A few weeks after the fight with Vorin, Gajeel, Gray, and Natsu, along with Nero and Mard, were enjoying a drink together.
"So," Nero began, his tone casual yet curious, "now that Natsu's done making it up to his wives, are we gonna talk about last month?"
Natsu smirked, meeting Nero's gaze. "What exactly do you want to talk about, Nero?"
Nero leaned back, taking a sip of his drink before responding. "I don't know. What have you been up to? And how did you get so strong? I knew you were on a different level, but damn."
Natsu chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Why don't you guys start?" he suggested, turning to Gajeel, Gray, Nero, and Mard.
Gajeel spoke up first. "Well, I unlocked King Magic and my dragon form," he said proudly, a grin spreading across his face. "Lysandra moved in with me."
Gray nodded. "I moved in with Juvia," he added. "I went down the dragon path and awakened true dragon force when we fought Tempest."
Nero shared his own updates next. "Lucy moved in with me," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "I learned some fairy magic from Mavis, and I'm close to becoming an Arch Class."
Mard spoke quietly yet respectfully. "I, too, am close to becoming an Arch Class," he added.
Natsu listened with interest, nodding approvingly at each update. "Nice," he said with a proud smile. "As for me..."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "You guys know about Scaha and Ava," he said, referring to his two new wives. "I've also unlocked a dragon form of my own. You saw it in action, along with the full power of the crown. Turns out I was barely tapping into its potential before. My blades are broken, but now they're manifestations, fully integrated into me. My Space-Time manipulation has reached a level that makes my former mastery look amateur."
"Should we expect you to start time traveling anytime soon?" Gray asked, his tone laced with amusement.
Natsu appeared to consider the idea for a moment. "Hmm, maybe I could get like five versions of my wives? Five Seilahs, five Erzas, five Roxys—" he mused.
"Dude, you're gonna have an army anyway when you start having kids, and I think even you can't handle five of each," Gray interjected, a grin spreading across his face.
"Is that a challenge?" Natsu responded, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Lord Natsu, please don't break the space-time continuum to add more to your harem," Mard deadpanned, his gaze steady.
Natsu burst into laughter. "Ha, I was just joking," he assured them, his amusement evident.
The laughter around the table slowly subsided as the group settled back into their drinks, the camaraderie palpable.
Nero leaned forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So, Natsu, what's the plan now? With all this power, what's next?"
Natsu took a moment before answering, his gaze distant as he considered the question. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. Not much longer until the war starts. For now, I just want to enjoy some peace with my family."
Mard Gear nodded. "Yes, I heard Grimoire has some plans for attacking Fairy Tail at the coming S-Class Promotion Trials, I think they're called? On Tenrou Island?"
Gray's eyes widened. "Dude, I honestly even forgot S-Class was a thing. As for Grimoire, come on, what could they do to us?" he said with a scoff.
Natsu smirked. "Speaking of, Hades seems to have some Etherious abilities—not through takeover magic, but it's not directly his."
Mard Geer responded, "Yes, we heard. They're not a threat anymore to us—well, they never really were—but Hades is quite adept in magic, and his Seven Kin are strong compared to other humans."
Gajeel spoke next. "But don't they know you're E.N.D.? Are they really that stupid to try something?" he addressed Natsu.
Natsu's expression turned serious. "They know, but arrogance can make people do stupid things. Hades and his Kin might think they can take us by surprise or exploit a weakness."
Mard Geer spoke, "I'll dig up anything I can. We should speak with Makarov and Lady Mavis."
"A good idea," said Natsu as he got up to approach Makarov.
They found Makarov in his usual spot, surrounded by stacks of paperwork. Mavis, the first master of Fairy Tail, stood nearby, her ethereal presence bringing a sense of calm and wisdom to the room.
"Makarov, Mavis, we need to talk," Natsu said, his voice resolute.
Makarov looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes, brat? You better not tell me you destroyed a country or something."
Natsu chuckled, while Mard Geer only sighed, having gotten used to Makarov's disrespect towards Lord Natsu. After some time, and Natsu telling him it was okay, he stopped reacting to Makarov's comments. Mard Geer could understand; Igneel raised Lord Natsu until he was a young teenager, and Makarov took over from there, raising Natsu until he became a young man. Even now, while Natsu would often deny it, he sometimes sought Makarov's counsel and saw the old guild master as a grandfather.
"No, no, I've been behaving the last few weeks. My wives made sure of that," Natsu responded, amused.
Makarov raised an eyebrow. "Glad to hear it. So, what brings you here?"
Mard Geer stepped forward. "We've received word that Hades and his Kin might be planning an attack on Tenrou Island during the S-Class Promotion Trials."
Mavis narrowed her eyes. "They might actually target the island more than going to war with us. Hades—Precht, actually—knows about me and Zeref. He most likely is looking for something to lead him to Zeref or one of the keys he believes sealed Zeref."
Makarov's expression grew even more serious. "Does he not know of Zeref's actual state?"
Mavis shook her head, looking disappointed. "No, he knows Zeref is alive, but he has no idea about Mundus or the actual true history regarding him. He believes that when Zeref and I were... still married, Zeref was in some sort of sealed state. And that Zeref got parts of his true self back and killed me or something."
Natsu laughed. "Ha, what an idiot. Does he know you are an actual fairy?"
"No," responded Mavis simply.
Makarov sighed, rubbing his temples. "If Hades is operating under these misconceptions, he might do something reckless."
"Mavis?" said Natsu with a thoughtful expression.
"Yes?" she responded.
"When was the last time you were on Tenrou?"
"A few months ago? Why?"
"It's just... Tenrou is the only place on this planet that can completely hide someone's presence in this realm... and I just realized I can't sense Zeref, at all. He can cloak his location, but normally I can tell if he's at least in this realm, but I can't sense him now," said Natsu.
Mavis's eyes widened. "Could... Could Zeref be on Tenrou right now? That actually makes sense. That's why Precht is trying to attack us. He's trying to get to Zeref. Zeref always liked to mess with him."
Makarov's expression turned grim. "If Zeref is indeed on Tenrou Island, it changes everything. Hades might be more dangerous than we anticipated.
Natsu nodded. "Hm, let's go along with the trials. It's not like Hades and his guild actually pose a threat. I mean, c'mon, Gray and Gajeel are very much capable of annihilating an entire planet. Lucy and Juvia have the power to destroy an entire continent. The fact is, they don't pose an actual threat, only if Zeref actually gets involved. And if he does, I'll handle him."
Mavis floated closer, her expression grave. "Natsu, if Zeref is truly on Tenrou Island, we can't afford to underestimate the situation. His power is immense, and if Hades somehow gets Zeref involved, it could spell disaster."
"I know. Even so, Zeref remains the only actual threat. We have more than enough power for Hades and his guild," said Natsu. "I'm not going to do something stupid again. I'll have my wives and Tartaros ready to help in case things actually prove challenging."
Mavis nodded. "Well, I guess that is the best we will get. Don't skip on your training, all of you," she said as she got up and pinched her grandchild's face.
"Aww," said Nero, smiling despite the pinch.
A few hours later.
A few hours later, Lucy, Juvia, Erza, and Seilah found themselves seated at a table with Cana and Levy. The atmosphere was relaxed yet tinged with an underlying sense of anticipation, given the upcoming S-Class Promotion Trials and the potential threat looming over Tenrou Island.
Cana leaned back in her chair, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, ladies, ready to show the boys how it's done during the trials?"
Lucy smiled, her expression thoughtful. "Honestly? At this point, being S-Class does not matter to us."
Juvia agreed, her gaze distant as if reminiscing. "Yeah, it's funny actually. A few months ago, I thought that the power level of a wizard Saint was so great, and that I would never reach that level. And now... it's quite literally less than what I have on the tip of my finger."
Erza nodded in understanding. "I understand you. Before the battle, I was still just barely above S-Class like Laxus. And now? I can see why Natsu never really cared about those titles. They just seem so insignificant."
Seilah giggled as she agreed with Erza.
Levy watched her friends with a soft smile, sensing the changes they had all undergone. "It's not the title that matters," she said. "It's the strength, determination, and bonds we share that make us truly formidable."
Erza chuckled, her laughter warm and genuine. "Levy, sweetheart, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but bonds don't have anything to do with power; they serve a different purpose," she said as she ruffled Levy's hair affectionately.
"You'll understand someday. Until then, just don't let those ideas get you killed, Levy," added Seilah, her tone gentle yet firm. Unfortunately, many people from Fairy Tail still insisted on believing in their idea of power from bonds, even with Mavis's words that they misunderstood what she meant.
It was quite sad, but that was the exact thing that kept them weak. Perhaps they would one day see the difference and finally start on the journey of achieving true power.
Cana spoke next, breaking the reflective silence. "Well, does this mean you'll let us common folk have a chance at winning? Honestly, it's quite clear it's one of you two or Gray and Gajeel that is going to win," she said, addressing Lucy and Juvia directly. "You seriously left us in the dust. You might as well be gods compared to us."
Cana's blunt assessment hung in the air, and Lucy and Juvia exchanged knowing glances. They understood the truth in her words. They had indeed grown immensely powerful, and it was undeniable that they were among the strongest in the guild.
Lucy spoke, her tone matter-of-fact. "You're right, Cana. We've come a long way, and our strength speaks for itself. But that doesn't mean the rest of the guild can't catch up."
Juvia nodded in agreement. "Yes, we may have a head start, but that doesn't mean others can't catch up with us. Regardless of the outcome, you will see what you need to have to achieve true power."
Cana nodded, acknowledging their words. "Fair enough. Let's not forget that Fairy Tail is a guild of fighters. We thrive on challenges and competition. So, let's encourage each other to grow stronger and push the limits of our abilities."
With a shared understanding, the group settled back into their conversation, each member resolved to continue their journey of growth and improvement. The trials ahead would be a test for all, and they were determined to face them with strength, determination, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
After more talking and a nice daily brawl the guild suddenly stopped as a message was heard to throw out all of Magnolia.
"CITIZENS OF MAGNOLIA, PREPARE FOR GILDARTS SHIFT!"
Lucy and Juvia looked around in confusion, seeking answers from their fellow guildmates.
"What is happening?" Juvia asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Seilah giggled softly, her amusement evident as she overheard Natsu's laughter from across the guild. "That son of a bitch is back," Natsu's voice carried through the room.
Erza smiled knowingly, responding to Juvia's question. "Gildarts arrived back," she explained simply.
"Who's that?" Lucy inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"The guild's Ace," Erza began, her tone respectful. "He used to be the strongest, until Natsu joined seven years ago, and before the whole demon invasion. He is still very strong. Actually went toe to toe with Natsu back when he was younger."
Lucy's eyes widened in realization. "So what is he?" she pressed for more information.
Erza exchanged a glance with Cana, knowing her connection to Gildarts but unsure if she was aware of his true nature. With a sigh, Erza decided to reveal the truth.
"Gildarts was trained and blessed, you could say, by Mavis herself," Erza explained, her gaze shifting to Cana for her reaction. "He is essentially a Fae-Human hybrid."
Cana's expression remained neutral as she acknowledged Erza's words. "Yes, I know of my old man's nature," she admitted calmly. "Natsu had a hand in Dad finding out I was his daughter. He did tell me about it."
Juvia interjected with a question. "So this guy is a fairy?"
Juvia's question lingered in the air, prompting Seilah to respond thoughtfully. "Ah, sort of? Well, not like Mavis or Ava." Her answer only added to the mystery surrounding Gildarts and his unique nature.
Lucy, intrigued by the conversation, interjected with another question. "And he went toe to toe with Natsu? Like in base form or?"
Seilah nodded, delving into the details. "Back then, in base form, Natsu was at about 60,000,000 in power, and Gildarts was matching him blow for blow, even actually hurting him. They were interrupted before they could continue or go to the battle world. And we know even back then, Gildarts had a sort of power-up for himself. Before he left on his quest, he got a weapon forged from Avalon given to him by Mavis. At that time, Natsu calculated his true power at about 250,000,000 to 300,000,000 at full power."
Lucy was visibly impressed by the revelation. "Damn, he is quite strong."
As Lucy contemplated Gildarts's power, she couldn't help but reflect on the strength of Fairy Tail as a guild. Despite having fewer members and many considered average by comparison, they remained one of the top guilds in Fiore. It was a testament to Gildarts sheer power.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the guild shifted as a tall, muscular figure entered the room. His slicked-back orange hair and stubbly beard exuded an aura of ruggedness and strength. Clad in loose fighting pants, a dark armored waist guard, knee-high boots, and a long black cloak with shoulder armor, he commanded attention effortlessly.
Gildarts Clive, Ace of Fairy Tail, stood before them, his presence alone enough to inspire awe and respect. Looking a bit lost over the guild, he eventually approached Mira and asked, "Excuse me, Miss. There used to be a guild around these parts. Do you know what happened to it?"
Mira smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with familiarity. "This is it, Gildarts. Do you not recognize me?"
Gildarts paused for a moment, studying Mira before his expression softened with recognition. "Mirajane? My, how much you've grown," he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face as he looked around the guild, taking in the familiar faces of his fellow guild members. Yet, amidst the familiar, he sensed eight tremendously powerful presences, three of which seemed vaguely familiar but the rest entirely new.
Before he could address this, Natsu approached him with his usual irreverence.
"Sup, fossil," Natsu greeted him with an amused smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"You little shit, you kiss your mom with that mouth?" Gildarts teased, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Natsu's mischievous grin widened at Gildarts's playful response. "No, I kiss my wives with it. But if you insist, I can kiss your mother with it," he retorted with a cheeky grin.
Gildarts raised an eyebrow, amusement evident in his expression. "Wives?" he asked, curiosity piqued. "Erza and Seilah? You lucky bastard."
Natsu leaned in with a secretive grin. "Nine wives," he whispered, the mischief evident in his eyes.
Gildarts's eyes widened in surprise, impressed by Natsu's audacity. "Nine wives, huh? You're really living the dream," he remarked, shaking his head in amusement. "I guess you're not just the immortal Slayer; you're the Slayer of Hearts too. Guess all of those lessons I gave you about girls paid off."
Natsu chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "You could say that, old man. Your wisdom definitely came in handy," he admitted, acknowledging Gildarts's guidance over the years.
The loud cheer from the guild interrupted their banter, signaling Gildarts's official return to Fairy Tail. As the celebration continued, the guild members gathered around their legendary Ace, eager to welcome him back and share in the excitement of his homecoming.
Spotting Cana in the crowd, Gildarts immediately did a 180-degree turn towards his daughter. "CANA DEAR! GIVE PAPA A HUG!" he shouted comically, his arms outstretched as he lunged towards her. Cana's expression was anything but ready to catch him, her eyes widening in surprise.
Poor Wendy found herself directly in Gildarts's path, but before disaster could strike, Natsu swiftly intervened. With a laugh, he scooped Wendy up into his arms, effortlessly evading Gildarts's enthusiastic hug attempt. Wendy wrapped her arms around Natsu's neck, holding on tight as if he were her father, while Gildarts stumbled past, laughing heartily at the exchange.
As Gildarts stumbled past, laughing heartily at the exchange, Cana attempted to protest. "Oh, don't you dare! You'll spill my drink!" she exclaimed, but her protest fell on deaf ears as Gildarts swiftly scooped her up into a hug. With a resigned smile, Cana gave up her resistance and simply hugged her father tightly, joining in the laughter and warmth of the moment.
Erza approached them, making her way to Natsu, who still held Wendy securely in his arms. The young Sky Dragon Slayer seemed unwilling to let go, her eyes drooping with the promise of sleep in the comforting warmth of Natsu's embrace.
Erza chuckled affectionately as she reached Natsu, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. Then, with a warm smile, she turned her attention to Wendy. "You should spend some time with dear Wendy," Erza suggested, her tone gentle and encouraging. "She wants to show you what she's learned."
Erza's smile widened at Wendy's shy admission. "Oh, do you, dear?" Natsu asked, his amusement evident in his tone.
Wendy nodded shyly, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "I... I learned how to play the guitar a bit," she replied softly, her gaze shifting away momentarily before returning to meet Natsu's eyes. Despite her shyness, there was a hint of pride in her voice as she shared her newfound skill with him.
Natsu's expression softened as he listened to Wendy's words. "That's amazing, Wendy!" he exclaimed. "I'd love to hear you play sometime. Maybe we can have a little concert together."
Wendy's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a smile spreading across her face. "I'd like that," she replied eagerly, her confidence growing in Natsu's encouraging presence.
As they shared their excitement, Gildarts approached them, his gaze curious as he observed the interaction. "And who is this little one?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he held Cana in a similar state of affectionate embrace. Cana, having surrendered to her father's attempts to spoil her, simply relaxed in his arms, a content smile gracing her features.
Wendy beamed up at Gildarts, eager to introduce herself. "I'm Wendy, sir," she said politely, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Natsu, proud and protective, chimed in. "She's also our adopted child, mine and my wives'," he added, a note of warmth and affection evident in his tone.
Gildarts's eyebrows raised in surprise, impressed by Natsu's declaration. "Well, isn't that something," he remarked, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're a lucky girl, Wendy, to have such a wonderful family."
Wendy smiled warmly in response. "I know," she said softly as Natsu gently set her back down on her feet.
Gildarts nodded thoughtfully before speaking again. "I have to meet your wives one of these days. I also have something important to tell you," he said, his tone becoming more serious.
Natsu's expression mirrored the seriousness in Gildarts's tone. "Connected to your... state?" he asked, his concern evident.
Gildarts chuckled, acknowledging Natsu's quick grasp of the situation. "Yeah," he confirmed.
Erza stepped forward, her demeanor steady and reassuring. "Well, you're welcome to give us a visit at our home," she offered. "We'll also get you up to speed on what happened these last three years."
Gildarts nodded gratefully, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and anticipation as the party continued. He had the chance to meet Gajeel, Juvia, and Lucy, along with Nero and Mard Geer. His initial reaction nearly led to an altercation with Mard Geer, whom he recognized from the Dark Mages encyclopedia. However, Natsu and Makarov quickly intervened, promising to explain more later.
After the festivities, Gildarts made his way towards the Dragneel estate, having spent some quality time with his daughter, Cana. Although Cana decided against accompanying him, Gildarts felt a sense of anticipation as he approached the door.
He was greeted by a tall, beautiful blond woman with gold eyes, whom he assumed to be one of Natsu's wives. "Gildarts Clive?" she asked.
"Yes, and you are, miss?" Gildarts replied.
"Evelynn Dragneel," she introduced herself, ushering him inside.
As they entered the living room, Gildarts was met with a sight that both surprised and impressed him. The Dragneels, along with Gray, Juvia, Gajeel, Lucy, and the members of Tartaros guild, were gathered together. Gildarts couldn't help but notice a significant change in the atmosphere, particularly in Gray's demeanor. Despite the power emanating from him, Gray seemed adept at suppressing it. Gildarts couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at Gray's achievements, as well as appreciation for the fact Natsu had really begun to open himself to others.
Gildarts sank into a chair with a contented sigh. "Well, we've got lots of things to talk about," he remarked, his eyes scanning the room as Erza, Roxy, Natasha, and Sylive brought in food and drinks for the evening.
Wendy, the youngest among them, appeared to be struggling to stay awake, her eyelids drooping as she leaned against Natsu's shoulder. Natsu noticed her exhaustion and gently asked, "Tired?"
Wendy nodded sleepily, a small yawn escaping her lips. "Yeah," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's been a long day."
"Well, your bedtime is coming anyway, so let's get you to bed, dear," Sera said soothingly as she took Wendy from Natsu's arms and led her towards her room.
Natsu tossed a bottle to Gildarts with a grin. "Well, let's get started," he said eagerly.
As they settled in, Natsu launched into a detailed account of everything that had transpired during his time away. He recounted his adventures from his early days in Seven, to facing Lullaby and Deliora, and the battles against Phantom and the Tower of Heaven. He described his surprising encounter with Zeref over dinner, his dealings with Tartaros, and the encounters with Oracion Seis. Finally, he revealed the invasion by Vorin and the introduction of Scha and Ava, eliciting a surprised reaction from Gildarts.
"Lady Avalon?" Gildarts asked, clearly astonished.
"Yes, that's me," Ava responded with a hint of amusement in her voice.
Gildarts shook his head in disbelief, a smile playing on his lips. "Well, Natsu, you can't say you ain't favored by higher beings anymore," he remarked, clearly amused by the revelation.
Natsu simply shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "Guess I am," he replied with a grin.
"Well, your turn," Natsu said, his tone turning serious. "Who could have damaged you to the point you can't regenerate?"
Gildarts took a long sip of his drink, his expression growing solemn. "Acnologia."
The name alone elicited gasps and widened eyes from everyone present. Erza was the first to find her voice, her disbelief evident. "Acnologia? The Acnologia, Transcended Dragon of the Apocalypse?"
Gildarts nodded solemnly, confirming their worst fears.
Mard Geer's curiosity couldn't be contained. "And you fought him?"
Gildarts let out a bitter laugh, his expression a mixture of resignation and lingering trauma. "Fought would imply I stood a chance. The moment I stumbled upon him, I knew it was a fight for my life. But before I could even unleash my full power, he struck. It wasn't a battle, it was a slaughter. He tore through me like I was nothing more than a pest. He took my arm, my leg, and half my organs in a single swipe of his claw."
Gajeel ran a hand through his hair, his expression grave. "Damn, I can feel you're about as strong as us… and for Acnologia to do something like this with just a swipe of his claw."
Seilah placed a comforting hand on Natsu's shoulder, her eyes reflecting concern. "What do you think?" she asked softly.
Natsu paused, deep in thought. "Hm, well, I can't say anything for sure. My dragon form at full power puts me above 20 billion, and I haven't even tapped into my improved Devil Trigger yet. Still…"
Ava interjected, her voice steady and measured. "I have some ideas. Right now, love, you're at least on the same level as Zeref, if not surpassing him. But Acnologia is a much bigger threat than Vorin was or Zeref."
"In case we encounter him before you surpass him, only you, me, and Ava will fight if needed," Scha added solemnly.
Natsu's other wives exchanged worried glances, but they understood the gravity of the situation. This was a contingency plan for the worst-case scenario, ensuring that their strongest forces were focused on the imminent threat of Acnologia.
Mard Geer spoke up, breaking the tense silence. "We also got word that Grimoire Heart will attempt to attack the S-Class Promotion Exams. Lady Mavis believes they are more interested in the island itself. There's also a chance Zeref might be on the island."
Gildarts frowned, his brow furrowing. "Zeref, huh? If he's involved, things could get a lot more complicated."
Seilah nodded, her expression serious. "Grimoire Heart won't be a problem. At this point, everyone in this room has a power level over 200,000,000. The problem would be if they somehow manage to involve Zeref."
Natsu looked around the room, his eyes sharp and focused. "We'll pretend we don't know anything. If all of us go there, Zeref will definitely notice it. Gray, Gajeel, Juvia, and Lucy will be participants in the exam. Seilah and I will help with the exam, as will Gildarts from what Makarov said."
Turning to his wives and allies, Natsu continued, "Mard Geer will bring the Cube under cloaking close to the island in case we need backup. If Zeref gets involved, I will handle him myself."
Erza interjected, her voice firm. "We'll need to be cautious and maintain our cover. If Zeref senses anything unusual, he might alter his plans."
Gildarts nodded, agreeing with the strategy. "Understood. We'll play it cool and act as if everything is normal."
Gray crossed his arms, his expression serious. "We can handle the Grimoire Heart goons. Our main focus should be on preventing them from reaching Zeref."
Seilah placed a hand on Natsu's shoulder. "We'll be ready. Everyone knows their roles."
With their plan in place, the group dispersed to prepare for the upcoming S-Class Promotion Exams and the potential threats they might face.
A few hours later
A few hours later, Natsu stood on the rooftop of his mansion, staring silently at the night sky. Ava manifested beside him, her presence warm and comforting.
"Can't sleep?" she asked softly.
"No," Natsu replied, his voice tinged with fatigue and contemplation.
Ava smiled mischievously. "I can help with that."
Natsu chuckled but shook his head. "Love, not now."
Ava giggled, running her fingers through his hair. "I don't mean that, Natsu. I could give you some nice dreams, but let's talk first."
Natsu hummed, his gaze still fixed on the stars. "So, what do you think?"
Ava's smile faded slightly as she became more serious. "From my calculations of your current full power, you should be as strong or even stronger than Zeref. Mavis thinks so too, and she has an idea of the power he gained ever since you were sent into the future."
Natsu nodded, absorbing Ava's words. "That's reassuring."
Ava's expression grew more serious. "It's Acnologia that worries me," she said.
Natsu's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of determination crossing his face. "Yeah, he's a whole different level of threat."
"And Gildarts said it happened quite close to Fiore, yet we did not sense him." Ava's hands slightly trembled as she hugged Natsu. "He—he might be after you. This past year, you've made no effort to hide. He definitely knows you're back. Damn it, Natsu, you're putting yourself in danger. We—I can't—" Ava held onto Natsu tightly, her voice breaking. "I can't lose you just after I got you," she whispered.
Natsu's eyes softened as Ava held onto him tightly, her fear and concern palpable. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close. "Ava, I understand your worry," he said gently. "Acnologia is a threat, and I know he's dangerous. But hiding won't solve anything. "
Ava looked up at him, her eyes filled with worry. "But what if he's already after you? What if he attacks when we're not ready?"
Natsu's expression grew more determined. "Then I'll get ready. If Acnologia wants a fight, I'll give him a war. I am Natsu Dragneel, the Silver-Eyed Devil, E.N.D, King of all Dragons. It might not be today or tomorrow, but Acnologia will fall."
Ava's eyes widened slightly at Natsu's declaration, her worry mingling with admiration. "You really believe that, don't you?"
Natsu nodded firmly. "I do. This is just the beginning; our story has just begun, my dear."
Ava's eyes softened as she looked at Natsu, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You never cease to amaze me, Natsu," she said softly.
Natsu took her gently and placed her in his lap, ''I am happy you think that way.'' he said as he stole a kiss from her which she reciprocated with many more.
As they shared a tender moment, Natsu held Ava close, their embrace filled with warmth and affection. Their lips met in a sweet kiss, each one filled with a depth of emotion that words could not express.
"Let's go to bed, shall we?" Natsu suggested as he got up, still holding Ava in his arms.
"Yes, dear," Ava agreed.
They entered the mansion and made their way to the main bedroom. The room had been modified to accommodate all of the Dragneel Ladies. Even though they all had their personal rooms, they often slept together.
The room now featured a massive bed with long, see-through curtains. It was filled with pillows, currently occupied by Erza, Sera, and Sylvie, who slept cuddled on the left side with their long red hair covering them like a blanket. Evelynn and Scha were on the right side, with Evelynn's wings enveloping them both.
Natasha and Seilah were sleeping peacefully on a giant ball sofa. On another ball sofa nearby, Roxy lay sleeping. Natsu and Ava joined her, sitting on the same sofa. Immediately, Roxy moved to Natsu's chest, with Roxy on his left and Ava on his right. Natsu smiled softly as he manifested his wings, enveloping the girls.
"Sweet dreams," he whispered, allowing himself to fall asleep alongside them.
The next day, the morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow into the bedroom. Slowly, the Dragneel ladies began to stir, waking from their peaceful slumber.
Erza yawned cutely. "Morning."
"Moring," greeted Scaha, followed by Evelynn.
Roxy and Ava also awakened, and after they greeted the ladies, they shared a kiss with each other.
"Well, well, what a nice sight," said Natsu, amused.
Ava and Roxy turned to him, their gazes filled with playful mischief. "Liked the show?" asked Roxy, a teasing grin spreading across her lips as she and Ava began to shower Natsu with affectionate kisses.
Natsu chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Quite so, my dear," he responded, a fond smile gracing his features as he basked in their loving attention.
With a warm smile, Natsu approached Natasha and Seilah, who had just woken up. Their expressions were a mix of sleepiness and anticipation, eager for their own moments with Natsu.
"Morning, love," said Seilah, her eyes brightening as Natsu leaned in to kiss her passionately. The tender embrace spoke volumes of their deep connection and affection for each other.
Natasha, waiting patiently, opened her arms wide, a radiant smile adorning her face. "Morning!" she exclaimed with excitement as Natsu lifted her into the air, her joy palpable as she reveled in the embrace of her beloved.
As they separated, Natasha's eyes shone with love and adoration as she whispered, "I love you," in his ear, her voice filled with genuine affection and warmth.
"I love you too," replied Natsu, his voice tender and sincere, his smile reflecting the depth of his feelings for her.
Erza and the twins were eagerly awaiting their turn, their expressions a mix of excitement and affection. As Natsu approached them, Erza's eyes sparkled with playful mischief, her lips curling into a mischievous grin as she pounced on him with enthusiasm.
"Heeey," she greeted him with a deep kiss, her affectionate gestures filled with genuine warmth and fondness. Natsu reciprocated her kiss with equal passion, his touch playful yet tender as he teased her with a playful spank.
Sera and Sylvie were next, their eyes gleaming with adoration and excitement as they jumped into Natsu's arms, their laughter filling the room with joy and happiness.
"Morning, Rock Star," said Sylvie, her voice filled with affection and warmth as she nuzzled closer to Natsu.
"Morning, Baby," responded Natsu, his voice soft and affectionate as he hugged them tightly, his love for them evident in every gesture.
After sharing tender moments with each of his wives, Natsu finally settled on the side of the bed, his heart overflowing with love and gratitude for the beautiful family he had been blessed with.
Evelynn and Scha hovered over him, their expressions filled with love and adoration as they showered him with affectionate kisses and whispered words of love.
"Sleep well, my love?" asked Scha, her voice soft and tender as she looked into Natsu's eyes, her love for him shining brightly.
"Yes, dear," responded Natsu, his voice filled with warmth and affection as he gently cupped her face, stealing a tender kiss from her lips. Evelynn giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with love and mischief as she joined in the loving embrace.
"So, what's the plan for today?" asked Evelynn, her voice filled with excitement and anticipation as she looked up at Natsu, her heart full of love and adoration for her beloved husband.
Natsu smiled warmly at her enthusiasm, his heart swelling with affection for his spirited wife. "Well," he began, his tone thoughtful as he considered their day ahead. "I promised the princess I will spend some time with her. She wants to show me what she learned with the guitar. I'll take her shopping, spoil her a bit, and show her some of my own Wind Dragon Magic, give her some tips. After that, I want to use the new Nexus Arcane for myself," he explained, his voice laced with excitement at the prospect of spending quality time with his daughter and exploring new magical abilities.
Evelynn kissed him deeply, her lips conveying both love and gratitude for her husband's thoughtfulness. "A great idea. Wendy wants time with papa as well," she whispered, her voice soft with affection as she expressed her happiness that Natsu had made time for their lovely adopted daughter.
Natsu returned the kiss tenderly, his heart warmed by Evelynn's words. "How about you loves?" he asked, turning his attention to the rest of his wives.
Sera spoke up first, her tone eager. "Ava, me, and Sylvie will see how our dream manipulations differ and how we can improve them."
Evelynn chimed in next, her eyes bright with determination. "I asked Scaha for some training with spears."
Natasha was next to share her plans. "Erza, Seilah, and I have some recipes we want to try."
Roxy spoke last, her voice filled with warmth. "I planned to take Wendy shopping, but if you—" Before she could finish, Natsu interrupted her with a smile.
"Nice, love. You can join us," he said, his expression inviting and inclusive.
Roxy's eyes sparkled with delight at his invitation. "I'm not bothering you?" she asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
"Love, you're not bothering anyone. Come on, let's go spoil our daughter," Natsu replied, his smile growing wider as he took Roxy's hand in his, his love for her shining bright.
Roxy smiled warmly at him, her heart overflowing with love for her husband. "Yes, love," she said, her voice filled with happiness at the prospect of spending time with her family.
Some time later
As the door creaked open, Natsu and Roxy stepped inside Wendy's room, carrying a tray of breakfast goodies. Wendy was still nestled in her bed, her eyes heavy with sleep as she greeted them.
"Wendy?" Roxy called softly, her voice gentle and warm.
"Come in," Wendy replied, her voice muffled by a yawn.
Natsu and Roxy approached Wendy's bedside, setting the tray down on a nearby table. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and warm tea filled the room, making Wendy's stomach grumble in anticipation.
"Did I miss breakfast?" Wendy asked, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"No, sweetheart, we decided today we're gonna spoil you," Roxy replied, her voice tender as she patted Wendy's head softly.
Wendy's lips curved into a soft smile. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Roxy leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on Wendy's forehead, a gesture of affection that warmed Wendy's heart.
After breakfast, Roxy spoke to Wendy in a motherly tone. "Alright, sweetie, time to go brush your teeth," she said gently.
Wendy nodded and hopped out of bed, heading to the bathroom to freshen up. Roxy turned to Natsu with a warm smile. "Would you mind waiting for us in the living room, love? We won't be long."
Natsu nodded in understanding. "Sure thing," he replied, giving Roxy a quick kiss before heading out to the living room.
As Wendy emerged from the bathroom, her long, dark blue hair now brushed and neatly tied into twin pigtails, Roxy smiled at her, admiring her appearance.
"You look adorable, Wendy," Roxy said with a warm smile. "Now, let's find you something to wear."
Roxy guided Wendy to her wardrobe, where she carefully selected a cute ensemble for the day. She chose a light pink sundress with a flared skirt adorned with whimsical fairy patterns, perfectly complementing Wendy's fair skin and brown eyes. The dress had delicate lace trimmings along the neckline and hem, adding a touch of elegance to the youthful design.
While Wendy changed, Roxy took a moment to glance at her reflection in the mirror. She stood tall and slender, her long, flowing hair was snow-white with vibrant red accents woven throughout, cascading down her back.
She wore a flowing skirt crafted from a rich, deep crimson fabric that contrasted starkly against her porcelain-pale skin. Its intricate lace accents added a touch of gothic allure, while the hemline was asymmetric, falling shorter at the front to reveal her thigh-high stockings.
Above, Roxy donned a hooded top crafted from luxurious black velvet, its plush texture adding depth and sophistication to her look. The neckline plunged into a subtle décolletage adorned with intricate lace and silver accents, reminiscent of gothic motifs. The oversized hood draped around her shoulders like a cloak, adding to her mysterious allure as it framed her striking features.
Completing her ensemble were gothic-inspired accessories, including silver jewelry adorned with dark gemstones that added an extra layer of depth to her attire.
Once Wendy was dressed, Roxy stepped back to admire her handiwork. "You look absolutely lovely, Wendy," she said, her voice filled with pride. "Now, let's go join Natsu."
In the living Room
In the living room, Natsu's smile widened as he saw Roxy and Wendy approach. He admired Roxy's attire and returned her wink with a playful grin.
"You look lovely, Princess," Natsu said warmly to Wendy.
"Thanks, Papa," Wendy replied, her voice a mix of shyness and happiness. Roxy smiled at the interaction as they reached Natsu.
Wendy immediately wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, and Natsu hugged her back, lifting her slightly off the ground and eliciting giggles from her.
Natsu and Roxy shared a tender embrace and a kiss. "So, Wendy, you said you wanted to show me your guitar skills?" Natsu asked softly.
Wendy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes! Let's go somewhere else," she exclaimed eagerly, leading them to the balcony on the rooftop.
As they settled on the balcony, Wendy beamed with excitement, eager to showcase her newfound talent. She summoned her guitar, a sleek black instrument adorned with delicate pink accents, a thoughtful gift from Natasha.
Natsu's eyes sparkled with pride as he admired Wendy's guitar. "You learned Requip magic? Good job, sweetheart," he praised, his voice filled with admiration.
Wendy nodded enthusiastically, her brown eyes shining with excitement. "Yeah, mama Erza helped me learn," she said proudly.
With a confident smile, Wendy began to strum the strings of her guitar, the melodious notes filling the air with a sweet and gentle melody. Her fingers danced across the frets with practiced ease, each chord played with precision and grace.
Natsu and Roxy watched in awe as Wendy poured her heart into her music, her passion evident in every note she played. Their hearts swelled with pride as they listened to her performance, marveling at her talent and dedication.
As Wendy finished her song, she looked up at Natsu and Roxy, her eyes shining with joy. "What did you think?" she asked eagerly.
Natsu and Roxy exchanged a glance, sharing a wordless communication filled with pride and love. "You were amazing, Wendy," Natsu said with a warm smile.
Roxy wrapped her arms around Wendy, pulling her into a tight hug. "It was beautiful, my dear," she whispered, her voice filled with tenderness. "One of these days, we're gonna make a song together."
Wendy's face lit up with excitement at the idea. "Really?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Natsu nodded, his heart swelling with love for his family. "Of course, princess," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "It'll be a song to remember."
,,Now, how about we go shopping girls?'' said Natsu
Wendy and Roxy immediately agreed as they left for the city.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, Natsu walked hand in hand with Wendy on his left and Roxy on his right. The air was filled with the lively chatter of pedestrians and the vibrant energy of the urban landscape.
Wendy's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of shopping with her papa and mama Roxy. She skipped alongside them, her hand clasped tightly in Natsu's left hand, her heart filled with anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead.
Roxy smiled warmly at the sight of Wendy's joy, her heart swelling with love for her precious family. She walked hand in hand with Natsu, her fingers intertwined with his as they guided Wendy through the bustling streets. It was moments like these that filled Roxy with gratitude for the simple pleasures of family and love.
As they approached a row of shops, Natsu glanced down at Wendy with a playful grin. "Where to first, princess?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Wendy's eyes lit up with excitement as she pointed towards a colorful boutique. "Can we go there, Papa?" she asked eagerly.
Natsu chuckled and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Of course, sweetheart. Lead the way."
With a delighted grin, Wendy eagerly led the way to the boutique, her steps light and quick. Natsu and Roxy followed closely behind, their hearts full of warmth as they shared this special moment with her.
As they entered the boutique, Wendy's eyes widened in wonder at the array of colorful dresses and sparkling accessories on display. She darted from rack to rack, her fingers trailing over the fabrics as she examined each one with keen interest.
Natsu and Roxy watched fondly as Wendy explored the boutique, their hearts swelling with love for their precious daughter. They exchanged a glance filled with pride and joy, grateful for the opportunity to spend this time together as a family.
After much deliberation, Wendy finally settled on a beautiful dress that caught her eye. It was a vibrant shade of blue, adorned with delicate lace and shimmering sequins. She held it up with a beaming smile, her eyes shining with excitement.
Natsu and Roxy couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "It's perfect, Wendy," Roxy said, her voice filled with warmth.
Natsu nodded in agreement. "Absolutely stunning, princess."
With her new dress in hand, Wendy's excitement bubbled over as she hugged Natsu and Roxy tightly. "Thank you, Papa. Thank you, Mama Roxy," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
As they left the boutique, hand in hand, Natsu, Roxy, and Wendy shared a warm embrace, their hearts overflowing with love and happiness.
A few hours later
A few hours later, after arriving home and having a meal, Natsu and Roxy took Wendy to a training ground. Wendy was practically bouncing with excitement, eager to see what Natsu had in store for her.
Natsu smiled at her enthusiasm. "So, tell me what you've been learning."
Wendy nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Sylvie has been giving me some tips about my wind magic, and Erza taught me some enchantments and Requip magic. My healing abilities have also grown much stronger. Erza said that my Sky Dragon Magic has some of the best healing abilities."
Natsu's expression grew thoughtful. "Yes, Grandine was the best healer the dragons had. It's thanks to her that Igneel didn't kick the bucket after fighting Ankhseram. A transcended Dragon he may be, but the wounds inflicted by a Primordial Death God are tricky to heal."
Wendy's eyes widened. "A Primordial God of Death? That sounds…. intense."
Natsu nodded. "It was. But you have that same incredible potential for healing within you, Wendy. Your magic is special."
Roxy smiled warmly at Wendy. "You're already doing amazing, Wendy. We're so proud of you."
Wendy beamed at the praise, her heart swelling with pride and happiness. "Thank you! I want to get even better so I can help everyone."
Natsu crouched down to her level, his eyes serious yet filled with warmth. "And you will. Now, let's see what you can do. Show me your wind magic."
Wendy took a deep breath and nodded, stepping forward with determination. She closed her eyes, focusing her energy, and began to channel her Sky Dragon Slayer Magic. A gentle breeze started to swirl around her, growing stronger as she concentrated. Soon, the wind was whipping around her, lifting her hair and creating a small vortex of energy.
Natsu watched with a proud smile. "Very good, Wendy. Now, show me a roar."
"Okay." Wendy took a deep breath. "Sky Dragon's Roar!"
A powerful tornado of wind burst forth from Wendy's mouth, tearing towards a tree. The tree was shredded to pieces within seconds, the force of the wind leaving no trace behind.
Natsu smiled and patted her hair. "Good job, princess."
Wendy looked up at him, her eyes filled with admiration. "Can you show me yours? I know you have Wind Dragon King magic, but I haven't seen it."
Natsu smirked. "Your wish, princess."
Roxy giggled, holding out her arms to scoop Wendy up. "C'mon Wendy, hold on."
Natsu stepped up and took a deep breath, his stance firm and commanding. "Wind Dragon King's Roar!"
A massive tornado erupted from Natsu's mouth, the sheer size and power of it dwarfing anything Wendy had ever seen. The tornado was as large as mountains, tearing through the forest and even the mountains that stood in its path. Trees were ripped from the ground, and rocks were pulverized into dust.
The pressure from the roar was immense, and Wendy clung tightly to Roxy, who held her securely to prevent her from being swept away by the force.
As the tornado subsided, leaving a path of destruction in its wake, Wendy's eyes were wide with awe. "That was incredible, Papa!"
Natsu walked back to them, a proud smile on his face. "With enough practice, you can achieve amazing things too, Wendy."
Wendy beamed, her excitement renewed. "I'll keep practicing, Papa! I want to be strong like you!"
"Oh, I'm sure you will, princess. One day you will be a Dragon Queen," said Natsu with a smile.
Wendy's eyes sparkled with excitement and ambition. "A Dragon Queen... That sounds amazing!"
Natsu chuckled. "Now, Dragon Queen magic and other advanced stuff like Dragon Force and Dragon form are still a bit too early for you. Buuut... I can help you get something I heard you wanted," he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Wendy tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "What is it, Papa?"
With a mischievous smirk, Natsu manifested his six feathered wings. Wendy caught on and immediately beamed in excitement.
"My wings? Really? You mean it?" she asked, practically jumping up and down with joy.
Natsu nodded, his own excitement mirroring hers. "Yes, my little princess. Today you get your own wings. It'll take some practice, but I know you can do it."
Wendy's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'm ready, Papa! Show me how!"
Natsu guided Wendy to a clear spot, positioning her so she could focus. "Alright, first I will give you some of my magic to eat so we can speed up the process. You might fall asleep for a few minutes until the magic makes the changes." Natsu sat down at the base of a tree, Roxy sat to his right as she made a sign for Wendy to join them.
Wendy joined them excitedly, cuddling up to Natsu's left side. He took her and gently put her in his lap. In his left hand, he manifested a ball of wind.
"Here, it might make you sleepy so make yourself comfortable, princess," said Natsu.
Wendy did just that. Roxy smiled, kissed Wendy's head from behind, undid her twin tails, and began to braid her hair.
Wendy then took the magic Natsu offered her and bit down on it as if it were candy. "It's like cinnamon, so good," she said as she continued to snack on it.
Natsu giggled, already seeing her eyes begin to droop. "Now, this will take a few minutes, maybe half an hour. You'll wake up when it's done," he said as he enveloped all three of them in his wings, yet left enough space for Roxy to continue braiding Wendy's hair.
"Okay," said Wendy and fell asleep soon after, nearly purring just like Roxy does.
As Wendy rested in Natsu's lap, her breathing deep and steady, Roxy finished braiding her hair, admiring the peaceful look on the young girl's face. Natsu watched Wendy with a soft smile, his heart filled with love and pride.
"This is a big step for her," Roxy whispered, her eyes meeting Natsu's.
"I know," Natsu replied quietly. "She's growing so fast, and she's going to be amazing. Just like you."
Roxy blushed slightly, leaning her head against Natsu's shoulder. "We're a family. We'll always be here to guide her."
Minutes passed in a comfortable silence, the gentle rustling of the leaves and the soft chirping of birds creating a serene atmosphere. Then, gradually, Wendy began to stir. Natsu and Roxy watched as her eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile spreading across her face.
"How do you feel, princess?" Natsu asked gently.
Wendy stretched, blinking a few times to clear her vision. "I feel... different. Like there's something new."
"That's because there is," Roxy said, helping Wendy sit up. "Try to focus your magic on your back, just like Papa showed you."
Wendy nodded, concentrating on the sensation of magic within her. Slowly, she felt a warmth spreading across her shoulders. With a soft gasp, she felt the magic coalesce and take shape. Moments later, a pair of delicate, light pink feathered wings unfurled from her back.
Her eyes widened with awe as she turned her head to see the beautiful wings. They shimmered softly in the sunlight, the feathers glowing with a gentle luminescence. "I did it!" Wendy exclaimed, her wings fluttering with excitement.
Natsu and Roxy beamed with pride. "You did, Wendy. And they're beautiful," Roxy said, pulling her into a hug.
Wendy began to inspect her wings with a wide smile, not even realizing she had begun to chase after the feathers instead of making the wings move closer to her. Natsu chuckled at the scene, seeing Wendy spin around in circles trying to catch her own wings, which put a smile on his face.
Roxy giggled as she approached the excited dragoness. "Sweetie, the wings are part of you just like your hands are. Make them come to you," she explained, manifesting her own wings—a blend of white, gray, and crimson feathers—as she demonstrated how to move them.
Wendy stopped spinning and listened to Roxy. Natsu, however, managed to take a photo of Wendy trying to catch her own wings. "We're getting this framed," said Natsu.
Wendy blushed. "What? No! It's embarrassing!" she protested a bit.
"Oh dear, don't worry. Erza has one, Seilah has one, even I have one," said Natsu.
"You do?" asked Wendy.
Natsu made a motion and summoned a few photos.
The first one was of Erza, who was about 14 back then. Her white feathered wings were on display as she looked at them with a wide grin on her face, amazed by her own wings.
The second photo was of Seilah. Her reaction was similar to Wendy's, trying to catch her own wings. Natsu was also in the photo with a smile, giving Seilah some tips. He looked much younger, most likely while he was still with Igneel.
The next few photos were the ones that made both Wendy and Roxy laugh.
In one photo, Natsu looked to be about 10 years old, his massive wings clearly having taken him by surprise as he struggled to stand up, his eyes wide open.
Another photo showed Natsu trying to fly and failing as he managed to get his wings tangled. In the photo, he looked to be screaming as he fell to the ground.
The last photo showed Igneel in his dragon form, carrying Natsu around by keeping his wings in his giant maw, similar to how a cat carries its children by the scruff of the neck. Natsu had a deadpan expression as if he had just fallen from the sky and hit a forest, which he did if the broken trees and leaves in his hair and feathers were any indication.
Seilah was also caught in the photo. She looked to be about 13, her expression a mix of worry for Natsu and amusement.
A second person was seen looking towards Natsu and Igneel with an amused smile. A young-looking man with black hair and dark eyes, dressed in a black cloak with a toga around his shoulder.
Wendy giggled, her embarrassment easing as she saw the photos of everyone else. "Okay, maybe it's not so bad."
Natsu ruffled her hair affectionately. "See? It's all part of the process. Now, let's see those wings in action again."
Wendy nodded, her determination renewed. She focused on her wings, moving them with more control this time, lifting herself off the ground with increasing confidence.
Natsu caught Wendy as she fell back. "Well, that was fast," he said, not surprised since Wendy was a Sky Dragon. Flying came easiest to them.
After a few more hours, they managed to teach Wendy how to hide and manifest her wings on command and the basics of flying, which she picked up quickly.
Arriving home, they entered the living room where the rest of the Dragneel family was gathered. Wendy entered first with a wide smile, Natsu and Roxy behind her.
Evelynn and Erza stepped towards Wendy, both giving her a hug. "Guess what?" said Wendy, excited to show off her wings.
Evelynn and Erza exchanged curious glances. "What is it, sweetie?" asked Evelynn.
With a bright smile, Wendy took a step back and focused. A moment later, her delicate light pink wings appeared, spreading out gracefully behind her.
Erza's eyes widened in delight. "Wendy, they're beautiful!" she exclaimed, pulling her into another hug. "You've been working hard, haven't you?"
Wendy beamed. "Yes, Mama Erza! Papa and Mama Roxy helped me today. I can fly now!"
Evelynn's eyes sparkled with pride. "You're amazing, Wendy. I knew you could do it." She gave Wendy a kiss on the forehead.
The rest of the family gathered around, admiring Wendy's wings and congratulating her on her progress.
"We have a little dragoness in the making," Natsu said, wrapping an arm around Roxy.
Roxy smiled warmly. "She's going to do great things, just like her Papa."
