Alright everyone, full disclosure here, I almost did not write this story because of these next few chapters. Evidently, writing narrative parts comes to me a lot easier than writing battles/ training scenes. That said, I'm fairly happy with how these next few chapters came out. I feel like they move a little slower than the ones I've uploaded so far, so I hope you'll stick with me! We do get plenty of brotherly bonding, silly moments and some nice slice of life scenes at the very least.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Also, RIP buffer. June 2024-August 2024 :P

KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 7: RELEASED POWER

Natsu's blissful dream of a forest made of desserts was brought to an abrupt end when Gray showed up and froze everything. Wait.

Natsu breathed in ice cold air. He WAS freezing. And he was sopping wet. Actually, everything was sopping wet. Him, the covers, the mattress. This better not be what I think...

It was exactly what he thought. Looking at the foot of his bed, he saw his brother smiling in a way Natsu could only describe as evilly, holding an outstretched empty bucket.

"What the Hell, Zeref?!" Natsu roared as he launched himself out of bed and lunged towards his brother.

Zeref playfully dodged him and said, "Well I kinda forgot about your alarm lacrima. And I still can't wake you up very well... but it's time to get up. We have a long day ahead."

Natsu's room was still almost pitch black, the sun had not started to rise over the skyscrapers of Vistarion just yet. Natsu sighed. He hated early mornings. He now remembered Zeref always trying to wake him up very early when they were small. He'd say annoying things like 'the early bird gets the worm' and 'you'll sleep your whole day away!' Natsu had usually just ignored him and went back to sleep or just slept through it completely, which would lead Zeref to going to get their dad, who was a master at getting Natsu to wake up, whether it was bribing him with food, promising different types of adventures once he got out of bed, or just tackling him and tickling his younger son till he woke up. Zeref started trying to use those tactics as well, but there was something special about his dad being the one doing it.

I really do wish Dad was here now. Natsu put the melancholy thought out of his head and wiped some of the excess water off his face, scowling at Zeref. "You are seriously the worst, you know that?"

"Well consider it a wakeup call in more ways than one." Zeref's tone became slightly more serious. "Today's training will push you to the very depths of despair."

Natsu blew a raspberry in response. "You're so overdramatic. I've heard enough despair talk from you. So instead," Natsu smirked. "I'll just show you how I overcome it!"

Surprisingly enough, Zeref chuckled. "I truly hope you can keep that optimism going, Natsu." He reached out and grasped Natsu's shoulder.

Natsu felt everything sway for a moment and a gust of wind hit his face. Opening his eyes, he gasped. Instead of his bedroom, they found themselves in a large circular room with a domed ceiling, with several small windows near the top allowing a small amount of light to illuminate the chamber. Given the stones' darkened color and aged appearance, it appeared they were still in the palace.

"I just saved us at least a fifteen-minute walk. You're welcome." Zeref said, smiling.

"Whoa." Natsu said, both at Zeref's teleportation spell and the massive room he found himself in.

"This is a training room that the Spriggan Twelve often use. It has very powerful wards placed around the walls, floor, and ceiling, making it practically indestructible. So don't worry about holding back."

Natsu grinned and clenched his fists. "I'm all fired up now!"

"Before we start, there's one more thing..." Zeref held out his hand. "I need to borrow your scarf."

Natsu quickly grasped his most prized possession on instinct. "Huh? Why?"

"I want to make sure I don't lose myself to my curse, given what we're about to do..."

"What? But you've been fine the past two days!"

Zeref sighed. "I have found methods over the years that help me keep my curse relatively under control. After you nearly incinerated yourself, I had to convince myself that giving you your book was the most logical thing I could do. And that having you around and keeping you happy will lead to us finding a cure together." Zeref frowned. "If I can take the emotion out of my thought process and actions, I generally remain in control. However, if I begin thinking of what you actually mean to me, that control slips away."

Natsu considered Zeref's words, as he recalled his conversation with Invel the night he arrived in Vistarion, before smiling. "So basically, I forced you to look on the bright side for once!" Natsu slid the scarf off his shoulders and held it out for Zeref.

Zeref offered a small smile as he took the scarf. "I guess that's one way of looking at it. Now," Zeref's expression became serious and his eyes flashed red as the scarf began to darken, "I want you to try and kill me."

Natsu looked at Zeref in disbelief before his face contorted in anger. "This again?! I already told you-"

"No, no, you misunderstand me, Natsu." Zeref said, holding a hand to his head as he struggled with his words. "I need to see how you'd handle yourself against an enemy where your life's on the line.

Natsu nodded, anger not completely gone, but now at least that things were clearer, he could use that energy as fuel. "So, you want me to fight you without holding back?" Zeref nodded and Natsu smiled wide. "You got it! FIRE DRAGON'S CLAW!"

Using the power of the fire dragon's claw, Natsu launched himself at Zeref . As he flew towards him, he ignited his fists, yelling "FIRE DRAGON'S IRON FIST!" Zeref went flying as the attack slammed into him. Natsu kept his momentum going, reaching his brother's point of impact before Zeref could, ready with another devastating attack. "CRIMSON LOTUS- EXPLODING FLAME BLADE!" The fiery inferno flung Zeref away from the floor and towards the high ceiling. Natsu then launched himself, ascending far quicker than Zeref. Now above his brother, he smirked. It was time for something new.

"FIRE DRAGON KING'S DESTRUCTIVE FIST!" Trying out his new power courtesy of Igneel, his flaming fist collided with Zeref. The force of the attack, hitting him square in the chest, drove the black mage straight to the floor, dust clouding the room with his impact against it. Alright, if this was a real fight the guy would probably be dead or close to it now. Time to 'finish him off'. " FIRE DRAGON KING ROAR!" Natsu released a massive burst of fire from his mouth, which rained down on Zeref and consumed him in a fiery explosion. Well, it would have, if he wasn't immortal. Landing back on his feet, Natsu folded his arms over his chest and grinned, satisfied with his work.

The dust finally settled, and Zeref lay still, staring at the ceiling. His immortal body's wounds had already healed, but he was in shock. It had technically been less than a year for Natsu since their reunion on Tenrou Island and he already had improved this much. You can't kill me just yet, Natsu. But you're close, so close. Zeref attempted to put his thoughts back in line as the scarf around his neck continued to darken. "Well done, Natsu. You've improved a lot in just a short time." Zeref said, sitting up. Natsu looked at him with a confused look on his face and then began to laugh. Zeref cocked his head. "What?" He felt something fall limply to his side, and upon looking he saw his sash- or more accurately what it was left of it. His robes were now torn to shreds, little more than rags. He glared at Natsu. "You did that on purpose."

Natsu shrugged. "What? You said not to hold back!"

Zeref sighed. "It's fine, we'll be having company soon. They can bring me a new set of robes."

Natsu rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

They both turned as the doors to the room opened, and August stepped inside. "Speak of the Devil. August," Zeref said. "Welcome. I know you just arrived, but based on what you sensed, what are your thoughts on Natsu's strength?"

August's eyes moved back and forth between Natsu and Zeref for a moment before he said, "From what I could feel, Natsu, your raw power is astounding. I would wager it surpasses that of many of the wizard saints, maybe even some of the Twelve."

Natsu's face lit up as he took in August's praise. Zeref smiled as well, and said, "You should be honored, Natsu. August was insistent that he help oversee your training with me, something he has never done for anyone else. And he rarely hands out compliments."

Natsu flashed a grin at August. "Thanks, August!"

The Twelve's leader smiled softly back at him. "Of course, Natsu. That said, don't become overconfident knowing that- many battles are lost by mages whose power far surpasses their opponents because they were overconfident, or they did not use their power wisely."

Still smiling, Natsu looked at August, his eyes blazing with determination. "Right!"

Zeref cleared his throat. "Before we continue, August, could you fetch me a change of clothes. As you can see, mine-"

"Ah, Your Majesty, Invel already predicted something like this might happen. He ensured that I brought a spare change of clothes with me." August held out a brown paper bag, presumably containing said change of clothes.

"I am continually impressed by Invel. He is always prepared, and always adapting no matter the circumstances he finds himself in. Thank you, Au-" Zeref's voice cut off as he looked at the contents of the bag. "I think there has been a mistake."

August smiled happily. "I don't believe so, Your Majesty. Invel sent these clothes specifically."

Zeref scowled as he snatched the bag from August's hands, grumbling to himself as he stormed out of the room. He had left August with Natsu's scarf, who promptly purified it, turning the fabric back to its normal white color. Natsu looked at August, confused at Zeref's behavior. August just smiled in response. Several minutes later, Zeref returned- wearing a bright red tracksuit.

Upon seeing his brother, Natsu nearly fell on the ground as he bent over in laughter. "Wow Zeref, red really suits you! I didn't know Invel actually did have a sense of humor!" Natsu managed to wheeze out between his laughs.

Zeref rolled his eyes, and his scowl deepened as he turned to look at August. Despite his straight face, Zeref could see the humor dancing in August's eyes as the commander of the Twelve handed him Natsu's newly purified scarf. "Invel believed this would be a better choice for a replacement. These are very inexpensive compared to your robes, which can be quite costly. And they still allow a wide range of movement."

Zeref sighed. "Whatever. Natsu!" He turned to look at his brother, who was still snickering. "If you're finished laughing, we can get on with this."

Natsu snorted from laughter one last time and then looked at Zeref intently, nodding. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Your magic power is immense, and I've noticed you've already unlocked your second origin." He smirked slightly as he continued, "However, there is a wellspring of power in you that as of yet is completely untapped- curse power."

Natsu's brow furrowed. "You mean... like from my etherious side? My book?" Zeref nodded, and Natsu brought his hand to his chin for a moment as he thought. "I don't know, to tell you the truth, it seems... well, just bad. I don't wanna end up anything like those guys in Tartaros. No offense." He wasn't sure how Zeref would take his hesitation.

To his surprise, Zeref didn't seem too bothered by Natsu's reluctance. "I understand, Natsu. It's an unknown power to you. And you don't want to lose yourself, become something you're not... a monster like the myths about E.N.D. depict." Natsu nodded in response. "Good. Your caution is needed when dealing with curse power. As you have seen, curses and humans usually don't mix well. However, with the etherious magic infused in your soul, you should be able to wield curse power with ease. In addition, you have me, a master in etherious magic, and August, whose power may even surpass my own, here to help you. You can do this, Natsu."

Natsu nodded slowly. "Well, alright. Where do we start?"

"We need to release your curse power carefully." Zeref explained. "All my etherious, you included, have a desire to destroy me built into their DNA. If you release all that power at once, there's a strong possibility you could lose yourself to that desire." Natsu couldn't help but notice his scarf around Zeref's neck begin to darken again, but August stepped forward and purified it once more. "So, to prevent that, we will release your curse power little by little. However, we will need your book to do so. If you tell me where it is, I'll go grab it for you."

"It's under my bed." Natsu answered., He wondered where else he could hide his book next time, as he didn't want Zeref knowing right where it was just in case his brother ever decided to get back on the loony train again.

Zeref vanished but reappeared after only a few seconds, holding Natsu's book.

"Ok, you've got to teach me how to do that teleportation spell!" Natsu said enthusiastically, as he thought of all the hellish trips on trains and any other stupid vehicles he could avoid.

Zeref smiled and chuckled a bit. "One thing at a time, Natsu." His expression growing more serious, he continued. "Now. I want you to imagine your etherious power is behind a door with one hundred locks." He balanced Natsu's book in the palm of his right hand and placed the palm of his left hand on the book's cover. "I am going to unlock this first 'lock' so you can see what it feels like. Tell me when you are ready."

Natsu closed his eyes, breathed in deeply, and exhaled slowly, readying himself. "Alright. I'm ready."

Zeref nodded, and, sensing the etherious magic flowing through the Book of E.N.D., shot a spark of magic power into the book, forcibly manipulating the part of Natsu that contained his curse power to awaken, ever so slightly.

Sure enough, Natsu sensed a new energy start to build within him. It wasn't a lot, but it felt distinct from his magic power. He couldn't say it felt good, but it didn't feel bad either. Not malicious like when he had felt the curse power from the members of Tartaros. He did have a sudden urge to attack his brother, but he remained in control of his body and mind and was able to put the unwanted urge out of his mind as quickly as it showed itself.

"Can you feel your curse power now, Natsu?" Zeref looked satisfied as Natsu nodded. "Excellent. Now try and give it form, like you would your magic."

Concentrating, Natsu took the new power within him and manifested a small black flame in the palm of his hand. It certainly wasn't enough to use one of his attacks with, but it was a start.

"Well done." Zeref said. "Now, recalling the feeling of when I unlocked the first 'lock', how about trying to unseal the second for yourself?"

"Alright, I'm pretty sure I can manage that." Natsu remembered the sensation of the curse power awakening, like a wellspring of energy from deep within him he didn't know he had. It wasn't difficult to repeat the process Zeref had done since he knew what he was looking for now. He undid the second 'lock' with ease.

August sensed Natsu's curse power building and nodded in approval. "Very impressive, Natsu. I certainly don't know as much about the nature of etherious magic as His Majesty, but I understand the strength of the words in your book. It is no small feat to resist its commands."

"Thanks, but it's still a massive pain in the ass." Natsu scowled at Zeref. "Can't you rewrite my book to make me not have urges to kill you every time I tap into this power?"

Zeref sighed. "I'd rather not. It's too risky, Natsu. I've never edited one of the etherious's books while they've been active. I imagine if I did, it would be quite painful at best, deadly at worst. I wouldn't want to risk affecting any other part of you. And before you ask, I manipulated your feelings so you'd hate me while you were time traveling."

"Gee, thanks. Your concern for my safety back then sure is touching." Natsu said sarcastically.

Zeref smiled nervously and held up his hands in surrender. "Yes, well, that's water under the bridge now, right? Consider this training my apology gift to you. As an added bonus, releasing your curse power slowly like this is strengthening your body so it will adapt to handling said power, as well as hardening your mental capabilities by resisting the urge to kill me. I'd say it'll get easier the longer we go on, not the other way around."

"You really need to work on your 'gifts' to people, Zeref. That said, it was a lot easier to handle the second time around. Alright, I've got this!" Natsu's enthusiasm faded though, as he furrowed his brow. "One more question. This power- while it feels, well for lack of a better word, normal to me now, will it always be that way? Or will it start affecting my mind or body? No offense, I really don't wanna go off the deep end like you did Zeref, and I definitely don't wanna wind up looking like one of those ugly etherious from Tartaros."

"Curse power does have the danger to put a lot of strain on the human body, but we're a long way from that. If you do get to the point where you can handle that much curse power at once, yes, you do have an etherious form you can utilize. However, it is a temporary transformation, not a permanent one, similar to your fire dragon king mode you showed me earlier. You can think about it this way- if the etherious in Tartaros's true forms were their etherious selves and their humanoid appearances were disguises, for you, it would be the opposite. As for your mind, as long as you continue to resist your initial urges to kill me, it should remain unchanged."

Natsu stretched as Zeref explained and nodded his head when he finished speaking. "Okay, that makes sense. I get it."

"Great." Zeref said, offering a small smile. "Are you ready to keep going? We still have a long way to go."

Natsu flashed Zeref a big grin. "Of course! I'm all fired up now!"

The day went on without any hiccups. August came and went throughout the day, sometimes filling in for Zeref if his presence was needed somewhere else in the palace. Natsu grew more attuned to the new power within him. By the time the sunlight coming through the upper windows of the room began to dim, he had 'unlocked' about a dozen of his curse power's 'locks'. He found he could use his curse power in similar ways to his normal magic and was already able to use several basic attacks with it now. Zeref said he'd be able to manifest new attacks with the curse power altogether, but for the moment Natsu simply focused on being able to use his attacks he already developed with his curse power instead of magic.

"That's enough for today," Zeref said. August had already departed for the evening. "You've done exceptionally well, Natsu. We can build on the foundation we developed today much more tomorrow."

"Thanks, brother. Sounds good to me!" He flashed Zeref a grin as the two began to walk out of the room. "We walking back?"

Zeref nodded. "Yes, I'd like for you to get a feel for the layout of the palace. It's quite large and easy to get lost. I'll also show you some things along the way, different rooms and facilities we have that you can use at your leisure. Maybe you can use them as reference points, so to speak, if you do get lost."

"Why is this place so damn big anyway? Seriously, it's ridiculous!"

"Well, I didn't build it originally. It was already here when I made Vistarion the Empire's capital. Of course, I had some parts added over the years myself, and then several advisors and upper ranking members of the Twelve had it added onto as well, and then we decided to consolidate all our government offices in the capital here..."

Zeref was cut off as they rounded a corner, and they came face to face with Dimaria and Ajeel. Dimaria looked at Zeref in shock. Ajeel smirked at Natsu.

"Well, nice to know you're taking our upcoming fight so seriously that you hired a personal trainer to help you." Ajeel said to Natsu, then turned to look at his opponent's 'personal trainer'. "Hope you can get him ready in time for our match, it's gonna be-"

Dimaria, unable to hold herself back any longer, began to laugh hysterically. "Ajeel, do you really not recognize Natsu's 'personal trainer'"?

The look on Zeref's face could be described as utter defeat. "I didn't realize these clothes made me look that different..."

Ajeel's eyes widened, recognizing his emperor's voice, and he quickly joined Dimaria in her laughter. "I'm sorry Your Majesty, but your clothing choices are just so... unique." He broke down in laughter again after he spoke.

"Alright, that's quite enough." Zeref said, irritation evident in his voice.

Ajeel and Dimaria didn't look fazed by Zeref's irritation, but they quit laughing. Ajeel turned back to Natsu. "Well, since we ran into both of you, how about coming to the bar with us? We were gonna grab a quick bite and a few drinks. Nice way to unwind after a long day, ya know? Although, Your Majesty, you may want to change-"

Dimaria looked somewhat upset by Ajeel's invitation and was about to say something before Zeref cut Ajeel off, "Your concern for my public image is touching, Ajeel, but no, thank you, I don't think going out would be a good idea for me today." Zeref's features lightened a bit as he turned towards Natsu. "But you should go, Natsu. You've trained hard today, and you should have some fun. You might get to know Ajeel and Dimaria a bit better, too."

Natsu thought for a moment before smiling. "Yeah, Ajeel, Dimaria, that sounds fun. I'll come with you!"

Ajeel nodded in approval and Dimaria wiped the somewhat defeated look off her face. "Alrighty, let's go."

"Later bro!" Natsu waved at Zeref as he followed the two members of the Twelve down the hall.

Zeref waved back. "I'll be in my study if you need me when you get back, Natsu."

After seemingly walking forever, they finally came out of the palace. Leaving the gates, the three took a short walk down Vistarion's main street before coming to an older building with several neon signs glowing on its walls and roof, with a large glowing sign saying 'Winterheart's Guild', also on the roof.

"A guild?" Natsu asked.

"Used to be, but they dissolved once they joined the empire. I think a couple of its former members kept the guildhall open as a bar, and it's their kids or grandkids that run the place now. It's like a staple here in Vistarion." Dimaria explained to Natsu with a smile.

Natsu nodded and followed the two spriggans inside. It did remind him somewhat of Fairy Tail's guildhall, with a few noticeable differences. For one, it was all one floor, the wood the building was made out of was clearly aged and worn, and it was filled with smoke coming out of what he guessed was the kitchen.

Approaching the bar, the bald, burly bartender seemed to recognize Ajeel and Dimaria and casually greeted them. "Oh, hey guys. The usual?"

Dimaria smiled. "Yep. Also, this one's with us tonight." She gestured to Natsu.

The man looked Natsu up and down. "Friend of yours? New member of the Twelve?"

"Friend, yeah." Ajeel said, grabbing a stool at the bar as he sat down. "New member of the Twelve, no." He smirked before he added, "You'll find out soon enough."

Natsu was about to question Ajeel but then remembered Invel saying something about his fights being broadcast on lacrima visions all around the Empire. He guessed Ajeel wanted to surprise the man, so Natsu simply smiled at the bartender and said, "Hiya!"

The man nodded at Natsu. "What can I get ya? We got a house brew, if you'd like to try."

"I'll take that and a burger." Natsu said. The man nodded and fetched him an ice-cold bottle from under the counter. Natsu took a sip, taking in the beer's flavor. It was different from what he usually got back home, but it was good. He thought he could even taste a hint of citrus mixed in.

"What do ya think?" Ajeel asked as he took a sip of his own drink.

Natsu grinned. "It's great! It's got a distinct flavor, and I like it."

Dimaria smiled at him from behind Ajeel. "The food's great here too. You won't be disappointed."

Still grinning, Natsu said, "I'm all fired up now!" Taking another drink as he looked around the bar, Natsu said, "You know, it's not exactly the same, but this place does remind me quite a bit of my guild."

"You really love your guild, don't you?" Dimaria asked. "Not criticizing, just can tell by how your face lights up when you talk about them."

"I really do." Natsu said, his smile softening as he thought about his old friends in Fairy Tail. "I miss them. Before I found my brother, they were the only family I had."

Surprisingly to Natsu, Ajeel nodded as he watched something on one of the lacrima visions above the bar. "I get it. I'm not super close with my mom and dad- they're back in the homeland. The country grandad used to be king of. Dad's king now. They're not bad people, but they're busy, as you can probably guess. So outside grandad Yajeel, the Twelve feel like the closest thing to family."

"Awwwwww, I didn't know how much you loved us!" Dimaria mockingly said to Ajeel.

"Oh, shut it, Dimaria!"

Natsu nodded, feeling a closer connection to Ajeel. He furrowed his brow as he thought about what the spriggan had told him. "Wait, your dad's a king? I thought my brother said he conquered your country?"

Ajeel smiled and nodded. "Well, that's the nice thing about the empire- sometimes, the emperor lets the countries the Empire's absorbed keep their rulers. Despite what they probably say over in Ishgar, your brother's a pretty chill and hands off ruler. Sure, they have to swear their loyalty to him and all that, obey any imperial mandated rules or whatever but honestly things don't change much. I know Grandad wasn't happy about it all at first, but getting to see Emperor Spriggan up close, how he ran the Empire and treated his subjects, he realized how much he lucked out. Your brother's got rid of a lot of nasty monarchs over here in Alakitasia over the years."

"Wow," Natsu said, as he tried to follow all that Ajeel was telling him. "I guess I still have a lot to learn about the Empire, but that makes sense. Its had to have absorbed a ton of guilds and countries considering how different all of the Twelve are. Don't get me wrong though, I like that. In fact, you guys remind me of a guild yourselves!" Natsu smiled wide, before adding. "You know, I know you don't seem to like Ishgar for whatever reason, but honestly... the way people act, and carry on their lives here...ain't much different from back home. It honestly makes me think we're not so different, no matter where we're from!"

Ajeel looked at Natsu, raising his eyebrows, before his face became slightly more serious. "You know, you got a point, Natsu. Everything I've seen from over there... It's like they're so afraid of us, they portray everyone and everything in Alakitasia as cartoonishly evil. It makes me mad. So what, we handle magic differently? Their attitudes towards it all just makes them look weak and cowardly. Their Magic Council seems like a bunch of nannies telling them what they can and can't do. And I can't say I'm impressed with their 'strongest wizard saint', either." His tone became mocking as he spoke of the Magic Council and God Serena.

Natsu listened to Ajeel intently, trying to understand where he was coming from. "I get it. I didn't know much about Alakitasia before I came here, but everything I heard lines up with what you said. I never thought this place was bad, though- we had a couple people in our guild from over here, and they were great people. I figured the whole place couldn't be as awful as they say if Bisca and Azlack came from there." Natsu smirked and his voice became more animated. "Also, the Magic Council doesn't know jack. I know several guys in Fairy Tail alone that would wipe the floor with God Serena."

Dimaria chuckled and smirked back at Natsu. "I don't doubt you, but you really shouldn't underestimate God Serena. Despite his ridiculous personality, he is quite powerful. He wields eight different kinds of dragon slaying magic."

Natsu's eyes widened slightly. "Eight? Wow. Good to know. I won't." He took another drink as the bartender turned back from the kitchen window, placing a large, delicious smelling burger in front of Natsu. He eyed it in awe for a moment before taking a large bite, savoring its juicy flavor.

Ajeel grinned as he turned towards Natsu. "Honestly, Natsu, I like you so far. You're genuine and straightforward and I respect that. And hearing you talk about the differences between Ishgar and Alakitasia, I can say I wish there were more people that thought like you. Also," Ajeel stretched out his hand before continuing, "I'm not a petty asshole like Larcade. I'm really looking forward to our match. I can't wait to go toe to toe with your magic. I already know it's gonna be sweet!"

Natsu grasped Ajeel's hand and shook it. "Yeah, me too. Thanks for this, Ajeel." Natsu grinned.

Ajeel returned a grin of his own. "Don't mention it!"

"Aww, Ajeel made a friend." Dimaria teased again, leading to a nasty look in her direction from Ajeel. She waved her hand apathetically. "Playing, playing. You know, Ajeel asks other members of the Twelve to join us, not just here, to just hang out and do things together in general. But none of them ever do."

"Well, that's their loss." Natsu said. "The stronger our bonds grow, the harder it will be for our enemies to strike us down. You fight harder when it's for people you care about."

Ajeel raised a bottle. "Exactly!"

Dimaria fiddled with a strand of her hair, staring at the bar. "Well, on the topic of bonds, seriously, what would you do if Alvarez ever had to fight Fairy Tail? You're kinda... well, a part of both now." She looked and sounded slightly unsettled as she asked.

Natsu's brow furrowed. "There's nothing that says I can't be the prince and in a guild." Not sure how everyone in the guild will take it, especially being Zeref's brother, but it's not like I can do anything about any of that now. "But that's the same question that Jacob guy asked in our meeting yesterday. I'm assuming that it's not a coincidence?"

Dimaria shook her head. "Look, I won't bullshit you. You seem like a genuinely good guy, so you deserve to know. I think there's a strong possibility that it could happen."

Natsu looked visibly distressed. "But why?"

Ajeel sighed. "Well, other than the whole 'all of Ishgar hates us' thing, apparently, Fairy Tail has something the emperor wants. Just from what little I've heard about it."

Dimaria nodded. "I really don't know how much I'm allowed to say, but honestly, I don't know a lot myself. Your brother doesn't share everything with the Twelve. Maybe Invel or August would know, but those two party poopers probably won't tell you anything. I'd just ask your brother yourself. From what I understand, he has some personal ties to Fairy Tail... more than just you, that is."

Natsu nodded, hand on his chin as he thought about what to say to Zeref later. "You know what, I will. Thanks for being honest with me, Dimaria. You too, Ajeel." Natsu's serious expression melted back into one of his big grins. "This was a lot of fun. I hope we can do this again sometime!"

"Here, here!" Ajeel lifted his bottle up, clanking it with Natsu's in a toast.

Dimaria smiled softly. "Likewise."

Natsu, Dimaria, and Ajeel spent another half hour or so shooting the breeze at the bar while they finished their food and drinks before they walked back to the palace. Natsu split off from them as he headed towards his brother's study. As they watched him go, Dimaria said to Ajeel, "You know, I really do like Natsu. His personality is like, infectiously bright. He's fun to be around." So much so I forgot I was annoyed with him third wheeling our not date.

Ajeel smiled at Dimaria. "Yeah, I agree. I hope whatever beef the emperor has with his guild won't drive him away."

Dimaria nodded. "Me too."

Natsu's curse power is a somewhat of a mystery to me. We don't really see him use it (to my knowledge) in cannon. So I basically made everything about it up. What are your thoughts on it?

Anyway thanks for reading, see you next week!