The festivities lasted well into the night, and probably would have lasted even longer if it weren't for all of the alcohol being completely drained and nobody being sober enough to go or being sober with no money to buy more.

Natsu, while sober and with money, decided against offering to pay for more. He knew that the second he did, his wallet would be at the mercy of the many beer-desiring guild mates.

I doubt that even the king and queen themselves have enough money to satisfy Faith Tail, let alone Cana! He thought with a small chuckle, as he surveyed the broken down guild hall.

It was an odd feeling to be back with his guild. He had spent so long away, learning and growing into someone that they didn't know. Though he still felt nostalgia and happiness at being back at the guild, he couldn't stop the odd emotion that rose up within him…

Now that the party had slowed down, most of his guild mates were laying on the floor, slumped under tables, or sprawled out on them while they drifted off into slumber.

At the sight of such peaceful faces, and the sound of obnoxious snoring, Natsu found himself letting out his own yawn. I should probably find a good spot to nap, shouldn't I? My old house is probably a disaster, and I'm too tired to deal with that. Maybe I'll just rest outside… I've slept in worse places.

He carefully tip-toed over many snoring bodies until he reached the front door. Once out in the moonlight, Natsu took a moment to stretch his arms above his head and sigh.

"Natsu? Where are you going?"

The alchemist jolted slightly, and turned back around to see the drowsy face of the guild master staring at him with a curious expression.

"Oh…" He let out an awkward laugh. "I'm sorry, I thought everyone was asleep."

Makarov shook his head. "I couldn't sleep, even after all that beer. I think my mind is still trying to understand everything that happened. It's rather shocking, isn't it? All of us are alive, seven years have passed without us…"

Natsu tilted his head to look up at the star filled sky. "It is pretty crazy. Everyone had grown so much, I almost didn't recognize them."

The old man's expression changed to a calculating one. "But out of everyone, you seem to have changed most of all, Natsu. Not only have you grown up a lot, but you are royalty!"

"Nobility, not royalty…" Natsu sheepishly corrected, and then rubbed the back of his neck. "But yes, I know what you're trying to say. I guess I have changed a lot… But I had a great teacher to help me with that."

Makarov didn't seem surprised at being corrected, he merely chuckled and turned his gaze back towards the sky. "I've never been to Aughra before, and not many books have firsthand knowledge on it. What's the country like?"

"Oh it's beautiful!" Natsu couldn't help but gush. "There's forests and rivers all over, the cities are built into them and do their best to work with the environment, not without them. There's port towns, a city of glowing mushrooms, and the capital is magnificent! The castle doesn't stand out too much, it's just part of the island."

"Do you go to the capital often?" Makarov questioned.

"All the time. I practically live there sometimes. When I'm not going to meetings, I'm training the princesses to use their magic." He motioned to himself. "The cure I created affected the youngest princess differently. She has the same crystal magic as me, so I teach her how to use it. The older princess doesn't have it, but she is proficient in other types of magic."

Makarov chuckled and rubbed the side of his head. "That's a lot of work, sounds like you work more than a wizard saint! It must be exhausting!"

"It was at first…" Natsu admitted, only to grin brightly. "But being an alchemist is all about work, and the results from that work! If you put in the effort, that effort will be paid off!"

His guild master chuckled again, but it was different this time. Instead of amused, it sounded slightly sad, as if he were mourning something. The old man looked down, towards the grass, and sighed. "I wish I could have watched you grow, Natsu. You've grown into a fine young man."

Natsu felt a blush creep up his cheeks, and shuffled in his spot. "Well I'm here now, aren't I? You can see all that I've learned, and we can learn about what else we missed here together."

"That's true, we can…" Makarov went still, and then suddenly looked into Natsu's eyes. "Until you go back."

The alchemist froze, but not out of surprise. Honestly he had expected someone to do it eventually and figure out that his position was not something he could just abandon. He just hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

He took a gulp of air, and tried to stay calm. "I- I know I have to eventually… The king and queen allowed me to leave to see you, but I can't stay away forever… If I had to assume, I'd say they'd want me back before the next council meeting."

"Which is…?"

"Three months from now."

Makarov frowned in a disappointed way that made Natsu's heart sink. "I see… Right before the Grand Magic Games. I'm sorry about that, I had hoped you could attend, I know your guild mates would have liked you to."

"So would I…" Natsu admitted as he rubbed at his metal arm, where the guild mark was no longer present. "But I have a duty to the kingdom, to my old mentor. I can't stay here…"

Makarov fixed him with another stare. "Is that why you haven't asked to get your guild mark back?"

Natsu froze again, and began to shudder seconds later. He rubbed his eyes to stop the tears he knew were trying to come. "Gramps… I can't. I don't want to get their hopes up… Even if I took the mark, I can't be a guild member like I once was. I have a completely different life, one far away from here. I want to stay, I want to so badly, but… I just can't."

The old man turned his head down again and sighed. "I know, Natsu. Believe me, I know a thing or two about duty. You are a noble young man, I know you must be feeling very conflicted right now on what to do."

The dragon slayer nodded as he finally managed to stop his tears. "Thank you, gramps… But, please don't tell the others. At least not for a little while. I know some of them will figure it out on their own but… They've been through enough. I don't want them to suffer any more than they already have."

Makarov looked like he was going to argue for a moment, but eventually closed his eyes and nodded. "Alright, I won't say anything." He turned around, back towards the guild, and stopped right before the door. "Just remember this, Natsu: No matter how far away you are, whether you have a guild mark or not, you'll always be part of Fairy Tail."

With that final declaration, the old man pushed open the doors and headed back inside.

Natsu watched the door shut, and waited for several seconds before he allowed himself to relax. He sat down at the edge of the guild hall, pulled his feet up to his chest, and allowed himself to cry.

"Runa… What should I do?" He croaked between sobs.

"Your mind and heart are both torn in different directions, for both desire the same two places you call home…" His ever present companion whispered in his mind. "I cannot answer this question for you."

Natsu sniffled and hiccupped before he finally managed to get himself under control. "I know, I know…" He rubbed his eyes again, and took a few deep breaths to calm down.

"But if I am to give you any advice, I would suggest that you take time to think about it. Perhaps it would be best to get some sleep before making any big decisions? You haven't slept since the day of the meeting with the King."

The alchemist saw the wisdom in her advice, realizing just how tired he was. "Yes, you're right." He carefully got to his feet, and looked back at the guild hall. "I just got here after all, let's get some rest, maybe I'll have a clearer head in the morning…"


It wasn't surprising at all to Natsu that he was the first one to wake. His training with Ayame often started bright and early, whether it was to gather fresh ingredients or just because that's when she woke up. He didn't mind the sleep schedule change much, it made it so he didn't oversleep before important council meetings.

As he yawned and stretched, he heard the sound of his stomach growling and realized just how hungry he was. When was the last time he had eaten? Did he eat during the party? He couldn't remember, but he was starving.

Lucy's place won't have food, she hasn't been here for seven years after all. Would the guild hall? Maybe… But aren't they running low on funds too? Natsu scratched at his chin thoughtfully, and then an idea popped into his head.

"I still have that money I was gonna use at the hotel. Maybe I could use that to get some food for the guild hall…" He brushed at his cloak, hoping to unwrinkle it before he grabbed his back, and headed to the door.

"And how are you going to carry that all?" He heard a voice behind him.

Natsu jumped again, and whipped around to face the white haired woman behind him. "Mirajane! Don't scare me like that! I swear I have to put a bell on you guys!"

Mirajane giggled and arched an eyebrow. "Aren't you supposed to be some super overpowered alchemist-dragon slayer combo now? You couldn't hear me coming?"

"I was… I was thinking too hard…" Natsu quickly excused with a cross of his arms.

"About food!" Mirajane snickered again. "It's good to see that you still have a big appetite. I knew that wouldn't change!"

This time, Natsu returned her laughter. "Ah! You got me! I was just thinking about running to get food for the guild hall. I can spare the money, and I'm sure you guys are all hungry."

"Starving." Mirajane smoothed out her own clothes, and got up too. "I'll come with you. Four hands are better than two, after all. And even if I've been gone for seven years, I still know all the places for good discounts!"

Natsu couldn't help but brighten up like a kid receiving a present at the mention of discounts. Even if he had a good amount of money, he had no idea if it would be enough to feed their ravenous guild mates.

With an excited grin, Natsu gave a thumbs up. "Sounds good to me! We can both go!"

"I'll come too." Erza's voice rose up from the pile of slumbering guildmates. She was still half asleep, with her hair sticking up on one side, but was quickly crossing over to them.

Natsu kept his expression happy, and waved his hands. "Wonderful! Six hands instead of two, and now I have two people with non-missing arms who can carry more stuff!"

They both winced at the joke about his metal arm, but he decided not to mention it. It was difficult for him to remember that they had much less time to get used to his metal limb. He'd lived with it for seven years, they'd only know about it for a year.

"I'm… Just here to make sure Mirajane doesn't pick the wrong strawberry cake. I know which one is the good one." Ezra finally forced her voice through the tension in the air with the change of subject.

Mirajane scoffed, and rolled her eyes. "Yeah right, like I chose the bad one on accident." She turned gracefully, flipping her white hair in Erza's face. "I do that on purpose!"

Natsu watched the two of them cautiously, and let out a sigh of relief at the sight of no evil auras. I think they're just teasing… Thank god, I really didn't want to deal with a brawl right now. That would definitely wake everyone up.

"If we're going to fight about strawberry cake, can I also pick a food to fight about? There's this pretty delicious fruit from Agura, expensive to export and import but so worth it. Maybe we could get some!"

"Does it taste like strawberries?"

"Uh… No?"

"Then no."

Mirajane snorted, and Natsu made an insulted noise. "Excuse me, who is the adult with the cash right now?" He wiggled his wallet. "Keep it up with that attitude, and nobody is getting anything!"

This time Mirajane burst into a peal of giggles, while Erza's face tried to turn the same color as her hair. Natsu couldn't help but laugh as well, before turning to begin their trek into town.


By the time they reached the town, several shops were already open and eager to accept their business. If Natsu had to guess, he'd say that word had already spread that Fairy Tail was back.

As the three of them walked, checking shops and buying whatever they would need in bulk, they could hear people whispering about them in voices so excited they were easy to hear.

"Erza Scarlet! Mirajane Strauss! Natsu Dragneel!"

"It's all three of them!"

"So the rumors were true then?"

"Fairy Tail is back!"

The guildmates couldn't help but preen at the attention. Not only would their appearances help spread the word of their return even further, but it would show the world that their guild shouldn't be trifled with any more.

The sooner people realize Fairy Tail is back in business, the sooner the missions return. My guild mates can train and get money, and be prepared for the Grand Magic Games… Natsu thought as he picked up another bag.

It was the most recent idea of his, a decision he had brainstormed the night before. Since he couldn't stay like Makarov and the others wished he could, the least he could do was help make sure all of them were back on their feet and ready for any challenges ahead, whether in a Guild Tournament or just a simple mission.

Even if he couldn't be there for them, at least he could be satisfied with the knowledge that Fairy Tail was making good money and in fighting shape.

Life seemed to want to give them their first chance right away, it seemed. As they had just finished buying their ingredients and were beginning to figure out how to carry it, they were suddenly surrounded by a group of large, burly looking men.

"Uh… Hello, can I help you?" Natsu asked the group, instinctively falling into polite small talk after all the meetings full of nobles he'd been to.

The man nearest to Erza let out a loud sneer, and started forward in an attempt to look intimidating. "You sayin you don't know who we are, Fairy Brat?!"

Natsu frowned. "Uh… That wasn't what I said, but sure. Indulge me on your exact identity, since you believe it is imperative that I know it."

"Quit your fancy talk and listen up!" The one nearest to Natsu exclaimed. "This is your last warning so listen up! You're gonna give that cash you owe back to our guild, or we're gonna-"

"Oh! It's Twilight Ogre!" Mirajane suddenly exclaimed.

"Who's that?" Natsu asked as the man spluttered.

Erza set down her bags and began to stretch, preparing for what was soon to ensue. "Those nasty loan sharks we beat up when we got back from Tenrou."

"Oh!" Natsu placed his hands on his hips and nodded. "Well that explains why they're so annoying. Apparently they haven't learned their lesson either!"

Instantly, excited looking smirks appeared on both Erza and Mirajane's faces as they heard the implication in voice. Natsu returned that smirk with one of his own. Oh this is gonna be fun!

Tired of being ignored, the one nearest to Natsu let out an enraged noise as he dropped into a fighting stance. "THAT'S IT! You've done it now! TAKE THIS!" With a mighty roar the man charged forward with his fist pulled back in preparation to strike.

As he sent his clenched fist flying towards him, Natsu sidestepped easily, and then slammed the elbow of his metal arm against the middle of the man's back. The man let out a shriek of pain as he crashed into the hard pavement below.

Chaos erupted seconds later as all the Twilight Ogre goons rushed forward, likely hoping to overwhelm them with sheer numbers. Unfortunately for them, they'd picked a fight with the wrong trio.

Erza easily ducked out of the way of a flying kick, her armored fingers gripping the man's ankles as she threw him over her shoulder. The man spun around with a shriek before crashing into two Twilight Ogre members who were unlucky enough to be in range.

Mirajane didn't wait for an attack, and threw a punch at the nearest member hard enough to make his nose crunch, and send him stumbling back. Just as he managed to save himself from falling over, she threw her leg forward and slammed her heel-clad foot into the man's stomach.

It was at this point that Natsu roundhouse kicked another, making sure to use his real leg to not cause serious damage, who was thrown to the side and rolled for a moment before he crashed against a brick building without getting up.

For a moment the rush of goons stopped, and the trio sent matching glares towards the few who were still standing. They all yelped and shuddered, unable to hide their fear any longer.

Natsu couldn't help himself as he allowed a smirk to appear on his face. "I would suggest you run back to your little guild hall before we show you what happens when we stop playing around."

Perhaps it was his smirk, or perhaps the seriousness of his tone as he made the threat, but it sent the guild members who were still able to stand scurrying and running away like dogs with their tails between their legs.

The one at the front of the group looked back at them. "This- This isn't over, Fairy Tail!" He yelled as he nearly tripped over his own feet. "We'll get our money back!"

As the group of guild members moved further into the distance, Natsu looked back at the girls with an enthusiastic grin. "Did you hear that? They think that this is going to work out in their favor!"

Mirajane chuckled. "You'd think that they would have learned after this!"

"Idiots never seem to learn." Erza plainly stated, as if it were a fact everyone knew.

Natsu pretended to be insulted. "Hey! What about me? I'm an idiot that learned!"

Erza gave him a smile and shook her head. "You were never an idiot, Natsu. Reckless and stubborn, yes, but you had the capacity to learn. I always knew you had it in you."

The alchemist couldn't help the noise of surprise that escaped his lips at the sudden praise, his cheeks turning as pink as his hair. He rubbed the back of his neck as he mumbled sheepishly.

He hadn't expected Erza of all people to say something like that, especially when one of his first hurdles during his training was getting over his own insecurities relating to his intelligence.

Ha… He could almost see Ayame over Erza's shoulder, nodding vigorously in agreement with his guild mate. You and Erza would have gotten along well, Master.

As they gathered their dropped ingredients (which they had managed to protect during the fight) their conversation became jovial once again.

"Ah, it's been a long time since I've had a fight like that! Even if they were shitty fighters, it feels good to put my training to use!" Natsu happily exclaimed.

Mirajane gave him a curious look. "Not that many fights in Aughra?"

"Other than the occasional bandits, no. Though I will admit, there are a few colleagues of mine that only survive our council meetings because attacking them would technically be unprofessional."

Erza quirked her brow. "And illegal?"

"Oh yes, that too."

Mirajane giggled. "Isn't the latter more important than the former?"

Natsu placed his hand on his chest, and gave them both a playful look. "Well a man's reputation is all he has!"

This gained another burst of chuckles from the trio, all of them cheerful after a busy day of shopping and a nice wake-up fight.

This air of familiarity with them, and the banter they shared, he missed all these feelings so much… And he knew he would miss them when he eventually had to leave.

I wonder, Ayame… What would you do, if you were in my shoes?

It seemed like an impossible question to answer, but Natsu knew her better than anyone. Her teaching was always filled with wisdom, whether about alchemy or life, because she had experience with everything she spoke about.

He could hear her voice, rough but caring, as she told him what she believed was best. "The past has already happened, and the future is too far to worry about." She would have said. "The only concrete thing is the day you are experiencing right now."

This advice was something she had given him before when he was mourning the loss of his guildmates, and he realized that her words fit better than ever.

He looked at Erza, Mirajane, and then towards the guild hall they were approaching. At that moment, he knew how to connect Ayame's advice to his current dilemma.

Three months from now, he would have to leave. That was a given, something he couldn't avoid. But that didn't mean he needed to stress about it for his entire duration in Fiore.

He missed his guildmates dearly, even though he couldn't stay long. So instead of focusing on the future, he would take care of his guildmates, do missions, train, laugh and joke, and relish the time he had with them.

I'll take it one day at a time, and enjoy the present.