Hello, people.

Its been a long time. Sorry about that. I had trouble with this chapter, as I've said before.

Now that it's finally finished, I couldn't wait to share it with you. I really like it because of all the interactions and new info thrown in here. Also, that last scene was my favorite one to write.

First, to the shoutouts:

Guest: Thanks. I'm glad you like it!

MasterGildarts: Awww I really like your take on GaLe's flashback. Yep, there are always too many interruptions.

Kagura and Milliana can't really target Jellal since it would be harmful to Erza and the baby.

I wanted to add in some girl power and have Juvia be more of the strong and independent woman back from Phantom Lord. They will, but I'm afraid it will take a while.

Mikasa-Chan: I'm afraid that will take a good while. At lest here you get more info on Alison's past and the reasons why she is the way she is.

Zerza: I already answered all of your questions. Thanks for reviewing.

Happy reading, everyone!

"Don't feel insecure just because you lost! We are Fairy Tail! We're from the guild that doesn't know when to stop! We won't survive unless we keep running!"

-Natsu Dragneel

Winter of X765...

"Lord Zeref?" He looked back at the bluenette who had just entered Tartarus' Hell Core.

"Alison. I didn't think you'd be back so soon." Zeref replied, frowning in confusion.

"I know, milord. I apologise for the intrusion, but there is something I must tell you." He didn't like that one bit.

"Is something wrong?" She was clearly nervous and scared.

"Not exactly." Alison looked away, biting her lip.

"Is this about Lucas Fernandes?" She confirmed with a nod. "Don't tell me he's beginning to suspect you."

"No, milord. He remains clueless to my motives." A relived look crossed his face.

"Then why do you look so nervous? What happened?" She struggled with how to say it.

"I was supposed to get close to him." Alison whispered. "But I may have gotten too close."

"What do you mean?" Zeref asked just before it clicked. "You fell in love with him."

"I'm sorry, lord Zeref. I didn't intend to, but..." She bit her lip once again. "He's just so..."

"I was afraid this would happen. But it shouldn't be a problem as long as you remember the real reason why you were sent after him." He replied rather gently. She was unaware, but he knew exactly what it felt like to be in love.

"I do, of course." There was something more; he could tell.

"What are you not telling me?" His eyes flashed red with anger and impatience.

Alison took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

Silence. Zeref's eyes widened. Pregnant? With a child? Now that he had not expected.

"Are you absolute certain?" She nodded.

"I already told Lucas and he seems happy. He told me he loves me and will stay by my side." A smile came upon her face.

"That could be used to our advantage." Zeref spoke after a few minutes.

"How so?" She brought both hands to rest protectively on her stomach, afraid of the answer.

"Now that you're carrying his child, he won't have any reasons to suspect you any longer." Zeref approached her. "This means that your mission can be carried out without trouble."

"What shall I do them, milord? What's the next step?" He took a piece of paper from his pocket.

"Those are the names of your newest targets. They should be eliminated within the next six months." Alison took it and began reading the names. When it came to the second last, her eyes widened.

"Nova Dreyar? Makarov Dreyar's daughter-in-law?" Everyone knew of the wizard saint who ruled over Fairy Tail.

"She's becoming stronger every day and some suspect she might one day become one of the wizard saints." Zeref replied.

"But Makarov already is one. Why not kill him?" She wondered.

"There is one seat left and I wish for someone else to take it." He explained, smirking. Knowing that arguing was of no use, Alison followed his orders with precision and Nova's mysterious death became the biggest news since the birth of Laxus Dreyar a few years before.

Present day...

Natsu and Lucy returned to the guild earlier than expected. It was around 4 PM when they arrived at the familiar doors, but much to their surprises, the place was almost empty.

"Where is everyone?" The dragon slayer asked, looking for Gray or Erza.

"I'm glad to see you two are back." Makarov greeted them.

"Is everything okay, Master?" Lucy wondered, quickly realizing he seemed worried.

"Where is Erza? And Gray?" Natsu impatiently asked.

"I'm afraid to tell you that Erza has been kidnapped." Their jaws dropped.

"Say what?" Natsu asked.

"By whom? How? When?" Lucy began to question the master.

"This morning. By a woman named of Alison Fernandes." Both gasped. "So she came back for Erza?"

"That's not good." Natsu worriedly said.

Seeing their reactions, Makarov realised the truth. "Listen, I need you to tell me everything you know about this woman." The older man told them firmly. "It is the only way I can help you find Erza."

"It's not really our place to tell." The blonde whispered.

"Jellal should be the one filing you in. Where is he?" The dragon slayer looked around the guild hall, frowning. "He is on a mission, alongside Gray, Gajeel, Levy and Wendy."

"So they've gone to rescue Erza?" Lucy asked for confirmation at the same time as Natsu muttered frustratingly "Without us?"

"No, they've actually gone to rescue Juvia." Makarov sighed. "Juvia?"

"She was kidnapped too?" Natsu's eyes were as wide as can be.

"It is complicated." Master answered and they nodded, understanding. Best to await for their friends' return so that they could learn the whole truth.

Therefore, after Lucy have him her mother's necklace and a quick explanation to where they'd gone to, the couple sat down by the bar and ordered drinks.

Half an hour later, as they were discussing Alison and her motives, two unexpected visitors entered the guild hall.

"Kagura?" Lucy whispered, confused.

"What are they doing here?" Natsu was confused by the two Mermaid Heel members' sudden appearance.

"Probably searching for Erza." She stood up and approached the two mages. He watched as she explained that Erza wasn't there at the moment and invited them to sit down for a drink, to which Kagura surprisingly agreed.

Upon glancing towards where Makarov was sitting with Freed while both examined Layla's necklace, Natsu suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Strange." He whispered, frowning.

He didn't have time to wonder, though, for soon enough Kagura and Milliana were joining him on the table and so his attention was shifted towards them.

However, the eerie feeling remained and Natsu knew that, whatever was inside that necklace, would bring nothing good.

In the infirmary…

"A big sister?" Asuka Connell frowned in confusion while her parents smiled.

"Yes, sweetheart." Alzack replied while bringing Bisca closer.

"But where is the baby?" The child started looking around the room, confused.

"It will take a while before the baby arrives." She frowned even more.

"And who's going to bring it? Is it the master?" The couple chuckled.

"No, honey." Bisca reached for her and the little girl eagerly accepted her embrace. "The baby is growing in here and when it's time, it will come out." She brought Asuka's hand to her stomach.

"I don't understand." The parents shared a look.

"You don't need to worry about understanding, okay? This is grown up stuff." Alzack told her.

"All you need to know is that, in a few months, you'll become a big sister." Bisca smiled at the thought.

"A few months? Why can't the baby get here now?" Asuka inquired, crossing her arms and pouting.

"I'm afraid these things take time, sweetheart." Her father explained.

"Is the baby really here, mamma?" She brought both hands to press against Bisca's stomach. Upon receiving a confirming nod, she lowered her head and whispered: "Listen, baby, I am your big sister, so you have to follow my orders. And I am ordering you to come now!"

Alzack and Bisca stared at each other in shock before bursting into laughter, unable to control themselves.

"I love you so much!" The latter brought Asuka for a tight embrace, to which the little girl complained. "Too tight, mamma!"

"She'll make a great sister." Alzack added while joining the embrace and Bisca smiled.

"Yes, she will. We are so lucky." The couple lesnt in for a soft kiss and that was how Porlyusica found them moments later: the true picture of happiness.

Not long before...

"Gajeel!" Juvia and Levy screamed in unison while the others watched in horror.

"What is this?" Hades stared at the scene in confusion and annoyance.

"Is he okay?" Gray asked the petit bluenette.

"He's still breathing." Levy let out a reliever sigh after checking the dragon slayer's pulse.

"No matter. I will simply have to try again." Overhearing Hades' whisper, Wendy shouted a warning just before another ball containing dark enegery was shot towards Juvia.

"No, you won't." Jellal was the one who saved her this time, but thankfully he used his magic to block the spell and wasn't harmed.

"You need to get out of here." Silver called while coming in front of the group. "Let me handle him."

"No. You don't know Hades as well as I do." Ultear replied, giving her former master a firm stare. "If anyone's going to defeat him, it will be me."

"The two of us together." Meredy said, stepping away from Lyon's protections— to which the ice mage frowned— and coming to her mother's side.

"You have to get her out of here." Meanwhile, Jellal whispered to Gray, stepping in front of the couple.

"Don't have to tell me twice." The ice mage replied, standing up.

"No, we can't." Juvia protested. "Gajeel..." Both glanced towards where Levy was attempting to wake the dragon slayer up.

"He'll be fine. He's a tough guy." Gray tried to reassure her, knowing it wasn't enough.

"But he got hurt... because of me." New tears were streaming down her face and he sighed. He knew all too well how she was feeling, but they didn't have time to dwell on it.

So he said nothing as they quickly reached the entrance of the cave and stepped out of it.

"Where do you think you're going?" Hades screamed and tried to attack them again, but Ultear blocked it. "Don't even think about it."

"Tell me, Ultear, do you really think that you can defeat me?" He raised a brow. "Don't you remember that I made you what you are?"

"That couldn't be further from the truth." Lyon surprised everyone by saying. "If anyone's made her what she is, it was Ur."

"Lyon..." Ultear gave him a surprised look.

"I know she would be proud of you." For a moment they stared at each other; her gratefully and him reassuringly. It was in that moment, though, that Hades chose to elaminate them and he would've succeeded if it wasn't for Silver.

"We can't afford to be distracted now." He gave the half siblings a stern look and both nodded.

"You're right." Ultear said before turning to Meredy. "Why don't you go with Lyon? He can protect you."

Of course, she was clueless to the complications of their relationship, so when the two of them blushed, she didn't think much of it.

"I'm not leaving you." The pinkette protested. "Besides, you're not the only who has unfinished business with Master Hades."

"Don't be reckless, Meredy." Jellal warned from the other side of the cave.

"She's not." Lyon said, smiling. "She's a strong, powerful wizard and we shouldn't forget that."

"Thank you." Meredy smiled, turning to her adoptive mother. "Let me help you with this, Ultear. You've done so much for me, so I want to help you."

"You're so sweet." Ultear couldn't help but to smile. "But this is dangerous. I can't let any harm come to you."

While mother and daughter were having their moment, the enemy attacked again. Silver saved their lives once more and decided to focus on Hades while they sorted everything out.

"Jellal, can you help us here?" Levy called while she and Wendy tried to lift Gajeel up.

"Sure." He diverted his attention from his comrades and approached the duo.

"I've been trying to heal him, but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong." The young girl explained.

"I want to believe that he was just knocked out, but something didn't feel right about that spell." The petit bluenette added.

"We can figure that out later." Jellal told them before using water to encase the dragon slayer.

The two girls followed him out of the cave, stopping for a moment to watch the battle ahead.

Ultear, Meredy, Lyon and Silver seemed holding their own against Hades. However, the older mage was clearly skilled and each attack he sent appeared to be deadly.

"How can he still be here?" Jellal wondered yet again, remembering that Grimoire Heart's former master had benergy killed by Zeref years before.

"Come on." Levy called, placing a hand on his arm.

"Be careful, please." He whispered, staring towards his comrades, before leaving them.

Once he settled the unconscious Gajeel on the ground, Levy quickly sat down by the man's side before bringing his head to her lap.

"I'm afraid there's nothing more we can do." Wendy regretfully told her.

"I know." The bluenette replied, swallowing hard. It was clear that she was fighting against tears and, as Jellal noticed the way she was watching the dragon slayer, he came to a realisation.

"You're in love with him." The words came out before he could stop himself.

"What?" She shrieked, staring at him wide eyed.

"I didn't mean to..." He stopped, feeling uncomfortable. "I'm sorry."

She sighed. "It's fine." There was an awkward silence as she gently ran her fingers through Gajeel's dark hair while Jellal and Wendy sat down.

"How did you know?" Levy asked after a few awkward minutes.

"The way you were looking at him." He answered, smiling bitterly. "I know it too well."

"You're thinking about Erza, aren't you?" She quickly realized.

"I'm always thinking about her." Jellal replied, sighing.

"I'm sure she will be okay." Wendy tried to reassure him.

"Remember what Silver said. Zeref won't harm her." Levy added.

"I still failed to protect her." He frowned.

"I'm sure you did your best." The petit bluenette told him gently.

He didn't reply as his mind was overcome of thoughts about the scarlet haired warrior whom he loved.

While Jellal closed his eyes, clearly lost in thought, and Levy continued to run her fingers through Gajeel's hair, clearly worried; Wendy's dragon slayer hearing picked up on an interesting conversation happening not far from there.

As much as the young girl knew eavesdropping wasn't right, she couldn't help but to overhear it.

"If anyone should apologize it's me." Juvia was saying.

"We've been over this, Juvia." Gray replied, taking her hand. "I forgive you."

"But I can't forgive myself." Tears streamed down her face. "I should've never lied to you."

"I guess we both have things to work on." Gray sighed. "But we'll do it together, ok?"

She nodded. "Okay."

He carefully took her in his arms, wrapping her in a tight hug. "And I promise that I will never leave you again."

"You'd better not." Juvia closed her eyes, enjoying the safety of being in his arms. "Because I can't live without you."

Gray remembered when he had said those same words on the night they had almost lost each other for good. "I can't live without you either." Tightening his arms around her, he prayed that they would never have to.

Meanwhile, in E.R.A…

"You need to stop this, Doranbolt!" Lahar scolded his friend, shaking his head.

"But we're so close. We can catch him; I'm sure of it." Doranbolt replied while rummaging through some papers in his messy desk.

"I already told you that won't happen." The former disagreed. "Even if that man is Jellal, there is no way we could bring him in."

"So you'd rather allow Fairy Tail to keep covering up for an escaped convict?" Lahar sighed.

"There is nothing we can do. Makarov has already made clear that he's to be called Mystogan, and two of the Wizard Saints have validated his word." He explained, to which his friend frowned.

"Two of them?" He nodded. "Yes. Warrod Sequen, the 4th prince of Ishgal, has joined Jura in supporting Makarov."

Dorenbolt shook his head, disbelief clear on his face. "I can't believe they're actually protecting Jellal. Why would they do that?"

"I'd like to find that out as well, but for now all we can do is follow our orders." Lahar replied, giving him a sympathetic look.

"And what about Juliet Fernandes? Can't we interview her like I planned on the night of the party?" Both winced at the memory of the Grand Ball, when Dorenbolt was found unconscious on the ground after being hit by Erza Scarlet. With no proof to corroborate his story, they had decided to pretend as if it'd never happened.

"I don't know." For a moment, Lahar was silent, pensive. "I suppose we could, but I'll need to ask the Council."

"She may be our only chance at uncovering Jellal." The former reminded.

"I'll see what I can do." His friend nodded. "In the meantime, you should get some rest. You've been working on this case for weeks. It's time to take a break."

Dorenbolt gave a defeated sigh. "Thanks. I'll go back home." After standing up and shaking his friend's hand, he walked out of the door, leaving behind a chaotic desk.

This caused Lahar to sigh once again before he began gathering the papers to organize them. As he came across a picture of 5-years-old Juliet Fernandes, he couldn't help but wonder if Fairy Tail's own water mage could truly be the missing girl.

"You've got to be kidding me." Ultear exclaimed, frustrated.

"That did nothing?" Meredy wondered, scared.

"He truly is a formidable foe." Lyon added, panting.

"I warned you to leave." Silver told them.

"Why don't you leave, then?" Ultear snapped back.

"You haven't been exactly helpful." The ice mage told him and it was true. While they had been fighting Hades, he had spent most of the time with a hand in his forehead, trying to use telepathic magic as he told them.

"I already told you, I am trying to contact Keyes." Silver told them for the millionth time.

"And I already told you that I don't care." Ultear said while blocking another attack with ice magic.

"Who's this Keyes guys anyways?" Meredy asked, frowning.

"All you've said is that he's the one controlling Hades." Lyon pointed out.

"I can't say more." Silver's frown deepened and he let out a frustrated scream. "Damn it! Why can't he face me instead of hiding behind his puppets?"

"A puppet, you say?" Hades chuckled, amused.

"Okay, I am so done with you." Turning to Meredy, Ultear came up with a bright idea. "Shall we try an unison raid?"

The pinkette's eyes widened. "That's a great idea, Ultear."

Lyon watched with a smile as mother and daughter took each other's hand and closed their eyes before chanting the spell.

A surge of power went through the entire cave as Hades was surrounded by multiple swords enhanced by Ultear's time magic.

"What was that?" Gray and Juvia immediately pulled apart upon sensing the immense magic power.

"I don't know." He frowned. "Do you want to check it out?"

"Yeah. I'm worried about Lyon and Ultear." Remembering that her brother was where it had probably come from, Juvia quickly stood up, catching him off guard.

"Let's go." Gray shook his head.

"You shouldn't be standing yet." He wrapped an arm around her before putting the other behind her legs so that he could lift her up.

"That's not necessary, darling." She protested.

"I know, but I'm not taking any chances." His determination to protect her brought up overwhelming feelings and she gently stroke his cheek.

"I love you so much." Already used to her sudden confessions, Gray smiled.

"I love you too." Forgetting where they were for a moment, the couple began leaning in for a kiss until the clearing of a throat made them pull apart.

"Sorry." Jellal looked nothing short of uncomfortable.

"Are you okay?" Juvia eyes him worriedly.

"I don't think I will be until I know Erza's alright." She nodded, understanding.

"We'll find her. I promise." Gray spoke a second later.

"Of course. We just need to get out of here first." Jellal nodded.

"Let's make sure the others are okay before that." The three of them moved towards the cave where Juvia had been found, hearts squeezing in fear.

Upon arriving, they were relieved to notice that the body lying on the ground was Hades and the others seemed to be doing fine.

"Are you guys okay?" Gray asked, looking between Lyon, who was panting, and Ultear, who was on her knees, looking exhausted."We'll be fine."

"I'm glad you've managed to defeat Hades." Jellal cast his comrades a smile.

"Yes, but it's not over yet." Silver spoke.

"What do you mean, dad?" Sure enough, mere seconds after that Hades began to move and it wasn't long before he stood in front of them once again.

"No." Ultear whispered, face devoid of color.

"How can this be?" Jellal wondered.

"Is he immortal or something?" Lyon said, frustrated.

"Only Lord Zeref has been gifted with immortality." The voice was sinister and it made them shiver.

"Who's there?" Gray called, looking around the room in suspicion.

"I was starting to think that you wouldn't show up." Silver said, crossing his arms.

"I couldn't resist." The figure removed their hood, revealing a skeleton face that made Meredy let out a terrified scream.

"What the hell?" Lyon's face paled.

"This power...it can't be." Gray's eyes widened once he recognized the familiar feeling of terror that only Deliora had brought.

"This is Keyes." Silver introduced. "He's one of the demons from the books of Zeref and the one controlling Hades."

"Wait, what?" Meredy screamed.

"Not good." Ultear panted, trying to keep standing.

"So he's from Tartaros." Jellal muttered.

"Shall I kill them?" Hades asked.

"No, I have a much better ending planned for their stories." Keyes was smirking and it sent another shiver down their spines.

"The only story ending here will be yours." Silver quickly attacked the demon, who merely laughed. "Don't be foolish, Silver."

"So if we take him down, Hades will be eliminated as well?" Ultear turned to the older ice mage for confirmation.

"That's right." Determined looks came upon everyone's faces.

"Let's do it, then." Juvia said, getting out of Gray's arms.

"You're not doing anything." He scolded, and Jellal quickly joined.

"You should stay with Levy and Wendy since you're in no condition to fight." Before she could protest, Keyes spoke again.

"No, the girl should stay here." He approached them and they were unable to move for some reason. "After all, I have a surprise prepared for you."

"I don't like the sound of that." Meredy whispered.

"What have you done?" Silver yelled. The look in the skeleton's eyes was familiar and he knew it meant nothing good.

"I thought it was a good time for a family reunion." Before anyone could question his response, a new figure appeared.

The man had light blue hair, midnight blue eyes and pale skin. Juvia and Jellal let out equal gasps as their eyes widened. "Father?"

So, thoughts?

Did you like the Zeref x Alison flashback and getting to learn more about her backstory?

I totally didn't plan to include Laxus' mom in there, but I needed Alison to kill someone we already know and she was the only character that would fit with the timeline.

What about all of the angst? GaLe fans, how are you holding up? I'm afraid to tell you that Gajeel's condition is worse than anyone could've imagined.

Was the fight against Hades okay? I'm not the best when it comes to action scenes, so I wasn't so sure about it.

Same for fluff. Did you enjoy Alzack and Bisca telling Asuka about the baby? I decided to include them more in the story since they're so cute yet sadly underrated.

Lastly, what did you think of the plot twist with Lucas showing up? I know it's overused considering that Silver's there too, but I really wanted to make his reunion with Juvia and Jellal.

Next chapter will be called The Price Of Love. It will focus on Alison and Lucas' backstory, mostly from his point of view. You'll get to learn how they met and fell in love and how it ended.

I want to say that I'll post it by next Wednesday, but since I'm currently working on a short story and a one-shot, I don't think it will be possible. So let's try 5 reviews by July 22nd?