(Edited 19/02/24)

(Edited 14/03/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

A Reunion Years In The Making

***POTD***

After pushing hard, the small group arrived at the foot of the Kaarth Mountains. They were a series of smaller mountains surrounding a much larger one, the central one possessing what appeared to be a near constant stream of magma that spewed forth from its peak.

Natsu sighed as he sat down on a nearby fallen tree, with Gildarts joining him. The two men were still processing what Alyssa had told them about the situation, leaving the girls to try and keep spirits high.

"I assume the Queen used her Magic to hide the place," Natsu asked, eliciting a curt nod from the Trap Mage. "How much longer until we reach the entrance?"

"Anywhere within the Kaarth range will do," Alyssa replied, before turning to look at Erza, Wendy and Elise. "By the way, not saying that you three ever would, but keep what you see here to yourselves."

"Understandable," Erza nodded, with Elise agreeing instantly, leaving Wendy only somewhat confused, not quite grasping the concept due to her age and lack of involvement in such matters.

"Again, I know that you guys are from Fairy Tail like Natsu and Gildarts, so I trust you. But the fact is, we've had quite a few traitors over the years, so I've gotta say it by default, you know?"

"Traitors? Let me guess, it was the nobles, wasn't it," Natsu snarled, as Alyssa nodded grimly. "Fucking scum…"

"Putting that aside for the moment, I think it'll be best if both you and Gildarts flare your power to alert the base to our presence," Alyssa suggested, a look of understanding passing between Natsu and Gildarts. "I don't think having you guys physically show up in front of her after all these years is a good idea, so best to give her at least a few minutes to process the fact you're both here and alive, eh?"

"Fair point Alyssa," Gildarts agreed, as both men slowly rose to their feet. "You ready Natsu?"

"Yeah."

"Just so you guys know, the moment she does feel your Magic, she's probably going to go crazy trying to find you," Alyssa warned them, with both men nodding once again. "Go ahead then you guys..."

The two men began to power up, with the girls stepping back almost instinctively as the entire area began to shake violently. They didn't completely power up, just enough to alert the base to their presence, before promptly suppressing themselves again.

Everyone waited with baited breath as the tremors slowly died down, wondering what would happen next. Natsu, Gildarts and Alyssa seemed to know something more was coming, with all three facing toward the Kaarth Mountains ahead.

The group wouldn't have to wait long for the inevitable response, as the mountains ahead of them began to visibly shake, before beginning to rearrange themselves. The land ahead of them also began to adjust itself, as a downward slope formed, beginning right where Natsu, Gildarts and Alyssa stood, and descending down deep into the earth ahead.

"Is it weird that I never get tired of seeing this," Natsu smiled, eliciting an amused giggle from Alyssa, and a light nudge from Gildarts.

Erza, Elise and Wendy watched in a mixture of shock and awe, as the landscape formed a straight path for them to advance on. Elise actually appeared somewhat fearful, having only seen such feats from four individuals in the past, not including Eliza.

Everyone looked down at their feet, as the earthy slope that had formed seem to be moving like a conveyor belt. Looking ahead, Natsu and Gildarts sucked in a breath, as they saw a single individual racing toward them at high speed.

Golden hair billowed in the wind, though the outfit of the individual reminded the men of a time long ago. Clad in a full set of leather Armor, racing toward the pair, was Queen Illyandra Scarlione herself, half crouched as she bent the land to her will in order to reach her destination faster.

The moment she arrived at the end of the slope, she was in their faces, an almost manic look in her eyes as she scrutinized every last detail of the two men. Neither of them moved so much as an inch, aside from standing at attention, allowing the Queen to inspect them.

"Verify," Illyandra muttered, looking toward Alyssa, who also stood at attention, nodding stiffly.

"Code ending in Zero. Seven. Seven. Nine. Five. Two. Two. Seven. Five. Three. Nine."

"Accepted," the Queen muttered in response, no longer looking like a monster that was destined to tear them apart, but someone who really needed to sit down. "Natsu… Gildarts…"

"Hello Illyandra," Gildarts smiled gently, not a hint of his usually flirtatious self, despite the Queen's beauty. "Sorry we're late…"

"Yeah. Things got complicated," Natsu added, eliciting a tearful scoff from the Queen as she looked between them with a watery smile.

"Complicated, he says… Complicated… Heh…"

"We're sorry Illy-."

The Queen silenced the pair as her arms extended outward, dragging both men into a tight hug. It was a moment that would have had Erza, Elise and Wendy considering it wholesome, however, the Queen was squeezing the life out of them, as their faces went purple.

"Fighting Achnologia AGAIN!? You call fighting that thing COMPLICATED!?"

"What the Hell is going on," Elise muttered, as Illyandra finally freed the pair, both promptly dropping to their knees and coughing profusely.

"I ought to tan both of your hides for that! After you barely survived a second encounter, you tempt Fate with a THIRD one!? Unbelievable!?"

"Sorry," Natsu coughed, slowly rising to his feet again. "In our defense, he just showed up on Tenrou Island, we never sought him out."

"So I've been told by Ambassador Lorelei," Illyandra sighed. "You both drive me up the wall regardless!"

"Sorry," Natsu replied sheepishly, running a hand through his long hair as the Queen finally took notice of his appearance. "Oh… You're all grown up Natsu…"

"Like I said, it was a very complicated situation," the Dragon Slayer replied. "That aside, we should probably get out of the open."

"Agreed," Illyandra replied with a stiff nod, before looking over at Erza, Elise and Wendy. "Natsu?"

"Yeah?"

"The one with the scarlet hair…"

"Yes," Natsu groaned, as Illyandra stepped toward Erza, who for some reason felt extremely intimidated by the Queen, despite her warm smile.

"You're Erza Scarlett?"

"Y-Yes Ma'am!"

"I see," the Queen hummed playfully, her eyes never once shifting from Erza's own. "Yes, now I see it."

"See what?"

"Nothing of importance," Illyandra smiled in response, smirking and making it clear that she just wasn't going to say anything about her observation. "After having heard about you for years on end, I have high expectations of you…"

"Wait… What?"

Illyandra smirked but moved her attention toward Elise, eyes widening in genuine surprise as she immediately started squeezing her bicep.

"Uh…"

"You are a rarity, oh yes indeed… I'd be interested to see who'd win between yourself and D-."

Illyandra paused, looking over toward Wendy, who was trying her best to avoid drawing said attention toward herself. Natsu couldn't help but smirk as the Queen immediately started cooing, and easily picked Wendy up like she weighed less than paper.

"Oh my goodness, just who is this!?"

"That's Wendy," Natsu chuckled, as the Sky Dragon Slayer went beet red. "I've taken her under my wing, so to speak, since she's a Dragon Slayer like me."

"Really? She's so adorable!"

Wendy blushed harder, as the Queen held her up like a baby, examining her like she was the greatest thing in the world. As she did this, Alyssa leaned in-between Natsu and Gildarts, whispering lightly.

"Ever since Serenity was killed, she's gone a bit crazy," the Trap Mage whispered, whistling as she made a twirling motion with her index finger to the right side of her head. "Its nice to see her happy though."

"Yeah," Gildarts agreed, as Illyandra finally put Wendy down, and turned back to face the group.

"Right then! About time we went back into the base, before any Alvarez scum come knocking!"

Marching back toward the slope she'd arrived on, she motioned for everyone else to hop onto it as well. Natsu, Gildarts, and Alyssa, all did so instinctively. Erza, Elise, and Wendy, slowly moved to stand on it.

Unlike her hasty ascent, the slope started moving downward at a steady pace. Erza turned to look behind them, noticing that the ground that was now above them was filling itself back in, shrouding them in a faint darkness, lit only by the glow of Illyandra's golden hair that shone brightly for reasons none of the girls could even begin to understand.

All they knew, was that they had just stumbled right into Natsu's past … be it to their benefit, or detriment.

***POTD***

After descending for around half an hour, the group finally saw light ahead, as massive structures came into view, along with dozens of armed troops.

The girls seemed slightly worried about this, but Natsu and Gildarts' calm reactions steeled them somewhat. Worry and slight fear gave way to confusion rather quickly, as a booming roar of applause shook the entire area the moment they came into full view of the group.

"Look, it's Knight Commander Dragneel and Grand Cross Clive!"

"Look how much stronger they are since they left!?"

"I thought they were dead?"

"With them at our side, surely we can push Alvarez back!?"

Erza, Elise and Wendy remained at the back of the procession, as the group made their way through the roaring crowd. They knew Natsu had been downplaying his Scarlione status, but this was far beyond what any of them had expected.

The group reached the large ornate hallway at the end of the cavern, the crowd making no move to follow them inside. Walking down the hallway, Erza had to marvel at just how well crafted the corridor was, despite being so far underground.

Reaching the other end of the corridor, two knights stood at attention, allowing them all into a room with a round table. Once the last of the group was inside, the doors were closed and locked, as all eyes moved toward the other occupants in the room.

"I do not believe my eyes," a deep, masculine voice uttered, as a tall, muscular, dark-skinned man rose from his seat, looking partially shocked, but mostly overjoyed. "Natsu! Gildarts! My friends!"

The man wore no shirt, only a cloak made out of animal furs, a pair of dark green tattered slacks with a violet sash around his waist, brown leather gloves as well as a black pair of combat boots.

His head was fully shaven, though he sported a full bushy black beard. His body was covered in a series of strange runic markings that none of the girls could identify, though Erza immediately knew who this man was just by looking at him, based on Natsu's description.

The man reached Natsu and Gildarts' position, standing around Gildarts' height as the two older men clasped each other by the forearms. He then looked up at Natsu, seemingly finding great amusement in Natsu's abnormal height, rapping a fist against his chest.

"Shrikke's news caused us no end of pain, I must say. However, to see my good friends here safe and sound is… I cannot even begin to describe how joyous this day is!"

"Its good to see you again too," Gildarts grinned, as the pair separated. "Check out Natsu, eh!? He'll have us beat soon enough!"

"I was going to say that he is no longer the boy I remember," the man grinned. "Yet again, you defy the odds and expectations my friend!"

"With monsters like you teaching me, wasn't it inevitable, Solomon," Natsu chuckled in response, as the trio shared another laugh.

A Former Member Of The Old Crew

The Last Survivor Of The Kheshe People

The Grand Battlemage Of The Scarlione Empire

Commander Grand Cross Of The Scarlione Empire

Solomon Duvorn

"This is Solomon," Erza muttered, almost in awe, as the man chatted away amicably with Natsu and Gildarts.

Her awe-like stupor surprised Elise and Wendy, who hadn't expected such a reaction from the Requip Mage, since they were all only just meeting these figures from Natsu's past.

"You know him Erza," Elise asked curiously, eliciting a slow shake of the head from the Requip Mage.

"Not personally, no. But Natsu told Mira and I about him the night before the Promotion Trials," Erza explained, as she turned to fully look at the pair. "He told me that Gran Doma considered Solomon to be as powerful as the Ishgar Four…"

"What," Elise hissed, her head snapping toward the kindly older Mage. "Seriously!?"

"Scarlione is full of really powerful Mages," Wendy chimed in, clearly a little overwhelmed by so many powerful Mages being around her. "But Natsu stood alongside these people years ago, fighting against Achnologia…"

"That he did," Solomon's voice cut in, startling the trio as he seemed to just walk out from behind Elise. "If I could impart wisdom on the next generation, it would be that we are living proof of the folly of labels and titles."

"Huh?"

"What do you mean," Wendy asked curiously, as Solomon stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"Our team was comprised of what we thought were the strongest in the Empire at our professions. We could kill an entire legion of Alvarez troops together, not even fearing their Commanding Officers, yet Achnologia crushed us swiftly," the older man explained slowly. "All our titles, all our power, and all our labels as 'The Best' meant absolutely nothing."

"Oh…"

"We were arrogant, young one. Arrogant enough to believe we alone stood a chance against that which has ravaged for centuries. However, this does not mean we should lose hope in one day seeing that foul beast slain, for even he is flesh and blood," Solomon continued, as he moved to take a seat next to a pensive Illyandra. "All things bleed. All things die. All things wither, rot away into the soil… Such is the circle of life. Such is what it means to exist, young one."

"Damn… I forgot how he used to get all philosophical like that," Natsu muttered, running a hand through his hair as he took a seat next to Alyssa. "Let's just sit down and … Uh … Let's just move on."

"I concur," Illyandra sighed. "Solomon. Time and place."

"My apologies," the older Mage replied with a respectful nod, which was reciprocated.

"Now then, its time to get down to the obvious," Illyandra sighed, snapping her fingers as a Lacrima Projection of the map of Scarlione appeared at the center of the round table. "Currently, Alvarez is winning. I can't deny it, its just obvious. Before I go into further detail though, I want to know what the three of you know about the Alvarez Empire?"

Elise, Erza and Wendy were put on the spot, with Wendy merely blushing and avoiding Illyandra's gaze, since she didn't really know anything at all. Erza knew what little Natsu had told her, but Elise actually knew a bit more.

"They're the sole Empire that controls the entire continent of Alakitasia, and are led by the mysterious Emperor Spriggan. No one knows who he is, only that he's said to be powerful, and his rule absolute."

"That's actually a surprising amount of knowledge," Illyandra nodded in response. "You are correct as well, Alvarez is the largest Empire in the world, boasting millions of troops and some of the strongest Commanders in the known world. This brings me to my next point…"

The projection shifted to what appeared to be several large forts positioned in key locations around a series of mountains.

"Recently, Alvarez had these forts constructed in order to fuel their next major offensive on one of the few large cities we have managed to retain control over. Lanstar City," Illyandra explained, as the projection zoomed out.

Once the projection was fully zoomed out, it showed Lanstar City, a massive port city that encompassed an entire coast, including both nearby mountains. Curiously, they could see a massive dome erected around the entire thing, shielding even nearby farmland.

"Lanstar City, the second largest city in the Scarlione Empire. Population, fourteen point four million," Illyandra continued, as Erza, Elise and Wendy's jaws dropped.

"Are you serious!? Fiore's largest city of Crocus barely has two million people!? AND THAT'S LITERALLY THE CAPITAL," Erza practically screeched, eliciting an amused chuckle from both Natsu and Gildarts.

"You didn't think Alvarez chose to attack Scarlione for no reason, did you? We are the largest Kingdom on the Ishgar continent. Before the war began, our combined population totaled forty-four million."

Erza was rendered speechless, even Elise and Wendy being lost for words, as Natsu finally decided to chime in to clarify things for them.

"Alvarez attacked Scarlione first, because Scarlione had the largest standing army, and many powerful Mages among its ranks. Had the other Kingdoms heeded Scarlione's call to rally against Alvarez, they would have been stalemated."

"Not that they did," Alyssa sniffed, shaking her head. "Cowards."

"Regardless, we're getting off topic," Illyandra chimed in, redirecting focus to the forts. "As you can see, these forts are positioned in strategic locations high within the mountains surrounding Lanstar City. I want to send two powerful Mages to take them out before they are fully manned by Alvarez forces!"

"So, what's the plan," Natsu asked, eyeing the data curiously.

"I was thinking of sending Gildarts, as well as you, Erza Scarlett, to take care of these forts?"

"Me," Erza blinked, surprised at being asked to go with the Crash Mage. "Why me?"

"Protocol," Natsu replied bluntly. "She knows we've got … history. Standard protocol is to not have people like that in the same squad because it could interfere with the mission."

"Oh," Erza mumbled in response, quickly catching onto what he meant. "Fair enough."

"Then its settled. Gildarts and Erza will go and deal with these forts. This leaves me looking at you, Natsu."

"What about me?"

"I can tell you're not the hot-headed imbecile you were years ago. Even when we last spoke, you had clearly matured far beyond most your age. Therefore, I'm going to trust you with a job that is vital to the entire war effort."

"What is it," Natsu asked seriously, sitting up straighter, as the projection flickered, now showing a gutted city. "What…"

"No way," Gildarts muttered, as the girls looked between the others, waiting for an explanation.

"The Ichor City was destroyed," Natsu whispered, eliciting a gasp from Erza, immediately recognizing the name.

"That's the capital of the Scarlione Empire, right!? Isn't the Ichor Throne there!?"

"You are correct, Erza Scarlett," Illyandra replied, her voice almost hollow, as the projection zoomed out to show a terrible scar across the landscape had destroyed hundreds of hectares of land, as well as countless other craters. "The Ichor City, largest city in the Scarlione Empire. Population, twenty-two point seven million…"

All the Fairy Tail Mages watched in horror, as the number started winding down, shrinking rapidly. Natsu and Gildarts actually paled, watching as it went from eight digits, to seven, then to six…

"After the month of August… Survivors… Fifty Thousand," Illyandra whispered, clearly struggling to utter such a high casualty rate.

"That's-!"

"Alvarez," Solomon sighed. "Keep in mind, this was all done by one of their strongest Mages. From what we've heard, this was actually him going against the orders of Emperor Spriggan, for which he was sorely reprimanded."

"Even still," Natsu replied shakily. "They took out around half of the Kingdom's population…"

"Moving along," Illyandra said through grit teeth, as the projection zoomed in on the damaged castle. "Ever since the battle, Alvarez have stationed forces in The Ichor City, more specifically, my palace. From what I've been told, they are trying to breach my vault and gain access to what's inside."

"Hold on," Natsu muttered, as he slowly rose from his seat. "You're trusting ME to handle something as precious as THAT!?"

"You are the only one I want to handle it, now that I have the option," Illyandra smiled sadly, as Natsu bit his lip and looked away. "I want that secured at all costs. I also want everything else in the vault placed into your Requip Space for immediate transport to the Scarlione Embassy in Crocus."

"…As you say."

"Thank you," Illyandra smiled, before looking over toward Elise. "I would have you go with Natsu. However, I ask that you do not enter my vault unless there is no other choice. What lies within… I can only describe it as Lost Magic that is so delicate it could destroy the entire country."

"And you want Natsu to handle that by himself," Erza chimed in, noticing how stressed Natsu seemed about his assigned task. "Surely-?"

"She's right Erza," Natsu cut in firmly, steeling himself. "She's right. I saw what was down there years ago, saw something I wasn't supposed to… I'm the best choice, because I'm the only person aside from Illyandra who even knows what it is, and what its true value is to this country."

"Natsu…"

"I'll stay out of there, I promise," Elise added after several tense moments of silence. "I can tell this is a massive deal."

"Thank you, Elise Faulkner," Illyandra replied sincerely. "Now then, you two will likely find fierce resistance within The Ichor City, but from what I can sense from the pair of you, I think you'll handle it."

"So, what will Wendy be doing," Natsu asked, deciding to shift the topic well away from the current one, as all eyes fell on the youngest member present.

"For the moment, until the two of you have completed your tasks, she will remain here," Illyandra replied, smiling at the put out look on the young Dragon Slayer's face. "Heh. Natsu used to give me that same look when he was younger."

"She will not be idle though," Solomon chimed in, as he rose from his seat. "I can sense a great power within this girl, one that I believe I can set on a path of major growth."

"Wendy, I'd seriously consider taking up any offer he gives you," Natsu chimed in, drawing the attention of the young Dragon Slayer. "Solomon is the one who helped me figure out the nuances of my Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. I think he can do the same for you, if you let him?"

Wendy seemed thoughtful about what Natsu had said, as memories of Tenrou Island, and her pitiful display against Azuma, came to the forefront of her mind. Wincing, the young Dragon Slayer grit her teeth, before nodding stiffly.

"I'll do it. Any help I can get to grow stronger… I'll do it."

"I promise you young one, I will not let you down," Solomon replied with a smile, as Illyandra decided to bring the meeting back to order.

"Right then, it seems everything is settled for the immediate future. The only other order of business is you, Alyssa. You'll head on over to the Ironworks and have those Suppression Cuffs removed, and then rest up."

"Fair enough Ma'am," the Trap Mage replied with a tired nod. "Not having access to my Magic for three months has really taken it out of me…"

"I'm sure it has," Illyandra sighed sadly. "Right then, time to go over how we shall deploy both teams. Natsu and Elise, you shall both head out to the small town of Brinne tonight. Once there, you will wait until Gildarts and Erza have commenced their attack on the nearby fort. Using the attack as cover, you should both be able to slip past the checkpoints just past Brinne, allowing you to reach The Ichor City faster."

"And what about us," Gildarts asked.

"You'll both head out tonight as well, though you'll cut through the forest to the West of Brinne, allowing you both to reach the fort much faster."

"Fair enough," Gildarts replied with a nod, not finding any fault with the plan. "Guess we'd better all go get something to eat and relax for a bit, because once we're out there, we'll be right in the thick of it."

"Gildarts is correct. All of you are welcome to use any amenities we have available," Illyandra replied firmly. "Eat, drink, rest. Stock up on any supplies you all might need, and prepare yourselves for what is to come!"

The group collectively rose to their feet, adjourning the meeting, as they went to make whatever preparations they felt were necessary in order to complete their assigned tasks.

***POTD***

Several hours later, night had finally fallen over the Scarlione Empire, as Illyandra led Natsu, Gildarts, Erza and Elise up to the surface.

The trip up was tense, silent, and unnerving. They all knew there were a million ways this could go wrong, that all their preparations could have been for nothing. Yet, none of them voiced their concerns.

All that mattered, was that they were going regardless.

The surface quickly came into view, as Illyandra popped them out in a completely different location. The Queen pulled Erza and Gildarts aside, speaking to them privately for several minutes, before sending the pair on their way.

Natsu shared a look with Erza as she departed, a silent promise exchanged between the pair that they would both make it through what was to come. It brought small comfort, which was better than nothing.

Natsu was snapped back to reality, as Illyandra approached the pair, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

"Now then, before you go, I want to first express my gratitude that you are both here, and willing to assist my Kingdom like this. Especially you Elise."

"Me?"

"Yes. You held no obligation to either myself, or my nation, yet yourself, Erza and young Wendy came along and are offering assistance anyway. It warms my heart to know that Mages like you girls can still be found in these dark times."

"Oh… Thank you, Queen Illyandra," Elise replied, clearly taken aback by how sincere the Queen was being. "I'll do my best to not let you down."

"I don't doubt it," the Queen smiled, before looking toward Natsu. "And you, Natsu… What can I even say to you that I haven't said already? You have grown far beyond what anyone could have predicted, yet you have remained a good soul. No matter what happens out there, what you have to do … I want you to remember that you have us there in your corner, okay?"

"I'll remember…"

"Seeing you grow from a cocky, arrogant teenager, to the man you are now… I know that no matter what, you'll always do me proud," Illyandra sniffed, as she placed her hands on her hips. "Now then, make sure you both come back in one piece, so as to not make me cry again! And Natsu, do try to keep you Magic Power in check, alright?"

"I will," Natsu chuckled in response, as the Queen stepped forward, pulling him into a gentle hug.

"Take care of yourself…"

"I will," Natsu replied, gently hugging her back, before the pair separated. "Goodbye Illy, we'll be back soon."

With that, Natsu and Elise took off, heading down the side of the mountain they had emerged from, as Elise drew his attention.

"She's definitely not what I expected," the God Slayer noted, as they passed by countless trees and bushes in the blink of an eye. "But she seems a bit … broken."

"I think she's about at her wits end," Natsu replied grimly. "She's lost far too much because of this war. She's lost her Empire, her beloved citizens, her own Daughter and Heir, close allies…"

"She must be a really strong woman to endure all of that and still have the strength to lead her people against Alvarez," Elise sighed sadly, as they skidded to a stop, coming out on a worn-down dirt path. "Let's do our best for her."

"Thanks Elise," Natsu smiled in response, as the pair vanished deep into the forest.

***POTD***

As Natsu and Elise rushed to reach Brinne Town, Gildarts and Erza found themselves making their way to an outpost. Said outpost was where they'd meet up with a local strike force Illyandra had assigned to assist in the attacks on the forts in the region.

Both of them were determined to succeed in causing as much damage to the forts as possible, in the loudest way possible. Natsu and Elise's infiltration rode on their success, and Erza was determined to make sure she didn't let Natsu down after having practically forced her way into coming to Scarlione.

"You should settle down Erza. Overthinking and stressing out about what ifs won't get you anywhere. So, just take a few breaths and calm down," Gildarts suggested, noticing Erza's stiff posture and almost robotic movement.

"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 Queen Illyandra and her troops by him having faith in me…"

"Come on Erza, you're seriously overthinking this," Gildarts sighed, as the pair stopped at a fork in the road. "You're a strong Mage in your own right Erza, but everyone has room for improvement. No one is expecting the world from you, because you're just one woman."

"I guess…"

"If we fail, you do realize more blame would be placed on me than on you, right? Just focus on doing what you know you're good at. That's all anyone can ask of you."

"You're right Gildarts," Erza smiled slightly. "Thanks. I guess I'm on crowd control then?"

"Yeah. I'll need you to do your best to keep the Alvarez troops off of me so I can charge up enough Crash Magic to blow away these forts. The first one will be easy, but the rest will be a challenge."

"I'm surprised that you of all people would need to charge up your Crash Magic to destroy something?"

"Normally, something as basic as a fort would be a piece of cake," Gildarts shrugged in response. "The thing about large scale destruction is, the less focused it is, the shittier of a job it'll do. I can fire off a fort sized blast instantly, but it probably wouldn't actually take out the whole thing, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it," Erza replied with a smile. "Even a man like you has his limits."

"Exactly! Which is exactly why I tell you not to stress about things that you can't control. We all have our niche, and if we work together, we can get much further."

"Well, you aren't wrong there," Erza nodded in agreement. "So, what's the plan once we reach this camp we're headed to?"

"Illyandra gave me these sealed documents for the Deputy Commander. I've got to hand them over, then we'll split off from the main force so we can start taking out these forts while they fight the bulk of the enemy in the valley."

"Do we know if the Deputy Commander is any good?"

"Who? Dio? Trust me Erza, Dio can get the job done," Gildarts replied with a firm nod. "Back when Natsu and I were here originally, Dio was an up-and-coming Squad Captain. But, even back then, everyone knew he was easily a cut above the rest."

"Well, if you think he's got what it takes to lead the distraction force, I guess that gives me a little bit more confidence in our chances of actually pulling this off."

"I have confidence in every man and woman in that battalion Erza. Since the only troops left are Scarlione's elite, it means we're working with the best of the best," Gildarts replied as the outpost slowly started to come into view. "I almost feel sorry for the enemy having to deal with troops like ours… Almost."

Erza was surprised to see the outpost looking rather fortified and secure as they approached. Given the state of the war, she had assumed Scarlione were barely scraping by.

As the two made their way into the outpost, Erza couldn't help but hear the murmurs amongst the troops about the Legendary Gildarts, as well as whispers about who she assumed was Natsu, the ferocious Salamander.

It was quite interesting to hear the two men be spoken of in such a manner. It reminded her of how the Wizard Saints back home were often treated, though here they had earned their clout through blood, sweat and tears.

Following Gildarts to what Erza assumed to be the command tent, a rather slim man with an athletic build walked up to them, a wide grin on his face.

"Gildarts!? I can't bloody believe it, the rumors are true," the man half shouted, as the pair clasped each other's forearms, shaking firmly. "With you here, we might stand a bloody chance of kicking Alavrez in the damn teeth!"

"It's nice to see you after all these years as well, Dio," Gildarts replied with a smile as they released each other. "It seems you're doing pretty good for yourself, eh? Deputy Commander and all?"

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

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

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

"Permission to speak freely?"

"Granted," Gildarts replied with a knowing smirk.

"You cannot be fucking for real with these orders," Dio snapped. "Are you seriously telling me that you expect just the two of you to take out those forts!? Even with us distracting the bulk of their forces, you'll still have stiff competition!?"

"You aren't wrong, and we know this is risky, but we have to do this for several reasons," Gildarts sighed. "First off, Lanstar City needs the reprieve. But also, we need to make sure this all goes off in the morning so Natsu can enact his part of the plan!"

"Fine, fine," Dio sighed with a wave of his hand. "You're fucking crazy though, let me tell you that much. "Hopefully with these forts down, my forces can push back into the desert and try to make contact with Commander Shrikke's Battalion?"

"Here's hoping," Gildarts agreed with a sigh. "Who knows, Natsu might run into him while he's running around behind enemy lines?"

"If there was anyone who was perfect for the job of causing chaos behind enemy lines, it was Natsu," Dio smirked, shaking his head. "How is he by the way?"

"Better than he was when he left, that's for sure," Gildarts replied, eliciting a knowing hum from the Deputy Commander.

"Good. He looked like shit when he left, I'm glad you guys got out, even if it was only for a bit."

"Thanks Dio," Gildarts smiled in response. "Unfortunately, back to being in the thick of it I'm afraid. On that note though, Erza and I need to get moving, but good luck in the coming battles, eh?"

"Same to you both as well," the Deputy Commander replied, as the duo left the tent.

"So, what do we do now," Erza asked curiously, as Gildarts motioned for her to follow him.

"Now, we head on over to our assigned positions," the Crash Mage replied, as they left the outpost. "The attack will start early in the morning, so we need to get to our position before the sun goes up."

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

As they headed out, Dio could be heard rallying his troops. Everyone knew the battle to come would be bloody, gritty, and really grim. However, they would fight and do their duty as best they could.

As the sounds of Dio's speech and cheering soldiers faded, Erza resolved herself to give this task her all. If these troops were able to resolve themselves, then so was she. Especially for Natsu's sake.