Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail or The Infernal Devices

Natsu charged into the dining room, a huge grin on his face as he slammed a piece of paper down on the table. Jem and Will had gathered for breakfast, both pausing at the boy's enthusiastic grin. "If today is the day we all go running around like maniacs, I think I may be improperly dressed." Will commented, dropping the roll he had been eating.

Jem nodded dryly in return, frowning as Natsu stood proud and crossed his arms over his chest. "Yeah, that shirt does smell a bit funny." he admitted, sniffing the air. Will blinked, leaning into his shoulder and sniffing his shirt to be sure. Natsu only grinned wider at the sight, shaking his head as the boy tried to find a scent undetectable to a normal person's nose. "Either way, I've finally found it! The answer is right here, the experiment he did to cure me of that demon drug."

Rising to his feet, Will moved to join Natsu at the end of the table. He leaned over the papers, frowning at the described experiments. "Only one ingredient? What the hell is Titania's Blade anyway?"

A shudder went through Natsu's body, his smile dropping as he stepped back. "Wait, is that what it was? I thought it said…man, this is going to be terrifying."

Jem blinked at him, shaking his head with a small smile. "Whatever it is, it cannot be that bad. After all, it did save your life, didn't it?"

Nodding, Natsu let himself agree on that point. There was still one issue, however. "Titania's Blade is a fairy-made powder. Only one fairy has the recipe to make it, and she's a nightmare," he explained. "One of the other kids from Acnologia's experiments went with me to see her once…he never made it out."

Natsu could remember how that went, seeing the boy with black hair glaring at him every time they were put together in the same room. His experiments made him quite different than Natsu, granting him strange ice magic that often clashed with his fire power. Their arguments quickly escalated into a rivalry, which Zeref teased Natsu about endlessly. He claimed the two boys were the best of friends, even if neither one of them would admit it. One of their fights had been what brought them to the rumored fairy, however.

Gray, the other boy, had bet that Natsu didn't have the guts to face down one of the Fair Folk in battle. Since both of them always ended up in a draw fighting against each other, they had agreed to sneak out and challenge one of the fairies' warriors. Finding them had taken all night, one filled with arguments about why Gray always seemed to strip at the worst possible moment. The black haired boy had been half-naked when they stumbled across one of the Fair Folk, traveling with a companion.

They had both been strangely beautiful, in their own way. One had long scarlet hair, and the stance of a warrior. Her armored chest plate and sword only showed how many battles she had been in, and the fact that she was ready for more. Behind her was a more elegant fairy, with short blue hair that curled upward at the ends. Her gaze had locked on Gray, her eyes growing wide as she gasped and whispered something into her companion's ear.

"You two have trespassed in our lands. Who are you, and what do you intend to do here?" the scarlet-haired warrior had asked.

Glaring at Gray, Natsu had mistakenly ignored her question. "Look what you've gotten us into now, streaker! If you'd just listened—" he began, only to be cut off. The scarier fairy approached quickly, glowering down at them before slamming Natsu's head against Gray's. The two of them both collapsed on the ground afterword, a throbbing in Natsu's head that he'd never forget.

Looking back up, the woman was still quite angry. "I do not tolerate arguing, especially amongst comrades. Show each other respect, or I shall teach it to you through whatever means necessary."

The dark aura surrounding her made Natsu and Gray believe her in an instant. Wrapping an arm around each other's shoulders, they had given her the biggest grin they could manage. "Of course, m'am. We're the best of friends, aren't we, Natsu?" Gray had stated cheerfully, albeit with a bit of nervousness in his tone.

Natsu had nodded, the same fake grin on his face. "Aye!"

Both women nodded, accepting their act before the scarlet haired fairy crossed her arms over her chest. "Good, now we can get down to business. My companion here has taken an interest in the shirtless mortal here. What will it take to get you to remain with her?"

It was so direct, neither Natsu nor Gray knew how to respond. The blue haired fairy blushed brightly, glancing down at her hands as she began toying with her fingers nervously. "Juvia can't decide…her heart's never felt this way before. He is the most magnificent man, to make Juvia's heart race and warmth spread through her limbs. Juvia must make him hers, no matter the cost!"

Gray looked terrified, trying to back away. However, the armored one was behind him first, moving quickly and grabbing him from behind. Her arms wrapped around his neck, leaving Natsu staring with wide eyes. He charged forward after a moment, trying to fight back. Juvia got in the way, kicking his chest and knocking him down just as the armored fairy shoved some strange cake into Gray's mouth.

She smiled over at Natsu, stroking Gray's hair as he choked on the cake, eventually swallowing. "Once a mortal has partaken of fairy drink or food, they are not allowed to leave our realm without our permission. Gray belongs with the Fair Folk now, however, I will be merciful and allow you to leave. Do not come to our realm again, shadowhunter, or I, Erza 'Titania' Scarlet, will strike you down where you stand."

Natsu had been so lost in the memory that he didn't notice Will and Jem asking him further questions about the subject. Obtaining anything from the woman would be a challenge, and he worried over if she would remain true to her word. "Snap out if it, this isn't the time to daydream about dragons and unicorns." Will was saying, shaking his shoulders slightly.

Blinking, Natsu ran a hand through his hair. It still felt weird, having it dangle into his eyes when he was used to it being spiked over his head. "Sorry, just remembering the last time I met her. She's a monster, trust me. You don't want to mess with Erza," he insisted.

"I doubt that. Fairies aren't known for their strength. They are more cunning than anything," Jem commented.

Will nodded in agreement, turning towards Natsu. "Indeed. It's not as if she can kick down a mountain with one blow."

Shaking slightly, Natsu frowned and considered it. Based on their last battle, he had no doubt of her power. "Nah, Erza can probably take out three mountains with one kick. She's that terrifying."

Not expecting a serious reply, Will only stared in silence. Jem was the one who broke the moment, focusing on finding the cure that could save his own life. "Even if she is this powerful, we need to find her first to stand a chance. Do you know of the local entrance to the Courts? I haven't visited the Fair Folk in a long time, I can't say I'm familiar with their formalities."

Shrugging, Will rolled up the paper and picked it up into his hand. "Of course, there's Fair Folk territory just off the path in Hyde Park. Not always the most pleasant of fey there, but it'll do for getting us permission to speak with this Titania woman." he insisted.

"Be careful around her, okay?" Natsu warned. "I…I lost one of my friends last time I faced her. We weren't even supposed to be out…" he whispered. Acnologia had nearly killed him when he got back, simply because one of his precious experiments had been lost. That had been the first time Zeref went berserk, as well. Natsu remembered seeing his brother's rage, the way his black eyes turned into pitiless black holes of swirling anger and hatred. The magic he wielded was no different, restless and powerful as it flashed out around him. The plants surrounding his room had died that day, but Acnologia had escaped before the blast could hit him. Natsu had been taken with the warlock, but a few other experiments had not been so lucky.

That was the start of Zeref's guilt, too. Sighing, Natsu tried to banish thoughts of the past and focus on the present instead. "Alright, I'll just sweet talk her. After all, I've heard that the Fair Folk can't resist a handsome face and a charming tongue. I'll charm the dickens out of her, that I promise you," Will insisted.

Natsu nodded in agreement, following as the other two moved to exit the room. It looked like they were off to a trip around London. Natsu wondered if things would turn out differently this time, because if they didn't, he wouldn't be able to live with himself. After all, Will was his brother's only friend, to Natsu's knowledge. He couldn't let any harm come to him, because if he did, Zeref would never be able to come back to his former happiness.

Hyde Park wasn't that bad, considering the dreary weather. Like usual, clouds hung over the London sky, leaving everything with a gray tint. The smell of moisture in the air made Natsu wrinkle his nose. It was likely going to rain today, but they were on a mission that could not be stopped.

Walking through the grass felt strange, considering most people were remaining on the trail of the park. A few mundanes gave them strange glances, reminding Natsu that he had not put a glamour rune on before this. He disliked using runes these days, considering how painful they had become. Zeref might be able to handle adding one or two to his body, but Natsu disliked going through such suffering if possible.

The discomfort from the observers was one thing, but Natsu was on edge for different reasons. These fairies had stolen away his friend, and the more Natsu thought about it, the angrier he became. He wanted revenge, or at the very least, to find Gray once more and talk some sense into the stripper that was trapped amongst the Fair Folk. Jem and Will kept discussing strategy, but Natsu didn't join in. His mind wasn't the type for elaborate plans. He just went with the flow and fought when needed.

Lost in his own feelings, Natsu didn't sense the energy of the two mundanes that had followed them off of the path. This place was full of them anyway, so his sense of smell and ability to detect life energy weren't all that useful for distinguishing anything important at the moment. He also did not sense the appearance of the fairy's messenger.

Before them stood a man that was slightly taller than Natsu at the moment, though if Natsu had his own body, they would probably be the same height. A dark brown hood covered his hair and face, leaving them staring at the man with a robe reaching down to his ankles. He looked like some kind of strange monk with the robe, but Natsu knew better. The scent of the forest was surrounding him, marking him as one of the Fair Folk.

Jem and Will stopped as well, staring at the man with tension in their arms. "Who are you, to enter these sacred lands?" the man asked, a voice that made Natsu stiffen slightly. "I hate to break it to you, but I don't take too kindly to trespassers. You can turn back and leave now, and I'll just forget I ever saw you, or you can draw your blades and fight."

Stepping forward, Natsu pushed both Will and Jem aside. "Whatever you say, ice princess. I'll beat you here and now, if that's what it takes."

There was a pause, the man's body stiffening. His arms had been preparing to attack, but they now froze in place. Slowly, he raised them to pull down his hood. Wide eyes stared back at Natsu, with dark black hair messy and unruly on his head. Even if he was older, there was no mistaking who this man was. "Zeref? What reason could you possibly have…don't tell me Natsu put you up to this."

Glancing down at himself, Natsu realized the reason for Gray's confusion. "Uh, right, forgot about that for a moment." Natsu commented, rubbing the back of his head. "Zeref is kind of…well, to put it simply, I'm not him right now. It's me, Natsu. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Gray frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yeah right, like that flame brain could figure out how to possess someone like you. No offense to Natsu or anything, but he's got more brute strength than intelligence."

Glaring at Gray, Natsu nearly began a shouting match with the other boy. That was before Will patted his back with a slight smirk, shaking his head. "I couldn't have put it better myself. I think we'll get along quite well. My name's William Herondale, and my companion is James Carstairs. We have business with the fairy known as Titania. Perhaps you have heard of her?"

Scowling, Natsu crossed his arms over his chest and let his gaze turn towards the trees around him. "Of course she's here. Gray's become her little lap dog after the last time we encountered her."

"Hey, don't say it like that!" Gray insisted, glaring at him. He rubbed the back of his head, shaking it slightly. "I'm actually quite comfortable with them. Once you get to know Juvia and Erza, they aren't all that bad company."

Natsu's eyes widened, his scowl dropping away in an instant. "Huh? How can you say that? That chick is a monster!"

Jem pressed a hand to Natsu's chest, pushing him back slightly. Glancing towards Gray, he gave the man an apologetic smile. "Sorry about Natsu. He is quite excitable at times. Please, don't take it personally."

Staring over at the black eyed boy, Gray began to frown. "Is that really Natsu?" he questioned. "It sure as hell sounds like the idiot, but I just can't imagine Zeref letting his guard down like that."

Will crossed his arms over his chest, narrowing his gaze at Gray. "However you know them, you can be sure that this man is Natsu. I was there when Zeref…well, when Natsu took full control. This idiot didn't know how to do it, nor does he have a clue about how to reverse it." he commented, gesturing to Natsu. "Still, he's managed to bring us this far. He claims Titania has something that may be able to help a friend of mine, so we came to find out what it will take to obtain some of this powder of hers."

Gray's eyes widened, glancing over towards him. "Powder? Do you mean Titania's Blade?" he stated, his gaze narrowing at Natsu. "That stuff wreaks havoc on the body of any who are not fey. That's something I learned real quick after moving to Court; their food doesn't agree with our systems all that well."

Touching his stomach, Natsu grimaced and nodded. "Yeah, that stuff is hell to eat." he admitted, turning back towards Jem. "There are other things it does, though, so sometimes it is worth the pain. Do you think the monst—er, Erza, would be willing to discuss trading some of it away?"

Gray hesitated, before closing his eyes and shaking his head. "She hasn't been in the best of moods lately. An old friend of hers kind of betrayed her massively, and ever since then, she's been on a rampage. Even Juvia is afraid of talking to her right now, and those two are best friends."

"Who is Juvia?" Jem asked, frowning over at them. "I thought you said we were seeing Erza."

Frowning, Natsu closely inspected Gray. Smelling the air, he felt the scent of Gray burn his nose, making it just as icy cold as before. Still, it was diluted by the scent of flowers and trees, coming from where he had lived the past few years. Something like fresh water clung to him as well, another scent mixing in with his own. "You've been with her this entire time, haven't you! That's how you're still alive. The fairy did something to you, didn't she!" Natsu declared.

Gray held his hands up in defense, scowling at Natsu. "Hey, don't blame Juvia! I was the one who ate that stupid cake. In fact, why the hell didn't you do something, pyro? You left me trapped with that crazy woman, and now…" he trailed off uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, maybe it wasn't all that bad."

Will only laughed in amusement, shaking his head at the boy. "Ah, the woes of a love-struck heart. I can see it in you, you've fallen for your captor, haven't you? Such lovely creatures, these fairies who dance in the night."

With a light blush on his cheeks, Gray turned his head away and ignored Will. "It doesn't matter. We can't get through to Erza right now. It's just not possible."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Natsu slowly began to smirk at Gray. "Really? Since when is anything impossible for us. We're the strongest of Acnologia's kids, aren't we?"

Slowly, Gray began to grin in return. He held out his forearm, leaving his elbow bent as Natsu clasped his hand against his former friend's. "Hell yes we are, but don't you forget, I'm still the strongest by far."

"In your dreams, frost flower." Natsu stated with a smirk.

A light smile danced across Gray's face as he nodded, releasing Natsu and turning into the forest. "Let's go, we don't have time to argue about this." he insisted. "Erza typically rests over here. There's a strawberry field nearby that she sometimes uses to make her cake from."

"Does this fairy have some kind of strawberry fetish?" Will asked, frowning over at Gray. Will's eyes were a bit too wide to be innocent, and there was a humorous light to his gaze. "After all, I just may be able to find some for her back at the—"

Jem sighed, shaking his head. "Enough, William. I don't think it would do us any good to pester the poor fairy. It sounds like she's been through enough already."

Nodding, Gray only seemed to agree. "Just be on guard. I don't think she'll be all that happy about visitors. Jellal really broke her heart this time, and she's out for blood now." he insisted.

Shuddering, Natsu couldn't help but feel a bit of nervousness rise at that. "Don't tell me she's scarier than before!" he pleaded, making Gray give Natsu a slight smile.

"Yeah, she is, but we'll get through it. After all, I bet you've gotten a lot stronger over the years." he mused. Natsu couldn't help but grin in response, nodding as the air around Gray seemed to grow colder. "I've been training as well, so let's just see who actually wins against Erza, alright? Don't get in my way, or I'll be rather annoyed when we get out of this place."

Nodding, Natsu followed after the boy. Will and Jem continued frowning at the two of them, lost as to their past and the reason for their petty arguments. If they didn't know any better, they'd say Gray and Natsu were best friends. While Natsu and Gray said harsh things to each other, there was a strange companionship that seemed to surround them. They trusted each other like brothers, and that was something even Natsu would not deny.

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