And Onto the Story!

Porlyusica's PoV

Once again, Porlyusica's silence was broken by the sound and accompanying rumble of someone knocking on her door, making her curse in annoyance as she stormed towards the door, fighting words prepared on her tongue if Natsu were to bring yet another, non-guild member to her home.

She tore her door open, a dangerous scowl on her face as she looked over the five people gathered at her door, instantly recognizing two as Fairy Tail members, but two... two, were not.

The first was the blue-haired lady Natsu brought with him the day before, but she was wearing a different outfit, obviously. She was now wearing what was like a dark blue shin length dress, with a large slit cutting up on her left thigh almost to her hip. She wore a brown belt on her waist, emphasizing her slim waist, and twin bronze leather strips running down from her shoulders down the dress. Her white doll was no longer apart of her attire, leaving her small, blue-furred cape handing around her shoulders, stopping an inch above her elbows.

The other, was a pink haired woman, simply the color of her hair taking Porlyusica aback, unaware that there were so many people sharing hers and Natsu's unique hair color.

And then she noticed the very familiar jade clasp on her collarbone, holding her cape in place.

And from that alone Porlyusica knew that this woman was apart of the magic council, putting her on guard.

"Natsu! Warren, Gray! How dare you bring a council representative into my home. There's a reason why I chose a life of solitude... It was to hide from those power hungry rats!" Porlyusica hissed in anger as she raised her broom, making the others step back in fear while Natsu sighed.

"What a lovely way to introduce yourself. This is Merudy Milkovich, Ur's daughter. She's here to offer any assistance she can," Natsu said sarcastically as he physically blocked The crotchety old woman's path.

"I don't give a damn you brat! You'd be lucky if I ever lift my finger to help you again!" Porlyusica yelled angrily as she stepped forward, faster than the others thought possible and swung her right arm up, attempting to slap Natsu in the face only for his arm to shoot up, catching her older hand on the back of his left forearm.

"I'm truly sorry Porlyusica, but I asked Gramps for his opinion first, and I didn't have the time to ask you, really. I have a suicide mission that has to be completed by the end of the week," Natsu said softly, upset that he had angered a woman that was pretty much the closest thing he had to a mother figure, but he truly had no choice.

Her eyes had widened in shock at his words, her face calming and eyes softening as she lowered her hand, keeping her eyes on his.

"What'd you do this time brat? Come in, come in! The sooner you're all gone the better!" Porlyusica shouted in annoyance as she turned around and walked towards her Medicine table, that sat across from an open window, with shelves on each side of the window, stock full of her supplies.

Natsu sighed as he walked forwards, with the others scrambling to his side after a few seconds, all of them now staring at the unconscious Ice Mage. 'I should have just asked Merudy to remove her cloak,' Natsu thought sadly as he looked down at Ur, unaware the cloak helped hide a certain... Mark.

"Ohmygod. Oh, my, god. I... I didn't think this was real, I thought that you were playing a trick on Ultear. It looked so real, but even that was more probable than this... Thank you, Thank you, thank you!" Merudy cried excitedly as she tackled Natsu in a hug, her small frame almost knocking him over in her excitement.

"It wasn't easy, I had the easy part and was almost drained dry," Gray said, speaking up for the first time as he looked down at his master. This was important to him, Ur's sacrifice was his greatest mistake and his biggest regret. The one thing that weighed on his consciousness the most, and if she could wake up once more... It would be like being free of shackles.

Surprisingly, Juvia did not feel overcome with jealousy as she watched Merudy give Natsu a hug. Perhaps it was the pure innocence of her intentions?

'Juvia is confused. Natsu-sama has been attacked by a love rival, so why is Juvia not mad? Juvia doesn't understand..." The bluenette thought confusedly as she continued to stare at Natsu, who gently pried the shorter pink haired girl off of him, before turning to Porlyusica.

"Warren, feel free to start any time, shout if you need me!" Natsu called out behind him as he walked towards the older woman, making her sigh in annoyance as she continued to prepare some salves and wraps, quickly placing them into an old, worn brown leather satchel, looking almost like a basic sack with its rope tie at the top.

"Damn brat," Porlyusica muttered in annoyance as she placed another wrap of gauze in the bag, filling it completely as she began to tie the top of the bag, knowing full well he could hear her.

"Sorry Porlyusica, but the council said I went too far when Phantom attacked... So now I have to take out one of the heads of the Balam Alliance, solo." Natsu replied in a sad tone as he gently grabbed the bag she held up for him, before putting it away in his requip space.

"Did you go too far brat?" Porlyusica asked tiredly as she placed her open palms on her table spread apart, resting there as she looked him in the eye.

"He tried to kill Gramps!" Natsu protested softly, not wanting to interrupt Warren's concentration while the woman across from him rolled her eyes.

"So what'd you do? Paralyze him? Beat him to a pulp? Does that make it okay?" Porlyusica asked honestly, unaware that Juvia was listening in.

"No, but-" Natsu protested as he looked her in the eye, only to be cut off when she rose a simple finger, making him shut his mouth and listen.

"You don't have the right to determine peoples punishment. Your strength does not give you the power over others. You may be the prince of dragons, but humans are out of your jurisdiction. You're simply the cop, a fighter. But you are not judge, jury or executioner. Do you understand me?" Porlyusica explained, something close to a smile on her face when Natsu nodded his head in acceptance.

"Thank you Porlyusica..." Natsu said as he reached over the table and gave her a hug, eliciting her grumbles of annoyance that left a smile on both Juvia and Merudy's face, both of whom noticed the two pinkette's conversation, but still kept an eye on the telepath.

Gray, however, was too focused on Ur, watching every breath she took, making sure that she took another.

Warren was sitting on a wooden stool at Ur's head, a hand on each side of her skull as he closed his eyes, light blue magic circles about eight inches in diameter spinning clockwise in sync on the back of his hands, as he continued to gently comb through her mind, organizing and reducing the chaos as best he could.

And so they waited there patiently, standing around Ur's table as Porlyusica went around, going through her routine as always, and doing her best to ignore the five.

The four mages sat there patiently, knowing that Warren needed full concentration to continue combing through her mind, simply watching Ur for any signs of pain or discomfort, anything that would suggest he was going to fast.

After another minute he slowly removes his now shaking hands from her head, sweat dripping down his pointed nose as he slowly sat back on the wooden stool, small signs of sweat on his long sleeve fit black shirt.

"Is she okay?" Merudy blurted out, both concern for her older sister and hopefully, soon to be mother leaving her unable to control her panic and jubilation.

"Mentally? She's a wreck, her mind is so disorganized I have no idea how her body still draws breath. You are so lucky she maintained her regular functions." Warren panted as Natsu requipped a bottle of water, handing it to the exhausted mage.

"That's... Good. That means there's still a chance she could recover from this yes?" Gray asked as he looked down at Ur longingly, promising himself that he would at least make amends with Natsu, and say what needs to be said, if only for his Master.

"Juvia was worried something like that would happen. Juvia believes that whatever water spirit you summoned was able to sense the magic in the water, to a degree Juvia can only hope for," Juvia said depressed, knowing she wouldn't have been much more help than Erza.

"Nah Juv, come on, you can turn your body into water, while still maintaining your form. I have a huge affinity for fire and I still only learned flaming steps a few years ago, " Natsu said with a smile as he gently squeezed her shoulder, before turning to Warren, unaware that Juvia just kept falling faster, and further for him.

And that was something she was honestly okay with.

"How long do you think it will take to piece her mind back together," Natsu asked worriedly as he placed his hand on Warrens back, his hand erupting to life, in his pure green flames, making Warrens eyes shoot open in the pure euphoric feeling it bestowed upon him, something he hadn't realized.

It was more than just feeling your body slowly heal, the pain dulled to a bearable, almost gentle amount. It invigorated his senses almost like an aphrodisiac. It warmed your muscles and loosened any strain.

"I honestly have no idea... I've never tried to do anything like this before, I've heard of procedures like this happening before due to forbidden spells, but still." Warren replied as Natsu removed his hand from Warrens back, leaving the man fully rejuvenated.

"What were you doing earlier?" Merudy asked curiously, making Warren sigh as he looked her in the eyes, wanting to feel indignant or annoyed, but this was her mother, she had the right to ask, and know.

"I was scanning through her subconscious, making sure her brain continued to run her heart and other organs, its why it took me so long," Warren said shocking all mages present.

Reading someone's mind was one thing, but combing through the subconscious of a working mind was hard, it was impressive, not overly so, but still quite impressive.

"Alright, I'll leave you four here, Warren, if you need anything just tell Happy to find me, he knows how to find me," Natsu said as he stood up making Merudy frown, having had hoped he would be able to stay longer, but completely understanding why as well.

He was about to open the door, his fingers wrapped around the handle before he turned around, a thought on his mind as he looked for any signs of the lonely old woman.

"Porlyusica, want me to move them to my house?" Natsu called out, making everyone pause and turn to look towards where they assumed the stairs were, waiting for her response.

"What do you think you damn brat?!" The old witch called back in annoyance making the sakura saint roll his eyes in amusement before walking towards the four mages a smile on his face as he cracked his neck, before Warren quickly shot up, blocking Natsu from Ur, wary of the flames building up around the saint.

"Don't Natsu! There's no telling what your flaming steps could do to her mind as it is right now," Warren said softly making Natsu's eyes shoot open, annoyed he didn't think of that himself, before sighing.

He could use his fire make magic, but his house was on the opposite side of Magnolia, and he wanted to use as little magic as possible. Neither did he want to use any of his keys, lest he needs them later. But the most important thing he couldn't waste was his time.

"Natsu-sama, Juvia believes that we will be able to move Ur on our own," Juvia interrupted softly, a cool hand resting on his, snapping him out of his thoughts to see them all looking at him, smiles on their faces.

"Its cool flamebrain, you know I won't let anything happen to her... You have another guild to wreck," Gray said with a smirk as he stepped forward, holding his hand out, a little ice magic swirling around his hand making Natsu smirk.

The Sakura Saint wrapped his own hand in flame as they shook on it, the mixing of the opposite elements shocking Merudy.

"Are you sure, I can-" Natsu said as he pulled his hand back, only to be cut off by Merudy this time, surprising the old woman listening in from the floor above, hoping that his guild had finally seen Natsu and not just who he was.

"Natsu, you're not alone, and you've already done more than enough. Ur has a chance to live because of you. You don't have to do everything," Merudy spoke as she looked down at her surrogate mother, unaware the effect their words had on the saint.

Recently everything has been on his shoulders, Deliora, Phantom, even Eisenwald to a fault... But now with the Seis acting up again? He was nearing his breaking point, something he was sure his inner demon enjoyed quite a bit, but the worrying part was his absence.

"Don't believe for a second that I'm gone, the minute you're weak, the second you're about to lose control, I will be there... And you won't be able to stop me." The demon spoke, making Natsu want to scream in annoyance, that the demon finally spoke up after almost for days, but only to taunt him.

But, it was nice to now know he had friends he could rely on.

"Thanks, guys... Feel free to stay at my home, there are some jewels under the cutlery in my drawer for food, you too Wa-" Natsu rambled, only to be cut off when Juvia squeezed his hand gently, making him shut up and look at her.

"Grab Loki and go, Natsu-sama, Juvia will keep watch over your home and Ur," the rain woman promised, making sure to release a tad bit of her magic to let him know what she meant, making Natsu smile, before disappearing in a flash of fire.

Loki's PoV

"How long have you two been stellar mages?" Loki asked curiously, honestly relishing in the fact he was now back to full strength, for once getting a full night of rest. Years of exhaustion, and pain pulling on his consciousness.

He had brought them to the edge of a small clearing in the forest, only about eighteen feet in diameter overall. The perimeter was full of large oak, maple, and few walnut trees.

And so they simply sat on a blanket Loki grabbed from his apartment, wanting to talk and get to know each other a bit better since he had been avoiding them their entire time at Fairy Tail.

It was nice that they didn't hold it against them.

"My... My mother gave me these keys when I was a child... Before she died," Lucy replied quietly, her voice dying off as she remembered seeing Aquarius, but under Natsu's summoning.

She shouldn't have assumed that Happy would give kept the key. It stung to see her old friend with another, but she knew it was unreasonable to be mad at him for it. She didn't know what came over her, to simply break a contract like that... She was honestly disgusted with herself.

Her mother would have been so disappointed in her.

"My sister was a stellar mage, but I haven't seen her in a very long time... And after that, I kept searching for her, by collecting keys slowly," Yukino replied as soft, making Leo sigh as he pushed his glasses up his nose, already sensing the trauma.

But no matter, he had quite a bit of time.

"What I noticed on the assault of Phantom, was that both of you lack in Physical and Magical strength, which aren't my forte. I would suggest talking to Cana, or Erza about this, those ladies have a crazy amount of magic," Loki said with a shake of his head as he stood up, brushing the grass off of his suit as he walked towards the center of the clearing, making the two girls sitting on the blanket look at him confused.

"But, I can help you learn to fight better as a team. Stand up, no keys, let's see if you can hit me," Loki said as he stood with his hand behind his back, turning the ring on his finger as he watched the two nervously stand up, knowing that Leo was stronger than Jet and Droy combined, making them very wary.

They slowly began to approach him, Lucy with her cat-a-ninetails, the one Natsu gave her on Galuna, the metal tips glistening in the light. Yukino was standing back, about five feet away from Loki, but waiting for Lucy to strike first.

Lucy cracked her whip on the floor, the barbed chains tearing some of the earth, and unlike their skirmish with Shadowgear, she wasn't going to go easy on him, that was his job.

Loki just smirked, keeping his eye trained solely on Lucy curious as to what she was going to do. Unknown to all three was that Natsu had appeared seconds earlier, but decided to stay back, curious to see if either of his "apprentices" had gotten any better since he first met them.

Lucy slowly walked forwards, hoping to scare Loki back into Yukino as she swung her whip around with more skill than Loki thought she had, hoping she could get the drop on him or at least distract him enough for either women to get a hit off.

What she didn't expect was for Loki to stand still, simply stepping to the right, or left to avoid the whip.

Lucy took two large steps forward, bringing her arm forward as she hoped to catch him by surprise as Yukino silently walked forwards, hoping to get a hit off on the back of his head to disoriented the man.

To Lucy's surprise, instead of her whip striking the arm he brought up to block, he caught the chain in his bare hand, a smirk on his face as he gave the whip a tug, sending Lucy flying towards him, a crash course straight for his head, but he just simply ducked, knowing Yukino was only a few feet behind him.

Yukiko immediately dropped to the ground, her hands over her head and trying to ignore the crying pain from her chest as she clenched her eyes shut, trying to ignore Lucy's inevitable impending moan of pain.

But it never came, her gentle, but annoying voice never reaching Yukino's covered ears. She lifted her hands off her head, confused, and looked up to see a serious Loki standing there, his fingers playing with the ring on his finger.

That immediately put her off guard, instinct jumping in as she quickly rolled over, her keys already in hand, only to see Lucy being held in the air by the back of her shirt, looking at the ground with an embarrassed blush on her face.

And the one holding her?

None other than Natsu Dragneel.

Yukino's PoV

She watched as Natsu gently set her down, before looking between her and Loki, a little disappointed they had barely learned anything.

Happy had told him about their fight on Galuna Island, and it was very apparent that they won almost purely by luck, since Tobi underestimated them, or overestimated himself

"Leo, I appreciate that you're trying to train these fine young ladies to become stronger mages, but you could at least have them dress properly," Natsu said with a sigh as he gestured towards Lucy, who was wearing a pink button-up crop top, and what seemed to be a six inch long white skirt.

"What do you mean!" Lucy shouted in annoyance as she looked down at herself, only to realize that maybe Natsu was onto something. Her shirt had shifted, the wide neck bringing her pink lace bra into view, making the woman shriek in embarrassment as she quickly covered herself with her arms.

And Loki's only response was to push his glasses back up the bridge of his nose with his right index finger, before walking forward, curious as to why Natsu would specifically seek him out, with the man responding in kind.

"Yukino, while your clothing permits movement, I would suggest something like leather, which can take much more damage and grant you protection as well. I hope the reward from Galuna will be enough to get you started, if you can't find anything you like, please come to me, Mira or Erza," Natsu said as he gently pulled Yukino to her feet, unaware she had a slight blush on her face, not from fighting, but from embarrassment.

"Lucy, you, already have an armor that fit-" Natsu began, only to be cut off by an embarrassed blonde.

"Actually its a bit too small," she whispered, her face enveloped in a large blush, a comment only the Sakura Saint heard, leaving him, and the others who didn't, confused.

"What do you mean it didn't fit, you an Evergreen are the same height and build?" Natsu asked stupidly, while Leo struggled not to laugh out loud, completely aware what she meant.

"How on earth could you be so daft," The demon muttered, apparently having had grown bored of exploring Natsu's subconscious making Natsu sigh, praying to god the demon would be silent during the mission.

'I do not envy her...' Yukiko thought embarrassed as she looked at the blonde, understanding her plight. Yukino's mother was very endowed herself. And Yukino was well aware of the back pains she experienced because of it. She just hoped she wouldn't inherit the same struggle.

"Its too tight," Lucy said with an adorable flush in her cheeks, as her arms vaguely gestured to her torso in an harassed fashion that only left the man even more confused. Luckily, Yukino took pity on him.

"Natsu, the breastplate is too tight for her, it restricts her breathing," Yukino explained making Loki roll his eyes as they watched Natsu stare at Lucy confused, unsure why it was so, for over a minute, before his eyes shot open in embarrassment, a rush of crimson seeping into his cheeks as his gaze shot to his feet.

"Oh, oh! Sorry, uh, Erza might be able to help you with resizing the armor." Natsu said as he continued to stare at his feet, his right hand rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

"Took you long enough," The demon thought in exasperation, surprised that Natsu could be so pure, making Natsu clench his hand in annoyance, something that went unnoticed to all but Loki.

"Its okay Natsu, are you sure you don't want it back?" Lucy said with a smile on her face, honestly glad Natsu didn't put two and two together. So many men had always asked about her bust size, on the streets, bus, train or bar almost daily. And for Natsu to not even realize her oversized endowments was a breath of fresh air in the stifling heat.

"Nah, Evergreen said it was undignified for her to wear it, I don't know why..." Natsu trailed off making the former playboy sigh, knowing that Natsu most definitely lost his train of thought.

"Natsu why are you here? You know my time is limited," Loki said as he walked right in front of Natsu, staring the saint in the eyes.

"Forgive me, ladies, but I need to talk to Leo, please feel free to stay at my home if you want. And... Stay safe please?" Natsu said as he placed his hand on Loki's shoulder, instantly turning both into flames as the orange-pink flame shot into the woods, leaving two confused, and worried stellar mages on their own.

What he said was not a "bye for now", but almost a goodbye, leaving both women at a loss. Even in such a short amount of time, they had grown attached to the enigmatic dragon's layer.

For Yukino, it was the sense of safety, and the kindness he bestowed upon her. They didn't have to help her, nor did they have to share the reward. When she first met Natsu, he was power and anger. But she soon realized it wasn't anger, but sadness. She looked up to Natsu, admired him more than he realized. She didn't envy his role in the world, and the responsibility constantly on his shoulders. And she respected the fact that still, he always put others before himself, even in death.

For Lucy, it was how he reminded her of her Mother Layla, especially since he now had one of the last objects she could remember her by. She found his stupidity endearing, and his strength comforting. He never stared at her body. He looked her in the eyes, something a man hadn't been able to do for long periods of time since she turned fifteen, always have two reasons not to.

And all that they could think of as they walked to his house, was why he said goodbye.

Loki's PoV

"Natsu, what's going on?" Loki thought worriedly inside the flame, already aware of its properties from talk around the guild.

"I have a mission, one that I can only bring you on... And I honestly need your help," Natsu thought in reply, worrying Loki further as they shot through the trees at insane speeds with squirrels, birds and other animals scurrying in their haste.

"Why me, why not Erza, Gray or even Laxus?" Loki asked a sinking feeling in his stomach, or well, not, since his stomach currently had no physical representation or form.

"Because you're the only one that can help me, as this is a council handed solo mission, I can barely pass you through as a spirit summon," Natsu replied worriedly making Loki

sober up instantly. Any humor or joy he had felt this day was instantly extinguished.

This wasn't a solo mission, the council had given him a suicide mission. But the worrying part was that Loki knew, he KNEW Natsu would never ask him along if he didn't have a reason or chance.

And so he figured out exactly what the mission was. Their conversation a day earlier from the train ride coming to mind.

"You have to take out the Oracion Seis?" Loki whispered as they approached a large home, partially in the trees.

"Unfortunately, those Council bastards. It's a double-edged sword. This is a punishment and a challenge. They said My paralyzing of Aria could not go unpunished. And If I win, I probably get ranked to at least 5th, or even as one of the four. There is no jewel award because this is a sentencing, and if I refuse, its prison for me." Natsu explained as the ball of fire shot towards the front of the house, revealing the home was hidden from in the trees if you were to look from the city, but the backyard was thirty feet off a sturdy cliff edge.

"Why are we here, do we need to get information?" Loki asked curiously as the ball of fire set down on the porch, before reforming into both men.

And he was shocked when Natsu simply walked in, heading straight to the stairs with such authority that Leo quickly realized this must have been Natsu's home.

And so he stayed silent on the porch, assuming that Natsu needed to grab something before leaving, and attempting to ignore the overwhelming fear in his heart.

Until he was called upon, quickly entering the home, closing the door and bolting up the stairs, heading towards Natsu, curious as to why he was called.

And when his eyes caught sight of the room Natsu was in his eyes widened behind his glasses, taking in everything before him.

Erza's PoV

'Erza, come in please, Erza?' Warren called out, his mind reaching hers through a telepathic link, prompting Erza to stop midway through the tour of Fairy Hills, having had registered both Shiko and Sherry the night before, and was now showing them the location of utilities after introducing them to their own rooms.

Sherry took her hair out of the pigtails, just simply having it down, retaining some natural curls as it flowed down to her mid back. She was wearing a spaghetti strap pink dress, with a repeating black triangle trim and a thick black ribbon hugging her slender waist, acting as a belt. There was a ruffled cut from the middle of her right thigh to the bottom hem of the dress, that ended a few inches above her ankles.

Shiko had not changed her style at all. She was still wearing the brown leather boots, slim black pants, a purple t-shirt, and her usual brown furried cloak with her mint green hair in a simple ponytail. But, she had added her new bow, and quiver to her wardrobe, hanging them on her back with a medicine pouch on her right hip.

The Scarlet knight simply raised her palm, stopping in the middle of the hallway with a confused Shiko and Sherry stopping behind her, knowing by now that she wouldn't do something like that without reason.

'Good morning Warren, how may I help you?' Erza replied kindly, her respect rising for some of her guildmates after the courage they showed when fighting Phantom.

'Can you meet me at Natsu's house, bring Shiko too, please. Natsu has been given his sentence by the council, but we, Merudy, Natsu, and Master, have decided to continue on with her healing process.' Warren asked kindly, making Erza's eyes shoot open in shock as she immediately turned to look at the women behind her, not worrying about who this Merudy woman was at the current moment.

"Forgive me Sherry, But Warren requires mine and Shiko's assistance with Ur, who I assume is being brought to Natsu's house. You may come along if you wish, Natsu has been given his sentence from the council." Erza said formally, before running towards the lacrima lift, not wishing to waste her energy running down the stairs since she couldn't just fly straight to Natsu's house, because then how would Shiko get there?

The two women looked at each other confused before running behind Erza, surprising the Titania at how easily Shiko kept up, before entering the lacrima lift, the only thought on their mind, was what the council was forcing Natsu to do.

Natsu's PoV

"Feel free to take whatever you need, we have to find and eliminate the Oracion Seis by the end of the week. They were spotted by the Guild Master of Cait Shelter near the North Waas Forest, so that will be where we go first." Natsu explained as he stood in front of his favorite dragon armor, glad that Makarov had been able to, somehow, fix his armor.

"I don't quite understand what you like about that armor so much," The demon thought curiously making Natsu smile, memories of this bring gifted to him a few years ago coming to mind.

Loki looked around the armory in utter shock, the number of weapons and supplies packed into the room was insane.

Natsu quickly began to put the armor back into his requip space, ignoring Loki's movements around the room as he examined the weapons around the room ranging from swords to spears, rifles to bows.

"Have you ever used a weapon other than your ring magic on earthland?" Natsu asked as he left the empty armor stand, heading towards his organized shelf, grabbing seven rolls of gauze and putting them in his requip space. His hand went towards his Lacrima charges, hoping he still had one left, only for his hand to enter an empty bin, having had used all but one all between fighting Deliora, and Phantom.

This did not bode well.

"See anything you like?" Natsu asks as he turned around seeing that Loki had in fact, not taken any weapons at all, making him frown as he walked to the leader's side.

"Unfortunately, I am not as proficient in combat with a weapon. They're cool, but they wouldn't do me any good," Loki replied as he gave Natsu a side look, before slowly exiting the room, making the slayer sigh as he looked around, hoping that he had picked up some magic weapon or another that could give Loki a boost.

But unfortunately, Natsu was unable to remember a single one, turning and briskly walking out of the room, with the door closing, and looking behind him as he headed towards his kitchen, needing to grab food supplies for their journey.

He was pleasantly surprised to see a large wicker basket, on his counter with a handwritten note slipped halfway under the lid making a smile bloom on Natsu's face.

He approached the basket, carefully removing the note before placing the food in his requip space, wanting to do nothing more than give Mira a great big hug.

Dear Natsu

I know you're worried about having to face the Oracion Sies once more, but I know you can win this time. You've grown into an amazing young man, and I'm proud to have you as my boyfriend. I know you can do this, you're the strongest person I know, stronger than Master or Gildarts, because it's your destiny to surpass all of us.

I knew from day one none of us would be able to keep up with you, your determination and heart giving you more strength than any of us can imagine. It's okay to be afraid. It's okay to be afraid of losing, but use that fear, its okay to run and fight another day.

I'm sorry that I won't be able to say bye before you leave. But its okay because you're going to come back to me right?

Love, Mirajane S

'God I love that woman,' Natsu thought as he looked across the room, surprised to see that neither Gloria or Kaguranwere present.

Turning the note around in his hands, he was surprised to see another message.

Oh, by the way. I took Kagura and Gloria to the Guild to see Master Makarov if need be they need to start building a case against Siegrain, plus he will keep her safe.

I love you ~ M

"Well, that makes sense," Natsu said as he turned around, heading to his front door, and leaving the kitchen now clean.

'Do you have any idea what the Seis is after in the Waas Forest?' Natsu thought, hoping that perhaps the demon would answer

"I have a few ideas... Nothing dangerous enough to be worth telling you," the demon replied making Natsu roll his eyes, because it's response left him with literally nothing.

'Thank you, for being so helpful,' Natsu thought sarcastically as he exited his home, surprised to see Cana, and Loki talking outside.

"Hey, no need to be so rude," The demon replied as Natsu closed the door, the sound catching the attention of the mages standing in his front yard.

Fortunately the lush was more appropriately dressed than this morning. She was wearing her favorite tight khaki pants, a slim brown leather belt, and a blue flannel dress shirt, with the first three buttons undone. Hanging from her shoulder was a cute, blue furried bag, looking more like a blue fluff ball, rather than a bag.

"Natsu! I'm so glad I caught you before you left!" The brunette said gleefully as she ran forward, pulling a small envelope out of her satchel.

"I wouldn't leave without saying bye," Natsu said with a smile as he walked down the steps, curious as to why Cana was giving him an envelope.

"Oooh, what if its a love letter!" The demon said in a teasing voice, making Natsu want to punch it in the face, finding the demon to be less a weapon of destruction, and more of an annoying seven-year-old

'Of course, it isn't, Cana knows I'm with Mira," Natsu thought in response.

"I have something for you," Cana said as she stopped two feet from Natsu, before holding out the envelope to the saint, making him look at her confused.

"You didn't need to get me anything," Natsu said with a smile as he grabbed the envelope, his hand instantly burning the envelope away almost like flash paper, leaving a single card in his hand, leaving him confused as he looked at the purple glowing magic circle on the black backing.

He turned the card around, confusion clear on his face as he looked at it until he read the runes inscribed on the top of the card, his face falling in a smile as he looked to the lush, who had an unsure expression on her face.

"A Call Cana Card... Thank you... You didn-" Natsu began only to get cut off by the woman herself.

"I know that you're not allowed to have help on this mission... But the second you need me, just put a little bit of magic in the card and I'll bring the Calvary okay?" Cana said almost bashfully as she tucked her bangs behind her ears, the honesty in her eyes making Natsu's heart melt.

"Thanks, Cana, that really means a lot, and no offense, I hope I don't have to use it," Natsu said with a smile as he stepped forward, his arms enveloping a surprised brunette as he gave her a hug.

She stood stock still for a second, before melting into the hug, resting her head on Natsu's shoulder, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a good squeeze before stepping back and giving him a smile.

"Isn't that touching... Do you think she would still smile at you like that if she knew about me? About who you really are?" The demon questioned, making Natsu want to scream, annoyed that the demon insisted on tormenting him.

The worst part yet was that Natsu honestly wasn't sure, with Mira he was certain she would understand, having inner demons of her own. But Cana? Erza? Gray? Would they still talk, or smile? Or would they hunt him down, like the beast END wanted him to be?

Needless to say, it wasn't a pleasant thought.

And then he began to hear the sound of people running towards him, the breaking of fallen leaves and twigs, the rustling of bushes and footfall in the dirt.

There was clearly more than one person, and he wasn't quite sure who it was... Until the overwhelming scent of Strawberries and graham crackers hit his nose.

It was Erza, but why was she doing running to his house?

'It's clearly the telepath, she most likely wants to know what's going on,' The demon said, surprising Natsu, but in a good way. Perhaps there was a chance they could cohabitate inside his mindscape.

"Calm down, its Erza," Natsu said the second the other two heard her approach, making Cana roll her eyes, honestly excited to see how the scarlet knight would react to the broken system.

"Oh good, Natsu, whats going on?" Erza said as she entered the clearing, gracefully jumping over a bush as she made her entrance, confused when she saw Loki present.

The playboy was not close to Natsu by any means, so why was he here to see him off? Unless...

"I was informed you were heading on a solo mission, but are you taking Loki with you? Do you need my assistance?" Erza asked when Natsu opened his mouth to reply, making the sakura saint want to groan in annoyance while Loki simply puts his hands in his pockets.

"Erza, unfortunately, its more complicated than that. I have to eliminate the Oracion Seis by the end of the week. And Liki has a history with one of their mages-" Natsu attempted to explain only drift off when both Shiko and Sherry entered the clearing.

"Natsu, I cannot allow Loki to accompany you, I cannot believe you would take him to his death-" Erza berated making The others watch in pity because Natsu clearly didn't have enough on his plate.

But Cana, however, was more than happy to fill her in on everything she has missed.

"Erza! Do you know who Loki is?" Cana barked, cutting Erza off as she stared at Cana shocked that the lush would argue with her like that.

"Greetings Erza, you may now me simply as Loki, but that was simply a ploy to hide my identity. Leo the Lion, leader of the twelve Zodiac, pleased to meet you." Loki introduced as he walked to the armored mage, extending his right hand to the shocked Titania, who looked around to everyone, getting a confirming nod from everyone present.

"I'm sorry, are you saying that you are one of this spirit summon's?" Shiko asked as she entered the clearing, with Sherry by her side, somehow her dress still looking as clean as it had before their cross-city trek.

"That would be correct. Long story short, The Oracion Seis killed my caster and I am forever bound to Earthland until I can get vengeance." Loki explained making Erza sigh in acceptance.

"I assume that explains your absence?" Erza asked as she looked him in the eye, watching as he nodded.

And on the drop of a hat, Erza had lunged at Loki, sword in hand as she attempted to attack him, only to smirk as he sidestepped her, and throwing a right cross at the back of her head, only for her to roll forward, three swords shooting towards him making the man smirk as he ran to the side, shocking Sherry at the speed he reached as he attempted to punch her as she recovered, his fist meeting the flat of her sword.

The clearing was silent except for their heavy breathing, but one look at Sherry's scared expression sent Cana into a fit of laughter, making the pink haired woman blush as Natsu rolled his eyes.

"So? Is he allowed to come then? I'm really short on time Erza." Natsu asked exasperatedly as he watched the knight nod, her swords disappearing back into her requip space as she sheathed her sword.

"I allow it," Erza said with a nod making Shiko throw her hands in the air out of annoyance, something she ignored as she then turned Natsu, walking towards the saint, with a soft look in her eyes.

"Do you want me help?" Erza said when she was a foot away from him, her chocolate brown eyes meeting his onyx black, making Cana roll her eyes in annoyance.

"Erza! C'mon, we already said it was" Cana began, only to shut up when Erza rose her hand in the air, without even turning to her.

"I didn't ask if you were allowed my help, I asked if you wanted my help. I'm not about to let a friend get sent to his death because of some stupid rules." Erza explained, looking for any sign of uncertainty on his features.

"Erza, I should be okay, the second shit hits the fan I'll give Cana a call and you can come running okay? This is something I need to do. We need to get closure for Karen," Natsu said as he broke their eye contact to look over her shoulder at Loki, who nodded his head in agreement.

"Very well," Erza said as she turned around to look at his house, giving it a once over before nodding her head in approval.

"Has Warren arrived with Ur yet?" Erza asked as she approached his door, her overwhelming confidence beginning to annoy Shiko and Cana. Sherry just didn't know what to think of the dynamic.

"Nah, head inside and wait there, foods in the kitchen. Just please don't go snooping around?" Natsu asked worriedly, just praying none of them found his safe.

"Of course not, be safe," Erza said as she opened the door, turning her head to meet Natsu's eye as she muttered the last bit, making Natsu's eyes widen before a smile grew on his face.

"When am I not?" Natsu said as Loki walked forward, sensing that it was finally time to leave, the suspense about to kill him as he stopped by Natsu's side, putting his hand on the pinkettes shoulder.

And in an instant they were gone, a ball of fire shooting towards the sky, fast than Erza had ever seen and shot in a North North West direction.

"I'm going to follow him," Erza said as she exited his home not even a minute after she entered, confident Natsu couldn't hear her.

"What?!" Shiko and Cana shouted in annoyance as they stared at the confident scarlet knight.

"Natsu cannot fail, for a head of the Balam alliance to show its face? It has to be big. If Natsu is to fail, God forbid whatever hell ascends to Earthland." Erza explained making Cana actually consider her words.

If they had a group of mages sitting back to help restrain, and perform damage control, the mission could almost go off as a sting.

It was actually a good idea, one Cana wouldn't mind stepping in on.

"I agree, let's talk to master," Cana agreed, making Shiko roll her eyes, carefully entering Natsu's home to wait for Warren and Ur.

Natsu's PoV

'I don't remember whether or not I told you, but we are going to head to the Guild Cait Shelter first, see if they know anything that Levy could research.' Natsu informed as they shot over the ground, covering thousands of feet per minute.

'Wait, Levy? You asked her to do research or something?' Loki asked confused as they shot over Onibus city, making Loki realize he was following the railroad to Clover Town, before heading north to Cait Shelter.

'Yes, not knowing why the Oracion Seis would let themselves be spotted is worrying me. With their skill sets they should never be caught...' Natsu replied, worrying more about speed rather than saving magic.

'Can you give me a rundown of their members? I wasn't there when Karen-' Loki trailed off, too upset to try and finish that sentence. His entire existence was to assist and protect not only the spirits in his domain but the casters who call upon them.

And because of his duty, he had to choose between both. He would never have thought that Karen would take a risk like that.

'Right, hmm. Hot-eye is by far the weakest in their Guild, he uses a unique technique where he liquifies the ground. However, I am almost certain he would have improved the most. Generally, when dark mages lose a fight, they loose their lives.' Natau replied as they exites Onibus, following the train tracks towards kunugi station.

'I dont like those odds, he's probably been replaced then hasn't he.' Loki thought in response making Natsu sigh, the truth of his statement being all too real.