Hi everyone Azza here just letting you all know that after I post this chapter I'll be going back to fix an inconsistency that's been pointed out numerous times to me by many of you.

Thanks to all those who did point it out and honestly I'm surprised there aren't any more considering how big this fic has gotten. Anyway that will be getting done over the next few days so if you are interested in re reading it then feel free to but there won't be anything major like a full chapter revamp it'll just be the sections that people have outlined to me.

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Forts Under Siege

/Several Hours Ago – Gildarts and Erza's POV/

Gildarts and Erza were currently walking to an outpost where they were to meet up with a strike force cleared for the attack on the forts in the region, Natsu and Elise's infiltration rode on their success and Erza was determined to make sure she didn't let Natsu down.

"You should settle down Erza over thinking and stressing about what ifs won't get you anywhere, take a few breaths and calm down," Gildarts said as Erza nodded and followed his advice.

"Sorry Gildarts I just don't want to let Natsu down after he had enough faith to bring us along you know, I also don't want Natsu to look bad in front of the Queen and the soldiers because I perform under par."

"Hey you'll do fine I mean all you really need to do is follow me and keep the enemies off me while I tear the forts apart."

"Are you going to be using your Crash Magic for that?"

"Yep the plans I drew up have our forces distracting the bulk of the army to the west while I sneak in and destroy the place from within, your job will be to keep the enemy off me while I power up to take the place out."

"Why do you need me there aren't you capable of doing all that yourself?"

"Normally yes but with these forts I have to concentrate my Crash Magic into certain sections of them to bring them down fast, using that much Crash Magic will leave me slightly tired after we're done so I'll need help fighting my way out."

"So even you have your limits huh," Erza said with a smile as Gildarts nodded.

"Well it's like I've been saying Natsu could beat me simply by outlasting me the guys stamina is ridiculous."

"Well you aren't wrong there," Erza said in amusement. "So when do we split off from the main force?"

"I just have to hand these documents to the Deputy Commander then we'll move out," Gildarts replied as he shifted a sealed envelope in his hands.

"Do you know who the Deputy Commander is; can he get the job done?"

"Who Dio yeah he's got this easy guy was born to lead, back when Natsu and I were here he was an up and coming Squad Captain but we all knew he was easily a cut above the rest."

"Well if you think he's got what it takes then I guess that gives me some confidence about all this."

"I have confidence in every man and woman in that battalion Erza only the elite are left now that Scarlione has technically fallen to Alvarez; in some ways I pity the enemy forces who probably aren't even hardened soldiers."

"So I've been wondering you said there were three forts right well after we hit the first one won't they eventually figure out our strategy?"

"A good question and yes under normal circumstances they would but that's why we're leaving no witnesses."

"Wait you aren't saying that we're-."

"Yes Erza I am, this is war Erza and like it or not sometimes you need to kill people with ruthless efficiency. Natsu when he was younger than you ruthlessly slaughtered over twenty patrols on the Queens orders and do you know why he did it?"

Erza shook her head shocked at picturing Natsu doing something like that.

"Because if those patrols had linked up they would have formed into a small battalion and slaughtered a village of innocent civilians, war isn't all glamour and glory Erza and killing plays a strategic role. Natsu killing those soldiers single handedly saved the lives of over four hundred innocent civilians many of which were kids."

"How often did he do it?"

"Kill you mean, whenever the Queen ordered it done it was done no questions asked. Natsu and I didn't get to be Knighted by simply punching a few wild animals or arresting bandits you know. Natsu and I are battle hardened Erza, to be granted our Knighthood both of us easily became walking armies and proved ourselves in service to the kingdom."

"I'm starting to like this Queen less and less," Erza sighed as Gildarts shook his head.

"You don't understand Erza we don't kill mindlessly and Illyandra isn't one to ever ask that of anyone, each and every kill made on her order is carried out without question because those who serve under her banner know that it pains her more than anything to ask it of us."

"Why she's strong sure and she's a Queen but why would it pain her that much?"

"It's not my place to say since it's technically supposed to be a secret but I'll give you a hint it's the reason why Alvarez invaded in the first place."

"That isn't a very good hint Gildarts," Erza said with a frown as the Crash Mage shrugged.

"It isn't right now but in time it will be, don't go harassing Natsu about it either he'll tell you the same unless he is forced to tell you or you learn about it some other way. Oh look we've finally arrived," Gildarts said with a grin as he pointed out at a large camp.

The two made their way into the camp and Erza couldn't help but hear the murmurs amongst the troops about the Legendary Gildarts and whispers about who she assumed was Natsu, the ferocious Salamander who is probably out culling the enemy forces as they spoke.

The two entered what Erza assumed to be the command tent as a rather slim man with an athletic build walked up to them.

"Gildarts I can't bloody believe it the rumours are true you have returned; now we might stand a chance of winning this damn war!"

"Dio it's nice to see you after all these years, you're a Deputy Commander now aren't you moving up the ranks real fast."

"Her Majesty was most kind in promoting me though a fat lot of good it's done so far we've been stuck here for weeks watching and waiting its driving the troops up the wall!"

"Well then I'm here to officially end that crap right now, inside are your new orders from the Queen herself and my battle plans."

Dio quickly opened the envelope and began to read over the orders, his eyes widening in shock once he reached Gildarts' plan.

"Permission to speak freely?"

"Granted," Gildarts said with a grin knowing full well what was coming.

"Not another one of your outrageous plans you can't seriously think to enter the forts and bring them down by yourself, for god's sake man let us ease your burden for once!"

"But I'm not entering the forts by myself Erza here is coming with me."

Dio turned to Erza and studied her for a moment before looking back at Gildarts.

"This wouldn't happen to be the same Erza that-?"

"Yes Dio it's the very same, this is Erza Scarlett and as of right now she's under my special command until the Queen decides on exactly what rank she is to be given."

"Excuse my manners Erza I was beside myself once Gildarts showed me these new orders I'm Deputy Commander Dio Talgryn of the Royal Scarlione Army 23rd Battalion."

"That's … fine I figured the orders were more important anyway," Erza replied as Dio nodded.

"Indeed they are most interesting with the forts knocked out we can make some serious progress into the desert, speaking of the desert there wouldn't be any news on Commander Shrikke's Battalion would there?"

"Nope but as this operation is going on that should hopefully change, Natsu is being deployed behind enemy lines to try and make contact while we hopefully cause a big enough distraction for him to slip through relatively unnoticed."

"So the Dragon was released eh now that ought to be interesting, how has Natsu fared these last few years I trust he's gotten stronger?"

"Yeah he's probably around my level for real now oh and he got made a Commander to by the way."

"Figures most of the Royal Guard got made Commanders off the bat not that I'm complaining, truly its actually been astounding watching the progress you lot make. If there is one thing you couldn't ask for more of its brutal efficiency, Shrikke was quite good at that before he disappeared off the face of the continent."

"Yeah hopefully Natsu finds him alive and even if he doesn't then Natsu's secondary orders will be enacted."

"Let me guess cause chaos amongst the enemy lines right," Dio said with a smirk. "If there was anyone perfect for the job it was Natsu."

"Exactly, well we've got to get moving good luck in the coming battles and hopefully I'll see you after all this shits done and we can have a drink."

"I'm looking forward to it," Dio replied as both Gildarts and Erza left the tent.

"So what do we do now?"

"The only thing we can do Erza, get into position and wait for the attack. We will enter the base during the chaos of the initial fighting which will draw a lot of attention from us."

"I see then let's get moving then," Erza said as the two began to make their way towards their designated position.

Several hours later Erza and Gildarts had reached their position and were currently waiting for signs of an attack, the two had arrived twenty minutes ago and were starting to get restless.

"The attack should start any minute now Erza remember it takes a fair amount of effort to organize an army and have them execute a strategy within hours of receiving it, honestly if Dio weren't in charge of the main force I'd be doubtful that this would even work."

"Why am I not surprised that you would execute a plan as reckless as that, it also explains a great deal as to why Natsu is as reckless as he is. Anyway you said the signal would be the fifth platoon to leave through the front gates there right?"

"Yeah we're at number three now which means the attack is on schedule, oh well would you look at that another three platoons my plan mustn't be THAT bad huh Erza?"

Erza just rolled her eyes as the two began to make their way to the perimeter wall.

"All right keep watch I'm gonna get us a nice and clean way in," Gildarts said as he began tapping along the wall whilst Erza watched for soldier activity.

After finding the right spot a human sized rectangular hole appeared in front of Gildarts and the two slipped inside.

"Alright Erza remember your on crowd control kill anyone in our path," Gildarts said as Erza requiped into her Heaven's Wheel armor.

The two dashed past what appeared to be some sort of mess hall and they definitely didn't go unnoticed.

"We've got hostiles in the fort all soldiers capture or kill the enemy," a voice boomed over lacrima around the base.

"That must be the Commander of the fort, alright we need to get to the courtyard and from there I should be able to do the rest!"

Erza nodded as her swords flew past slicing up foe after foe, after several minutes of running the two found the entrance to the courtyard and were met with even more resistance.

"Well this is annoying," Erza growled as Gildarts nodded.

"Hmm there are far more than anticipated but that only changes the plan slightly, I'll help you take them all out then we'll have to wait a bit before destroying the fort."

Erza nodded as the two Fairy Tail mages quickly got to work, Erza rained down swords upon her enemies who offered little to no real resistance. Gildarts was having an easier time simply shattering anyone who dared to come too close.

Several minutes and a bloody courtyard later the two had killed every soldier there and Erza was hurling swords at the ones that were fleeing from the ramparts, although she hated the idea of killing she understood why it was necessary.

"Good work Erza now just give me a minute to build up my magic alright, while I'm doing that get this gate open so we can get out of here as fast as we can."

"Don't you think there are more soldiers still in the base I mean we haven't even run into their Commander yet?"

"The Alvarez Commander isn't important the tough ones in the Alvarez hierarchy don't start until the Spriggan Division Commanders those are the ones to watch out for and even then the Spriggan themselves have them beat."

"You and Natsu both give the Spriggan 12 a lot of praise have you fought them before?"

"Nope but I've seen what they can do, brutally efficient and possess magic that isn't that common like Natsu and myself."

"So they're incredibly powerful but so are you, Natsu and the Queen what's the big deal?"

"There are three that puzzle me more than any; the first is Irene Belserion who was only sighted once while I was here. She came to discipline a Leigion that suffered an overwhelming defeat, she killed every last one of them in an instant."

"Surely your exaggerating right … you are exaggerating aren't you?"

Gildarts shook his head. "I wish I was but that's how it happened, over fifty thousand men and women gone in a moment it was something none of us had ever seen before. Natsu said that she smelt strangely familiar but also like something Dragon like."

"You don't think she was a Dragon Slayer do you?"

"I highly doubt it Dragon Slayers are strong but I've never seen or heard of one doing something like that before, no that woman is something else entirely. But if you think she's bad then August takes things to a whole new level."

"August?"

"Yes that guy is worth at least three Legions worth of soldiers and that's putting him lightly, after Irene shook the ranks she sent August in to show the rest how a real soldier of Emperor Spriggan should conduct himself. That man walked right into the Capital by himself and took it, in all my years on Earthland I've never seen such a thing and the only one I'd say capable of beating him is Achnologia."

"Wait he took the Capital while you and Natsu were still here?"

"Yeah we were all out of the Capital at the time hunting that damn Dragon by the time word reached us it was already too late and it had fallen. After we all fought Achnologia and lost the Queen decided that letting us go back to Fiore was for the best and she gave up trying to take the Capital."

"I still don't believe that he just walked into the Capital by himself and took it without any kind of repercussions that just sounds made up!"

"The man is a monster and he's at a level that I'm training to reach one day, before that happened I thought I was already too strong but then I heard about August and saw just what he was capable of and it got me thinking about what if that was Fiore and that guy just waltzed on in and conquered it there wouldn't be a single person able to stop him."

"But that was years ago right surely he couldn't be that much stronger after all both you and Natsu have gotten stronger?"

"Incorrect Erza he's probably even stronger than when I was last here, remember he's got an extra seven years on me since we were sealed inside the Fairy Sphere. The only reason Natsu has become even more powerful is because he was the one maintaining the spell and it was placing a constant strain on him so if anything he got seven years worth of training done."

"But you're strong Gildarts surely you could find a way to become much stronger and close the gap?"

"There is one way but it requires me to go out travelling again and I don't know how Natsu would react to that."

"Why do you say that?"

"Think about it Erza the man has been at my side since he was barely in his teens, even if there was a continent between us he always knew where I was but if I up and leave like I used to he might get worried."

"Never thought I'd hear this from you," Erza said with a small smile.

"Hear what?"

"You sound like a concerned parent Gildarts, admit it you see Natsu like a son and you don't want to let him down or have him worried about you."

"You're completely right Erza," Gildarts said nodding as Erza looked at him in shock.

"Wait you aren't even going to try arguing that?"

"Nope you're right I do see Natsu as a son, I've put my blood, sweat and tears into that kid to make him who he is. I used to always think of him as a sort of little kid brother but the more I really think about how we've always been the more I realize that he really means so much more to me and to have him worry over me isn't something I want."

"You had to expect that was going to happen when you took Natsu with you all those years ago though right, you can't just spend that long with someone like Natsu and not form some sort of attachment to him I mean look at Wendy she is the definition of confident when she knows Natsu is there but the moment she knows he won't be she doubts herself."

Gildarts' body began to glow a faint yellow colour as the Crash Mage stretched. "You know maybe I'll have a talk to him after all this Scarlione stuff is over and see what he thinks, anyway enough of this talking on the battlefield stuff it's time to do our part."

"Alright I'll get the gates," Erza said as she requiped into her Purgatory armor and with one swing the iron gates were blown off their hinges.

"Hold onto something Erza," Gildarts said as the aura surrounding him all travelled to his fist as he raised it into the air. "Crash Pulse!"

Punching the ground full force Erza braced herself, after a few moments she realized nothing had happened as Gildarts sprinted past her. Catching up the two managed to make it half way down the mountain when they were suddenly knocked off their feet.

The entire area began to shake violently as yellow sparks began to erupt from the top of the mountain they were on where the fort was as Gildarts grinned like a madman.

"What the hell have you done," Erza screamed as the quakes became more violent with each passing tremor.

"How do you take something out and assure the enemy won't have access to it again, destroy it and everything surrounding it," Gildarts replied with a grin as Erza's eyes widened in shock.

"What the hell you don't seriously mean-!"

"Oh yeah you bet I do, I'm bringing down this whole mountain and your along for the ride!"

"You bastard are you insane," Erza screeched as she requiped into her Black Wing Armor and picked up Gildarts and the two flew across the small valley landing on the mountain opposite.

Watching the effects of Gildarts' magic unfold Erza couldn't help gasp in shock as the mountain began to split into large cubes and continually divide into smaller cubes until there were only millions of small stones left and then they just fell to the ground in a large heap.

"You talk about that August guy but who else can say they've done that," Erza asked shocked as Gildarts just nodded.

"Illyandra chose me to lead this mission because I can do that, the reason why you are to kill all people in the bases is because they will die a horrible death from either my magic or being crushed to death by the mountain of stones."

Erza just nodded unable to answer what Gildarts just said, looking out over what was once a mountain Erza finally realized just how strong people can really get.

"Are you ready for the next fort," Gildarts asked as Erza nodded silently and the two made their way back to the base camp that was being set up at the base of the mountain. "We've got a day before the next fort will be within range so hopefully we provided a big enough distraction."

"Destroying a mountain is a pretty big distraction though isn't it," Erza asked as Gildarts nodded.

"True let's just hope that whatever forces were near Natsu decided to see it that way too, now I'm pretty hungry so let's go get some food!"

The next day Erza and Gildarts departed for the next fort in order to try and destroy it, the two made it inside easily enough however it looked like they were prepared for the duo this time.

Emerging from the hole in the forts wall Gildarts and Erza were met with a very angry battalion of soldiers.

"So you two were the mysterious infiltrators, you'll spill all your secrets on your new weapon so that we may acquire it for his Excellency Emperor Spriggan," one of the soldiers shouted as many others roared in approval.

"As if we'd tell weak chumps like you anything, didn't they teach you mob mentality never works back in basic training," Gildarts teased as the soldiers began to shout at the two in anger.

"How dare you disrespect Emperor Spriggan's army you Scarlione scum, looks like we'll have to show you why we're the ones destined to rule the world!"

The soldiers charged however they were easily repelled by Gildarts' Crash Barrier, Erza used the opportunity to requip into her Heaven's Wheel armor and proceeded to thin the soldiers numbers.

"We hold em here everyone we won't fail the Commander again!"

Gildarts' eyes narrowed as the two began to fight through the soldiers, slowly but surely they began to push through with Erza gracefully slicing and dicing anyone that got too close after all her role was to ensure Gildarts didn't use as much magic while they were there.

After nearly twenty minutes of fighting Erza managed to finally break through the last line of defence that defended the courtyard, the two made sure they truly were safe as Erza sighed reverting back to her regular attire.

"Not bad Erza you kept your cool the entire time, still there is something off about all this."

"Hmm what's that," Erza asked as Gildarts motioned towards the previous fort they had destroyed.

"I was thinking about how we didn't encounter anyone of notable rank back in that other fort, there was that one guy who mentioned that we were intruders but we never saw a Commander make an appearance."

"You said that they were weak anyway so maybe we already got him while we were fighting for the courtyard?"

"I considered that a possibility but analysing the situation yesterday made me realize that there wasn't a Commander for the fort at all, I'm willing to bet my remaining arm that there isn't one here either."

"Well if there isn't a Commander here then who is the one running the operations around here I mean those soldiers were well organized?"

"A good question, there is definitely a Commander since one of the fallen soldiers shouted about how they won't let their Commander down again. One Commander in charge of this entire valley means only one thing."

"A Spriggan Division Commander," Erza sighed as Gildarts nodded slowly.

"Whoever it is they'll be waiting at the final fort to meet us and there will be heavy resistance, there's no way you'll be able to fight a fully mobilized fort full of highly trained soldiers and a Division Commander so I'll have to back you up and we'll worry about destroying the fort after."

"Good thing I saved my best armor just for the occasion then."

"Yeah I noticed Natsu topped it up for you before he left with Elise I'm guessing it wasn't fully refilled?"

"No it was replenishing just slower than usual I'm not really sure why Natsu said he'd have a look at it later."

"Alright just make sure you don't overdo it alright we don't want you getting killed because you wanted to show off your flashy armor to the enemy," Gildarts teased.

"Shut up," Erza replied with a smirk as she changed into her Black Wing armor and waited for Gildarts to attack.

"Crash Pulse!"

Similar to the first time Erza and Gildarts had flown across to the mountain opposite the fort and watched its destruction, despite seeing the feat the previous day it still didn't change the fact that it was impressive none the less.

The next day the two mages were currently infiltrating the final fort and neither had a good feeling about it.

"The place is deserted," Erza muttered as Gildarts hummed in response.

"They're up to something the question is what?"

"Do we stick to the plan or do you want to search the fort?"

"Well as much as I want to say search the fort something tells me that doing so wouldn't matter, I say we proceed to the courtyard and see if anyone tries to confront us. Alvarez don't run so the soldiers not being here is purely for a strategic reason."

Erza nodded as the two silently made their way through the deserted base until they reached the courtyard.

"Well that's … wow," Gildarts said as Erza winced at the sight in front of her.

Two Alvarez soldiers of seemingly high rank were impaled onto several metal spikes, both had their throats cut and eyes still showing the fear they felt as they died.

"These two must have been the Commanders of the other two forts no doubt, looks like someone in the chain of command wasn't too happy about them returning alive."

"You are 100% correct about that Scarlione trash," a voice sounded from atop one of the lookout towers as the two turned to face their opponent.

"Did they really deserve this though," Gildarts questioned as the figure began to laugh.

"The moment these two abandoned the forts to the two of you they sealed their fates, to defy the will if his Excellency Emperor Spriggan is the same as accepting your own death."

"You would kill your own comrades," Erza shouted in anger as the person began to laugh again.

"Comrades, the only comrades of mine are my fellow Division Commanders and the Spriggan 12 themselves. Scum like this were only mobilized to be used as mere tools nothing more."

The figure jumped down to the courtyard and Erza was surprised to see a young woman no older than she was with light purple hair which had blood strewn through it, upon closer inspection Erza realized that the woman was completely covered in blood.

"Sorry about my current state but these fools needed a little … discipline, the will of Emperor Spriggan is absolute and failure cannot be tolerated after all."

"Erza don't let her rile you up that's exactly what she's after, as for you I'd suggest surrendering while you can."

"Oh I don't think so unlike this sorry lot I actually plan on carrying out the will of the Emperor, I think I'll start with the red head first she seems like easy prey."

"Erza is more than a match for you," Gildarts said confidently as he began to slowly channel his magical power.

'That's right I'll need to fight her or at least hold her off long enough so we can accomplish the mission, this works out quite well.'

Erza became surrounded in light as she emerged wearing her favourite armor the Armor of the Scarlet Dragon.

"Oh well look at that it looks like you can fight," the woman teased as Erza suddenly dodged several metal spike that shot up from the ground.

"So those spikes must be your magic," Erza said with her eyes glued to the woman who began to chuckle.

"Yes I use a magic known as Morph magic and it allows me to transform either myself or an object that doesn't have magic into almost anything I can think of, Division Commander Leyana of Irene Belserion's 5th Shock Battalion here to put you Scarlione scum back in your place!"

Erza didn't react to her words as she began to dodge a series of spikes being hurled towards her at high speed, darting around the courtyard Erza noticed that the spikes varied in shape and size and came to the conclusion that she could go much bigger if she desired and she would be ready for whatever comes.

"Morph Magic Arms Conversion: Arms Blades!" The woman's arms converted to black swords similar to what Gajeel does as she rushed Erza with surprising speed and began rapidly slashing away at the requip mage putting her on the defensive as she laughed all the while.

'To the untrained eye she's just slashing away but every single strike is a killing blow I can't slip up even once I don't know if this armor is strong enough to block one of those strikes!'

"What's the matter I thought you were supposed to be enough to beat me," Leyana jeered as she continued to slash away at Erza.

"Erza stop fucking around I told you that you have to be willing to kill if you want to survive here, stop screwing around and go all out," Gildarts shouted in frustration as Erza frowned.

Knowing inside that Gildarts was right she couldn't help but mentally sigh, taking lives the last few days was hard but now she was up against an opponent that could match her and she couldn't let Gildarts down since he needed her help.

Flames began to surround Erza as she suddenly began pushing Leyana back returning strikes with equal force and even landing a few punches and kick in while she used her sword to block almost all strikes from Leyana.

"Oh look you have fight in you after all!"

Erza grit her teeth and continued to fight as the courtyard quickly became covered in slashes and small craters.

"Gildarts grinned as he felt the energy he needed and directed it to his fist before bringing it to the ground. "Crash Pulse!"

The second Gildarts had launched the attack Leyana grinned and she disappeared before reappearing stabbing Gildarts through the arm.

"Gildarts!"

"I've been waiting for you to let your guard down Gildarts Clive!"

"Leyana's grin instantly vanished when Gildarts grabbed her by the neck and lifted her into the air with considerable force.

"Don't get so cocky kid you should always make sure your enemy is actually wounded before you start taunting them."

"But I stabbed you even though you blocked it there should be thousands of spikes in your arm right now causing you agonizing pain!"

"And that would be the case if it was actually my arm," Gildarts said as he held up the arm that she had stabbed and to her shock it was a prosthetic one.

"Well I won't miss this time," she shouted as she began to aim for his head only to suddenly convulse and fall limp in his free hand.

"You won't be pulling that shit anymore," Gildarts sighed as Erza picked him up and the two left the crumbling mountain behind.

"What did you do to her," Erza asked as Gildarts sighed.

"Sent a wave of my magic directly to her brain killing her instantly," he replied as he tore his prosthetic arm off and threw it just as large spikes began to shoot out of it. "I'm gonna have to get another one of those now."

Erza just sighed as the two made their way to the camp and met up with Dio again.

"So from the looks of things everything was successful on your end," Dio said before pointing at Gildarts in shock. "Commander what the hell happened to your arm!"

"Long story that can wait until we've had that drink Dio now listen up, I'm gonna have to get my arm replaced if I want to be at 100% so we'll hold here for a few days until my new one can be finished."

"New one Gildarts you realize that there is a war on right we can't spare the time or resources to make you a new arm, besides you're easily strong even with one arm I'm sure you could make do right?"

"Maybe but I'd rather be safe than sorry, fine we won't wait the few days but I want a message sent back to base about having a new one made for me."

"Right away sir," Dio said as he saluted Gildarts and ordered someone to send a message back with Gildarts' request.

"We'll fill out the reports later Dio alright," Gildarts said as the two left before the man could get a word in.

After making their way through the camp Erza suddenly began to speak.

"Listen Gildarts I'm sorry about your arm if I wasn't so weak-."

"That's enough of that Erza you aren't weak and you know it, killing isn't something to be proud of and I'm glad you aren't able to consider killing in that light. All of this is rather sudden for you and I should have taken your feelings into consideration before asking you to go through with killing so many in such a short amount of time."

"I just want Natsu to be glad that I came along rather than be a burden on the two of you."

"You know as well as I do Natsu wouldn't see you as a burden Erza he wouldn't have given you that mark if he thought anything like that, Natsu isn't the type of guy to judge people solely off their strength you just have to have more faith in yourself."

"I suppose I don't know why I feel this way since deep down I know that what your saying is the truth, maybe I'm just scared or feeling inadequate?"

"I can't answer that for you Erza but know that Natsu is yours and that probably won't change, despite how different he is since you were kids he still sticks to his guns until the bitter end."

Erza smiled at the Crash Mages words as the two continued to walk through the camp.

"Now come on let's go find where the foods at eh," Gildarts said as the two disappeared into the sea of soldiers.

I hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one.