Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail nor Walt Disney's "Aladdin".

In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner mage named Natsu Dragneel and his mischievous blue-furred flying feline companion, Happy, battle to save the free-spirited Princess Lucy Heartfilia from the schemes of the evil Lightening Dragon Slayer, Laxus. Natsu's whole life changes with one rub of a magic ice lamp called the Ice of Wishes as the level-headed, cool-tempered Gray appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery. However, the relationship between the kind Princess and protective Dragon Slayer are tested as the two mysterious people watch them, hoping Lucy and Natsu are ready for an enemy that cannot be seen...

Aladdin's Fairy Tail

by

Magnafeana

Chapter Six:

Natsu at the Cave of Wonders

Wind violently whipped around the jostling sand without a care in the world as Natsu fought against the stubborn breezes of the desert. His eyes remained half-lidded as he tried to look through the blustery weather. Wendy was also having a difficult time, holding onto her brother's hand for comfort and safety. Happy and Charla remained untouched as they soared above the sandstorm, circling over head and keeping an eye on their respective slayers. The old man lay comfortably on a black stallion, it's reins in the hands of the pinkette who tugged at it to keep its slow pace.

The secret passageway the man had shown Natsu, Wendy, and their Exceed partners had taken them outside the prison and towards an old stable. The old geezer told Natsu to steal a horse and meet him at the back of the stables where their journey to the Cave of Wonders was to begin. Obediently, the Fire Dragon Slayer complied with the request, gathering a stallion and a suitable leather saddle. However, inwardly, he felt regretful for stealing such a wondrous animal. Sure, he had stolen food from stands, but that was for survival. He was taking this stallion away from its owner, who would probably become distraught at the sight of him missing.

Natsu had looked into the big, black eyes of the noble steed as he silently led it out of its stall. He could see its uncertainty and uneasiness for leaving its home with a stranger. Soothingly, Natsu murmured low words and continued to the rendezvous point.

From there the old man surprisingly mounted onto the horse with confidence and led them in a series of back alleys and narrow passageways until they left the security of the kingdom. Now, they faced the exposed and unforgiving desert, bustling with howling winds and shivering temperatures. Yet they persevered. Natsu hated the idea that Wendy begged to tag along because she refused to leave her brother to do his mission alone. The old man didn't mind her presence, but Natsu did. What if she got seriously hurt out there? He'd never forgive himself! But reluctantly he agreed to her persistent request after making her promise that she'd stick close to him and leave him behind if things got too dangerous.

The small party walked through the rugged dunes, attempting to see clearly through the messy sand particles that buzzed in the air. Many times, the horse resisted, neighing and snorting in apprehension and trying to turn away. But Natsu kept a firm hold on its reins, forcing it through the desert.

At last they had reached the eye of the storm, finding a tall dune amidst the calm of the sandstorm. The old man pulled out two halves of a golden dragon statue and forced them together. The Fire and Wind Dragon Slayers and their Exceed partners watched in amazement as the dragon glowed briefly before flying head-on into the dune. In reaction, the dune grumbled, bubbling and morphing into a creature. A dragon's head to be precise.

Blood red clashed with onyx as the sandy dragon bored its intense gaze on the young man, Natsu meeting it challengingly.

"Who disturbs my slumber?" The sand-dragon asked in a growl, glaring at Natsu with not anger… but with interest…

The pinkette didn't back down from the harshness of the dragon's tone and replied in kind: "Natsu Dragneel, son of Igneel and Grandine." His eyes narrowed slightly when he saw a flicker of surprise and warmth in the ruby stare.

If the dragon had a full body, Natsu could see it flicking its tail and ruffling its wings. "Proceed," it conjured, beginning to part its jaws and expose its protruding canines. "But," he cautioned as Natsu dared to take a few steps closer, "touch nothing but the lamp."

Natsu glanced back at the old man with narrowed suspecting eyes. All he could touch was the lamp? What about all that treasure gramps promised?

The old man toothily grinned at the dragon slayer and said in his hoarse voice, cracked with age, "Remember, boy, first get me the lamp! And then you can have your reward!" Interiorly, a part of Natsu lowered its body, flattened its ears, and growled, unconvinced. There was something in the guy's eyes that seemed unsettling. That lamp… What would it do? And why did he need it so badly?

"Natsu, I want to come with you," came a brave voice. Natsu looked down to see a youthful blunette staring hard at him with determined eyes as she clutched his vest.

He shook his head and crouched so he was eye level with her. "No. It might be too dangerous for you, Wendy. You could seriously get hurt."

"I don't care!"

Natsu privately chuckled. When she wanted to do something, Wendy never gave up. She may have been smarter than him, but when it came to stubbornness, they were equals.

"It could be dangerous down there," he forewarned. "There could be all sorts of creepy monsters protecting the lamp. Maybe some that want to keep you with them forever," he added, watching in amusement as a flicker of fear flashed in the brown pools of his sister's eyes.

She blinked her doubts away and continued her serious glower. "I'm coming," she announced clearly. "And you can't stop me."

Natsu laughed, ruffling her hair regardless of her protests. "Fine. Just make sure to stick close to me," he ordered, making sure she nodded in agreement. He glanced back at the old man. "See you later, gramps." Looking up at the circling Exceeds, he shouted, "Happy, Charla, let's go!"

The old man watched in greedy satisfaction as the four of them went inside the jaws of the dragonhead. He whispered with a slimy grin on his face, "You're such a fool, dragon boy."

The two Dragon Slayers stood in shock. Their mouths agape, their eyes widened with shock and their bodies numb. It was all so… breath taking…

After walking down over a thousand steps –or so Natsu exaggeratedly believed was the amount— they continued their walk into a neatly carved tunnel. At the end of the hall seemed to be a bright room. Yeah… bright all right…

When the four of them stepped inside the room, they could do nothing but just stand there, frozen in astonishment.

The hall glittered in solid gold. Everywhere, there was gleaming gold. The walls, the tapestry… Heck, even the floor! It all glittered in gold! And piling high was vast amounts of gold coins, gold furniture, rubies, jewel, and diamonds… And this was only the beginning of the hall?!

"This is certainly… splendid…" Charla eventually spoke, rousing everyone from their own awestruck states. She was right. Such a magnificent sight!

Natsu began to walk through the path that was clear of any gold or gems. He found himself staring dizzily at the heaps of jewel. Wendy slowly followed after him, looking at her surrounding with widened doe-like eyes. They were both thinking the same thing:

Just a handful of this stuff would make us richer than the Master…

The Master…

The Princes…

Lucy…

Natsu felt his heart burning at the name that resonated in his mind. He was unsure why he suddenly felt slightly unsettled at the thought of her. He didn't know why he felt his internal fire burn brighter when he saw flashes of those brown eyes. He didn't understand why he felt suddenly lightheaded when the memory of her scent hit him. Why? She was the princess! The princess of Fairy Tail! She could get any man she wanted, do whatever she pleased… and forget about him if she wanted to…

That made him disheartened. What if she had forgotten about him already? What if she decided to marry that uptight prince he had a run-in with? Natsu silently scoffed. He doubted that would ever happen. Lucy seemed like the type who would never fall for such a brat. But it still concerned the pinkette that the princess was being forced to marry someone she hated. She would never be truly happy. She'd be just like him…trapped…

"You okay, Natsu?"

The voice brought him out of his stupor as he looked down at a blue-furred tomcat, which stared into his eyes with friendly concern. Natsu grinned and patted Happy. "Nothing to worry about little buddy," he said in reassurance. Instantly the Exceed perked up and bounded ahead excitedly.

Natsu continued his pace along the cleared pathway, watching his younger sister carefully as she smiled brightly at all the riches. Gramps had been right. With all the treasure that was in this hall, giving the old man a single lamp in exchange seemed like a fair deal. Finally the two dragon slayers could live in a life without the fear of being caught by guards. They could eat food without stealing. They could live in an actual house. They could even get more fish for Happy and Charla! And all at the price of giving the old guy some stupid lamp!

Nevertheless, regardless of how outwardly eager the Fire Dragon Slayer seemed, he frowned. His instincts were telling that something was off about this whole trade. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he knew that the old guy was hiding something, and could sense Wendy noticed as well. Natsu's onyx eyes lingered among the piles of jewel and gold. It reeked of magical energy— the kind that made him nervous and slightly fearful. It wasn't just any type of magic… It felt like… Natsu shook his head. Nah. He was kidding himself. It couldn't be that type of magic.

Suddenly, the pinkette almost tripped, instantly regaining his balance after a few shaky seconds. Looking down, he saw at his feet a trembling, white… snowman?

Beady black eyes stared into the onyx gaze, revealing no emotions. It looked overall harmless, just standing in front of him, quivering, not even taller than his calves.

It opened it's mouth, as if about to say something of importance, but all that came out was a sighing, "Pun! Pun!"

Silence.

Natsu blinked.

He blinked again.

Until suddenly…

The great slayer burst out laughing. His mirth startled the others, making them dash back to his side and watch in confusion as the pinkette rolled on the ground laughing while a little white snowman watched him, trembling.

As Happy watched his partner in puzzlement, he whispered to the two ladies, "He's finally lost it."

Charla crossed her arms and sniffed. "He really is an idiot."

Wendy sweatdropped at the sight of her sibling as she weakly smiled. "That may be true, but that wasn't a nice thing to say, Charla," she lightly scolded. The beautiful blunette crouched, leaning in to examine the strange creature. In return, the small snowman turned around and raised a paw at her, still trembling. Wendy smiled kindly and raised a hand in reply, as if it was a way of saying hello.

Happy approached Wendy and the small snowman and raised a paw in greeting. "Hi weird snowman thing! I'm Happy! And this here is the beautiful Charla" –he pointed a paw at the white she-cat, who huffed in response – "and this lady right here is Wendy" –the said girl waved and said a quick "Nice to meet you"— "and the one who is laughing is the idiot, Natsu."

The dragon slayer suddenly leapt to his feet, his teeth gritted and a threatening fist raised. "What was that?" he growled, offended.

The tomcat ignored him and continued talking to the strange creature. "So what's your name?" He asked politely.

The little white creature cocked his head, smiling a toothless smile. "Pun!"

Everyone watched the snowman, waiting expectantly for it to continue. It stared back at all of them, quavering. A desolate silence wafted the air as no one dared to say a word.

Randomly, Natsu grinned and clenched one of his fists in a non-threatening way. "I got it! So you're name's 'little snowman thing'!" he decided, proud of his non-existent accomplishment.

Charla gave him an incredulous look. "Are you an idiot?" she hissed. "I don't think that's what that thing said!"

"Nice to meet you, little snowman thing!" Happy high-fived the creature, which nodded in response.

Charla glared at the two in exasperation, her hackles raised in irritation. "That is not its name, you stupid tom!" she snapped.

Wendy laughed nervously and patted the white Exceed soothingly. "Now, now, Charla, no need to get all worked up. I'm sure those two are just kidding, right?" She looked over to her older brother and the blue tom; they had begun to idiotically dance around with the little snowman creature.

The blunette laughed while Charla snorted and muttered an unceremonious "Idiots, all of them" under her breath.

She stamped her hind paw and crossed her arms. "Listen up, all of you." Wendy, Natsu, Happy and even the creature gave their full attention on the commanding she-cat, waiting anxiously for her next words. "We are here for one reason and one reason only: to find that lamp and get our treasure. You!" She pointed an accusing claw at the trembling snowman, which quavered out of fear instead of subconsciousness. "Do you know the location of the lamp we seek?"

Wendy waved her hands to signal for her authoritative Exceed partner to stop. "Hey now Charla, let's not be rude."

"Pun! Pun, pun, pun!" Everyone observed the little snow creature–whether in curiosity, shock, or confusion was a mystery – as it rapidly jumped up and down, tugging urgently on Natsu's pants. It ran ahead of the group, pointing down the path with its paw.

Natsu grinned. "Well seems like our new buddy could be some help to us after all. Just thinkin' about the reward is gettin' me all fired up!" The creature sighed, satisfied, and began to bounce down the pathway. Natsu bounded after it, yelling over his shoulder, "C'mon you guys!"

Wendy stood up and trailed after her brother with an agitated she-cat and a cheery tom. "I love Natsu, but sometimes he can be a little too... carefree," the twelve year-old sighed, tangling her hands behind her back.

Charla slowly released an exhale, as though weary from the stupidity that flowed around her. "Yes, but that creature is our only clue right now." She glanced over at Happy. "Why don't you go catch up with your partner?"

The blue-furred Exceed gazed back at her with dazzling affection. He meowed cheerfully, "I wouldn't want to lose track of you two lovely ladies. I need to protect you if a monster comes or something!"

The white-furred Exceed scoffed at his remark. "Us 'lovely ladies' can do just fine, tomcat," she grumbled.

Wendy watched the two cats bicker in amusement. More like Happy attempt to woo Charla and the she-cat turning her head away in disgust, allowing disinterest and agitation drip into her retorts. The blunette may be too young to experience love for another person, but she knew Happy had an undying tenderness for Charla. He would never give up on her, no matter how many times she rejected him. He was just happy to be close to her. Every ugly word she spat at him sounded heavenly in his ears.

"I wish… Natsu could have that same happiness too…" Wendy whispered under her breath, smiling when Charla dodged an embrace Happy tried to give her.

Wendy's brother was a dense as the day was long. Twenty-four seven for three hundred sixty-five days. Back when Lisanna had taken interest upon him, he didn't notice at all, teasing and playing with her like how he would with Wendy, not reacting to it with the same type of affection. Wendy sighed at the thought of Natsu reaching that form of love for a girl. It wouldn't happen. He was never interested in love anyways…

But maybe… Maybe the princess seemed to have done… something…

That made the Wind Dragon Slayer grin mischievously. Maybe if she used some of Mira's matchmaking skills, Princess Lucy and Natsu could be together, heedless of their different social status. If Mira's skills worked on Captain Erza Scarlet and Gajeel Redfox, it would work on her thickheaded brother.

Besides, when they get all the treasures they were promised by the old man, the Master would have to allow Natsu at least to be friends with the princess, right? Maybe his friendship would with the princess would deepen and turn into –

"Wendy, c'mon!"

The blunette looked up to see Natsu, the snowman, and the two Exceed waiting patiently at a gate at the end of the hall. As she ran to catch up, she inwardly smiled. She saw the looks in Natsu and Lucy's eyes when Natsu was forced away by that meanie Iron Dragon Slayer, Gajeel. It may not have been "love", but something was there. And that something was all Wendy needed for her plan.

After a series of caverns, tunnels, twists and turns, they had finally made it. The lamp was finally within their reach.

The weird snowman creature had led them through the darkness, Natsu lighting his hand on fire so they could see. At times, when the small group was sure that the snowman led them to a dead end, it would take a turn and expose a secret corridor. Happy tried to get closer to Charla, insisting he was keeping her company from the darkness, but the she-cat refused every offer he proposed. Wendy stayed unafraid, narrowing her eyes, sniffing and listening for any sounds. Natsu was fairly impressed by her concentration and pro-active thinking. She was doing everything he would do: try to familiarize himself with the terrain in case of danger.

After a few minutes walking in what felt like circles, they emerged into a grand cavern with a lake in the middle of it. In the middle of the lake stood a tall mound of rock, with the ice lamp at it's peak, glistening in the moonlight that somehow snuck into the cave.

Natsu saw the stepping-stones that led to the lanky mass of stone and turned back to Wendy.

"Stay here okay? I have to do this by myself," he quickly put in when he saw the protesting in Wendy's mocha eyes. She pouted and grudgingly murmured an agreement while the two Exceeds nodded. After thanking the snowman creature, he began to hop upon the stones, trying hard not to slip and fall into the water. He could smell that the lake did not contain poisonous, water but with all the pressuring magical power he felt, he wasn't risking anything.

After hopping onto the last stone, he leapt onto the tiny island. He sized up the steep hill, noting that there were some good footholds for him to climb easier. However, when he took a step towards the mound, some of the rock shifted while grumbling and yawning in protest to its awakening. Eyes narrowed, Natsu looked at the newly formed stairs in front of him. Whoever put the lamp there before must've cast a spell so he wouldn't have to climb to get it the next time…

While Natsu climbed the steps, Happy continued to try and impress Charla.

"C'mon Charla! Come fishing with me!"

"I will not, you stupid tom!"

Wendy sighed. The snowman creature tugged lightly on her dress and looked up at her with those unblinking black eyes.

As if answering a question, Wendy nodded. "Yeah, they're always like this."

The creature tugged again and waved one of his paws around.

"No, he's not going to ever give up, I think," the blunette acknowledged, weirdly understanding the snowman's strange sign language.

Wendy stared hard at the snowman. Was it even a snowman? It had a carrot for a nose and two midnight coal eyes, but… it seemed to have paws… And a tail…

"Say, are you an animal?" Wendy kindly asked. The snowman trembled, staring at her with an open, toothless smile.

She stared.

It stared.

No words.

Wendy sweatdropped. "Maybe you're some sort of dog?" She suggested in a helpful voice.

The snowman jumped up in own, nodding and cheering as if Wendy had answered its prayers. Wendy chuckled at the sight. So this creature was a dog. Not the type of dog she ever saw though… Maybe it was some sort of mixed breed… Wait a second… It?

"Are you a boy or a girl?" The blunette questioned. The little white dog trembled and raised a paw in the air, nodding. "You're a boy?" The dog leaped into the air again, a happy gleam in his black eyes. It felt good for the dog to finally be identified for what he was! If only the girl knew his name…

Meanwhile, Happy, who kept calling Charla, looked over to see a golden fish statue he didn't realize was there before. Mesmerized, the tomcat slowly stalked towards the huge fish statue, his mouth drooling wildly. It was a huge fish and it was gold! It was Happy's dream!

Natsu continued his tedious walk up the steps, eager. He couldn't care less that he thought the old man was shady. He could practically taste all the delicious flames his servants would cook for him once he got the reward. After a few more steps, Natsu landed on a small cleared area at the top of the mound, his eyes staring at the gleaming lamp on a rocky pedestal. To him, it looked like a dinky old antique that he'd easily break. It was a dull white color with a lost sheen on its material. It didn't even look like a lamp! It looked like some grave boat or something. Natsu shrugged. Oh well. It shouldn't matter to him anyways. He wasn't the one who wanted it.

Gently, he smothered the "lamp" with his fingers, looking at it closely in the moonlight. "Hey Wendy!" he called, still appraising the elderly possession. "I think I found the…" His words died out as he watched in panicky bewilderment at his Exceed.

Happy, enticed, prowled closer and closer to the golden fish, a look of feral hunger in his eyes. The little dog was holding onto Happy's tail, yet in vain, unable to apprehend the mesmerized feline. Wendy and Charla helped their new friend tug against the tom, and still, their strength combined would not allow them to stop him in his tracks. And his paws were outstretched, almost reaching the golden-scaled fish.

Natsu's eyes widened. "Wait! Happy! Don't—" His words were cut off abruptly when Happy's paws touched the fish statue, his mouth-watering like crazy. But the feline didn't get to bite into his new prize. Instead, thunderous grumbling and roaring shook the cavern, threatening to collapse it. Wendy, Charla, and the white dog crumbled to the ground instantly. Natsu maintained his stance, frowning and narrowing his eyes as he surveyed the quavering cave with flashing onyx eyes.

"Foolish dragon children!" a voice roared in savage anger. "You have broken my rule and touched Vajra!" Happy, who sometime snapped out of his trance, fearfully crouched to the ground, his fur prickling with apprehension. "You shall never see the light of day again, son and daughter of the great dragon of flames and graceful dragon of the Heavens! Die where you stand!"

The calming lake trembled with undeniable fury, its blue mask burning into a Hellish flaming red color. In place of the water, burping molten lava boiled at the surface. Bubbles of dangerous hot liquid belched loudly, spitting blazing flames as the cavern's walls began to weaken and loosen its rocks.

Wendy, alarmed, look at the mayhem in front of her. "What are we going to do, Charla?" She shouted over the ruckus, subconsciously stepping back from the danger and towards the exit. She was scared. She was afraid of the unknown world of death. Natsu promised they'd find their parents before they died. And he never broke a promise.

The white Exceed looked at the pinkette, who began sprinting down the steps, then back at the blue Exceed and trembling dog, then to her dumbstruck partner. They would not die today. Not if she had anything to say about it.

"Happy, I want you to get Natsu," she ordered firmly, glancing at the anxious tom with a serious glint in her eye. "I know he could probably drink the lava and fire, but I have a bad feeling about it." Happy, who came to his senses, straightened up and nodded, sprouting his angelic wings and taking off to his friend. Charla turned towards her frightened partner. "Wendy, grab the dog. We're getting out of here." Wendy nodded silently and scooped up the fearful creature, determination now burning through all the dread she felt. Charla sprouted her own set of wings and grabbed Wendy, flying them safely out of the cave and into the dark tunnels.

Wendy glanced back at the entrance. "What about Natsu and Happy?" she asked over the commotion. Charla swerved drastically as she avoided the falling rocks, inwardly cursing herself. "Shouldn't we wait for them? I don't want anything to happen to them," she added.

Charla glanced down at the young dragon slayer. She could see the worry and anxiety flooding back into Wendy's brown eyes with passing moment. Instantly, the Exceed softened. "They will be all right. Natsu and Happy won't let a little thing like this get to them," she reassured. With confidence, she vowed, "I promise you, Wendy. I won't let any of you die in here."

Wendy caught a glimpse of the she-cat's face. So strong and resolute and firm, not a trace of uncertainty. Charla was right. They needed to be brave. Natsu and Happy would be just fine. If they could escape Erza, barely unscathed, something like this would be a walk in the park. But still… the blunette couldn't help wondering… Back while they were in the treasure rooms, there was an odd smell… And when they were in the cave, the smell was there too…

Why did this whole place have the scent of dragons?

Mavis watched in excitement as the dragon's head roared in fury from her position in the sky. So Happy did fall for her little surprise! How wonderful!

"How exactly is that 'wonderful', First Master?" A quiet voice inquired.

Mavis glanced back at the figure and beamed brightly. Approaching her was a man with midnight-black hair and searching umbra eyes. His black robes trailed behind him as he tugged absentmindedly on his white toga.

"Hello, Zeref," the brilliant blonde greeted in her light voice. "Come to watch?"

Zeref sighed and shook his head despairingly. "I came to tell you that the meeting is happening in a few minutes." He looked downwards at the scene. Natsu clutched desperately onto the opening of the dragon's jaw, spitting words at the old geezer as he attempted to haul himself up, while Happy, panting, was in the arms of fear-stricken Wendy. In return, the old man beckoned for the dragon slayer to give him something. Natsu, frustrated, gritted out a few words before raising up a historic lamp for the man to claim.

"Mavis, we need to go now," Zeref stated, eying the overly enthusiastic First Master with something akin to amusement as she leaned in closer.

Mavis stuck out her tongue childishly at Zeref before returning to the scene. "Come on! Let me watch this a little more," she pleaded, laughing childishly at his quiet sigh of compliance.

Now the old man had the old lamp in his arms, shouting celebratory words. Wendy had rushed over with Charla, Happy and the little dog, all of them working together to pull Natsu up. However, the old man had a roguish grin on his face and shoved all three down into the mouth of the dragon, laughing maniacally. Out of magic, the three fell precariously down the throat, screaming, while the dragon's head sloshed around, melting back into a regular, run-of-the-mill sand dune.

The old man muttered something incoherent before digging around in the pockets of his robes. When he could not find what he was looking for, he dropped to his knees and cried out furiously.

Mavis nodded approvingly. "That'll teach Laxus for being so mean."

Zeref nodded before saying, "Okay, we watched. Now we really should be going." Mavis laughed bubbly and bounced towards him, clearly pleased. The Black Wizard mused, "You'll never give up Fairy Tail, will you?"

As they began their walking on thin air, Mavis shook her head. "How could I? I love Fairy Tail and the Third Master has done such a great job! Besides, I know you have an interest in Natsu, Zeref," she added teasingly.

He shrugged uncaringly. "I do," he consented, "because I know he will be strong enough. I'm not too sure on Lucy though."

Mavis playfully bumped into the dark mage, who snorted and bumped her back. "She'll be fine! Lucy is a lot tougher than she looks! You sound like Mystogan with all these doubts."

Zeref stopped in his tracks and looked seriously at the First Master. Once she realized he had stopped, she turned back to him, cocking her head in confusion with innocent quizzical eyes to match. "Because everyone is slightly uneasy with all of this. How are we certain everything will happen so smoothly as you say it will?" he demanded.

The normally jovial blonde frowned and a challengingly gleam came into her eyes. "I know everyone is still not okay with this," she agreed, "but trust me, it'll all work out! I trust my Kingdom."

A pregnant silence twirled around the two powerful mages. Not a word was spoken, not a sound dared uttered, save for the gentle beatings of the horse's hooves as it rode away with Laxus and Bixslow. Sparkling jade clashed with jet black in a heated, yet silent battle. Mavis dared him to say another word, a defiance blazing in her green orbs. Zeref glared questioningly back at her, black eyes never backing down from her challenge.

Eventually, Zeref sighed and weariness washed onto his face. "And I trust you, Mavis. I just hope everyone has as much faith as you have in those two."

Mavis nodded, a distant flicker in her eyes. "I do too."

In a thoughtful silence, the two figure took back in their pace of walking, each steps enshrouding their body in a glittering light. After the tenth step, both figures were cocooned in total light before shooting up into the Heavens and disappearing among the stars.