Hope you all like this long chapter

Fiore

Brandish stayed back as the barrier came down. She took a deep breath as the feeling of her magic's return filled her body. She stayed hidden in the shadows as she listened and watched them discuss what to do about Natsu and the theory he was a demon. She pushed that thought aside and instead debated if she should go ahead and destroy all of them now before they had a chance to mount a counter attack. she held the communication device close to her chest trying to understand what Natsu's wishes were, what her purpose for being left here was. Thinking she had gained enough information about their plans she slipped away.

Brandish would contact Prince Natsu and ask what she should do now she held the device close to her as she walked away from the ugly capital and to the port of Hargeon. The entire time she walked trying to figure out how to use the dam device so she could contact someone. She silently cursed herself for not asking when her Prince handed her the device or trying to figure it out when she had nothing to do in the stupid barrier. Getting frustrated she throw the device on the ground and shouted the prince's name and falling to her knees the feeling of betrayal fresh in her heart she almost felt like crying.

"No need to shout Brandish." A voice she recognized. She looked around but not seeing anyone. "Look Infront of you." The same voice replied she looked at the device and picked it up a little screen had appeared on the device where Natsu smiling face could be seen. "You should see your face right now" he chuckled that got her to snap out of her confusion. The anger she felt about being betrayed melted into relief.

"How dare you!" she hissed "you didn't tell me how to activate this stupid device and you didn't tell me I would be stuck in this pitiful country without any magic! Do you have any idea what I had to go through how much of a pain this whole thing was!" she shouted trying not to convey her joy at seeing his face and knowing that she was in fact not abandoned

"I see you are doing just fine Brandish and if I told you about the spell, which I only knew a little about in the first place I don't think you would have stayed." Natsu said he was still smiling kindly at her through the little screen.

"Your dam right I wouldn't have. Now that the magic barrier is down can I come home." She demanded Natsu smile faltered a little

"Where are you right now?" he asked

"Near the port of Hargeon." She answered

Natsu nodded "there is a ship waiting for you already at the port it is disguised so you will have to detect a ship that is being counseled with magic."

"What a pain." She groaned Natsu smirked at her

"I am glad to see your time in Fiore hasn't changed your personality." Natsu chuckled again she puffed out her cheeks

"And what is that supposed to mean!" she demanded feeling the sudden urge to throw the device again. was he mocking her? her face turned serious "I do have a lot to report to you." She said Natsu smile faded, nodding

"I figured as much I will be waiting for you when you return have a safe trip back Brandish." He said the screen vanished and she was left alone once gain.

Once in Hargeon a lot of ships were coming into port, Brandish figured it was because this port was closed for a mouth. She huffed and put up her hood and melted into the sea of people. She found the ship quickly enough hidden in a little out cove outside the main port. The magic was impressive even she almost missed it. and she would have if she wasn't actively looking for it. it never ceases to impress her at the level of magic knowledge and mastery the emperor could wield. Before anyone of those pathetic wizards could try and recapture her, she was well on her way back to the Alverez Empire.

Gray

Gray wasn't sure how to feel, he wanted to hope that Natsu was still fighting that his friend was still alive like everyone else but some part of him felt that Natsu was already gone. He had already lost so much his home, his mother, his father twice, his teacher Ur her daughter a sister he never really got the chance to know, and now his best friend slash rival was gone. Gray was tired, tired of losing those he cared about he almost lost all of Fairy Tail when it was disbanded he probably would have fallen into that darkness for real if it weren't for Juiva by his side those first couple of months, but then he almost lost her when she was sick and he was pretending to be evil in Avatar. Gray punched the wall inside the castle spiderweb of cracks raced away from his fist. He didn't care the castle was in shambles anyway, who would notice a few more cracks. it didn't make him feel better anyway.

Gray slipped away from the meeting some time ago everyone was discussing how they could Save Natsu but Gray couldn't take it anymore. During the fight with Tarators he was desperate to get that book, his father told him how dangerous that demon was even Igneel Natsu's dragon father told Natsu to get it as well they had argued and fought to get that book away from Mard Geer but ultimately Zeref took the book and vanished before either of them could try anything. that was the last time he spoke with Natsu.

Gray punched the wall again tears briming in his eyes, the last time he talked with Natsu was in anger he had been mad at Natsu for getting in his way but in reality if it weren't for Natsu he probably would have died a hundred times by now. His last words… he wondered what Natsu was thinking if he were still alive, would he be angry at him sad, hurt? Probably not Natsu was always dense when it came to his own feelings but somehow always knew how to cheer people up and was always there for everyone when it counted only to be taken over by a monster. That monster even Dragons feared not even Natsu would have survived for a whole year.

He failed. He failed a friend a brother because he was in his own world and was too weak to see the danger too weak to save anyone… again. was it his destiny in life to contently lose those around him? who else how many more of his friends had to die because he was too weak how many did he half to lose before… before what. he died he finally figured out how to actually protect people or before he fell into the darkness and lost himself forever.

"END I swear you will pay for everything you have taken from me." Gray growled to himself

Gray had read the stories how that demon had formed the guild Tartaros over the blood of innocence's. How that demon killed people and destroyed cities for fun. Every story he has read of good and evil though the last 400 years says he's the embodiment of evil. Zeref had the reputation of being the most powerful dark Mage in history, but END was a monster among Monsters a power even Zeref couldn't match END his strongest Demon the master of Tartaros the strongest Dark guild full of monsters.

Gray had set his resolve a year ago that he would be the one to take that monster down but now… that monster has taken over his friend's body something he would never forgive. He would hold out a flicker of hope that Natsu was still fighting, somehow he could get his friend back because Fairy tail wasn't the same without him. but something at the back of his mind was telling him Natsu was gone. so, for now he would hope there was still someone to save and he would destroy that demon even if it was the last thing he did in this world.

Gray was brought out of his thoughts when he saw Brandish sneaking away from the castle he slipped into the shadows when she turned to see if she was being followed. Careful and quietly he followed her, making sure he wasn't discovered he watched as she walked to Hargeon. 'What is she doing?' he thought to himself when Brandish stopped just outside the port city she was holding something to her chest then she throws a small sliver object to the ground she screamed out Natsu's name making Gray freeze. What was Natsu to her why was she screaming his name. he didn't notice the thing on the ground or heard the conversation she was having… to herself? All of a sudden Brandish had gotten up and began walking again. he almost lost her in the crowd but spotted her again walking into an out cove on the other side of the port. Gray was even more confused now than ever on what was going on until he saw the ship, it was only a shimmer but it was unmistakable it was a ship.

An Alverez ship.

Grays blood began to boil; this was planned she was just a spy all a long placed here so she could report their guilds plans to Zeref. No wonder she was captured so easily no wonder she didn't fight back. Gray clenched his fists in an attempt to stop himself from giving away his position in his rage. Seeing that the ship was setting sail he quickly made a decision and snuck onto the ship. He was now a stowaway to a country that was made of enemies.

Makarov

He more he listened the more confused and concerned he got. He replayed the conversation he had with Zeref on the balcony how he had thanked him for raising Natsu and the part that someone had already negotiated for the guild.

Then there was what Natsu did for that young woman, fighting so she wasn't tortured and releasing her but then saying he couldn't protect them. Then there was Gildarts he said Natsu looked tired and injured then he seemed evil and threating. Was Natsu still fighting did he voluntarily get possessed by that demon to protect Fairy Tail? If that was the case Natsu was being foolish by accepting that offer and yet he was so proud and angry with Natsu for what he did for his family.

Makarov frowned thinking about what Gray said, what he told them about the demon END how dangerous that demon was. Was Natsu still in there fighting back and stayed away from the guild instead of getting help to protect them? Did he stay because of another deal he made with Zeref? Or was Natsu long gone after all these mouths and END was tricking them was that Demon playing with their memories of Natsu and had no intention of releasing him?

Natsu was the mysterious 13th person of the Alverez Empire he was the one the other Spriggan 12 warned them about, he was close to the emperor the black mage Zeref to become the empires prince. Makarov stopped he thought back now to when he was introduced to Zeref how Minister Yajeel said he was cleared and given permission to be there by his highness… in other words Natsu… did that mean Natsu was trying to protect them and give them the opportunity to save him all while he was trapped in Alverez? On that line of thinking it gave him hope that Natsu was still there fighting. He thought of the war how short it was how there wasn't many causalities how they were only sealed in a barrier for little more than a month was that also because of Natsu was that another way he was trying to protect them?

He was both relived and concerned that Zeref hadn't activated Fairy Heart over the last mouth they have been imprisoned. He was worried about what Zeref could have planned and if he only needs the power to fight off Acnologia or if that was just something he said to get Makarov distracted of their true intentions. Only fairy tail knew of the real reason the war was started and they were going to keep it a secret for as long as possible but why hasn't Zeref done anything when he had no one to stand against him? was this also Natsu doing? Had he somehow not taken Mavis to Zeref and was hiding her somewhere? Was that the reason nothing had happened in the last mouth because the barrier went up and they also couldn't come back to search for her?

Makarov let out a low groan and leaned back in his chair. After the meeting everyone retired in rooms the king provided for the evening and would continue to make plans in the morning. He was giving himself a headache trying to find out what was going on and his worry was weighing on him if Natsu was a traitor, if he was alive, trapped in his own body against his will or dead. He hoped it wasn't the last one. he needed to talk with Natsu, the time Natsu broke into the guild with that Alverez mage he didn't get much. Sure, he was mostly in shock about seeing Natsu stealing Mavis body. The anger of betrayal was fresh only now he wondered… holding on to the look of pain and pleading he saw flash in Natsu's eyes. That was his hope that wasn't just his imagination it was his hope the Natsu he knew was still there and needed help the hope that he was holding on and all of this was against his will.

"Natsu my dear boy what happened over this last year?" he asked out loud wishing for the answer either though he was alone.

Alverez three days later

"enter" Natsu called to the knocking at his door.

"Your highness isn't there work to be done?" Lycus asked as his staff walked into his little study. Natsu sighed he was standing by his window lost in thought as he stared out into the city blow.

"If I do anymore paperwork I'll go insane." Natsu muttered back pushing himself off the wall and sitting back his desk. There was another knock at the door Alexander opened the door to see who it was.

"Your highness lady Brandish is here." He announced looking back to see if she should be let in.

"Let her in." Natsu waved Alexander stepped aside to see a mildly annoyed Brandish standing there

"You need a bigger office if you are going to have a bunch of people in here." Brandish stated walking in to see all of Natsu new staff in the room glaring indifferently at each of them

"This room isn't really meant to me a meeting hall." Natsu sighed "it is good to see you Brandish I hope you had a safe trip back." Natsu asked kindly looking up to see Marin come in behind her

"Yes I did. And I am guessing this is your new staff I have been told about?" she asked eyeing everyone then glancing back a Marin who shrank back a little.

"So, your lady Brandish we have heard you were taken captive by the wizards of Ishgar." Fairuza laughed not knowing Natsu asked her to be captured

"Who do you think you are to speak to me that way." Brandish narrowed her eyes the room shacking slightly

"Enough all of you" Natsu stated before a fight broke out "Brandish you said you have something to report from your time in Ishgar?"

Brandish broke her starting contest with Fairuza to look at the prince "Yes do you wish to speak in private?"

Natsu shook his head "its fine." Brandish nodded and told him everything that has happened since her capture

"So, the Wizards from Ishagr are planning a counter attack to capture the prince?" Morpheus asked the room tensed

"Well for starters everyone in the Fairy Tail Guild doesn't believe you betrayed them so they want you back." Brandish clarified not really likening that she wasn't alone with Natsu

"Betrayed, what are you talking about?" Nori asked in confusion

"Were you not made aware that the prince was once a member of a guild in Ishgar name Fairy Tail?" Marvin snapped thinking everyone knew about this fact glaring at the girl like she was dumb

"Actually, no we knew that the price had been away from the castle for a long time but nothing more than that." His new staff turned to Natsu who was again lost in thought about Brandish's words.

"Brandish is right I left Ishagr to come to Alverez a little more than a year ago to stand by my brothers' side." Natsu stated absently more lost in thought then actually following the conversation, which wasn't like him

"My prince is everything alright?" Lycus asked now seeming concerned that Natsu was acting strangely

"Brandish was there anything else?" Natsu asked ignoring his head of staff.

"Yes." Brandish paused wondering how she would go about asking. she took a deep breath "they were also talking about a Demon named END they believe the reason you left was because you have been possessed by this demon."

"Possessed seriously?" Fairuza gasped

"Are they stupid or something?" Martin asked

"Maybe they just can't accept the prince has come home and is their enemy." Rekia stated timidly

"END I have heard that name before in old stories my parents told for us to be careful. Like 'don't go into the woods at night or the demon king END will get you.'" Morpheus stated thinking back to his childhood.

"I have herd similar bed time stories but isn't that demon was just a legend from centuries ago" Lycus stated speaking about his own country having heard the stories of a vicious demon that went around destroying cities.

"You are all half right." Natsu sighed everyone quieted down and looked back at their prince in shock.

"So, it is true you are possessed by a demon?" Alexander squeaked knowing he might be stepping out of line talking like that but it was hard to believe the kind prince he had come to know to be controlled by an evil demon.

Natsu chuckled a little "no I am not." He said getting up to face back to the window he had debated this for a long time, and wondered what he should say. People were bound to find out eventually that he was no longer human but… no he would never tell anyone the whole story he couldn't that was something he and his brother would take to their graves… he sighed "in fact I am a demon. END and Natsu Dragneel are one in the same." He paused not being able to see anyone's faces how would they react "you know my brother was cursed right?" he asked turning slighting to see everyone nod "well I guess you can say I am similar but I was turned into a monster instead of the curse of contradiction like my brother and Mavis."

"Your Highness?" Natsu was a little pleased that no one tried to kill him or running for their lives these were the first people to find out since Acnologia he closed his eyes at the thought of his friend. Hoping that this didn't mean the people in this very room would fall to the same fate.

"I'm flesh and blood but not human I haven't been human for about four hundred years" Natsu turned to face the group the tension in the room was thick and heavy yet no one moved "if any of you are frightened by this then you are free to leave no one will stop you." For a long time, no one said anything

"You are still the same Prince who has welcomed us as your staff, you didn't care about our past or status. you gave us purpose. We have not known you for very long but you have shown all of us much kindness. My prince" Lycus stated bowing to Natsu

Natsu looked up tiredly his eyes showing his real age. In his surprise everyone bowed to him he never really felt comfortable with this display of loyalty but he felt his chest fill with pride. Even Brandish bowed and she was not one to show loyalty easily.

"You are all okay with following a demonic prince?" he asked

"You are kind" Rekia whispered

"I think this just makes you cooler." Fairuza and Martin said their head still bowed low they glared at each other for having the same thought

"No wonder you are so powerful" Morpheus praised

"If you will have us we would love to serve you." Alexander said also bowing

"All of you are strange I will not stop you so do what you like just please raise your heads." Natsu sighed "brandish thank you for bringing this information to me I know it must have been difficult for you." he turned changing the topic slightly

"It was a hassle and you are still the prince nothing has changed." She said Matian nodded as well "plus most of the 12 knew that his majesty was cursed and is known as the dark mage to most of the world so you being cursed as well just makes since" she shrugged. Natsu chuckled and it turned into a full laugh now everyone was wearing confused looks again "what's so funny?" Brandish snapped

"Yeah no one has ever said that about me all of you are some of the strangest people I have met" Natsu stopped laughing "the cursed evil but nice royal family." He shook his head a small smile gracing his lips at how funny that sounded.

"What do they say." Morpheus asked

"That the world would be better off without me…" Natsu said his smile faltering and the room fell quiet again

"How dare anyone say that to the A+ prince!" Martian shouted ready to go out of the room to fight anyone who discarded with him along with several of Natsu's staff.

"Are you kidding I deserve every word the blame lies with me some of the stories are true though most are an exaggeration of what really happened." Natsu let out a long sigh as the conversation died

"you're not evil as people think you are." Rekia stated again the others nodded in agreement

"Sure, you can be scary at times but you are not evil" Alexander smiled

"no. I'm much worse." Natsu said darkly his smile gone everyone frowned at that "I apricate all of you being by my side, either though I didn't want a staff to begin with but do not forget this… being by my side will be dangerous, not only from my enemies…" his voice trailed out leaving that unfinished

"We understand and accept any danger" Morpheus stated once again the room fell into silence Natsu Just nodded not showing what he was thinking.

"My prince if what lady Brandish said is true that this Fairy tail guild wish to 'save' you what will happen if they do succeed and separating you form the power of END?" Lycus asked after a few minutes of silence

"I would probably die." he said bluntly everyone gasped in shock. Natsu turned away from them again. going back into his own thoughts he was a demon the human Natsu died centuries ago he was nothing more than a copy right? He had the memories but he was no longer that kid if he ever really was. He barely heard the conversation of his staff coming up with plans to protect him. he appreciated it but knew it was pointless. Fairy tail would be coming after him, not that they had the power to kill him not even the dragons had that power. He just hoped everyone would stay out of his way when he goes—

"Your highness you cured his Majesty of his curse right couldn't we do the same thing to you?" someone asked bring him back out of his thoughts

"No," Natsu stated flatly "my curse isn't that same as his…" Natsu voice trailed off he wasn't really cursed he was the curse. "I don't want any of you looking for a fight and Brandish that includes you and your squad too. You made fell free to tell the rest of the 12 if you would like to but I don't want word getting out of this castle is that understood." He spoke his tone making it clear that if anyone disobeyed him the consequences could be deadly everyone agreed that they would follow his orders.

"Your highness if you don't mind me asking how were you and his majesty cursed?" the room seemed to jump 20 degrees Natsu's turned to face them his eyes red for his staff this was the first time seeing his full crimson eyes everyone felt the urge to run they couldn't stop the shiver in fear frozen in place.

"You may not ask." He growled darkly his eye turned back to their usual black the room slowly came back down in temperature. Natsu pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes "I do not what to discuss it and I do not want the subject brought up again."

"My ap-apologies your highness I didn't mean to upset you." Morpheus stammered bowing. Natsu waved it off he was not going to apologize for getting angry, he wasn't sure why he got so angry at the question. Maybe it was the first time someone had ever asked? Even if he was going to answer that question he didn't know what he would say. They were cursed because Natsu died. After that he dismissed everyone except Alexander. Natsu sat and leaded back in his chair tiredly that conversation took a lot out of him but he was more or less pleased with the outcome.

Shortly after that there was another knock at the door Alex opened it "your highness lady Mavis is here."

"Let her in." Natsu stated wondering why Alexander felt the need to announce who was at the door when he could sense who it was long before he even opened the door

"Natsu I would like to talk with you."

"Why are you coming to me instead of my brother?" he asked feeling a little drained form the last conversation he just had

"It is about him actually." She said then glanced at Alex who was still standing by the door

"Alexander could you get us something to drink?" he asked Alex bowed and left the room, Natsu got up and sat on one of the sofas gesturing for mavis to take a seat

"You seem to have embraced the role of prince." She stated not seeming to sense the uneasiness or tension left in the room

"Not that I have much of a choice in that matter." He muttered she frowned. "What did you come to ask me about?"

"It is about Zeref and his or really our curses." She started Natsu raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. "I wanted to know how you got rid of them and if-"

"If it costed anything?" Natsu asked cutting her off Mavis just nodded

"Why do you want to know? either of you have the curses anymore you don't need to worry about it. and if you are asking because you are worried about then don't be."

Mavis sighed fiddling with the hem of her dress. "I have been thinking a lot about… if I should be staying or not I want to understand if part of the reason you are staying here has do about the curses if me leaving would somehow effect it or the reason I never thought about lifting the curse had something to do with you." Her voice faltered she been trying to find how about the brother's past by trying these rounds about methods to understand what they were hiding and how everything fit together but the past week and half she had come up with next to nothing.

"You leaving will not bring back your curse." Natsu said leaning back into the couch

"How did you remove the curses. Zeref suffered for centuries with this curse and I only really had it for a year when I realized what had happened, in reality had the curse for 20 something years. But he couldn't get rid of the curse he told me he had tried but it was impossible did that have to do with the nature of the curse or something to do with you and that was how you were able to find a way to remove it?"

"Mavis what are you really asking? I don't think you are really interested in knowing how I removed the curse but it has nothing to do with you staying or going." Natsu said patiently.

"As I have said I want to understand more." She looked up giving Natsu the look of the true fairy tactician. Natsu could see she was thinking of hundred things at once but everything she came up with didn't fit.

Natsu let out a sigh "when Zeref had the curse he was more focused on other things namely trying to stay away from the living so he didn't hurt them. he was distracted by the curse itself to really looking to it. I am assuming for you it is much that same story you didn't know what you had for a long time only that you stopped growing, then you spent the next year trying to die and stay away from people." Mavis nodded Natsu made a point the curse dulled your sense of self the only way you thought of how to get out was dying. You became immortal so you couldn't die, the more your loved life the more you take it away. so, hiding was the best course of action instead of just forsaking you're feeling about how you valued life. The curse of contradiction. So that made since but how did Natsu fit into the story? was he also cursed and never had feelings for his fairy tail family so they won't die. She shook her head that wasn't it she watched first-hand how he fought to protect the guild. so, was Natsu really Zeref's brother? If that was true then Natsu had to be several centuries old has well or was that just something Zeref told everyone because he made Natsu the prince. Honestly that made the most sense sure they had some similarities but ultimately they were completely different and if Natsu was also centuries old why did he wait so long to cure his brother?

The door opened and Alexander came in with a cart full of sweets and tea. Bring mavis out of her thoughts she looked up not even realizing Natsu had moved back to his desk and was working mindlessly on paperwork. She thanked the young boy who smiled and stepped back towards the door to wait if he was needed again

"Natsu." She stated he looked so much like Zeref when he was working like this… yet so different. He let out a low umm to show he was listening "how do you know so much about our curse about the curse of contradiction."

"When I first got here I did a lot of research on it and I have come face to face with that curse often enough to know." he answered still not looking up from his paper work that just added to her confusion.

"Then how are you still alive? Zeref obviously cares about you so being close to him would have been deadly how—"

She was cut off Natsu looked up his eyes flashing red in warring she had noticed it a lot that when Natsu got angry he eyes turned red but she had never seen them do that n the guild. "Mavis I am done talking about this. I have a bunch of work to do so could you ask you questions somewhere else." He hissed in a low voice she puffed out her checks ready to argue fighting back the fear she had for those red eyes but looking up at him all she saw was pain his eyes were back to their black voids but still held something that felt inhuman. There was no light or warmth in his gaze just pain. She turned and walked to the door turning back once to see Natsu looked older and more worn out then she had ever seen him. "Have you forgotten how to let people in how there are people that want to help you?" she asked Natsu didn't answer she sighed and closed the door now where closer to answers then she was what she first asked the question. She found it sad how much Natsu has changed since he was in the guild. he didn't seem has bright and full of life she missed that Natsu that was loud the happy dragon slayer that lifted his guild's spirits and held them together how when things seemed dark and hopeless Natsu's light would guild them back home.

Mavis walked down the hall ever since she had woken up in this castle curse free she found out that she couldn't use magic anymore she if she was being honest with herself didn't really bother her. Getting to know Zeref really getting to know him she found out he wasn't evil has the stories say. She discovered that all the story's about the death that surrounds him was just his curse activating when he tried to stay way. which must have been unimaginably difficult to be alone for centuries having to keep moving as civilization expanded. She still didn't know if it would be best to stay if she still had feelings for someone that a couple of mouths ago she was ready to kill. She sighed she was running out of time she had a feeling fairy tail was on their way and she needed to know where she stood.

Back with Natsu

"Are you alright your highness?" Alexander asked once Mavis left

"Just tired." Natsu muttered today had been more emotionally exhausting then anything

"You seem to be working a lot recently you must be tired." He said putting food on the edge of his desk he apricated that the boy didn't ask any question about either conversation

"Umm I suppose, with my brother's ball approaching and the whole thing with Ishgar I have been doing a lot more work. honestly I didn't think being a prince could be so… never mind forget it." Natsu voice trailed off.

"Are you worried that they will be coming after you?" Alexander asked Natsu stopped what he was doing seeing the concern on his young servant.

"No, I expected they would try to get me back not knowing what I really am but you don't have to worry about me." He smiled.

"Sir, if they find out that you are a demon what do you think they will try to do?" he asked

"Alex I don't want you to worry about stuff like that." Natsu gave a reassuring smile. "Besides I am a lot stronger than I look and since I am not human I would be really hard to kill." Alex gave a small smile in return but he could still tell he was worried.

They stayed quite for a little bit Natsu couldn't focus on his work giving up he looked at his servant wondering how board Alex was standing there for hours waiting for Natsu to ask him to do something.

"Alex lets go to the training grounds." Natsu said getting up Alex smiled "you can work on those spells August has been teaching you."

"I would love that your highness." He smiled glad that he would have the opportunity to get stronger so someday he could protect the prince.

The two walked down the hall Natsu listened to Alex talk feeling older than he has in a long time he fought back the memories of the past but he failed…

X489

The war had started a year ago E.N.D and the demons of Tarators hadn't really played a part against the two main forces of dragons. humans were just cannon fodder useless beings that just kept getting in the way and demons well they did as they pleased.

Natsu sat on his throne in the Tarators guild hall a cruel smile on his lips "enter" the massive metal doors to the throne room opened a frog octopus like demon wattled in when it was closer to its master it knelt down in a bow.

"Yakdoriga you look troubled" END smirked

"Master, Tempester division has requested aid they have run into trouble against a squadron of dragons." the frog demon spoke

"Where are the other nine demon gates?" END demanded the frog demon bowed lower his body shaking the heat rising in the room

"Franmalth, Torafuzar, and Keyes are too far way or on other missions to be of help. Xorzan was on her way but—

"But what?" END growled

"Master we are having trouble verifying but word is Xorzan has been killed"

"What!" END stood from the thrown the torches on the hall grew the heat in the room sky rocketing END eyes blazing red in his fury

"Master please" the demon begged END calmed down

"Where is Tempester now" he ordered once he reserved a location he was gone in a flash for red light. It didn't take the master of the demon guild long to arrive on the battle field. He's arrival made everyone freeze.

"Master!" the demons shouted once they sensed his presence in the dust cloud

"Another demon come to join the massacre" a purple dragon hissed eyes watching the dust cloud a dark presence making the dragon feel uneasy.

"It will be a massacre when I am finished with you." A dark demonic voice spoke from the vanishing dust cloud END looked around seeing many of his fallen subordinates but one body stood out. the body of Xorzan one of the nine demon gates she was hardly recognizable in a heap of her Etherious form. The Demons still alive most that could transform were in their Etherious forms. Tempester was missing an arm and an eye.

"Bold talk—

The dragon was cut off when he felt overwhelming heat and the thirst for blood coming off this demon the dust finally cleared to reveal a demon that radiated power and heat that could rival the sun two glowing gems of pure danger locked on to the dragons. this was the first time END was fully on display he even scared his own demons when they finally got a good look at him. two black horns on his head his nails sharpened into claws his hands to his forearms black and cracked looking like dark magma. Two red and black winds rested on his back and a sharp tail swished at the grown in a menacing manner.

"all of you get back to the guild to treat your injures if you stay you will be in the way." his voice boomed the Etherious did try to protest but too scare to use their own voices. Has they made their retreat the sky turned red and the ground shook breaking apart from the force END was putting out.

The dragons didn't stand a chance—

Natsu remembered how that day had been one of the biggest losses for the dragons since the start of the war how he was covered in dragon blood…

"Your highness we are here" Alexander stated snapping Natsu back from the past

He looked down seeing the worry in the boy's eyes Natsu gave a large grin "sorry must have spaced out there are you ready to get started let me see the new spells you learned." Natsu said. Alexander looked like he wanted to ask if everything was alright but decided against in and moved further into the ring. Natsu thought back to that battle after that fight if you could have even called it that Tarators entered the war as a major contender after that Natsu crated Lamy and the Demons' regeneration process which made it almost impossible to kill any of the demons of Tartous. The nine-demon gate were turned eight. a position he did not refill as master but the ninth spot was eventually filled by an undead Silver Fullbuster Gray's dad, when Mard Guard took over the guild.

Natsu suppress a sigh; out of all times why did he have to think about that wasn't the point of his dream to replay his memories why did they have to pop up now when he was still awake? He thought about mentioning it to Zeref when he spoke to him next but thought better of it his brother had enough things to worry about without Natsu digging up the past.

Once again getting out of his thoughts he gave a few pointers to Alex about his fighting and aim then left him to practice on his own for a little bit. Natsu wondered to his brothers study he stopped outside the door. His fist raised to knock but frozen an inch from the door.

After all the unwanted conversations today, he wasn't looking for another one and bring up what he needed to with his brother would surlily go down that path. Yet his feet carried him without him really thinking about it. he enjoyed talking with his brother enjoyed spending time with him. their life was a roller-coaster of twisted emotions pain and suffering yet they were family. A family that didn't take no for an answer and fought over every obstacle they had lost so, so many people just to be together. Natsu shook his head he needed to stop thinking like this it was depressing and not at all helpful.

He knocked

The door opened quickly Zeref's attended peaked his head out, at the moment Natsu couldn't remember the guy's name he was older than Alexander probably in his early to mid 30ies. "Your highness, have you come to speak with his Majesty?"

"Yes could you give us a moment alone?" Natsu asked but also making it clear it wasn't a request. The attended nodded and stepped out of the room bowing as he held open the door and closed it once Natsu stepped inside.

Zeref

For the last month and half the Alverez empire had been preparing its first ever royal ball. Nobles and royalty from all over Alakitasia and neighboring territories were coming. Zeref was a little nervous at how fast it was approaching now he was also excited. Ever since he created this empire he wanted to do a gathering like this with Natsu and Mavis. Of course, before His curse was always in that way a dark cloud of death hanging over everything and Mavis and Natsu weren't with him. but now he was free from the curse and the two most important people in his life were with him, he could make the country from the stories his father used to read all with the fairy tale ending. He smiled and leaned back in his chair at the thought.

"Zeref what are you doing?" Zeref opened his eyes to see Natsu standing in front of his desk he must have really been lost in thought not to have noticed his brother's arrival.

"Just thinking" he closed his eyes again the smile still on his lips

"Well, whatever your thinking about with that smile of yours you better not include me" Natsu smiled trying to joke.

"you don't seem to be in a good mood today did Larcad or God Serena do something?" Zeref asked still not opening his eyes. After a few seconds of silence Zeref opened his eyes to see Natsu had moved to look out the window "what is it brother?"

"Fiore is on the move at their top speed they most likely will be reaching our shore in about a week"

"That is—"

"Yeah I know the same time your stupid ball is supposed to happen. a lot of people for all over will be attending no doubt it will be hard to keep up with the tight security at our border." Natsu said

"I take it Brandish just got back and told you this?" Natsu nodded Zeref sighed "it seems we can't catch a break, what would you like me to do short of canceling the ball."

"I know a lot of people are working hard to make the ball happen and I know you have been looking forward to it. so has much as I disagree I won't ask you to cancel it anyway" Natsu looked at Zeref and Zeref frowned Natsu looked tired and that worried him.

"Something is bothering you more than just Fairy tail. You know how stubborn they can be and we both know your warnings and the barrier wasn't going to keep them away even seeing our military might wasn't enough to deter them so you shouldn't be surprised what else is it?" Zeref asked turning to face Natsu with his full attention he would do anything for Natsu to keep him safe and keep him happy.

"I don't know I shouldn't bother you—

"You are not bothering me I am your older brother and I wish you would tell me what you are thinking more often so I could help you."

"Things just seem to be moving too fast. And the past… the past just keeps getting in the way." Natsu gambled

"Is that why you are not sleeping are the memories getting to much?" Zeref frowned in worry he had noticed Natsu was having trouble sleeping since the book was opened only taking long rest when he removed Mavis curse.

Natsu shook his head "that isn't it I can handle the memories but when they invade my thoughts during the day I have a little problem. But there is also Mavis she keeps asking about our connection, why I am not in Fairy Tail and she keeps asking about our past…" he paused looked back out the window "she also says I am not the same as I was in the guild… I know I am different but- but have I really changed that much?" Natsu asked he looked back to his bother an almost pleading look in his eyes before turning to look back out the window. Zeref got up to follow he gaze

"You have gone though many changes throughout your lifetime and in a way so have I. we have booth seen and experienced so many horrors… and done things…" Zeref paused clearing his thought knowing this wasn't helping "you might have been more care free in Fairy tail and you were happy—

"I was naive Zeref I know what I was like in the guild and before that but and I'm someone different or am I like the monster I was before?"

"No, you are not a monster—

"-I am one…" Natsu cut his bother off "Zeref I know I am a monster don't lie to me… some-sometimes I don't even think I am the real Natsu, I am just a copy with your real brothers' memories." Natsu voice faltered Zeref head snaped to faced his and he could see Natsu eyes glossy with unshed tears

"You are my brother my real brother… and sure you are a demon you will always be a monster," Zeref paused seeing Natsu tense he hope he would say the right thing as not to make this situation worse "there is no turning back from it. But what type of monster you become is entirely up to you. But to me you were never a monster you have always and will forever be my little brother." Zeref hugged Natsu who turned to bury his head in his neck "I will talk with Mavis see if I can getter to stop bring up the past."

"Thanks, but you don't—

"of course, I will what are big brothers for." Zeref smiled as he pulled away for Natsu. Natsu gave a smile in return sadly not has bright has it could be. Zeref then frowned "Natsu what would you like me to do with Ishgar?"

"Why are you asking me you're the emperor?" Natsu tried to joke but it didn't reach his eyes and he turned away

"I might be the emperor but when it comes to Fairy Tail I know you don't want to see any of them get hurt."

Natsu stayed silent for a while then he let out a heavy sigh "I don't want to see them get hurt but no matter how I see it they will still be coming after us. Either to get back mavis or me. They don't give up even if both mavis and I say we don't want to go back."

"You're worried this will keep getting out of hand?" Natsu nodded in response Zeref sat down at his desk again thinking Fairy tail needs to be taken care of if Natsu is going to have peace but he doesn't want to see them get hurt. This was a contradiction Zeref closed his eyes and sighed "I will think of something. Has Mavis made here decision to stay here?"

"I think so but I think you would be the first one she tells if she is staying or not. I think she is frustrated with me for not answering any of her questions." Natsu turned to his brother "she a lot like you in a way"

"I don't know what you mean" Zeref smiled a little his cheeks tinted pink. "Anyway, Natsu why don't you go lay down I will cancel you lessons for the day and latter we can do something fun just the two of us how does that sound?"

"I am not a little kid anymore." Natsu pouted just has he did when he was little which just made Zeref smile "but I- I would like that, thanks" Natsu turned to leave but stopped when he got to the door "Brother please be careful"

"I will" and with that Natsu walked out. he didn't know what Natsu was asking him to be careful about but he fully intended to do whatever it took to keep Natsu safe and if he turned into the bad guy again then that was fine.

"Sabastian"

"Yes your grace" his attended walked in again

"Can you get me Ivenl and Brandish I wish to speck with them and when I am done talking to them I want to talk with mavis."

"I will summon them right way" Sabastian bowed and walked out the door.

Zeref didn't have to wait long for Invel to show up and in a way he was please at the fast response and how he arrived first.

"Your majesty, you summoned me?" Invel asked giving a slight bow

"Yes, Invel I have several things I need to discuss with you first I am canceling Natsu's lessons for today not just with you but his other royal lessons."

"May I ask the reasoning?" Invel asked he hit his expressions well but Zeref could tell Invel was worried.

"No, Natsu is taking the rest of the day off and on that note latter this afternoon I will also be canceling my meetings"

"Your majesty is everything alright?" Invel asked the concern growing as his body tensed

"There is nothing you need to worry about Invel just for today Natsu and I will be spending some time together this afternoon outside the castle that is all you need to know about that."

"of course, sir." Zeref could detect the slight disappointment in his voice Invel did this every time Zeref could go on his wondering away from the castle but this time something was a little different he seemed worried was it because he could die now? Zeref shook his head now was not the time to think about his mortality.

"As for the other matter—" he was cut off as a very flustered Brandish came into the room

"Thank you Sabastian could you wait outside I do not want to be disturbed in this meeting." Zeref ordered his attended nodded and closed the door

"Am I in trouble your majesty?" Brandish asked trying not to show how nervous she was Zeref did feel a little bad for summoning her on short notice like this when she just got back.

"No, not at all I should first welcome you back home after you stay in Ishgar" Zeref spoke kindly a small smile on his lips Invel was giving her a disapproving look but it seems both Brandish and he were ignoring it

"Thank you're your majesty." She spoke still nervously this was not usually how he addressed his 12 or really anyone.

"Could you tell me what you found out about Ishgar's plans?" Brandish looked even more nervous her body shaking a little so Zeref continued "I am aware that you were held prisoner of the fairy tail guild and was gathering information for Natsu. What did you find out?" he ordered

Invel eyes widened slightly seeming unaware that Brandish was given a special job and now wasn't looking at her so disapprovingly. "Well sir, mostly it was about Fiore guilds planning on kidnapping the prince."

"What! why would they try do that?" Invel demanded

"Invel calm yourself." Zeref ordered his eyes growing darker if that was posable.

"My apologies" Invel bowed

"They still believe he is on their side and he did not abandon them they think he is possessed by the demon END and wish to separate the two of them." Brandish continued trying to hide her smile that the perfect Invel revised a warning form the emperor

"I was aware the prince was no longer human but is that even posable?" Invel asked holding his chin in thought

"No, it is not at least not anymore." Zeref sighed seeing has Igneel and Anna Heartfilia had to help him sealing END or really the demon's essences in the book and not killing Natsu. "Natsu has informed me they are on their way here as we speak." Brandish nodded Invel frowned at that "Invel I will like you and the 12 to prepare they will mostly be coming after Mavis has well."

"Do you wish that we tighten security?" the ice General asked now thinking how he could

"The border guard are already pretty tight and the ball is fast approaching." Zeref leaned back in his chair "no what I want is for the 12 to keep an eye out I want at least one of the 12 to be with Natsu and Mavis at all times for their protection in fact make that two of the 12 for Mavis since she can no longer use any magic."

"Your majesty if I may speak freely?" Zeref waved the go ahead "His highness is powerful in his own right and the mages of Ishgar couldn't possibly beat him why do you wish to assign extra protection?"

"I am not worried about if Natsu could take care of himself I know better than anyone at Natsu full capabilities. No, what I want the extra security for is because of fairy Tail. Natsu still has a soft spot for them and does not want to see them hurt he probably won't fight them if he can help it and I don't want them to take advantage of that fact."

"So do you wish us to take care of Fairy Tail before they can get here?" Brandish asked thinking back to the time she spared that guild because of the prince and if the emperor were to order their destruction what she would do.

"Again no." she released a breath she didn't know she was holding not sure why she should care what happens to that guild only for Lucy Heartfilia face flash in her mind. Then Zeref continued "I will think of something to keep the wizards of Ishgar out of Alverez permanently but that will have to wait until after the ball. I need the 12 to stay on guard and protect this country as well as Mavis and Natsu until then. Under no circumstances will any of the 12 be permitted to go after these guilds if they come into our boarders. If they course trouble is the only time any of you are permitted to fight do I make myself clear." Zeref demanded his eyes flashing purple at the last part

"understood" the two of the 12 said bowing

"Good Brandish you are dismissed." Brandish bowed and hesitantly left the room. "Invel you will relay these orders to the rest of the 12 and if any of them complain send them to me and I will explain it to them." Invel nodded at that knowing what was likely to happen if anyone disagreed with the emperors wishes.

"Sir, is there someone pacifically you wish to guard Prince Natsu and Lady Mavis?" Invel asked

"no, I will let you decide that" Zeref sighed

"Has for you, your majesty should I boost your guard as well?"

"I don't think it will be necessary but you are my head of staff I will trust your judgment on that matter." Zeref then grabbed a piece of paper off his desk and held it out for Invel to take "for the last thing I wish to discuss with you, look this over and I would like your thoughts on the matter tomorrow."

Invel glanced over the sheet one name popped up he recognized with distain 'Durtoush family'. Invel looked up "if that is all your grace I shall take my leave." Zeref nodded Invel turned to leave.

When Invel walked out the door opened again and Mavis walked in. Zeref smiled at her his heart which had stopped long ago beating again.

"Sabastian said you wanted to see me?" Mavis stated walking into the room

"Yes, sorry I haven't had a lot of time to spend with you lately." He began his voice low and smooth

"that's alright I understand you have a lot of work to do." Mavis smiled. Zeref moved to sit on the couch in his study and mavis followed his lead "what did you need to see me about?" she asked

Zeref sighed not really sure how to go about this. He didn't want to upset Mavis but he also wanted to protect Natsu. "Mavis I understand you been asking Natsu a lot of questions" he said after a few minutes of silence. He down at his hand when she didn't respond he continued "I know you what to know—

"But you are not going to tell me anything are you?" she asked making Zeref flinch "Zeref I want to help I want to understand why we cand tell Fairy Tail I need to know if…" her voice trailed off

"If you are going to stay?" he asked finished her thought she just nodded Zeref frowned his heart started beating faster he felt it in this ears. He wanted Mavis to stay he still loved her but he knew that he couldn't keep her here if she didn't love him back. "I can't tell you everything but I can tell you a little" Zeref sighed knowing this wasn't going to end well with Mavis if she didn't get some answers. Zeref looked up at her seeing and expected look in her eyes. He sighed wonder how much he could tell her how much he should reveal. "Back then umm… Maybe I should just try answer some of your questions"

"Alright for starts how was Natsu able to remove our curses?" she asked

"Honestly I also didn't think it was possible and I am not sure exactly what Natsu did." Zeref looked down "or what he had to pay for it."

"I thought Natsu… I thought he was acting based off a deal you two made" Mavis stated her face compilating what Zeref thought was some leverage he held over him. that made Zeref frown not happy at the implications.

"No, there is no deal at least not the kind you are thinking Natsu is staying here under his own free will a year ago I told him about fairy tail disbanding and if he wanted to go back but he didn't." Zeref kept his voice calm.

"so what is you connection or are you going to tell me Natsu is also several centuries old." Zeref didn't respond at first.

"Natsu was born in the year X300 we are five years apart." Zeref stated thinking back to the day Natsu was born not seeing Mavis eyes widening

"so, you two are really brothers but how is it that Natsu was in Fairy Tail how is it he has survived this long?" she asked

"For your first question yes both of us are really brothers and for him being in Fairy Tail that was just a coincidence as before he joined your guild Igneel was raising Natsu." Zeref then paused "for your last question that isn't something I can really answer simply put you could say Natsu was cursed like I was just not with the curse of contradiction."

"I don't really understand" she frowned Zeref gave her a reassuring smile

"The world was a lot different back then then it is now dragons roamed the earth freely both of us had… we had a difficult past and during that time we were both cursed and have both gone our separate ways well until recently." Zeref sat and talked for a little while longer not really about the past or about Natsu they started talking about the ball and things they liked and disliked during this time Mavis was observing Zeref remembering the past when he taught her friends and her magic that helped them free Magnolia and form fairy tail. She found it interesting that he went by Spriggain with means ugly fairy. Also, most as if he thought himself apart of her guild but also the dark side of the guild. she figures he knew a lot more about fairy tail she wondered if Natsu told him or since they were brothers Zeref had been watching over Natsu from afar.

"Look at the time sorry Mavis but it seems we need to end the conversation here thank you for coming." Zeref said standing up from the couch

"It was nice thank you"

"mavis" she looked up to see his dark eyes looking a little uncertain "sorry to end this conversation on a sour note but will you be leveling to go back to Ishgar or have you decided to stay here in Alverez?"

Mavis looked down at her hands she had been debating for so long on what she would do she didn't know why it was such a tough decision it was obvious she needed to choose Fairy Tail right they were the good guys it was her guild and Zeref was a dark mage the supposed bad guy but why did her heart ack at the thought of leaving Zeref's side when she was finally getting to know him.

"It seems you need more time to sort it all out but Mavis I think you should know that Fairy tail is on their way here and will most likely be here in the coming week so please make a decision before then. You are free to do anything you like I will not stop you if you decide to go back to your guild." Mavis eyes widened at his words Fairy tail was coming here she shouldn't be surprised by this but her thoughts went back to want Natsu said if here staying would mean going to war with Fairy tail. "You were never a prisoner here I hope I didn't make you feel that way but it was nice to see you and talk like this." Zeref continued Mavis looked up to see sadness and the familiar pain in his eyes it made her heart ack, she wanted to jump up and give him a hug but she stopped herself.

"I-I will give you a decision after the ball" she said meekly

Zeref nodded and silently walked out the door.