again the moment you have your chance."

Ultear was aghast at the words that came from Natsu's mouth and the glare she consequently directed at him caused him to flinch. She didn't even realized when she moved and clocked Natsu hard in the face that he busted a hole in the wall. Everyone was startled at the sight of the Dragonslayer flying out of the house before being dragged back inside by the same person that attacked him.

Ultear threw Natsu back at the bed, her expression softening. "Thanks for the support, Natsu. I still don't know what to say to my mother, but I'll talk to her." her smile turned devilish and innocent at the same time as she pressed herself to Natsu. "You know… you practically told me to go after you, Natsu. Are you that desperate to get away from, Mirajane?"

Natsu cursed in his head, feeling her soft breasts pressed in his arm and realizing she's not wearing anything else beside her shirt. "It's not that really." He replied pulling away from the woman. "I just don't want you to waste this opportunity, Ultear."

"I know… thank you, Natsu, this means a lot to me." Ultear replied, smiling genuinely at the Dragonslayer causing him to blush.

Natsu broke the contact first and look to the side and spoke. "Uh… could you get me something to eat, I've been feeling, I don't know… empty, since I woke up."

Ultear looked at him strangely before she stood up and took one of the many torches that lit his room. "Here…"

"Thanks." Natsu replied catching the torch and started to eat, but the moment the flames neared his face. Natsu threw the torch on the floor, and for the second time in his life he was burned for eating fire.

Ultear saw what happened and approached the Dragonslayer. "What happened, Natsu?" she asked the stunned Dragonslayer.

"I was burned by the flames." Natsu answered looking at the torch. "I think there's something wrong with that flame."

Ultear baffled by his reply lifted the torch and sucked in the flames without being burned. "There's nothing wrong with it, Natsu. Are you toying with me?" she asked while leveling him a glare.

"No, I'm serious, Ultear. I was burned, see." Natsu replied sticking out his tongue and saw that he is in fact burned.

"Natsu, can you light up your fist for me." Ultear asked as Natsu shrugged and did as he was told. She was stunned as Natsu continued to try and fail as a grim realization struck her. "Tell me, Natsu. Did that spell you used to return my mother has something to do with this?"

"I guess… Igneel did tell me that I could only use it when I'm at my full strength." Natsu answered truthfully.

"And why is that?" Ultear demanded and saw Natsu's eyes trying to find any escape route from the room. "Answer me, Natsu!" she ordered causing the Dragonslayer to flinch.

"Because I would die if I did…" Natsu answered fearfully and saw the look of fear and betrayal in the woman's eyes before she looked at the floor, her eyes obscured by her hair. "I'm still alive, Ultear. So, what if I can't eat fire or use magic, I'm sure it's just temporary." He tried to assure Ultear.

Ultear merely turned around and started to leave stunning the Dragonslayer more betrayed by his answer more than anything else. She walked out of the room without a word leaving Natsu to ponder what he did wrong.

"You're willing to sacrifice everything for my happiness, yet, you can't leave Mirajane to be with me. Stupid Natsu…" Ultear whispered bitterly as she left Natsu alone.

XOXOXO

Natsu watched as Ultear left and closed the door, looking at his hand and clenching his fist. He lay down on his bed looking at the ceiling, realizing the gravity of his situation. He just lost his magic and the means of protecting Ultear and wondered if he would be able to stand it if they told him to stay back because he has no means of fighting back.

"I may have lost my magic, but I'll be damned if I let anything happen to my friends, especially Ultear." Natsu stated with determination.

XOXOXO

AN: Well I finally managed to update after so many months of absence and I hope this updates would be enough of an apology for said absence. My work has taken for the worse, as my simple life of an office engineer doing simple paperwork ended and I was dragged out into the site. I'm one of the engineers in charge of making sure the construction goes as schedule (which rarely does) and I spent six days and a minimum of 12 hours per day. I'm hoping of making these two months of rest productive and write a few more chapters before I'm dragged back on site. Thanks for those that left a review and message me while I'm away.