Lucy did not speak to the elves on the trip to their city, fury icing her mouth shut. Elves had always been promoters of peace and justice, closest to the Celestial beings themselves in their desire to purge all evil from the worlds. And she'd just watched them attack an innocent. A demon, but an innocent still.

The only thing that kept her from letting her magic lash at them all was how she assured herself that she'd vouch for him, whom the little blue fairy had called "Natsu", upon arrival. Her authority as princess of the highest realm could be useful at times, and if she wanted the demon boy to have a chance, she needed to keep calm and handle the situation as royalty would. Luckily, the journey cooled the rage in her blood; the wind in her hair was like no experience before, soft fur against her legs and the smell of leather from the saddle.

The unconscious demon was tied onto the back of the griffon of Laxus, looking more grumpy than before because of the new injuries from the skirmish. Lucy held onto the waist of the helmed elf, who she'd been told was named Bixlow, fairies tucked into her loosened belt. The white-haired, muscular one had flown ahead to inform the higher-ups of their arrival.

It was a while before the forest city came into sight, though Lucy was unsure of the passing time of this world. The thought had no time to concern her; once she saw the city, her breath caught. She'd looked upon it from above, of course, but not this close. Unable to see its enormity, the magic winding through every cobbled street. The skyscrapers were crafted of clear and sparkling crystal, shooting upward like a sprout reaching for the sun. Houses were made from stone and wood and more crystal and trees grown together, scattered in communities that dotted a rocky cliffside, their court building sitting proudly on the edge of a waterfall. And over in the forest west of the city was the Bond, pulsing and glowing in majesty.

"Zaltana," she breathed in wonder. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would visit this place."

"A princess of the heavens should know that dreams do come true," mused Bixlow.

The group of them spiraled down to the massive, crystal court. Elves dressed in council robes and a stunning woman in armor were waiting for them, along with the scout that had reported ahead. The wingbeats blew hair into her face that she quickly shook out, graciously letting Bixlow help her off the back of the creature. The fairies were let loose, deciding to take a place on Lucy's shoulders. Laxus hauled Natsu from the griffon's back and threw him unceremoniously at the feet of the red-haired woman. Lucy, seeing his intent before it happened, rushed forward with a gasp and caught the demon's head before it could hit the ground. Cradling his head in her lap, she glared up at the blonde elf.

"I already caught him and healed him earlier, after which you shot him again without proper reasoning; I would thank you to not injure my chosen rescued further," she said stiffly.

Laxus bristled, but before he could retort, the armored woman kneeled. "Princess Lucy - It is the greatest honor to have you visit our humble city. I am General Erza Scarlet of the High Elves, and beside me is Speaker of the Senate, Lahar. I express my apologies for the attitude of my brother." The woman's eyes strayed to Laxus, looking slightly amused as the council members around her kneeled as well. "He can get a bit… rough, but he means well."

"I should hope so," Lucy said, temper cooling. "I am likewise honored to visit such a beautiful city. Please, the kneeling is not necessary. I simply wish for a fair treatment of Natsu and that he be let free."

Erza, rising back to her feet, looked uncomfortable. "I'm afraid he must remain in custody until further notice. We simply intend to investigate his reasons and behavior to insure that he is safe."

"I can assure you, he means no hostility-" Lucy protested.

"Tell that to my face," Laxus muttered, wiping blood from his cheek.

Frowning, Erza said, "It was by the Celestial King's decree that we arrest him if he strayed from his abode. My apologies-I thought you knew."

Lucy felt her stomach drop. "N-no, I didn't…" Her eyes fell to Natsu's face. "My father is not the most… forthcoming."

"I am sorry," Erza said again. "You will be permitted to accompany him to his holding cell, if you wish."

"I do," Lucy told her firmly.

"Juvia would like to do the same!" the little blue fairy proclaimed, and the elves turned their attention to the other two, tiny guests. "Natsu is her friend; she can vouch for his character."

"And, uh, Gray too," the man fairy said, raising a hand. "He saved my life and stuff, so…"

While the elves seemed taken aback by their suggestion and perhaps the third-person speaking, Lahar inclined his head. "So be it. Freed and Elfman, please take the demon to the dungeon in the highest security cell."

"We can't put him there," Erza murmured. "That's where the human is."

Lucy's eyes widened. "You have a human-?!"

"I will walk with you to the dungeon and give an explanation," Erza promised to Lucy before turning back to the Speaker. "He's unconscious as it is; the second highest will have to do."

Lahar waved a hand. "So be it. The second."

The scouts saluted and gently lifted the demon from Lucy's grasp. Elfman carried Natsu like a child in his muscled arms, Freed walking beside for extra security.

Erza gestured for them to follow through the courtyard and into the crystal building. Lucy hurried to pick up the pace, barely noticing the perfectly spiraling pillars or the grand center room with the council table. She implored, "I rescued him when he fell because of the arrows; he was flying to bring this fairy to you," she pointed to Gray, "who had heat sickness. He likely thought the High Elves would help rather than the Summer Fairies, because…" Lucy took a closer look at Gray. "You're a Winter Fairy, aren't you?"

"Yeah," Gray admitted, lying leisurely on Lucy's shoulder still and using her hair for a pillow. "It's… kinda my fault that we're in this mess." He looked guilty.

"Nonsense," Erza said firmly. "You were sick and the two seasons shouldn't be fighting in the first place. Yes, Elfman has told me the details. He did mention that the demon-"

"Natsu," Lucy corrected.

Raising her eyebrows, Erza didn't comment other than, "Yes, Natsu. They mentioned that he attacked them."

"Of course he did," said Lucy in exasperation as Erza lead them down a dark flight of stone steps. "They were advancing on him without evidence for arrest, and they shot him just for stepping backwards. It was self defense; he only wanted to get away."

"I trust your word," placated Erza, reaching another staircase. "We will have to question him more when he awakens."

"I believe he may have some bad memories associated with the handcuffs," Lucy went on. "I suggest they be removed, and that the questioning not be enforced by… physical means."

"Once he is in the cell, there are anti-magic wards up. We will take them off if you desire, and we do not intend to further harm him other than possible self defense"

"Thank you." Lucy paused. "If you wish to question him, I have the ability to detect lies. If it would help you trust him, I would be willing to help."

"Natsu does not deceive," Juvia said quietly from Lucy's other shoulder.

"That may be," consented Erza, "But my people will not be well convinced of this unless Lucy confirms it. They know of Celestial magic abilities of lie detection. We'd be grateful for your attendance, Lucy; I intend to question him as soon as he awakens and record it on lacrima."

"We are most grateful for your compromise," Lucy told her.

"Anything for your highness," Erza said smoothly. "Though might I ask… why you've come down to the Binding World? We were not sent any message ahead of your arrival, not that it isn't more than welcome."

The fairies looked up at her expectantly as well, and Lucy gave a guilty laugh. "Eh… well… My father actually doesn't know I'm here. Well, he might by now, but it's against decrees for him to come and get me… I saw Natsu in trouble and came down to catch him."

"Oh." Erza blinked. "I see. Well here we are…"

They came to a stop at the dark end of a tunnel where a glowing, magic, cylindrical cell was pulsing with energy. It was the only one in the area, only large enough for a cot, a sink, and a toilet.

The two elf scouts entered the cell with a muttered spell, laying Natsu on the cot. Freed removed the cords, letting the demon's hands lay limply at his sides. When the elves were outside of the cell, they asked, "Is there any other service you require of us, General?"

"No-" she was about to say, but the six heard a groan from the cell and turned to see Natsu stir, slowly shaking his head. He sat up, squeezing his eyes closed and fluttering them open.

"Wha…" he choked, squinting around him and lifting a hand to his bloodied head. "What's…?"

Juvia flew to the edge of the cell, saying, "Natsu! Are you alright?"

"Juvia," he sighed in slight relief. "I-I'm okay… hell's blazes," he moaned, putting his head in his hands. "Head and wing hurts…"

With a flick of Erza's wrist, a stream of white magic shot through the magic barrier and directly into Natsu's forehead and wing. He gasped in surprise, but soon widened his eyes. "They're… better. Thanks…"

"I thought there were anti-magic wards?" Lucy asked.

"Not for me," Erza told her. She addressed the other elves, "Bring the human to me. Perhaps this demon could tell us more of his condition."

"Yes, General," the two chorused, leaving through the way they came.

Now, Erza approached the cell. From a small bag on her belt, she brought out a small ball of Lacrima, which she set to float in air to record the questioning. "Fire demon, I am General Erza Scarlet of the High Elves. You are in the dungeons of Zaltana. We will need to ask you some questions."

Natsu turned skeptical, glowing red eyes to Erza. "And then?"

"If we do not perceive you as a threat, you will be set free to your cave," Erza told him.

"What happened?" he said, frowning at the ceiling. "I was flying here with those two, then there was an angel…" His eyes widened when he noticed Lucy. "Hey, you're real!"

"We established that," she sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Well how would I know?" huffed Natsu, crossing his arms and legs on his cot. "I was told angels didn't exist."

Erza looked unimpressed. "The deception of flirtation will not assist you, demon."

Natsu looked confused as Lucy sputtered. "Flartation? What's that?"

It was Juvia that giggled. "Excuse Juvia, General, but Natsu is not trying to flirt; he has no such desires. He was not really taught what a Tenshi is."

"You truly thought I was an angel?" Lucy laughed, flush creeping up her cheeks. "Oh no, I am nothing like an angel."

Natsu opened and closed his mouth, more puzzlement crossing his face. "Well what's the difference?"

"I am a Tenshi," Lucy explained. "I live in the Celestial realm with a strong form of light magic. I have a long life span, but I am not immortal as an angel. Angels reside in Heaven, without sin, other than the fallen one, Lucifer. I can sin like any human. Angels are mysterious beings which you can only see when you have died and joined the deity above, who is far mightier than the Celestial King himself."

"Oh," Natsu said quietly, as if he could not quite wrap his head around it.

"With that aside," continued Erza, "We need to ask you some things. Princess Lucy will be able to tell if you are lying."

"No reason to lie," he said with a scowl. "I haven't done anything wrong."

"Then this should be easy." Erza crossed her arms. "Why did you stray from your cave and border areas?"

"To save that idiot by bringing him to you." Natsu gestured carelessly to Gray, who looked rather offended. "Winter fairies can't take the heat, and I couldn't very well take him to the Summer Kingdom. It's not like I wanted to visit." He looked down. "I wanna go back to my cave. I want everyone to leave me alone."

The color red flashed into her vision at the last sentence, and Lucy blurted, "Lie."

All eyes snapped to her. Erza raised an eyebrow. "What was?"

Lucy scratched the back of her neck, jostling Gray to the side. "He, um, doesn't want everyone to leave him alone."

She could see red on Natsu's cheeks in the light of the cell. "Yes I do!"

"Lie," she said with a smirk.

"Why is that?" Erza looked suspicious. "What sort of trap is he intending to lure us into?"

"It is my belief that he is simply lonely," Lucy suggested, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at Erza's words.

"I am not," he growled.

"Lie."

"I have Juvia," muttered Natsu, turning his face away. "She's my friend."

Lucy softened. "Now that wasn't a lie."

Erza sighed; clearly, this investigation wasn't going the direction she'd planned. "Anyway, can you promise me that you mean no creature in this land any harm?"

"Sure, I mean, unless they try to attack me or I'm gonna eat 'em," Natsu said with a shrug. "I like rabbits. Taste like chicken."

Rubbing her temples in exasperation, Erza said, "Just say it."

"I promise that I don't want to harm anyone unless they attack me or are another demon or they are commonly consumed food," Natsu tried, lifting his hands.

"He's telling the truth," confirmed Lucy.

For some reason, this only made Erza more agitated. "This doesn't make any sense. Demons are made of pure dark magic energy; they desire destruction and death and pain. They do not have a soul. Why don't you want to hurt us?"

"Excuse me?" Natsu stammered, looking extremely offended. "I have a soul, ya jerk."

"He's not lying," Lucy offered.

Erza frowned. "No demons have souls."

"I have a soul," hissed Natsu. "I'm an Etherious demon, not a Lucif demon!"

The General glared. "Do not use deception with us, demon. We know perfectly well that Etherious demons are simply Greater demons-"

"Are you serious?" Natsu laughed, looking aghast at the same time. "You shoot me down, drag me to your dungeon, when you don't even know what an Etherious demon is? What right to you morons have to judge me when you can't even get your damn facts straight?"

"You are speaking to the General of the High Elves," Erza spat, face reddening. "I'd bite my tongue if I were you, fire demon."

"What're you gonna do?" Natsu said, slit-pupiled eyes glowing in amusement. "Torture me? Bring it on. I'd like to see you try to match my life in hell. Literal hell."

"Demon-"

"My name is Natsu," he spat, standing with his fists clenched at his sides. "Not Demon. Yes, Lucif demons are inhuman creatures with no soul, made purely of black magic. Etherious demons are infants stolen by the Demon King, magically transformed into demon forms, and trained until they can choose to sell their soul. They are far more powerful than a Greater or Lesser Lucif demon."

"But demons are spawned," Erza said uncomprehendingly. "The Demon King has no reason to create more."

"He intends to make a powerful army of them," Natsu told her lazily, laying back down on his cot and putting his hands behind his head. "Just to keep the Lucif demons from rebelling and increase the population of hell with humans."

"Why would the demons rebel from the King? They were loyal to Satan, and therefore should be to his successor-"

"You really are stupid," Natsu sighed, taking his tunic off of his wing and inspecting the scabbed over hole. "You think Lucifer would willingly give up his throne to a successor?" His red eyes bored into the group of them. "He got close to Lucifer, was one of his most trusted servants as a human that had been dragged to hell. The Demon King became so insane and evil that even Satan didn't see it coming when Zeref killed him."

They all shivered at his name; all of them knew no one should speak it, for then the Demon King might hear them.

Erza commanded, "Do not speak his name!"

With a snort, Natsu said, "He won't turn his eyes to me if I say it. After my banishment, he'd hardly pay attention. I make it a point to use that little skill of his to insult him in at least fifty new ways every day. I've gotten pretty creative. Today, I thought I'd start by saying his body is made of dog puke and I'd rather drown in a pit of star-nosed-moles than ever see his face again-"

Erza interrupted in a horrified whisper, "So the Demon King… Killed the devil?"

"Of course," Natsu said. "And created his own demons to boot. I was one of the lucky chosen." Lucy could hear his voice drip with sarcasm.

Her next question was, "Why were you banished, then?"

At this, Natsu's face turned to stone, and he looked away. "None of your business."

"Demon-" Erza said warningly.

Natsu's eyes flashed dangerously.

Erza lowered her tone. "Natsu. We need to know."

"It'll do you no good to know," he muttered, sliding a hand up and down his left wing. "It has nothin' to do with any of this info."

Lucy finally burst out, "When you were being captured earlier, you said something about how you wouldn't sell it. Did you mean… your soul?"

All eyes looked from him to her. He seemed shocked, searching for words until he said through clenched teeth, "I said it was none of elven business."

"We need to know why so that we can prove to our society that you mean no harm," Erza said. "It may be the information that earns your freedom. Now why were you banished?"

Natsu sat up again, shifting uncomfortably. Lucy pitied him for how his personal issues were being put on the spot, but she admitted that her curiosity needed to be equally satisfied.

"There… were a lot of reasons," he grumbled, tracing a scar on his arm with a finger. "But yeah, one was that I refused to sell my soul."

"Why?"

His face seemed to close off again. "My reasons are my own, okay?"

Erza gave up. "Fine. But why haven't you gone back for revenge? Clearly you wouldn't sell your soul because you didn't agree with some of the Demon King's ideals. Why didn't you try to stop him instead of running away?"

"You think I'd run away from a fight willingly?" Natsu snarled, fists balling as he rose to his feet and advanced on them through the cell. "If I could I'd take on hell myself. But I can't."

Erza relented, "Well, certainly you're not powerful enough, but-"

"I'm the most powerful of all Etherious Demons!" he cut her off. "I'd beat Zeref to a pulp and leave him begging for mercy and lock the others in the deepest pits of fiery inferno. But if I even stepped close to an entrance to hell again…" Natsu gulped and stepped backward.

"Then?" prompted Erza.

"I just can't. You don't understand what the Demon King is capable of, or willing to do."

"Enlighten me," said the elf, armor clanking as her fists tightened.

Natsu wrapped his wings about himself, like a security blanket. "He makes sure to know the weaknesses of all his enemies, and use them well. He lets them know as much."

"And you?" Lucy whispered, stepping closer to the cage. "What is your weakness?"

His dagger eyes seemed to calm slightly as they met hers. "It doesn't matter."

"Your highness asked a question, and you will answer it," Erza told him.

"I said it doesn't matter."

Before he could be pushed further, a chilling growling and hissing echoed down the hall, and the scuffles of struggling. Erza, Lucy, and the fairies turned to see Freed and Elfman struggling with a blue-haired man whose wild eyes were clouded in black, and handsome features marred by an inhuman snarl.

Lucy took an involuntary step back towards the cage. Juvia hid in Lucy's hair.

When the man was brought within a few feet of them, he stopped resisting instantly at the sight of Natsu. Natsu only raised his eyebrows at him, nose wrinkling up in disgust.

The man, however, looked excited, almost relieved. "Kat Rank Quept, Natsu Dragneel! Makt aunk des nepote xam peo, veen tek, nabak wen hagst. Rahet peo demesek zey filct xam napast veen?"

The elves seemed utterly baffled as Lucy at the alien language, but Natsu only scowled further. He spat back contemptuously in the same, harsh and short accent, "Veen set naste quept feyu zept vacap heml, cant dex! Veen tac naste gempt leyat feyu Zeref menes peo damacas nekdew!"

The onlookers' jaws dropped, but the human and demon paid them no mind. The human's eyes widened, stiffening. "Peo naste hetz xam gurec wen labt mahest pome!"

"Veen fen rept peh zept yakhe, evil heml." Then, Natsu's expression softened somewhat. "Peo nept tac wen quem. Makt aunk naste zef ast. Sepa wen rewepes mav peo. Caraz."

"Demon," Erza demanded, eyes flicking between the two of them. "What is he saying? What language is this?" But Natsu only shook his head, holding up a finger as if to tell her that he needed more time.

His expression growing heated, the blue-haired man growled back, "Veen fen bark des horez aunt labte ques xan peloz west yempt. Veen fen letta iole zey veen unak gerate veen paret. Peo beelt fen tac wen quem."

At this point, Natsu almost seemed to be pleading, walking up to the edge of his cage and gesturing imploringly. "Peo fen letta telan! Zeref's hartem aunk iosade." His voice got quiet. "Veen memez saz."

The man began to struggle again, as if he wanted to leap at Natsu and tackle him. He shouted, "Peo aunk des querez xam hamak! Wen mahest saz peo rehet zef arz ite wen horez peo fen, wenten pac yeg peo nept naste dam ares!" The man let out a laugh, and Natsu flushed deeply. The man's voice was sick and sultry with some kind of lust. "Veen ahem rept peh peo gest tem wen mahest horeme wenten."

Lucy shivered at the low, dark tone Natsu used next, his face hardening and eyes brightening in intensity. "Set naste dew veen, queme. Veen tac ley horeze ques peo west wame. Veen west cra peo zepa pac des napek, tamete veen iol xam cra yeas feyu zept gemete ahan crecka ment nept olip veen."

The man flinched backward, gritting his teeth. Natsu turned his steady glare away from the human and back to Erza. "Where did ya get the Baram initiate?" He jerked his head toward the man. "I thought humans couldn't come into the Binding World."

"Where did we get the what?" Erza asked, clearly getting frustrated.

"Oh right, you don't know anything," Natsu said, scratching his head innocently. He ignored Erza's growl, explaining, "This isn't some normal kind of possession. Baram demons are like Etherious-slightly less powerful. Except they are full grown humans that volunteer to be turned into demons. They make the choice to sell their soul before the process; they have to do a final act for the Demon King before they're fully completed. I could tell what he was from the eyes. The black fully covers the eyes at the end of the ritual, but his haven't been completely covered. He must've been stopped right in the middle of it. His soul is to be given when he's finished; right now it's hanging by a thread."

"Why would anyone do that?" said Lucy, aghast.

Natsu's smile was wry. "Oh, Barams don't really know what they're gettin' into. They manage to contact the King through something they shouldn't be messin' with; one of them Ouija boards, sacrificial ceremonies, voodoo rituals, cult worship-all kinds of dark human bullshit. It's truly their choice, though; it was their fault for opening themselves up to evil and things they know nothing about. I told you that Zeref takes advantage of people's weaknesses…"

When Natsu looked back to this 'Baram initiate', his gaze was full of pity. "This was probably just some desperate kid, needing some power to escape abuse, homelessness… The King promises them power in return for an impossible price, and doesn't exactly tell them that after they receive it, if they receive it, they won't want what they did before. They'll only want destruction."

"What does this ritual involve?" Erza was no longer looking at Natsu, but scrutinizing the other man. "What language were you speaking? What is his name? He won't speak any more English to us."

"Slow down there, Legolas," Natsu said, irritated.

"What is a Legolas?"

Lucy giggled. Natsu must've been on Earth at some point, if he knew Lord of the Rings.

"Never mind," he muttered. Natsu promptly sat down on the stone floor with crossed legs. "The ritual can be a lotta stuff. Genocide, mass suicide initiating, dark magic... But like I said, his promises mean nothing. Like, there was once this initiate I saw that wanted to join and went to hell from his own terrorist attack. He was damned for killing people and betraying his peaceful religion, but for some reason he wanted 72 virgins as the only payment for becoming a demon." Natsu frowned with a shrug, putting his cheek into his hand. "Zeref said 'sure' and gave him 72 male hamsters that had never mated."

Erza and Juvia looked scandalized, and Gray snorted loudly. Grinning at their expressions, Natsu went on, "And the language he was speaking was called Baramish, basically demon language for humans; lots of Barams prefer it to their own language once they take the pledge. Humans can't speak our actual language with their wimpy vocal chords. The true demon language is a lot more like-" Natsu broke off then and began a series of growling and snapping noises that sent a shudder through her.

Lucy was glad when he finished, after which Gray asked in amusement, "What did you just say?"

"I said that I want to eat fifty peacocks," Natsu replied. "His name… Uh, Baram, gant aunk peo teshen?"

The Baram initiate's gaze was cool. "Jellal Fernandes."

Waving in the possessed man's direction lazily, Natsu answered, "Well, there you go. That's his name. But you never answered me; where did you get him?"

Erza's brown, dagger eyes, trailed over Jellal's face, and then wandered to Natsu's. She looked to be searching him from the inside out, evaluating whether or not this demon deserved the information. The thought made Lucy's blood boil.

Finally, Erza revealed, "This man just unraveled a strand of the Bond with a dark magic spell from a mysterious spellbook."

Natsu choked on hair, Juvia had a sharp intake of breath clapped a hand over her mouth, and Gray toppled off Lucy's shoulder, catching himself with his wings and plopping back on with wide eyes. Lucy only felt her face twist into a grim expression at the news she'd heard earlier in the Zodiac report.

"You can't do that!" sputtered Natsu. "It's impossible!"

"How awful!" squeaked Juvia with tears glazing over her eyes. "Oh no, such suffering on Earth will happen if some of the nature magic cannot transfer! Their ecosystems will be thrown into chaos! Ours too!"

"Temperature change could be severe," Gray muttered, pushing a tiny hand through his hair. "Need to get home and help… no, can't do that…"

Lucy very much wanted to ask why Gray couldn't go home, but then Erza demanded, "Natsu, do you know anything about the book that might've contained the black spells to achieve this? We believe it is of demon origin."

"Obviously it is," Natsu snorted. "Uh, well, Zeref has a lotta spellbooks. I couldn't know which one, but it would have to be one of his prized ones. He'll likely be very angry that it is in your possession." Red eyes drifted to Jellal, who had frozen in fear. "And likely be angry at the little underling that got it taken from him."

"And without the White Grimoire, we can hardly figure out a counter action," Erza said through clenched teeth. "Ugh, we really must find it…"

"It was Juvia's friend, Levy, that was kidnapped with the book," Juvia spoke up softly. "J-Juvia… asked Natsu to track Levy's scent, and he managed to follow it to the mountainous region. We have not found anything more."

The general gripped the intricately carved sword at her belt. "The damn Wood Elves are too busy making merry and hunting to do much help; we must send High Elf scouts to search for this fairy further as soon as possible. We can bring our wolves to track-"

"Or me," Natsu offered helpfully. "I have a better nose than anyone. And can I come out now? I want to Shift to a more comfortable form and this cell makes things difficult."

"I-I…" Erza seemed pained, and Lucy had a spark of sympathy for the stress she must be undertaking; Lucy knew a bit of what it was like to have so many people relying on her. "I… Princess Lucy? Do you believe he is to be trusted?"

All eyes turned to her, and she only stared back into the slitted eyes that somehow still seemed so innocent. "Yes. I do. I say let him free."

Erza gave a nod. "The Celestial Princess' word is law. Natsu, you will be under constant supervision until you are escorted back to your cave. Try anything funny and you will be engaged. Am I clear?"

"Yeah, yeah," he waved her off, simply standing up and walking right out of the cell.

The Elves gasped and the others backtracked. Erza instantly whipped out a sword and pointed it at a surprised Natsu's nose. "How did you do that?! There are anti-magic wards-"

He only sniggered, before looking upwards and letting a golden magic trail from his head to his feet like little stars sprinkling down. Lucy had always been able to see magic physically. Soon, a human boy Natsu stood before them, horns, wings, fangs, and black designs on his skin gone. His eyes were a simple, dark green, face smooth and more friendly. He began to laugh again in a way that was more mischievous than demonic, flicking Erza's sword away from him with a jolt of magic. "I'm an Etherious demon. Your little wards aren't nearly enough to hold back my pinkie finger. I said it made 'things' difficult, not magic. Things like eating all I want, or watching cat videos. No wifi."

"Deception," Erza growled, but he only shrugged.

"Hey, I'm not hurting you. I stayed in it to be cooperative. So stop complaining and let's go find the White Grimoire."

"Why do you want to find it?" Erza barked, not lowering her sword. "To destroy it?"

"Damn, elves and their ignorance," muttered Natsu, crossing his arms. He radiated heat naturally, making Lucy feel sticky with sweat in the tight, prison tunnel. "Look, I've already told you that I don't want to hurt any of you, and that I hate Zeref. If you won't trust that I want to help just because I think it's the right thing to do, then at least trust that I want revenge." The scarlet from his demon form seemed to flicker in his eyes for a moment, or maybe it was just in Lucy's mind. "Anything the Demon King tries to do, I want to destroy."

Before Erza could answer, she was distracted by Jellal beginning to snarl and attempt to throw the elves off. She sighed, glaring at the possessed man and murmuring, "I wish the purification process didn't take so long. I want to question him more…"

Lucy looked up, eager to know she could help with something else. "If I may, General, I have a magic that can do that rather quickly. Dispel evil, I mean."

Erza's eyes widened in recollection. "Of course! I forgot a Tenshi could do that… What is the spell? May I be of assistance?"

"Oh, em," Lucy explained, "I don't say spells for my magic. My magic is carried out through actions and my will for it to happen, like my tears healing, arms out as a shield, etcetera. So, if you gentlemen could maybe hold his head straight for a moment; it'll only take that long…"

All eyed her curiously, but did as requested. The elves Freed and Elfman, with assistance from Erza, held Jellal still as possible, though he still growled. Lucy tentatively stepped forward, put a hand on the Baram's face, and kissed his forehead.

It worked instantly; darkness spilled out from his body through his eyes, leaking from his mouth, and gathered on the floor where it writhed and hissed. Jellal gasped as if he'd been dunked in very cold water, and Lucy knew his soul was re-securing within him. Lucy acted quickly, twisting her hands in a circle to gather the darkness within a ball of light. She squeezed the sphere until the darkness vanished altogether, and then there was silence.

"Whoa," Natsu whispered, staring at her unwaveringly. The rest had their eyes locked on Jellal, who suddenly looked up in terror.

"What in the name of…" Jellal choked, purely brown eyes glancing around while he trembled. "Wh-where am I? Who are you? What's going on?!"

Lucy reached out and lightly touched his shoulder. The man relaxed as her calming magic flowed through her fingertips. "It's alright, Jellal. You're safe now. We'll explain and you'll be okay, but stay calm. We will not hurt you."

"Release him," Erza said, waving off the guards. They did as told, and Jellal fell to his knees. There, he stared at the floor lost in his own world of shock and the numbing of Lucy's calming spell. Erza knelt beside him, placing a hand on his back. She was about to speak, but then-

There was a mighty roar, one that echoed from above and down into their corridor, making the rocks shudder and her ears ring. The sound reverberated into her chest, making her heart rattle in its cage. Lucy stumbled back with a gasp, crashing into Natsu's arms as he gawked at the ceiling. Juvia squeaked and flew to Gray to hide her face in his chest. (Gray seemed rather confused by this, but too surprised by the roar to push her away.)

Jellal curled up in a ball, showing a good sense of self preservation. Erza stood, raising her sword. "What was that?!"

Elfman and Freed ran back down the corridor to find what was at the surface. Natsu gently stood Lucy up straight before he said something that sounded much like the strange, aghast word, "Gajeel?"

Spinning back to the demon, Erza demanded, "What was that? Do you recognize the sound?"
Natsu gulped. "I-it sounded like… but it can't be that. They haven't been seen for decades…"

"General!" came shouting down the tunnel, and Freed was sprinting back to them, whitefaced. "We need you above! All the troops we have!"

The ceiling shook, pebbles and dirt falling over them. Erza yelled through the rumbling, "What's going on up there?"

"A dragon," Freed panted, eyes wide.

The others cowered, and Jellal curled tighter, but Natsu was grinning when he finished, "Black Steel, The Iron Dragon."

Baramish Translations (in order of occurrence):

(Blanks are spaces cut out due to spoilers. Jellal = italics, Natsu Bold)

The _ _, Natsu Dragneel! It is an honor to meet you, _ _, despite the banishment. Were you pardoned and sent to get me?

I am no _ of that vile place, spawn slime! I do not follow orders of Zeref or you pathetic underlings!

You are unworthy to speak the great King's name!

I have risen above the disgusting, evil place. You can do the same. It is not too late. Let the elves purify you. Repent.

I have gained a power far greater than any human could hope. I have been chosen and I shall accept my destiny. You should have done the same.

You have been deceived. Zeref's promises are empty. I would know.

You are a disgrace to your kind! He knew you were too soft for the power you beheld, believing in love you cannot even feel! I will rise above your _ as the king's most faithful.

Do not test me, hatchling. I am more powerful than you could imagine. I could break your neck in a second, if I chose to break out of this silly cell they think can hold me.

Baram, what is your name?

Hallo angels,

One thing after another, eh? I kinda feel bad for Erza. All of them, actually. But they aren't in any real trouble yet.

I'll continue to thank the wonderful Akela-Nakamura for being the best beta ever and saving my fanfic life.

And of course, all of you. Stress makes me depressed and there's been plenty of that going around, but your reviews bring out the sun, seriously. You make me smile. I don't know how else to say it. :) Love you.

AP tests are coming right up and writing time is rather sparse. But summer is also coming up! I'll see you guys soon. :) And hey, I'm always active on tumblr; I'll keep updated.

Mizpah,

~LoneStorm