(Edited 19/09/18)

(Edited 31/12/20)

(Edited 10/06/22)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

The Dark Guild Eisenwald

/Aboard the Train/

The group had been sitting in silence for some time. The seriousness of the mission at hand, they simply prepared themselves for the fight to come. All of them except for Natsu however who simply sat there in the corner of the compartment with a bottle of whiskey in hand, much to the chagrin of Gray.

"What, you trying to take Cana's spot as guild drunk," he shouted which only served to annoy the others.

"Leave him be Gray he'll be fine. Besides, no one could beat Cana anyway," Erza replied as the group laughed.

"Yeah Gray, we all have to chill out a bit otherwise over thinking things could cost you," Natsu said calmly.

"You serious Natsu, you're the last guy who should be talking about over thinking things!"

"Maybe," Natsu admitted with a slight nod. "But what goods it gonna do you Gray to overthink things? During the time I was gone with Gildarts he showed me that overthinking missions like this was entirely pointless and could be better spent resting, conserving my energy for the coming battles."

"You ever gonna tell us about your little road trip with Gildarts?"

"Maybe one day but that's a lot to cover," he replied with a slight chuckle. "A lot more time than any of us have right now, that's for sure."

"I for one would like to hear how you got Knighted," Erza spoke up as Gray's jaw dropped.

"You're a freaking knight!"

"Yeah it's more of a title really. But yeah I am a Knight, though of the Scarlione Empire not Fiore."

"Wait you went that far with Gildarts," Gray asked in astonishment. "The Scarlione Empire is a whole country away!"

"Yeah, it was a hard trip and I almost died multiple times, but I made it. See, the quest was actually based in the Empire and let me just say that's a place you won't find anywhere else in this world," Natsu sighed wistfully as he turned to stare out the window.

"That still doesn't explain how you got Knighted though," Erza noted which garnered another light chuckle from the man.

"I get why you'd want to know and I'll tell you all eventually, but as it stands right now I can't really say much unless Gildarts says otherwise."

"Why do you need his permission though?"

"He outranks me," Natsu replied simply. "I'm a Knight but he was named Paladin of the Empire. It was to be expected since he was way stronger than me around that time."

"So there are more than just Knights in terms of rank?"

Natsu simply laughed and took another drink as the train began to slow down. "I'm not gonna go into specifics since it's pretty boring but yeah, it's a well-structured hierarchy. But anyway, we've arrived, so let's go."

Everyone nodded as they made their way off the train, the group quietly discussing the accomplishments of the pink haired man who was currently ahead of them.

"Geez … Can't believe that flame brain of all people is a Knight," Gray muttered quietly only for Erza to place a hand on his shoulder.

"Remember Gray, he was with Gildarts for nine years. Who knows what else he's done while he was gone."

"Yeah, I know … But I've gotta say I'm a little jealous."

"Uh guys," Elise said as the group looked at her as she stared at the train disappearing in the distance.

"What's wrong Elise," asked Erza who noticed she was pointing at the departing train. "Did you leave something behind?"

"Natsu's still on the train," she said as the others simply stared after the retreating form of the train with blank faces.

"The hell are you talking about, wasn't he just in front of us," Gray asked, clearly confused prompting Elise to shake her head.

"I'm not surprised you didn't notice it Gray but Natsu did get off only to use his speed to quickly slip back onto the rear cart. The question is though, why would he do that?"

"Gray go and get a magic car. Damn Natsu always making plans on the fly," she sighed. As the others looked at her. "Obviously there's a legitimate reason for him to use such deception which means we all need to adapt along with his plan … as dumb as that is."

"How do you know he made a plan Erza," Gray asked sceptically prompting the Requip Mage to shake her head.

"Gray if there is one thing I know for certain it's that Natsu wouldn't goof off during a situation this serious. If he got back onto that train and made sure no one could see him do it then there is a damn good reason for it!"

"Right," Gray sighed as he began looking around. "Guess we'd better hurry and catch up then."

The group all nodded as they departed the station and began looking for a magic car to catch up to the already distant train.

/Natsu's POV/

Back on the train, Natsu simply sat in a booth by himself. He was leaning up against a window acting as if he were half asleep as another man dressed in rather baggy clothes walked in.

"Hey pal, mind if I take a seat here," the man asked as Natsu motioned for him to sit.

The man studied Natsu for several minutes, a look of vague recognition across his features until his eyes fell upon his guild mark. A scowl replaced his previously interested look as he began to speak.

"So, you're one of those legal mages?"

"Yeah, what about it," Natsu asked as he hid his incredulous look at how casually the man just admitted to being a Dark Mage.

"You know I hate people like you, just acting like you're top shit just because you're in a legal guild!"

Natsu simply scoffed as his eyes lazily eyed the floor as he saw a shadow snake its way closer to him. Without moving the shadow cracked and broke as a surge of bright yellow shot across the booth and attached itself to the man's foot.

"Right, so this is how this is gonna work. Firstly, what's your name?"

"I ain't telling a weak legal guild punk like you shit," the man sneered only to cry out in pain as the bright light crushed one of his toes.

"Wrong answer pal try again, scratch that I don't care. Second question is are you a part of Eisenwald?"

"Course I am, you legal scum," the man sneered prompting Natsu to nod.

"Question three is why are you he-," Natsu was cut off as the train lurched forward as the man bolted from the booth, but not before Natsu clenched his fist, the Crash Magic he'd had around the man's other toe shattering it as he fell to his knees.

The man dropped a bag as he stumbled forward, regaining his footing before fleeing the compartment. Natsu grit his teeth and scooped up the bag before bolting out of the compartment in pursuit of the man.

"You'll get yours, legal scum," the man shouted as he began using his Shadow Magic to toss over objects in an attempt to block his path.

"Look pal your only making it worse for yourse-."

A large explosion went off as the train cars separated and the man jumped to the front carriage, Natsu just far enough behind so that he wasn't able to catch up in time. He sighed as he saw the train disappear into the distance.

After several minutes of checking over the remaining passengers, Natsu noticed Gray, Erza and Elise approaching in a magic car and jumped off to meet them. Almost instantly he was bombarded by Erza with a barrage of questions.

"What the hell Natsu, why didn't you tell us you were staying behind," Erza snapped, clearly annoyed at having to play catch up.

"Yeah, well it got results didn't it," he replied as everyone's jaws dropped.

"Where the hell did you get that from," shouted Gray.

"There was an Eisenwald guild member on the train so I figured I'd hang back and interrogate him for information. When that first explosion went off, he dropped this."

"Where is he now then?"

"Well, that's where our next problem comes in. He got away with a part of the train with innocent people on it so I couldn't attack the train directly to try and stop it," he replied with a sigh.

"Well, the next stop is Oshibana Station since that is the next stop for the train," Erza said as they got back into the car.

"Give me the plug Erza and everyone hold on," Natsu said as the group braced themselves.

The car took off like a rocket. All the mages with the exception of Natsu were in complete and utter shock.

"Holy crap Natsu what the hell," Gray shouted as Natsu grinned.

"We need to get to Oshibana quickly," was all Natsu said as the car raced towards the station.

/Oshibana Station/

The group had arrived at the station as quick as they could. The sight that they had arrived to was sickening to say the least.

"They killed them all," Elise growled said as Natsu examined one of the bodies.

"It seems we were too late," Erza said as she looked away from the gruesome sight.

All the citizens near Oshibana and anyone who was on the train had been beaten mercilessly. Their broken bodies were pinned to the walls and surrounding lampposts surrounding the station.

"We've gotta get moving guys," Natsu said sternly as he stormed back towards the car.

"Natsu's right, there's nothing we can do here for them besides inform the Council that Oshibana was wiped out," Erza said as the group began to head back towards the car.

"So now what do we do," Gray yelled in anger. "We can't just let them get away with killing all these people!?"

"And we won't Gray," Natsu replied in a calming manner as he pulled out the flute. "That Eisenwald guy from the train, his scent should still be all over this."

"Which means you can use it to track them," Elise hummed as Natsu took the wheel.

"That's right, they won't get away from us that easily …"

"If you think you can track em using that, let's get going," Gray snapped only for Natsu to place a hand on the ice mage's shoulder.

"Just give me a minute Gray there's a few different scents on this, I've gotta remember the one of that guy …"

Sniffing the flute, Natsu's eyes narrowed with his eyes darting all around the area. The rest of the group seemed confused until finally Natsu simply cursed.

"Shit."

"What's wrong Natsu," Erza asked only for a raised hand to silence her.

"They're still here," he said quietly as he continued to sniff the air. "They're inside the station, we need to move quickly,"

The group nodded in agreement as they quickly made their way inside the station. Looking at the group, he motioned for them to stop once they reached the turning point to the main terminal. Vanishing and reappearing in a burst of speed, Natsu had a deep frown on his face.

"Most of the guild must be here," he said quietly.

"We should find a way to single out the Master," Elise said as Natsu shook his head.

"We don't have time for that, they have hostages."

"So, what's the plan pyro," Gray asked curiously which earned him a slight grin in response.

"You guys will need to distract Eisenwald, get their attention off of the hostages. Using my speed, I'm going to blitz in there and free them, then we'll crush the rest together."

"That's a solid plan Natsu," Erza said nodding in agreement as Natsu smiled and disappeared.

"You ready guys," Gray asked as he took his shirt off.

"Of course we are," Erza said in agreement as the remaining mages nodded and charged around the corner.

Before the Dark Mages had time to react the group sprang into action with Gray making the opening move.

"Ice Make – Lance," Gray shouted as several of them shot forward and impaled some dark mages.

"Requip – Heaven's Wheel. Erza's body erupted in light as she changed armor. "Circle Sword!"

Twelve blades spawned around her in mid-air, slowly orbiting her floating form, clearly poised to strike.

"Dance, my blades," she cried as the swords began to spin around her rapidly before she sent them flying towards the dark mages.

"War God's Prometheus Lance," Elise shouted as she held her hands out in front of her, an ebony lance appearing in her hands as she spun it above her head before bringing the blade to the ground. "Paladin's Razor!"

Swinging the blade horizontally in front of her, a powerful burst of Dark Magic was fired at a large group, slicing them apart as Natsu watched on from afar. He'd already rescued the hostages well before Elise got involved but he wanted them to have a little fun.

His smile quickly vanished however as a harsh gust of wind sent him flying across the upper level of the station, crashing through one of the solid concrete walls to come out in a separate part of the terminal.

"So, this is Lullaby," the figure said as Natsu's eyes widened.

"Shit."

"So you must be the one Kageyama spoke of," the figure said as Natsu stood across from him with a glare.

"You must be the Master of this pathetic guild," Natsu countered evenly, prompting the man to laugh.

"My name is Erigor The Reaper you fool and soon you shall know why," he said with a grin.

Natsu could only stare at the man in annoyance as the rest of his guild mates joined him, having finished demolishing the rest of the Dark Guild fodder that had accompanied Erigor.

"Nice job flame brain now he's got the flute," Gray snapped, prompting Natsu to shake his head.

"Kageyama, deal with them," Erigor sneered as he disappeared.

Kageyama appeared from a hallway but before he even had a chance to lift a finger Natsu smashed his head into the station floor, knocking him unconscious. The rest of the group barely had the time to blink at the speed he moved, Elise barely stifling a snort at how comically pathetic the Dark Mage was.

"Come on we don't have time for this crap," he said as the group made their way to the entrance before a barrier of wind began to circle the entire station.

"Crap we can't get out," Gray said as he tried to force his way through to no success.

"Everyone get back," Natsu said as his entire body began to glow in a yellow light.

Walking forward with a pissed off look, Natsu simply walked through the wind barrier. The sheer power of his Crash Magic ripped the entire barrier apart as the others watched on in awe.

"Holy shit," Gray muttered under his breath. "He really is skilled with Crash Magic …"

As the orange lightning around him began to cease, Erza couldn't help but smile. His feats always seemed to surprise her, something she honestly found both attractive yet also somewhat concerning as she wondered just what his upper limit actually was.

"We need to move quickly and catch Erigor," Natsu growled only for his attention to snap to an area nearby.

The sound of laughter could be heard from a rooftop, the Fairy Tail mages all looking over in the direction of it to identify the source. Natsu's eyes narrowed with the rest of the group gasping in shock upon finding the source of it.

Three men stood on the rooftop staring down at the mages. On the left was a man with long yellow hair, a huge grin plastered on his face. On the right was a man who was sitting on a vine. His expression was completely devoid of emotion as he stared at the group below.

Natsu however was focused on the figure in the middle. The man looked to be in his mid-forties and wore a battle kimono, his magical pressure clearly suppressed yet even still leaving a dense pressure across the area.

'This guy ... he's definitely no joke,' Natsu thought as the two kept eye contact.

"We know one of you is the one responsible for defeating the Guild Master of Valthiems Razor. We are here on behalf of the Bharam Alliance to bring you back for questioning," the older man said sharply.

"Who the hell are these guys," Gray asked as he looked to his guild mates only for Elise to respond with a scowl.

"Members of the Bharam Alliance!"

"Grimoire Heart has come knockin ya chumps," the yellow haired man said with a grin.

Natsu sighed as he turned to the others. "Look, we don't have time for this. Gray, go after Erigor. Erza, Elise, I'll need your help with this," Natsu said as everyone stared at him shocked.

"You need help," Erza asked confused.

"That guy in the middle is no pushover so I need you guys to fight the other two. Gray, you're not quite on their level but you're more than a match for Eisenwald's Master so go and get the flute."

"Gray stared at Natsu stunned before he nodded and made his way to the magic car, the fact that he received such a compliment from him now running through his mind.

"So pal, I think introductions are in order," Natsu said as he turned to face the Grimoire Heart members.

"I am Bluenote Stinger, Deputy Commander of Grimoire Heart, this is Zancrow and that is Azuma. They are two of the Seven Kin of Purgatory," Bluenote replied calmly as Natsu grit his teeth.

'Not good, they are all big time Dark Mages.'

The three jumped from the roof and stood opposite Natsu with the three Fairy Tail mages all assuming defensive stances. Bluenote scanned each of them before locking eyes with Natsu once more, the magical pressure in the area beginning to build.

"You're clearly the one behind Valthiem's demise," Bluenote said as he pointed to Natsu.

"So what if I am?"

"Well, you're sure to prove a worthy opponent then."

A sudden pressure began to surround the six as cracks began to form in the ground. A light began to surround Bluenote as he began to power up, the power enough to have both Erza and Elise taking immediate steps backward in shock.

"Zancrow, Azuma. Take your fights elsewhere. Nothing will interfere with my battle," Bluenote's voice boomed with two nodding in agreement.

"I'll take the red head," Azuma said coldly as Azuma motioned for her to follow him.

Erza started to follow Azuma reluctantly, worried for Natsu but quickly cleared her head knowing full well that Natsu would not lose.

"That leaves me with this one then. Count yourself lucky it's not every day you get to fight a God," Zancrow snickered as Elise's eyes shot open.

"A God are you," Elise said her voice darkening as her outfit began to shift into her more revealing one, her eyes turning Galaxy Blue. "You know nothing of God you foolish mortal."

Natsu stared at Elise. "It's that weird power again, so it was her," he muttered gaining the woman's attention.

"Hello Natsu dear, sorry to cut in like this however I do so despise mortals who dare make such bold claims."

"Well, I suppose if anyone has the right to be angry about it then it'd be the genuine article," Natsu replied with a small smile. "I'd say good luck but …"

"Naturally you know I will not lose," Eliza nodded in reply. "We shall speak after all this is settled."

"I'll hold you to that," Natsu replied as the two faced their respective opponents.

"So, you wished to speak of God," Eliza asked Zancrow who was still smiling.

"Come on, we have to find another place to have fun nearby," Zancrow said as the two disappeared.

"Now that the fodder is out of the way, we can begin," Bluenote said as he continued to charge magical power.

Natsu also began to charge his own power as the temperature in the area drastically began to increase. Bluenote's eyes widened as orange sparks began to surround his opponent along with a powerful pillar of flame.

"So young yet so powerful, you must give me the secret to your power."

"As if I'd tell you anything," he scoffed in reply only for the mage to crack his neck to relieve some built up pressure, the ground being torn up by the raw power being discharged by the two mages.

"You will tell me all you know before I drag you back," he said as the two rushed towards each other.

Their fists met with an enormous explosion. The surrounding buildings began to collapse and the earth itself began to quake. The two broke off the attack as Natsu attempted gain some distance. Bluenote however wasn't having it and appeared behind Natsu and landed a blow to the back of Natsu's head.

The force of the blow sent Natsu flying through buildings across the town. He hadn't even landed when Bluenote appeared above him and kicked him into the ground causing a large crater where he landed.

"Well looks like this'll require a bit of effort," Natsu said as he stood up and stretched.

/Oshibana Outskirts – Erza's POV/

"Sounds like that kid is giving Bluenote a good fight," Azuma said as Erza stared at the large dust cloud that was gradually forming around the town.

"You Dark Wizards never learn," Erza growled in response, Azuma simply staring at her with a blank face.

"Your words mean nothing to me, only your actions."

"Requip – Flight Armor! You want actions then fine; I'll show you the error of your ways!"

Erza Requiped two smaller swords as she rushed Azuma and delivered a swift kick to his chest sending him back a few feet. Azuma smiled as he recovered and kicked Erza in the face as she tried to rush him a second time.

"Sonic Strike," Erza snapped as she slashed at Azuma with tremendous speed, however he put up a wall of vines which blocked the attack.

"You really shouldn't rush in like that."

Erza's eyes widened as a sudden surge in magic came from behind her. A set of vines swiftly pulled her towards the tree and held her in place.

"It's over," Azuma said as the tree exploded.

"It was foolish of you to challenge on of the Seven Kin."

"Requip – Armor of the Brilliant Flame!"

A bright light emerged from the smoke that blanketed the area before revealing Erza, bloodied but alive as her Armor seemed to increase the temperature in the area by a significant margin.

"Hmm. It seems I may have underestimated you, but only slightly."

"While I have the faith of my friends, of Natsu … I will never falter on my path," Erza cried as she Requiped the Sword of the Brilliant Flame.

"Let's test that resolve then, shall we," Azuma said as dozens of trees began to emerge from the ground and began to head in Erza's direction.

"Not this time," Erza snapped as she became surrounded in flames, pointing her sword in Azuma's direction. "Draconian Knight's Heat Wave."

With one horizontal slash a large torrent of fire seared away all of the trees and vines heading towards Erza.

"Impressi-," Azuma was cut off as Erza emerged through the flames.

"Draconian Knight's Searing Strike," she yelled as she slashed Azuma across the chest.

Azuma jumped back wide eyed. 'Where did this surge of power come from,' he thought as he began to cough up blood.

The two stared at each other briefly only for the momentary reprieve in combat to be interrupted. Several consecutive explosions rocked the area inside Oshibana proper which snapped Azuma out of his musings.

"Seems my job here is done," Azuma sighed as he slowly began to sink into the ground.

"Get back here," Erza yelled as she pierced the ground with her sword only to meet the dirt beneath the road. "Damn it!"

Requiping back into her regular attire, she stared at the large plume of smoke coming from Oshibana before running back to the town, hoping Natsu was alright.

/Oshibana Slums – Eliza's POV/

"So, you're a God Slayer too huh," Zancrow asked with an amused expression which seemed to only further annoy Eliza.

"My Daughter is a God Slayer yes, myself however … well I am something more."

"Always wanted to see if my powers would work on a real God, now I get to find out!"

"Come then and see just how weak you truly are," Eliza replied dismissively as she summoned a blade as dark as midnight.

"Flame God's Bellow." A stream of black fire erupted from Zancrow's mouth directly towards Eliza.

Eliza took a deep breath before she began to spin the sword in front of her so fast that it couldn't be seen. The flames made contact with the sword before it was redirected away and hit a nearby building.

"War God's Arcanum." Elise appeared in front of Zancrow and began to rapidly slash his body with lightning fast strikes.

Once her flurry ended Zancrow simply stood there smiling before the wounds healed. "It'll take more than a weak attack like that to beat me."

"So it seems, but at least I landed an attack."

"Flame God's Scythe." Zancrow rushed towards Eliza as a black flame appeared on Zancrow's arm forming a scythe.

Eliza blocked the strike, her body not even moving so much as in inch as she simply flared her power and blasted the arrogant God Slayer backward several feet.

"Flame God's Explosive Flame," Zancrow snapped, now clearly not amused as he fired a condensed blast of fire from the palm of his hand directly at her.

"Well now, this is interesting," she was all Eliza said as her form was enveloped by the flames followed immediately by a massive explosion.

"Hahahaha! Nothing but a weakling," Zancrow sneered before feeling a massive surge of pain.

"War God's Zantetsuken!"

Zancrow dropped to his knees in pain, a feeling he hadn't felt in years as the cold eyes of the War Goddess glared down at him. Looking back up to meet her gaze he could only laugh at his situation. He was completely outmatched, he knew this now. Against a real God he was nothing.

A large explosion rocked the city as debris began to fly down the street the two were in. Eliza covered her eyes until the dust settled only to find Zancrow gone. Shaking her head, Eliza sighed before beginning to make her way toward the explosion.

"That kid has talent, but he'll never come close to the true power of a God."

/Oshibana Station – Natsu's POV/

Explosions rocked the entire area as the two mages landed blows on each other. Natsu, who was forced to enter his Phase One transformation just to keep up with the man, still found himself struggling to deal any notable damage to Bluenote.

"Fire Dragon King's Wing Attack." Natsu charged at Bluenote and struck him in the chest with his arm covered in flames.

Bluenote quickly recovered and rushed at Natsu again and swung his fist towards Natsu's head, the Dragon Slayer dividing his body in order to avoid suffering any excess damage. Unfortunately, he wasn't prepared for Bluenote's next attack as he felt a sudden shift in the area around him.

"Fall," Bluenote said calmly as Natsu was suddenly brought to the ground.

"What the-!? Why can't I divide my flames?"

"Gravity is a funny thing boy. You can do many interesting things with it; in this case I am increasing the pressure in order to keep your current form suppressed.

'Never thought I'd be stopped in Phase One by a Dark Mage in Fiore,' Natsu thought as he reverted to his base form and stood up despite the gravity.

"As I thought, your fire is susceptible to my gravity."

"Guess I've got no choice then," Natsu sighed as he clenched his fists.

"Dragon Slayer's Secret Art – Acclimatization Of The Fire Dragon King!"

Natsu stood there unmoving as Bluenote waited for an attack or transformation, nothing came. A scowl slowly began to form on the Dark Mage's face as he took a step forward, the ground shaking along with his rising fury.

"Is this a joke boy?"

"The opposite actually," Natsu replied as he opened his eyes with a grin. "This technique allows me to acclimatize my fire to anything that it would normally be susceptible to. The only catch is that I have to keep the technique going and I can't use another one at the same time. Also once I release the spell I lose the acclimatization."

"If you think that adjusting to my gravity will stop me from capturing you then you're wrong. I will bring you before Master Hades."

"Look pal, I'm not really interested in fighting but you started it so I'm just defending myself. Besides, I couldn't care less what your Master wants."

Bluenote began to growl as he charged up more magical energy. "You will be defeated boy … Powerful you may indeed be for your age but I do not possess the title of Grand Wizard for nothing!"

"Fire Dragon King's Roar," Natsu shouted as he released a torrent of fire onto Bluenote who was being pushed back by its force. Natsu then quickly disappeared and reappeared behind Bluenote. "Fire Dragon King's Talon!"

Bluenote was sent flying through several buildings before quickly dashing back towards Natsu with a crazed look in his eyes, his outer clothing now in tatters and his magic power now spilling forth like a veritable well.

"Fire Dragon King's Sword Horn," Natsu yelled as the two head butted each other and were sent flying in opposite directions.

"Is that all," Bluenote shouted as he lifted his right leg and slammed it into the ground, creating a large fissure that split the centre of Oshibana clean in two. "Earth Magic – Great Rapture!"

Avoiding being caught up in the attack, Natsu jumped backward as Bluenote began striking his side of the fissure to split off entire sections of the edge. Catching the sizeable bits of earth with his Gravity Magic, the Dark Mage grinned.

"Let's see how you like this! Two Layered Magic Circle – Molten Meteor!"

Bringing the pieces of earth before him, the Magic Circles for 'Fire' and 'Gravity appeared with the former being placed directly behind the latter. Sliding his left leg backward, Bluenote cocked back his left fist as his right moved the first of the rocks into place.

"Take THIS!"

The rock passed through the first Magic Circle and was turned into a sphere of molten rock. The Dark Mage grinned savagely as the second Magic Circle fired it at him at high speed.

Jumping out of the way, Natsu was shocked to see the attack rip through everything in its path, setting much of the area on fire. He barely had the time to consider it however as Bluenote fired a second shot, forcing him onto the defensive.

'This is bad! He's positioned across the ravine which means I'd have to launch myself across to stop him … But then I'd be exposed and he'd take me out for sure,' Natsu growled internally. 'But these attacks, the Fire Magic Circle so hot its melting down the Earth into a magma form and a Gravity Magic Circle powerful enough to condense and fire said magma … its far too dangerous to try and outlast!'

"What's wrong Dragneel," Bluenote sneered. "Is this a little too 'hot' for the mighty Salamander!?"

"I've got no choice," Natsu sighed to himself as he avoided another shot from the man. "It might be destructive, but it's the only option left!"

He knew the attack was dangerous, but Bluenote was indeed correct about one thing and that was his title. The title of a Grand Wizard was, in essence, an honorary Wizard Saint title for those who weren't officially part of their rank. Technically, both Natsu and Gildarts were also Grand Wizards however it was clear that Bluenote was one who didn't specialize in any one particular kind of magic but instead a whole slew of them.

'Let's see if he takes the bait,' Natsu thought to himself as he fell back further into the town and out of Bluenote's sight.

"Think you can run, Dragneel," he heard the Grand Wizard's voice boom. "THINK AGAIN!"

Bluenote cancelled his attack as he slid his right leg back to join his left, remaining in a semi squatting position as he brought his two enclosed fists together. Opening them into palms, he made an upward motion as the ground below him shot upward.

"Earth Magic – Propulsion Pillar!"

Jumping slightly, Bluenote angled his feet backward as a second pillar shot out of the ground behind him, launching him into Oshibana at high speed. With his aerial advantage, Bluenote could see Natsu easily and began spinning on the spot with his leg raised above his head.

"Wind Magic – Reaper's Gale!"

As he spun around on the spot, Bluenote began firing out countless wind-based attacks that cleaved apart the buildings below, ripping apart roads and slicing through just about anything else that was unfortunate enough to be in its path.

After running through the city and avoiding the attacks, Natsu reached his desired location just as Bluenote landed at the entrance to the town square. Almost immediately, Bluenote slid into another stance and raised both his hands as four massive rock walls rose up to trap him in.

"Nowhere left to run boy," the Grand Wizard growled. "Surrender and come quietly, otherwise I shall be forced to break you."

Hate to break it to you," Natsu grinned which threw off the Dark Mage, not expecting Natsu to suddenly act so causal. "But it seems you fell right into MY trap, not the other way around."

"What!?"

"And let me tell ya," he continued as he ignited his fists. "I'm not nice enough to offer any kind of offer for surrender."

Bluenote was shocked as Natsu's magical output exploded, signifying he was about to launch a powerful attack. The Grand Wizard immediately moved into a defensive position as Natsu launched himself into the air, jumping first onto the town hall then launching himself off of the tallest point to find himself high above the area he'd been supposedly boxed into.

"Let's see how you like this," Natsu roared. "With the flames of my right hand, and the flames of my left … mix them together with my Crash Magic and you get-!"

Bluenote's eyes widened as Natsu formed a monstrous sphere of fire mixed with Crash Magic in-between his hands, the top of the sphere moving upward to form a massive sword made of the combined elements.

"Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Quaking Crimson Lotus – Exploding Flame Blade!"

Swinging the attack downward, Bluenote could only stare at it in a mixture of anger and awe. Anger at a kid like Natsu possessing such power, and awe for such a flawless execution between two chaotic elements of magic.

The attack struck the centre of the town square, setting off an explosion larger than any other the pair had produced so far. Within moments, the entire square was enveloped in a fiery dome filled to the brim with chaotic magic which quickly expanded to cover a sizeable portion of the already trashed town.

Spinning around in midair, Natsu fired a low powered breath attack which propelled him outside the blast radius, coming to land on the outskirts of Oshibana as he struck the earth on his side. Immediately flipping onto his feet, Natsu skidded to a stop and eyed the attack as it concluded.

"Maybe I might have overdone it a little," he panted ever so slightly. "If there were any living people still in Oshibana, they'd likely be really shitty with me right now …"

"That's a rather morbid thing for a legal guild mage to say," a voice said from the smoke prompting Natsu to freeze up.

"N-no way …"

"I see now how you defeated Valthiem," Bluenote said as he emerged from the black smoke that blanketed the outskirts. "The Cortex stood no chance against such power and, dare I say, even many of the Bharam Alliance would find themselves hard pressed to content with you in a one on one. Short of the Guild Masters, of course."

"I don't know if I should be impressed or pissed that you survived an attack of that scale," Natsu replied shakily as Bluenote ripped off what little remained of the clothes on his upper body and tossed them aside.

"You fought well kid, one of the best fights I've ever had. I won't bring you in this time out of respect for your power but know this. The Bharam Alliance wants your head, so this won't be our last battle," Bluenote said as he began to walk off.

Natsu sighed as he dusted himself off. 'Gildarts would love this guy,' he thought as he watched the man disappear in the distance. 'Tanks an attack that could blow up a city and basically just says goodbye for now …'

"Well, you certainly don't play around," another familiar voice said prompting Natsu to turn around and face an amused and apparently impressed Eliza.

"Don't know if I should be flattered or not, what with you being a God of War and all."

"Not 'a' God, 'the' God," Eliza corrected him as she sat down beside him. "Well to be even more specific the Goddess of War but who really cares either way, hmm?"

"So, what's being a God like," Natsu asked awkwardly prompting the Goddess to laugh softly.

"It's actually quite dull dear; it's why Elise allows me control sometimes."

"A God of War being bored huh, how's that work?"

"Well, it wasn't always this way you know. If it wasn't for that fool Zeref I could still traverse this realm freely."

"Why does everything always lead to Zeref," Natsu sighed as he shook his head.

"Indeed that man truly is one of the biggest abnormalities of this world. I won't bore you with the details since they aren't really important," she said as Natsu simply shrugged. "However, that Black Dragon also makes it hard to traverse this realm what with his … 'unique' abilities."

"So, you know of him too?"

"Let's just say that both Zeref AND that particular Dragon are the reason why I am unable to come here personally and leave it at that," Eliza replied prompting Natsu to hum in agreement.

"So, how do you take over Elise's body," he asked changing the subject.

"It's all a matter of acceptance really, I ask and she accepts. Perks of being a God like being dear, though I may not be able to enter the world myself I may use a willing vessel for a time. Elise was more than willing to help after I saved her whilst she was a child."

"So let me guess, you trained her in the ways of a God like you," Natsu asked as Eliza nodded.

"I see Elise as if she were my own Daughter. Raising a helpless child from and watching her grow into the beautiful warrior she has become fills me with nothing but pride."

Natsu smiled as he looked into the smoke filled sky. "I assume you're going somewhere with this?"

"Naturally dear, all I'm saying is don't use her for her power like that Magic Council. What Elise has never really had is a true friend that isn't me, someone who can help her grow as a human. I've seen your guild throughout the ages, while it is one of questionable actions it is also one of acceptance. I say this as her Mother Natsu dear; I will kill anyone who threatens my Daughter's sanity or life."

Natsu simply stared at the Goddess, her threat making sense as he thought back to the brief bits of info he'd learned about Elise through Erza and the girl herself. He could understand she'd had a rough life and couldn't help but smile sadly.

"Something amusing about what I just said?"

"We have many people in Fairy Tail who come from horrific beginnings," Natsu replied with a shake of his head. "I don't doubt that Elise suffered as a child but I promise you that those days of her being alone are at an end. We may seem like a bunch of idiots to a mighty God such as yourself but … we're all family."

"Family," Eliza mused as she locked eyes with the Dragon Slayer. "Even me?"

"Well, you and Elise are kind of a 'two for one' kind of package, right? I'd say you qualify to join our dysfunctional little family, don't you?"

Eliza stared at Natsu for several moments before bursting into melodious laughter which in turn had him chuckling along lightly. It was a rather bold thing to say on the spot but he couldn't help but be honest.

"I must say Natsu, I find myself quite intrigued by you," Eliza snickered as she came down from her laughing high. "But I thank you nonetheless for your acceptance of us both."

"Well, I'm glad I was able to be worthy of such attention," Natsu replied with a grin as Eliza's body began to flicker.

"You're quite an interesting man Natsu," Eliza said as she began to shift back into Elise. "I look forward to speaking with you more …"

And then, faster than one could blink, Eliza turned back into Elise who was staring at him in awe.

"Hey Elise."

"It's been so long since Mother has taken an interest in someone else like she has with you, Natsu," the God Slayer replied softly. "But … did you really mean what you said, about us being family?"

"That's how Fairy Tail is Elise, even if we don't all show it."

"Wow," was the only reply as the two sat in relative silence, watching the inferno rage across Oshibana. "So, I guess now we're just waiting on Erza, huh?"

"Yeah, though she shouldn't be too much longer," Natsu replied just as Erza emerged from the smoke infested ruins below. Waving her over, Natsu grinned as the scarlet haired mage joined them.

"Hey Erza how's it-?"

Natsu was cut off as Erza punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground again as Elise looked between the two in genuine shock.

"OWW what the hell!"

"You're lucky that's all you get right now," Erza growled, Elise bursting into a fit of laughter upon realizing why she was so mad.

"What'd you hit me for!?"

"Have you even seen the town Natsu," she snapped in disbelief.

"Yeah, it's a little damaged."

"A little, OVER HALF THE TOWN IS A GIANT CRATER!"

"Details," Natsu replied, waving off her concerns which almost had the Requip Mage moving to punch him again.

"Sorry to break up this rather amusing conversation but we should really move to catch up with Gray," Elise cut in as both blinked and nodded in understanding.

"Right, Erigor …"

"I do hope you were right about Gray being strong enough to fight that bastard," Erza sighed as they began looking around.

"Gray will be fine, its just how long will it take for him to actually beat the bastard that I'm worried about," Natsu replied neutrally.

"We need to find a way to catch up to Gray as quickly as possible," Erza sighed only to watch as Natsu moved to sift through the rubble around them. "What are you doing?"

"Nope. Nuh uh … uh nope! Hmm … Where was it? Aha! Found it? Here guys, I found a ride."

"Do you even have any idea where we need to go Natsu," Elise asked as Natsu scratched his head.

"Clover is probably the only place Erigor would be at this point," Erza replied with the other two nodding in agreement.

"Come on, we need get going now," Natsu said as the three entered the magic car and sped off in the direction of Clover.

/Outskirts of Clover/

Erigor hovered above the tree line using the wind to keep himself afloat. His plan would finally be put into action.

"The foolish legal scum will soon realise the true power of the true Lord of Darkness! I will use Lullaby to purge this filth from the world," Erigor cackled with a maniacal grin right as Gray emerged from the forest.

"You bastards really need to learn not to monologue so much," Gray said as he entered his battle stance.

"You guild brats are persistent, I'll give you that. But it's too late," Erigor sneered as he was about to play the flute before a shard of ice hit the wooden flute and left it pinned to a tree.

"Again with the monologing, Gray jeered eliciting a scown from Erigor.

"It seems you want to die that badly, fine then … I'll put you down!"

Erigor and Gray began to face off with both mages trying to gain possession of the flute.

/Outskirts of Era/

"Hey, did we really need to pull out so soon?"

"Shut up Zancrow, if I hadn't brought you into the earth that girl would've killed you," Azuma said as he emerged from the ground.

"Enough, both of you! It had nothing to do with the fights it was simply a matter of time," Bluenote said calmly despite both members of the Seven Kin looking at him questioningly. "I was not referring to my own fight, rather I was referring to the two of you and your own engagements."

"Yeah, that's fair enough I guess," Zancrow replied with a shrug. "Besides, none of us want Master Hades getting shitty with us because we all went off on a little side mission!"

"You two know your objectives, I'll get Falk."

"Why does the Alliance want that chump for anyway?"

"Most likely due to his knowledge regarding our guilds and our various dealings and operations," Azuma replied as Bluenote began to walk towards the front gate of the Magic Council's Rune Knight Headquarters.

Zancrow licked his lips and grinned. "Time to deliver a little divine judgement!"

Screams could be heard throughout Era that night as the entire area was reduced to rubble. The Rune Knights, unable to contain Bluenote were forced to retreat only to meet Zancrow and Azuma.

"You are Falk Transil correct?"

"Yeah, what of it."

"Have you revealed any classified information pertaining to the Bharam Alliance?"

"Of course not," Falk scoffed as the door was pushed into the ground. "Everyone knows the punishment for that."

"Then I have been ordered free you on the condition that you return to meet with the Masters," Bluenote replied evenly.

"Of course, but I want my sword back first," Falk said as Bluenote threw it to him.

"We need to move, now."

"Right. I trust the alliance is convening again soon?"

"Yes, and you need to be there," Bluenote replied as the two made their way out of the prison.

When the sun finally rose over Era it was a harrowing sight. The Rune Knight's Headquarters had been completely destroyed and countless bodies littered the floor. Within the hour the Magic Council had arrived in person to inspect the damage and were shocked at the level of destruction that lay before them.

"So the Bharam Alliance finally makes a move then."

"We should have simply asked for the Fairy Tail mages to kill all of them!"

"Calm yourselves, all of you! We need to call in the Wizard Saints."

(Edited 19/09/18)

(Edited 31/12/20)

(Edited 10/06/22)