Hi guys Azza here.

I've got heaps of free time right now so I'll be dropping chapters a bit more frequently for example here's two!

Just a quick response to Midnightscar17. The reason why Ur didn't realise Ultear was her daughter was because she doesn't know they have the same last name, at that stage Ur still thinks her daughter is gone so she doesn't even know Ultear's name at that point. Besides at the time Deliora was breaking free she wouldn't have had enough time to see her and make the connection but the relationship between the two will be addressed later on I haven't forgotten about it.

Anyway enough of that I hope you all enjoy reading sorry if you don't like exposition but setup chapters are a thing.

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does

Preparation For The Promotion Trials

/Natsu's POV/

After wandering aimlessly through the forest for what seemed like days Natsu and Eliza reached the coastline. Following the coastline the two made it to the Port of Hargeon and from there took a train straight to Era.

Upon arriving in Era Eliza left Natsu as she returned to Terminus leaving Natsu all alone, sighing he made his way over to the Magic Council's Headquarters.

"Greetings Lord Dragneel please present your ring," the frog at the gate said as Natsu complied. "Identity confirmed welcome back sir."

Natsu simply nodded as he made his way inside and walked up to the front desk.

"Lord Dragneel you have come to file your report on the incident at Easthearth I assume," the frog at the front desk said as Natsu shook his head.

"I'm afraid things were much more complicated and I'll need to inform the Council directly as the information is highly sensitive at the very least."

"I see so you request an emergency meeting then?"

"If you can do that as quickly as you can I'd appreciate it," Natsu said as the frog ran into the back room before quickly coming back.

"The Council is currently in session on some trivial matters and are ready for you at any time Lord Dragneel."

"I'll go in now then thank," Natsu replied as the frog lead him to the Council chambers.

As Natsu walked in he felt the eyes of the Council on him.

"We've been informed that something serious has occurred during your mission to Easthearth Saint Dragneel," Gran Doma said as Natsu nodded.

"Well before we even get into the specifics I think you should know that everyone in Easthearth is dead and their bodies litter the streets."

The Council began crying out in uproar as Doma called for order. "Explain yourself Natsu!"

"Well they weren't dead when I got there however as I went to investigate the undead coming from the graveyard I came across a secret section of the mausoleum located there that belongs to the Tartaros guild."

"The Tartaros guild were involved in this," one of the Council members shouted as Natsu continued.

"The place itself I found out was their old guild hall before they started using that Cube, however what I found the further in I went was …. Well I'll show you."

Natsu placed his hands on the projection lacrima that was next to him and showed the Council the undead, the abomination, the experiments and the living pieces of flesh writhing around in the lower levels.

The room was silent for a full minute before Doma began to speak. "I'm guessing that the townspeople were converted whilst you were … investigating?"

"Unfortunately I found out too late that one Archbishop Keyes of the Tartaros guild was behind it. He converted every dead being within the vicinity of the town and attacked me with them, I broke through and reached Keyes however he fled into the Cube before I could eliminate him."

"Were the undead put to rest Natsu?"

"Yes Keyes said he'd gained all he needed from this experiment and then fled after breaking whatever it was he was doing to them."

"I understand why you wanted to speak of this matter in person; such actions definitely aren't something you can just file normally. We'll need to send several squads out to clean up this mess."

"There was one other event that happened afterwards by the way, I gave chase to the Cube however when I was almost in reach I was confronted with the Guild Master Mard Geer."

"You were what," Doma said in shock.

"He was using something he called his Etherious form and we did battle which caused major damage to a mountain range and probably all the forest in between Easthearth and the mountain range."

"Hold on you actually fought that monster and you are still alive, can you please show us proof?"

Placing his hand on the lacrima once again Natsu relayed the full fight however he cut it short just before Eliza arrived.

"By the gods boy how on Earthland are you even able to stand!"

"I'm a Dragon Slayer these things only make me stronger," Natsu lied as he thought back to Eliza healing him.

"In any case we know who the culprits were and on behalf of the entire Council we thank you for attempting to bring justice to the perpetrators of these crimes. We understand that taking on one like Mard Geer isn't a task anyone would want but doing it alone and after using a considerable amount of magical power beforehand is impressive."

"Thank you councillors, also I should let you know that there was an archive inside the guild hall but I have a feeling Tartaros will attempt to destroy it so I'd advise getting people down there to salvage what you can as soon as possible."

"Of course thank you again Natsu and please take care on your way back to Magnolia, we will be in touch soon with regards to your reward for this situation.

Natsu nodded as he left the chambers which quickly burst into an uproar about what they had just seen. Ignoring all the noise Natsu sighed and began to leave the building when he caught an interesting scent.

"So you fought Mard Geer huh, I knew there was something interesting about you."

"Should I be flattered," Natsu replied dryly as the person began to laugh before walking in front of him.

"Take it however you want my point is you are strong, stronger than most of the ones between us on the list anyway. I just realised we haven't really spoken much since you've been inducted into the club, God Serena of the Ishgar Four."

"Natsu Dragneel Fairy Tail Mage," Natsu replied as the man raised an eyebrow.

"That's right you're a part of that guild this would make you the third member of Fairy Tail among us now wouldn't it."

"There's another Fairy Tail mage in the Wizard Saints," Natsu asked intrigued as Serena nodded.

"Actually he's a part of the Ishgar Four like me, Warrod Sequen is his name and plants seem to be his little game. You know a lot of mages from that guild go on to do great things you know it's probably why the guild hasn't been disbanded yet."

"Well I had no idea that there was a member of Fairy Tail other than gramps in the Saints but that's good to know."

"Well anyway I've got things to do but hopefully we can have another chat soon, it's always nice to talk to another like me," Serena said as he walked away leaving Natsu slightly confused.

Shrugging off the comment for now Natsu made his way to the train station and boarded a train headed for Magnolia.

/Several Hours Later/

It was nightfall as the train arrived in Magnolia, it had been close to a week he'd been gone yet Natsu could tell he wasn't going to be staying long.

Making his way through the streets Natsu arrived at the guild hall and went inside, seeing that there was no one other than Mira at the bar Natsu decided to sit down.

"Hey Mira are you still open," Natsu sighed as Mira jumped.

"Natsu I didn't even hear you come in but sure I'll stay open a bit for you, so how'd that job the Council sent you on go?"

"I saw things that will scar me for life Mira you really don't want to know," Natsu replied as he looked at her with a serious expression.

"Well it couldn't have been that bad it was just some Necromancers summoning some old bones right?"

"Alright look I'll show you one thing that's still disturbing me but it's on your head if you can handle it or not."

Natsu pulled a projection lacrima from his pocket and showed her the image of the man on the operating table.

Mira gasped in shock as she dropped the glass she was holding as Natsu took away the projection.

"Guess what Mira that guy was conscious, he was looking at me the entire time I was in the room so I put him out of his misery."

"Oh my god and you said there was more," Mira asked in complete shock as Natsu nodded.

"To get to that room I went through a hallway full of random body parts that had been chucked there and they were all alive and moving around, I fought a weird abomination that had three head one of them human and I watched an entire town be butchered and converted into undead."

"Natsu I'm so sorry I … I shouldn't have asked about it I-."

"Mira relax the mission wasn't all bad I discovered something about you actually."

"About me what would I have to do with any of that?"

"Well not you specifically but your Satan Soul I discovered her real name and where she's from."

Mira looked at him shocked, she'd hoped that he was joking but from the way Natsu was looking at her she knew he wasn't.

"If you don't want to know yet I understand but I felt that it was something I should let you know about."

"No its ok Natsu I appreciate you telling me I do want to know it's just … I went through a lot back when I was younger because of her."

"Tell you what I'll engrave that one memory on this lacrima and you can have it, just look at it whenever you're ready."

"Thank you Natsu I will once I'm ready," Mira replied as Natsu sighed.

"Alright so lay it on me how many pieces is Erza gonna slice me into."

"Actually after some convincing she managed to accept your decision of leaving without telling her."

"Alright so I'll rephrase the question, how much did she run up my tab here?"

"Around 2500 Jewel," Mira replied with a smile as Natsu sighed.

"I'll get it to you tomorrow, honestly I was gone a week how did she run up the tab that much?"

"Well she was upset for a while and she likes to eat cake when she's upset, I suppose that's karma for leaving her in the dark."

"I'm glad I left her in the dark so she didn't have to see what I saw, by the way say nothing to her if she asks otherwise she'll cling to me for the rest of time."

"Alright I won't but you'd better make it up to her somehow mister."

"Yeah I'll think of something right after I let gramps know about the mission he's probably curios about it."

"The Master is in his office I'll bring the two of you drinks before I leave ok."

"Thanks Mira," Natsu sighed as he made his way upstairs.

Walking up to Makarov's door Natsu just walked in and sat down as the old man looked up at him from his desk.

"That bad was it?"

"See for yourself," Natsu said as he gave Makarov a projection lacrima he prepared earlier.

The old man watched the events without flinching and only showed surprise when Mard Geer came onto the scene. After reaching the end of the lacrima footage Makarov sighed and shook his head.

"You handled yourself rather admirably I must say though what you saw inside that mausoleum is rather disturbing, in all my years I've not seen such little regard for life."

"Yeah well I tried to get the guy responsible but that Mard Geer guy did a number on me."

"Hmm yes but I think it's important to recognize that you were holding your own against him and not many can say they've done that even amongst the Saints."

"Yeah God Serena said something like that in Era this morning."

"Oh you spoke to the big man himself eh what'd he have to say about all this?"

"Nothing much he really just spoke about how he knew I had potential and how the Fairy Tail guild has produced many notable mages over the years. Oh and he said that there was another guy from Fairy Tail in the Ishgar Four called Warrod Sequen and he likes trees or something."

"Hmm well Warrod is someone who you should respect highly Natsu, not many know this but he was actually one of the founders of Fairy Tail alongside First Master Mavis, Second Master Precht and my father Yuri Dreyar."

"Wow he's that old and yet he's still so powerful," Natsu said shocked.

"Well if you look at him he no longer looks human, he looks more like an old tree even his hair looks like a bush. But yes old Warrod is extremely powerful and has earned his place among the Four."

"Oh that reminds me I wanted to ask you something about the Second Master Precht, during the mission I found the biography of a demon that said he was killed by former Fairy Tail Master Precht Gaelbog. Do you know anything about that?"

"Hmm this sounds like something he did after he stepped down from his position as Master, were there any other details to go on?"

"Well it said something about the Dawnspire Incident do you know anything about that?"

Makarov looked shocked at the news as he leant back in his chair. "So he was there as I thought, the Dawnspire Incident was a siege on a castle known as Dawnspire. The nobles that lived there were paying big money for any mages to come to their aid as demons from the Tartaros guild had begun plaguing the area at the time."

"Yeah apparently he killed a really powerful demon there or so it said in the demon's biography."

"Yes apparently there was one demon who was wielding a magic akin to that of the Black Wizard Zeref but he was defeated by an old man who wished not to be named at the time, I find it interesting that Precht was there for that battle."

"Well I was hoping for a little more to go on but that'll do for now, figured it couldn't hurt to do a little investigating about some of these things I found out."

"Of course not knowledge is power after all something that many mages never truly understand. So was there anything else or is that the gist of it?"

"No I think that covers it pretty well, oh right I went and informed the Council about what happened and they'll be sending me notice about what my supposed reward is soon."

"Alright I'll keep an eye out for that however in the meantime I have another matter to discuss with you."

"Alright gramps what's up?"

"Well you remember the S Class Promotion Trials that are held every year right?"

"Yeah how could I forget that," Natsu said as Makarov nodded in agreement.

"Well I'm planning on announcing who will be selected to participate two days from now however there is something I'm getting all the S Class mages to do."

"I'm guessing we're a sort of test," Natsu asked as Makarov nodded in agreement.

"Yes I've already spoken to Gildarts, Erza and Mirajane and they are all on board I just need confirmation from you."

"Gramps you didn't need to ask of course I'll be there wherever there is," Natsu said with a small smile.

"I know but asking is polite after all, now I'll be sending the four of you on ahead tomorrow to prepare everything for the trial, Gildarts has the list of things to do so ask him if you are unsure of what to do."

"Alright gramps but where exactly are the trials taking place?"

"The trials always take place on Tenrou Island; it's considered sacred ground by the guild as it houses the grave of the First Master."

"Ah ok that's interesting guess I'd better get home and get some sleep for tomorrow then," Natsu said as he stood up and began to leave.

"I'll see you in a few days my boy," Makarov said as he left and made his way back downstairs.

"Oh you're leaving already," Mira said as Natsu nodded.

"Gramps could still use the drink if you're going up there Mira, oh and I'm on board for the Tenrou thing."

"Oh I already knew you would be it was really just a matter of when you got back."

"Such confidence I'm flattered," Natsu teased as he made his way outside. "Night Mira!"

Making his way to Dragneel Manor Natsu silently slipped into the house and bee lined for the fridge, opening the door he could only smile in delight.

"Ur's leftovers are mine for the taking," he whispered to himself as he felt a cold chill run up his spine.

"Oh no you don't I've been saving that Natsu," Ur said as he froze on the spot.

"Oh this well you see Ur I was just uh checking behind them for er …."

"For looking for something else you sure seemed intent on heating that up for yourself, I know your too lazy to make your own meals at home but do you really have to steal mine?"

"Alright I get it I'll put it back I just enjoy the leftovers you leave in the fridge, mixtures of honey soy chicken and fried rice make for a great meal!"

"Well at least you know good food I suppose, you can have that one but stop swiping it from the fridge or I will throw icicles at you without warning next time!"

Natsu nodded as he closed the fridge and began heating the leftovers and sat down on the couch.

"So mr hot shot Wizard Saint how'd your first mission go?"

"Saw a live human experiment that had its vitals taken outside of its body but was being kept alive for experimentation purposes, not really a conversation had over food huh?"

"Oh uh …. that's …. well then," Ur said stunned as Natsu nodded.

"I've got a lacrima crystal with all the events on it but you can't tell Erza and you definitely can't tell Wendy alright!"

"Do I even want to know about it then," Ur asked as Natsu shook his head.

"No but you asked so here you go," he said as he tossed the lacrima to her.

"Great this'll be something I'll regret I can just feel it," she sighed as Natsu began to dig into the leftovers.

"Maybe I mean gramps handled it pretty well, when I was there I ended up throwing up it was that disturbing."

"Oh great well don't worry I'll watch it the next time I'm out of town or those two aren't here."

"Thanks, speaking of those two though how have things been here?"

"Erza's been in an interesting mood, she's still slow to forgive me for the way I woke her up the day you left."

"No way you didn't actually-"

Ur nodded as the two began laughing about it until Natsu sighed and took another mouthful of food.

"Wendy seems to be sad you aren't around though she's making do, Erza took her on a quest the other day you know."

"Really what was the quest?"

"Something about a guy wanting them to take part in a play though Erza supposedly botched the whole thing."

"Well at least she's getting the experience I guess," Natsu said as he shovelled down the last few mouthfuls of food.

"Oh by the way a sealed letter arrived for you the other day, Erza wanted to open it but I hid it."

"Why'd she want to open it," Natsu asked confused as she handed him the letter. "Ah I see, this is a very important letter."

"Whose it from if you don't mind me asking?"

"It's from my friend Queen Illyandra of the Scarlione Empire, though why she'd send another letter so soon …"

Opening the letter Natsu began to read.

Dearest Natsu

I hope you received my last letter; the mail seems to be getting delayed due to the war so I don't even know if you'll get this one. This is a follow up to my previous letter regarding Felix as I'm sure you've been worried about him just as much as the others.

A patrol was recently attacked on the Ebonshire Coast, as you know there is a lot of bandit activity in that region so we dismissed the claims that there was a mage operating from that area. However two weeks later one of the soldiers was able to capture a bandit who spilled the beans as to who has been organizing the bandits into a unified force, you should be able to guess the answer.

At present we are unsure how to treat the case of Felix due to his insanity at the hands of the Black Dragon, what we do know however is that he's raising an army for a purpose I don't think either of us could possibly fathom.

In my previous letter I had asked that you please come to our Embassy in Crocus so that we may speak face to face however in my most recent conversation with Gildarts he's told me you are off training again, it is my greatest wish that you aren't still torn about what happened to us while we were on our journey. As we all told you the blame should be shared upon all our shoulders not forced upon yours no matter how strong they may be.

Not a day goes by when I don't think about the poor children who we failed to save from the clutches of the Dark Guild Savrenoth or the massacre at Pontar Ridge, but Natsu you fought just as hard as the rest of us and the deaths that occurred in front of you were not your fault.

I'll ask again that we can speak face to face as soon as possible though I'm not sure when you'll receive this letter, in the meantime I'll try to devise a plan about Felix and hopefully be able to bring him in by the time we next speak.

Also Frollo wishes to tell you that he finally perfected that counter you taught him and hopes to be able to show you it someday.

And of course Serenity declares her undying love for the future Prince of Scarlione and wishes for a hasty return to her side though Gildarts told me you are with Lady Erza now so I'm glad you finally had something good happen in your life.

Until next we speak Natsu

Queen Illyandra Scarlione VII

Natsu sighed as he folded up the letter and put it in his requip space. "As if I didn't have enough on my mind."

"Everything ok Natsu," Ur asked as she looked concerned after watching Natsu's expressions throughout reading the letter.

"Uh yeah sorry I would tell you but its classified stuff sorry," Natsu lied as Ur nodded.

"Alright as long as everything's ok," she said as Natsu made his way upstairs and into his room.

Sprawled out on the bed was Erza, Natsu could only smile as he got undressed and attempted to hop into bed undetected.

His plan failed and Erza was on top of him within seconds pinning him down.

"Hey," he said softly as she laid down on top of him nuzzling into his neck.

"You left without telling me Natsu."

"I know and I'm sorry but you know why I did," he replied as she nodded.

"You going to tell me how it went?"

"I can't Erza some things happened and now the whole mission is classified information until the Council has finished cleaning up the town."

"Was it really that bad," Erza asked as she looked into his eyes.

"I can tell you that the entire town was massacred though the specifics I can't tell you yet …. I'm still struggling to come to terms with it myself."

"Well for what it's worth I'm not angry you left without telling me, both Mira and the Master explained to me why you didn't and honestly it was the right decision. The mission stated only you could go but I would have fought tooth and nail just to come with you mainly because we hardly ever get to spend time together lately so even the small moments mean a lot to me."

"Hey I understand after all it's been six months since we've even been in the same bed together awake, I can only imagine you must be frustrated. Remember what I told you before we had sex the first time and I gave you the mark the sense of longing will only grow the more we're apart, thinking back we should have waited."

"I don't regret it Natsu besides we are here right now we could …. have some fun?"

Natsu flipped Erza over and kissed her passionately before breaking off the kiss. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to hear that since we got back," he said as the two began to lose themselves in the throes of passion.

/The Next Morning/

Natsu walked downstairs with a satisfied look as he went to the kitchen table and sat down. Across from him Ur had a smirk across her face whilst Wendy appeared stiff as a board.

"What's up with you Wendy," he asked in an amused tone as she slowly turned to face him with a blush present on her face.

"N-nothing Natsu just a bad night's sleep is all," Wendy replied as Ur began to laugh.

"Really Wendy that's a shame my night was just fine," the Ice Make mage said with a smirk. "I trust your night was …. eventful Natsu?"

"Oh it was eventful but I'd say Erza's the one who had the most fun."

"Where is the Queen of the Fairies this morning anyway don't you two have somewhere you need to be?"

"Oh she's upstairs getting ready, serious case of bed head let me tell you."

Wendy seemed like she was about to explode with embarrassment as the two dropped the subject.

"So I heard the two of you are going off to prepare for the S Class Promotion Trial then," Ur asked as Natsu nodded.

"Yeah gramps wants us S Class mages there a day or two early to set everything up, hopefully it's not too much effort I don't know if Erza would be able to handle it."

"I'll handle it just fine Natsu," Erza said as she walked into the kitchen in an awkward way causing Ur to burst out laughing and Natsu to snicker.

"I did try to tell you Erza," Natsu said as the requip mage just shook her head.

"Anyway Natsu we need to get going we are supposed to meet Mira and Gildarts at the station in thirty minutes."

"You sure you'll make it that far," Natsu said which caused Erza to blush slightly.

"Shut up Natsu and get your ass out that door!"

Natsu smiled as he made his way to the door and held it open for Erza, "I;m sure we'll be back in a few days see you two then."

"Try not to push Erza too far while you're gone," Ur called out before hearing don't you dare laugh from Erza.

After making their way to the station the two spotted Mira who quickly made her way over to them, upon getting closer though she noticed the odd way Erza was walking and began to smirk.

"Oh Erza was Natsu too much for you to handle," Mira teased as she blushed slightly.

"It's not that it's just that we … well we may have gone for awhile," she replied with a blush.

"Awhile, Erza the sun was rising when we finally finished I'm surprised you can even get out of bed," Natsu said with a grin.

"Oh and why is it that you seem like you haven't even been fazed by all this!"

"Dragon Slayer stamina and endurance Erza gotta love it."

Erza sighed as Mira giggled, "Gildarts is getting the tickets for us so we should go wait by the train.

The two nodded in agreement and went to the train that led to the Port of Hargeon and waited until the Crash Mage appeared.

"Well it's about time you two showed up I've been here since dawn you kids honestly take your sweet time."

"Hey I'm free from your crazy schedules now Gildarts I'll take my sweet ass time doing whatever I want," Natsu said as the two butted heads.

"Oh man you're so lucky we've got a job to do or I'd be dragging you back out there for more discipline training!"

"Screw you ya old geezer I'm plently disciplined I just choose when and where I use it!"

"Um guys hate to break this up but we need to get on the train," Mira said as the two started pushing each other inside.

Once the group found a compartment they sat down and Gildarts pulled out a list.

"Right so here's the list the old man gave me with everything on it and it's our job to make sure we've completed everything on the list before the others get there. Also Natsu since this will be the first time you'll be one of the S Class mages at the trials there are a few things we need to explain."

"Basically Natsu the first part of the trial involves a series of different paths that lead to four different routes, one of us will be behind each path. Normally the Master has one path deemed a safe path that a prospective candidate has a chance of choosing," Mira said as Natsu nodded.

"Now to put it simply kid the mage doesn't have to beat you but they have to understand what it truly means to be an S Class, you know that stuff I taught you," Gildarts added as Natsu nodded again.

"So if they can show that they understand what it means to be an S Class mage then I just say you pass and they go on their way, what do I do after that?"

"That's when you return to camp that we'll have constructed before the trials and wait for gramps to complete the second half of the trials. Of course since it's your first time on Tenrou you could always just see the sights."

"Now before we get to the specifics of the second task Gildarts mentioned there are some other security measures we need to discuss. There is a system in place where we fire a coloured flare into the air based on what the current situation is, most of them you don't really need to pay attention to but if a red flare goes up then we'll need you to come straight to the camp."

"So what's this red flare mean then Erza?"

"It means that there are enemies on the island, we've never had to use it before but it doesn't hurt to have the precaution ready anyway."

"Alright I get the gist of this I'm guessing we don't find out who the selected people are until the day right?"

"No the Master always said that it makes it that much more fun for everyone," Mira said as Natsu nodded in agreement.

"Yeah he's right about that one, I wonder who's gonna be selected this year?"

"Well we'll find out later let's try to get down to planning who is doing what when we get there," Gildarts said as the group began to discuss the specifics of the tasks they were being assigned.

/Tenrou Island The Next Day/

"Natsu did you fix all the signposts along the eastern section of the island we don't want anyone getting lost," Mira asked as Natsu nodded in agreement.

"Yeah I just finished up all the signposts actually the ones at the start of the trial were the worst ones to fix."

"Alright so all that's left is to reach our assigned spots then," Gildarts sighed as he walked into the camp.

"So where is my spot then," Natsu asked as Gildarts showed him a spot on the map.

"Lucky bastard you got the beach on the western section I'm stuck in a cave."

"Well to be fair Gildarts Erza's in what looks like a flooded ruin so it's not all bad," Mira ponted out as the Crash Mage sighed.

"Alright we'd better get moving I saw the ship with everyone in the distance so we'd better get into position."

Natsu and Mira nodded as they began to make their way to their assigned positions.

Natsu arrived quite quickly as he looked around for a good place to sit, "I wonder who got picked this year?"

Hopefully you all enjoyed the chapter and I'll see you in the next one!