Sorry for the such a long long wait life has been way crazier than usual and not really in a good way. I am working to update stories as a get some free time to breath but it feels like I haven't had a real day off since New year's. That being said thank you all for sticking with this story and I hope you like this chapter.

Mavis left Zeref feeling oddly refreshed and at peace sure she still didn't know the whole story. but she felt she had a better grasp of the situation she still didn't know why they couldn't tell fairy tail the situation or how they were cursed she didn't know anything about Natsu's curse or how he really fit in to all of this yet. Well now she knew they were really brothers but not sure how Natsu ended up with Igneel, how he ended up in the guild where Natsu of fairy tail was a happy go lucky goof ball that because serious when protecting the guild, the one that got in fights with Gray and guided the guild. Zeref had never mentioned when she meant him 100 years ago that he had a brother and wondered what had still change Natsu a year ago. She wondered what the demons of Tartous played into this and about a hundred other questions to the 400ish year Dragneel brother puzzle.

She sighed she would get them another day. right now, she planned to wonder the castle as she often did when her brain needed a time to process her thoughts. She thought about going to the castle's impressive library; which she is not ashamed to say she fell in love with when she first laid eyes on the massive room. she had too much to think about that sitting down to read a book felt almost counterproductive.

"Hello mother." Mavis turned at the sudden voice to see one of the Spriggan 12 she had not had the pleasure of meeting, granted she has only really interacted in Invel mostly.

"I am sorry what did you call me?" she asked she didn't feel threated but his level on power nor did she feel like this member of the 12 were evil, but more wistful.

"I am Larcade Dragneel, Mother." He repeated a small smile on his face as if trying to look less threatening.

"I think you might be confused I am— Mavis paused her eyes widening like she was seeing Larcade for the first time he had the same hair color has her and the same eyes she also felt something familiar about him like she knew him had a connection to him. But that wasn't right… if she had a baby wouldn't she remember something like that? "who-who is your father?" she asked but somehow already knew the answer.

"Zeref the emperor" he answered "Sorry I wasn't able to meet with you before but I was recovering form a scuffle with Uncle Natsu and well I…" his voice faltered and he looked down not sure what else to say. Mavis eyes were wide in panic and disbelief. Zeref and her already had a child when or how did this happen? Mavis turned to leave needed some answers

"I should go find him and—

"He is not in the castle right now he and uncle-" Larcade stopped he seemed not to think of Natsu in the best light if the scowl on his face when ever he said Natsu's name was any indication. Clearing his throat he continued "Anyway, I have been assigned to help protect you during your stay mother." He smiled

"Protection from what?" she asked trying to ignore that he keeps calling her mother, or the fact she felt like she was having a heart attack.

"haven't you heard the guilds of Ishgar will be coming and they are planning on taking you back I thought you already made the decision to stay here so I am going to protect you." Mavis mind was moving a mile a minute she felt like she was having trouble breathing and her vison blurred.

"Mother?"

"I-I need a minute… umm wh-where did you say Zeref went?" She said turning away from this familiar stranger and tried to control her breathing.

"he will be out for the rest of the afternoon you actually just missed him by about twenty minutes" Larcade said politely. He was also having an internal panic attack he wanted to say so much to his mother who he had never seen before this day he didn't know if he should be angry with her for never knowing him or happy she was here now. he wanted to say and do so much but was having trouble finding the words all he could think to do was stand their stare and just answer questions. At first he was just angry that his father had once again chosen his younger brother over him; having seen his torturous Uncle in some sort of pain or under stress and decided they were heading out somewhere alone. He was on his way to actually follow them playing with the thought of dealing with his uncle in his weakened state. But Invel stepped in and told him to protect Mavis. When he heard the name he froze. He had only heard the name of his mother maybe a total of four times in his entire life and now here she was in the castle and no one thought to come and tell him. She had apparently been here since they got back from Isgard and no one told him anything.

Now here she was standing in front of him looking every bit like he imagined if a little bit on the short side. He saw that he defiantly took after his mother more then his father and on one hand he was glad about that. However, he must have gotten his height from his father thought as his mother barely passed his waist. Her long blond hair falling to the floor like a golden waterfall from his dreams.

They stayed their staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity, both soaking in each other's appearance and having inner conflict/ panic attack respectively.

"Mother wo-would you like to sit down?" Larcade asked nervously Mavis didn't answer just nodded numbly and followed the much taller Spriggan 12 to a tea room by the garden in the castle.

"I am sorry Lar…" her voice faltered

"Larcade"

"Larcade I was not prepared for… for any of this." She said honestly looking down

"I am guessing Father hasn't told you about me." Larcarde asked sadly as if already knowing the answer and his face saying he wasn't surprised by Zeref lack of conversation.

"No. he- he hasn't mentioned you." She said with a frown seeing the young man nodding solemnly

"I am not surprised he doesn't mention me much hardly talks to me either. Hardly ever not that… that Uncle is back." Larcade frowned at the Mention of Natsu.

This just opened a whole new mess of questions and a new piece of the Dragneel puzzle that just jumbled up all the prizes she thought she had put together. Her brain now felt fuzzy and lost; as if it just packed up its bags and left the station all together. Was this really happening right now did she and Zeref really have a child together? Her faces felt really hot thinking of what that could mean thinking of Zeref and her… necked…

She shook her head furiously it felt like steam was coming out of her ears. Her brain hurt and all she could think about was Zeref and her having a kid and how she had somehow forgotten this seemingly every important fact. Mavis was trying hard to get the memory to resurface replaying every moment she had spent with the dark mage.

"I am sorry I need a minute to process I am sorry I didn't know about you or really anything." Mavis finally stuttered her brain shunt down completely with this overload.

"Umm does that mean you want me to leave?" Larcade asked seeming hurt and a little disappointed

"Yes! No!" Mavis puffed out her cheeks in utter desperations and frustration. "I need to talk with Zeref and I- well how do I… my head hurts." Mavis sighed as she collapsed and Darkness claimed her.

Larcade dived to catch his mother before she fell out of her seat panicking that something was wrong this was not at all how he thought meeting his mother for the first time would go. Picking up Mavis he ran though the castle for help as this was apparently far beyond his abilities.

Later with Natsu and Zeref

Zeref had talked with Mavis for little more than an hour which in that time he hoped Natsu took his nap. he thought about giving Natsu more time but where he was planning on taking Natsu would also take time to get there and he didn't want to stay out too late.

Zeref and Natsu were on the train out of the Alverez Capital Vistarion. Has he predicted Natsu fell back to sleep on the train. Zeref was happy to see his motion pills were a success and his heart swelled with joy seeing the peacefully sleeping face of his younger brother, Natsu's head resting his shoulder. looking at Natsu's face he looked so at peace he wasn't burdened by the past or all the pain they had gone through he looked like a kid again. Zeref turned to look out the window the passing buildings and large stenches of farm land glowing in the midafternoon light. He wasn't sure when he had forgotten how beautiful the world could be, how full of life, happiness and love the world held. It had been centuries since he had felt anything or wanted to feel something other than pain and loneliness. the last emotion the only one he guarded to keep part of himself sane was the love for his brother.

The world had kept rejecting him every time he killed he felt a little bit of himself fade away. He thought back to when he thought he loved Mavis but that died when she was killed by that love. Only the emotion he had for his brother keep him going in this cold lonely world. So, he had forgotten what was out in the world had forgotten who he was. All that surrounded him was death and destruction. Now he could finally take in the world's beauty seeing all the colors and life without the fear of it being taken away. For the first time in centuries, he felt whole

Natsu shifted and gave a low umm as he slept Zeref looked back down at his little brother and felt the warmth his body gave off. If Mavis decided to leave to return to Ishgar he wouldn't stop her just as he promised. He didn't want to hope that she would stay… He didn't deserve her love in the first place he had caused so much death and pain in his life there was no amount of… he couldn't change any of it now anyways. he was the one responsible for Mavis's curse and then her death. She was free now free of both, he had repaid her for her kindness, as there was nothing he could do to repay her for all the pain he caused. She was free as the fairies she so wished to see; she didn't need to stay. He would be fine has long has Natsu stayed by his side…

No—

He shouldn't ask Natsu to stay by his side he didn't even deserve asking that. he shouldn't say he repaid Mavis by lifting her curse because he didn't do anything. That was all Natsu, his little brother was always the light that lit the way, always the one to chase the darkness away the one that was always saving him.

Zeref turned to look back out the window again. Natsu had lifted her and his curse he was the one that was always suffering while he watched. he was the older brother yet Natsu was the one that saved Mavis saved him time and time again. He clenched his fist. What had Natsu paid? Why had Natsu stayed by his side when it only leads to more suffering. His brother was happy in Fairy Tail and so was Mavis if she decided to stay would her smile fade has well?

The train came to a stop waking Natsu from his slumber.

"Are we there yet?" Natsu tiredly asked sitting up and rubbing his eyes

"Yeah were here" Zeref smiled. They both got off the train in the city called Malbed. It was smaller than the capital but just as lively.

Zeref didn't bother disguising himself and in hind sight he probably should have. Once one person recognized them everyone recognized them. Natsu looked a little uncomfortable with the added addition and if he wasn't used to it or still had his curse he would feel the same way. now feeling free he found it comforting if a little unnecessary. For the most part people gave them space only bowing when they walked past.

"What are we doing here?" Natsu asked a little on edge not sure if that was because of the people or something else.

"you'll see." Zeref said leading the way. after walking thought the city for a little longer they camp up to a park. A fountain at the center with two people both looking strong and heroic as if they were guarding the park from unseen Invaders.

Natsu frowned slightly has he got closer to the statue, Zeref following close behind.

"Natsu do you recognize them?" he asked getting closer to Natsu

"I'm not sure it feels like I know them but it is fogy when I look at their faces." Natsu said staring at the two statues like he was commanding the memory to surface. Zeref frowned slightly remembering how little Natsu remembers of their parents and what he does remember are faceless beings in foggy memories.

"Well then little brother let me interduce you to mom and dad. I know it has been a while but this is what they looked like."

"Really this is mom and dad they look different from the old picture in your room." Natsu said quietly still staring at the statues in almost longing

"Yeah the picture is a little more faded from time. When I built this county I had them memorialized here in stone."

"Here?" Natsu stated as he looked around "this was—

"Yes this is where they died our house was a block over there." Zeref pointed to the park no houses stood there now but Natsu could see it. He remembered the hill by the forest where they used to play. He felt like he wanted to cry his chest hurt. Out of all the memories he relived the ones of his parents the life before he was a monster was so fuzzy. Almost like a dream of happy wishes in the dark. They were from so long ago he remembered bits and pieces of his parents how they died this city now re-built and more beautiful than ever this is where they were all together when life wasn't complicated when everyone was happy. Natsu wished the statues would speak would hold him again because he had forgotten their touch had forgotten their voices, but never forgot their smiles or their love to them.

Gray

Gray had been in Alverez for two days now trying to come up with a plan to get into the castle and find Natsu. but he was alone and not stupid enough to think he could seek in there like he did with Avatar or barge in and fight everyone like in the past with Erza, Lucy and… Natsu…

His thoughts darkened at the thought of his friend/ rivel/ brother. he imaged Natsu behind those walls thoughts of him suffering alone trying to survive in enemy territory, or thinking he had died behind those walls at the hands of Zeref and END who was now walking around in Natsu's body doing who knows what destroying the foundation of who Natsu was and what he stood for. every time he thought about that made his blood boil how angry it made him. it took everything he had not to use his magic to go on a suicide mission and just bring the disgusting castle fortress to the ground.

Thinking about the destruction he smiled only to freeze eyes widening. There coming off the castle bridge were the monsters of his thoughts there was Zeref and next to him… his breath caught there was Natsu. he was standing right there in the flesh he didn't look all that different from a year ago but the crisp white banges on his right arm shined like a beacon in the sunlight. There was no Fairy Tail mark on his shoulder either. Gray shook himself out of his frozen shock noticing them getting further away. Gray made to follow careful not to get to close to be detected. Lucky the city was heavy populated so it was easy to hide in the crowd.

He watched as they got on the train a little surprised at the lack of resistance Natsu showed about the contraption. Gray got a ticket and took a seat in another car close enough that he could see the top of Zeref's head. They got off at a city named Malbed it looked a lot like magnolia a smaller city then the capital but with cobble streets and brightly lit with colors and happy people. It was hard to believe that a country run but someone as evil as Zeref could have such happy citizens wondering if they were faking being happy for outward appearances. Gray shook his head that seemed unlikely seeing how well off everyone looked to be living.

Gray refocused his thoughts as he watched the people bowing to Zeref and giving him a wide berth. He followed Zeref and the Natsu look- a- like watching the city getting excited about their arrival did none of them know who or what they really were. The two stopped at a park fountain talking. He wasn't close enough to hear what they were talking about Gray tried to move close but remained hidden he watched Natsu… not Natsu's body language which felt off. Stiffer and somehow slow. He wanted to be close enough to see his eyes were they red or black was that END standing there? Gray also played with the idea of attacking Zeref none of the 12 were around just the two of them. If Natsu was alive maybe then both of them could take out Zeref together. Shaking his head, that was a gamble not knowing Natsu' true situation was it END was Natsu even alive the frustrating question he had been plaguing his thoughts for the past mouth and half. If it was END he wasn't confident enough to think his demon slayer magic would be enough to win a fight against both END and Zeref. Inner debate is interrupted as Natsu gave out a pained hissed grabbed is injured arm sitting down on the fountain base making himself smaller. Zeref moved closer reaching out as Natsu tried to pull away shaking his head at whatever Zeref was saying. Gray grew angry again thinking Zeref had just done something it almost over shadowed the relief he felt Natsu was alive he was fighting this just proved it. Gray was about to pounce to save Natsu but he stopped Zeref says something and gave a nod. Natsu body language changed he let go of his arm and stood up face slack he nodded too now following Zeref as they heading back to the train. When they got there Gray watched Zeref give Natsu a pill from the look of it Natsu tried to refuse it but with some insistence he took the pill. Gray settled into a seat in the same car this time with a good view of the two. Now close enough to see how tired and pale Natsu looked.

"You need to get more sleep." He heard Zeref say

"I think I have slept enough for one day." Came Natsu's reply sounding a little forced Zeref shook his head grabbing Natsu so he would lay down. Gray was surprise that Natsu didn't fight the dark mage. As the train started again Natsu was fast asleep in the lap of his enemy.

"you are Gray fullbuster correct?" Gray jumped a little seeing Zeref now looking directly at him his dark eyes piercing him. Gray looked quickly around the mostly empty train car then back at the dark mage that was watching him expectably. "There is no use trying to hide I know you are there." Zeref continued. Gray reluctantly stepped out into the alley and took a seat a crossed from Zeref.

"How do you know my name?" he growled trying not to focus on Natsu sleeping trying not to just reach out and grab him.

"I make a special point to know who the most important enemies are, as for you I know everyone Fairy Tail." Zeref said coldly running a hand thought Natsu's hair. Gray glared his heart hammering painfully against his chests hating how Zeref was practically using Natsu as a hostage right in front of him.

'try anything and your friend gets hurt' he just imagined Zeref saying that against his better judgment he brought attention to Natsu "what did you do to him?" trying to keep how concerned he was for Natsu.

Zeref looked down his expression unreadable as he messed with his Natus's pink locks.

"He needed some sleep." If Gray imagination wasn't running away from him then he would have heard the concern in the black mage's voice.

"I mean for the last year what have you done to him or what deal did he make with you." Gray snapped showing how angry he was Natsu made a noise but didn't wake up they sat in silence for a while

"Nothing." Zeref's soft voice breaking the silence

"Your lying I know Natsu he would never follow you willingly." Gray hissed Zeref frowned slightly still looking down at Natsu.

"is that so" Zeref said quietly

Gray thoughts blurred together remembering everything his guild mates said when they talked about Natsu's visit to the guild when Guildarts talked with him wondering now if the being in front of him was really Natsu or a monster with his face

"Where is the book of END?" Gray demanded in a hushed whisper Zeref fingers froze for a minute Gray felt his heart beat freeze as well his body never relaxing. Not when he was faced with such an enemy.

"Did your father Sliver Fullbuster tell you about the book or have you been hunting it since Mard gear took it from you?" was Zeref's cold reply as he started brushing his fingers down Natsu pale face. Gray looked down at Natsu to really look at him the dark bags under his eyes the pale glow of his skin he couldn't remember but was Natsu thinner as well?

"Why does it matter to you?" Gray hissed not ignoring the fact that Zeref avoided the question.

"It matters." Again, was Zeref annoyingly simple reply Gray hatted how relaxed Zeref was how it seemed like this evil mage didn't see Gray as a threat. "Gray…" the way Zeref said his name sent chills down his spin "I suggest you let go of your hatred let go of the idea of defeating me or END… you have lost your guild has lost go back and live the rest of your lives in peace."

"And wait for you to use fairy heart for you to destroy the world… I. Don't. Think. So." Gray spat out the last words like they were venom. "You made the mistake of messing with fairy Tail it is you that will taste defeat in the end."

Zeref frowned the only reaction Gray had seen in the stone like face of that monster "at want cost are you going to sacrifice for your victory?" Zeref asked turning his cold dark eyes to Gray's blue. That question caught Gray off guard he didn't even know how to respond. The train came to a stop. "I suggest you get off here the next stop is the capital and if you were to come with us to that stop you will be living the rest of you wasted life in my dungeon." Zeref eyes flashed purple in the clear warning. Gray wanted to argue say that he wasn't leaving without Natsu without the answers to his question he didn't want to leave without a fight. But Natsu gave out a low moan and Gray caved he could do anything right now he couldn't rust into this. He reluctantly stood. "I also suggest you relay that message to the rest of your guild." Gray froze at the door to the train he turned wanting to give Zeref an equally threating warning but he couldn't find the words it is like his brain chose not to stop working and he was now a small child facing the monster under the bed the source of his nightmares and he was frozen unsure of what to do. Without looking back he stepped off the train, tunning just intime for the doors to close and it sped off into the distance.

Gray heart felt heavy in his chest as the feeling that he had once again failed settled in his chest. Natsu was right in front of him Zeref was right in front of him and he couldn't do anything. He stood there for what felt like hours eyes fixed on the spot the train had vanished long ago. Zeref's words swirling in his head. But one thing kept jumping out at him Zeref knew Fairy tail was coming and he knew they were close.

Sorry for the short chapter I was mostly just trying to get something on paper so I can post so I do apologize if this chapter seemed a little fasted passed or to short. I might go back and fix this later. *sigh* life… anyway hope to write soon and check out my other stories as I will be updating those as well.