Sorry it's so late.


Erza, you know I was serious, about my promise, right? Erza? Erza?!

"Erza!"

She lifted her head from her arms, squinting in the bright morning light from the windows. She flipped her hair from her face and rubbed her eyes with her forearm until they adjusted to the dark room. Gray nudged her softly on the shoulder. As she looked around, she realized they were still in the pub.

"We fell asleep," he groaned, "We should have gone home." Yawning, he offered out one hand.

Her head ached as well as her body, "Ugh," she grunted, holding the back of her head.

"Headache?" he questioned. "I have one too, probably the dim lighting in this dump."

"Right, well," she started as she placed her hands on the table, "let's get Natsu and-" Her face froze as her volume lowered to a whisper. Her eyes were locked downward, and mouth ajar.

"And…" Gray continued. Following her gaze, there laid Natsu's scarf sprawled across her lap, "Did you take his scarf?"

She took a moment to dust if off and sling it over her arm, "I guess so."

"He must be around here then?"

Her headache grew as she remembered their argument before returning to the pub. "I'm not sure, we had a small dispute yesterday."

"About what?"

"Nothing, let's go home."

Gray stood there pondering. The past few days have been socially awkward in regards of Natsu, but Erza had been becoming slightly distant before that. He shook free of his thoughts and agreed to go.

The two made their ways out of the pub and the town without a disturbance. On their walk back they crossed a small clearing where it appeared that a disaster had occurred. Large trees were snapped like twigs, the green surroundings were singed, and a patch of grass was soaked in a dark substance.

"I'm guessing Natsu's been through here after all." Gray told her as he traveled over the enormous maze of fallen trees.

She smiled slightly as she ran her hand over a singed fern, "Yeah, he's already gotten himself into a fight."

They began making their way through the wreckage when three figures appeared from the other end. The two prepared themselves for the worse until-

"Erza! Gray!" Lucy shrieked happily as she sprinted forward. Loke strolled casually behind of her smiling with Gajeel striding behind. "Where'd you guys go?" Lucy's arms wrapped around the two, cutting off their circulation until Gray croaked a cry of pain. She released him as he cringed for a moment, then knelt over and began panting.

"What's wrong Gray?" Lucy leaned over, attempting to see Gray's face.

He straightened again, sweat rolling down his cheek, "My… my back. Hurts like hell."

"Oh. Did you sleep wrong?"

"I'm not sure, is there anything on my back?" Turning around, his hands went down to lift his shirt frantically realizing he had stripped to his boxers again. "And I was doing so well!" he yelled at himself collapsing to his knees. They could see it then; the large dark imprint was on his upper back. The center was extremely red skin spreading into lighter shades with a purple outline.

"Oh my god! You slept REALLY WRONG!" Lucy cried.

Gray peered over his shoulder, "I'm not sure how I got this," he puzzled. He recalled yesterday's events: they had ran away after scoping out the new guild, which wasn't very successful, then they had lunch at the town's pub, when Natsu and Erza left him to talk outside but only Erza returned. After that, he remembered waking up naked under the table.

He moved his hand around to gentle brush the warm sensation in the sore, as the pain grew an image flashed through his mind. A surprising burst of light and his jittering under the shock. His headache agonized into a screeching pain that felt as if his ears would bleed. He cringed once again in pain. Lucy and Erza moved in to assist him, assuming it was his back once again. Bringing him to his feet gently he shook free.

"I'm fine, just that fricken headache."

"Do ya' need Gajeel to carry you home?" Loke mocked.

"Where's Salamander?" Gajeel boomed in.

Erza shook her head, "He must have left earlier than we awoke."

Gajeel glared at her with his steely eyes, flexing his jaw before turning around, "Back to the guild then."

Loke laughed, "So much for that rematch big guy!" The others chuckled along with him as they traveled back to Magnolia.

The five Fairy Tail members entered the guild and dispersed almost instantly, glad to be back. Gajeel sat down beside Levy and her friends, chattering loudly. Gray, Lucy, and Loke sat down at a table until Loke waved goodbye and disappeared in a burst of light. Erza sat alone at the bar counter, setting down Natsu's scarf softly. Mirajane, seeing her dismay and scarf, came to serve her.

"Can I get you something?" Mira smiled softly.

Erza nodded, "Strawberry-"

Mira lifted a small plate with a slice of cake topped with strawberries onto the counter. Erza, grinning, pulled the plate towards her. Mira fixed her look onto the folded scarf.

"I'm guessing everything is clear between you two?"

Erza's hand froze. Shutting her mouth, she lowered the fork back to the plate.

"I'm not sure…" she began, "We had a fight before he… did he come back before us?"

"Can't say he did," Mirajane pressed one finger to her lower lip, "I haven't seen him… but a fight, you said?"

Erza nodded, "He said… some things."

Mirajane began wiping a glass with a towel, "Things?"

"He was planning on leaving Fairy Tail…"

Mirajane set the glass on the rack behind her frowning sourly, "Natsu mentioned something like that to me, I told him that everything would be fine if he talked it over with you."

"He tried."

"Oh…"

Erza felt the scarf's material again; rolling her fingers down it's length.

Mirajane smiled, "Maybe this is a sign that he'll be back." Her hopeful statement came across bitterly for Erza.

"I'd rather him moping around here," she rose from her seat, avoiding locking eyes with everyone who had been wondering why she held thetraitor'sscarf.

"Your cake, Erza." Mira frowned.

"Forgive me," she apologized, "I lost my appetite."

"Excuse me, miss," A small voice came from beyond the counter. Mirajane leaned over to see a young blond boy rocking back-and-forth staring at his feet.

"Hiya cutie," she smiled warmly.

The boy looked up whispering, "I'm looking for my big brother Natsu."

Erza lowered her head as she heard his name. Mirajane giggled to herself, "I didn't know he had a brother."

He chuckled lightly, "Well, I'm not his real brother. He has pink hair." He tugged his blond bangs to contrast with Natsu.

"I never noticed," she grinned. "I don't think he's here right now, could I help you?"

"Uhm, well…" the boy blushed slightly, drawing circles with his feet on the floor. The girls watched him curiously until they heard a loud growl from his stomach. Mira giggled as Erza knelt down to him, her cake in hand.

"Here," she said solemnly, holding out the plate. His green eyes glowed at the delicious offer. His excitement forced a small smile onto her face.

Bowing, he paused to say, "You're not as scary when you smile."

Erza blushed, "I'm not that scary." She could hear Mira trying to hold back her laughter.

"Come," Mira invited, signaling to the stool with one hand. He placed the plate on the counter before scaling the chair. "What's your name little one?"

"Lino," he exclaimed.

Erza left the two and climbed the staircase up to the rooftop, in hopes of finding her pinkette friend. Upon opening it, she was surprised to find the Master seated upon the railing, looking over the scenery Natsu had recently watched.

"Master," Erza approached him with her head hanging low. The possibility of Natsu leaving Fairy Tail never ran through her mind before now. How could she adjust to such a situation without her fire-breathing dragon lurking about?

"You see," he pointed with one finger over the railing, "all wounds heal at their own pace."

She followed his direction to the locations where Natsu had scorched. They had almost all disappeared in a matter of days, save for those still in construction.

"I presume that all is well with Natsu?"

"Actually Master,-" Erza began softly.

Makarov sighed, "So he is gone." His solemn tone grew disheartening as he went on. "He notified me of his intentions, and I relied on you to provide some light to his dark situation. It seems I should not have entrusted you with such a heavy reliability."

He's gone, she thought, Natsu isn't in Magnolia. Why would he come back? To the people who hated him? To the friends who wouldn't listen to him? To her? Could she even call herself his friend? He had left without even an explanation for that night.

"You need to let him go."

"W-what," she stuttered.

"This hurts us all, it does," he nodded, "but you can't allow this to unbalance your mind else you put yourself in danger."

"Let him go?..."

She had lost a dear friend before, lost against her will, but this hurt so much differently. There was an actual pinching in her chest that she couldn't ignore. Of all the injuries she endured in battle, this was unavoidably present. Her head sunk lower as her fist clenched onto his scarf. Makarov spun around, snatching the scarf, and wrapped it around her.

"I'm not saying to forget him, he'll be back," he assured with a smile.

She couldn't build the strength she wanted to smile back but replied, "I know."


A month passed as the guild resumed its normal, pleasurable procedure of comfortable socialization and challenging missions. Natsu's disappearance was a trending topic for the first week but soon trailed off as some began to feel guilty and responsible for losing one of the strongest wizards of Fairy Tail. Only the boorish few brought him up in front of Erza, Gray, Lucy, or Happy. Even his name was avoided when mentioned.

Gray and Juvia had just joined Erza, Lucy, and Happy who were enjoying each other's company as usual in the guild.

Happy slumped down beside his small cup, "I miss Natsu." Silence followed. His name rung in their ears. It sounded almost fictitious.

"Yeah, sounds funny, but I do too." Gray nodded, crossing his arms.

"I feel like crap when I think about him," Lucy added wearing the same lamenting expression, "I wish he was here."

"Yeah," Gray agreed, "We should have at least let him explain himself. I must have really pissed him off the day before our mission. He held a grudge overnight, not even I could do that." He tensed up as he continued, "It's my fault he left us, I shouldn't have antagonized him… I went too far." Juvia placed her hand on his shoulder sympathetically.

Erza remained quiet, choosing not to prolong the conversation about him.

Happy perked up, "I would have guessed it was something Erza did that night." He felt Erza's glare as he slumped back down.

"What'd you do?" Lucy questioned. Tension began to rise as Erza left her question unanswered. "Erza?"

Erza never wanted to explain this, the image she created of Natsu suffering brought the pain back in her chest she loathed so much.

"I…" she started meekly, "I-"

Just then, a large shadow cast over the hall as they turn over to see Makarov standing on the upstairs railing.

"Everyone shut up!" Makarov screamed, crossing his arms. His eyebrows furrowed as he stomped his foot repeatedly. "A newly formed guild will be visiting Fairy Tail tomorrow and fighting in any sort has been forbidden under any circumstance! You hear me?! They'll be here all day and I don't need another mess to clean up!" He turned his attention onto their table. "You three, Erza, Gray, Lucy, come up here now!" He disappeared behind the railing.

They looked at each other suspiciously before proceeding to meet Makarov.

"What's up master?" Gray asked.

"You three will be joining me to have lunch with the visitors, they want to form bonds with our guild but I don't trust 'em. They're very shady figures, even their master is outstandingly young. No older than you three."

"Master, is this the guild we investigated?" Erza chimed in.

Makarov nodded, "Indeed, Province. A guild that acts as if their master is a queen-"

"Wait, Queen?" Lucy interrupted.

"Yes, their master is a young teenage girl."

"Whoa," the three went silent in surprise.

"Be here tomorrow at noon and wear something nice," he winked at the girls before wandering down the hall.

Erza shook her head, "This doesn't feel right."

"At least there won't be any fights without him here." Gray joked.

Lucy giggled, "With you or Province?"


The next morning, Erza showed up early where Lucy sat in a long purple dress that glittered in the light of the window she looked out from on the second floor.

"You look pretty," Erza complemented.

"Thank you," Lucy bowed slightly before gasping, "Is that seriously what you're gonna wear?"

Erza's Heart Kreuz armor, everyday attire, gleamed brightly in the light, "I just polished it," she pled.

"I don't think that is what Makarov meant," Lucy shook her head.

"Alright then," A bright light flashed in the room blinding Lucy. As it dimmed away, Erza appeared wearing a back-less black dress that ended mid-thigh.

"I see you're going for an imagination-not-required look," Lucy said sarcastically.

Erza stared at her darkly; another bright flash blinded Lucy without warning. She rubbed her eyes as the light dimmed once again. This time she wore a long crimson kimono that was open just slightly to her cleavage.

"How about now?"

"Better," Lucy smiled, "Definitely better."

The sound of footsteps on the staircase ended as Gray approached the girls, "How do I look?"

"You look naked," Erza stated.

Looking down, he realized she was right. "DAMN IT! Where did I put my clothes?"

Juvia appeared bowing with her arms extended toward him, "You stripped on the way here."

"Thank you!" he hugged her tightly, "You're a life saver!" She blushed hard under his bare hold, falling almost unconscious from the sudden rush of blood. He quickly put on his clothes before stepping back to display himself. "So?" He wore a silk button-up dress shirt, with long black slacks, and shoes.

"I approve," Lucy smiled while Erza nodded.

Juvia unbuttoned the top two notches, exposing his collarbone. "I prefer it like this," she grinned lecherously.

"Ugh, what? No!" he stammered, buttoning up his shirt while she unbuttoned it. This continued until Makarov entered the hall.

"Good, you're all here early." He applauded, "Province has already shown up and are awaiting us outside."

"Outside?" Erza asked, "I thought they were coming to eat here."

"They were, but they've decided to bring a 'picnic' to the outskirts of Magnolia."

"That sounds nice," Lucy cheered.

"Outside of home, huh…" Gray thought aloud.

Makarov nodded, "My thoughts exactly, be on guard everyone."

The four left Juvia to meet up with those outside. As the doors swung open, the four strangers stood before them. They were not suspicious at all, save for one shady figure. A young girl with bright green eyes and long blond hair stood gleaming, wearing a tight black shirt that ended before her navel, and skinny jeans. Beside her stood three men, one of which was slightly shorter than the other two that stood closest to her. He wore a black hoody with short sleeves, and loose black pants. The hood hid everything from the light except his chin. The one to his side was a blond man with an inviting smile and a bright blue dress shirt. He was very slender compared to the final man who was obviously having a weight issue. His stomach protruded through his chainmail that seemed too small. Despite the lack of personal hygiene evident from his body odor, he kept his beard short and a handlebar mustache.

"Hi there," the short blonde greeted, "I'm Elizabeth Barony, but you can call me Loneila!"

"Welcome," Makarov replied, "these are my guild members: Gray, Erza, and Lucy. They will be joining us today."

"Nice to meet ya'll," The hefty man blurted, "I'm Tomah."

"And I'm Katsugi," the tall blonde man said politely, flipping his hair from his face.

"Can we get going? I'm starving!" Tomah complained. Loneila looked at him sharply immediately changing his tone and attitude. "I-I'm sorry ya majesty, forgive me fo' my outburst." He bowed to her before she smiled again and waved her hand.

She turned back to Makarov, "Well, he is right, shall we go?"

"Yes," the two led the group down the street, "you have trained them so well." He chuckled. She giggled along as the others followed close behind. "Why don't we catch a ride on a carriage?" Makarov studied her, as she glanced back at the others.

"Uhm… That's alright, I prefer walking." She waved one hand, declining the offer.

Gray sulked beside Tomah, staring at the back of Makarov's head as Tomah went on about lunch. Lucy and Katsugi chatted loudly as he joked with her about Tomah's size and smell. Erza followed at the back beside the unnamed figure. She saw how inappropriately they were dressed for the occasion and requipped in a bright flash of light, catching everyone's attention. Everyone witnessed as she changed into her white blouse, blue skirt, and ponytail. Makarov and Loneila turned back to their conversation, leading the group. As they continued, Erza summoned an accessory. A small flash of light brought forth a familiar scarf that she hadn't wore in some time. Slinging it around her neck, she indulged herself in the smell she recognized so easily as him. In the corner of her eye, she saw the hooded figure stumble over a pebble before recovering his balance. She held back her laughter, but not without letting out a small giggle that Lucy heard and looked back to see her red face.

"Having fun?" Lucy asked.

"I- I'm fine." Erza replied, collecting herself still a little red.

"Who's your friend?"

"Hasn't spoken yet."

"Ask him his name."

Erza nodded, turning to the figure striding in silence. "You," she called, "What's your name?" Her voice demanded an answer if her expression didn't alone.

"I didn't mean like that," Lucy whispered.

The figure turned his face slightly to her but before he replied-

"Here!" Loneila squealed, "This is perfect! Surrounded by green slopes, underneath a large bushy tree, and with new friends! Today is awesome!"

Everyone chuckled at her cheerful attitude. Tomah stomped forward, placing the large basket that was strapped to his back beside the tree.

"Come!" Loneila invited, "I made for everyone!" Tomah grumbled walking to the back of the group.

Lunch was large turkey sandwiches with what Loneila liked to call her "secret sauce." Its flavor was almost jaw dropping; a bit of barbeque or mustard, they weren't sure but that it was indescribable. Concluding lunch with magazine worthy chocolate chip cookies. Everyone savored the flavors as long as they could until they were all gone. They two guild's conversed pleasurably under that tree for nearly three hours.

"It's amazing how young you are," Makarov admired, "I'm an old goat. You must be very powerful."

Loneila shook her head, "Not just me, all of Province is. Whaddaya say to a spar?" she challenged.

"After all of that food?" he leaned back, patting his stomach, "I couldn't keep up."

"What about you?" she intoned, looking at Erza.

"Me?"

"Yeah, feel up to it?"

Erza looked toward Makarov who smiled before nodding, "sure." The two rose and moved away from the tree to a flat clearing a few meters ahead.

"Requip." Through the flash of light, Erza changed into her Japanese cloth, wielding two slender swords. "Ready?"

Gray rose from his sit beside Lucy and ran up, "I'll call it."

Tomah strolled over and shoved him aside with one large hand, "I got it boy, FIGHT!"

"Hey!" Grey screamed but the battle commenced.

Erza took a large stride toward her, intending to put the blade to her throat as a threat before she could move. From the tree, a large fireball comet crashed in front of Loneila. Erza slid to a halt as the embers blew away and the hooded figure stood before her.

"What? You want to challenge her?" Loneila sassed, throwing one hand on her hip. The figure turned slightly, still facing Erza. "Fine! Guild vs. Guild. Call it, Tomah!" She stomped back to the tree and pouted.

"Yes ma'am. FIGHT!" he boomed.

The first moments nothing happened. Erza attempted to read her new opponent, as she knew nothing about any of their abilities. If she had known she was going to fight them, she would have inquired about their skills. He had come in a fireball so that would be her defense.

"Requip." A burst of light flashed quickly as she changed into her Fire Empress armor. The hooded figure clenched his fists tightly, still standing tall before her.

She once again strode forward faster than before, barely visible, going for the same forward lunge to the throat. He dodged at the last moment, rolling to the side. Just as he came to a halt, she swung downwards above him. Stopping her momentum at her wrists, he caught her grip with one hand, driving the sword into the ground. Using his free hand, she was mortified when she heard the shattering of blade into fragments.

"Whoa!" Lucy shrieked.

Erza leapt back, "Shit, Requip." She transformed into her Heaven's Wheel armor, soaring into the air. He broke my one of my swords… let's see how he does against several, "Circle sword!" Long blades appeared and spun at extreme speed around her as she looked down at the man. He lit his hands ablaze, holding one out to her. She scoffed at his counterattack, "Dance, My Blades!"

The disk-like formation launched at him crashing to the earth in an explosion of fire and dirt. From the dirt haze, one of the swords came ricocheting back at her. Its speed was far too great to evade, whirring as it split the air. The man leapt out behind it, kicking it off course, and flying past her. The sun gleamed onto the lower half of his face. No smile, smirk, grin, nothing. Just a blank expression. He came down with a loud crash to his knee. Erza descended gracefully, flashing into her attire before.

She turned and approached the figure. There was something more to this person. A familiar feeling when fighting him: Fire magic, strong attacks. But it couldn't be…

"Name," she commanded.

The figure kept his back to her, choosing to remain silent.

"Name," she repeated.

"if…" he whispered.

"What?"

"Ifrit," That voice, it was so close to being familiar that she wouldn't hear it from anyone else in the world.

"Ifrit, huh?" Narrowing her eyes at him, "Remove the hood."

The man turned around to face her, dropping the hood back. Her disappointment couldn't have been greater as her heart dropped to her stomach. The man had spikey red hair, yellow eyes, and two loops at the top of his ear.

"Ifrit," he repeated.

He reminded Erza so much of him; she wanted it to be him so much that the pain in her chest came back. She frowned as she looked into his eyes, clutching the scarf with one hand and a fist in the other. The stern determination in his eyes focused on her as she realized that she was staring.

"S-sorry, I just-" Erza started.

"What the hell is going on?!" Tomah yelled. "FIGHT DAMN IT!" Ifrit walked to him with a dark expression. "You good for nothi-" Ifrit's fist crashed into Tomah's jaw. His eyes rolled back as he watched him drop.

Loneila jumped up, grabbing his fist and forearm, "It's alright, calm down." He turned to her with a glowering expression. "Calm down." She repeated sternly. The tension roused everyone to their feet as they had watched the twist of events. His fist slowly loosened as she slipped her hand into his. She stood tippy-toed to whisper something in his ear. His expression didn't change when she lowered back down.

"I think its time for us to go," Loneila moaned, "Ifrit is still a little upset. Sorry to ruin the fun, especially you, Erza."

"Don't worry about it," she dismissed, though she couldn't help but flick her gaze between their locked hands and his face.

"Alrighty then, we're going!" Loneila pointed at Tomah's unconscious body, at which Katsugi sighed and dragged him by the foot.

"Nice meeting you all," Katsugi bowed to each of them, "Makarov, Lucy, Gray,… Erza." He gave her a good long look before turning to leave.

Erza studied Katsugi before she ran up to him and walked beside, "What was that?"

"Huh, usually people just let things like that go." She stared at him until he sighed and continued, "I've never seen Ifrit challenge someone. You must have sparked some kind of interest in him."

She stopped, allowing them to leave. She watched the red-hair man, Ifrit, stroll beside Loneila. The way he carried himself was warming just for her to see. In so many ways, he reminded her of him. She didn't want him to leave because if he did, so did he. As they were about to be out of sight, Ifrit looked back with a miserable frown.