I know I said I'd edit those errors regarding how Gildarts lost his arm and all that but I haven't had the time, it will get edited I'm just not sure when so yeah.

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Natsu's Resolve

/Current Time – Natsu And Elise's POV/

"Looks like the plan worked," Elise said as she closed the curtain to the hotel window.

"Of course it did there was no way Gildarts and Erza together wouldn't succeed, with their success we can move through the checkpoints without much hassle now," Natsu replied with a small smile.

""Do you think Erza was able to cope well, killing the enemy I mean?"

Natsu sighed and shook his head. "I'd like to think so but there was the possibility that she wouldn't, unlike us she hasn't been put in a situation like this before where she could avoid killing people but chooses the kill option simply because its more efficient and could prevent repercussions down the line."

"That's what I was thinking too, anyway we don't have time for that the guards are starting to try and seal off the exits to the town so we've got to get moving," Elise said as Natsu nodded.

The two had discussed simply wiping out the guards in the town and freeing it from Alvarez control but decided against it due to the fact that it would not only put the entire operation at risk but it would make the two expend more energy than necessary.

The two were out the door and into the streets faster than anyone could see, making their way through alleys and back streets Natsu and Elise came across one of the exits to the town that appeared to be getting sealed off.

"We don't have time to wait around if they seal off the exits we'd have to force our way out so stand still," Natsu said as the two were surrounded by a purple aura and shot up high into the sky.

"Is this your Gravity Magic?"

"Yeah I made us weightless then used 50X Ascend so we wouldn't be seen flying up, now hold on this will feel slightly disorienting," Natsu said as the two lurched forward and to Elise's surprise they were in the forest just outside of town.

"What the … I felt us jerk forward but we're already done?"

"We were weightless remember all I had to do was increase the amount of Gravity propelling us and we'd move faster, speed is weight Elise remember that. Now let's get going Shrikke's last known position was a few miles from here."

The two darted through the forest for some time without rest, to Natsu being able to maintain a brisk pace was surprising since no one was usually able to keep up with him for this long and he'd have to race Elise sometime to gauge just how good her stamina really was.

After running for several hours the duo arrived at what could only be described as a slaughter, Shrikke's last known position was where his troops were based along the deserts edge however it seems that he was attacked by an enemy force unawares.

"Damn it's like they didn't even have a chance," Natsu muttered as they walked through the camp.

Many of the Scarlione forces had died doing whatever they were doing, many of which were sleeping. Natsu immediately knew that this wasn't ordinary even by Alvarez standards and was on edge.

"How is this possible there are hundreds of soldiers here and not one of them has even drawn their weapons and there aren't any signs of a magical fight?"

"I'm not sure Elise but whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing this was a one sided slaughter, they were completely outmatched and yet … ah they captured him."

"You mean Shrikke?"

"Yeah if the enemy simply wanted to wipe out this lot then he would be here too but I can't smell him anywhere except for a trail that indicates he was dragged off, they captured him but what for?"

"Maybe the enemy knows that he's friends with the Queen and they wanted some leverage?"

"No everyone including myself knows that the Queen wouldn't take that type of crap lying down they must need him for something, to wipe out an entire encampment like this means they wanted him alive at all costs and Shrikke isn't weak at all which means whatever caught him rendered him completely immobile."

"So Gravity Magic?"

"Hmm there was a disturbance in everything around this camp but it was brief and didn't actually change anything, the Gravity in this area actually seems to have …. no that can't be right?"

"What is it Natsu," Elise asked as Natsu ate a purple substance from the air.

"It's like the Gravity just stopped entirely that shouldn't be possible you can change Gravity and manipulate it but stopping it entirely to where it's like its frozen should have chaotic consequences."

"Did the Dragon you trained with tell you that?"

"Yeah she did, once I asked Lykyria about what would happen if Gravity simply stopped and she said it would cause a whole number of problems namely the destruction of the world and yet it happened here and nothing is out of place I don't get it!"

"It looks like we have no other choice but to track Shrikke then Natsu, if what you said is true then we need to stop whoever did this."

"You're right but remember this person is dangerous what they can do shouldn't be possible in the first place," Natsu replied as they began to follow Shrikke's scent into the desert.

Thankfully night had fallen so they weren't in the scorching heat, Natsu could provide more than enough heat so they were immune to the freezing temperatures.

Natsu and Elise stood on a hill overlooking some ruins and to Natsu's surprise there was Shrikke simply standing there on one of the rooves.

"This is undoubtedly a trap," Elise said as Natsu nodded.

"Yeah he's not even breathing it's like he's frozen still, it's almost as if-."

"We're up against someone who can manipulate time," Elise finished for him as the two frowned.

"Get ready to fight immediately we'll try to grab Shrikke and run."

Natsu and Elise heard a single click and everything around them froze, the two felt a strange sensation around them however they were still able to move, from behind them an immense magical power began to flare up as Natsu grit his teeth.

"So you can still move within my Age Seal you are the only ones besides August and the Emperor to do so."

Turning to face the enemy they came face to face with blonde haired woman with a grin on her face.

"This is not good," Natsu said as Elise looked at him with surprise for Natsu to say that meant that whoever this was had considerable skill.

"So you know who I am then?"

"Not personally but I can tell just by looking at you that you are one of the Spriggan 12," Natsu replied with his face becoming deadly serious.

"Judging by your appearance you are Natsu Dragneel a Knight of Scarlione and one of the Unholy Eight that fought Achnologia and survived, to see someone like you freely move within my Age Seal isn't all that surprising however you are an unknown," the woman said pointing at Elise.

"Dimaria stop wasting time with idle chatter," a second voice spoke as the two turned around and Natsu's eyes narrowed.

"Now I definitely know who you are, the Country Demolisher Brandish U," Natsu growled.

"Not you again this is far too troublesome," Brandish sighed as the woman previously identified as Dimaria raised an eyebrow.

"So you two have met before Brandish now that's unexpected."

"We clashed years ago however he was pitifully weak back then, now I'm not so sure," Brandish said as both she and Natsu analysed each other.

"You fought her once Natsu," Elise asked as Natsu nodded.

"I did and she would've killed me if Gildarts didn't step in and fight her off, as for the other one she's the one manipulating time though I have no idea what else she can do."

"Well now isn't this interesting and here I was thinking kidnapping the old chef wouldn't amount to anything this interesting, perhaps we are in for a bit of a workout Brandish?"

"Dimaria they are immune to your Age Seal you mustn't joke around," Brandish said with her eyes still glued to Natsu.

"Aww some concern for me Brandish that's so sweet tell you what you and Dragneel can catch up on old times while I fight the mystery girl," Dimaria said as she drew a sword almost as big as herself.

No one moved for several moments until the two groups suddenly split with Natsu and Brandish disappearing out into the desert while Dimaria and Elise remaining near the ruins.

"Let's see what makes you so special hmm," Dimaria said as she rushed towards Elise who summoned a sword just as big as hers made of ebony and the two clashed.

"You might be one of these Spriggan everyone around here seems to think are powerful but I won't let you get away with what you've been doing any longer!"

"Bold words however they are quite futile, just because you are immune to my Age Seal doesn't mean that I'll be beaten."

The two began to swing their massive swords at speeds normal people would consider utterly impossible, trading blows the two were sending sparks everywhere and the sheer amount of power behind the swings was enough to crack the ground.

Kicking Dimaria in the chest she was sent flying into one of the ruined buildings as Elise quickly followed up by trying to cleave her in two, Dimaria was grinning madly as she kicked Elise in the gut followed up by a punch to the jaw sending her into a nearby wall.

"That's some strength you have behind you mystery girl I'm impressed."

Elise grit her teeth as the two traded several more blows and Elise blocked more strikes, after a few minutes the two separated.

"It's clear swords won't decide this one, you should be honoured you get to see this mystery girl," Dimaria said as she began to be surrounded by a golden aura.

"No fucking way," Elise said as her eyes widened.

"Ah so you know what I'm doing then eh, Take Over: God Soul – Chronos!"

Elise grit her teeth as Dimaria transformed into a God, the newly emerged Dimaria had a sadistic grin as she hovered in the air.

"You might be strong mystery girl but can you handle the power of a God?"

Dimaria was surprised however when Elise smiled. "You know this is actually rather fitting."

Closing her eyes Elise became surrounded in a black aura which shocked Dimaria as her appearance slightly changed to resemble Eliza's, opening one eye she looked at Dimaria with a passive expression.

"Impossible what is this that was no Take Over!"

"Correct it was not I was raised by the current Goddess of War Eliza and I have reached a point where I can access that power to an extent, unfortunately for you I must eliminate you and return Lord Chronos' soul to Terminus where it may rest until he is able to reconstitute himself."

Dimaria grit her teeth as Elise also began to float off the ground meeting her in the sky, the two looked at each other as clouds began to gather.

"So it's a battle between Gods then?"

"Demigods," Elise replied earning a scowl. "As we are now we are nowhere near the full potential of the Gods."

"Your cheap imitation might not be but I know for a fact that my form is the real deal!"

"For a mere human you might believe such a thing considering that very few ever reach such power however I have actually been to Terminus, met the Gods themselves and trained under the Goddess of War my entire life. Your power doesn't frighten me Dimaria if anything you keeping Lord Chronos' soul hostage for your own selfish desires angers me."

"Funny you don't seem very angry."

"That is because of the transformation something which you would understand had you been properly trained by a God or been granted their powers, to reach that level you must start off being trained as a God Slayer and once you have learnt all you can there you ascend to learning the Demigod Arts."

"That all sounds like crap to me there isn't even any proof that you really were trained by a God anyway!"

"You won't find any further proof than myself, the Demigod Arts are quite curious you see as they physically change the person using them to look more like their respective God. Over time one begins to look like a descendant of the God which is why I look the way I do now."

"Then that means I too have achieved this just look at my Chronos form!"

"No you are incorrect again all you are doing is stealing a small amount of his power. A real Demigod would always embody their respective God even outside combat as I embody my mother's physical traits as well as much of her personality."

"You know you think talking like this will solve everything but we'll see what good your talking does after I age you to be a 90 year old withered up husk and then proceed to kick you for my amusement," Dimaria said with a scowl as Elise smiled slightly.

"Eliciting emotion in this form …. I never thought it possible yet here you've done it, Dimaria you have no idea what kind of fight you have entered. As I am now your Time Magic will have zero effect on me as I am partially a God, you have entered a fight of Gods without doing research …. prepare to die."

Dimaria lost it as she began to fire lasers at Elise who was now darting through the sky at top speed dodging hundreds of yellow lasers that were homing in on her, easily manoeuvring around them she was able to deliver a devastating blow to Dimaria sending her crashing into the ground below.

Dimaria shot out of the large crater and created a Five Layered Magic Circle which fired a massive torrent of magic at Elise.

"I thought I told you … fool," Elise said as the blast hit her head on.

Dimaria grinned as the smoke began to clear however her grin was replaced with a scowl as Elise hovered in the air above her unharmed.

"Gods and Demigods are unaffected by Time or Space related manipulation techniques, prepare for the end."

Elise disappeared and Dimaria began fending off rapid blows from all sides, the hits she was receiving were far greater than she had been anticipating and as a result her guard soon faltered.

"War God's Armageddon Fist." Delivering a powerful blow to Dimaria's gut she was sent flying through the air only to be met with a knee in her back.

"You know the Demons from the books of Zeref are stronger than this though I shouldn't be surprised after all you can only get so far off stolen power."

"You … bitch … I'll-!"

"You will do nothing Dimaria except return the soul of Lord Chronos even if it means your death."

Dimaria grit her teeth in anger as another knee was placed into her back, at this point she knew she'd made a fatal mistake fighting this girl. All her moves which required her Time Magic were utterly useless rendering her as a whole useless in the fight.

"You will be coming with me," Elise said as a portal opened up and she flew through with a semi conscious Dimaria being dragged behind her.

A short distance away Natsu was laying down on a rock looking up at the stars with Brandish laying beside him.

"See that one is shaped like a Dragon because of the God of the Dragons," Natsu said as Brandish hummed in agreement.

"You know I thought we'd be fighting but this is ok too I guess, fighting is rather troublesome and honestly I don't know if I'd win if I tried."

"Well at least you're a better judge of skill than that Dimaria chick I'd say Elise is kicking her ass right about now."

"You know not all the Spriggan 12 are weak, I myself can destroy a country and yet there are others that are stronger."

"All the Spriggan are strong Brandish even you I had no doubts whatsoever about that but I knew that you were far more reasonable."

"Oh and what gives you that idea?"

"Dunno really you just seemed laid back I guess, that and when I mentioned stargazing you were all for it."

"Tell me Natsu what ties you to Scarlione, what drives you to fight for them?"

"Hmm I guess it's because I have friends here and I gained a decent amount of my power here, doesn't help that a lot of the Alvarez forces go around killing civilians."

"Yes I do find that part rather disturbing myself; sometimes I'm not entirely sure what holds me to Alvarez. Serve Emperor Spriggan or die isn't really the best incentive however missions like these could give me ample opportunity to run, then there is August …"

"So you know that guy huh he's crazy strong from what I've heard."

"Yes if Emperor Spriggan wasn't as powerful as he is then August would easily be the strongest, Irene is strong and in a league of her own but that man seems to be untouchable."

"I'm guessing it's because of his magic then?"

"Maybe no one truly knows, you know you should take your friends and leave Scarlione while you can."

"Why?"

"Because once word of Dimaria's defeat reaches command Irene will be sent here to clean up the mess, she isn't one to show even the slightest bit of mercy."

Natsu frowned at this new knowledge and shook his head. "What about August is he coming too?"

"There is a chance since he seeks to fight the strong and crush all who defy Emperor Spriggan."

"Hmm this isn't good news at all I've gotten powerful but I don't know if I could take Irene and it seems this August guy is well beyond me. You know I don't really know what to do since running away isn't really my style though my friends here would consider it a betrayal to just leave the kingdom as it is."

"You know there is an alternative, leave and grow stronger. From what I understand the Emperor wants the secret to Queen Illyandra's magic and how she is tied to the land so he is unlikely to proceed beyond the Scarlione borders."

"They would come for Fiore though and while there are many strong mages in the country there are also people who possess little to none at all, tell me do you have any idea what Irene's magic is?"

"I've never seen it however from what I've heard it has devastating results, listen Natsu you aren't a bad person so please just leave this place before Irene inevitably arrives."

"I will only leave if the others decide to leave as well I won't abandon my friends to death that's not the way I do things."

"I see …. I hope that you are successful in convincing them then," Brandish said with a sigh as a portal appeared in front of the two and they sat up.

Elise walked out of the portal with Dimaria slung over her shoulder dropping her at Brandish's feet.

"She's alive but no longer has her transformation I'd suggest getting her some medical attention."

"I see then I shall take my leave then," Brandish said as she picked up Dimaria and left. Elise closed her eye and returned to normal before looking at Natsu.

"So what the hell was that you didn't even fight!"

"Nope we didn't but we had a pretty interesting conversation I'll tell you about later for now we need to get Shrikke and bring him back," Natsu said as the two ran in the direction of the ruins finding an unconscious Shrikke.

"Pick him up Natsu and let's get going before anyone else shows up."

Natsu nodded as he picked up the chef and the two began to sprint back the way they came as fast as they could.

Once the duo managed to get a considerable distance into the forest they stopped as Natsu looked down at the unconscious Shrikke.

"He's lost a lot of his magical power but other than that he should be ok, we'll rest here the night and hope that he wakes up tomorrow so we don't have to carry him."

"So are you going to tell me about this oh so interesting conversation you had with the green haired one?"

"Ah that …. I'm not gonna lie Elise she said some pretty worrying stuff and brought up a few good points too, she told me about August and Irene and how if they arrived they would walk all over us and to be brutally honest I'm inclined to agree."

"You admitting that there is someone stronger now that's a first."

"Well I don't know about this Irene but if August was able to easily beat Illy then I don't stand a chance as I am right now, Brandish suggested that we leave and grow stronger since they will inevitably come for Fiore so why not use the time we have now to grow stronger."

"I won't lie it is tempting but I assume that you're feeling conflicted aren't you, loyalty to your friends from Fiore or loyalty to the Queen and Scarlione who will undoubtedly not give up without a fight."

"It's a hard decision but at least you get the idea I mean it's possible we could beat August if we hone our skills even further but as things stand now I just don't wanna risk the odds."

"How do you plan on going about this then?"

"Well firstly I have one piece of unfinished business here in Scarlione by the name of Felix, crazy bastard was supposedly hiding somewhere in Scarlione according to Illy's last letter. For that I'd want to take Gildarts with me only we would even have a chance of getting through to him at this stage otherwise we might have to kill him."

"He's the insane one right?"

"Yeah the only problem is that Illy might try to stop us but we can't leave him out here any longer to suffer from his own madness it just wouldn't be right, truth be told I don't really wanna be a Commander or even a Knight I just enjoyed it back when it was just me and Gildarts journeying around helping out and beating up bad guys but now everything's all serious."

"But isn't that what's been happening ever since you returned to Fairy Tail after all those years?"

"Not all the time sometimes it was just good old fashioned fun but I'm not really able to do stuff like that anymore it sucks."

"Hmm well maybe when we get back to Fiore you should just quit being a Wizard Saint I mean you were gone for what was it 7 years I'm sure they won't want you back straight away and they'll offer you a choice."

"Yeah it's worth a shot then I might actually be able to go on a date with Erza more often than once in a blue moon."

"I'm sure Erza would appreciate the gesture, now get some sleep I'll take first watch alright," Elise said as Natsu rolled onto his side contemplating what Brandish had told him earlier.

/Alvarez Forward Base Brandish's POV/

Dropping Dimaria off at the medical tent Brandish went straight to the communications tent and promptly kicked everyone out as she began to use the large lacrima in the room.

"My Lord I've spoken to 'him' and he seemed genuinely passive despite the rather large growth he's attained, from what I could tell he easily dwarfs the majority of the Spriggan 12 in magical power and he even might be stronger than Serena."

A man soon came into view on the lacrima, a man whose name is cursed a thousand times over, the Black Wizard Zeref.

"So despite reaching this currently level you don't believe E.N.D to have awakened yet?"

"I don't believe so I couldn't detect even the faintest trace of demonic energy from him."

"I see so he requires more time before he is complete then, sending August would only hinder my plans further perhaps Irene would be a better choice …."

"Lord Zeref there is something else you should know alongside Natsu is a God Slayer and she not only defeated Dimaria but took her God Soul and returned it to Terminus."

Zeref frowned at this news and his eyes flashed red for a brief moment. "Is Dimaria dead?"

"No she's alive but without her God Soul she'll be useless unless she retains her time manipulation abilities."

Zeref began to walk forward until it looked like he was walking into the lacrima and then he was suddenly in the tent with Brandish who instantly was on her knee bowing.

"Dimaria will be replaced however her time doesn't end here I still have use for her, take me to her immediately," Zeref said as the two swiftly left the tent shocking all the soldiers who immediately began bowing and showering Zeref with praise.

The two entered the medic tent and went over to the unconscious Dimaria's bedside where Zeref looked down at her with an unreadable expression.

"Years of loyal service doesn't go unrewarded even if she failed," Zeref said as he pulled out a black book that had no title and turned to page one.

Suddenly black magic shot out from the book and lifted the unconscious Dimaria from the bed and she was sucked into the book as it became surrounded in a dark aura. Once the magic died down Zeref handed the book to Brandish who looked at the front cover and gasped.

The Book Of Dimaria Yesta

Fallen Angel Becomes One With The Symphony Of Demonic Night

Fall To The Everlasting Abyss Of Eternal Twilight

"Now she will continue to serve just as effectively as before only now augmented by a power far greater than what she possessed before," Zeref said as he began to fade away. "Oh and I'll have Irene come to set her loose soon."

"What do you plan on having us do about the Scarlione forces?"

"They aren't an issue just keep doing what you've been doing Brandish, Irene will arrive two days from now and then you'll move to wipe them out excluding Natsu and his friends of course."

"I understand Lord Zeref, I take it the capture order on the Queen is now rescinded?"

"Yes she's become more trouble than she's worth though this time Irene should be able to dispose of her, anyway I'm going now good luck," Zeref said as he vanished.

Walking out of the tent Brandish couldn't help but think back over the process she just witnessed, she just saw how Zeref creates one of the demons of the Books of Zeref.

"Well I suppose that's just more incentive not to screw up," she sighed as she made her way to the command tent.

/The Next Day Natsu And Elise's POV/

"Shrikke still hasn't woken up Natsu should we be concerned," Elise asked as the two walked down the main road towards the mountain base.

"He was in stasis due to Time Magic for an unspecified amount of time and had all of his magic power drained so I'd say he's lucky to be alive at all."

"I suppose so …. So Natsu since we're almost there what are you gonna do about what Brandish talked to you about?"

"I'm gonna talk to Gildarts about it in private and see what he thinks, we both know when we're outclassed so if he decides leaving is a good idea then we leave. Granted I should have expected this when we left months ago but actually realizing just how bad the situation is makes me second guess coming here."

"Well I don't think it was a bad decision to come unfortunately due to the seven years we missed out on we've arrived far too late to make an impact on the outcome of the war."

Natsu nodded in agreement seven years is a long time and it clearly showed considering the state of the Scarlione Empire which at this point wasn't even an Empire anymore.

"To be honest I think even Gildarts knows that despite our current level of power we would only make a dent at best, retreating and biding time would be the best way to go about things. All that aside though he has to agree before I make my decision he is my teacher after all."

The two arrived back at the base and Shrikke was rushed to the medical ward whilst Elise and Natsu were lead to the Queen's war room, making their way inside Natsu noticed Gildarts and Erza were already there waiting and the two sat down exchanged smiles.

"So you guys found Shrikke," Gildarts asked as Natsu nodded.

"Yeah but we had to get past two Spriggan to get to him," Natsu replied as everyone except Natsu, Elise and Gildarts gasped in shock.

"Is that true Natsu which ones," Illyandra asked as Natsu sighed.

"Dimaria and Brandish."

"You mean the Country Demolisher and the one with the God Soul!"

"Yeah though thanks to Elise Dimaria doesn't have her God Soul anymore, Brandish and I were just stargazing."

Everyone in the room sweat dropped, Gildarts just burst out laughing and Illyandra just sighed.

"Look I don't even want to know why you didn't bother to try and fight Brandish but at least you got Shrikke back so that's all that matters, Gildarts and Erza were successful in their mission so we have regained the mountains from Alvarez."

Natsu nodded as the Queen went over some other reports as well as assigning the group their own quarters before leaving and the group were left alone.

"Oi Gildarts I have something I want to talk to you about do you mind stepping outside with me," Natsu asked as Gildarts nodded and the two went outside the base. Once the two were a fair distance from the base Natsu recounted what Brandish had told him and explained how he could see the reasoning behind it, Gildarts was silent until the end and then he just sighed.

"You realize what you're saying right Natsu we'd be abandoning people in need could you live with that?"

"Gildarts seven years have passed this country is all but finished I mean you had to take down three forts and lose your arm just so I could get a few miles inland, in all honesty Erza and Wendy will surely die if we stay. Elise is a God Slayer and she has her regenerative abilities, we're monsters in our own right but those two aren't ready for something like this."

"Listen kid I agree with you but we have unfinished business here anyway so even if we do agree on leaving I won't leave until we deal with Felix."

"I know which is why I said to Elise that you and I will be going to find him and try to save him and if he isn't redeemable bring him back to prison or kill him."

"You know as well as I do he's beyond saving he looked into the mind of Achnologia only the Gods would know what goes on in that Dragon's head and even they probably fear it."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it alright for now we need to get Felix's location from the Queen and on our way over to wherever he is we'll just help out and do what we can."

"You realize I've only got one arm right?"

"So that metal arm of yours can't even use magic so what's it matter, you have your own Crash Barrier and me there to back you up."

"Hmm yeah that's true, fine we'll get going tonight but Erza won't be happy about you up and leaving again."

"How many did she kill," Natsu asked with a serious expression as Gildarts shook his head.

"More than I could count though she's been coping ok seeing you was probably the best way for her to get over it."

"I'll spend the rest of the day with her while you talk to Illyandra then I'm always neglecting Erza though circumstances have played a massive part in it there still isn't any excuse."

"Alright get going kid and make sure your ready I'll come by the mess to get you alright," Gildarts said as Natsu nodded and left leaving Gildarts to look out over the mountain range. "Erza's gonna be fine but I wonder how you're faring … Natsu."

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