The Tale Of Natsu Dragneel Vol I Power Of The Dragon

by Azza1608

The desire to protect those he loved most, that was what drove him to embark on a Century Quest with Gildarts all those years ago. Harsh training wasn't enough to prepare him for the horrors of the real world and he returned a changed man. (Not a story for those seeking Canon logic. Everything from character portrayal, events to power scaling is completely different.)

18. Betrayal Within The Family

(Edited 08/07/22)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

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Betrayal Within The Family

/Akane Station/

It had been merely a day since the destruction of the Tower Of Heaven and the death of Jellal and both Team Natsu and the survivors had finally decided to depart the resort.

Team Natsu itself had no other choice but to head back to Magnolia and report the incident to Makarov. With the collapse of the Magic Council, the Wizard Saints were technically the highest authority in the land until a new one could be formed from the ashes of the old.

As for the survivors of the Tower, they had plans to head to Rosemary Village to pick up the trail of Simon's Sister Kagura whilst exploring the land that had been once closed off to them.

This is what brought the two groups to Akane Station as both needed to board trains headed in opposing directions. The group currently stood in-between the two trains, scarcely a few minutes before they were due to depart.

"Are you sure that you'll be alright," Erza asked worriedly as she watched Wally, Sho and Milliana in the background excitedly discussing the possible adventures they'd be going on. "I know you all said you didn't want to impose on us, but-!"

"Erza, I'm sure," Simon replied with a gentle smile. "We're not exactly kids anymore and its time we started making our own decisions, forging our own paths."

"I understand, I'm just worried," Erza sighed sadly as Simon placed a hand on her shoulder in reassurance.

"If anyone could understand then it would be you, Erza. After all, you braved this world at a far younger age the we are so I don't doubt you'd know its dangers better than us … but we'll be fine."

ATTENTION! THE TRAIN FOR MAGNOLIA SHALL BE DEPARTING SHORTLY!

ATTENTION! THE TRAIN FOR ICHABOD SHALL BE DEPARTING SHORTLY!

"That's us," Simon chuckled as he looked beyond Erza to where Natsu was, leaning up against a nearby pole as he watched Juvia fawn over Gray in amusement. "You did well Erza."

"What was that you just said Simon?"

"Nothing," the large man said quickly as he took a step backward toward his train. "We'll keep in touch Erza, don't think we'll just up and vanish on you."

"I'll hold you all to that," Erza replied with a small smile as she also took a step back.

"Goodbye Erza."

"Bye …"

Both turned away and walked toward their friends and boarded their respective trains. Natsu was there waiting for Erza and automatically took her hand into his, receiving a watery smile in response.

"You alright?"

"I know Simon said they'd be alright, but I can't help but worry about them. They don't know how harsh some of Fiore can be-!"

"Sometimes you've just got to have faith Erza," Natsu replied softly as they entered their compartment. "They aren't as weak as you were when you first escaped the Tower all those years ago either."

"I know," Erza sighed as they both sat down in the corner and waited for the others, Erza snuggling into his side. "I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"Nah."

"Some of those wounds of yours …"

"Will heal, provided I get some rest for once," came the immediate reply Erza had been expecting. "Jellal was strong, but its not the worst fight I've ever been in."

"Are you going to tell me about Jellal soon?"

"I'll say this for now Erza," Natsu sighed as he sensed the others approaching the compartment. "The truth about Jellal is something I can't talk about openly or it'll cause serious problems for Fiore as a whole."

"Really?"

"If I could, I'd tell you in a heartbeat Erza, you know that."

"I assume you plan on speaking with the Master before deciding on when to tell me?"

"Yeah. As a Wizard Saint himself, he'll know the best course to proceed with this."

"Did you mention any of it in that letter you sent him yesterday?"

"I mentioned I had news of Jellal that could cause trouble but not what it was," Natsu sighed as the others started entering the compartment. "It's why we're heading back today actually, he ordered us back immediately."

"Ah, I understand."

"Let's not talk about all that for now though, we're still technically on vacation until we get back home," Natsu continued as he snaked an arm around Erza's waist and hugged her tighter to his side. "Besides, I'm still pretty tired so I'd like to get a little more sleep in."

"That … makes two of us," came the equally as tired response as the couple slowly faded off to sleep under the amused gaze of Eliza, envious gaze of Juvia and awkward one of Gray.

/Magnolia – Several Hours Later/

"Tch, figures we'd get back late," Gray sighed as the group disembarked the train and started making for the station steps. "You'd think a herd of sheep would book it with a giant noisy train heading right for them, right?"

"Not when said sheep is as large as a house Gray," Natsu replied bluntly as he ran a hand through his hair, still somewhat drowsy from his nap on the train. "Why does it matter if we're an hour or two late anyway?"

"Because all of the good food is gonna be gone," Gray huffed in reply eliciting a snort in response from Erza.

"Gray, you know that there's a constant supply of food at the Guild Hall so stop complaining and put on some pants!"

"But they only serve the cold stuff at lunch Erza," Gray whined before looking downward as the latter part of Erza's response clicked. "Ah crap, my clothes are still on the train!"

As Gray ran off, Natsu sighed and looked over at the Guild Hall. He honestly half expected it to be destroyed again with his luck lately, though he wouldn't voice that part aloud lest he receive a scolding from Erza.

"Well, I guess this is where we're gonna split up," Natsu said as they reached the bottom of the steps. "Juvia, just wanted to thank you again for all your help back at Akane and the Tower. You really pulled through for us."

"O-oh, it was nothing," Juvia stuttered only for Erza to shake her head firmly.

"Don't downplay your involvement Juvia, you really helped us out during all of that," Erza agreed. "Especially if what both you and Gray told us about the two members of the Death's Head Caucus was true."

"W-well …"

"I can see why you were an S Class Mage back in Phantom now," Natsu continued as Juvia began to blush furiously under the continued praise. "I'll be letting gramps know just how well you did."

"Really!? I mean, I know I helped out, but does that really warrant-!?"

"Natsu, stop teasing the poor woman," Erza sighed as she placed a firm hand on the stuttering water woman's shoulder. "Be proud of how well you did Juvia, you've certainly proved your worth to all of us at Fairy Tail by what you've done. I'm glad to call you a friend."

Juvia appeared utterly speechless as Natsu and Erza shared a small smile.

"Alright guys, I've got to head to the Guild Hall to give my report to gramps," Natsu said as Erza let Juvia go, the poor girl still seemingly frozen in place. "Maybe you should look after Juvia for a bit, eh?"

"I only planned on heading home for a nice hot bath anyway so I suppose I could do that," Erza agreed as she picked up Juvia with one arm and placed her over her shoulder. "We can make an afternoon of it!"

"Heh. You two have fun now," Natsu grinned as Erza kissed him on the cheek before spinning on her heel and walking off into town, the expression on Juvia's face still one of complete shock.

"I don't think I'll ever understand you mortals," Eliza said as Natsu looked to his right at the amused Goddess watching Erza and Juvia leave. "For a person who was kidnapped, Erza seems rather collected."

"She's not, trust me on that," Natsu sighed as he watched her retreating figure. "Erza's not the kind of person to show weakness in public, that's all. I don't doubt that at home she'll be a mess."

"Considering all that she has learned regarding her past I couldn't say I'd blame her for losing her cool. Then again, her iron will is what I find most appealing about her."

"Really?"

"Indeed. There are few who could endure the horrors she has and come out a good person," Eliza noted as the pair started walking toward the Guild Hall. "Many of the mages of Fairy Tail I actually find intriguing as most of you come from dark backgrounds yet have moved on to become greater people."

That's kind of an unspoken thing at Fairy Tail," Natsu admitted quietly. "We all know that we've suffered and just don't talk about it. What matters isn't our pasts, but our present and the people in our family who we share it with."

"A wonderful answer dear," Eliza agreed as she looked up toward the Guild Hall. "I knew Elise joining you all was the correct decision."

"Speaking of Elise, how is she doing? You said that she lost her concentration in that new form and it knocked her out, right?"

"Elise entered what is known as the Demigod's Ascension," Eliza explained. "Think of it similar to your Dragon Force except it is the God Slayer equivalent."

"Ah, that makes sense," Natsu hummed in understanding. "I always assumed the possibility was there for her to have a form like mine."

"Yes, well her battle against Ikaruga was her first time wielding the form and she wasn't truly in a Demigod state at the time. It will take much training for her to truly reach such a point, and at that time she was more like an infant with the power."

"I can understand that, the Dragon Force works quite similar to that. The first time, the scales don't even form it just cracks your skin to make it look like scales."

"Indeed. Anyway, to cut a long story short, Elise would have defeated Ikaruga, but she was stabbed from behind during a lapse in her concentration."

"Do you have any idea who it was?"

"I think you already know the answer to that question Natsu dear," Eliza replied with a deep frown as Natsu quickly put two and two together.

"It was Kidomaru, wasn't it?"

"Yes, and I was unable to strike the gnat down where he stood due to his involvement in future events," Eliza hissed in the first bout of genuine anger Natsu had seen from her. "It was after that he split himself using Thought Projection and fled the Tower."

"I was wondering when he'd done that," Natsu hummed in thought before shaking his head and looking toward the clearly annoyed War Goddess. "I suppose its lucky Elise has you looking out for her then, eh?"

The War Goddess stopped in place and sighed, placing her hands on her hips as she looked up at the clear blue skies with a faraway look.

"That is half the problem though, isn't it? I'm always here to ensure Elise survives her battles, stepping in when things get too tough," Eliza sighed before looking over toward Natsu. "Imagine if Igneel emerged and defeated every trial you were forced to face, robbing you of the many experiences that forged you into the warrior you have become? How would you feel knowing most of your victories were hollow?"

"Well, for one, I'd be grateful if Igneel was here at all," Natsu replied thoughtfully. "But I get what you mean Eliza, but I think you're also overthinking it. Elise is still ridiculously powerful on her own and has beaten plenty of foes without your help."

"Perhaps, but she'd be dead right now if it wasn't for me, wouldn't she?"

"Probably," Natsu countered which had the War Goddess' eyes widening in surprise at his blunt response. "But that's how it goes, isn't it? People die all the time and those who are left always ponder the possibilities. I could've died back on that Tower on a number of occasions yet I didn't and that's just how it is."

"How are you able to look at your own potential death like that?"

"That's what it means to be mortal, Eliza," Natsu replied gently as the War Goddess seemed to freeze up on the spot. "We simply gloss over those potential scenarios most of the time because at the end of the day any one of us could simply cease to exist and it just is what it is. Elise could've died during that battle if you weren't there, but she didn't, thanks to you. It is what it is."

"…"

"…"

"Well … this conversation became rather grim, didn't it," Eliza muttered after several awkward moments of silence. "Perhaps we should do as you suggest and simply gloss over all this for the moment?"

"Before we do, I just want to say one more thing," Natsu said in response prompting Eliza to nod her head slowly. "It isn't that we don't care, we'd be devastated if any of our friends died. What I'm trying to say is that Elise is here now because you saved her so pondering her possible death when it didn't happen doesn't bring us anything more than pain."

"I see …"

"What you should be thinking about is how to train Elise so that there is never a repeat of what happened back there," Natsu concluded as he sighed and shook his head. "That's kind of how I managed to get where I am today."

"During the Scarlione Campaign?"

"Yep."

"I see," Eliza hummed in understanding as the pair started walking again toward the Guild Hall. "You are much wiser than your age would suggest you know?"

"Experience trumps age in many cases Eliza," Natsu replied instantly. "I've lived my own advice since I was a small brat so it has credence behind it compared to some old fart who hasn't left his sheltered town."

"Very true," Eliza agreed as the pair walked in silence, unsure where to steer the conversation to until Eliza finally decided to speak.

"So, what do you mortals do for fun around here," the War Goddess asked with Natsu giving her an amused look.

"Must be really tough for you being trapped amongst us mere mortals and being forced to find an ordinary source of entertainment, huh?"

"Are you making fun of me?"

"Maybe …"

"Very funny dear," Eliza replied dryly as she rolled her eyes at his amused grin. "I'll have you know that I quite enjoy being here, I just haven't got the foggiest clue what there is to do for fun in this town!"

"You know, for a God, you really do act like a mortal," Natsu snickered as Eliza cuffed him over the ear.

"Nonsense! I am a prime example of all things Godlike; you just wouldn't understand such a thing since you've never met another God!"

"I'm not doubting you Eliza, but it just seems like you're slowly starting to understand the way we mortals act," Natsu replied, his hands raised in a mock sign of surrender. "Perhaps we're just starting to rub off of you?"

"Perhaps that is correct," Eliza conceded after several moments. "However, do not forget that as a God of War, my gaze is ever present on mortal affairs."

"It very well might be," Natsu agreed only to cut Eliza off before she could speak. "But, how many of those times did you actively walk among them? How many people did you converse with? How many of those have you shared real experiences with as opposed to simply observing them from the outside?"

"You have a point," Eliza admitted as she looked down at her armoured boots. "It has been a very long time since any God has walked the mortal realms without the use of a medium such as I am presently."

"Why?"

"I cannot reveal that, only that it is for a very good reason," Eliza replied apologetically. "Truly, I would tell you if I could, but you are not a God and therefore I cannot divulge secrets not meant for mortal minds."

"Fair enough I guess."

"Though I cannot tell you, I will admit that you are correct in what you are saying," Eliza continued contemplatively. "Perhaps I should ask Elise if she will let me continue to explore the world like this rather than from above …?"

"I'm sure she would be happy to do that for you Eliza," Natsu replied with a small smile. "I can't really see a reason why she would deny you that."

"Indeed," Eliza hummed in agreement. "Though I would say I'm getting my fair shares worth of experience at the moment, wouldn't you agree?"

"Oh yeah, you're hogging it all," Natsu joked eliciting a scoff from the War Goddess.

"And here I thought you were enjoying my company," Eliza huffed as she turned her nose up at him. "Honestly, you mortals can be quite rude."

The pair's eyes met and they both started chuckling with one another until a cry snapped them both to attention. The sound of roaring thunder had both Natsu and Eliza look at one another before looking over in the direction of Magnolia Park.

"That's Team Shadow Gear," Natsu muttered before his eyes wandered over to see someone that had his frown deepening. "And Laxus …"

"Oh dear, that doesn't look good," Eliza noted as she motioned beyond Laxus toward the downed form of Gajeel.

"Damn it," Natsu muttered as he started to head on over to figure out what was going on.

In the park itself, Laxus stood menacingly over the downed form of Gajeel and Levy who was currently placing herself between the injured man and Laxus.

"Please Laxus, don't do this," Levy pleaded as she shakily stood between Laxus and his target. "This isn't right!"

"Get out of my way Levy," Laxus growled, his entire body crackling with yellow lightning. "Isn't this piece of shit the one who put all of you weaklings in the hospital!? You should be thanking me!"

"I've forgiven Gajeel for what he did and moved on Laxus!"

"Well, you might've, but clearly those two losers haven't," Laxus scoffed in response. "Problem is, they're too weak to take their revenge so its up to the strong like me to put trash like him in their place!"

Gajeel managed to rise to his knees and glared daggers at Laxus who could only scowl in response, the amount of lightning in the area becoming rather dangerous as it struck the ground randomly.

"You think you can just waltz on into our Guild after all the shit you've done," Laxus snarled venomously. "You Phantom punks have trashed our reputation! On my way back from my last job, all I could hear was about how the majority of Fairy Tail was so weak and how if it wasn't for a few of us, Phantom would've crushed out puny Guild!"

"Laxus man, just calm down," Jet cut in shakily. "You're taking it way too far!"

"Since when did you become the Guild Master Jet," Laxus snapped back in response. "Don't even think about telling me what to do!"

"Laxus please, this isn't solving anything," Levy cried pleadingly as Luxus turned his full ire toward her.

"All of you are soft! If none of you have the guts to deal with this bastard, then I will!"

To the shock of everyone present, Laxus shoved Levy aside, throwing her to the ground roughly as he advanced on Gajeel who seemed equally as shocked at his actions. Laxus' right fist became coated in lightning as he moved to strike the still downed Dragon Slayer however something flashed between them and intercepted the punch before it could reach Gajeel.

"Gajeel," Levy gasped as smoke shrouded the area only to be suddenly blown away to reveal Natsu had stepped in and caught Laxus' punch with his right hand. "Natsu!"

"What the hell do you think you're doing Laxus," Natsu growled as Laxus pulled back his fist, attack dissipating in a crackle of lightning. "You just tossed Levy aside and went to strike Gajeel with an attack that would've seriously injured him as he is! You of all people should know better than to act like this, the hell is wrong with you!?"

"Well now, look who decided to grace us with his presence," Laxus scoffed as Natsu rose to his full height, matching Laxus as Levy scrambled around to Gajeel's side, the Dragon Slayer too stunned to move. "Never around when it matters, but when a piece of Phantom trash is about to be shown his place, the fearsome Salamander will swoop in and save the day!"

"Just what the hell happened to you while I was gone those last ten years," Natsu asked in disbelief. "The Laxus I knew might have been a bit arrogant, but to strike at fellow members of the Guild like that-!?"

"You wanna know what happened to me you little punk," Laxus growled in response as both S Class Mages took another step toward each other, now within each other's personal space. "I grew up. Times are changing Natsu, our Guild is weak!"

"You know that's not true Laxus!"

"Isn't it!? Gramps has gone soft over the years and let all sorts of garbage wash through our doors and people are laughing at us! From the metal reject down there to that emo rain girl from Phantom to that Council reject who hasn't even completed a single actual job since she joined!"

"Gajeel, Juvia and Elise have just as much of a right to be in the Guild as we do Laxus and correct me if I'm wrong but you weren't even there when Phantom did attack! Where were you when Mira called for help, hiding out in the mountains like a little bitch!?"

"I was working you little punk-!"

"Yeah, and I was fighting off a Wizard Saint of Fiore whilst you were 'working' and won!"

"You think I'm just gonna bow down because you beat Jose Porla," Laxus laughed as he grabbed Natsu by the collar and pulled him even closer. "That guy was trash, just like the rest of you pieces of filth that stain the Guild!"

"Jose Porla was a Wizard Saint you stupid prick," Natsu hissed back as he grabbed Laxus' wrist and pried the man's grip on his collar away as crimson flame and sparks flooded the area around them. "I don't want to hear a single piece of trash talk coming out of the mouth of a guy who didn't even fight against the threat he says made us look weak."

"Oh yeah, and just what are you gonna do about it if I keep going!?"

"Laxus, Natsu," Levy cried as the entire park started to shake under their power with many of the citizens beginning to flee the scene. "Both of you need to calm down!"

"Tch, whatever," Laxus scoffed as both he and Natsu suddenly reigned in their power and the S Class Mage started walking toward the exit. "Trash like you lot aren't worth my time."

Everyone watched Laxus walked away as Natsu turned to face the still downed Gajeel, the Iron Dragon Slayer looking directly at him with a mixed expression on his face.

"Go on Blacksteel, say it."

"Nah, I know you're just gonna tell me I'm being a stubborn bastard," Gajeel sighed as he shakily got to his feet. "I'm not gonna thank you though."

"Fair enough," Natsu shrugged in reply as he reached out and grabbed the man by the shoulder as he attempted to leave. "Stop by Porlyusica's before you go home."

"But-!"

"I'm not asking."

Gajeel seemed to grumble under his breath but agreed as he hobbled out of the park. As he went, Natsu turned toward Levy who was still on her knees herself. Kneeling down, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders and shot her a warm smile.

"You alright Levy?"

"Y-yeah …"

"Sorry if I scared you a bit there, you know how Laxus can be if you don't match him strength wise. Guy just doesn't listen," Natsu sighed as he helped the blue haired mage up. "Now then, did I hear Laxus correctly before I stepped in about the two of you attacking Gajeel?"

Jet and Droy's eyes widened as Natsu rounded on them, his gaze firm as the pair began to squirm. Both men looked toward Levy who clearly wasn't about to defend them before Droy sighed.

"Yeah, we attacked him Natsu."

"But we just wanted a little bit of payback after what he did to us," Jet added quickly as he started to get riled up. "He beat on us bad enough to put us in the hospital, surely-!?"

"Surely what Jet? Surely I should just turn a blind eye to you guys putting someone in the hospital?"

"B-but-!?"

"Listen up, both of you. I understand that you guys aren't big fans of Gajeel and I'm not asking you to be either. Gramps brought Gajeel into the Guild to show him a better way than what Jose taught him and you guys out of everyone should be setting the example of what really makes a Fairy Tail Mage."

"Us!?"

"You guys are the ones Gajeel hurt, right? Stands to reason that Team Shadow Gear should be showing him the standard of respect Fairy Tail Mages have for not just their fellow Guild Members, but ALL Mages in general," Natsu explained as he placed a hand on Levy's shoulder. "So far, only Levy has shown that level of maturity and honestly, I can't say I'm not disappointed in the both of you. I thought you two knew better than that."

"Wow Natsu," Droy muttered, clearly at a loss for words as Jet fell completely silent. "I never even thought of it like that …"

"Next time, both of you need to think of your actions before you go doing something like this," Natsu continued, all three members of Team Shadow Gear fully captured by his speech. "How many of Magnolia's citizens saw the both of you beating on Gajeel before Laxus got here? What if a bunch of kids saw that? Don't forget that kids are impressionable and if they get the idea from Fairy Tail that beating people up solves all differences then they'll turn out just like Jose, or worse."

"Damn, you're right," Jet muttered in shock as he looked at his hands which were now shaking, his mind comprehending what he'd been doing. "I-I'm sorry Natsu, I didn't even-!?"

"Don't apologize to me Jet, I'm not the one you were attacking," Natsu replied calmly as he motioned toward the direction Gajeel left. "He's the one you should be apologizing to."

"You're right Natsu," Droy said firmly as he clenched his fists in frustration. "I can't believe we did that to him!"

"Go on, both of you go apologize to Gajeel," Natsu muttered as he shook his head. "I'm still going to be mentioning this to Master Makarov though, he can decide your punishment for attacking a fellow Guild Member."

"Yes Natsu," both Jet and Droy sighed in defeat as they trudged their way out of the park and off in the direction of Porlyusica's home.

"That was really well said Natsu," Levy said after the pair were gone. "Honestly, you reminded me of the Master just now."

"I was just saying what I know you were thinking Levy," Natsu replied softly as the blue haired mage gasped in surprise at having been read so easily. "Truth is, it takes a bigger person to forgive someone for something like what Gajeel did to you. That's why many, myself included, consider you S Class worthy Levy."

"R-really!?"

"It takes more than strength alone to lead Levy," Natsu explained as Eliza lazily strolled over.
"You might not be the strongest, but you've got the heart and mind and people like myself, Erza, Mira and gramps can see that."

"Oh wow …"

"Anyway, speaking of gramps, do you know if he's at the Guild Hall at the moment Levy?"

"Last I checked he was, why?"

"I just have to talk to him about some serious stuff, that's all," Natsu replied as he shot her a charming grin. "Can you do me a favour and make sure Jet and Droy actually do apologize and let me know a bit later?"

"S-sure! I can do that," Levy gasped as a fierce blush overtook her features.

"Thanks Levy, I'm counting on ya," Natsu laughed as he turned toward Eliza and motioned for them to continue on.

After exiting the park, Eliza could barely stifle a giggle which elicited a small chuckle from Natsu in turn.

"You really do have a way with words when you want to, don't you?"

"Comes with the job of S Class I'm afraid," Natsu joked before suddenly growing serious. "Still, can't say I'm not disappointed in Jet and Droy for doing that. Even if I can understand why they did it, I still don't like the fact that they stooped to that kind of level."

"Some aren't born to lead and are resigned to the position of sheep Natsu dear," Eliza replied gently as Natsu stopped in his tracks. "Jet and Droy are undoubtedly good people, but they are also easily led astray. Just look at how they follow Levy around, they would die if that girl commanded them to do it."

"Can't deny that," Natsu sighed as he turned to face the War Goddess. "But still, surely, they could have thought about their actions first?"

"Some are capable of such; others require a steady hand to guide them for their entire lives by the rare few born to be said guiding hand. Entire civilisations have risen and fallen due to this exact problem. Many are simply incapable of thinking for themselves until a leader comes and tells them to, and even then, they only think for that specific instance."

Natsu didn't really have a response to that, his mind pondering Eliza's words when the War Goddess took his hand and pulled him around to face her.

"I will say this though," Eliza continued with a much firmer tone. "You are someone born to lead, you clearly always were. When you speak, people listen. When you act, people follow in your footsteps. When you falter, many lose hope-!"

"Enough," Natsu whispered as his mind started to head down a darker path. "I know you've seen what I did in Scarlione, what I was, but I don't want to talk about it."

"One day you will be forced to face it Natsu dear, regardless of if you want to or not," Eliza sighed as she released his hand and placed both on his shoulders. "And should that time come, I shall listen."

"I know, thanks Eliza," Natsu sighed as the War Goddess shot him a grim smile. "If anyone could speak to me about it on such a level aside from Gildarts or the old crew, it'd be you. One day I probably will speak with you about it but …"

"For now, you wish to heal, I understand."

"Yeah," Natsu sighed as the pair started walking again. "Let's go see gramps, I need a drink."

Eliza merely hummed in agreement as the pair vanished into the crowded streets and made their way toward the Guild Hall.

/Kardia Cathedral – Same Time/

"Who does that bastard think he is," Laxus growled as he stomped his way into the vacant Cathedral. "Just because he's gone and fought a few big shots, suddenly he thinks he's got the ability to boss me around!?"

Coming to a stop at the foot of the altar, Laxus paused for a moment before shaking off his coat and taking a seat on the steps. Tossing his coat onto the podium next to him, Laxus sighed and shook his head.

"Alright you three, come on out."

On cue, three mages appeared and kneeled before Laxus. Each one differed vastly in appearance and yet all of them appeared equally as devoted to the man before them.

"Everything is going according to plan Laxus, I've almost finished my work on the city," the elegantly dressed, green haired man said as Laxus nodded approvingly. "All that's left is the Guild Hall itself.

"Good. Soon we'll fix that damn Guild and show this country what real power looks like! No more being compared to the likes of Phantom, no more pathetic alliances with the likes of Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale or Quattro Cerberus! We're gonna make Fairy Tail the strongest Guild out there, one that no sane person would ever dare talk trash about!"

"With a leader such as yourself at the helm, such a plan is sure to succeed," the sole female occupant of the room agreed readily as the other man began to cackle with glee.

"My babies and I can't wait to show the rest of these losers what real power is, right babies!?"

"Can't wait! Can't wait! Can't wait!"

"There's still some time before we go through with this," Laxus cut in as all three fell silent once more. "Any last-minute preparations you need to make, do it now. Most of the current Guild are pathetic trash that we can easily crush, but there are a few that will be a problem."

"Like Erza," the woman huffed in annoyance. "As if she's deserving of the title of Queen when its obvious who is superior!"

"I must admit that there are a few who I am rather concerned about," the green haired man muttered with narrowed eyes. "Natsu has certainly grown far beyond anyone's expectations, then there's that new God Slayer from the Magic Council. Not only that, word is, Gray has even grown considerably stronger since we were last in Magnolia …"

"You think they're a match for me," Laxus asked as he focused his full attention on the green haired man who, to his credit, didn't so much as flinch under the steely gaze.

"The God Slayer and Gray are nothing to you Laxus, everyone knows that. Natsu though supposedly defeated the Wizard Saint Jose in battle, that cannot be overlooked."

"You think I can't handle an upstart punk like Natsu!?"

"All I'm saying Laxus is that he's likely going to be your largest obstacle to your goal, that's all," the green haired man replied calmly as Laxus seemed to calm down somewhat.

"Fair enough," the larger man admitted after several moments. "I hate to admit it, but he's probably as strong as the old man. That being said, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

"As long as you don't underestimate Natsu then your victory shall be assured Laxus, we shall see to it," the green haired man replied as the others quickly agreed.

"Yeah," Laxus muttered as he turned around and looked up at the stained-glass mural, the sunlight just barely peeking through the cracks in the window. "Soon, it all comes to an end."

/Fairy Tail Guild Hall – Same Time/

Natsu sighed as both he and Eliza entered the Guild Hall, the usual cacophony meeting their ears the moment they walked in. Looking around, he couldn't help but chuckle at the random fights going on and how the others just went about their business.

"Honestly, this is really starting to grow on me," Eliza said from his side as she surveyed the room. "Much better than the stuffy Magic Council and their barracks, that's for sure."

"I don't doubt it," Natsu chuckled in reply as he spotted Mira and waved. "Oi, Mira!"

"Natsu, you're back," the cheerful white-haired barmaid cried out over the chaos. "And Eliza too!? Wow, what's the occasion?"

"I wish I could claim it was for entirely social reasons dear," Eliza replied as they reached the bar. "Unfortunately, Elise is currently incapacitated for an as of yet undetermined length of time and so it falls to me to pilot her around."

"Oh, my goodness, that's awful! What happened to you all on your training trip!?"

"Quite a lot I'm afraid," Natsu sighed tiredly as he accepted the offered drink with Eliza awkwardly doing the same. "Let's just say that we had to cut our training vacation short so I could come back and deliver some dire news to gramps."

"I'm guessing you'll want to speak with him right away then?"

"Yeah, is he here at the moment?"

"He's upstairs speaking with Councilman Yajima about something-."

"Wait, Councilman Yajima!?"

"Yes … Why, is something wrong?"

"I'll be back soon Mira, thanks for the drink," Natsu said as he quickly downed the mug before charging upstairs and practically barging into the room. "Oh thank God you survived!"

"And here's the man of the hour Maki, just like I said," Yajima chuckled softly as he sipped on his own mug. "I'm glad to see your safe lad."

"Councilman Yajima, I'm glad to see you survived," Natsu said as he closed the door and crossed the room, taking a seat on the couch. "How did you get out of there, I thought for sure you'd be dead!?"

"First off, its Former Councilman," Yajima began as Natsu stifled the question on the tip of his tongue. "There isn't a Magic Council right now, I'm the only one who made it out alive."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but how the hell did you survive!?"

"I can't blame you for being shocked at my survival, I'm guessing you were told about what happened by Seigrain then?"

"Yeah … about Seigrain," Natsu replied slowly as he pondered how best to retell the events at the Tower. "Turns out he was actually just Jellal the entire time."

Both Makarov and Yajima didn't seem overly surprised by such a revelation which only drove Natsu's suspicions higher. As if sensing his growing confusion, Makarov decided to speak.

"The reason why we aren't overly surprised is because we both, more or less, came to the conclusion that Seigrain was in fact Jellal the entire time," Makarov explained. "After you spoke with us, warning us not to trust him, it raised several flags and eventually we deduced that the man known as Seigrain never existed."

"You'd be surprised how easy it was to figure that out once I started looking," Yajima continued. "Unlike Jellal, who actually has birth records, Seigrain didn't. Honestly, I'm shocked someone like him didn't go through the trouble of falsifying records."

"Obviously he knew no one was going to question him," Natsu sighed in reply. "Clearly, the shock factor of his very existence was more than enough to fool the Council into glossing over his past."

"Yes, a rather glaring oversight," Yajima agreed grimly. "I trust you have not revealed the fact that Seigrain was Jellal to anyone?"

"No. I knew the news that a Triple S Rank Dark Mage had managed to not only infiltrate the Wizard Saints, but the Magic Council, would plunge the entire country into chaos," Natsu replied as the two older men nodded grimly in agreement. "That being said, where do we go from here?"

"Well first off, is Jellal dead?"

"Yeah. We fought, more or less tied and then the Guild Master of Death's Head Caucus showed up and revealed that Jellal was actually being controlled by the Bharam Alliance the entire time."

"…What?"

"Oh yeah, I knew that one would throw you for a loop gramps," Natsu chuckled as he sunk deeper into the couch. "Honestly, I feel bad for Jellal now. Once they took that dark stuff out of him, he willingly helped me and even sacrificed himself to make sure that the Tower wouldn't blow up the entire coastline of Fiore."

"Either way, the finer details of what occurred in the Tower must never see the light of day," Yajima muttered darkly. "If the wider world discovered the truth …"

"I'm eventually telling Erza, Yajima," Natsu replied evenly. "She suffered in that Tower; she has the right to know the truth."

"And I will not deny you the right Natsu," Yajima agreed as he slowly rose to his feet and made his way over to the Dragon Slayer. "Don't forget that both I and Maki lost a dear friend there as well. We both understand what it means to receive closure over such a dark matter."

"I'll make sure she doesn't tell anyone else either," Natsu continued as Yajima waved him off.

"I trust you both enough to be discreet about it."

"Onto slightly lesser matters for the moment, are you still acting in any official capacity Mister Yajima?"

"Only until a new Council is sworn in," the old man replied slowly. "Why?"

"Figured the others should be rewarded for their work," Natsu explained as Yajima raised an eyebrow with even Makarov looking rather intrigued.

"Explain what you mean Natsu?"

"Gray and Juvia killed Fukuro and Vidaldus Taka," Natsu began as both Makarov and Yajima's eyes widened considerably.

"Are you serious," Makarov gasped. "How!?"

"Gray has improved by leaps and bounds thanks to the training we managed to get done. Combine that with his natural chemistry with Juvia and her own, dare I say, S Class worthy display, Fukuro and Vidaldus were no match."

"My word," Yajima muttered as he slowly sat down on the couch next to Natsu. "To think that those two could take out two members of Trinity Raven …"

"It doesn't end there though," Natsu grinned as Makarov seemed to steady himself in his chair. "Elise was on the verge of killing Ikaruga until Kidomaru stabbed her in the back at the last possible moment."

"I knew Elise was powerful … but to match someone like Ikaruga is-!?"

"Ask Eliza for yourself if you don't believe me, she told me what happened," Natsu shrugged in response. "Apparently, had Elise not been stabbed by Kidomaru, she'd have been the one to kill Ikaruga. Eliza ended up killing her, but I think Elise should still get the credit."

"My word Maki," Yajima muttered as he wiped some sweat from his brow. "To think a single team could become this strong!?"

"What is it you want from Yajima exactly Natsu," Makarov asked which drew a nod of agreement from Yajima.

"I want them to get the credit they deserve for their achievements," came the blunt response. "They worked hard and overcame their challenges; they should be recognized for that."

"I-I'll see what I can do Natsu, but there's still the explanation regarding Jellal himself since the newly formed Council will want something regarding his fate."

"I'll leave that up to you Mister Yajima, I just want the others to get the credit they deserve."

Both Makarov and Yajima looked between one another for several moments, a silent conversation going on between the men before Yajima finally relented and nodded in agreement.

"I'll do what I can Natsu, but don't expect anything until a new Council is formed."

"I won't, though I'm guessing you won't be on it once it is finally put together?"

"Got it in one lad, I'm taking this as a sign to get out," Yajima replied with a wave of his hand. "I've decided I'm going to go into the restaurant business and pursue my dream of becoming a chef!"

"A chef? You really that good Mister Yajima?"

"I've been told I've got the golden hands," Yajima replied with a slight gleam in his eyes as he offered Natsu some fish. "Try this, I made it myself!"

"I'll have a few bites I guess," Natsu said as he took the piece Yajima offered him and took a bite.

Taking the time to chew, Natsu couldn't believe what he was tasting as his eyes lit up and he felt his stomach begin screaming for more. It appeared Yajima was prepared for that exact reaction though as he tossed another piece his way which was downed whole in a matter of moments.

"Mister Yajima, this is amazing," Natsu gasped as he licked his fingers clean. "I haven't had food like this since Shrikke used to cook for us!"

"Being compared to the famous Shrikke, now that's an honour I certainly won't turn down," Yajima replied, looking as if he'd shed a few years from the praise alone. "I'm glad you liked it Natsu."

"Liked it? I loved it! What did you use to give it that delicious flavor!?"

"Well, that's a trade secret I'm afraid," Yajima chuckled in reply, eliciting a pout in response. "If you want more cooking like that then come on down to my new restaurant when it opens."

"I'll be first in line Mister Yajima, count on it!"

"I wouldn't count on it Natsu," Yajima replied which threw the Dragon Slayer off. "Not that I wouldn't like you to be, but there's something you haven't realized just yet."

"And what's that?"

"Natsu," Makarov sighed as he leant back in his chair. "You and I both claimed credit for defeating Jose, remember?"

"Yeah."

"And with the incident with the Tower, there's only one person who can get the credit for putting a stop to Jellal-."

"Hold on a sec, I didn't kill Jellal!?"

"You still fought him and by your own admission you said it was virtually to a standstill," Makarov countered evenly. "Not only that, there's the Deliora and Lullaby incidents as well to consider …"

"What Maki is saying is that once the Council reforms, they will be looking for candidates for the Wizard Saint positions-."

"Hell no!"

"Stop being a stubborn brat like Gildarts and listen for a minute," Makarov snapped which silenced Natsu before he could explode in protest.

"All I'm going to say to you about it is this Natsu. If the reformed Council does send someone to you regarding a potential spot in the Wizard Saints, I want you to think carefully about it," Yajima said sternly as he stood up and moved to stand in front of the stunned Dragon Slayer. "There are many positives and negatives that come with the position, as Maki here can no doubt attest to. Don't just flat out refuse it though, really give it some thought."

Not really able to give the older man a genuine response, he simply opted to nod slowly in order to convey he understood what Yajima was asking of him. He did, of course, but he also didn't want to actually consider the possibility at all.

"Well then, I suppose that's all the shocks I can take for today, Maki," Yajima sighed as he spun around to face the old Guild Master. "I think its time for me to hit the road!"

"Of course, glad to have you here as always," Makarov replied warmly as the pair shared a brief hug. "I'd walk you out but I still have important business with Natsu here."

"Of course Maki, I understand," Yajima nodded swiftly before turning back to face Natsu. "As for you, don't disappoint me about this Wizard Saint business. I dare say its less a matter of 'if' they pick you and more a matter of 'when' they do."

"I will Mister Yajima," Natsu replied slowly as the old man nodded in approval.

"Good lad. Now then, I'll be sure to send you all the menu for my new restaurant," Yajima said with a beaming grin as he made his way toward the exit. "Goodbye you two!"

Both Natsu and Makarov said their goodbyes to the former Councilman and waited for the door to close before continuing their conversation. Once they were sure they were alone, Makarov sighed and looked tiredly toward Natsu.

"Alright Natsu, you clearly have something else you need to talk to me about, don't you?"

"Was it that obvious," Natsu chuckled weakly with the old man just giving him a blank stare in response. "Fair enough, I won't deny I'm a bit annoyed."

"So, what happened?"

"You've got to do something about Laxus," Natsu said which surprised the old man who sat up a little straighter.

"Laxus? What's he done this time?"

"I was coming back from the station with Eliza when I saw Laxus in Magnolia Park along with Team Shadow Gear and Gajeel. I'm sure you can guess where I'm going with this?"

"He was assaulting Gajeel I assume?"

"I sent him on to Porlyusica's," Natsu replied which had the old man's frown deepening. "He was injured after what Laxus did to him, but Jet and Droy also attacked him."

"What!?"

"I chewed those two out pretty hard and sent them over to apologize to Gajeel but I told them I'd leave any real punishment up to you. Levy though, I can't say anything but praise when it comes to the way she handled everything."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah, she literally threw herself between Laxus and Gajeel at one point despite knowing Laxus was way out of her league. Wasn't impressed when Laxus threw her aside though."

Natsu could tell that Makarov wasn't taking the news well at all, his entire face seemingly drooping as he looked like he aged ten years. Reaching into the top draw of his desk, he drew out a bottle of hard liquor and poured two shot glasses before handing one to Natsu.

"I assume you forced Laxus to stand down?"

"He seemed like he was ready to throw down then and there actually," Natsu replied as both men took their shots before pouring another. "It wasn't until Levy pointed out that the citizens were literally fleeing in terror that he stopped and backed off."

"That damn boy," Makarov sighed as he took another shot. "Seems he still hasn't gotten over it."

"What are you talking about gramps," Natsu asked curiously as the Guild Master eyed him for a moment before nodding.

"I suppose you've earned the right to know this, just don't go telling anyone," Makarov began slowly. "Have you ever wondered where my Son is, Natsu?"

"I always assumed he died at some point and you had to raise Laxus," Natsu replied evenly as he took another offered shot. "I'm guessing that's not the case?"

"Far from it, actually," Makarov snorted in what could only be described as a tired and worn-out tone. "Long before you joined Fairy Tail, I was forced to expel my own Son from the Guild."

"Really," Natsu gasped in genuine surprise. "Why!?"

"My Son, Ivan, was kicked out for actions quite similar to the ones Laxus is now taking," Makarov replied with Natsu narrowing his eyes in deep thought.

"There's definitely more to this though, isn't there?"

"There is more, however I ask that you refrain from prying as it involves information that is only meant to be known by the Guild Masters of Fairy Tail," Makarov replied as he locked eyes with the Dragon Slayer. "I don't know how Ivan found out about this secret, but he suddenly desired the position of Guild Master and when I refused it to him, he tried to stage a coup to take it by force."

"Judging by the lack of Ivan, I assume it failed."

"Very few liked Ivan, owed to his rather dim view on people I don't doubt," Makarov huffed as he spun around in his chair and gazed out the window. "I don't know if you're up to date on the current Dark Guild in Fiore, are you?"

"Not as up to date as I'd like to be, why?"

"Ivan went on to form a Dark Guild by the name of Raven Tail, a mockery of Fairy Tail. Its sole purpose is to take the secret the Guild Master protects and harness it for whatever foolish ends he's concocted."

"So, I'm guessing all this stuff about Ivan has something to do with it, but why does Laxus view everyone in the Guild as beneath him? He calls most of us weaklings and trash yet when I left, he would have sooner given his life for them so what gives?"

"That my boy is something I'd like to find out myself," Makarov sighed tiredly. "I'd wager that he finds living under the weight of my name a burden however I can't for the life of me figure out how his views on the rest of the Guild morphed into disgust and scorn."

"Do you think he might have met Ivan out there at some point," Natsu asked carefully as the older man turned to look right at him with a glare that would have made lesser men faint on the spot. "There's always the possibility that Ivan managed to convince him to follow his way of things gramps, you never know?"

"I would rather not entertain the thought, Natsu."

"Even if you don't, the possibility is there," Natsu pressed as Makarov slammed a fist down on his desk.

"I refuse to believe that Laxus would ever fall for any ploy of Ivan's, no matter how strange his behaviour has become-!"

"Why? Because you raised him and that makes him immune to the influence," Natsu countered evenly. "I'm not pushing this because it's the only possibility, but rather BECAUSE it's a possibility at all! You even just said that Ivan once tried to take Fairy Tail by force despite his own Father being the Guild Master so what's to stop him using his own Son against you!?"

Makarov seemed ready to respond, only to freeze in place right as his mouth attempted to open. He knew full well that the logic was sound, the possibility was certainly real and the timing almost too convenient given the recent spat of incidents Fairy Tail had suffered.

But would Laxus fall as low as to work for Ivan?

"I'm only giving you my input gramps," Natsu sighed upon seeing the slight twinge of pain behind the eyes of the aged Guild Master. "As an S Class Mage of the Guild I have a responsibility to speak up on matters like this. I can't claim to possess evidence that Laxus and Ivan are in league, he could just be pissed off at the Guild for some reason for all I know, but you can't deny that what I'm saying makes sense."

"I know," Makarov said barely above a whisper as he slumped in his chair. "But like you said earlier, there is next to no evidence to support such a theory and therefore, until there is, I refuse to believe it."

"As long as you understand that the possibility is there then I won't comment on it any further," Natsu relented after several moments with the old man nodding in understanding. "But even discounting the whole Ivan thing, Laxus is getting worse and you need to do something about him gramps."

"I'm very well aware of that Natsu, believe me," Makarov replied tiredly. "Once the Harvest Festival has concluded I'll have made a decision regarding his actions."

"I'll let Gajeel know since he's the one who Laxus was about to hospitalize," Natsu replied in an almost equally tired tone. "Honestly, it'd be nice if we could go a week without something happening around here that puts a damper on things."

"One could only hope Natsu, but alas, for men like us there isn't much of a chance for a peaceful week," Makarov laughed bitterly as he motioned to the stack of paperwork on his desk. "Just take that for example, all of it is damages the Guild have caused out on jobs."

"Am I in there at all?"

"Thankfully not, at least not since the whole Clover Incident but the Magic Council ended up picking up the tab on that one. Service to the realm and all that, or so the messenger told me."

"What about Oshibana?"

"Eisenwald was blamed for that one since they massacred the town, Grimoire Heart were also blamed as well and the whole bill was tacked onto the one for Era," Makarov replied as he grabbed the entire stack and shoved it into the top draw of his desk. "But enough about that, onto lighter matters."

"Such as?"

"Planning to participate in the Harvest Festival this year Natsu," Makarov asked as his depressing tone lifted somewhat. "It'll be your first in around a decade and it could be something interesting to show Eliza and Elise?"

"I'll most likely attend as a spectator, not as a participant," Natsu replied with Makarov humming in response. "My control over my Crash Magic might appear better than Gildarts' on paper, but that doesn't mean I can't have a lapse in control and break stuff so I'd rather avoid that and just enjoy the festival with Erza."

"I suppose that's understandable," Makarov agreed as he got up off his seat and began walking toward the door, Natsu rising quickly and following as the pair left the office. "I think we can continue the serious discussion later; I have to think on a few things for a bit."

"Fair enough gramps," Natsu replied before kneeling down and grabbing onto the older man's arm. "But I just want to say, I'm not trying to get rid of Laxus or anything gramps."

"I never said you were."

"I just wanted you to know," Natsu said as the older man simply responded with a sad smile.

"I know that Natsu, you aren't the type to behave in such a shameful manner. You care about Laxus in your own way, I can tell, so don't worry about it and go relax for a bit."

"Thanks gramps," Natsu grinned as he let go of the old man and made his way back downstairs and toward the bar where Eliza was spinning her currently full mug on her finger, not spilling even a single drop despite the absurd speed it was spinning at. "Show off."

"Did you hear that Mirajane dear; I do believe that Natsu is jealous of my expertise in the art of balance," Eliza teased eliciting a scoff from Natsu in response.

"I'll have you know my balancing skills are top notch when they need to be Eliza. Back during the war, I used to be able to fight multiple S Class Mages on nothing more than a wall as thin as a knife's edge without losing my balance."

"Rather cute, but you have a long way to go to match some of my feats dear," Eliza grinned as she tossed the mug mid spin toward Natsu who caught it with his nose, much to the surprise of Mira who was still stunned by his earlier statement. "Oh? Now who is the one showing off?"

"You started it Eliza," Natsu grinned as he let the mug spin for several more seconds before grabbing the handle and flicking it back toward Eliza who caught it with her pinkie and took a sip. "I rest my case."

"You mentioned that you had to fight multiple S Class Mages in a situation that had you on a knife's edge Natsu," Mira said softly which immediately shattered Natsu's good mood as he realized what he'd said. "What kind of situation were you in that required you to fight powerful mages like that? You said it was a war?"

"I-I'd rather not talk about that Mira," Natsu stuttered in a display that had many who had been listening in around the bar in shock at Natsu's usual persona crumbling away.

"Natsu dear, how about you show me some of these jobs that Laxus likes to say Elise never partakes in," Eliza cut in, expertly swooping in to give Natsu and out to the whole situation which he immediately took.

"Yeah, come over here to the board Eliza and I'll give you the rundown," Natsu replied with his usual demeanour back in full effect as they both got up and left the deathly silent bar behind.

Once they crossed the room and made their way toward the board containing the bulk of the jobs, Natsu sighed and shot Eliza a grateful smile which she returned with an understanding one of her own.

"Thanks for the save Eliza," he sighed softly. "I didn't even realize I let it slip."

"Don't worry about it, the fault was likely mine to begin with," Eliza replied with a wave of her hand. "Like I said earlier Natsu, I'll be here to talk about it when you are ready."

Nodding in appreciation, Natsu moved toward the board and had a look at what was currently on display with Eliza joining him moments after. After perusing the board for a moment, he grabbed several before motioning for her to follow him and making his way toward the stairs.

Many in the Guild only looked their way for a brief moment before returning to what they were doing once it became obvious Natsu had no intention of doing any of the jobs he had nor any of the ones upstairs.

Once they reached the top, Natsu lead Eliza to a much smaller version of the job request board and took several different ones off of it and motioned for her to follow him to the nearby couch.

Sitting down with some space between them, Natsu spread the various jobs he'd picked up between them with the War Goddess' eyes scanning the contents of each briefly before looking back at him.

"Right then, suppose we'll begin with the easiest rundown I can give you. These jobs here in white are called Normal Jobs and are the most common type of job," Natsu began as he pointed to the three posters closest to him. "These jobs have the largest variety both in difficulty and pay and anyone can take them provided their qualified to do so."

"One needs qualifications for even the easiest of these jobs?"

"The term 'qualification' when it comes to normal jobs more refers to if someone is suitable to do the job. I grabbed these three in particular because of how different they are. Take a look at these and tell me what you think?"

Taking the three posters from Natsu's side, Eliza quickly read the request and general details as well as their rate of pay before placing them back in front of him.

"I understand what you mean now, I can already tell that Elise wouldn't be able to do two of these jobs," Eliza said as she pointed to the one in the middle and the one on the left. "This one is asking for a mage that specializes in Earth Magic to assist with the planting of crops and that one is asking for a mage that specializes in Script Magic to decipher an ancient scroll. Neither of these tasks is something Elise could do without my direct assistance."

"Exactly, which is why these two tasks have a higher rate of pay than the third one I picked out," Natsu nodded as he picked up the last Normal Job. "This one is just asking for someone to beat up some Mana Slugs that are blocking the road to Myrden. The slugs themselves aren't that difficult to deal with and don't require any specific talent so the pay is naturally less."

"I see. So, what about the next level then," Eliza asked as she pointed to the bronze-coloured poster. "Are these the S Class jobs I've heard about?"

"Yep. S Class jobs are much more difficult jobs than Normal ones and can only be done by S Class Mages or a group of regular mages with one or more S Class Mages present," Natsu explained as he looked closer at the poster. "This is the only S Class job we have on our board at the moment but it says that it's asking for someone to capture a Bandit Lord who has been raiding caravans and hijacking trains near Cedar. Due to the fact that the person taking the job would be dealing with a powerful mage and an entire force of bandits, they up the request type and with that also increase the pay grade."

"Taking out a Bandit Lord and a few grunts doesn't seem so hard, Elise could easily do that," Eliza mused only for Natsu to shake his head.

"Elise is more of an exception when it comes to the general ability of mages," Natsu replied with Eliza humming in understanding. "An ordinary, run of the mill mage would get crushed by a force like that."

"Fair point. So, what about this next tier of job," Eliza asked as she pointed at the silver-coloured poster.

"Ah. Now these ones are where the real fun begins," Natsu chuckled as he picked up the poster. "These are SS Class jobs and only experienced S Class Mages are allowed to take them."

"What makes them different from regular S Class jobs if an S Class Mage can still take them?"

"Simple. SS Class and above are jobs that will either require the aid of more than one S Class Mage or an experienced and weathered veteran S Class Mage. This job here says that the Magic Council is looking for someone to capture the Guild Master of a Dark Guild," Natsu explained as Eliza understood immediately what he was getting at.

"Ah, I see now. Capturing the Guild Master of a Dark Guild is certainly something of a challenge, depending on how high said Dark Guild is on the rung."

"Yeah, this Dark Guild is about middle tier by the looks of it," Natsu replied with a nod. "A job like this could find itself in the next tier of quest depending on how high on the ladder said Dark Guild is."

"So, someone like Jellal would have been on the next tier then?"

"Oh yeah, definitely," Natsu agreed instantly. "But anyway, aside from stuff like capturing Dark Guild Masters, another job I went on that was SS in rank was an extermination job."

"Extermination job? What exactly were you required to exterminate, a person?"

"No, though those are a possibility on the higher levels," Natsu began, a slight frown marring his features. "For the job I did it was in Scarlione for Queen Illyandra and it was an extermination request for a nearby village being terrorized by a Hydra and its spawn."

"A Hydra? Yes, one of those would certainly warrant something like an experienced mage."

"Yeah, thing was a real piece of work and it took Gildarts and I a good four hours to kill the damn thing," Natsu chuckled as he lifted up his shirt and pointed to one of the many scars littering his chest, a splotchy burn scar that was about the size of his fist. "Hydra acid, nasty shit."

"Was it the blood?"

"Yep."

"Nasty," Eliza giggled with Natsu chuckling along with her as he put the silver-coloured poster down and picked up the gold one.

"Now this is a Decade Quest, though some call it a Ten-Year Quest as well," Natsu began. "I don't think I really need to explain why it's called that to you, right?"

"I'd say the name says it all dear," Eliza replied bluntly. "A job that has been available for a decade or is predicted to take a decade, no?"

"Exactly. These jobs are pretty limited but the highlights are usually going after a powerful Dark Guild, powerful creature or rarely it'll be a deciphering job that requires the mage to actually venture into ancient ruins or something. Pretty much just more advanced SS Class jobs."

"Then we have these," Eliza said as she motioned to a poster that was clearly once gold, but the poster itself had clearly faded over time to an old, worn look. "I take it this is the one you went on?"

"Oh yeah," Natsu chuckled bitterly as he eyed the poster in front of them. "Either the greatest, or worst, decision of my entire life. Century Quest, need I elaborate?"

"I'm well aware of this one dear," Eliza replied as she picked up the poster and eyed it curiously. "In fact, I believe this is the exact one you scarpered off with Gildarts to try and complete, no?"

"It certainly is," a third voice chimed in as both Natsu and Eliza looked over to see Makarov approaching the pair. "The second I felt your hands touch that job Natsu I was about to prepare 'that' only to remember that you said you were going to show Eliza how the job system worked."

"You really placed an alert on the Century Quests gramps?"

"Wouldn't you after what happened with the last one?"

"…"

"That's right."

"My stupidity aside," Natsu sighed. "What's up?"

"Just got a letter in for you from Era," Makarov said as he reached into his coat and handed it over to Natsu, the Dragon Slayer's eyes shrinking to pinpricks at the seal on both the front and back. "I figured it was from there."

"When did it arrive exactly," Natsu whispered as he held the letter with shaking hands.

"Just now, like I literally just told you Natsu," Makarov replied gently as he moved to stand in Natsu's field of view. "The Scarlione Embassy sent it straight here by an express courier, stressed that the Embassy staff wanted you to read it as soon as you got it."

Natsu nodded silently as he slowly turned the envelope over and looked at the wax seal, the symbol of the Scarlione Royal Family itself. A golden tree with rainbow leaves and silver dust pressed into the red wax seal.

He couldn't help but chuckle softly at that, knowing what the seal was based on.

Slowly, he split the seal and a small, blank piece of paper fell out which Natsu promptly opened. Makarov raised an eyebrow in response however Eliza shook her head sharply at the older man and pressed a finger to her lips.

To the older man's shock, Natsu's eyes glazed over. He appeared to be in some kind of trance and that was when Eliza chose to finally speak.

"A special form of Letter Magic that is crossed over with Thought Magic to create a safe form of physical correspondence," Eliza explained.

"I've never even heard of such a means of communication before?"

"There are many things the mages of Fiore do not know, Makarov Dreyar," Eliza replied cryptically as she turned back toward Natsu. "I only hope this letter is not one of ill tidings."

Makarov hummed in agreement as the pair both chose to watch over the Dragon Slayer as he received the message intended solely for him.

/The Scarlione Empire, Ichor Palace – Six Months Ago/

The pride of Scarlione, the grand Ichor Palace, shone brightly amidst the darkness of the otherwise chilling night. A sprawling palace crafted from a combination of countless biomes from dirt, grass, rock, gemstone and more. One would call it a technological marvel and yet, the Ichor Palace could not claim to be the work of the labours of mankind.

Indeed, the pride of Scarlione, despite being a structure stretching higher than any other building in the Empire with its tallest towers being able to survey all four corners of its borders, the castle was merely at the foot of another titanic natural wonder of the known world.

And it was thanks to that wonder, the Ichor Palace gained its namesake.

For the palace shone brightly not due to any kind of artificial light, but thanks to the veins that ran through its entire structure that were said to give life to the natural wonder it sat before.

The lifeblood of Scarlione, the Ichor Palace.

Within the palace, situated ironically at its heart, lay the most important room. It was a room that provided lodging to the Queen of the Empire, she who ensured that the lifeblood would continue to flow freely.

A loud crash could be heard from this room, the sound of something being thrown followed by shattering glass and something exploding. The guards stationed outside did not so much as flinch however, knowing full well that the messenger that had just left did not bear good tidings.

Within the room, standing before a shattered mirror and broken desk, was a woman with long, silky raven hair. She appeared to be middle aged, slight lines marring her otherwise flawless features and she was dressed in an elegant red formal dress with the Scarlione Crest etched proudly into its back.

Queen Of The Scarlione Empire

Former Member Of The Century Quest Team

The Seventh Seed Of The Ichor Throne

Illyandra Scarlione VII

With a wave of her hand, the entire room righted itself instantly as a dull hum filled the room. Illyandra closed her eyes and allowed her mind to focus solely on the dull hum for a few minutes before she was forced to face reality once more.

Sighing, the Queen slowly opened her eyes and held her right hand out as a letter flew off of her table. Snatching the letter with nothing but the utmost grace her subjects knew her for, the Queen went and flopped on her bed in only the most ladylike manner possible.

The loud, muffled groan of annoyance into her pillow was someone else. Assuredly.

"Of all the times for something like this to happen it just HAD to be when we've got a war on," Illyandra huffed as she rolled onto her back and sighed. "Still …"

The news she had received was indeed grim, and was something she would need to inform her closest allies about immediately. The only issue was that some of them were an entire country away and she'd promised not to summon them back unless it was strictly necessary.

"What to do … what to do," Illyandra hummed as she felt the dull hum begin to slowly thump not so differently than that of a heartbeat. "Perhaps I should send Frollo?"

Mulling over the idea in her head as her clothing slowly melted into her bed, merging with her sheets to leave the Queen fully in the nude, she slowly rocked back and forth with her eyes narrowed in deep thought.

"Perhaps I shall simply inform the others and leave it at that? I made a promise after all and it wouldn't do to break it, even if it were for Felix," Illyandra sighed as she sat up and waved her right hand.

From the roof, a single sheet of paper appeared and gently dropped down into her lap where Illyandra plucked it up and placed it on the bed in front of her before flopping onto her front and idly pondering who to write to first.

She thought about writing to Gildarts, but then she remembered that she was naked and the man was a complete pervert and so, she wouldn't even conceive of writing a letter to the man at her most vulnerable.

The horn dog would somehow figure out she had done so and no doubt do something illicit, the man was a menace.

Therefore, that left either Natsu or Shrikke to write to first. Initally deciding to leave it to a game of eeny meeny miny mo, she paused as her eye caught onto a certain photo on her bedside table.

It was a photo of herself and Natsu, taken not long after she'd warmed up to the kid. He was barely into his teens by that point and was clearly uncomfortable being made to rest his head on her knee for the photo.

Just recalling the events of that day brought on a fit of giggles as she held out her hand for the photo as it zipped toward her. After having watched him break one of the statues in her garden, she feigned righteous fury and forced him to join her for the day where she ended up putting him in situations that were well out of his comfort zone.

Case in point, face being scarily close to the forbidden zone.

"Oh Natsu, I miss nervous child you," Illyandra whined as she rolled around on her bed holding the photo. "You grew up way too fast."

Her mind was made up the more she thought about the pink-haired Dragon Slayer. She missed all of the crew that had left Scarlione, but she missed Natsu the most out of the lot of them.

With that in mind, she sent the photo back to her desk and rolled back over to the piece of paper and snapped her finger twice to summon a rainbow tipped pen. Dipping it into the air for seemingly no reason, Illyandra stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth and began to write.

---

Dearest Natsu

I pray that the mere arrival of this letter has not alarmed you, I know that the last thing you probably wish to see is the emblem of Scarlione, however there has been a development that I wish to make you aware of.

I am afraid, however, that it is not good.

Approximately twenty minutes before writing this letter for you I was informed that our dear friend Felix has escaped the psychiatric facility he was confined to following our defeat at the hands of the Black Dragon Achnologia.

This comes upon the heels of his most recent evaluation report where it was deduced that his mental state continues to deteriorate. Gods only know where the poor man will be mentally by years end if he already fails to perceive reality at present.

I want to assure you that I shall be dispatching Frollo to retrieve Felix as soon as day breaks and we shall do everything within our power to aid in his recovery. Failing that, it shall be as we discussed before your departure.

I take no pleasure informing you of these events, however, I shall never break my promise to you all. The truth shall be made available to you at the earliest possible convenience.

Moving on from those matters I must also express my relief that the rumours of the deaths of both yourself and Gildarts were greatly exaggerated. Your encounter with Achnologia again struck fear into all of us and Serenity wept for weeks believing you to have been devoured whole by the beast.

That infernal beast has taken much from all of us. Even I was unable to drive the vile monster out of the kingdom despite my power so do not judge yourself for that which is far beyond the likes of mortal men.

Some beings are simply beyond us Natsu, beyond humanity.

The origins of that beast are certainly shrouded in mystery, but I can say for certain that it suffered a descent to reach its current state. If your tales are to be believed regarding Igneel and his word on others of Dragon-kind, then this one sacrificed the compassion the others possessed for power.

When we last spoke, we parted under the shadow of an argument over this very same topic. Although I know you wish to believe Achnologia might hold clues to Igneel's disappearance, it would be suicide to even contemplate conversing with it. Felix's mind was shattered after a mere moment gazing into its depths, any secrets the Black Dragon bears are not for our eyes or ears!

I implore you, do not ever seek out that foul beast again Natsu to try and glean answers that it may not even possess. I could not bear to lose another of my closest confidants to that thing when it could be easily avoided.

And lastly, I would ask that you make your way to the Scarlione Embassy in Crocus at your earliest convenience. I wish to speak with you face to face, or as close to it as possible. The staff will be expecting your arrival at any time as will the comms staff back here in the Ichor Palace.

Peak of the day or the dead of night, I shall ensure time is made available in my schedule for us to converse. I am afraid that the contents of our discussion are not appropriate for mere paper correspondence.

I am sure you can understand what I refer to.

May the radiant leaves guide you down a greater path, my dearest Knight Commander.

Your Queen

Illyandra Scarlione VII

---

Reading over the letter several times, the Queen sighed and contemplated shredding it before shaking her head. There was so much to say and hardly the room to put it to paper, and it was getting rather late.

"This will have to do I suppose," Illyandra sighed tiredly as she let the letter float out of her hand and into the air as she rolled onto her back. "Sacred Script – Thought Fantasy!"

Pointing at the letter with her index finger, Illyandra fired a golden beam of light at it which seemingly erased its contents entirely. This however was a security measure all official correspondence from Scarlione used during wartime, a failsafe to ensure the enemy would glean nothing from their physical forms of communication.

"I think I shall dispatch this in the morning along with Frollo," Illyandra hummed as she started melting through her sheets until she was firmly entrenched into her mattress, suddenly bouncing back up so that she was tucked in firmly. "I only hope tomorrow brings greater tidings …"

With a wave of her hand, all the light in the room dimmed as the letter flew toward her desk that had repaired itself instantly. As the light dimmed, the change moved outside as the entirety of the Ichor Palace dimmed which signalled a time for rest.

Though for the Queen, it would no doubt be a sleepless night.

/Present/

As his sense of reality returned, Natsu blinked several times before exhaling audibly through his nose. This drew the attention of both Eliza and Makarov who sat quietly, waiting for him to return to awareness.

"Judging by the look on your face, the news wasn't good," Makarov asked as Natsu shook his head.

"The letter itself is about what I expected from her," Natsu replied with a slight scoff. "No one else I know can be formal, loose and doting at the exact same time."

"Tell it to me straight Natsu, are you being called back," Makarov asked as he set his mug down on the table audibly and locked eyes with the Dragon Slayer. "If you and Gildarts are being called back to fight, I'd at least like some sort of advance warning this time?"

"Heh. Luckily you for, we're not," Natsu replied dryly as he banished the letter to his Requip Space. "The letter was news regarding one of my old war buddies who lost his mind, her telling me what Gildarts kept telling me before the incident at Sacred Mount Zonia and her asking me to head to the Scarlione Embassy to speak with her face to face."

"Do you need to head out now?"

"No," Natsu replied lazily as he stretched and laid himself out over the couch he was on. "Honestly, I don't know when I'll go over there to be honest."

"Come now Natsu dear, surely you must realize that Illyandra has a reason for wanting to speak with you," Eliza said smoothly as Natsu rolled his eyes with a huff.

"I've barely been back and she already wants a meeting, it's ridiculous!"

"I suppose I should be honest and say it upfront, but I read the contents of the letter whilst you were in the trance of Illyandra's spell," Eliza admitted with Natsu not even showing the slightest bit of surprise.

"And?"

"You know what that last bit referred to Natsu, you can't just ignore that."

"I don't plan on just ignoring it outright," Natsu replied as he slowly got up off the couch and started making his way toward the stairs. "I'd at least like a few days to recover from my injuries and spend time with my no doubt traumatized Girlfriend, if that is permitted?"

"I understand that the letter wasn't something you wanted to hear Natsu, but you don't need to speak to me that way," Eliza countered calmly as Natsu sighed and ran a hand across his face, demonstrating just how worn down he truly was.

"Sorry Eliza, you're right, you don't deserve me acting like a prick," Natsu replied tiredly before looking over toward an understanding Makarov. "Sorry to you too gramps."

"Quite alright Natsu, I'm honestly shocked you can even walk with those injuries?"

"You know how it goes old man, no rest for the wicked," Natsu joked bitterly before shaking his head. "I think I'm gonna head home and try to rest up so if you need me for anything, you know where I'll be."

Makarov nodded as Natsu turned and walked down the stairs and straight out of the Guild Hall, many members noticing the scowl on his usually calm and composed face. All eyes quickly moved up to the railing where Makarov and Eliza stood, the pair looking down over the rest of the members lazily.

"You know what's really bothering Natsu, don't you," Makarov asked which brought the expected nod in response. "And I assume you won't just tell me, right?"

"Naturally. I very much doubt that if it were you down there that you'd want me to air your dirty laundry to half the Guild, correct?"

"You already know the answer to that question Eliza," Makarov replied tiredly as he hopped up onto the railing and sat down. "But when I was younger Eliza, the concept of becoming that powerful never even crossed my mind …"

"Are you certain? I distinctly recall a younger and taller Makarov Dreyar leading his team around Fiore to fight basically anything that even appeared evil, no?"

"Heh, true. I was something of a firebrand back in the day, I won't deny that," Makarov chuckled softly in response. "However, power was still the last thing on my mind back then."

"Really? Then what was it you were searching for then?"

"Much like Laxus, I too lived under the shadow of a Father whose legacy seemed too great to surpass," the aged Guild Master sighed. "In that respect, I can fully understand where Laxus is coming from. That being said however, I chose a different route than he appears to be heading down now."

"Ah, I see. You wanted to try and steer Laxus down the same path," Eliza hummed in understanding. "It is a wonder that Laxus fails to understand that you can sympathise with him, isn't it?"

"Everyone is different, Laxus is also an entire generation separate from me," Makarov pointed out as he took a sip from his drink. "Many of these kids see me as nothing more than an old man with power they'll never attain. I'm a Wizard Saint, a powerful figure in the political sphere of Fiore and Guild Master … I'm far too distanced from them and that is likely why Laxus refuses to listen to me."

"Perhaps confrontation is inevitable then," Eliza mused contemplatively as she tapped her fingers on the hardwood railing. "I can feel something brewing here, though it is not yet set in stone."

Makarov simply eyed the War Goddess for a few moments as he pondered her words. It appeared that Laxus would take that next drastic step at some point, but the question was … would he be capable of stopping his Grandson?

"Have faith in them, Makarov Dreyar," Eliza muttered as the Guild Master snapped his attention to the War Goddess once again. "They might surprise you, despite all you've seen."

And with that, Eliza vanished, leaving the older man alone to ponder the only family he'd ever known and its clouded future.

/Magnolia – Same Time/

Having departed from Porlyusica's after being patched up, Gajeel couldn't help but grumble as he kicked some stones along the dirt road into town. His mind kept going back to the two idiots who attacked him before Laxus, Jet and Droy, and how they'd come to apologize for what they'd done.

He knew Salamander was the one who sent them over, that much was obvious, but why were they so sincere?

That's what really rubbed him the wrong way about this Guild and everyone in it. Why were they so nice to him despite all he'd done to them? He'd literally trashed their Guild Hall and hospitalized a bunch of their members, how could most of them forgive that?

Of course, he knew that there were certain exceptions to that rule. Natsu and Makarov had killed his old Guild Master Jose without really appearing to lose sleep over it and he knew about Elise Faulkner's past in the Rune Knights, her tendency to kill Dark Mages regardless of how strong they were.

And that other old timer, Gildarts, was a clear-cut monster. He'd seen the man once and received a look that communicated one simple message.

Don't do that again, or you're finished.

And Gajeel knew that Gildarts would follow through on that too. Everyone knew who Gildarts Clive was, a Grand Wizard said to turn down the position of Wizard Saint dozens of times from his early twenties to the present day. The man was one of the strongest mages on the continent and no one could debate that he'd seen things very few veterans had.

"Tch. This Guild is so damn weird," Gajeel huffed as he stopped and looked around, having wandered aimlessly as he thought about his current situation. "Back here, huh?"

He'd somehow wandered into Magnolia Park, a place that he seemed to constantly find trouble in. Be it he who caused the trouble, or another dishing it out, Gajeel knew he'd rather not stick around for more to come his way.

Turning to leave, he stopped when he saw a familiar tree. Feeling something stir within him, Gajeel grit his teeth before sighing and slowly walking toward the base of the tree where pieces of metal still found themselves lodged into its trunk.

His mind flashed back to the day he'd brutalized Team Shadow Gear and pinned them up on the very same tree he stood before now. He remembered feeling nothing but sadistic glee as he pinned Jet and Droy onto the branches, how they cried out in pain as the metal crushed their arms.

But then, he remembered the blue-haired bookworm who was with them. Her desperate pleas for him to stop, how his smirk had slowly faded and a cold, almost robotic motion overtook him in that moment and he pinned her to the tree like her friends.

Placing a hand on the tree, he narrowed his eyes at the faint reddish stain on the brown bark and sniffed twice before clenching his other hand into a fist. The smell of the blue-haired girl's blood still lingered here, the stain a reminder of what he'd done.

"Damn it," Gajeel hissed as he felt himself growing angrier. "The hell am I doing!?"

Removing his hand from the tree, he moved it closer to the bloodstain and traced two fingers across its dried surface as memories of a time before Phantom momentarily pierced through his already clouded mind.

"Gajeel?"

As the voice pierced through his momentary recollection, Gajeel shook himself back to reality as he spun around to face the one who'd interrupted him. He almost wished he hadn't done so.

There stood the very girl whose dried blood now stained the tree, a curious, or was it worried, look on her face as she stood a respectable distance away. Eyeing her for a moment as he calmed himself, he spoke.

"Yeah, what do you want?"

"I-I went to Porlyusica's to see if you were alright, but apparently she sent you off a little while ago …"

"And?"

"And … well … I wanted to make sure you were alright," the girl stuttered as Gajeel felt those same feelings from earlier come back, a slight scowl beginning to appear on his face.

"Why would you care?"

"Why wouldn't I care," the girl countered in a brief moment of confidence or stupidity, Gajeel couldn't honestly tell as she immediately reverted back to her awkward stuttering. "I-I mean, Jet and Droy were one thing, but Laxus is really strong and-!?"

"You thought I couldn't handle a little pain?"

"NO! I-I mean, that's not what I meant at all," the girl cried awkwardly as she shook her hands out in front of her quickly. "None of them should have attacked you to begin with and I wanted to apologize for it!"

"…"

"Y-you don't have to accept it or anything, I just-!?"

"Why the hell would you be apologizing to me," Gajeel managed to ground out as he fought to keep control over his emotions.

"Well Jet, Droy and Laxus-!"

"Aren't you, for starters," Gajeel said as he cut her off. "If anything, I'm shocked you didn't join em."

"What!? Why in the world would I want to do something so-so horrible!?"

"Well gee, I can't possibly think of any reason for you to want to do something like that," Gajeel scoffed as he fully turned to face the girl. "Why are you being so nice to me after what I did, you should hate my guts!?"

The girl seemed taken aback by Gajeel's rough tone but quickly realized where they were standing as she noticed the metal grafted onto the tree and gasped slightly.

"Y-you're talking about when you attacked us," the girl muttered prompting Gajeel to huff in acknowledgement. "Well, I've forgiven you for it."

Now THAT drew Gajeel's full attention as he looked at the girl in varying degrees of shock and complete disbelief. She didn't back down though, the same neutral gaze on her face from the moment she said she'd forgiven him for what he'd done.

"You forgive me?"

"Yes."

"The fuck is wrong with you," Gajeel snapped as the girl seemed to twitch slightly in response. "You should hate me!? You should want to beat me up and pin me to this damn tree!?"

"And just what good is that going to do Gajeel," the girl replied, her voice only cracking somewhat which showed the Dragon Slayer that she was still somewhat afraid, but masking it well. "What good does holding a grudge like that do for me other than make me a terrible person?"

Gajeel simply stared at the girl for several minutes, neither one of them speaking so much as a single word as the various residents enjoying the park kept their distance. It was obvious to all of them that something was happening, though none could have guessed what it was.

"Say," Gajeel said after the tense standoff, shaking the girl to attention as she gasped in surprise at his voice. "What's your name, shrimp?"

"My name is Levy, not 'Shrimp' Gajeel," Levy replied with a slight huff which, to her surprise, actually got a small chuckle out of the Dragon Slayer. "Why?"

"Just askin, that's all … Shrimp."

Turning to the right, Gajeel started walking out of the park, leaving a stunned Levy to watch his slowly retreating figure. Shaking her head quickly, she ran over toward Gajeel and around to block the larger man's path.

"What?"

"My name is LEVY, not SHRIMP, Gajeel!"

To Levy's utter shock," Gajeel actually chuckled again as he placed a hand on top of her head, ruffling her hair which quickly brought her back to reality, and the annoyance of what Gajeel was currently doing.

"Whatever you say Shrimp, whatever you say," Gajeel continued to chuckle as he sidestepped the much smaller girl and continued on his way out of the park.

"IT'S LEVY YOU JERK!"

Gajeel simply grinned as he continued to walk, feeling much better than he had in a long time.

Perhaps Fairy Tail was his kind of place after all?

/Elsewhere In Magnolia – Several Hours Later/

Having spent the last few hours in the forest pondering the letter he'd received, Natsu had sufficiently calmed himself down and was ready to head home and do the same for Erza. After all, it wouldn't do to try and calm someone like her down if he was in a foul mood. Magnolia likely wouldn't survive the ensuing battle.

Making his way through the front door, the first place he went to was the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he was disappointed at the lack of food present and sighed.

"Figures there'd be nothing left, Ur probably ate it all …"

"I'm right here you know," Ur huffed as she tossed an icicle at him which he lazily caught and tossed into the sink. "Show off."

"Oh wow, you must be a ninja to sneak up on me like that," Natsu replied jokingly as he flopped onto the couch. "Didn't even notice you were there."

"A real charmer you are."

"The epitome of a true gentleman, my dear!"

"Enough with the smartass routine Natsu, the hell is wrong with Erza?"

"I'm guessing her arrival home wasn't pleasant then," Natsu sighed as Ur shook her head.

"The second she closed the front door she burst into tears and ran upstairs and sat in the bath for four hours," Ur replied dryly. "You guys have a massive fight or something?"

"I wish it was that," Natsu answered sadly as he motioned to the bandages covering his midsection which Ur hadn't noticed up until that point. "Basically, a guy from her childhood tried to kill her for her Magical Core so he could revive Zeref but the team and I went in there and got her back."

"I … wow."

"That childhood friend also had used Magic to split himself in two and one half was the Wizard Saint Seigrain and now he's dead."

"And … you killed him?"

"Something like that," Natsu replied carefully, not really wanting to reveal the truth just yet. "Point being, Erza's been through a lot and I figured she needed some time alone."

"And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"I can tell there's something bothering you as well Natsu," Ur replied knowingly as she motioned toward the way he was laying on the couch. "You usually are relaxed, but right now you're as stiff as a board."

"Well, I suppose there's no harm in admitting that there's something wrong with me as well," Natsu chuckled bitterly as he briefly summoned the letter and waved it before vanishing it again. "Letter from Scarlione."

"That bad?"

"Oh yeah. An old friend of mine who was driven insane by Achnologia has escaped the psychiatric facility he was being held at though it looks like he might be unsavable so we'll all have to make a decision soon regarding him."

"Oh …"

"I'm also expected to speak with the Queen soon so I'll have to head to Crocus after the Harvest Festival to use the communicator in the Embassy. The way Illy asks is more like a demand," Natsu chuckled as he thought back to the last time he didn't follow one of her 'requests' and the ensuring fallout.

"Sounds like you guys are really struggling right now, huh?"

"It's been a very long week," Natsu sighed with a shake of his head. "You'll probably be happy to know that Gray has improved quite a bit though on our training, even if the dumbass doesn't want to admit it."

"Has he now? I'm glad to hear that Natsu, I was a bit concerned about Gray if I'm being honest."

"Concerned? Why were you concerned about Gray," Natsu asked as Ur's question pushed aside his thoughts, genuinely surprised at her serious shift in demeanour.

"Gray can be rather hard on himself, as you no doubt would know, and can often stunt his own growth as a result. He's an adult now, and I know he doesn't need me worrying about him like before, but I can't really help it-."

"I get it Ur, you don't have to justify it," Natsu replied gently as he waved his hand to silence her. "You literally sacrificed your own life to stop the Demon that took everything from him, I can understand why you'd want to make sure he's doing alright."

"I wish I was there for him more as he grew up, but I'm glad he had Fairy Tail to look out for him in the meantime," Ur sighed with a tired smile. "I suppose the best I can do now is support him from the sidelines …"

"Come on Ur, you know that's not true," Natsu scoffed in response. "Don't know if you realize it, but you're a damn powerful mage! The only other people in the Guild I'd have allowed by my side against Jose would've been Laxus, Mystogan, Gildarts, gramps or Eliza. You've got plenty left to teach Gray that the blockhead won't likely figure out on his own."

"Well … I have to say that coming from you, that's certainly high praise," Ur replied in genuine surprise at Natsu's praise of her skills. "You really think that highly of me?"

"Ur, you're likely one of the strongest Ice Magic users on the entire continent," Natsu replied bluntly. "Don't ask stupid questions you already know the answer to. You're basically a Grand Wizard like me and Gildarts."

"Heh. You really know how to cheer a girl up when she's feeling a bit down," Ur said after several moments. "I honestly never really considered myself all that powerful until you compared me to the likes of the perv and yourself."

"I think hanging out in my house is starting to get to you a bit Ur, why don't you go on a few jobs?"

"Maybe it is time I do something more productive with myself," Ur replied with a thoughtful look. "Probably start off small though and work my way up …"

"That's the best way to do it," Natsu nodded in approval. "You can even take Gray on some if you're that desperate to be around him?"

"Whilst I'm glad you're giving me permission to steal Gray from you, I'll pass," Ur giggled in response as she got up from her seat and yawned. "Anyway, you've given me a lot to think about so I'm gonna do the opposite and go hit the hay."

"A solid plan as any," Natsu agreed as he got up off of the couch and the pair made their way toward the stairs. "By the sound of it, Erza's already asleep, so I'll just have to speak with her tomorrow."

"Listen Natsu, I just want to say again how grateful I am to both yourself and Erza," Ur said suddenly as Natsu turned back to face the Ice Make Mage who was still standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"And like I said before Ur, you don't have to thank us," Natsu sighed with a shake of his head. "After what you endured, you deserve a lot more than what I'm providing you with here in this half empty mansion."

"This is more than I could have ever hoped for after I used the Iced Shell," Ur muttered more to herself than to Natsu. "Being able to feel and hear everything the entire time yet being unable to speak or see …"

"Ur," Natsu said quietly as he moved several steps down and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to talk about that time if you don't want to, I know what you went through would have ripped the sanity away from basically anyone else."

"I know, but thankfully I'm still here."

"And if I have my way, you'll still be here for many years to come," Natsu replied with a slight grin. "But that won't happen if you don't try and get some sleep."

"True, very true."

"Now then, my wounds are hurting like a bitch so I'm gonna go lie down," Natsu said in a joking manner despite the fact that he certainly wasn't lying. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Night Natsu," Ur yawned as the pair reached the top of the stairs and went their separate ways.

Making his way toward his and Erza's shared room, Natsu quietly opened the door and slipped inside. Banishing his clothes into his Requip Space, he made his way toward his bed and couldn't help but snort in amusement.

"Really Erza?"

Staring back at him was his Girlfriend, a box of cake deposited on his side of the bed. It didn't take a genius to know that the box was empty as he picked it up and placed it on his bedside table.

"You know I was sad Natsu, I eat when I'm stressed," Erza huffed as she pulled Natsu's side of the bed covers back and he slipped in easily. "I heard some of what you were discussing with Ur."

"On the stairs," Natsu asked with Erza nodding in response. "It's only natural she's suffering mentally after what she went through. Honestly, it's a miracle she's sane at all."

"At least she knows she's got us and the rest of Fairy Tail if she needs support," Erza sighed as she snuggled up against Natsu, humming in content as his warmth spread throughout the bed. "I couldn't sleep without this …"

"I spoil you too much."

"You mean not enough, right," Erza asked lightly in response as she ran a hand over his bare chest. "I heard that the couch has good going rate if you aren't interested …?"

"Well, if you're that insistent on being away from me," Natsu replied playfully as he started to slide out from under Erza only for the woman to roll fully on top of him, grabbing both his wrists and pinning his arms above his head as her thighs held his legs firmly in place.

"You could choose the couch … or you could pay the going rate for this bed right here," Erza whispered huskily as she ground herself against Natsu's crotch. "What'll it be, my brave and dashing Knight?"

"You drive a hard bargain, but I'll choose the bed tonight," Natsu replied breathlessly as what little clothing Erza was wearing shimmered away into her Requip Space. "Before we go any further though Erza … I wanna make sure-?"

"I want this Natsu," Erza said as she cut through the obvious red flag to her behaviour like a knife. "I've wanted it for a long time but after all of that back at the Tower … I just know."

Instead of a response, Erza gasped as she felt the tip of his cock pressing up against her entrance. Returning to meet his gaze, she could tell that he was waiting for permission to enter her, a mixture of lust and concern present on his features.

"Give it to me Natsu, I need it," Erza pleaded as she pressed against his cock head a bit more so that it had begun to penetrate her. "Just be slow and gentle, ok?"

"Don't worry Erza," Natsu replied as she released his arms to steady herself, placing her hands on his chest. "We'll go to your pace."

Slowly, Natsu pushed into her as Erza moaned approvingly. Natsu knew she wouldn't have her virginity intact thanks to their lifestyle, but it didn't matter in the slightest as she was tightly squeezing his member with a warmth not even he could hope to replicate.

"F-fuck Erza-!?"

"So big-!"

"So tight," Natsu panted as he sat up fully, wrapping his arms around Erza's midsection as the scarlet-haired mage wrapped her legs around his torso.

Placing a hand on the back of his head, Erza gently pressed his face between her modestly sized breasts. She'd never been self-conscious about her bust size, knowing full well that they were on the larger side, but they weren't the largest in the Guild.

Even still, his head fit snugly between them as the pair panted, neither moving so much as a muscle with Natsu's dick fully sheathed within her. Both were content with the intimate embrace as Erza gently stroked the back of Natsu's head lovingly whilst the man gently ran a hand across her back.

"Do you want to …"

"You sure," came the muffled response from Natsu with Erza humming in approval as she felt a slight thrust from her Boyfriend, the head of his cock momentarily pressing up against her womb before retreating just as quickly.

"Just remember Natsu, you have to pull out if you think you're going to … y'know …"

Natsu grunted in acknowledgement of what Erza had said as his slowly thrusts rapidly gave way to a steady rhythm. The sounds of their panting and Erza's slick yet tight walls gripping onto Natsu was only spurring the couple on as their arousal continued to rise.

Natsu grit his teeth as Erza slowly started to push back against his cock after his most recent thrust, the sensation of the girl manipulating him with her vagina alone something he desperately wanted more of.

"Y-you think you can do that a bit faster, Erza?"

In response, her next motion was much rougher, yet also much quicker which had the immediate effect of Erza letting out her first loud cry of pleasure. Just as she moved to clamp a hand over her mouth, Natsu's lips captured hers as the pair engaged in a long, drawn-out kiss.

Their tongues battled for dominance as Erza continued to rock back and forth faster and faster until the Dragon Slayer was forced to pull away and grit his teeth.

"Erza, I'm gonna-!"

Ceasing her motions, Erza slipped him out of her as she pushed him onto his back once more, rubbing the lips of her clean-shaven pussy against his length. Being able to see all of this, Natsu didn't last any longer and, with an audible growl, started to shoot rope after rope of thick cum onto his stomach and lower chest. The sensations of his dick coming to orgasm appeared to be enough to give Erza one of her own, the rapid pulsations causing her to let out a loud cry of ecstasy.

After both had cum, they remained in their final positions for a few moments, merely panting hard before Erza rolled off of him and laid down at his side. Neither said a word as Natsu's cum began to evaporate, using his magic to clean himself off rather than get up and find something to clean himself up.

Once he was sure he was clean, he returned his body temperature to normal and snaked an arm around Erza's exposed waist and pulled her tightly to his body which the scarlet-haired mage eagerly reciprocated as she half draped herself over him.

"So," Natsu said after several minutes of silence. "Was the pay sufficient to remain here tonight?"

"It all appears to be in order Sir," Erza replied softly as she closed her eyes and snuggled back into Natsu again. "Might need to double check later though."

"Of course," Natsu chuckled lightly as he felt himself begin to slowly drift off.

"Night Natsu," Erza mumbled before fully drifting off.

"Night Erza," Natsu muttered in reply as he kissed the top of her head gently. "Love you."

/The Next Day – Magnolia/

Natsu, Erza and Ur had woken up early so that they could assist Makarov with preparations for the Harvest Festival. There were still a few things left to do before the festival began and it was all hands-on deck at the Guild Hall.

The trip there however was rather embarrassing for Erza with Ur having overheard the events the previous night. The Ice Make Mage swore not to tell, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to tease Erza for finally doing the deed.

She knew trying to tease Natsu would be a complete waste of time. He was clearly proud of it, but wasn't about to strut about the place like he owned it all of a sudden. He was actually rather closed off about it and deferred her questions to Erza.

That had earned the man more points in her book.

"I don't know if I'll be able to do much today, barely slept a wink last night …"

"This is the third time you've gone on about it now Ur," Natsu sighed as he shook his head. "I'm starting to see why Gildarts liked you so much-."

"You'd better not be comparing me to that old perv Natsu!?"

"Hard not to, what with the voyeur complex you've suddenly revealed to us," Natsu snorted in response as Erza supressed a giggle. "Bet you were right outside our door too, just had to sneak a little peak at the action?"

"I was not," Ur snapped back as she tried to hit Natsu but missed by a wide margin. "Unlike you two lovebirds, I've already been through more than my fair share of encounters so spying on two first timers is the farthest thing from my mind."

"Sure, whatever you say Gildarts," Natsu scoffed with Ur's face scrunching up in disgust before quickly morphing into one ripe with mischief.

"Well, if you're really so eager to hear about my time with Gildarts, I have no problem sharing. Be warned though, it involves a lot of hair and-."

"And THAT is my cue to leave," Natsu said as he gave Erza a quick kiss on the cheek before turning to Ur. "You don't get one."

"I feel so heartbroken Natsu, how will I possibly recover!?"

"At the sex addicts meeting, with Gildarts," Natsu shot back as the air around them rapidly began to chill. "See you later Erza!"

Vanishing before Ur could do anything, the older woman sighed as local temperatures returned to normal. The Ice Make Mage ran a hand through her medium length hair before grinning over at Erza who shook her head in response.

"I told you I could get rid of him."

"By nearly scarring both of us for life," Erza replied dryly as the pair reached the steps toward the Guild Hall. "But thanks anyway."

"You can thank me by winning the Miss Fairy Tail Contest today and giving me a rather amusing show," Ur replied as she licked her lips. "Just thinking about all the pervs this will out for me to torment …"

"I feel like I should put a stop to that, shouldn't I?"

"Best not to think about it too hard Erza, I'll never change my wicked ways. Just ask Gray, he'll tell you that verbatim."

"I'll just take your word for it," Erza replied as the pair reached the doors and entered the Guild Hall. "I'm guessing you aren't taking part in this?"

"Nah. I'm not really about these kinds of things, though I don't doubt I'd have a shot at winning," Ur replied as they made their way toward the bar where Mira was currently reading over some notes.

"Mira, we're here," Erza called out to the barmaid who looked up in surprise at their arrival before quickly shooting them her signature smile.

"I have to say Erza, the last thing I expected when I viewed the participants for this year's contest was you to enter," Mira began as she placed the papers down and turned to fully face the pair. "Let me guess, putting on a show for a certain someone?"

"S-something like that …"

"Those two finally did the deed for the first-time last night and now she's feeling more confident," Ur cut in suddenly which shut Mira's mouth before she even had a chance to respond.

"Ur!?"

Said Ice Make Mage backed off as a squealing barmaid cleared the bar itself within moments and crashed into Erza, hugging the scarlet-haired mage as she demanded all the details. Looking around for a potential escape and finding none, Erza resigned herself to her fate as the preparations for the Miss Fairy Tail Contest continued.

/Magnolia Outskirts – Same Time/

As the Guild prepared itself for the Harvest Festival and the many things associated with it, Eliza spent her time doing something far more productive.

The War Goddess was currently on the edge of the nearby forest that overlooked the town, crouched and watching her targets closely. Keen eyes studied their movements, observing every slight ripple in their bodies so that the God wouldn't miss a microsecond of their behaviour.

"Almost there," the War Goddess muttered under her breath as her targets inched closer and closer to her hiding spot. "Just a little more …"

"Hey Eliza-."

Spinning around with an attack already fully formed, the War Goddess smashed the one who had managed to sneak up on her in her moment of complete concentration. To her surprise, Natsu had managed to sidestep her strike at the last moment however as it stripped the leaves from every tree in its path.

"Holy shit Eliza!?"

"And just WHAT do you think you're doing Natsu dear," Eliza snapped back as she grabbed the man by the coat and dragged him close. "I am in the middle of vital fieldwork!"

"Vital fieldwork," Natsu repeated as he looked over to Eliza's 'Vital Fieldwork' that were currently gaping at the pair. "Watching a pair of bunnies eating greens is … vital?"

"Be silent. I refuse to discuss this topic any further," the War Goddess huffed in response before narrowing her eyes at him. "Why are you out here?"

"Um … I ran off from Erza and Ur and then I sensed a sliver of your power so I figured I'd come grab you since the Harvest Festival starts soon?"

"Does it? And what, pray tell, does one do at this 'Harvest Festival' exactly?"

"Well, I haven't been to one since I was a kid, but its pretty much got your usual festival stuff like floats, games, rides, heaps of food and all that stuff."

"You were all serious about me attending this event," Eliza asked in genuine surprise. "I can understand Elise, but I'm just-?"

"Your part of Fairy Tail too Eliza," Natsu cut in before looking over at the two bunnies that were still looking at the pair. "Right guys?"

Both the bunnies nodded as Eliza turned back to Natsu with the strangest look before shaking her head in defeat.

"I shall attend this festival, but only so that I may learn how to better acclimate to the mortal realm," Eliza agreed as she started walking back toward Magnolia itself. "However, both yourself and Erza are to assist me in this endeavour so that I do not make a fool of myself!"

"Understood," Natsu replied with a mock salute and a cheeky grin that had Eliza rolling her eyes. "Right then, back to the Guild Hall!"

As Natsu and Eliza left, the two bunnies watched them go as the fatter one looked toward its friend before looking back to the two rapidly retreating figures.

"You have any idea what the hell any of that was about Craig?"

"No idea."

/Fairy Tail Guild Hall – An Hour Later/

His mission of dragging Eliza into joining the festivities completed, Natsu arrived back at the Guild Hall with said War Goddess in tow. Both walked into a cacophony of cheers and drunken catcalls which had Natsu shaking his head.

"Guess we missed the first part," Natsu sighed as Eliza raised an eyebrow in response.

"What have we missed?"

"The Miss Fairy Tail Contest, it seems to have started without us," Natsu replied as the pair forced their way to the back of the seating area and sat down.

"You'll have to forgive me, but what exactly is this contest," Eliza asked confusedly only for Natsu to motion toward the stage where several members of the Guild, some Eliza knew, were currently standing. "Why are they poorly dressed?"

"Poorly dressed," Natsu snickered as he took a mug from one of the passing servers and took a sip. "They're participating to see who the Guild thinks is the hottest girl."

Natsu wished he had something to record Eliza's reaction as the Goddess' face morphed through so many different emotions so quickly it almost looked like she was on the verge of having a stroke. What he didn't expect however, was the follow up question.

"You mean to tell me that every year, the women of this Guild parade around on stage dressed scantily … just so the men can decide which of them is the most attractive?"

"I mean that would be the boring way of saying it, but yeah that's basically it."

"And Elise could have participated in such an event without anyone stopping her?"

"Uh, I mean yeah," Natsu replied confusedly as the War Goddess seemed to be contemplating something. "I assume you don't approve?"

"It is less that I do not approve dear and more I simply don't understand the appeal behind parading wearing almost nothing for the men of the Guild?"

"Look, I'm probably the last person who should be explaining this," Natsu sighed as he fully turned to face the God. "The girls aren't being forced to be up there and show themselves off, they want to do it. The girls are confident in their appearances and that the rest of us down here are going to cheer them on for doing so."

"So, this is a voluntary thing that they choose to do of their own accord? There's no rule stating that they must participate in something like this?"

"Of course not," the voice of Makarov cut in sharply as he appeared from behind one of the tables and leapt up onto theirs before sitting down. "The Miss Fairy Tail Contest was started BY the women of our Guild during the time of the First Master who, might I also add was a woman, and she fully approved of it."

"I don't mean to criticise, I merely cannot understand the concept," Eliza replied as she watched several more girls dance around on the stage before retreating behind the curtains. "Perhaps it is merely due to my upbringing, but the War Class never had any kind of event that celebrated the female form specifically. The closest we had was showing off our battle scars or our gains following a rigorous training regimen."

"Perhaps another day I could explain more regarding the history of Fairy Tail to you Eliza," Makarov asked as the War Goddess hummed in approval.

"I think I would very much enjoy that," Eliza agreed as a strange unease started to spread throughout the room. "I want Elise to know that I'm committed to learning more about how mortals work and this is clearly something I need to learn more about."

Natsu was distracted from Eliza's words as he looked around the room and noticed many of the Guild were looking around, speaking in hushed tones and acting rather fidgety. It was then that he noticed no one had come out from behind the curtain in some time and even the announcer had gone silent.

Before he could act however, a voice cut through the room like a knife, silencing them all.

"Imagine the audacity, holding a contest to decide the most beautiful Fairy and not including me!? Well, luckily for you all, I have arrived and with that I claim victory!"

The curtains suddenly snapped open as many gathered down in the crowd gasped. Some dropped whatever they were holding in shock, others cursed and some were left gaping like a fish.

"What is the meaning of this," Makarov snapped as he stood up on the table and pointed toward the newcomer. "Just what do you think you're doing, Evergreen!?"

Member Of The Thunder Legion

Self-Proclaimed Queen Of The Fairies

Member Of Fairy Tail

Evergreen

A rather beautiful and voluptuous woman with long, light brown hair and a pair of stylish oval glasses smirked smugly down at the entire Guild before settling on Makarov himself.

"Ah, hello there Master," Evergreen grinned as she extended her arms outward to either side of her. "Don't mind me, I've just been doing a bit of redecorating!"

"You're playing a very dangerous game here Evergreen," Natsu's voice cut through the murmurs as the Dragon Slayer slowly rose from his seat. "You'd better have a damn good explanation for what you did to the girls …"

Behind Evergreen were the majority of the girls of Fairy Tail. From Mira, Juvia, Cana and Levy to even Erza, all the girls had been turned to stone. Evergreen was clearly the culprit, soaking up the attention as she basically showed off what she had done to them with little more than sadistic glee at the horrified faces below.

"Come now Natsu, there's no need to be like that," Evergreen replied mockingly as she placed a hand on her bust. "Why would a rather delectable man such as yourself settle for such … second rate goods like Erza, when you could certainly aim much high-?"

Within moments, every Guild Member between the stage and Natsu scrambled out of the way as the S Class Mage started storming his way forward. Crash Magic ripped apart anything in his path as his raw Magical Power started crushing the rest of the room with only the strongest of the Guild managing to even stay upright.

Evergreen's entire act was turned on its head as the woman backed away in fear, clearly not having anticipated such a reaction when a bolt of lightning suddenly struck the stage. The lightning strike was accompanied by a loud bang that had Natsu halt in place, his eyes narrowed to slits as the real one behind all of this made his appearance.

"Now now Natsu, can't have you ruining the game before its even begun," the newcomer taunted smugly as Natsu grit his teeth. "Isn't that right old man?"

"Laxus, what is the meaning of this," Makarov roared as the smirk on his Grandson's face had many in the crowd seriously unnerved with how unhinged it appeared.

Leader Of The Thunder Legion

Grandson Of Makarov

Fairy Tail S Class Mage

Laxus Dreyar

"Nothing to worry about old man, I'm just spicing things up this year," Laxus smirked before looking back down at Natsu in an almost challenging way. "You like stuff like that, don't you Natsu? You love to cause chaos just as much as me, right?"

"You have one chance to let all the girls go Laxus," Natsu's steely voice responded as many in the Guild looked between the standoff and Makarov worriedly.

"Or what," Laxus shot back challengingly as he dropped down onto one knee and got right into Natsu's face. "One wrong move and I'll have them turned to dust."

"If you even so much as think of doing that Laxus …"

"You'll what," Laxus scoffed as he stood back up before jumping off of the stage to land mere inches away from Natsu as Makarov watched on with a myriad of emotions on his face.

"I'll kill you," was the calm response from the pink-haired Dragon Slayer as many struggled to hide their shock at such a statement.

But for Evergreen and Laxus who actually could see Natsu's face, it was another matter entirely.

The face they were looking at now wasn't the one Natsu normally wore, the one Laxus had seen the last few times he'd scuffled with Natsu. No, this one was the face of a man ready to tear them limb from limb, an almost maddening gleam in his eyes as they darted from where Laxus was to one of the statues.

"What is it that you want Laxus," Makarov's voice cut in as the yellow-haired man backed off slightly and recomposed himself.

"You know what I want old man," Laxus shot back as many in the know openly scowled in his direction. "This Guild has become a cesspool of the weak and useless and I'm gonna put an end to it! Make me the Fourth Master of Fairy Tail old man!"

"You would dare to use the lives of the girls behind you in order to wrest control of Fairy Tail from me?"

"Like it or not old man, this Guild is gonna change," Laxus replied as he leapt back up onto the stage. "So why not make a little game out of it? A game that'll decide who gets to stay when I take over, and who gets the boot!"

"You're way out of line Laxus," Natsu cut in, voicing what basically everyone else was thinking. "You don't have the authority to make yourself the Master, let alone decide who gets to be in the Guild."

"Like I just said, things are changing regardless what you weak minded fools think," Laxus laughed in response. "The only way you'll be able to stop me is with strength and that's where the game gets good!"

"What game," Makarov growled in response prompting Laxus to chuckle darkly.

"The rules are so simple that even a kid could figure it out," Laxus began as he motioned toward the stone statues of the girls. Beat myself and the Thunder Legion, and the girls go free. Fail to beat us by nightfall however …"

A bolt of lightning struck one of the nearby stone pillars, shattering it into dust as many looked utterly horrified at what Laxus was implying. Natsu in particular was now shaking on the spot, his fists clenched so tightly that he'd cut into his palms as blood dripped onto the wooden floor.

"Laxus, how could you," Makarov cried out in clear hurt and disbelief. "How could you stoop so low as to threaten the lives of your fellow Guild Members!?"

"Maybe if they weren't so weak, Evergreen wouldn't have caught them off guard," Laxus smirked evilly in response as his entire body started to glow a bright yellow colour. "Get ready losers, change is upon us!"

Vanishing within another bolt of lightning, Evergreen vanished in another that followed mere moments later. Everyone in the Guild Hall looked between one another as righteous anger began to grow amongst them and they quickly charged out of the building.

Natsu, Gray, Eliza and Makarov watched them go. They all knew that none of them stood even a ghost of a chance against the Thunder Legion, let alone Laxus himself. The game was a trap, that much was certain.

"So, what the hell are we supposed to do now," Gray asked with Natsu immediately turning toward the defeated Makarov.

"You know what Laxus has done, right?"

"I know …"

"Then you know what the penalty is?"

Makarov looked up toward Natsu as he studied the man before him, he then looked toward Eliza who seemed as aloof as always. A plan slowly began to form in his mind as he then looked toward Gray.

"Laxus and the Thunder Legion must be stopped, I can't deny that. Natsu, only you and Eliza are capable of stopping Laxus so I want you both to go and beat him down."

"Without killing him," Eliza asked with a raised eyebrow. "A rather tall order, considering what he's done?"

"Its fine Eliza, I'll deal with Laxus myself. I've about had it with his shit and now that he's threatened Erza's life …"

You can count me in on this too Salamander," another voice cut in as Gajeel popped his head up from behind one of the counters, mouth full of metal. "I owe that blond prick a good beatdown after what he did to me."

"You'll fight for us too, Gajeel," Makarov asked as the Dragon Slayer nodded stiffly. "With all of you here, we stand a good chance of stopping Laxus and whatever it is he's planning."

"Where's Ur at, she'd be a massive asset too," Natsu asked suddenly as he looked around only to see her frozen next to Mira. "Shit …"

"Come on Salamander, we've already got enough firepower with the four of us," Gajeel said as he motioned for him to follow. "Let's just focus on taking down that blonde bastard, eh?"

"Fine," Natsu sighed as the four started walking toward the exit, only for Natsu, Gajeel and Eliza to run into an invisible wall.

"The hell was that," Gajeel grunted as the three started feeling the wall before them. "How come the stripper wasn't affected?"

"Interesting," Eliza hummed as she gently felt the wall before snapping her fingers to reveal a complex set of runes barring the path forward. "Very interesting indeed."

"These would be the work of Freed," Makarov noted as he also came over to inspect the barrier. "It says here that no one over the age of eighty may pass."

"You sure that's what it says," Gajeel asked as he pressed against the wall. "I get Eliza since she's got the whole God schtick, but me and Salamander aren't over eighty?"

"Honestly, we don't have time to figure out the specifics of this," Natsu growled as he took several steps back as everyone felt his power flare. "A rather rookie move of Laxus to think this would be enough to hold us."

With no effort whatsoever, Natsu coated his body with Crash Magic and walked right through the runic array, shattering it in the process and allowing the others to pass unimpeded.

"I wonder if you do that purely for the spectacle of it," Eliza mused more to herself than anyone else. "Regardless, let us be off."

"Hold on a moment you lot," Makarov called out as everyone turned back to face the old man. "Take a look at this runic array up here."

Pointing up into the air above them, the four was surprised to see the runic array appeared to be telling them about a currently active fight. That lone fight was then joined by several more as Natsu felt himself growing angrier and angrier.

"Elfman vs Evergreen was to be expected, but what the hell is up with these ones," Gray asked as he pointed to the one directly below. "Why are Alzack, Max and Nab fighting?"

"Again, no doubt the work of Freed and his traps," Makarov sighed tiredly as he felt himself growing rather tired. "Hardly a surprise given what Laxus is doing."

"Seems splitting up is our best option then," Gray said as the others all nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. Better to avoid being forced into a confrontation with one another early on in this game," Eliza agreed with Natsu humming his agreement as well.

"It says that over twenty-five percent of the Guild are already out of the game," Natsu noted as more and more names vanished by the minute. "Splitting up definitely is the best course of action."

As they spoke, Gajeel noticed that the counter on the Fairy Tail side went back up by one. This drew a raised eyebrow as it was clearly a game of elimination yet someone managed to get into the game on their side.

"Oi Salamander, the counter just went back up by one?"

"Looks like a key player just entered the game," Natsu replied with a small grin. "Another powerful ally that can hopefully end this mess before anyone gets really hurt."

"I believe our best course of action is to find Evergreen first and defeat her. Doing so would free the others from her Petrification Spell and give us even more allies to fight with."

"That's a good point too Eliza," Natsu nodded approvingly as he turned toward both her and Gray. "You two reckon you can find her?"

"You can count on me Natsu, I'm not about to let Laxus get away with this," Gray replied with a scowl as he turned and ran toward the exit. "I'll see you guys out there!"

"Indeed, I'll depart as well. Hopefully I can find Evergreen before too many get hurt from this pointless charade," Eliza added as she vanished in a burst of speed, leaving Makarov alone with the two Dragon Slayers.

"You gonna be alright here by yourself gramps," Natsu asked as he turned toward the aged Guild Master who simply widened his eyes slightly in response.

"You can tell?

"I can, so just rest easy and let us handle Laxus for you," Natsu replied softly as he placed a comforting hand on the man's shoulder. "And for what it's worth … I'm sorry."

"Thank you Natsu," Makarov replied with a grim smile. "Truly."

Turning on his heel, both Natsu and Gajeel started making their way into the city. The weaker Dragon Slayer knew he was here more as support, but he also knew that he'd certainly learn something from the stronger Slayer during all of this and so he followed without protest.

As they descended the steps, explosions went off all around the city, indicating the many ongoing battles between the members of the Guild.

The Battle Of Fairy Tail had begun.

---

(Edited 08/07/22)