Hi everyone, thank you for waiting. So, now we officially start my own arc "Devil Hand". As you've already noticed, there will be elements from DMC3 in this arc, but not for a few chapters. It'll start off with some of my own original content, and some elements from this other Fairy Tail fanfic story called "Bound by Fate", I've already talked with the author and he said it would be okay.

So anyways, lets get started.

Oh, one other thing to note. A lot of you have asked about Nero, and yes I have every intention of including him in my series, but it won't be for a while, not until after the seven-year-time-skip. Sorry, but we'll have to wait a bit for him. Now, on with the show.

Movement in The Shadows

Natsu unleashed a powerful stream of fire directly at Dante who was able to cut through it with Rebellion. This seemed to provide an opening for the shirtless Grey to come in with a massive ice-mallet in his hands, but Dante was already ahead of him as he jumped in the air to avoid it as it smashed into the ground. Grey looked up in surprise to see Dante pull out Ebony and Ivory and open fire towards Grey.

"Ice-Make: Shield!" Grey created a large ice-shield to block the bullets that we're hailing his way. With Dante focused on Grey, Natsu leaped toward him as the red-clad Devil Hunter fell toward the ground with a flaming fist.

"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu's fist collided with the flat side of Rebellion that Dante brought up at the last minute, causing Dante to fly back and skid his feet to halt on the ground.

Grey came up behind Dante as he prepared his attack and Natsu prepared one of his own, both hopping to catch him in the crossfire.

"Ice-Make: Lance!"

"Fire Dragon Roar!"

Dante smirked as the attacks came close to him, only for the Son of Sparda to limbo his body, causing both attacks to fly over him and subsequently hit the other wizard. Grey was comically blown away by a blast of fire, while Natsu was also hit by Grey's ice-attack in comic fashion.

"Watch where you're shooting Grey!" Natsu called out with a tick mark on his head.

"I can say the same to you, you morron!" Grey shouted back in comic anger as well.

Both of them collided their heads and glared at each other with an orange aura around Natsu and a blue one around Grey.

"You wanna piece of me you pervert!?" Natsu challenged.

"Any day of the week numbskull!" Grey countered

As they glared at each other, Dante appeared quickly behind them and comically smacked their heads together; causing both to fall on the ground with large bumps on their heads.

"Well, looks like I win." Dante said smugly.

"Cheap shot." Natsu uttered as Dante held both his hands toward them as both Natsu and Grey we're helped onto their feet.

It had been about a week since the whole fiasco with Edolas came to an end. After resting for sometime, Dante decided to get a good work out in, and it came in the form of both Natsu and Grey. The fire-breather was ever eager to get a rematch at the Devil Hunter, but the Ice-Make wizard wasn't too interested at first, that is until Natsu called him a chicken and he agreed to jump in just to prove the Dragon Slayer wrong. Five minutes later, they we're on the outskirts of Magnolia, around the same spot where they returned to Earthland from Edolas via the Reverse-Anima.

"Quick question." Dante pointed out as they began walking back. "Why do you guys fight each other? I get the whole 'fire-versus-ice' thing, but seriously, you guys take this to a certain extreme. Even I think it's a bit ridiculous"

"Blame the hot-head here always picking fights." Grey pointed his thumb to said hot-head.

"At least I don't strip." Natsu replied in a comic growl.

"Hey guys!"

This shout came from Happy on his wings, followed by Lucy and Lisanna as they ran up to the hill towards the three males.

"How'd it go?" Happy asked.

"Went well, until these two knuckleheads started to act like idiots as usual." Dante cracked; earning a comic scowl from both Natsu and Grey.

"Somehow, that's not too surprising." Lucy had a sweatdrop on her head while Lisanna and Happy both giggled a bit.

"Hey, uh Natsu?" Lisanna asked, getting his attention.

"Yeah?"

"I just found a job, and it actually pays quite well."

"You're going on jobs already?" Grey asked.

Lisanna nodded. "I know I only just got back from Edolas, but I'm still a part of Fairy Tail, and I think its time I start getting my feet wet again."

Dante gave a smile of approval. "Sounds like a plan."

"Yeah, I'm sure Elfman and Mira are gonna…" Natsu tried to speak but Lisanna spoke up.

"Actually Natsu, I was kind of wondering,…" she looked a little sheepish. "If maybe, you want to come with me?"

This took Grey and Lucy by surprise a bit, Dante had a smirk on his face while Happy was trying hard to suppress his giggles.

Natsu looked a bit surprised by that. "You wanna come with me?"

Lisanna's cheeks we're slightly red. "Yeah I mean… we haven't really talked much… and I figured… this may be the best way to catch up. I've got quite a lot to tell you."

Natsu gave his trademark grin and a thumbs up. "Sounds like a plan! When do you wanna go?"

"How's about in a few hours?"

"You got it!"

"Great!" Lisanna exclaimed with a large smile. "I'm gonna go tell Mira and Elfman! See you back at the Guild Hall!" She ran back towards the town.

Lucy looked a bit confused as the group saw her go off. "Okay, what was all that about?"

"You heard her, she wants to catch up with Natsu." Grey replied.

"Is that all their gonna be doing?" Lucy wondered.

"I highly doubt that." Dante said with a knowing grin.

"Yeah cause she liiikes you Natsu." Happy trolled.

"Shut up Happy." Natsu grumbled while Dante chuckled a bit with Grey, while Lucy instinctively gave a glare toward the flying blue cat. Natsu calmed down a bit. "So we better get going, huh Happy?"

"Actually, Calra and I we're gonna go out to see where the Exceeds live. If we're gonna visit them, we should know where there new home is." Happy replied.

"Going with Carla, huh?" Natsu had a sinister grin and decided to get some payback. "You liiike her!"

"THAT'S MY THING COPY CAT!" Happy comically yelled with white-circled-eyes and a red face. This resulted in Grey and Lucy laughing at Happy's expense with Dante smirking.

"Not so fun being on the receiving end, eh furball?" Dante cracked.

"Then I'll get my payback when you start going out with Lady!" Happy comically exclaimed in anger toward Dante.

"Yeah, trying say that to her and see how far you get." Dante warned. Happy suddenly got goose bumps as he imagined a scary-version of Lady with glowing red eyes and holding both pistols in her hands.

While most of the group laughed at the exchange; Lucy couldn't help but get this weird feeling about imagining Natsu and Lisanna alone together. Wait, why was she imagining that? It's not like she was jealous, was she?

A few hours later

Natsu and Lisanna we're at the gate about to head out; while Dante, Grey, Lucy, Happy, Mira, Elfman, and Lady, even Master Makarov and Gildarts we're seeing them off.

"We'll I guess we're off!" Natsu said to the group.

"Adios flame-for-brain." Dante gave a salute from his fingers.

"You sure you don't wanna come Happy, it could be fun?" Natsu offered with his smile.

"Nah, I'm good."

"Lisanna, you be careful, okay?" Mira told her younger sister.

"I'll be fine, big sis. Don't worry about me." Lisanna assured.

"Hey Natsu!" Elfman called out to him. "If you are any bit the real man as you say you are, then you better protect my little sister with your life! Or else you're not a real man!"

This caused Natsu to look both surprised and confused at the same time. "Uh… sure…" He replied, not sure exactly what to make of that particular statement.

"Elfman, it's alright." Lisanna told her older brother. "There's no fighting on this job. We'll be back by tomorrow."

"Well, if you say so." Mira nodded as she placed a hand on her older brother's shoulder and calmed him down a bit.

"You have made it clear that you intend to be careful Lisanna." Makarov began. "However, I still must insist. Forgive me, but I am an old man who is simply looking out for his children."

"It's okay Master, I get it." Lisanna understood.

"You don't have to be so uptight Gramps, I'll take care of her." Natsu assured.

"I'm holding you to that." Makarov replied, in a bit of a joking tense.

"You two lovebirds have fun!" Gildarts joked causing Natsu to develop a tick mark on his head while Lisanna's face turned red. Everyone else laughed, though Dante did catch a certain look Lucy had on her face.

Once that was all done; both Natsu and Lisanna turned around and began to make their walk toward their job; leaving the group alone as they saw them off.

"Should we just let them go off alone like this?" Lucy voiced out loud.

"What's the big deal?" Lady shrugged. "It's just a simple job, it's not like they're jumping head first into the Demon Realm."

"I certainly hope not." Mira said.

"I know, but still…"

"Is it just me, or do I hear a bit of jealousy in your voice Lucy?" Happy teased.

This caused Lucy's own face to mix both a blush and one of anger. "No! It's nothing like that! Where'd you get that idea?!"

"What would she be jealous of, exactly?" Grey wondered.

"Oh just those two being alone. Without any form of supervision." Dante joked.

"Shut up Dante!" Lucy comically yelled at him.

"Natsu better not be thinking taking away my sister's innocence or he's gonna answer to me!" Elfman swore off.

"Uh… I don't think we'd have to worry about that." Mira chuckled nervously, though she'd be lying if she said she wasn't a bit worried about the same sort of thing.

Dante chuckled at this alongside Gildarts. "Man I love this guild."

"You and me both, buddy." Gildarts agreed as the two exchanged a fist-bump.

Elsewhere

It was a darkened cavern that the eldest son of Sparda, Vergil, walked through. He had just finished meeting with the seven individuals that Arkham mentioned, those who's souls would be compatible with the demonic names needed for his goal. Though they we're humans, their own souls we're each black enough in their own way that it surpassed the average demon.

Vergil heard footsteps coming from the direction he was walking toward and saw his partner-in-crime coming toward him.

"Arkham." Vergil greeted.

"Are you impressed with what I had assembled?"

"They will be sufficient enough." Vergil replied before he spoke again. "I noticed however that you are empty-handed."

"It would seem the Magic Council's prison is a bit more secured than I had originally believed." Arkham stated.

"You've sent demons to that place and not only have they failed to acquire their target, but you've already acquired unwanted attention." Vergil told him.

"Attention was bound to be gained at some point in our little venture." Arkham said. "And besides that, the demons I sent we're minor creatures, things that would seem beneath the Magic Council's notice. I merely wished to test the security of the prison, and now that I have knowledge of it, it should be easier to acquire the Celestial Wizard imprisoned there."

Vergil gave a 'hmp' in response as Arkham continued. "And what of your end? Did you manage to see her?"

"A demon that I had sent, too lowly of power for even my brother to sense, did indeed make confirmation. It would seem that the youngest of the Strauss siblings is indeed alive." Vergil said. "I myself already have a plan in place."

"Oh?"

Before Arkham could question further; a large individual shrouded in a cloak suddenly appeared in front of Vergil and bowed on its feet. It spoke in a deep voice that sounded somewhat reptilian.

"Master Vergil, you summoned me?"

"Indeed. You are to find the girl named Lisanna Strauss, and bring her to me alive."

"And if anyone tries to stop me?"

"Kill them."

"As you wish, Master." The being vanished from sight. Arkham looked somewhat questionably at Vergil.

"You do not truly believe that demon can capture the girl, do you?"

"It has been two years since she was last seen." Vergil replied. "I wish to know if she had developed any strength since then." Vergil had never seen Lisanna in action and only had reputation to go on while he studied the Fairy Tail guild shortly after Dante joined to get a better understanding of his opponents; and seeing how strong Fairy Tail was, he was not about to take any chances. If this being could capture her, then it would be a victory, if not then Vergil knew that she would be more of a challenge and would respond accordingly.

"You seem to take up the same tactic I used recently on the Magic Council's prison." Arkham noted. "One that you criticized upon."

"The Magic Council is little more than a nuisance, I'd prefer not to be annoyed." Vergil said. "Fairy Tail has proven to be the challenge and not something I'll take my chances with."

The job Lisanna picked was simple enough. Get some fish and turn it over to a vendor at a local market in the town they would be staying in. Natsu wasn't one to be patient, as he knew how much time fishing took, but since it was the first job he was sharing with Lisanna in two years, he'd figure he could handle it. That is until he learned what it was they we're fishing for.

They weren't by a river but instead looking up at the sky at the one thing Natsu feared more than moving vehicles, perhaps even more than Erza: Flying Fish.

"Of all the things I've seen in Edolas the last two years, I'd never thought I'd see anything like fish that actually live out of water, much less fly." Lisanna commented. "Guess we won't be needing these." She put down the fishing rods and boxes of bait that she brought. "Wonder how we're gonna get them."

"I'm on it." Natsu said, eager to get this over with, as he stepped forward and readied his signature attack.

"Fire Dragon Roar!"

He unleashed a powerful fire-breath from his mouth at the stream of winged-fish in the sky above. In less than a minute, at least four dozen of them fell on the ground in a pile of cooked fish, each with Xs for eyes.

"Got em!" Natsu said in his typical upbeat attitude, while Lisanna had a nervous smile and a sweatdrop on her head.

"Well, that's one way of doing it."

Sometime later, the duo we're in the market of the local town where Natsu dropped a net filled of all the fish he fried in the back of the stall of their client.

"Oh thank you!" Their client thanked. "This is more winged fish than I could have ever hopped for! And you even cooked them for me!"

"Uh yeah…. Just thought we'd…. save you the trouble." Lisanna nervously said.

"So, gotta ask; why winged fish?" Natsu asked their client.

"Oh well I've heard of these exotic beauties, so I'd thought I'd give them a try. I'm sure I'll have customers lined up throughout the entire market once they get just a sample of this exquisite taste!"

"You better be prepared to be disappointed." Natsu thought.

"Now here is your payment." The client handed Lisanna an envelope with their payment inside. "And as well, take some free samples!" He also handed her a set of wrapped up winged fish.

"Thank you." Lisanna thanked before they walked away.

Once they we're far enough away from the man's hearing, Natsu made sure to have his warnings known. "You should really throw those out Lisanna, trust me."

The white-haired girl looked a bit skepticallyat the fish before breaking off a piece and popping one in her mouth, much to Natsu's disgust. It took five seconds for Lisanna's eyes to widen and her face to turn purple. She then spat it out and rubbed her tongue.

Natsu stiffened a chuckle. "I tried to warn ya." He handed her a water bottle.

"Not funny Natsu." She drank the water to get the awful taste out of her mouth. Despite that, it took a few seconds before both of them laughed.

"Hey uh… Natsu."

"Yeah?"

"Well, now that we've got plenty of free time, I was thinking about…" Lisanna tried to find the right words. "So much has changed with Fairy Tail, and I…"

"You want me to catch you up on what you missed?" Natsu asked, having a feeling she'd go that way. There was a great deal of difference between the Fairy Tail she remembered and the one that stood tall now.

"Yeah, there's just a lot."

Natsu smiled. "Well, have I got quite a few stories to tell you."

The two then proceeded to walk down the market as Natsu began to explain what's been happening with Fairy Tail these past two years.

Fairy Tail Guildhall

It was pretty late in the evening; the sun was setting, as Modeus walked into the Guildhall, behind him was Wendy. She was wearing a white top and some blue sweat pants with her hair tied back in a ponytail; she must have went through a bit of a workout, evident by her exhausted face, her body covered in sweat, and her hands on her knees as she took multiple deep breaths.

A few Guild members noticed the young Sky Dragon Slayer's state. "Hey Wendy, you got back from a marathon, or what?" Cana joked a bit as she held a mug on her hand while sitting with both Trish and Lady at a table.

"I've been… training…" Wendy breathed before Modeus handed her a water bottle, which she was quick to chug down.

"As Wendy said, I had been training her. Not bad for her first day, if I do say so myself." Modeus said as he patted his tired student's back.

"So the little girl wants to pull her own weight, huh?" Lady joked. "Well have at it."

"Just don't go pushing her too hard, Modeus." Trish joked as well.

Modeus could tell they we're joking, but gave an assuring response. "Don't worry, I wouldn't do anything to put her in danger."

"You most certainly better not."

That warning came from Carla as she flew in with Happy, along with the small Panther-Lily as they entered the guildhall.

"Oh Carla…" the tired Wendy breathed a bit. "You're back. Did you, Happy, and Lily find where the Exceeds are staying?"

"Aye." Happy replied. "They're staying in a woods near the mountain-ranges."

"It seems like they'll be able to adapt to Earthland quite well, assuming they stay out of trouble." Lily added.

Modeus nodded. "I'm glad they're finding their new place in this world."

As the group talked; Dante, Lucy, and Erza conversed with Master Makarov at the bar when a middle-aged man with short dark blonde hair, a mustache, wearing a dark grey trenchcoat and hat.

"Dante."

The four turned their attention to the man; Dante was the first to recognize him.

"Morrison, been a while."

He gave a bit of a chuckled grunt as he removed his hat. "Yeah well, not exactly easy tracking your main client when he leaves his job to join an official guild, you do then to keep a low profile."

"For obvious reasons." Dante replied, as he knew that Morrison knew of Dante's demonic parentage.

Lucy was quick to catch on. "Dante, does he know about you?"

"Yeah he does." Dante replied. "This guy helped me find jobs when I had my Devil May Cry shop."

Erza was the first to notice the look on his face. "Is something the matter, you seem rather troubled."

Morrison nodded. "I overheard some talk with some Rune Knights at a bar on the way here, and I heard something rather… disturbing."

"Disturbing how, exactly?" Dante asked.

The middle-aged man walked closer as he spoke up. "Apparently a few days ago, the Magic Council was attacked by small group of demons."

That caught Dante's attention, as well as Erza, Lucy Makarov, even Wendy, Modeus, Trish, Lady, Cana, and all three Exceeds.

"Wait, you're serious?" Lucy asked.

"Demons attacked the Magic Council?" Makarov questioned in mild surprise.

"Well they got balls, I'll give them that much." Dante commented.

"Not the Council members specifically, but rather a prison under their control." Morrison corrected.

"We're they trying to help someone escape?" Erza asked.

"I don't know the specifics, but what I did hear left me concerned." Morrison continued. "I even heard, that these demons we're actually part of some new Dark Guild."

If they weren't listening before, they certainly we're now. Modeus walked toward the conversation with Wendy behind him.

"Are you certain of this?" Modeus asked.

"From what I heard, yeah." Morrison continued. "As I said, I don't know the specifics of this guild, or even if they're part of the Baram Alliance or not."

Dante looked a bit in thought while Erza chose to spoke up. "So demons joining a Dark Guild; well considering we got Sparda's son in Fairy Tail, I guess it was only a matter of time before other demons would follow suit."

"So what are we gonna do about this new Dark Guild?" Lucy asked.

"Northing for now." Makarov said, catching everyone's attention.

"Master? Why?" Happy asked.

"While I do find this information disturbing, these demons attacked a facility owned by the Magic Council, I personally believe we should let them handle it." Makarov answered.

"So we just leave it to them, is that a good idea Dante?" Wendy asked him, considering he was the expert on all things demonic.

"Fighting demons is rarely a good idea." Dante replied.

"Maybe you and the rest of Fairy Tail should keep your head down on this one, Dante." Morrison said. "I also spoke with the former Council member Yajima at his restaurant on the way here. Despite being retired, he's still keeping tabs on them thanks to his former collogue Org, who is still a member. Apparently, this new Magic Council is much more strict with the last one and are seeing Fairy Tail as quite problematic."

"I see where you're going with this." Trish said. "If we just went up and took care of something the Council was supposed to do, they could say that we interfered in their work which will give them an excuse to disband us."

"Exactly." Morrison confirmed.

"So demons are running around and we can't do anything?" Lily questioned.

"That's exactly it, fur-ball." Lady told the black Exceed. "Not unless these demons attack us directly." She sighed as she rubbed her head. "Politics always give me a headache."

"Thank you for this information Morrison." Makarov thanked. "We will take precautions." He looked toward his 'children'. "Keep your guard up, but don't go looking for these demons unless they give us a reason to. We've had more than enough tension with the previous Magic Council, I don't want to test the patience of this new one, especially if they are as strict and controlling as I hear."

Everyone nodded, some did it more reluctantly as they we're not too comfortable with this decision. Dante looked Morrison.

"Did you at least get a name with this new Dark Guild?"

"Yeah." Morrison nodded. "They call themselves Devil Hand."

It was nightfall as Natsu and Lisanna sat on the bench at the town's park. Natsu had pretty much told her what had happen since she was presumed deceased. He told her about Galaluna island, and Grey's past with Lyon, he also told her of how Lucy joined Fairy Tail, the war against Phantom Lord, which resulted in the destruction of their old Guild Hall. Lisanna was quite sad to hear about that, and even more when she heard of Lucy's past in the house she despised so very much; but was glad to know that Natsu and the others helped her find a home in Fairy Tail. She had also learned about the whole mess at the Tower of Heaven, as well as Jellal, that also saddened Lisanna; she was aware that Erza likely had a soft spot, but she had no idea that the famous 'Titania' went through.

What came, as an even greater surprise to Lisanna was when she was told about Laxus' 'Battle of Fairy Tail' and his attempt to usurp the guild and almost threatening to destroy all of Magnolia. She wasn't too surprised to hear he got expelled for that, but she felt somewhat bad for him. She was then told about the Oracion Seis and how that led to Wendy joining Fairy Tail.

Lisanna was beyond surprised to learn that both Gajeel and Wendy from Earthland we're Dragon Slayers, and they also lost their dragons the same way Natsu did, on the exact same day to if you can believe it. Her surprise didn't end when she found out both Laxus and that Cobra-guy from the Oracion Seis we're also Dragon Slayers, but unlike Natsu and the others, they didn't have dragon-mentors but actually had Dragon Slayer lacrima implanted in their bodies.

Needles to say; this was a whole lot for her to take in.

"Wow." Lisanna breathed. "Two years… and I thought what we all went through in Edolas was crazy."

"Yeah, a lot has happened since then." Natsu agreed.

Lisanna looked down. "I do feel bad for Laxus, I know he went too far, but… I just hope he can find peace one day." She smiled a bit. "But I'm actually glad that both the Wendy and Gajeel here in Earthland are also Dragon Slayers like you."

Natsu smiled back. "Yeah; Gajeel may be a jerk, but… I guess it kinda feels cool to know I'm not the only one. Don't get me wrong, I'm not lonely; I got Happy and the rest of Fairy Tail. But I'm glad I'm not the only Dragon Slayer out there, and I'm not…" his smile faded. "the only one who… lost their… parent."

Lisanna looked to Natsu in sympathy. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find Igneel some day. I'm sure he's still out there."

"I hope so." Natsu looked toward the full moon in the night sky, thinking about his adoptive father.

Lisanna saw that this topic was bothering him and decided to change it up a bit, with something that's been on her mind for a while now.

"Hey Natsu, I still have one question. Who's Dante?"

Natsu looked toward her as she continued.

"I didn't see anyone else like him in Edolas, which was weird but…." Lisanna stuttered for a bit. "He got stabbed by Erza Knightwalker, I saw that… and he just… got up like it was nothing! Plus I saw him transform into something else! I know it wasn't a Take Over spell, but… who is he?"

Natsu chuckled a bit. "You ever heard of the Legend of Sparda?"

This seemed to confuse the White Haired girl a bit. "Uh… I think so, I heard it from my parents a long time ago. A demon named Sparda turned against the Underworld and fought to protect the Human World. But what does that have to do with Dante?"

"Sparda's his dad."

The look on Lisanna's face was priceless. Her face was blank as it looked like her pupils shrank for a bit and her mouth was a perfect 'o'.

"Dante… is… Sparda's… son?"

"Yep." Natsu nodded.

It took a second for it to further sink in. "Wow… I mean just… wow. So, Dante's… a demon?"

"Half demon." Natsu corrected. "His mom was human. But apparently, both of them we're killed when he was a kid."

Lisanna looked in shock at that statement as Natsu continued.

"He was on his own for a long time. He taught himself how to fight, he even opened up his own shop called 'Devil May Cry'."

That caused Lisanna to giggle a bit. "'Devil May Cry'? Where'd he come up with that?"

Natsu laughed a bit. "But his shop was trashed when he was on the same kind of job that Erza, Grey, Lucy, Wendy, Happy, Carla, and I we're all on. After that he joined up with the guild."

Lisanna seemed to understand all that. "So, that transformation of his?"

"He calls it his Devil Trigger." Natsu explained. "Its basically a huge power up for him."

Lisanna let all this process. "Fairy Tail has grown a lot since I've last seen it. First it has three Dragon Slayers, now the Son of Sparda?"

Natsu smirked a bit. "Funny you mentioned that. Apparently, Sparda knew Igneel."

"Wait… you're serious?!" The surprised Lisanna exclaimed.

"Yep." Natsu nodded. "Sparda was actually friends with the dragons, and apparently he and Igneel we're best buds."

This caused the white-haired girl to smile. "I take it that means you and Dante are also best friends?"

"The guy's a part of my family." Natsu confirmed. "He promised to help me find Igneel, and while I agree that he is awesome on every level, I'm still gonna kick his ass one day!" Natsu declared with a confident smile and a clenched fist.

Lisanna giggled once more, that was so like Natsu, always picking fights with strong opponents, but also seeing some of them as his friends. He'd do it all the time with Erza, Grey, Laxus, even a few times with Mira; she could tell that while he and Dante may have known each other for a short time, they we're already very good friends.

"I take it that means you haven't beaten him yet." She teased.

Natsu looked comically shocked and irritated. "Well… no… but I almost got him a few times!"

"But not completely, right?" Lisanna continued to tease

This caused Natsu to pout. "No." Lisanna laughed at this, and Natsu was quick to follow through with his own laugh.

It seemed like a perfect night. The clouds cleared to reveal a starry sky and a bright full moon. The light shinned on Lisanna's face and Natsu could have sworn he'd seen her face sparkle.

"I missed that smile of yours." Natsu said to her as their laugh died down. "I missed you."

Lisanna had a bit of a sad smile herself. "I missed you to." Her sad face became more evident as she seemed to have regret in her eyes. "I'm sorry Natsu."

"For what?"

"For leaving you, and all our friends." Lisanna said as tears began to form in her eyes. "You all thought I was gone…. I… it must have been so hard for all of you, for Mira, for Elfman, for Master, for Happy… for… You." Tears streamed down her face as Natsu looked toward her in sympathy.

"I should have… looked for… a way back." Lisanna cried. "I should have come back."

"Lisanna, that wasn't your fault." Natsu told her. "You had no idea what was going on. Plus you and the rest of Fairy Tail in Edolas we're being chased by a bunch of power hungry nutjobs."

"I know but… but I…" Lisanna buried her hands in her face. "I… wanted to come home but I also… I…."

Natsu grabbed Lisanna by the shoulders and pulled her into an embrace, surprising Lisanna a great deal.

"It's okay, Lisanna it's okay." Natsu told her. "You're here now, you're home. That's all that matters. No one blames you; not Mira and Elfman, not Happy, and certainly not me. Because it's been your smile that's kept me going."

Lisanna was greatly surprised as Natsu continued to speak while holding her close.

"No matter what happened, you always smiled. And I promised myself that I'd keep going for your sake." Lisanna heard Natsu's voice began to crack as he was letting some of his emotions out to. "I should be saying sorry… because…. I promised you if you got lost I'd find you… But I… I couldn't keep that promise! I…"

Lisanna returned the embrace as she tried to comfort the sobbing Dragon Slayer. "But you did Natsu. You did find me, and you brought me home."

They both pulled away as they met each other's gazes. The moon shinned brightly on them as they felt their faces coming closer to one another. Their eyes slowly began to close, their lips we're less than an inch apart.

However, something caught Natsu's nose before their lips could meet. His eyes widened as he quickly grabbed Lisanna and jumped out of the way just as something came crashing down and smashing the bench they we're just sitting on.

Natsu had carried Lisanna a bit aways before landing on the ground. He quickly set the shocked Lisanna down as he glared at the dust pile. Something came out; it was a rather large individual shrouded in a dark hooded robe and it moved at such speed it seemed almost imposible for a normal person to see.

The being lunged toward Lisanna, but Natsu was able to intercept it with a powerful punch to the face area and send it skidding across the ground before it stood up straight.

The creature chuckled a bit. "Nice punch. Your reputation precedes you, Salamander."

"Who the hell are you!" Natsu questioned angrily as he stood protectively in front of the still-shocked Lisanna. His nose took a few whiffs as a serious look came on his face. "You're a demon!"

This caught Lisanna by surprise, but this large creature didn't look the least bit shocked, evident by its dark chuckle.

"Correct, I am indeed a demon!" He threw away his robe to reveal his large and imposing form. He stood at a massive frame of ten feet tall, about the same size as Elfman's Beast Soul transformation with equally muscular arms and legs. He bore the appearance that seemed to blend a komodo dragon and a crocodile. His body was covered in dark green scales equivalent to that of a crocodile with a large and imposing tale, razor sharp black claws and white teeth, a large snout that seemed like one would find on a komodo dragon and red reptilian slit eyes.

"But I'm not just any demon. My name is Cragnar, I'm of the Three Brothers, a sub group of the Devil Hand Guild!"

That took both Natsu and Lisanna by surprise. "Devil Hand?" Natsu questioned.

"This demon is part of a Dark Guild?" Lisanna questioned as well.

"What do you want with us?" Natsu demanded.

"Not you, Dragon Slayer." Cragnar pointed to the white-haired girl. "I'm here for the girl: Lisanna Strauss!"

"ME!?" Lisanna almost screamed.

"My master demands your presence, and I will bring you to him."

"Over my dead body scale-head!" Natsu challenged as both his fists lit on fire.

Cragnar smiled in sadistic anticipation. "I was hopping you'd say that. I'm quite hungry." He lunged at the Dragon Slayer with his saliva-coated fangs.

Done.

I know this chapter seems a bit short compared to some of the other chapters I've posted. Writing my own original chapters is a bit difficult compared to writing based on episodes of a show that was already made; I have to make my own original fights and sequences. But regardless, I still plan to continue this story, no matter the trials to come my way.

Now we have seen one of the demons in Vergil's new Dark Guild. What does he want from Lisanna? And why did they attack a prison of the Magic Council? Expect a few more questions to rise and some other twists to take place here as the story continues.

See you all soon with the next update.