A/N : Okay, this a solid 5k word chapter, and I'll be trying my best following multiple groups. I hope it stays a comfortable read for you guys. So please,

Enjoy !

The trip back to the guild was quiet, nobody wanting to engage in conversation. I walked alone, trailing behind everyone, simply staring ahead. My mind raced, trying to figure out what this StormHeart was all about. Did it really make me stronger? Did something truly change inside me? Lost in my thoughts, I bumped into Lucy in front of me, not realizing everyone had stopped.

"Sorry," I muttered, stepping back quickly, feeling a flush of embarrassment.

"It's fine, don't worry," she answered softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "We're back."

I looked up, taking in the familiar sight of Magnolia before us. The bustling town seemed unchanged, a stark contrast to the chaos in my mind. "Oh, already," I said bluntly.

"Let's head back, everyone. We've got some work to do," commanded Erza, resuming our journey.

Back at the guild, Wendy was still tending to Makarov, who had woken up since we left.

"Children..." he whispered, his voice weak, "I'm glad you are back."

"Don't force yourself, Master," stated Erza, her voice gentle yet firm. "We are back and all safe, don't worry. However, a lot has happened. Stay in bed, I'll explain everything to you." She disappeared into the room with him, leaving everyone else behind.

Without warning, I left the guild, jumping onto the roof and claiming back my favorite spot. I sighed and leaned my back against the roof, staring up at the sky. "So, what's changed? Still can't communicate?" I muttered, raising my arms to gaze at my marks. My eyes widened when I heard a voice inside my head.

"Oh, now we can, Haru, thanks to StormHeart."

"Aelion?" I gasped, straightening up in surprise.

"Yes, dear. You can't imagine how happy this makes us."

"So... I can really talk to you whenever I want?" I stammered. "And ask you questions?"

"Yes, we promised we would always be with you."

My entire body relaxed, letting my arms fall to my sides. "Mavis, thank you. So what's this StormHeart all about?"

"You'll understand soon enough, I promise. The only thing I can tell you is that you don't need to summon us every time now. We're a complete part of you, Haru. Try it out yourself."

"Sure... Thanks," I added, a faint smile appearing on my lips before I jumped down from the roof.

Entering the guild hall, I headed to the bar counter, where Gray and Natsu were, visibly deep in a serious conversation about something. Sitting down next to them, they stopped and turned towards me.

"Haru? You good?" asked Gray, concern evident in his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I tried to smile. "Still processing everything, but I'll just have to get through it."

Natsu patted my back, his usual grin spreading across his face. "Hey, no worries, you know you can count on us."

"I think I just need a good night's sleep. But I also wanna try out this StormHeart. I still have no clue if it changes my magic or anything."

"Guess we'll find out soon enough," smirked Gray. "I'm sure it's helpful."

Moments later, I finally decided to get up and get some deserved rest. "See you tomorrow, guys. G'night," I waved before heading out, hands tucked in my pockets.

Stepping outside, I was met by Mira. "Haru, are you... okay?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.

With a small smile, I answered, "Yeah, no worries. You?"

"Well... you didn't really talk since... earlier. I was just worried. Were you going to bed?"

"Yeah, it's just... a lot to process," I sighed, scratching the back of my head. "Everything that's happened, the StormHeart... it's overwhelming. Nobody knows yet, but I can communicate with them now.. Inside my head, but still"

Mira looked surprise. "Really ? That's great, isn't it ?"

"Yeah I'm not saying it's not, just... Weird, after not hearing about them for so many years. But hey, I'll get used to it"

"I see... Haru, do you mind if—"

I stepped closer, stopping her words. "Yes, I'll stay with you tonight if you want," I interrupted, gently stroking her hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry if you felt ignored, that wasn't what I wanted."

Mira's expression softened, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thanks, Haru. I did say I didn't want it any other way last time, remember?" she teased, stealing a quick chuckle from me.

"Alright, alright, I'll leave the roof for tonight. Let's go then," I said, a faint smile spreading across my face.

She took my hand, and we walked back to her place. She opened the door, letting me in. This was the first time I slept here, the only times we spent the night together being at the infirmary when I was in a bad state.

The room felt warm and inviting, filled with little touches that were uniquely Mira. She led me to the cozy living room, where a soft, inviting couch awaited. "Make yourself at home," she said, her smile never fading. "I'll make some tea and get changed. And give me that shirt of yours."

"My shirt?" I raised an eyebrow, but quickly took it off when I saw her expression.

Handing it to her, she left to get changed, and I sat down on the couch. When she finally reappeared, she was wearing my white T-shirt, oversized for her and stopping just before her knees.

I couldn't help but blush as she stepped into the living room like that. "Oh, that's why you wanted it..." I said, my voice trembling a bit more than I expected.

She smiled, the shirt slipping off one of her shoulders. "Yeah, I feel comfy in them. And they have your smell," she declared simply before heading into the kitchen to prepare some tea.

Turning back, I felt my cheeks heat up. "Mavis..." I whispered, waiting for her to return.

We spent some time drinking tea and talking about various subjects. As the night grew later, she started to yawn. "Guess it's time for some deserved rest," she said, rubbing her eyes.

"Yeah, deserved it is," I smiled, watching her get up and head to her room. "Come on, Haru, let's get to bed."

I flinched, "I'm not sleeping here?"

Mira turned around, a killing aura emanating from her. "Are you serious? We already slept together, move your ass and come here!"

"But it was in the infirmary..." I began, but she grabbed my wrist, pulling me into the room.

The bedroom was just as cozy as the living room, filled with soft lighting and a calming atmosphere. Mira released my wrist and gave me a playful shove towards the bed. "Get in," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I climbed into the bed, feeling the warmth of the blankets envelop me. Mira slipped in beside me, her presence immediately soothing. She snuggled close, her head resting on my chest. "See? Isn't this better?" she murmured, her voice already growing sleepy.

"Yeah, it is," I admitted, wrapping an arm around her.

"Goodnight, Haru," she whispered, her breath soft against my bare chest.

"Goodnight, Mira," I replied, closing my eyes. For the first time in what felt like ages, I felt at peace.

The early sun was what woke me up. Opening my eyes, I was met with Mira, still sleeping peacefully in the same position. Her head rested on my chest, one of her legs draped over my stomach, and her arm wrapped around me.

Carefully, I slipped out of bed, making sure not to wake her up. I headed to the kitchen, grabbing a cup before pouring a hot, steaming coffee into it. "Some things never change," I groggily whispered, taking a sip.

"True, you still look miserable in the morning," I heard a voice say, making me jump and nearly spill the entire cup on the floor.

"Mavis! Kirin? My heart just stopped, I forgot about that..." I said, a hand on my fast-beating heart. A light laugh reached my mind. "I'm sorry Haru, but you'll get used to it. I'll leave you some time to wake up"

"Yeah, thanks..." I muttered, gulping what was left from my coffee

As I stared out the kitchen window, I smiled at the peaceful morning scene outside.

Finishing my coffee, I quietly returned to the bedroom. Mira was still asleep, looking serene and beautiful in the soft morning light. After a moment, I decided to let her sleep a bit longer. I scribbled a quick note, leaving it on the bedside table: "Went for a quick walk. See you at the guild. -Haru"

Stepping outside, I felt the crisp morning air wake me up fully. I walked for a while through the slowly awakening streets before stepping into the guild. I was quickly met by Wendy, who looked utterly exhausted.

"Hey, Wen," I approached, taking her in a quick embrace. "You look exhausted. You've been here all night?"

She nodded, looking completely washed out. "Yeah, but Master is nearly back on his feet..."

I smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude for her dedication. "You did great, really. We would be so done without you." I took her in my arms, her small frame nearly falling asleep as I lifted her from the ground. "Take some rest, I'll pick it up from here."

I gently set her down on a nearby couch, watching as she immediately fell asleep. Her steady breathing confirming the fact.

Entering the infirmary, my gaze fell on Makarov, who was drinking some medicine. His colors had come back, and he looked healthier than the day before.

"Gramps," I greeted him, stepping closer.

"Haru," he responded, his voice still a bit weak but filled with warmth. "It's good to see you. How are you holding up?"

"I'm managing, but it's more about you," I replied, pulling up a chair to sit beside him. "Good thing you're getting better. Wendy told me you've made great progress."

Makarov nodded, setting the medicine cup down. "That girl has a gift, no doubt about it. We owe her a lot." He opened his eyes and looked at me with a serious expression. "But I also owe you a lot. Along with Jet. Without you, I might still be under the debris."

"We did what we had to. I'm just glad we got to you in time."

Makarov's eyes softened. "Erza has explained everything to me. To the single detail. I'm guessing you're getting ready for what's coming."

I nodded. "Yeah, I know what I have to do. On the way here, I talked with Kirin. They don't know where the book is, but they have leads for Erebus."

Makarov sighed. "That's already good news. Without that, we have nothing, not a single clue. Let's trust them; we have no choice anyway." He turned to face me, his expression becoming extremely serious. "Haru, I want you to take the lead with Erza. In fact, this is an order. I want you to lead Fairy Tail to victory."

I locked my eyes into his. "And I won't disappoint you, Gramps." I stood up and reached for the door. Swinging it open, I was met with Erza, leaning against the wall.

"I've heard everything. Let's show Erebus what Fairy Tail is made of," she smiled, extending her hand for a handshake.

Grabbing her hand, I smiled back. "Yeah, it's showtime."

Later that day, everyone gathered around a table in the guild hall. Leaning over, my eyes scanned every single member. "Okay, guys, time to get ready for this."

Erza swiftly followed up. "Jet has been sent to a location Kirin and Aelion gave Haru. When he's back, he'll confirm if it's the correct place or not. If it is, we'll let you know our plan of action."

"In the meantime, get ready. Check your gear, your magic, everything. Again, I'm sorry for dragging you all into this, but—"

"Hey, we're all in this. They want us as well, this isn't only because of you," interrupted Natsu, surrounded by Gajeel and Wendy. "They want the Dragon Slayers? Then let's show them," he added, bumping his fists together.

"I can't wait to see their faces crushed in the ground," smirked Gajeel, cracking his knuckles.

I smiled. Erza picked up the conversation, her voice firm and commanding. "Good. Keep that motivation, and remember what we fight for!" she said, receiving a round of cheers.

By mid-afternoon, Jet finally came back to the guild, looking winded but determined. "Haru," he called out, catching his breath.

I turned to him, watching him nod, confirming what he saw. "Alright, everyone! Gather up!" I called out through the guild.

Everyone's eyes were on me, their focus sharpening as they realized the moment had come. With a smirk, I simply stated, "We got them. Let's rock."

Cheers erupted around the guild hall, Erza clapping her hands to catch everyone's attention. "We'll share our plan of action with you. Please listen carefully." Nodding my way, I understood it was my turn.

"Alright. First of all, we'll be splitting into multiple teams. Each Dragon Slayer will be separated from the others to avoid any problems if one gets caught. Alzack, Bisca, Warren, you'll be sticking to high ground and staying out of the direct fight. Alzack, Bisca, I'm counting on you for surveillance. Warren, your mission is crucial. We need you to ensure every single member inside Erebus can communicate with everyone else. We've prepared potions and lacrimas; use them to refill your magic. The communication line must remain active at all times. I know this isn't easy, but we need you," I explained.

Warren flinched, "I-I'll do my best," he stammered, receiving a friendly pat from Alzack. "Don't sweat it, we'll keep you safe."

"Next, the support team. Wendy, you'll be staying in the backlines with Levy. Try staying away from any fights, and use your magic to help others if needed."

They both nodded with determination.

"Then we have the destruction team..." I smirked, eyes locking with Natsu. "You're in charge, hot head. You'll be taking Erza with you, along with Lucy and Mira. Your goal is easy: walk through the front door and smash anything that comes your way."

I continued, "The stealth team will be composed of Gray, Juvia, and myself. We'll do our best to keep out of anything until we're faced with it."

"Laxus and Raijin, you'll be forming another don't know how many of them we'll be facing, so just keep it slow and don't try anything stupid. Gajeel, you'll be forming the last team with Elfman and Lily."

I breathed out, "Cana, you'll stay with Wendy and Levy. All the others, you'll keep far from this, prepared to help if anything happens. Happy and Carla, you'll be our eyes in the sky. Got it ?"

The guild erupted in cheers, making me smile. "I guess it's all clear.." I whispered, feeling a hand on my shoulder. "You did great" Erza smiled. And with that, we spreaded out, finishing our last gear check ups.

The sun was setting, when Natsu took his first steps outside. "Alright guys, heads up, it's time for a good ol' fighting session" he grinned, fire erupting from his fists

Gray followed up, a smirk on his lips "Let's give those suckers what they deserve"

I walked behind, Mira and Wendy chatting next to me. "Haru, stay safe" I heard a voice in my head.

I smiled, closing my eyes. "Will do" I thought

"Mavis, what in the world is that thing?" gasped Lucy, her eyes widening as she discovered the huge building towering in front of her.

"I'm guessing those Erebus bastards are in this crappy castle," spat Natsu, his fists already igniting with flames.

Raising two fingers to my temples, I asked, "Warren, Bisca, Alzack, are you in position?"

"Position confirmed, no movement to be seen," I heard Alzack reply. "Warren is also in place. Apparently, his communications can easily reach around the entire building. Shouldn't have any issues with that."

"Thanks, Alzack. Let us know if you see anything," I answered. "Okay, guys, they're ready. Remember the plan: stick with your team and relay any important information you gather." I turned to Natsu. "Natsu."

"I'm all fired up," he smirked, with Lucy, Mira, and Erza ready next to him.

"Then let's get going," I smiled, high-fiving him before he rushed towards the front door. Mira stayed a bit longer.

"Haru," she turned to me, her eyes serious, "Don't you dare die, or I'll kill you myself," she smiled, though a dark aura still surrounded her.

I flinched. "Sure, Mira, don't worry. Stay safe as well, and give them hell." I quickly smiled, but my eyes widened when she pulled me into a heated kiss without warning. She grabbed the back of my neck, her other arm wrapping around my waist. We stayed locked in that position for a moment before she pulled back.

"If you want more, come back safe," she winked, before joining Natsu, who had already destroyed the front door with a massive explosion.

Natsu leaped inside, engulfed in flames. "What's up, losers? It's Fairy Tail coming in hot!" he grinned, his voice echoing through the massive castle.

Gray stepped closer next to me "Can't fit a better guy than Flame Brain for a destruction team" he announced, before turning to me "AND WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ?" he yelled, poiting towards Mira

"I.. I don't know" I buntly said, eyes still locked into the white haired mage, dissapearing inside the building.

Juvia was looking at me, cheeks burning red. "Haru and Mirajane have kissed... Juvia wants to do the same with Gray" she whispered, embarrased.

Gray sighed. "Should get going" he stated, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, just gonna check on Wendy and let's head inside as well." I said, raising once more my fingers to start a communication. "Wen ? Levy ?"

"Yes Haru ?" I heard the dragon slayers voice in my mind.

"You all good ? We're about to get going with Gray and Juvia"

"Everything is fine on our side, don't worry ! Stay safe guys, call out if help is needed !"

I smiled, cutting the communication short. Raising my head, I saw Carla and Happy take off, scanning the skies. "Looks like everyone has got moving. Let's go team !" I yelled, running towards one side of the castle.

Laxus

Following the plan, Laxus and Team Raijinshuu made their way through the castle, trailing behind Team Natsu. Their goal was straightforward: find anything related to magic gathering or recuperation, and destroy it.

"Freed?" asked Laxus.

"Can't feel anything around here either," Freed answered, his eyes scanning the area intently.

"No sign of magic from my babies," added Bickslow, his floating dolls echoing his words. "Looks like this place is empty."

Evergreen sighed. "Let's hope not. If we did all this for nothing, I'm gonna be pissed."

"Stop whining, keep looking," groaned Laxus, his impatience growing.

They moved silently but swiftly through the dimly lit corridors, their senses on high alert for any signs of magical traps or concealed rooms. The castle's eerie silence only amplified the tension, making every creak and shadow seem more menacing.

Freed suddenly halted, his runes flaring up slightly. "Wait, I'm picking up a faint trace of something. It's weak, but it's there."

"Finally," Laxus muttered, his lightning crackling faintly around his fists. "Lead the way."

Freed guided them down a narrow passageway, the magical trace growing stronger with each step. They reached a heavy wooden door, its surface covered in strange symbols.

"This must be it," Evergreen stated.

Laxus stepped forward, his expression determined. "Alright, let's see what these Erebus bastards are hiding."

With a swift sparkling fist attack, Laxus blew the door open, revealing a room filled with intricate magical devices and glowing crystals. The air hummed with energy, confirming their suspicions.

"Well, well, isn't that what we could call luck. You really all came to us? How kind... That makes our job ten times easier!" they heard a high-pitched voice echo around the room.

Laxus crackled with lightning magic around him. "Who's there?" he demanded, no fear in his voice. Freed was already preparing multiple enchantments, his runes glowing ominously.

The voice giggled, a sinister sound that sent chills down their spines. "Such brave little fairies, walking right into our hands. How delightful."

Evergreen narrowed her eyes, her gaze sweeping the room. "Show yourself!"

Bickslow's babies swirled around, scanning for the source of the voice. "Come out, come out," they chanted in unison.

"Oh, don't be so impatient. Don't worry, I won't leave you waiting here. I'll let one of my friends take good care of you. Meanwhile, I'll go kill some of your friends, bye-bye!" chuckled the voice before fading away.

With no second thoughts, Laxus raised his fingers to his ear. "Enemy approaching our position, another one confirmed, we don't know where she's heading," he urgently announced, before cutting short when a man entered the room with them.

He was muscular and imposing, wearing rugged, battle-worn armor. "I can't say I'm happy about this. You're Laxus Dreyar. You're not interesting. Fake Dragon Slayers give us less power than real ones."

Freed gritted his teeth. "Don't you dare talk to Laxus like that!" he yelled.

"Oh, so I'm not interesting? Then I guess you don't mind if I break your cute little face," declared Laxus, raising his fist.

The man didn't react, still walking towards them before stopping a few meters away. "No, you're not interesting. Maybe I'll just kill you instead. We don't need this little magic." He thrust one arm forward. "Draconian Chains," he said, purple chains erupting from his palm. They sped towards Laxus, entangling him and creating a purple aura around him, making him scream in agony.

"Laxus!" yelled Evergreen.

"My magic is about Dragon domination. My chains can control any type of dragons or Dragon Slayers."

"Control... Dragons?" gasped Freed, swiftly ducking a lightning bolt heading straight for him. Laxus' eyes were now fully purple, having absorbed the chains. They stuck out from his back, ending in the man's palm.

"I said I could control them. I'll make your friend kill you. That's at least a little bit more interesting," he stated. "Before you die, my name is Thane. Enemies deserve to hear the name of the man who will send them to hell."

Laxus sent another powerful spell roaring across the room. Team Raijin barely dodged it. "This is madness, what can we do now? I don't want to hit Laxus!" yelled Bickslow.

Evergreen, her eyes narrowing with determination, said, "We have to find a way to break those chains. Freed, can your runes disrupt his magic?"

Freed, dodging another attack from Laxus, quickly started inscribing runes in the air. "I'll try, but we need to buy some time!"

"Leave it to us," Evergreen replied, stepping forward with Bickslow.

Haru

"That was... Laxus," I stated, my voice filled with concern.

"Indeed, Juvia heard it as well," she nodded, her eyes wide with worry.

Gray winced. "Unusual hearing him with such urgency in his voice... I don't like that."

We were engulfed in a tight corridor, running under the building. Our goal was to lurk around, find information about the guild, and help the others with surprise attacks if they needed help.

"We don't even know where they are. He didn't say. We can't even go there," I gritted my teeth. "Let's just continue moving. I want to find more about these guys."

With a nod, Juvia and Gray followed swiftly, our footsteps echoing through the narrow passage.

Natsu

"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" he yelled, crushing down yet another door. Erza, Lucy, Mira, and himself had spent the last minutes destroying everything they could find around the building, from doors to material.

Mira let her transformation fade. "This place looks empty. Still, Laxus has engaged in combat. This is getting really strange."

Erza nodded. "Indeed. With the chaos we're making, we should have been the first to be attacked. Something is off."

"Who cares, let's continue burning this place up!" yelled Natsu, blowing up another door with a powerful flame.

Gajeel

"Is this place empty or what?" spat Gajeel. Their team was supposed to use Gajeel's senses to locate enemies and relay information. For that, they started climbing to the highest point of the building straight away.

"I don't like this. The only thing I can sense is Natsu crushing each wall down," sweated Lily.

"He's a man. Let's continue moving until we find something," beamed Elfman, his resolve unwavering.

As they ascended, the silence and emptiness of the castle seemed more ominous. Gajeel's senses were on high alert, searching for any hint of life or danger. But before the could take another turn in the forever rising stairs, the ground beneath them crumbled, the ground collapsing under their feet.

"Hang onto something !" Yelled Elfman, Lily swiftly catching Gajeel, pulling him back up on the edge. The iron mage morphed his arm into an iron pillar, sending out to Elfman who barely grabbed it.

"Thanks.." panted Elfman "But what was that all about"

"Above us !" yelled Lily, as a medium height man landed gracefully a few meters from the FairyTail mages. His sleek black outfit perfectly matched the short black hair. He looked at them, his perpetual smirk on his face. "Oh, a dragon slayer.. Look like it's jackpot today" he sneared, hitting the end of his staff on the ground, magic circles appearing, spread out across the ground.

"Come on minions, capture the Slayer, and kill the others !" he beamed, undead summons erupting from the ground.

Natsu

"What the hell was that?" asked Natsu, raising an eyebrow and gazing up, trying to locate where the explosion came from.

"We just saw someone appear through a window, in the stairs," they heard Bisca report. "Surely Gajeel and Elfman have engaged as well."

"Man, come on, why does no one come for us?" whined Natsu, earning a slap behind his head from Lucy.

"Stop complaining and focus on your task," she scolded, before gasping when she saw Erza collapse to the ground. "Erza!"

They rushed to her side, finding Erza wincing in pain. "I don't... know what's happening," she whispered. "It hurts... a lot."

They turned around when a giggle echoed through the room. "It's that easy, isn't it? Your fake Dragon Slayer should already be dead by now, and it's your turn next," laughed a woman with long black hair and striking green eyes. She wore a form-fitting dark outfit, holding a book in her hands.

"Let's play a game. I'll make you all die differently! That's going to be so fun!" she giggled, as Natsu and Mira stood up, Lucy still kneeling next to Erza.

Haru

"Gajeel has also engaged... Can't believe Natsu hasn't yet," noted Gray. "They're spreading pure chaos up there."

"I know, and I'm not liking this..." I muttered, before stopping abruptly in my steps. "Guys... We've been here already," I noted, pointing at the door we came from.

"Stop dreaming, we've been walking in a straight line for a wh—what the hell?" yelled Gray, turning towards Juvia. "Wendy? What are you doing here? Where's Juvia?"

Juvia's eyes widened. "What are you talking about? Wendy is not here, I'm Juvia! The real question is why is Haru naked!" she yelled, blushing.

"W-what?" I screamed, checking my clothes. But they were on. "Wait a minute..."

"Playing with you is going to make my day," I heard, turning around to meet a new figure. A woman with long, flowing silver hair and pale blue eyes, wearing a shimmering flowing white gown, had appeared. "Look at you... Completely lost after being trapped for less than a minute. I'll take great pleasure in killing you all," she smirked.

I raised my fingers to my ear. "Engaging fight, nothing more to relay," I gritted, before cutting short.

Wendy

"Looks like they've all engaged..." worried Levy.

"They'll be fine," declared Wendy. "Stay ready, one single call and we're going in," she added, her eyes glowing with determination.

A/N : Every bit of this story has been crafted from scratch, and I truly hope you enjoy what's coming next. If you're impatient for the action packed incoming chapters, let me know ! Also I couldn't think of a better time to finally bring Mira and Haru together.

Until then, see ya !

.Ney.