(Edited 19/08/18)
(Edited 30/12/20)
(Edited 10/06/22)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
Fall Of Valtheim
/Castle Valthiem – Outer Walls/
Loud explosions could be heard all throughout the castle as Natsu and Hogg continued to fight fiercely throughout the castle grounds.
Natsu could only grit his teeth as he received another blow to the head from Hogg. His initial plan of testing Hogg's increased power had backfired rather quickly when Hogg landed several rapid blows to his chest and ribs which would have killed him if he hadn't maintained his Crash Barrier.
'There's no way I can beat this guy without hitting the next stage,' Natsu mused thoughtfully as he watched Hogg lay waste to the area around them. 'Well, Gildarts did say I could go all out, not that I need to actually go all out but this guy is beyond a normal mage at this point.'
Hogg charged towards Natsu at lightning speed before striking him in the face causing him to fly through several walls and end up stuck in one of the castle's outer walls. Natsu quickly pulled himself free from the rubble and quickly began to release an extraordinary amount of magical power. His appearance slowly began to change. His eyes becoming more Dragon like in appearance, his skin becoming as red as his fire as his body began to flicker.
"Ah I see you have your own trick up your sleeve, pity it won't save you," Hogg sneered as he covered his fists in pure darkness. "Despise and Hatred!"
"Dragon Slayer's Secret Art – Assimilation Of The Fire Dragon King!"
Natsu's body had become meshed with the element of fire itself, his form flickering like a real flame would as he examined himself closely. With a grin, he extended his hand outward and fired a condensed pillar of flame from his palm that set off a sizeable explosion upon impacting its targeted location.
"What are you doing boy," Hogg asked curiously. "That power, no normal mage should be capable of converting their body in such a fashion …"
"This is my Phase One Transformation," Natsu replied firmly. "This form allows me to become one with fire itself. You won't be able to defeat me anymore Hogg, surrender."
"Why you cocky little brat," hissed Hogg as he rushed towards Natsu.
Natsu didn't move as Hogg thrust his Despise and Hatred weapons into him. Hogg could only stare in shock as Natsu looked him square in the eye with a smile.
"Fire Dragon King's Searing Cyclone," Natsu shouted as he disappeared before surrounding Hogg in a large cyclone that had begun to tear everything apart.
"What in the world is this," Hogg roared as he was lifted off the ground and thrown into the storm. "This power … IMPOSSIBLE!"
The cyclone continued to rage, its course moving away from Castle Valtheim itself and out toward the countryside as Hogg was tossed around in the inferno. The Dark Mage roared in a mixture of anger and pain as the fire continued to wash over him.
Eventually, the cyclone performed a rather strange spinning move and lobbed Hogg into the side of Castle Valtheim along with a series of large fireballs that set off countless child explosions all around his area of impact.
Hogg emerged from the explosions wounded, but still combat ready. Panting, the Dark Guild Master shot off toward the slowly shrinking cyclone which became Natsu once more. Skidding to a stop, the Guild Master grit his teeth as his magic power spiked.
"You've got serious skill boy, but I've had enough of this nonsense. I am a former member of the Magic Council and Dark Guild Master of Valtheims Razor, I WILL NOT BE TOSSED ASIDE LIKE THIS! Aspect of Darkness: Final Epitaph!"
The darkness surrounding Hogg's body had begun to shift. It began to seep into Hogg and his body began to convulse. Large tendrils began to shoot out of Hogg's body as he screamed out in pain. The many tendrils were pure black in colour and were a solid object unlike the previous darkness.
After several minutes, the human form of Hogg was no more. In his place was a being of pure darkness. The being consisted of a multitude of arms and legs spread throughout its body. Its head consisted of a large jaw with hundreds of razor-sharp teeth and its pure yellow eyes never left Natsu.
Natsu, sensing a powerful force coming, used his fire body to create wings and took to the air in order to get some distance as the body of the Dark Guild Master was fully consumed.
"The old fool fell victim to his own magic," Natsu sighed as he began to power up. "I can't let this thing live for too long or people are gonna get hurt."
The monster charged at Natsu as it launched off the ground at lightning speed. Natsu divided his flame body in order to avoid the attack, reforming moments later behind it as he channelled power into his right fist.
"Fire Dragon King's Demolition Fist," he roared as the attack quickly enveloped the monster before it began to explode inside the stream of fire.
The monsters cry of pain could be heard before it shot out of the flames and used its giant hand to swat Natsu straight through several towers, reappearing on the other side of the castle as he skidded to a stop near the eastern ramparts.
"Shit, this thing can hit me as I am now huh? That really hurt," groaned Natsu as he quickly dashed away from his current position before the monster tore through the wall and began to swing its limbs around madly.
Natsu retreated back outside with the monster close behind as he took to the skies once again. as the monster quickly moved to scale the building next to Natsu. To his surprise, the monster used the tallest remaining tower to launch itself up at him however this was all part of his plan.
"You might be powerful, but there's no fucking way in hell you'll survive this," Natsu roared as he held his hand up above his head as a massive crimson sphere of flame began to form. "Fire Dragon King's Quaking Nova!"
Launching the attack at the beast, the massive ball of flame fused with Crash Magic quickly enveloped it. The beast roared as it began to get bombarded by Crash Magic and searing flames though the worst was far from over as Natsu's attack wasn't finished.
"Fire Dragon King's Quaking Demolition Fist!"
Having flown up above the attack, Natsu charged another punch and went right for the already struggling beast. Flying into his own attack, Natsu pierced right through as the Nova exploded, raining down deadly balls of fire upon what little remained of Castle Valtheim.
As his attack concluded, Natsu couldn't help but pant heavily whilst watching the remains of the castle be engulfed by smoke. He knew the monster hadn't been fully destroyed, its roars could still be heard over the countless explosions, however it wasn't roaring as loudly as before.
Once the smoke cleared, Castle Valthiem was almost completely gone and in its place was a giant crater full of fire. Natsu descended into the inferno in an attempt to see the monster's condition and, after some searching, Natsu found it.
Its body had been torn to pieces by the fearsome attack, its massive limbs having been blasted to dust with most of the rest of it now laying as sizeable cubes all around the area which would soon be burnt to ash by the encroaching flames.
At this point, he thought back to Hogg and his motivations. His fury at what the man Siegrain had done which drove the man to delve so far into Dark and forbidden arts, arts that would ultimately consume him, and couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"But even still … I have no choice but to end it," Natsu sighed as he launched himself high into the sky and took a deep breath. "Fire Dragon King's Quaking Roar!"
Unleashing the monstrous breath attack, it quickly eclipsed the crater and the dying beast within, setting off a massive explosion that blinded everyone in the area. Once the light had dimmed all that was left of castle Valthiem was a few pieces of rubble that were knocked out of the blast radius.
Natsu descended before landing and reverting to his base form. "Phew that was tough, almost ruined my new jacket, Erza would've killed me sh-." Natsu froze, his mind remembering that Erza and Elise were also in the castle before he began to panic. "Oh shit, Erza and Elise were still in the castle-!"
"Natsu you idiot you're just as destructive as always!"
Natsu's head quickly turned to the source of the voice before he raced over to it. "ERZA," he shouted as he grabbed her for a hug and spun her around causing the scarlet haired knight to blush furiously.
"N-Natsu put me down," she said as Natsu reluctantly put her down.
"I thought I accidently killed you Erza!"
"Well, you can thank her for that," Erza said as she motioned towards Elise.
"So this is the power of Natsu huh," said Elise as Natsu walked over to her.
"Yeah sorry about that," he said sheepishly as Elise chuckled slightly.
"Well, it wasn't really me who save us but rather my Mother," Elise replied simply prompting Natsu to look at her confusedly.
"Your Mother," he replied as Elise simply nodded.
"Yes. In order to get us as far away from the blast radius, Mother had to use her power to teleport myself, Erza and Falk. Mother wants to speak to the both of you later after we have reported back to the Council by the way."
"Yeah, we should probably head out," Natsu replied as he filed away Elise's Mother for the moment to the back of his mind. "I don't wanna keep this guy around for too long."
"Yes, well I was told to inform you that we were to take them to Era and speak to the Council personally," Elise said with a slight frown which was mirrored by both Fairy Tail Mages.
"Oh great, this'll be fun," Natsu sighed only to be swatted over the back of the head by Erza.
"That's enough out of you, after what you did we'll be lucky if we even get paid!"
"Come on, we'd better get moving," Natsu said as the three left the ruins of castle Valthiem behind.
/Era – Magic Council Headquarters/
It had been a rough three day trip for the trio. Natsu was left with the burden of carrying Falk the whole way as Erza stated that he either carry Falk or sleep with one eye open. Naturally he chose the former.
The three had finally arrived in Era and had handed Falk over to the Rune Knights before heading to the Magic Council to be debriefed.
Upon entering the Council Chambers and seeing the members seated, Natsu's eye immediately caught on to one of the members on the far right. 'That's Hogg,' Natsu inwardly hissed before remembering what Hogg had told him during their fight. 'That means that Seigrain guy is still pulling things here, I'd better watch what I say.'
One of the Council Members soon stood and addressed the three. "Ahem. Thank you for arriving so soon you three, I understand that there were several difficulties that occurred during the mission?"
Elise stood and began to address the Council on exactly what had occurred to the three during the mission which had, by the end, left most of the council utterly shocked.
"You mean to tell me Salamander not only defeated and killed the Guild Master but also destroyed the entire base and the surrounding area," the Council Member asked in disbelief. only able to stare at Natsu whilst the Dragon Slayer simply shrugged. "What do you have to say for yourself young man?"
Natsu took his place at the podium as he began to relay what happened between himself and Hogg, leaving out the part about the Cortex really being Hogg.
"I see," said one of the Council Members as he stroked his beard. "Those are some pretty extreme circumstances besides which we all knew the risk from the beginning. Your completion of the job is within acceptable standards however in the case of you Elise; this Council cannot decide if it was necessary for you to kill Markus Twinshadow. You will not be punished for his death due to his status as a Dark Mage however we must release you from the ranks of the Council's Rune Knights," the man concluded.
Natsu and Erza looked over at Elise in shock however her face betrayed nothing, her eyes utterly blank as they quickly turned their attention back toward the Council.
"The three of you are dismissed and as for you two Fairy Tail mages we have left your reward with the guard outside this room who will give it to you on your way out. And thank you on behalf of Fiore for your service," another Council Member concluded as the three exited the room and Erza collected the reward.
The three silently walked out of the Council building. Erza and Natsu couldn't help but be sorry for Elise.
"Kicked out of the Council's military for doing your job, what a load of crap," growled Natsu as he stared back at the building.
"It's ok Natsu, I'll be fine," Elise replied quietly. "Honestly, I've been waiting for them to finally find an excuse to get rid of me anyway."
"Are you going to be ok Elise," Erza asked in concern as the God Slayer looked over at the two S Class Mages with a small smile.
"I'm sure I'll get by, though I'll need to find somewhere to live since I lived in the barracks here," Elise replied with a slight frown.
"This isn't right Erza, we can't just let this shit slide!"
"I agree," Erza replied as she placed a hand on the God Slayer's shoulder. "How about you come with us Elise back to Fairy Tail?"
"Really, are you allowed to just invite people like that," Elise asked in genuine surprise, not expecting such an offer from the pair.
"Of course we can, besides you're our friend and we can't leave a friend to fend for themselves," Natsu added with his signature grin which had the God Slayer at a loss for words.
"I-I can't thank you enough," Elise blurted out awkwardly as both mages led her away from the Council Chambers.
"Come on, let's get moving before it gets dark," Natsu said as they began to walk through the town of Era.
"Natsu's right, we need to find the station and get back to Magnolia to report to the Master."
"The station is only a few blocks from here," Elise replied as she pointed to a large building. "There should still be at least one train going at this time of the night, come on!"
The three arrived at the station several minutes later as they paid for their tickets and boarded the train to Magnolia, the two Fairy Tail Mages noticing the excited but also somewhat cautious look on Elise's face as they boarded.
/Train Bound for Magnolia/
The three began to walk through the train cars until Natsu spotted the bar and immediately sat down and ordered a drink.
"What are you doing Natsu," Erza sighed as she looked at Natsu as he began drinking.
"You two go on ahead I just wanna have a few drinks," Natsu replied with a smile as Erza and Elise simply shrugged and went to find a booth.
'Right now that they're out of the way where are they,' thought Natsu as he sniffed the air before looking over at a table with several people seated at it.
"Yeah, we have to search that old man's house on that mountain range," one of the men said as another one laughed.
"We gotta find it quick or the Boss will kill us," said another as he downed a mug.
"Once we find the thing we can unleash it on that stupid meeting in Clover," said a third as he began to laugh.
"Shut your trap you idiot, we can't let people catch on to our plan," hissed one of the people as they began to talk about inconsequential topics.
Natsu sighed as he paid for his drink and went to the booth Erza and Elise had found.
"Natsu it's about time you showed up," Erza said as she shot him a glare. "Did you really need to get booze NOW of all times?"
"No need to be so mad Erza I just needed a drink what's wrong with that," he replied as Erza sighed in response. "By the way, I picked this up for you on the way here," Natsu said as he pulled some strawberry cake out of a bag he was holding.
Erza's eyes lit up as she took the cake from Natsu and began to dig in while Natsu simply smiled and sat down next to her.
"So anyway, I wanted to ask you Natsu, why are you so strong," Elise asked prompting Natsu to chuckle softly.
"Well, it's a pretty selfish reason, but I guess there's no problem telling you," he replied as his mind began to wander.
"When I was younger I was pretty weak, I couldn't beat a regular monster. One day I was in the woods with a girl called Lisanna," said Natsu as Erza almost choked on her cake, eyes wide in shock knowing full well the story that was about to be told.
'Natsu's actually going to speak about Lisanna!'
"Well, basically, what happened was we were attacked by a monster and I tried to fight it. But being a little kid I got my ass handed to me pretty bad. Next thing I knew it was about to eat Lisanna and there was nothing I could do. At the last second Gildarts appeared out of nowhere and beat it," Natsu said as he began to fiddle with the zipper on his jacket.
"Who is Gildarts?"
"He's Fairy Tail's strongest mage, well at least we think he is since Natsu could have surpassed him," replied Erza as she finished her cake.
"Yeah, well it was at that moment I knew I had to get stronger for the people I cared about," Natsu said. "So I decided that I would train hard for an entire month, then I would challenge you Erza and if I couldn't beat you then I was gonna go to Gildarts."
"So I'm assuming that you lost then," said Elise as Natsu laughed softly.
"Yeah she beat me pretty bad," he replied with a snicker.
Erza couldn't help but think about Natsu's story. 'The amount of pain he went through due to her death I'm shocked he is able to speak about her.' she thought as Natsu yawned.
"Well we have hours before we get to Magnolia so I'm gonna get some sleep, you need warmth Erza," Natsu asked as Erza rested her head on Natsu's shoulder.
"This will be fine," sighed Erza as she felt Natsu's warmth envelop her.
Natsu simply smiled and placed his arm around Erza protectively before falling asleep.
"So are you two dating or…," Elise asked with a small smirk as Erza blushed.
"N-no but-," Erza began to stutter as Elise giggled.
"Let me guess, you would like to?
"Well, I won't say that I wouldn't want to," she said as Natsu mumbled slightly in his sleep.
"So does he feel the same way?"
"Well, I think he does but I'm not too sure," she replied with a sigh.
"So how long have you had a thing for him?"
"Well I don't really know when I first thought about him that way but when he disappeared nine years ago it tore me apart," she replied as she recalled how depressed she was while Natsu was gone.
"Have you ever tried to tell him how you feel?"
"I can't bring myself to say it, I don't know why … I never was good with my emotions, anyone in the guild could tell you that one for free."
"Don't worry, you'll tell him eventually," she reassured Erza who smiled in response.
"Thanks Elise, I truly do hope so," she sighed before smirking herself. "So, what about you?"
"Me," Elise asked in genuine surprise. "Wh-what about me!?"
"Is there anyone special in your own life Elise, someone you like?"
"No," Elise replied instantly which wiped the smirk off of Erza's face. "My life, I've just never had any time to consider romance so …"
"Really?"
"My childhood wasn't spent in the … best conditions," Elise began as Erza fully focused on the God Slayer. "My parents considered my worth less than that of a slave, an 'oxygen thief' was their usual insult. I endured that for awhile until I was rescued by a man named Gentou who raised me as his own."
"What was Gentou like," Erza asked as Elise gained a faraway look.
"He was a powerful mage, the strongest in our village. In fact, when he saved me, Gentou was the High Priest of the cult that was based there."
"Cult?"
"You might have heard of the village, not the cult," Elise sighed as she met the Requip Mage's gaze with her own. "Kihetai Village."
"What," Erza gasped, struggling not to jump out of her seat at the mere mention of the well known place. "But that can't be, there were no survivors found anywhere close to the village!?"
"The Dark Guild tried to kill us all for an artefact but failed," Elise replied simply, obviously not willing to go any further on the topic. "Suffice to say that Gentou sacrificed himself so that I might live on, the sole survivor."
"D-do you know who killed the Dark Mages that were found there," Erza asked shakily as Elise met her gaze with one that clearly stated she wasn't willing to share that much. "S-sorry, I shouldn't have pried-!"
"Its alright," Elise sighed tiredly. "From a young age I have learned that most people are out for themselves. My parents sold me to the Dark Guild they served and took pleasure in my suffering, the only man I could ever see as a Father was slain by Dark Mages because another in our village sold us out and everywhere I went since I have encountered nothing but hostility."
"Elise …"
"I'm not used to people being nice," Elise continued as she again met Erza's gaze, this time with a softer one of her own. "I'm still not fully convinced that I'll be able to join your guild without some sort of trouble, however I can tell the two of you are in fact sincere in your words."
"Of course we are-!"
"Which is why I'm willing to give it a chance, why Mother wanted to meet you both and why both of us are willing to try the guild life as the next chapter in our story."
"…"
"Perhaps, once I'm settled in I might tell you a bit more about myself and the things I did early on in my life … but for now, perhaps it is best to leave the baggage where it belongs."
"In the past," Erza muttered which elicited a faint smile from the War God Slayer.
"Sorry for seeming like a depressing, broody bitch Erza, I just don't like looking back on my early life much."
"I'm sorry Elise, I'll remember that in future," Erza replied as the two shared warm smiles. "But then again, surely you've considered romance at SOME point in your life, right?"
"Come on," Elise groaned prompting Erza to giggle softly to herself. "I already told you I had no time for that crap!"
"You're a young woman Elise, surely there's someone who has caught your eye," Erza prodded. "Be honest, even if it happened to be Natsu here!"
"I don't know him well enough," Elise scoffed as she looked at the sleeping Dragon Slayer. "But, if I had to be honest, I'd want my partner to be strong and capable like he is for damn sure."
"See, now we're getting somewhere," Erza laughed which eventually drew a light laugh from Elise as their conversation continued to devolve into girl talk the whole way back.
/Magnolia/
Several hours had passed and the train had arrived at the Magnolia Station. Natsu woke up the moment the train stopped and noticed Erza and Elise had left the compartment already. Yawning, he stood up and stretched before making his way out into the hall only to bump into Elise.
"Oh sorry Elise," said Natsu as he laughed slightly.
"You sleep like the dead you know, Erza actually slammed your head into the wall yet you didn't even make a sound. Gotta say, I'm pretty jealous."
"I wouldn't exactly go calling it a talent but after I fight I do need more sleep than usual so I often fall into a deep sleep. Helps with my magic recovery time."
"I have a similar skill, though Mother calls it 'delinquent syndrome' because even she can't wake me up so she thinks I'm doing it on purpose," she replied as the pair shared a short laugh. "You ready to get off, Erza's getting a message sent on up to the Master of the guild letting him know we're coming."
"Yeah, I'm good to go," Natsu nodded as the pair disembarked and noticed Erza coming toward them. "Slamming my head against a wall? Really?"
"W-well …"
"Heh, don't worry about it," Natsu grinned prompting Erza to stick her tongue out at him playfully." Guess we should get a move on."
"Of course, especially since I need to show you off to the others," Erza replied prompting Natsu to cock his head to the side in confusion and Elise to giggle knowingly.
"Show me off?"
"Your new style silly. I'm proud I picked it and you like it and I want everyone to know about it."
"Yeah, these clothes have gotten pretty comfy," Natsu agreed as the group began to walk. "Though I don't get the whole 'showing me off' thing …"
"Don't even bother trying to figure it out Natsu," Elise grinned as they began making their way down the steps and toward the town. "Just let Erza parade you around for a bit and everything will work out just fine!"
"What?"
"Just do what Elise said," Erza sighed as the pair made their way toward the Guild Hall in the distance.
/Fairy Tail Guild Hall/
It was another ordinary day in the guild. A brawl had broken out between Gray, Elfman, Loke, Jet and Droy for reasons they couldn't even remember. Mira was busy talking to Levy about a job she had just returned from as the Guild Hall doors were blown off their hinges, one of them hitting Gray.
"What the hell's the big idea," shouted Gray as he searched for the door thrower.
"Yo we're back," yelled Natsu as the guild lit up once again at the arrival of the Dragon Slayer.
"Hey pyro, what's the heck is wrong with you,!? Why are you kicking doors into me," shouted Gray as Natsu simply laughed.
"Welcome back you two," said Mira as she and Levy approached them. "Oh and who's this."
"Hello my name is Elise," she replied neutrally prompting Mira to shoot her a signature smile.
"She's here to join," Erza added quickly as she scanned the room in annoyance.
"Really, that's wonderful," Mira beamed as she went behind the bar and pulled out the guild mark stamp. "Where and what colour?"
"Wait, I'm allowed in? Just like that," Elise asked shocked. "Isn't there some kind of process!?"
"Nah, the only real process is the Master talks to you but he lets almost anyone in," Natsu replied as he turned to Mira and Levy. "Hey have you two seen gramps or Gildarts around?"
"Oh you wouldn't have known since the two of you weren't here but the Master and Gildarts went out to speak with several other Guild Masters about this Dark Guild business," Levy replied with a frown. "Apparently things are only getting worse so they might be meeting to try and push something to the Magic Council."
"Could you all keep an eye out for them I need to speak to them about something," he said as he began to look around the room with a puzzled look sensing the presence of someone that annoyed him.
"Well well well, look who finally decided to return. For years we've all been wondering when the little brat was gonna return with Gildarts but who would've thought said brat actually got some real power behind him? My money was on him dying," said a rather annoying voice from the second floor of the guild.
Erza's face quickly turned into a frown as she looked up at the man smiling at the scene unfolding beneath him. "Laxus," she growled.
"Well hi to you too Erza," he said with a grin as his gaze returned to Natsu.
"Laxus," shouted Mira as she turned to face the man. "Stop trying to start trouble just because the Master is away!"
"And who are you to tell me anything Mirajane? If you had any real strength to back up your own words maybe Lisanna wouldn't have died," he said as he began to laugh.
"I'd shut your mouth if I were you Laxus," growled Natsu as the guild turned dead silent.
"Look runt, just because you did a little training doesn't mean shit. Maybe if you hadn't of been born weak you could've been there and stopped the weakling from dying, not that it matters to me," he said with a grin.
Natsu had cleared the distance between him and Laxus in a second as the two stood on the second floor staring each other down.
"You take that back you bastard," growled Natsu as Laxus looked at him and laughed.
"Look at you acting all tough, you need to learn respect for your elders you idiot," he said with a smile.
"As if I'd respect someone as despicable as you Laxus," Natsu shot back.
"Look fact is the bitch died because she was weak maybe if those three losers hadn't-," Laxus was cut short as Natsu landed a swift uppercut to Laxus and sent him flying through the roof.
"I've heard enough of your shit Laxus," Natsu yelled as his body ignited in flames and he jumped through the hole left by Laxus.
"Aww crap what do we do, they'll destroy the city," yelled Wakaba as Mira and Erza stared at the hole in shock.
"Someone contact the Master," yelled Macao as most of the guild ran outside.
"Erza, you know that there's no one strong enough to stop them here right, and we can't just stop Natsu or Laxus will hurt him," Mira cried as the two heard cracks of thunder.
"Crap, we've got to get out there," said Erza as the two made their way outside.
"You little brat, you'll pay for that," Laxus roared as his fists became ignited in lightning.
"You're gonna pay for what you said Laxus," Natsu snapped back as his own fists ignited.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist," yelled Natsu as he rushed Laxus.
"You little bastard you never learn," Laxus said as he covered his fist in lightning before connecting with Natsu's fist.
The moment contact was made between the two fists a large explosion went off which sent Laxus and Natsu flying off in different directions. Natsu quickly regained his footing and quickly closed the distance between the two before appearing above Laxus, grabbing his head whilst the two were still moving and smashing it into an oncoming tree which destroyed it instantly.
Laxus quickly disappeared and reappeared behind Natsu and attempted to hit Natsu in the back of the neck but he ducked then kicked Laxus in the chest before sending him flying into a nearby building.
The two began to power up as fire and lightning coursed through the area. The two launched at each other with their respective element in both hands and came together with a massive explosion.
The guild had finally managed to catch up to the two when they saw the giant smoke cloud. As the smoke cleared three figures could be seen.
"Oh thank God, it's Gildarts, yelled Macao.
"Now just what the hell do you two think you're doing," asked Gildarts with a commanding tone.
Laxus simply grunted in annoyance before shaking off Gildarts and walking off.
"Care to explain Natsu," said Gildarts.
"He tried to use Lisanna against Mira, all she said was that Laxus should stop causing trouble while gramps was away and he replied saying that someone so weak they couldn't protect their Sister has no authority over him," replied Natsu bluntly prompting Gildarts to sigh.
"Ok I get it now," Gildarts said as he looked at the rest of the guild. "You guys have anything to add?"
The rest of the guild shook their heads as Gildarts looked at Natsu before placing a hand on his head.
"Look kid, remember what I told you. With power like yours you can't go around fighting people like you used to. The amount of power you hold within you could destroy the city if you go too far."
"I know what you told me and I haven't fought anyone besides him," replied Natsu with a scowl.
Gildarts sighed and shook his head. "Well it's a better effort than what I thought you were gonna put in."
"Anyway I'm gonna go fish for awhile," Natsu sighed as he walked off leaving Gildarts with the rest of the guild.
"He must still be taking Lisanna's death pretty hard," Gildarts muttered to himself before looking over at Erza.
"Thanks for stepping in Gildarts," Erza said as she approached him. "And yes I believe Natsu is still feeling Lisanna's death despite how long it has been, from what I can see it was one of the driving forces behind him leaving with you in the first place.
"Honestly I didn't really do anything so you don't need to thank me," Gildarts sighed. "And between the two of us I think Lisanna will always be a sore spot for him just as she is for Mirajane and Elfman he isn't one to forget something like that."
"Surely there is something we could do to help him move on though, I know he liked Lisanna but surely he must have at least thought about moving on from her," Erza sighed as Gildarts chuckled sadly.
"He liked Lisanna yeah but if there is someone who could help him right now then it would be you Erza."
"What do you mean he could use my help," asked Erza with a puzzled look.
"Look it isn't my place to say just go to him, he'd appreciate it is all I'm saying," he replied as he began to walk towards the guild.
Erza took off after Natsu as the rest of the guild slowly made their way back to the Guild Hall.
/Outskirts of Magnolia/
Natsu growled as he waited for a bite, countless thoughts of his time with Lisanna flooded his mind. Natsu thought about that lightning prick Laxus putting down Mirajane and scowled just as he picked up a familiar scent and sighed, all signs of anger leaving him.
"Hey Erza …"
"Caught anything," she asked as Natsu as he chuckled in amusement.
"Nah, I don't even have proper bait," he replied as he sighed again. "Was too eager to come out here I didn't even bother prepping any."
The two sat there in silence for a while, nothing but the sounds of nature echoing through the forest. Natsu sighed and looked up into the sky and sighed.
"Do you know how she died Erza?"
"Well from what I heard Mira, Elfman and Lisanna went out on an S Class quest. The quest was going well until Elfman tried to take over the monster they were fighting and-," she was cut off as Natsu cut in.
"Elfman lost control of the Takeover and shattered the bones inside her body, she never stood a chance," he finished with an unreadable expression.
Erza nodded slowly as Natsu stared at the ground taking a moment to gather his thoughts.
"I can't blame Elfman for her death, I've seen what happens with a failed Takeover and it's lucky enough that he's even alive right now. Besides, Lisanna wouldn't want that and I'm sure she did everything she could to help him," Natsu sighed as he reeled in his line and placed the rod down next to him.
Erza simply looked at Natsu with a relieved expression. She knew how close he and Lisanna were and was worried for him, despite how long it had been since her death it was clear Natsu hadn't fully gotten over it yet.
"Have you spoken to Mira since it happened?"
"No, I couldn't because I knew it would hurt us both to talk about it but now Mira and Elfman seemed to have moved on so to reopen old wounds would be criminal."
"You know I think Mira would much rather see you receive closure than sit around contemplating the what ifs, perhaps even Lisanna would want that."
"I just don't want to hurt Mira by bringing up the baggage Erza," Natsu sighed. "It's bad enough she has that bastard Laxus picking on her about it so she doesn't need to hear it from me."
"Are you a self centred asshole?"
"Uh … no," Natsu replied prompting Erza to smile slightly.
"Then I believe Mira would love to hear what you have to say, if you want I can come with you for support?"
Natsu just stared at Erza whose gaze didn't waver as he seemingly searched for something in her eyes before bringing her in for a hug.
"What was that for," she asked, blushing slightly as the Dragon Slayer released her.
"Just for being here with me," he replied as he scratched the back of his head. "So, I was wondering uh could you come with me?"
"Of course I will Natsu," she said with a smile as Natsu took her hand and the two made their way to Mira's house.
/City of Magnolia/
After twenty minutes of walking the two had reached Mira's house. Erza could feel Natsu trembling slightly as they approached the front door.
"Don't worry Natsu I'll be here," she said as she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
Natsu nodded as he knocked on the front door.
After a minute the door opened and Mira instantly locked eyes with Natsu before tearing up slightly.
"Oh Natsu, I'm sorry about Laxus he's ruining everything for your return-!"
"Don't worry about it Mira, I'm not about to let Laxus ruin my time with all of you but I do want to talk about something …"
"It's about Lisanna, isn't it? I can tell you still have her in your thoughts," Mira sighed sadly as Natsu nodded. "Come on in and we can talk about it."
Natsu and Erza entered Mira's house and were lead to the living room, taking seats on the couch Natsu sighed and decided to break the ice.
"Say Mira, where's Elfman at anyway?"
"Well after today he started thinking about Lisanna so he's out training," she replied as Natsu nodded in understanding.
"So where should I start," Natsu sighed as his voice cracked slightly with the repressed feelings slowly making their way to the surface.
"How about at the beginning, you left because of her death didn't you?"
"Yeah," Natsu sighed as he ran his hands through his hair. "I hung out with her every day and I'd yet to experience death so when she died I-I wasn't able to handle it and threw myself into my own training."
"But it wasn't enough to fill the void was it?"
"No, all my usual training just wasn't enough and even training with others like Erza didn't do anything. I honestly did want to approach you about it but both you and Elfman were in mourning and me being a foolish child I couldn't gather the courage to do it."
"You might not have been the smartest kid Natsu but you had heart, don't go putting yourself down like that," Erza said softly placing a hand on his knee in support.
"So I guess I decided to get stronger at all costs, I decided there was only one person who could do it and that was Gildarts but he was hardly ever there. When I heard he was leaving on a Century Quest I knew I had to go with him or my chance to grow strong enough would be lost."
"So you truly left to get stronger for the rest of us, on one hand I want to smack you for something so reckless but on the other hand it is so typical of you that I can't help but smile."
"Thanks Mira, but I won't deny that what I did was foolish and had it have been anyone other than me perhaps they would not have survived the horrors I saw along the way. Like it or not I did the deed and now all that remains is what the future holds for us."
"I'm sure Lisanna would've been happy to hear that from you Natsu," Mira said with a warm smile. "She wouldn't have wanted you to be hung up on her death I can say that with certainty."
"I can believe that," Natsu agreed with a smile, remembering her childlike innocence, something he lost pretty quickly as he entered Scarlione. "So I suppose I owe you an apology Mira since I ran off because I was too cowardly to speak about my feelings for Lisanna."
"You don't need to apologize for that Natsu, what matters is you returned home safe and you plan on fighting to protect, that's all that matters."
Natsu smiled as he wiped a stray tear that had escaped him as the trio sat in relative silence until Erza decided to finally speak.
"I hate to cut things short but Natsu and I have to go house hunting since his old home is destroyed."
"It is pretty late are you sure you'll find somewhere by the time the stores close," Mira asked as Natsu shrugged.
"Well it's never too late to start I guess, here's hoping we find somewhere good," Natsu said as he stood up.
"You're right Natsu, what is important is that we start immediately otherwise we won't get a good enough home."
"I believe there is a manor for sale somewhere close to the guild so you might want to try there," Mira suggested as Natsu thanked her with a hug.
"Thanks Mira and … thanks for listening, I know it must have been hard for you."
"It's no trouble at all Natsu," Mira replied with a teary smile. "Now, you need to get moving and find a house, after all I heard you got a pretty good reward while you were gone."
"Yeah, hopefully it'll be enough to get a good house," he said with a smile before waving goodbye and leaving Mira's house.
"So, Erza, guess we should start with that place Mira mentioned eh?"
"Well, that is but one option, but yes I believe we shall start there," she replied with a smile as the duo went to the district Mira told them about.
An hour later saw the pair making their way across Magnolia. The district happened to be near the guild which made Natsu quite happy, at least until he saw the place.
"You're kidding me right," Natsu said as he looked at Erza who had a proud look on her face.
"What's wrong with it," she asked as Natsu stared at her in disbelief.
"Look at this place its huge, I can't afford this it's a damn mansion," he exclaimed as Erza laughed.
"Well you'll have to get used to it because I already handed the payment over to former owner," Erza said with a smirk.
Natsu just stared at Erza dumbfounded as she began to pull Natsu inside the house.
"Right now we should have the basics covered, but we still need things like a fridge, some better drapes-," Erza was cut off as Natsu cut in.
"Wait what do you mean 'we'?" he asked as Erza blushed slightly.
"Well I used most of the total reward we got to get this place so I figured I could live here too," she said as Natsu simply sighed.
"You know you could've just asked first you know," he replied as Erza giggled.
"You didn't even want the house a minute ago so how would you have reacted if I had asked to live with you," she asked as Natsu simply smiled.
"I would've been cool with it Erza besides now you won't have to pay rent anymore," he said with a grin.
"Yeah, I know, but we can put all the jewel we earn into this place and it can become a great place to come back too," she said with a grin.
"We'll need to build a massive place to put all your armors though," Natsu said and the two shared a laugh.
Natsu could only sigh as he started looking around the empty house. "Definitely gonna have to pick up your stuff before it gets dark."
"Your right Natsu we need to head to Fairy Hills and grab my stuff," she said as the three exited the house and made their way to Fairy Hills.
The pair arrived at Fairy Hills and Erza went inside to start hauling furniture out, leaving him to stand out the front awkwardly as the Landlady glared in his direction. He idly wondered if she knew he'd snuck in the other night but quickly dismissed it.
"How come I'm the only one pulling the cart," Natsu asked in annoyance as Erza came out the front with a queen size bed in tow before placing it on the cart.
"Because I'm the one doing all the heavy lifting," Erza shouted in annoyance as the two began to butt heads.
"That's not fair you know I'm not allowed to go in there or I'd help," he shouted back. "Plus, I'll be the one doing all the heavy lifting since I'll be the one dragging the entire lot in one go!"
"Fact is you're not allowed in so you have to stay out here, I grab the stuff and bring it out and you put it on the cart! Then, once all of it's on, you pull it back home," she snapped back which only further annoyed him.
"You're using me as a workhorse!"
"I pull a cart with dozens of things on them on every mission so you should be able to do it at least once," she shot back as the two began to bicker back and forth not noticing the group heading towards them.
"Hey Erza what are you doing with all of your things," asked Levy.
Natsu and Erza stopped arguing before laughing with each other for a moment. Erza then turned to face Levy and the others as Natsu continued to put things on the cart.
"Well to put it simply I'm moving out," she replied with a smile as the others stared at her in shock.
"Moving out, where," asked Cana as she began to drink from her flask.
"Natsu and I bought the mansion down the road from the guild," Erza stated proudly as the others looked at her in shock.
"Wait, you're moving in with Natsu," Levy asked in shock as Erza nodded.
"Calm down Levy, we all should've seen this one coming," said Cana as Erza directed a glare her way.
"Anyway, I have a lot of things to move since Natsu can't go inside so I need to get back to work," Erza sighed as she started walking back inside.
The girls gaze quickly shifted to Natsu who seemed completely unfazed by the situation as he placed a desk on the cart, grumbling about being overworked all the while.
"When did this happen," asked Levy as Natsu looked up at her.
"Uh, about an hour ago," he replied casually as he went back to placing things on the cart.
"Seriously, and you just agreed with it," Levy asked in disbelief only for Cana to snicker in amusement.
"Come on Levy, we all know what Erza wants Erza gets," the resident drunk replied with a grin. "Besides, being big bad S Class Mages, those two can easily afford a place as luxurious as that so who really cares if they live together?"
"B-but-!"
"Get your mind out of the gutter Levy, geez," Cana teased as the blue haired mage blushed furiously at the implications being put forward.
"I-I was not thinking any such thoughts Cana!"
Natsu could only chuckle in amusement at the small argument as Erza finally emerged from Fairy Hills with the last of her things and started helping him place them on the cart.
"Hey Natsu, we'll need to keep paying rent on all the rooms I have with my armor in them until we sort out the storage situation," she said as Natsu nodded.
"Right, I'll look into a few jobs while you sort out the house," he replied as the girls began to talk amongst themselves.
"It's like they're a married couple," said Levy as Cana could only laugh.
"Your pretty dense huh Levy, Mira called this day one when Natsu came back," she said with a smirk.
"Right, well I'm gonna start hauling this stuff back to the house Erza," Natsu said as he grabbed the cart with one hand and lazily dragged it behind him.
"So now you can take the cart yourself," she said with a smirk.
"Hey, I'm only doing it because I'm tired ok and there's a nice soft bed right here," he said as Erza simply sighed.
"Go on then, I'll catch up," she sighed as Natsu walked off with all of her stuff.
"Relax Erza, I'll tell the Landlady about the situation," Levy said quickly with a smile prompting Erza to smile thankfully in response.
"Thanks Levy, you're a lifesaver," she said before running off after Natsu.
The pair arrived back at the house and hauled all of Erza's things inside, Natsu's rather lazy attitude toward getting it all through the front door nearly causing a fight to break out as he tried to cram the entire cart through the front door.
Fortunately, the pair eventually agreed to move the large objects in through the large window to the left which defused the situation. Eventually, the pair finally managed to cram everything inside with most of it in a heap in the living room.
"Can we just put the bed down and sleep," Natsu sighed as Erza reluctantly nodded. "Good, because I'm beat."
"We will be dealing with this tomorrow Natsu," she said as Natsu just took off his jacket, shirt and placed them on a chair before Requipping a pair of shorts. "I won't have most of our stuff sitting in a large pile in the middle of the living room."
"Of course not," Natsu snorted in amusement as they both flopped down onto the bed. "I still reserve the right to sleep in though and no amount of fist waving is gonna say otherwise!"
"Fine by me Natsu," Erza yawned as the pair got under the covers. "Turn up the heat already."
"Turn up the heat already …?"
"Please," Erza yawned as the heat travelled through the mattress and into her very body once again, eliciting a satisfied moan. "Thanks.
"Night Erza," Natsu replied with a yawn as he looked down at Erza who was already fast asleep. "Heh, out like a light already …"
Taking one last look at Erza's now sleeping form, he got himself into a more comfortable position before slowly drifting off to sleep.
/Unknown Ruins/
"So they finally kicked the bucket huh, now who mediates between us huh," shouted a voice before it was quickly silenced.
"That's enough Zancrow don't speak out of turn," said an older looking man.
"Ever the gentleman Master Hades," said another man as he emerged from the shadows.
One Of The Three Great Dark Guild Masters
Master Of Grimoire Heart
Master Hades
"It's about time your guild arrived Master Brain," replied Hades as Brain simply laughed.
One Of The Three Great Dark Guild Masters
Master Of The Oracion Seis
Brain
"I don't see Tartaros anywhere either? Don't tell me this was a waste of my time," Brain said in an amused tone.
"Of course we are here Master Brain it doesn't take a genius to see the severity of the situation," said another man as he emerged from the shadows.
One Of The Three Great Dark Guild Masters
Master Of Tartaros
Mard Geer
"Master Mard Geer, good," Hades grinned as the three took their respective seats at a round table.
"Right then, let's get down to business then," Brain said prompting Hades to sigh.
"So here is what we know so far," Hades said as he pulled out a lacrima and placed it in the centre of the table before activating it.
"I take it this is meant to be what's left of castle Valthiem," Mard Geer asked, clearly amused at the sight of the destruction.
"Indeed. And from what information I've gathered this was caused by one man," replied Hades as the other two Masters remained silent. "We have yet to identify the man responsible however that isn't the big issue here."
"I am inclined to agree," said Mard Geer. "The fragile truce between our three guilds could be thrown into chaos with the removal of Valthiem."
"This is exactly what I wish to avoid. We have already seen a large return from this alliance so I see two ways we can go about maintaining peace. The first is simply placing another guild to mediate between us which is probably the worst of the two ideas. Second is we can attempt to maintain relations ourselves thereby cutting out the middleman," Hades stated as Brain spoke up.
"While its true cutting out the middleman would be good, why would placing another guild between the three of us be so bad," asked Brain as Hades laughed.
"The reason is simply because Valthiems Razor were simply a strong guild and they were wiped out, choosing any old guild would be a waste of time and money so the second option is easier," replied Hades as Mard Geer nodded in agreement.
"I am inclined to agree with you on this Master Hades, I believe you'll find no trouble from my guild or any guild beneath my banner so long as the operations continue running smoothly," he said as he rose from his seat.
"I shall give the same assurance," said Hades as the two looked at Brain who simply rolled his eyes.
"Of course I'm still in," he snapped as the three nodded before departing.
Once Mard Geer and Brain had left with their respective guilds Hades pulled out a lacrima crystal.
"Ultear, we need to move the plans up by a few days," he said with a sigh.
"Of course Master Hades but which plan should I focus on first," Ultear asked as Hades pondered the question.
"Have the flute of Lullaby planted in the mountain range that the Eisenwald guild will be searching by next week and ensure that they understand what its target audience will be," Hades said as Ultear nodded before disappearing.
'This would have been so much simpler if Valthiems Razor hadn't been wiped out,' thought Hades as he heard a familiar voice call out to him.
"Master, the ship is ready to depart," said a dark voice as Hades nodded.
"Good to know and Bluenote, I have a mission for you," Hades said as the man raised an eyebrow. "I need you to acquire a certain person for me who just so happens to be locked up in the Council dungeons by the name of Falk Transil," he said as Bluenote nodded before boarding the ship.
"Understood Master, I shall depart as soon as we reach the mainland," he replied as the two boarded the airship.
(Edited 19/08/18)
(Edited 30/12/20)
(Edited 10/06/22)