It took Gray and Erza many long minutes to figure out their next steps. Their thoughts were distracted by the collapsing building behind them and their hearts were distracted by worry for their friends. Erza's legs ached from where the black light had wrapped around her. Gray's head pounded as his body rebelled against having ethernano reintroduced before getting sucked out immediately by using too much magic. They supported each other as they stumbled up a nearby hill, clothes torn and limbs trembling and skin scratched. Erza's arm draped over Gray's shoulders, his opposite arm wrapped around her waist while his other hand held hers to keep it in place.

"Do we have any idea where they are?" Gray grunted out, foot stinging as he nearly impaled himself on a rock. Erza shook her head, knotted hair brushing against his bare shoulder.

"There's a trail going into these hills that looks like it was caused by a great group of people in a hurry, so I'd assume that's where they went. But for all we know, Natsu went back into that building to get his scarf and he's currently digging his way out of tons of rubble."

Gray snorted, recognizing the truth in her words. Then he cursed. "All our stuff is gone, isn't it?"

"I'm sure some is recoverable. And we did leave a majority of our things with Seck. Besides, anything that was destroyed can easily be replaced."

Not everything, Gray thought, remembering the fragile lacrima he had hidden at the bottom of his bag despite Erza's urging to leave it behind. Something about having the device near made him feel closer to Juvia, even if he'd never admit it. And he'd hoped that he'd be able to call her as soon as magic returned. But if the lacrima was gone… Warren's miniature communication lacrimas had yet to arrive in Coracre, and they definitely weren't in Benos. So he had no choice but to wait. He just hoped she wasn't too mad about his lack of communication. Maybe he should find her a present in the harbor town before they left for Ishgar again. As Erza had said before, Juvia could be downright terrifying when she was angry.

For a moment, their labored breathing and shuffling footsteps filled the empty countryside as they approached the top of the hill. Grimstone Manor still trembled and groaned behind them, and every so often a large crash would make Erza catch her breath or Gray turn to look. They might have succeeded in defeating Verlane and Ajax, but at what cost?

"Erza! Gray!" The pair looked up into the sky at the call of their names, and their eyes were drawn toward a laughing Exceed flying high above. He soared through the open air, waving and showing off to whoever saw him.

"Good to see you Happy!" Erza replied, smiling at the blue cat. He continued to laugh, dipping down so they were close enough to speak normally.

"You guys look awful!" He remarked, eyes twinkling. Gray ignored the jibe and instead frowned at the Exceed.

"Where's everyone?"

Happy pointed, and the wizards followed his paw to the base of the hill they'd been cresting. No one was visible, but now that they were paying attention, they definitely heard the raucous shouting only a certain pink haired Dragon Slayer could do. Gray shook his head with a smirk.

"I'm guessing Lucy's fine if he's already acting so obnoxious."

Happy nodded vigorously. "Yep! She's okay, just beat up. Wendy's helping her right now, along with anyone else who needs help."

"Anyone else?" Erza questioned.

"Everyone we found we led over here. I think all of Grimstone Manor is at the bottom of this hill!"

Erza smiled. "Well then, let's join them, shall we?"

"Aye sir!" Happy crowed, spreading his wings wide and catching an updraft. Soon he vanished, blending into the cheerful blue sky that stretched as wide as the eye could see. Gray chuckled softly at the Exceed's antics. Then they set off down the hill, eager to be reunited with their friends and all the companions they had made throughout the many months spent at Grimstone.

Thankfully the way down was not as long as the way up. Natsu looked up at them as soon as they started the downhill trek, grinning widely as their team was completed. He rose to his feet from where he had been kneeling in the dirt, making shapes and patterns with his flames to entrance the young Racel who really had no idea what was going on. First Lord Ajax killed Ashley, then she was a wizard, then the building fell apart and they all had to run, and now Lord Drago and Mistress Shelia and all of their friends were actually wizards too. She complained as Natsu stood up, but he placed a hand on her head and continued to grin. "Go find your mom, okay? Or maybe find Wendy with all the injuries she's taking care of. I know she'd like your help." She beamed and nodded before rushing off to find the dark blue haired girl, wanting to know more about who her friends actually were.

Natsu continued to watch Erza and Gray's progression with light eyes, almost not noticing when Lucy called his name. He glanced over at the woman sitting nearby against a stray rock, shivering slightly as her torn and tattered dress did little to keep out the chilly spring air. She smiled at him, pain hidden in the depths of her chocolate eyes. He grinned back, shrugging off his own ragged jacket and handing it to the Celestial Spirit mage.

"Thanks," she murmured, the deep ache in her body evident in the state of her voice. She bit her lip as she shifted to drape his jacket over her shoulders, ribs burning with the motion. She'd truly woken up after Wendy healed the wound on the back of her head received from being slammed into a wall twice by Ajax. And then began the argument between the two girls, Wendy demanding that Lucy let her heal her injuries and Lucy demanding that Wendy tend to all the other wounded before her. Carla had finally provided the compromise of Lucy letting Wendy ease her pain and tend to the worst of her injuries, and then, once everyone else was healed or better, then Lucy would allow her to heal her more. So now Lucy winced and groaned whenever she moved, but the pain of three fractured ribs, a sprained ankle, and a newly fixed dislocated shoulder didn't burn with the fire it would have.

She blinked, ridding those distracting thoughts from her head as she returned to the issue she had called him over for. "I know what that look in your eyes means," she warned, pausing to take a deep breath of the smoke-and-paper scent that lingered on his jacket. "All of us just got our asses kicked, even if we did win."

"That doesn't matter," Natsu retorted.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "I have half a mind to summon Loki and get him to hold you here. Fine, do whatever. But when Erza tries to kill you, don't come crying to me."

Natsu snorted, cracking his knuckles and adjusting his scarf. Well, tried to adjust his scarf. His fingers brushed against bare skin and scar tissue, and he frowned. Lucy caught the motion, and she grimaced out a smile. "It'll be fine. After everything settles, then we'll go and see what made it, alright?"

But Natsu was only half listening. Gray and Erza had finally made it to the base of the hill, and they were given a wide berth by the Benosians. They couldn't quite tell if it was fear or concern or awe or worry or a mixture or something entirely different. Either way, no one was any closer than fifteen feet to the wizards, and Erza fought the urge to squirm under their gazes.

There must have been hundreds gathered there in that small valley between hills. Nobles and servants and guards alike mixed, all united in their lack of knowledge of what had truly occurred during the last few hours. All they knew was that the nobles who had been in their midst for the past several months were not at all who they said they were.

The two weary wizards paused. Erza lifted her chin, pulling from Gray and standing tall in a way that showed off her guild emblem proudly to the crowd. "My name is Erza Scarlet. I have come here with my team from Fairy Tail to save Benos from the sickness that has been plaguing it and keeping the ethernano from the air. By defeating Ajax and Verlane, we have succeeded in this quest, the first of many to do so."

Natsu was bouncing up and down now, fists balled up as energy coursed through his veins while he tried to restrain himself. Lucy continued to halfheartedly glare at him, ignoring the pounding of her heart and heating of her face as she watched him. There was nothing else to be done, especially in her state. She could only wait and watch the shit hit the fan.

"Are you really the Erza Scarlet?" A thin voice called. Erza smiled and her eyes closed as she dug down deep into her reserves. A phantom wind and golden light swept up her body amidst the gasps and murmurs. Her hair danced above her head as her limbs stretched out, enjoying the rush of magic through her veins. Gray smirked, rolling his neck and rubbing his thigh as the muscles began to cramp and shake.

Then Erza reappeared, her Flame Empress Armor marking her as the one and only Knight, Titania Erza, the scarlet warrior responsible for so much action and incredible achievements over the past several years. People pointed and whispered, and Gray couldn't help but to send out a few fireworks of ice above their heads, much to Racel's enjoyment.

It was too much for Natsu. He grinned, fire igniting on his knuckles as he started to run. Gray glanced over and saw him coming, and Natsu watched a matching expression cross the ice princess's face. Then they collided, fists swinging and legs kicking and mouths running.

"Come on you ice bastard, show me how weak you got!"

"You better close that big mouth of yours, you pyro, before I close it for you!"

"Oh yeah? You couldn't hit me even if I let you!"

"That's funny, I thought your flames used to be hotter than a candle!"

From her spot above Mak, Wendy giggled through her exhaustion. Happy snickered while Carla rolled her eyes, both Exceeds landing by Lucy as she shook her head. She'd known it was coming, and yet she was still surprised at the ferocity behind their blows. Who knew they still had that much energy left? Yet she had to admit, watching fire and ice slice through the air filled her heart with glee; magic was back.

"That is enough!" Erza pulled them apart, glaring fiercely enough to cause them to cower in fright. "Set a good example for goodness sake! These people just lost their home, and they do not need to deal with you two boneheaded idiots wrestling simply because we aren't pretending anymore!" She stared at them for another long moment before searching for friends in the shocked crowd. "Wendy! How are you?"

"Just fine, Erza!" Wendy replied, biting her lip as she figured out how best to help the unconscious man beneath her hands. "If there's anyone else who needs to be healed, send them my way." At the sound of footsteps, she glanced up slightly to see Evia approaching. Wendy smiled in relief. Evia was okay. That was good. Now maybe she could help her with what to do for Mak's leg.

Erza continued looking, gaze falling on Lucy next as she started to struggle to her feet. "Are you feeling any better, Lucy?"

The blonde nodded slightly, panting as her chest ached in pain. "Yup. Just dandy." A hand appeared at the outskirts of her vision, the familiar tanned and calloused skin outstretched in an offer of help. She took it, letting Natsu pull her gently up the rest of the way. The pair locked eyes as she arrived at her full height, and Lucy found she couldn't look away. "Never better," she murmured, not aware that her intended reply to Erza fell short. Natsu's crooked grin returned at the same time Lucy's breath abandoned her.

Erza snorted, returning her attention to the entire gathered group. "I know that everything that has occurred today has been surprising and eventful. I'm sorry it had to happen like this. But my friends and I will attempt to explain the situation as best as possible, and we will answer any questions you have."

XXX

It took hours to get everything into the open. At least, it felt like hours to Natsu. The only positive was that Lucy remained by his side the entire time, even leaning on him when her ankle couldn't support her weight any longer. He constantly breathed in deeply, the scent of citrus and smoke mixing in his lungs. Somehow he managed to ignore the smells of sweat and blood and dust, which he was grateful for. It was funny how her smell worked on him. Normally his stomach would have consistently been complaining for hours on end, and yet, standing beside her and breathing in gave him all the energy he needed.

Maybe a lot of time had passed, for the sun was nearing the horizon. He took another deep breath, the scent of incoming rain overpowering everything else. He frowned, glancing around at the crowd of weary Benosians. Some, like the nobles, looked absolutely miserable after standing in the spring hills all day. But others looked ecstatic, running and dancing and singing with strong and healthy bodies. Even if none of these people became wizards, they still finally had the chance to be whole; they wouldn't struggle to breathe or fight a new headache every week or constantly feel weaker than they should.

Natsu stretched, enjoying the satisfied ache in his muscles. He had bandages wrapped around his upper left arm and torso, but those were more just to make Wendy happy. He felt fine. More than fine, actually. It took all the willpower he had (plus all of his fear of Erza) to not run around and light his body on fire like a human torch.

He glanced down at Lucy, the blonde sitting once more. She'd changed outfits, allowing Aquarius's Star Dress to clothe her instead of the ruined maid's uniform that really only covered like two inches of skin. He rolled his eyes when he caught sight of the tears cutting through the grime on her face, her hands wrapped in between both hands of a familiar pink haired Spirit. Virgo dipped her head at Natsu, beaming at both of her friends. "Master Natsu. We've all missed you and Princess."

"Good to see ya," he responded, plopping down on the ground beside Lucy and the Maiden. "Really Luce? You don't see them for nine months so you cry?"

Lucy sniffed, wiping a hand across her cheeks and grimacing at the dirt and blood that rubbed off on her fingers. "I can't help it. You remember how I was when we reformed Fairy Tail."

Natsu snorted, poking her in the arm to try and cheer her up. It distracted her, but not for the reasons he was hoping for.

She hissed slightly, slapping his hand away. "Dislocated shoulder, remember?"

"But Wendy fixed it," he said with a frown.

Lucy shrugged with her other shoulder, rubbing her arm to try and release the tension in the limb. "I didn't let her fix everything. She's got a lot of people to look at. Besides, she relocated it so it's not like I'm in any danger. It just hurts, is all."

Natsu continued to frown, and the intensity of his gaze made her look away with a blush.

"Princess, you're burning up." Virgo placed a hand against the Celestial Spirit wizard's cheek, looking her up and down in concern. "Allow me to bring Wendy over here."

Lucy pulled Virgo's hand away, cheeks still aflame. "I, I'm good Virgo. Really. No big deal. I'm fine."

Natsu grinned from his place by Lucy's side, leaning back on his arms and looking at the beginnings of stars appearing in the darkening sky. Something was changing. That much he could tell. How long would it take for Lucy to know that too?

"Natsu! Lucy!" The two wizards looked around for the source of their names, finding it in Wendy. She approached slowly, exhaustion evident in every movement. She waved them down, jerking her head to the side. "Come on! We're leaving soon!"

Natsu scrambled to his feet, confusion wiping away the remaining traces of joy and amusement. What did she mean, leaving? Surely they weren't going to leave all these people here in the hills? Or maybe she meant they were all leaving. He had a sudden mental picture of hundreds of people trying to fit in their wagon. How would that even work?

Lucy grunted, and suddenly she was in the air, Virgo cradling her much like Natsu had earlier during their mad escape from the crumbling manor. Lucy spluttered and argued, face turning beet red as Natsu laughed.

"If you're in pain, Princess, then please allow me to help you in any way possible."

"My ankle is sprained, Virgo, not broken! I can still walk!"

"I wasn't aware that Princess liked punishment as well."

"Virgo."

"This can be my punishment for offending you. My arms burn already."

"Virgo!"

Reluctantly, the Spirit placed her master back on her feet, the blonde grabbing Natsu's arm for support almost immediately. Lucy cleared her throat, waving her hand with Virgo's key through the air. "It was good seeing you, Virgo. Talk to you later when you aren't as crazy!"

Natsu still sniggered even as the Maiden vanished, golden beads of light trickling up toward the sky in her wake. Lucy sighed, leaning against him even more as she replaced the key on her ring. "I'll never understand her."

"It's more fun that way."

Together they began to walk toward Wendy, ignoring the stares from the people still gathered in the valley. People shivered or whispered quietly to each other, many speaking of the hard truths they had just been informed of. It was hard, he supposed, to come to terms with the fact that the rulers of their home were actually the ones responsible for the death and ruin in Benos. He probably wouldn't have taken the news so well. He paused, considering it. Oh, he definitely wouldn't have.

Erza, Gray, Wendy, and the two Exceeds were just ahead, all gathered around a wagon tethered to two horses. He had no idea where it came from.

"Natsu!" Happy cried, soaring through the air and pulling to a stop just in front of his best friend. He grinned, paws behind his back.

"Hey little buddy. Whatcha got there?"

Proudly, Happy pulled his paws forward, revealing the familiar object lying there. Natsu's jaw dropped before he grinned, grabbing the scarf and immediately wrapping it around his neck.

"Thanks Happy! Aw, you're the best!"

"Where did you find it?" Lucy asked, shifting to the side to give her right ankle a break. Wendy looked at the woman, mentally examining the injuries she still had to properly tend to. I should probably start with her ribs, especially with the way she's cradling them. Or maybe her ankle first…

"The tomcat and I went back to Grimstone to see if there was anything worth salvaging. We found your scarf, some clothes, and a few of your books, Lucy. We also found this wagon in the stables which was more than fine. I figured it would work well to take us back to Seck."

"But if we're going to Seck, then where are the rest of these people gonna go?" Natsu asked, returning to the conversation even while a hand rested protectively on his scarf.

"We can't help everyone," Erza gently reminded him. Some time ago, she'd removed her breastplate, leaving her in just her gray tank top and blue skirt. The lack of armor accentuated the white bandages around her thigh, arm, head, and waist, some smaller scrapes and bruises still evident on her pale skin. And Gray's complete lack of clothes besides plain underwear showed his similar array of bandages, necklace in stark contrast to the stained white cloth.

"So we're just leaving them here?" Natsu's brows still furrowed in confusion.

"There's the town around Grimstone. They can go there until they're able to find new homes."

"And this is a good time for life to return to Benos," Wendy added. "Since it's spring, farmers can plant their crops and actually have a healthy harvest in the fall."

"We should ask Seck to do something for them," Lucy thought aloud. "Maybe he and Lennox can provide temporary shelter or money or just anything to make up for the destruction we've caused."

"That's a good idea," Gray agreed, placing his hands behind his head and leaning back against the wagon. "But if we want to get to Seck before it gets too late, we need to get going."

Carla nodded once in agreement. "Yes, let's. And Wendy needs to rest. She's pushed herself way too hard."

"I'm fine," Wendy argued, putting her hands behind her back to hide the tremors. When everyone's attention turned to her, she flushed. "Well, healing Mak took a lot more out of me than I thought. But I still have to heal you too, Lucy."

Lucy shook her head, rolling her good shoulder. "I'll be good until tomorrow. You already bandaged me up, and the pain isn't too bad. Carla's right—you need to rest." Then she bit her lip, looking around the darkening valley. "Uh, I want to say goodbye to Mak and Evia before we leave. Annea too."

Wendy pointed to the left, and the blonde caught sight of the asymmetrical man sitting nearby. She set off, trying not to limp too much as her ankle ached and burned. Before she'd gone more than a few feet, she felt a familiar touch on the jacket she still wore. Then she lifted slightly into the air, and she smiled over her shoulder at the blue Exceed. "Thanks Happy."

While her head was turned, she saw the rest of her friends following. And when Happy set her down, she returned her gaze to the front, smiling gently at the two people sitting on the ground. "Hi Mak."

"Lucy," he responded, exhaustion seeping through every word. She kept her eyes on his face for a minute longer before sweeping her gaze down, taking in the causality. His left leg ended at the knee, the remains of what looked like a shirt tied tightly around the stump of the appendage. His face was pale, sweat shining on his forehead and eyes slightly unfocused.

"Oh Mak," she whispered, sinking down to kneel on the ground with a slight sigh of relief and worry.

"No pity," he grunted, glancing over at the healer sitting by his side. "Evia said that Wendy made sure it won't get infected. And it hurts like hell right now, yeah, but I'll manage. I might not be a great guard anymore, but," he heaved out a breath, "at least I'm still alive." Then he forced a smile to his face, damp strands of purple hair sticking to his cheeks. "Thanks to all of you."

Behind Lucy, she heard Wendy hurry to thank Mak for everything he'd done for them. She joined Lucy on the ground, outstretching her hands and murmuring another pain relief spell. His relief was obvious and immediate.

"I suppose this is goodbye?" Evia asked, smiling softly up at the gathered group of wizards who meant such a great deal to her.

Lucy nodded, feeling the familiar burn of tears in her eyes. "We, uh, we have to get back to Seck. Let him know what's happening. And then we'll need to go to Lennox, and then… well, we've been away from home for a long time."

Evia reached out and took the blonde's hand, taking Wendy's in her other. "We will never be able to thank you enough for what you have done for us. For all of us. We are forever in your debt."

"If you ever need anything, we'll be more than happy to help," Mak added, sitting up a bit straighter as the pain was washed away by Wendy's magic. He nodded slightly at the three wizards standing behind the girls, locking eyes slightly with Natsu. Treat her well, he thought, knowing it was only a matter of time. Natsu grinned back, stretching his arms out and putting them behind his head. Gray rolled his eyes, fighting the urge to punch the man beside him.

Lucy sniffed, running a hand under her eyes. "I promise I'll write. I don't know how, but I'll figure it out. Maybe I'll send them to Lennox and ask him to get them to you. Or maybe just write to Fairy Tail. But I don't want to forget you. I know I won't." She leaned forward and gave Mak a gentle yet awkward hug, both working around their injuries. Then she let Wendy help her to her feet, both girls holding back tears.

"Keep us up to date on all of your wild adventures," Evia said, green eyes sparkling. "You hold just as much space in my heart as all of my children."

Erza inclined her head, ignoring the burn in the back of her throat. "Thank you, Evia. For all of your help. We never could have done this without you. Without either of you. And give our good wishes to your friends, yes? Your guard friend and the maid who helped us earlier?"

"Juca and Annea," Lucy supplied, clearing her throat and scanning the valley. But with so many people gathered, it was impossible to make anyone particular out. "I wanted to see them, but I guess we've run out of time." She sighed, turning her bright smile back on Mak. "Don't let go of Annea, alright? She's one of a kind."

And then they turned, heading back toward the wagon awaiting them. Natsu slid his arm around Lucy's waist, supporting her as best he could without hurting her. Carla landed in Wendy's arms and Happy soared above them, enjoying the wind in his fur. Erza and Gray brought up the rear, exchanging a look. Finally. Finally, they could go home.

Wow, we finally made it. Crazy. Besides a few more chapters to wrap things up, this arc is pretty much done which is like, impossible for me to believe. This idea came into my head so long ago, and I am beyond grateful that I was finally able to share it with all of you. I really hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

But never fear! Their story is far from over. In fact, I'd wager it's just begun...

On another note, I forgot to mention last week, but I graduated! Finally free :) Well, not really since college starts in August, but close enough. But yeah! I'm still working a lot over the summer so I can't write as much as I want to, but I won't stop, I promise. Anyway, until next time!