As Mirajane activated the spell her body began to glow and slowly an outline of her body started to move forward away from her like an avatar made of light. After a few moments the shape of the of the avatar slowly morphed into a different silhouette; horns began growing out of the head, the body taking shape of a curvaceous woman, and long, straight hair was flowing out. After the general form had taken hold, the color started to fill in starting from her golden horns going to her raven black hair and ending with her pale skin. Before long a beautiful woman clad in a short, blue leopard print kimono and black, thigh high stockings with her hair tided back with a white ribbon.

The female Etherious looked around the room seemingly sizing up the people occupying it before turning to Mirajane.

"I see that you are becoming more and more proficient at that technique, Mistress Mirajane." When the occupants of the room heard how the demon referred to their friend, they all had varying reactions. Master Makarov had a perverted smirk on his face, Levy, for what seemed like the 20th time since stepping foot into the office had another blush on her face looking between the two. And Natsu, he just looked dead at Mirajane with the biggest teasing smirk he could muster.

"Seilah, I've told you before not to call me that!" Mirajane squeaked out. She was trying to ignore the various looks that her guild mates/master were giving her, but that couldn't stop the small tinting of her cheeks.

"Forgive me Lady Mirajane, I suppose old habits die hard." Seilah closed her eyes and offered a small bow before standing back up straight and turning to Natsu. "Master E.N.D., I expect no forgiveness for transgressions I've committed against you and your mistresses. If my soul wasn't already bound to Lady Mirajane, I would happily offer my service to you for the rest of eternity to try and make up for it." With this stated she bowed even deeper towards him.

"M-mistresses?" Shock had taken over the fire mage while the rest of the rooms expressions intensified with Mirajane and Natsu switching roles from the teased to teaser. With a hand covering her mouth Mirajane inquired, "Oh my, is that how you see us Natsu? Poor Lisanna will be heartbroken to find out she's not the main wife and just regressed to a mistress. Let's not even get started on Erza, you know how competitive she can be, especially against me. Ufufufu~" Her teasing smirk had outclassed Natsu's by leagues by the end, with her comments causing him to shudder as he imagined either situation.

"I don't think Erza would even pay attention to what she was trying to compete for and then once she found out she would blame it on me and try and punish me for being a pervert." There was a forlorn look his eye as he thought of the single-minded red head before he focused back to the other Etherious in the room. "Seilah, to be honest I do feel resentment towards what you did, however I'm not the one that you should seek forgiveness from first. The man behind you, you harmed his children. Short of the people involved themselves, you need to earn his forgiveness before mine would ever come. Unfortunately that is going to have to wait for another time, as you should know I have a few questions that I have no answers to and you are the only one that I can think of to ask."

Seilah stood back up and looked at Mirajane with eyes that seemed to ask permission to continue, which was immediately granted. She then turned back to Natsu, "Master E.N-." "Natsu, just Natsu." "Master Natsu, I would be more than willing to answer any questions to the best of my abilities. The opportunity to assist you brings me great pleasure."

Natsu awkwardly scratched his cheek, still not used to having servants. Much less, servants with this much enthusiasm to serve. He put his hand down before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to calm himself down. Releasing the breath and locking eyes with Seilah once again, he began. "I guess I should start with my biggest question first. Are Etherious, or rather, am I, immortal?"

The room was in a dead silence at the question. Master Makarov closed his eyes grimly, realizing the full implications to that question. Was Natsu going to outlive everyone? Would he have to stand by and watch as everyone he knew and loved grew old and died? If he settled down and took a wife and had children, would he have to watch as they grew up, questioning him why he never got older, then was forced to bury his own children when they grew old? Would his children inherit the curse of immortality having his demon blood in their veins? Or even the seemingly unrelated question, could he even have children?

Levy, even as smart as she was, took a bit longer to understand Natsu's question in full just like the now somber guild master had. When she did, she covered her mouth with a gasp and tears began forming in her eyes and running down her cheeks. She knew how much the guild meant to the dragon slayer and how he didn't always react well to change. She could imagine the guild in 50 years when everyone was older, yet Natsu still retained his youth going out on missions with a new team. A team made up of his best friends children or even grandchildren. She knew that he would still care for and protect them all the same, but she also knew that it wouldn't be the same.

Mirajane, after her own realizations, did the only thing she could think of and wrapped her arms around the man, burying her face in his chest to try and hide her tears. She understood why he was so torn between the guild and going to Alvarez. If he was going to be forced to watch as his family grew older and turned to dust, wouldn't it be better to just leave on a high note and distance himself from them so that neither party had to experience that rather unnerving future? The worst part was, she knew in her heart that if he knew that it would cause less tears and pain to everyone else, he would do it without any questions. He would take all the pain and suffering that he could to protect them. That's why he had kept all the information and his thoughts to himself, so that he wouldn't burden his family with this absurd situation. He didn't want his family to try and tell him that they would be fine when in truth, this was an unfathomable situation for either party.

Natsu, after seeing everyone's reactions, knew that they were smart enough to figure out most, if not all, of his hidden meanings to his inquiry. He wrapped his arms around the crying woman in front of him, gently petting her head in a futile effort to try and calm her down. His gaze shifted to all the people present before once again resting on the beautiful, raven haired demon. His uncertainty must have been transmitted to the woman in his arms, because she just held him tighter, unwilling to let him go.

Seilah, still not fully understand human emotions, stayed quite as the room reacted to the question. She took in his query and thought about the best way to answer, attempting to read the room. Her time with Mirajane had given her a better insight to humans and she knew that the humans in the room reacted negatively to the question, though she didn't understand why. Deciding that a straight-forward answer would be the best to avoid any misunderstandings, she opened her mouth to give her thoughts.

"The Etherious do not age, so with my understanding of our race that would imply yes, we are immortal. Although, Mard Geer and I have only been around for a couple hundred years, the extent of our supposed immortality had yet to be fully realized." The answer did no favors to the rest of the groups feelings, though there were thankful for an honest answer. "However, you, Master Natsu, are different than the rest of the Etherious."

This got some questioning stares from 3 of the 4 people, Mirajane refusing to move in any way. "You were created with the base of a human body while the rest of the Etherious we born of pure ethernano. I would assume this is why you have aged. What that means for you lifespan or your aging process, I'm afraid I cannot answer that. You are Etherious that much I can sense now, but you are also different. Even when we fused the demon particles with other humans, the compatibility was a major factor, we had no subjects that lived past a few years. Clearly you have lived much longer as well as pushing the limits of your body to extremes. Normally that would cause the body to breakdown faster. Lord Zeref never granted us with the knowledge of your conception, only a vague understanding of our own, knowing that we could not mimic it. Once again, I am terribly sorry for my incompetence Master." Finishing with a quick bow, she understood enough that this was going to take time for the attendees to assimilate this information.

While the others took in the information, Natsu, who kept is arms around the barmaid, kept a stoic face. "No, Seilah. You did what was asked, I never expected to have a straight answer in the first place. Truthfully I had thought about it and had assumed that I was different than the rest of the Etherious as you said. I just wanted a second opinion. Is there anything else you can tell me about my body? Weaknesses? What my curse power actually is or how to use it right? That and that Hell's Core thing, would that work for me? I know the demon particles healed Mira and she's just a take-over mage, not an actual demon."

"Just a take-over mage, huh? I'll show you an actual demon," Mirajane, who had pulled her head out of his chest, looked up at Natsu indigently with puffed cheeks.

Natsu looked down at her stunned that she would react to that, also a little glad she was in the mood for teasing all things considered. "Shush you, you know what I mean. You're the best and most beautiful take-over mage in the world." As he said that he pushed her head back into his chest and gently held her there, but he could feel the smile on her face as she squeezed him in retaliation and murmured into his chest, "And don't you forget it, mister."

Waiting for their interactions to cease, Seilah thought over the questions she was just asked and when they were done and straightened out her answer, she started to talk, "About your body, aside from sharing the Etherious durability that we all had to an extent, I cannot say. We share the same general physiology as humans. We just do not have the need eat, though we can still taste and process foods the same. The ability to procreate also remains in the same manner that humans do, even the genitalia is the same. Biologically we should be able to reproduce with a human partner as well, however I am uncertain if an ordinary human female could actually carry the child safely though. We never saw the need to test it. However, as stated previously, you are different. You are biologically more human than the rest of the Etherious were, so in an educated guess, reproduction should prove to be no issue. Although there may be compatibility issues such as needing a strong mate that can handle the child, because without a doubt it will be a powerful child. If I may even be so bold to state, Lady Mirajane would be an ideal partner for you. The demon particles in her body due to her magic would very likely allow for a healthy conception and pregnancy, and we all know for a fact she is a strong female. That, and her will-"

"OKAY SEILAH! I THINK WE'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THAT SUBJECT! Thank you!" In a blushing fury, Mirajane had loosened herself from Natsu and turned on the demon. She looked at the other two occupants of the room and Master Makarov had a knowing, teasing smirk on his face, and Levy, along with her blush was had her hands in front of her mouth still, but the facial expression behind it was completely different. The petite girl was trying to hold back her laughter and teasing the woman that was usually the one that let her matchmaking get the better of her. Unable to take the stares she was getting, she backed up into Natsu and grabbed his scarf to cover her face. "W-we can talk about that stuff at a later time.. that is if it's necessary." She said the last part peaking over the scarf, staring the Etherious.

"Very well, forgive me Lady Mirajane. Continuing about your body, your magic; Dragon Slayer magic in general, not just for you but all of what you call first generation as well as the two that call themselves 'third generation', have a naturally lengthened lifespan. Again, it is unknown how long. Acnologia lived for well over 400 years, but he was affected by the dragonification just like Irene Belserion. Irene being the first and Acnologia being one of the first dragon slayers. However, both are dead and we possess no method of bringing them back, not that I would recommend do so for the latter. However, picking the brain of Irene could lead to a trove of knowledge about dragon slayers, her being the one that created the magic."

"No," was the immediate response from the dragon slayer in the room. His voice cold and fierce. "As much as I would love to let Erza make-up and have a real relationship with her mother, unlike my brother, I believe the dead should stay dead. No matter how much heartache it may cause." This declaration was met with approving nods from the 3 humans in the room. "Besides, I have something from Irene herself. When I went to Alvarez part of Zeref's will was carried out and part of it was 3 information lacrimas. I don't know their full contents, but I know that one was from Zeref himself and another was from Irene. Well, I don't think she knew it would go to me, but Zeref left a note saying that he had ordered her to fill one with everything she knew about dragons, dragon slayers, and their respective magics. I wasn't given them until I was about to leave and since I've been back I haven't had time to look through them, well that and I don't know Archive magic. Only person that I knew that had it was that pretty boy from Blue Pegasus and he may be an ally, but the information on dragon slayer magic isn't something I'm willing to trust to someone that is just an ally."

His gazed turned to the bluenette, whom he had just been told earlier that had said magic. "Levy, if it's not too much trouble would you be willing to help me sort through it with your Archive magic? You're one of the few that I know I can trust with this knowledge. I'd like to go through it and give all the dragon slayers any relevant stuffs to their dragon or magic. I may not want the title, but apparently it's not something that I have a say in so I might as well act like it every once in a while." The last sentence was said under his breath, but sulking barmaid in his scarf heard it and look at him with a questioning gaze. He returned it with one that said he would explain later before looking back at Levy when she spoke up.

"If you're gonna say all that then I have to help you out. I'm honored that you'd trust me with something like that. Gajeel told me once that arts, knowledge and magic that the dragons passed down to their children or their slayers was really personal, so I kinda understand how serious this is. Whenever you're ready just come grab me, I'll make time. Although I only know the basics so far, I can try and teach you the magic too so you can look through the one from Zeref. I bet that one has a ton of personal stuff on it." The smile on her face was testament to her eagerness to both be of use and learn more about dragon culture. That and the amount of trust her friend was putting in her.

Natsu's infamous megawatt smile came across his face, "Thanks Lev, I'm sure that Gajeel and Wendy would be fine with you being the one that gets to see it. Also I'd love to learn Archive magic, it looked really nifty when Hibiki used it on the Oración Seis mission. I've been getting Bisca to teach me Re-quip magic too. I'd ask Erza, but I can't bring myself to go through her teaching methods again." As he shuddered out the last part, Levy, Mirajane, and Master Makarov let out short chuckles at him again.

"Anyway," recomposing himself, Natsu looked back at Seilah and Mirajane unhid her face ready to get back to the talk. They only had about 10 minutes left and Natsu could see the Mirajane start to get tired so he wrapped his arms around her to give her support. "What about weaknesses, my curse power and that Hell's Core thing."

"Of course," assenting to him she continued. "Your weaknesses also tie into your base form, E.N.D. is a fire demon as I'm sure you know, so the basic weaknesses would be the same as your slayer magic, however you will be far more susceptible to Devil Slayer magic of any element. As far as I'm aware, Gray Fullbuster is the only known Devil Slayer. Demons tend to not teach others how to kill themselves, Silver Fullbuster of course was an exception as he was human first. Your own natural resistances and magical resistances can of course help in making up for these weaknesses."

"As for your curse power, I could not tell you short of what I said previously, you are a fire demon. We were born with the knowledge of our curse and how to use it. Perhaps Lord Zeref left you some information in one of those information lacrimas he left you. On the other hand, the Hell's Core you mentioned would likely be able to help out immensely. It can never be used to its full capacity with the absence of the Underworld King in the sense that we could resurrect your body should you die, however as a medical treatment facility for you, or even Lady Mirajane, if either of you should be heavily injured. As well as a research facility to attempt to learn more about your own physiology and nature."

"If it's something that can help Mira, as long as it doesn't require sacrifices or other anything similar, I want it. I'll go on as many jobs as I can to pay for it." His clear answer at the revelation that it could be used for her gave Mirajane a light blush, but she also swirled around to face him poking him hard in the chest. "It's for you too mister! You may always come to our rescue, but the state you come out of it in makes me cry. If the Hell's Core can help keep your reckless ass in one piece, then I'm all for it. I'll even go on the jobs with you to help pay for it."

"Hehehehe~ Going on jobs together to build your own secret love nest. How scandalous! It seems like you're trying to get a leg up on the other mistresses." Mirajane turned around to a teasing Levy and saw that even the master and Seilah were holding their laughter. Levy couldn't hold it for long at the face Mirajane had and fell off the couch laughing. "I can see it now, you use your cooking to lure him in to the place that can keep you both healthy and that can help monitor your baby's progress. The other girls sure have a huge gap to fill!"

Mirajane, not being used to being the one teased, just got more flustered and turned to Natsu for him to help her only to find that a blush that was equaling hers on his face as he tried to avoid eye contact with her. Once again not being able to take the stares she once again found her solace in the scaled scarf.

"Seilah do you happen to have the plans to know how to build the Hell's Core?" Master Makarov broke the teasing with a question that cause Levy to calm down and sit back down on the couch, Natsu to turn his head back, and Mirajane to peek out from behind her shield from the mean people.

"I do, however as it would be rather hectic to try and explain it all to Lady Mirajane as she has no understanding of engineering, if you happen to have an empty information lacrima, I can transfer all my knowledge about both the Etherious and the Hell's Core blueprints to one. Although I can't do it in this form, I can work with Lady Mirajane to transfer it when she meditates."

"Good, it's settled then. After I can review the blueprints and approve them, the guild will assist in building it. Sorry Mira, your secret love nest won't be so secret. If this facility can be used to save the lives of even one of my children, then I find it as a necessity. Also despite Levy's teasing, what Seilah said earlier about Natsu and him having children has me concerned. If it can help him bring his children into this world safely, whenever he might see himself ready, then that alone is its own reason to build it. His happiness may come second to him, there are clearly others that are concerned for him in more ways than one. It would bring me great joy to see new lives brought into this world, just so long as it's after I've retired and don't have to look at the repair bills anymore from you heathens."

Before anyone could react, Seilah began to glow and condensed down to a glowing ball before shooting back into Mirajane's stomach. As soon as the light was gone, Mirajane lost all power in her legs and collapsed. Before she got far, she was already in Natsu's arms in a princess carry.

"I guess time was up. I'll take her to the Infirmary so she can rest. Thank you for all your help gramps. You too Levy, I think I'm gonna go take a job with my team. I know they have been worrying about me, so I guess it would be good to go explain some stuff to them. When I get back we can get together Levy, I'm sure Gajeel can live without you for a few days."

With that said he turned to the door and Levy ran up to open it for him and the both walked out. Master Makarov sat back into his chair looking down at the empty mug.

"That poor child's fate has been damned since he was born, I hope his parents and Igneel can give us strength to support him. I'll be damned if I leave this world before I see that boy have his life and happiness in his own hands."


After leaving the masters office, Levy and Natsu parted ways after a quick good-bye, and Natsu went to take his charge to the infirmary as Levy went back downstairs. After he entered to room, he set her down on one of the beds and pulled the sheet to cover her. He reached up to fix her hair and get the few loose strands out of her face with his hand lingering longer than he intended while he looked down at her beautiful blue eyes. When he was pulling his hand away about turn to walk out, she reached up and grabbed his hand to stop him.

"Natsu, I know you're strong. Hell you're probably the strongest person in Ishgar right now, but be safe. Please be safe and come home to me, I'll always be there for you when you come home." Mirajane looked him straight in the eye and took a deep breath before finishing, "No matter where your home might be, if you promise to always come home to me, I promise I'll always be there to welcome you back."

Hoping her meaning was transmitted to the usually dense man, she squeezed his hand before she let go. As if responding to her heart, then next thing he did surprised her. He unwound his scarf and rewrapped it around her neck before saying, "I'll be back for that." And walk out of the infirmary, closing the door behind him. Mirajane, with tears and a smile on her face, buried herself in the overwhelming warmth that the scarf offered before rolling over and succumbing to her exhaustion.


Coming out of the infirmary, Natsu went over to the banister and saw his team and saw them still talking amongst each other. He smiled at himself, glad he had such a great team. Then a devious smirk appeared on his face.

"Hey Erza!" He shouted out, she stopped talking and looked up at her teammate with a questioning gaze. "Let's go on an S-class mission, a monster extermination one. I need a ton of jewels and I wanna punch something and I don't think Gray's face can handle it. It's a win-win."

"What was that, you flaming pile of dragon shit!" Came the expected response from the ice mage. "You wanna try saying that to my face?!"

"GRAY! LANGUAGE! And put on your clothes!" Erza looked at the offender with a harsh glare, who starting looking around for his clothes only for Juvia to be holding them out for him already folded. Erza then looked back up at Natsu with a kind smile, "Sure Natsu, you can even pick it out as long as you tell us what the jewels are for, I've never seen you too concerned with money so it makes me a little curious."

Natsu already had a job in hand and was taking it to the bar to get stamped off before he turned back to his team with a smirk, "Sure, that's fine." He started to walk out of the guild and was at the door before turning back and saying, "I'm building a secret love nest for me and all my mistresses! I gotta build a demon spawning facility for all little me's to come! See you guys at the train station in a couple hours. Come on, Happy!"

"AYE SIR"

After the dragon slayer and his winged feline companion had left, the entire guild was completely shocked into silence. There were various reactions, mostly blushes from the girls and wide eyes and a gaping jaws from them men. However the most unexpected reaction was from a petite bluenette that just started cackling out of nowhere and yet again had fallen out of her seat. All the while holding a Pantherlily tightly, quickly exhausting him of his air supply.

"You all heard him, he needs your help to build his love nest! Now get going!" Master Makarov had come out of his office to hear the last bit of the conversation and decided to go along with it. Without realizing it, his team had responded to the Masters order and was out the door before they could question him.