I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Promotion With A Price

/Magnolia/

It had been one week since Natsu returned and destroyed the Eclipse Gate and the amount of beatings he endured for pulling a crazy stunt like fighting five Dragons was staggering, even Wendy unleashed some of her strongest attacks against him and told him he was to never pull a stunt like that again.

Natsu hastily agreed though he couldn't help but smile at the powerful mage she had become.

Yes Natsu had been doing a lot of thinking over this last week, the idea of the ones he loved losing that shine in their eyes would kill him which only made him reaffirm that he did the right thing by keeping the threat as far away from them as he could even if it made them mad at him.

It wasn't until he looked at Makarov that he knew the old man was on the same page as he was, nothing was spoken between them at the time but their eyes conveyed the message.

Protect their light from the shadows.

This had genuinely surprised Natsu but looking into the old man's eyes he could see a much older version of himself within, calm and kind with a big heart but mess with one who he cares about and the heavens themselves would be torn apart for righteous vengeance.

And this brings us to the present, Natsu decided to have a private conversation with Makarov about it, he knew that the lengths to which he would go wouldn't get any shorter but he wanted to confirm something he'd seen in the old man's eyes.

Natsu walked into Fairy Tail with his Wizard Saints jacket hanging loosely off his back, his full outfit was too small for him now so he was forced to wait until he could get to Era to have a new one made assuming he even still was a Saint.

"Hey gramps I want to have a talk with you … in private."

"Makarov looked at the gaze Natsu was giving him and nodded many of the more observant and intelligent members of the guild knew this was actually a serious matter and decided not to interrupt the two.

"Mira we'll be in my office for a bit I don't want to be disturbed by anyone even if Erza comes in looking for Natsu," Makarov said with a firm tone as Mirajane nodded before returning to her work. "Come with me Natsu."

The two made their way to Makarov's Office and closed the door as Natsu sat in a chair across from the old man who let out an aged sigh.

"Alright let's get the main part out of the way then Natsu …"

"How many years have you hidden it from them, from us?"

"Since I first became Guild Master all those years ago … the rule of not killing others is in place so that they may lead a life free from such darkness, their smiling faces are what keeps me going everyday and gives me the strength to do what needs to be done for their safety."

"So you do kill as Gildarts and I do … what about Laxus?"

"Yes Laxus has but only since the Tenrou incident has he shown real just cause for it before it was killing that could have been avoided."

"I see … how do you truly cope with it though gramps knowing that they live in blissful ignorance while many of us kill for them?"

"I was wondering when we'd have this conversation Natsu and I'm surprised it's taken you this long, then again there were many revelations the night of the Dragons attack weren't there?"

"I am no threat to them gramps you know why I can't tell them imagine if Gray found out after what happened to him and his family he'd be after my head for sure."

"Which is why I said nothing Natsu, there are those of us who are able to get through life living in the light honest and carefree. Then there are people like us who ensure that they are free to do so through any means necessary, with such actions comes the long darkness which you bear more than even I and for that you have my respect."

"You're … respect?"

"You are the very Demon in which the myths state would wipe humanity clean off the earth and yet look at how you have used that power Natsu, fighting for your friends and family with all your might to ensure they can remain happy and carefree without ever taking the life of another."

"So you aren't mad I never told you?"

"No I'm not, we all have our Demons Natsu yours being in the physical sense, I know you will use this power for good so there is no need to feel regret by not telling me."

"Thanks gramps … I usually use it as a last resort since I'd be hunted by the Council the moment they found out I was a Demon so I'm glad I can count on you to keep my secret safe."

"You know I was horrified when I saw you impaled on that scythe Natsu I thought there was no way such a thing could occur and then you came back with a power feared across the land so in a way I'm more awed by the fact that you went from being a loud mouthed brat who would have thrown an ability like that out just to prove a point to such a fine young man. I do want to ask though if you had fought God Serena with that power how do you think you would fare?"

Natsu frowned as he thought about the question before looking back at Makarov with a serious expression.

"I would have used it as soon as he sealed off my Fire Dragon Slaying Magic and used its effects to remove the seal and then used about 60% of my full power to bring him down."

"60% that is quite specific isn't it?"

"I say 60% because after I ate Atlas Flame my power has increased exponentially so even in my human like state I could probably beat him if not knock him out before collapsing myself."

"I see though you almost succeeded in the games did you not?"

"To an extent see he wouldn't have been as weakened as he was if he didn't use so many flashy techniques which is a mistake I can guarantee you he will not make next time, a person such as him probably never expected me to nearly match his own strength and as a result tried to assert dominance over me using raw power which proved his undoing since his final attack wasn't what beat me rather my own attack was."

"Yes that was a rather flashy attack as well wasn't it …"

"It's nothing compared to what the Dragoness who taught me can do, her breath attack when it makes contact can do that without draining her magic power a feat I one day hope to replicate."

Makarov nodded as someone knocked on the door before speaking.

"Master I know you didn't want to be disturbed but one of the messenger frogs from the Magic Council is here about Natsu's Wizard Saint results and handed me a letter."

"Slide it under the door please Mirajane," Makarov said as the letter slid under the door and Natsu walked over and picked it up before returning to his seat and opening it.

"So what's the verdict then," Makarov said as he noticed Natsu just freeze up at the paper before slowly handing it to the old man who read it and paled. "I take it you remember him then …"

"And he wants to meet me about taking his spot … is this serious or is he cracking one of his jokes?"

"No Natsu this is deadly serious I've known that man all my life and whenever he sends a letter it's nothing but the truth, you must leave immediately I'll write a letter for you and send it to the Council saying that you are on your way to speak with him."

"Thanks gramps … you know Erza, Elise and Wendy are out on a job so I can't tell them I'm leaving."

Makarov paled once again before sighing and waving him off.

"The letter said you had to come alone anyway so get going before anyone questions you!"

Natsu nodded quickly and walked out of the office and straight to the bar where Mira was, she looked up at him and noticed his serious expression.

"I know you can handle those three when they get back but I've got Saints business so I can't tell them I have to go and they'll be on a rampage as soon as they find out, break it to them lightly please Mira."

"It's fine Natsu I understand besides if it's from the Council it's not like those three could really do anything about it anyway, just out of curiosity though what's going on?"

"Read this and you'll understand why it's urgent."

Mira read the paper and gasped in shock as she dropped a glass she had in her other hand.

"But he's a legend … and he wants you to take his place! Natsu get going now you don't want to keep him waiting and … good luck with whatever it is you'll be doing."

"Thanks Mira I trust you'll keep this a secret for now," Natsu said as she nodded and he walked out the door with speed in his step.

Making his way to his house he walked inside and quickly began storing things he'd need in his requip space as Jellal walked in.

"Where are you going?"

"Wizard Saints business … one of the Ishgar Four."

Jellal looked at him in shock as Natsu nodded.

"You are either the luckiest bastard in the world or the unluckiest," Jellal sighed as he read the note. "Erza isn't going to like this."

"Erza has no choice it's one of the Ishgar Four and one of the founders to ignore his instructions would be a sign of disrespect!"

Jellal nodded before looking back at Natsu with a pleading look.

"Alright you can hold out in the treasure room until I return just don't take anything I'll know, don't worry Erza won't cut anything up down there."

"Thanks Natsu and good luck I hope to see you again alive," Jellal said as Natsu nodded grimly.

Mission from one of the Ishgar Four to take their rank easy, not telling Erza he's off to do Ishgar Four level quest a week after you promised to always keep her informed and not leave her out of the loop, Century Quest Level.

/Three Days Later – Natsu's POV/

"So this is where he lives …"

Natsu had travelled to the location outlined in the letter and wasn't all that surprised at what the surrounding area looked like, trees … lots of trees.

Sighing Natsu walked up to the front door and knocked on it several times, not getting a response Natsu knocked again.

"I can sense he's in there so why isn't he answering the door?"

Knocking once again he still received no response, frowning he knocked again but accidently sent the door off its hinges as he winced.

"Hehe whoops."

It was then he noticed his client sitting in a chair facing the door with an amused expression.

"Hello there young one I've been waiting for you."

"Hang on you knew I was knocking on the door why didn't you answer it?"

"Ah yes you see there's a pretty serious reason as to why I didn't Natsu for you see … I couldn't be bothered getting up."

Natsu face vaulted at the man's joke as the old man began to laugh, was this truly one of the founders of Fairy Tail.

"Hehe screwing around with the young ones is always such fun but I digress come and sit down the matter for which I summoned you here is completely serious," the man said as his entire personality seemed to take a complete 180 from what it was a moment ago.

Natsu nodded as he sat down and the two shared a cup of tea with the old man sighing and gazing into the fireplace.

"So I trust you know who I am?"

"Warrod Sequen ranked number four among the Ten Wizard Saints and among the Ishgar Four, also one of the founding members of Fairy Tail alongside Precht Gaebolg, Yuri Dreyar and Mavis Vermillion," Natsu said as Mavis appeared in between the two which startled Warrod.

"Hi Warrod it's been a long time my friend!"

"M-Mavis how are you here I thought that you were locked up under the-!"

Warrod promptly shut his mouth as Natsu simply nodded knowing that it was likely a guild secret he shouldn't be privy to."

"Thanks for understanding Natsu and yes I still am but my spirit is kind of stuck to Natsu so I can go on all sorts of adventures!"

"That would be something you'd do Mavis … even so this matter is important because it actually affects the guild so I would ask that you adopt your role as Fairy Tactician for the moment."

Mavis' eyes hardened as Natsu leaned in and placed the letter on the table between them.

"So is it true that you are retiring from the Ten?"

"Yes indeed it is, I'm getting on in years and making my way to those damned meetings was hurting my back however there wasn't anyone who I considered worthy enough to break into the four until you came along."

"Why do you think I'm worthy?"

"Simply put you are the epitome of a true mage Natsu, strong, calm and powerful with a kind heart. You aren't like some of those other brats you actually know what you're doing and know what the consequences of using your power recklessly are and yes I am saying this after you lit half of Crocus on fire but the result was that the Eclipse Gate was finally destroyed."

"What about Jura he seems pretty capable?"

"Perhaps but he still has much to learn Natsu he does go around with the title 'Strongest Human' so that in itself is absolute proof he isn't capable however you do no such thing. You merely step up when required and never mess around knowing that lives could be lost if you do which a lot of the other Saints minus Makarov do."

"Well that's all well and good but wasn't the point of that little fight I had with God Serena supposed to decide my place?"

"Yes it was but your fight actually caused more trouble for the Magic Council; you came out there and nearly beat the number one Wizard Saint in single combat which immediately had people unsure of what to do. You deserve nothing less than a place among the four so I decided to make things easy on everyone and say you can have my spot and work your way up from there."

"Well that works after all I'm not in it for the fame or anything I was even hesitant about becoming a Wizard Saint period."

Warrod nodded in approval with a small smile on his face however it vanished quickly as he snapped his fingers and the table they had been eating off vanished and a large model of what appeared to be a town appeared.

"I trust you are familiar with a former guild known as Phantom Lord?"

Natsu nodded remembering the battle in which he defeated Jose and basically stole his title.

"You remember their innate hatred of Fairy Tail I assume, a hatred that Jose in particular seemed to harbor more than anyone?"

"Yeah I remember he caused the whole incident because he was afraid of losing power and was willing to kill people to prove a point, that and he tried kidnapping a guild member."

"Yes well what if I told you there was actually an origin for that hatred that stemmed back to a guild us founders fought many years ago?"

"Well I would ask how they weren't utterly crushed and swept under the rug known as history," Natsu replied as Warrod smirked slightly.

"Well they were in a sense Natsu, many years ago back when Magnolia was but a small village a massive Dark Guild by the name of Blue Skull operated from there led by a man named Geoffrey. Now obviously we won and kicked them out of Magnolia but their Guild Master survived and founded Phantom Lord vowing it would be stronger than Fairy Tail."

"Wow what a douche."

"Following the defeat of Jose, Phantom Lord's disbandment and Jose's imprisonment something strange happened. Jose was broken out of prison by several unidentified mages however the magic of one of them was undeniable … Geoffrey."

"I would ask how he could still be alive but you are and so was Precht and even Mavis is still hanging around so I will only ask why do you think he busted Jose out?"

"Well revenge is my bet but that's where it gets good Natsu because I'm going to request with the backing of the Council … that you head to this town and kill every last one of the Dark Mages including Geoffrey and Jose and any other relatives or descendants that could come for revenge. If you can successfully pull this off you will become one of the four and I can retire knowing that Fairy Tail is safe."

"Is everyone in this town a mage?"

"Yes officially this town doesn't actually exist since it seems to have sprung up overnight which means Geoffrey was hiding it, wipe them and their town out Natsu so that they can never harm anyone again."

Natsu nodded and accepted the quest without complaint as Warrod smiled before sighing.

"If I could I would have gone and tried to deal with this myself but like I said earlier my age restricts me in ways you couldn't possibly imagine."

"It's fine I understand the importance behind this request I'll make sure to get it done, so which way is this town?"

"Come outside with me Natsu," Warrod said as he slowly got up and walked out the door with Natsu trailing behind and Mavis floating alongside him.

Warrod stood on a patch of flat grass and motioned for Natsu to stand in the centre.

"I will send you to where the town is Natsu but you'll be on your own from there, remember any who have allegiance to Geoffrey or any of his descendents must die there is no other way."

Natsu nodded in understanding as Mavis sighed next to him.

"This was always the worst part about being Guild Master even worse than the paperwork because people would destroy things."

Warron pointed his index finger at the ground before a massive amount of magic power began erupting from him and he motioned upward, a large tree burst from the ground with Natsu on top of it sporting a massive grin.

"Whoa this is awesome what type of magic does he use!"

"I think he called it Green Magic," Mavis replied as the two were sent on their way at speeds Natsu couldn't believe.

"That guy's got to have an insane amount of magic power!"

"Have you considered how old he is Natsu of course he does after all he was in his fifties when Makarov was born!"

Natsu's jaw dropped as the tree began to slow down before stopping; looking out at the area he could see the makings of a town in the distance.

"Ok then miss Fairy Tactician how do you think I should approach this?"

"Well give me an idea of this Jose guy and how he ran Phantom Lord, I've fought Geoffrey before but I have no idea about his descendents."

"Well to be honest I'm surprised that Jose is even able to fight he did get hit by Fairy Law I thought that was supposed to end his days of fighting at least that's what gramps said?"

"It should've … this could be trouble if Geoffrey found a way to counter the effects of Fairy Law."

"Is that even possible?"

"Well I'm surprised considering who taught me it but then again with Dark Guilds you never know."

"So who taught you it?"

"I … can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"Because I just can't you're better off not knowing."

"It was Zeref wasn't it," Natsu sighed as Mavis let out a gasp in shock.

"Why do you have to be so damn smart!"

"It was pretty obvious you never withhold info from me when I ask for it Mavis which lead me to the one person who you seem to have a grudge against that being Zeref and don't think I didn't notice you wander off on the way out of Crocus to go talk with him."

"Can't hide anything from you can I …"

"Nope," Natsu said with a grin before it vanished. "But back to the matter at hand if Geoffrey managed to find a way to reverse the lifelong effects of Fairy Law then it means one of two things, either he's spent the last hundred or whatever years of his life researching it or Zeref gave him the answers he needed to start trouble."

"And if Zeref gave that to someone like Geoffrey who knows what else he did … this really isn't good."

"So using the Fairy Law to incapacitate the town is out of the question so I guess I'll have to do it the old fashioned way but that in itself isn't good because many of them could escape in the chaos."

"Well the answer is simple then isn't it you'll just have to put up a barrier that prevents them from escaping."

"Yeah but I don't have any barrier spells all I have are- no you've got to be joking?"

"I've been tweaking it slightly as we came here since I thought a scenario might occur like this, Geoffrey is a man who has sought revenge on Fairy Tail for a really long time and has an entire towns worth of Dark Mages at his disposal."

"And if Jose was Wizard Saint level then who knows what Geoffrey would be like if he's been training everyday still … this is going to be one crazy mission. So you've tweaked the Fairy Sphere so I assume that it won't put its occupants to sleep?"

"I had to change more than just that for it to work correctly, first it no longer pulls you out of this dimension and into a pocket one since that would mean we could return at an unspecified time after all this is over. Next I did remove the sleeping part but I had to do it for everyone even though I wanted to make only the enemy sleep. Another consequence is that the barrier is much smaller since it won't be continuously draining your magic rather it will be a set amount, seeing the town I have figured out exactly how much you'll need but in order for the spell to encase everyone you'll need to reach the centre of town and activate it."

"Right this'll be a real breeze," Natsu said sarcastically as he began walking towards the town.

"Remember Natsu the regular mages are weak you can easily defeat them without much effort as you are now," Mavis said as Natsu nodded before taking off with full speed towards the town gates which were guarded by two mages.

"Oi when the fuck does our shift end I'm starving," one of the Dark Mages said as the other shrugged.

"Beats me the replacements should've been ere an hour ago I'd leave my post but the Master would skin me alive no question."

The guard yawned and closed his eyes, his life was suddenly over when somehow his head smashed against the other guards at such a speed that their skulls were shattered.

Natsu had managed to get around to the side and shook his head, the guards were standing in a perfect beeline which was all too easy. Using his superior speed Natsu swiftly darted from his position and within moments grabbed the first man's head and forcibly dragged him and smashed his head into the other guards' one before carrying both the bodies into the bushes on the other side.

Anyone who saw that would have seen a blur for just a moment unless they were a skilled mage luckily for Natsu none of the ones near here were.

"Right now to slip inside and get to work," Natsu whispered to himself as he swiftly made his way inside the town and slipped into an alley.

Mavis appeared beside him once more as she surveyed the area.

"They were discussing a guard shift that was supposed to occur and hour ago so just to be safe get to the centre of town as soon as you can."

Natsu didn't say a word as he began to make his way towards the centre slowly killing any mage who happened to cross his path.

After what felt like ages Natsu was close however he had to wonder as to the exact size of the town it was bigger than Magnolia was and tightly packed too, just how many people were actually here?"

And then there was the tower to the far right hand side that angered Natsu to no end, a bastardized version of the same tower Jellal built its purpose probably 10x worse too.

"Natsu hurry I think a body was just discovered!"

Natsu nodded and bolted to the centre of town where a large fountain with a statue of who Natsu assumed was Geoffrey was as he had the four founders of Fairy Tail dead at his feet.

'Sick bastard deserves every bit I'm gonna give him.'

Standing on top of the fountain Natsu knew he'd attract attention quick so he began massing magical power before shouting the spell.

"Fairy Sphere!"

Every mage in the town felt that as the powerful barrier was erected around the town, Natsu saw many mages already powering up spells as he quickly dove into action.

"I have just the clothes for this thank you very much Eliza," Natsu said as he requiped and was suddenly wearing an all ebony set of War God Class armor that Eliza said he'd more than earned.

"To be used only when taking part in a massive battle … think this qualifies eh?"

/Flashback/

Natsu had just beaten down the last of Eliza's War God Class as the Goddess began clapping with a huge smile on her face.

"Well done Natsu this only proves Elise made the right choice I'm sure with you she will grow to become strong just like you!"

"Well gee thanks Eliza," Natsu said with a grin as the Goddess could only marvel at the mortal that basically just beat up all her trainees.

"You know I'm glad it was you I had with me to beat Ravus I don't think anyone else would have been able to get the job done quite the way we did, I think you've earned a little gift from me."

"A gift?"

"Oh yes come with me to the armoury you'll understand," the Goddess said with a smirk as she lead Natsu through the barracks and into the armoury.

"See this armor Natsu armor of the Gods right here, made of the finest ebony you'll ever find! My armor is made from the same stuff and I plan on giving Elise a set once she masters her powers enough, this set hasn't really had an owner until now so I want you to have it as my personal gift to you for not only brightening up Elise's life but also for all the change you are bringing to mine."

"Eliza I-I don't know what to say!"

"Well you'll be taking the armor no question but here's the catch there are certain restrictions on the armor that you won't be able to use its true power with. To put it simply this armor is an armor that represents War which means you have to technically be fighting in a war for it to work properly."

"So what exactly does it do when it works properly?"

"Well I'll be there when you try it out for the first time so you can tell me what you think about it then hmm, oh and you'll never need to get it resized since it's attuned to you now just like mine is attuned to me and Elise's will be attuned to her."

"I still don't get it why would you give me an armor I've never used armor before?"

"One day you'll understand that when staring down impossible odds like … oh I don't know seven opponents who are Wizard Saint level or higher one of them being a man who has lived for revenge for over a century and an entire army of Dark Mages, then you'll understand."

"I don't … what?"

"Nothing important that you need to concern yourself with Natsu dear you'll know when you'll need it."

"Whatever you say Eliza, hey are we gonna go to that festival that's being held for us?"

"Of course we will it's in our honour," Eliza replied as the two left the armoury.

/Flashback End/

"Cheeky bitch told me my own future and I was too stupid to realize it."

"Well that wasn't very nice Natsu I never call you any names behind your back …"

"But I knew you'd be here since you did say you would when I first used the armor," Natsu said as he engaged the massive crowd of gathered Dark Mages as he began tearing into them with unbridled ferocity.

"So do you feel what the armor does?"

"The bloodlust that you and Elise get … the thrill of the battle that keeps you going, increased instincts bordering on precognition, I can't believe that this is really how a true master of War fights …"

"Natsu you haven't even scratched the surface yet try using one of the swords Elise gave you and see what happens."

As Natsu slit the throat of a mage with his bare hands he effortlessly requiped an ebony katana into his left hand and engaged another group of Dark Mages.

"Let your instinct take over Natsu and the blade will do the rest," Eliza said as Natsu seemed to just take a backseat as he hacked and slashed his way through the sea of Dark Mages who were firing off powerful spells at him however none seemed to land since they were either deflected by his sword, shattered by his Crash Magic or slapped back by his free hand that was coated red with the blood of countless mages.

"This is … unreal!"

From her perch on the building above Eliza was watching the carnage with a smile on her face, her eyes glowing crimson as they locked onto Natsu's own which were now the same.

"I've waited a long time to see those eyes Natsu which means the time is almost right to ask for your assistance … you are almost ready," Eliza said to herself before she vanished.

Natsu was surprised that this armor could give him such control in battle, his own skills could have been sufficient but to absolutely shatter a force this large and still not sustain a scratch seemed utterly impossible and yet here he was dancing through them leaving the streets flooded with their blood.

Natsu's dance continued long into the night however seven figured watched him from their perch on the tower with no visible expression on their faces, the only one who possessed any sort of emotion was the man at the top of the tower who had his head cocked to the side in fascination as he watched his underlings get massacred.

"The mage is from Fairy Tail … is this a personal matter do you think?"

"Perhaps but his ability is far beyond human that's for sure."

"We will undoubtedly have to combine our efforts to kill him."

"A Fairy who would kill is one we must be wary of."

"That is the one who fought me and took my position … he has grown quite powerful it seems, Natsu Dragneel his name was."

"Look at that his pink hair is stained crimson isn't that hilarious!"

"Ladies and gentlemen … we must play our part in the events to come, Lord Zeref has plans for this man and we must play our part and in return vengeance will be ours. With the power bestowed upon us we should be able to hold our own however winning is not the objective, three days is what he said was required and three days is what he shall receive. If the price to crush Fairy Tail is for Alvarez to conquer this land then that will be a price that we will gladly pay … at any cost, Lord Zeref assures me that things are in motion … so let's get to it."

The seven figures disappeared from the tower roof as the slaughter continued below.

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