Chapter-78: Yet another Beach Day

The atmosphere around the group was relaxed, a stark contrast to the serious preparations discussed earlier. The sun shone brightly as the kids ran off to play, their laughter echoing through the area. Cana watched them fondly, though a hint of skepticism crossed her face as she turned to the others lounging on the beach chairs.

"Wasn't the idea to prepare for the games?" she asked, her eyebrow raised.

Nero, sporting a pair of sunglasses and fully reclining on his chair, shrugged casually. "Love, we're prepared enough… probably?" he replied, his tone more lazy than confident.

Lucy, arms crossed and clearly not buying it, narrowed her eyes. "...You just wanna laze around," she accused, catching on quickly.

Laxus, who was equally relaxed, didn't even bother to deny it. "Yeah," he admitted flatly, making no effort to move.

Mira couldn't help but giggle at his honesty. She leaned in, cupping his cheek with a warm smile. "Well, at least you're honest," she teased. Then, her voice took on a more commanding tone. "How about you go grab me and the kids something to drink?"

Laxus stared at her for a moment, realizing the gentle request was anything but optional. "...You're not asking me, you're telling me," he grumbled, already resigned to his fate.

"Good boy," Mira praised with a playful glint in her eyes. "Remember, two apple juices, two with strawberry, and a Margarita for me."

With a sigh that spoke volumes, Laxus got up from his chair. He cast a glance over at Gray, who was lying beside him.

"Gray, dear?" Juvia's voice was sweet, but the smile she wore matched Mira's perfectly.

Gray knew better than to resist. "...I'll go," he muttered, standing up and joining Laxus on the quest for beverages.

Gajeel, sensing what was coming next, prepared himself as Lysandra turned to him. "Gajeel—"

"Fine," he cut her off, standing up reluctantly. "What should I bring you?"

But before he could head off, Lysandra held up a beer with a smile. "I brought you a beer already, and the kids have their drinks," she said, handing him the cold bottle.

Gajeel stared at her, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "...I love you," he said sincerely, taking the beer.

"I know," Lysandra responded with a wink, leaning in to give him a quick kiss before he sat back down.

The three men shared a knowing look, their exasperation mingling with a bit of humor. Laxus, shaking his head with a smirk, muttered, "Guess we know who's really in charge."

Gray and Gajeel nodded in agreement, each feeling the truth of that statement. They glanced over to where Natsu had been, only to spot him fully engaged in the construction of the kids' sandcastle, now firmly under siege by his daughters.

"Papa, can you make it into glass with your magic?" Iris asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

Natsu hesitated, knowing the dangers. "You might hurt yourselves," he cautioned, his fatherly instincts kicking in.

"Aww," Iris pouted, and soon Dianna and Felicity joined in, their disappointed whines forming a chorus of displeasure.

Natsu sighed, unable to resist their combined cuteness. "...I can make it into a non-sharp crystal," he finally conceded.

"Do it, Papa!" the girls cheered, their faces lighting up with joy.

As Natsu began to work his magic, the sandcastle slowly transformed, its gritty walls becoming a smooth, shimmering crystal that caught the sunlight and refracted it in a dazzling display. The girls watched in awe, their previous disappointment forgotten.

Gray, observing the scene, shook his head with a chuckle. "Yeah, he's gone," he concluded, sharing a look with Laxus and Gajeel.

"Totally whipped," Gajeel added, though his tone was more affectionate than mocking.

"Hey, at least he's not getting sent on a drink run," Laxus remarked, though there was no bitterness in his voice, only the shared camaraderie of fathers who knew they were outmatched.

The three men turned back to their task, resigning themselves to their errands with a mix of amusement and contentment, knowing full well that they wouldn't have it any other way.

Later

Natsu's grin widened as he carried Erza on his back, her legs securely held in his hands, while their daughter Cynthia perched on her shoulders, giggling with delight. Cynthia's hands were tightly clasped with Erza's, ensuring she wouldn't fall as they played their game.

"You're trapped now, Arthur! Muhahahaha!" Cynthia declared triumphantly, her childish laughter ringing out as she played the role of the villain.

Not far away, Artoria was in a similar position, carrying Seilah on her back, who in turn held their son Arthur on her shoulders. The boy was just as animated, determined to stand his ground against his sister.

"You won't defeat me with your frivolous ways, Cynthia!" Arthur shot back, his voice full of defiance as he tried to push his sister off balance.

As the children engaged in their playful rivalry, splashing and pushing each other in the water, the adults shared amused smiles, enjoying the moment of peace and fun.

Artoria approached Natsu with a teasing smile. "What a nice surprise to see you here, love," she joked before leaning in to give him a kiss. The warmth between them was clear as she carried Seilah closer to Erza.

Natsu chuckled at her words, responding with equal humor, "You mean on a beach or between Erza's legs? I thought you'd be used to this by now."

Seilah joined in the banter, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she leaned over to share a deep kiss with Erza. "Yeah, Artoria, it's practically a daily occurrence by now," she teased, her voice light and playful.

Erza returned the kiss with equal fervor, her arms still securely holding Cynthia as she balanced between the two women. The four of them shared a moment of closeness, the warmth of their love and the joy of their family life radiating between them.

The children continued their mock battle, their laughter echoing across the beach as the adults savored the moment, a perfect blend of love, humor, and happiness.

Later, Natsu held Iris gently in his arms as the little girl asked her dad to take her flying. She had inherited both her mothers' and father's love for flight, and her excitement was palpable.

As Natsu soared through the sky above the beach, Iris absorbed every detail of the landscape below, her amber-gold eyes wide with wonder. Her golden hair flew in every direction as the wind rushed past them.

"Faster, Papa! Take us higher!" she urged, her voice filled with exhilaration.

"Alright, sunshine, hold on tight," Natsu replied with a smile.

Iris tightened her grip, her small hands clutching his shoulder and the scarf he wore specifically for moments like this. Natsu flew higher, the beach and ocean shrinking below them as they climbed into the sky.

When they reached a higher altitude, Iris asked, "Papa? Do you think I'll ever be able to fly on my own?"

"Of course, sweetheart. You'll get your own wings in time," Natsu reassured her, his voice full of warmth and confidence.

"Really?" Iris's eyes sparkled with hope.

"Yes, Iris. You will," Natsu promised, holding her a little closer as they continued their flight, the sky wide open and full of possibilities.

Some time later, Natsu found himself at a private stand for drinks, where Amara and Elysia were behind the counter, insisting on preparing drinks for him, Roxy, and Natasha. The atmosphere was lighthearted, with the sound of waves crashing gently in the background and the warm sun casting a golden glow over the beach.

Natasha looked effortlessly stunning in her beach attire. She wore a pair of strappy sandals adorned with intricate designs that wound their way up her ankles, providing both comfort and style. Her legs were encased in thigh-high stockings that hugged her curves snugly, the fabric adorned with swirling patterns that added a touch of elegance to her look.

Her flowing miniskirt, made from lightweight fabric, featured vibrant colors that swirled like a summer breeze, moving gracefully with each step she took. Over her chest, she wore a bandeau top adorned with intricate embroidery and beading, accentuating her curves while providing the perfect amount of coverage. The ensemble was completed with a loose beach shirt made of sheer fabric, its billowing sleeves tied at the front to expose her toned stomach. The shirt was decorated with colorful patterns that caught the light, adding a whimsical touch to her outfit.

To protect her eyes from the bright sun, Natasha wore oversized sunglasses with mirrored lenses, giving her a touch of glamour. A wide-brimmed sun hat adorned with feathers and ribbons sat atop her head, its floppy design providing ample shade and a playful flair.

Roxy, on the other hand, was equally captivating in her two-piece bikini with silver and red accents. The bikini showcased her athletic physique, the colors contrasting beautifully against her sun-kissed skin. Silver bracelets adorned her wrists and ankles, adding a touch of elegance to her beach-ready look. On her finger, she wore a soft white gold ring with a black gem—her wedding ring from Natsu—a symbol of their enduring love. Her hair was neatly braided, reaching past her back, giving her a sleek and polished appearance.

"Here, Papa," Amara said with a bright smile, handing him a glass filled with a mostly pink liquid.

"Thank you," Natsu said, taking the glass and giving Amara a warm pat on the head.

Elysia, struggling a bit with the glasses for Roxy and Natasha, carefully placed them on the counter.

"Here you go," she said, looking up at them with wide, proud eyes.

"Thank you, darling," Roxy said, gently lifting Elysia from behind the counter and settling her on her lap. "Are you going to tell Mama what you made, or keep it a secret?"

"It's a secret," Elysia giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Roxy chuckled and kissed Elysia's cheek. "Well, I guess I'll have to enjoy it without knowing the ingredients. It's the thought that counts, after all."

Natasha took a sip of her drink and gave Amara a grateful nod. "This is delicious! You've done a great job, Amara."

Amara beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushing with happiness. "Thank you!"

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the beach, Natsu, Roxy, and Natasha relaxed in their private stand, savoring the drinks their children had so thoughtfully prepared. The warmth of the sun was fading, giving way to a cooler, more refreshing evening breeze.

"So, what do you think of the drinks, Roxy?" Natsu asked, leaning back and stretching his arms.

Roxy took another sip of her glass, savoring the flavors. "Delicious! Amara and Elysia really outdid themselves. They've definitely inherited your knack for creating amazing things."

Natasha, still enjoying her drink, nodded in agreement. "I think we're going to have some very talented little ones in the future. And they've certainly learned how to keep a secret well!"

As they chatted, the children continued their playful antics on the beach. Iris, now joined by several of the other kids, was building an elaborate sandcastle with intricate towers and moats. Arthur and Cynthia were engaged in a friendly competition, seeing who could make the biggest splash in the water.

Samikel and Merlin were diligently guarding their older sister Wendy from any boys who dared think themselves worthy of a Dragneel child. Though they were only seven years old, their divine lineage as sons of a god, dragon, and demon made their presence formidable and intimidating to mere mortals.

"Demon!" shouted a teenage boy as he hurriedly ran away from the glaring boys.

Wendy giggled, appreciating her siblings' protectiveness. At nineteen, Wendy had transformed into a striking vision of grace and power. Her petite frame had matured into a defined hourglass figure, athletic and feminine, a testament to her rigorous training. Standing at about 165 centimeters, her presence was both commanding and approachable, marked by natural poise that hinted at her readiness for both battle and diplomacy.

Her complexion, once smooth and fair, now bore a subtle, sun-kissed glow from her extensive travels and active lifestyle. Deep brown eyes, brimming with intensity and wisdom, held a spark of determination and resolve. Her elongated canine teeth, peeking out from her confident smile, served as a subtle reminder of her dragon heritage.

Wendy's dark blue hair flowed in graceful waves past her waist, styled with sophistication. The top half was gathered into a sleek, high bun, while the bottom cascaded in voluminous waves, framing her face with effortless elegance. Delicate silver pins and small gemstones adorned her hair, catching the light and adding a touch of refined glamour.

She wore a chic, ocean-blue bikini that complemented her deep blue hair and fair complexion. The bikini top, adorned with delicate silver accents, shimmered in the sunlight, adding sophistication to the casual design. The high-waisted bottoms were both stylish and practical, providing comfort and coverage while accentuating her athletic figure.

Over the bikini, Wendy draped a sheer, light blue sarong with subtle iridescent patterns reminiscent of crashing waves. The sarong was tied at her hip, allowing the fabric to flow freely as she moved, creating an ethereal effect. On her feet, she wore simple yet elegant sandals with silver straps that matched the accents on her bikini.

"Aww, don't worry, Samy, I'll never leave you!" she teased, pulling him into a soft hug.

As Wendy embraced Samikel, her protective younger brother, a soft, reassuring laugh escaped her lips. Samikel, still a bit flustered but comforted by his sister's warmth, relaxed into her hug, his earlier tension melting away. Merlin, standing nearby with a vigilant gaze, offered a nod of approval, satisfied that his siblings were safe and well-cared for.

"Wendy, you're too nice to me," Samikel said, his voice muffled by her embrace.

"Not at all, you know I'll always be here for you," Wendy replied with a gentle smile. She turned her attention to Merlin, who was still eyeing the horizon with a watchful eye. "And Merlin, thank you for keeping an eye out. I know you're always looking out for me."

Merlin nodded, dramatically he said. "It's what I do best."

As Wendy held Samikel in her arms, she noticed a familiar figure approaching from the distance. Natsu, with his usual exuberant energy, was making his way towards them, accompanied by Roxy and Natasha. His regal attire, though slightly more casual for the beach, still bore the marks of his status.

"Hey, Princes!" Natsu called out, waving "Looks like you've got everything under control here."

Wendy smiled warmly at her father. "Of course, Papa. Just making sure my little guardians are on their best behavior."

Roxy and Natasha joined them, each looking relaxed and content. Roxy, still in her two-piece bikini with silver and red accents, had a playful glint in her eyes. Natasha, in her stylish beachwear, was carrying a tray of drinks that she handed off to Natsu with a smile.

"Thought you might be thirsty," Natasha said, setting down the tray. "Looks like everyone's having a great time."

"Yes, we are!" Wendy replied. She looked over at the group of children, who were now building even more elaborate sand structures. "The kids are having a blast."

As if on cue, Iris came running over, her face beaming with excitement. "Papa! Look at our sandcastle! It's huge!"

Natsu knelt down, his expression of pride as he admired the creation. "Wow, Iris, that's amazing. You've really outdone yourself this time."

The group continued to enjoy the day at the beach. Amara and Elysia, having finished their drink-making duties, joined the group, their laughter blending with the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.

The sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the beach. As the day wound down, the group gathered around a large bonfire that Natsu had conjured, the flames crackling warmly.

The evening continued with a sense of tranquility as the sun set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The warmth of the bonfire added to the cozy atmosphere, creating a perfect backdrop for the end of a perfect day.

Natsu, nestled comfortably against Seilah, was surrounded by the soft embrace of his children. Dianna, Felicity, and Lilith, each cuddling close to him, were wrapped in the gentle cocoon of his wings. The flames flickered, casting a soft glow over the scene, adding a magical quality to the moment.

Seilah, her arms holding Natsu's head against her chest, looked down at the children with a tender smile. The combination of her warmth and Natsu's wings provided a comforting shield against the cool evening air.

Nearby, Wendy was enjoying the moment with her siblings and their families, the children playing and laughing around the fire.

As the night deepened, the group began to settle into a relaxed state, the bond of family and friends palpable in the peaceful silence. The crackling of the fire and the occasional burst of laughter were the only sounds breaking the calm.

Next Day

Erza was relaxing on a large ball sofa, one they had bought for themselves. They loved ball sofas for their comfort and style. Natsu was napping peacefully, his head resting close to her stomach. Erza held her cheek in her right hand, while her left hand gently stroked Natsu's hair, a soft smile gracing her lips as she watched him.

Sera, Sylvie, Juvia, Mira, Lucy, and Cana were in the kitchen, busily preparing sandwiches for the kids. The cheerful chatter and laughter from the group filled the air as they worked together.

Natsu stirred slightly, letting out a soft yawn. Erza's smile widened at the sight.

"Hey love, had a nice nap?" she asked gently.

Natsu took her hand and kissed it softly. "Yes, dear, quite nice.

As Natsu fully woke, he stretched and sat up, his eyes still half-closed. Erza leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Ready for another day of adventure?" she asked with a playful grin.

"Yes," Natsu replied, rubbing his eyes, "but it looks like we have some unwanted guests."

Erza's smile dropped as she frowned. "I'm going to make him regret stepping foot here if he oversteps even slightly."

"You have every right, my dear," Natsu said with a grin, "but let's first see what they want. It might be entertaining."

Just then, Gray and Lucy approached, sensing the incoming presence. "So, what's the plan?" Gray asked. "Get rid of them?"

Natsu raised a hand to pause the conversation. Within moments, a nervous civilian approached, clutching an envelope. "H-hello," the civilian stuttered, "I was told to deliver this to—Silver-Eye."

"That's me," Natsu said, taking the envelope. The civilian quickly turned and fled, clearly relieved to be rid of the situation.

Natsu opened the envelope and scanned its contents, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Well, everyone, it looks like we have some unwelcome visitors. How about we give them a little scare?"

With that, the group gathered their things and set off toward the location specified in the letter, eager for the unexpected encounter ahead.

West Woods

A group of three approached a broken bridge, seemingly intent on making a dramatic entrance. They stopped and waited in silence, each moment stretching out in anticipation.

"..."

"..."

"...we all know they 100% know it was us who sent the envelope and they won't play along with your dramatic entrance, Jellal."

Jellal opened his mouth to protest Ultear's accusation but was cut off by Meredy.

"Oh, come on, don't try to deny it. You might as well start selling Silver-Eye merchandise with the way you insist on these dramatic entrances."

"Hey! I'm not copying anyone!"

"Well, dramatic entrances are cool, but you just don't have the knack for them," Natsu interjected, appearing suddenly behind them with his signature Silver-Eye look for dramatic effect.

Erza and Seilah stood behind him, their wings fully extended as they glared at Jellal, clearly unimpressed.

Ultear started to speak, but her words were lost as Gray made his entrance. The air around them seemed to chill as he stepped forward, his cool demeanor accentuated by the gust of wind that followed him. With a flick of his wrist, Gray summoned a swirl of ice that formed an intricate frost pattern on the ground, his intense gaze fixed on Jellal.

"Did someone mention dramatic entrances?" Gray said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I think you might have missed the point, Jellal. It's all about impact."

Ultear's attempt to interject was overshadowed by Gray's icy display. She looked between Jellal and the group behind him, her frustration evident. "Honestly, we came here to talk, not to get caught up in some ridiculous show-off contest."

Natsu grinned, crossing his arms. "Oh, and what exactly does a bunch of terrorists want to say? Still worshiping Zeref's cock, Ultear? Or is it Jellal who wants it?Just so you know, Zeref's not into men."

Ultear's frustration flared at Natsu's taunts, her face flushing with anger. Before she could retort, Gray stepped forward, his icy demeanor cutting through the tension. "Natsu, maybe save the snide comments for later. Let's hear them our before deciding if we are killing them."

Jellal, clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken, cleared his throat. "We didn't come here to fight or to make enemies-"

"If you did you would just be a victim, you pose no threat." said Seilah sharply.

Jellal shifted uneasily at Seilah's sharp remark, but he pressed on, determined to get his message across. "We came here because there's a serious threat that endangers everyone, including you. We need your help to deal with it."

Ultear, still visibly frustrated, added, "This isn't about old grudges or personal vendettas. There's a group trying to harness dark powers beyond anything we've seen before. Their goal is to bring about chaos on a massive scale."

Gray's expression softened slightly, his irritation giving way to concern. "Alright, you've got our attention. But you'd better be clear and straightforward with what's going on."

Meredy, standing beside Ultear, nodded vigorously. "We're not here to cause trouble. We're here to prevent a catastrophe. Please, just listen to what we have to say."

Natsu exchanged a glance with Erza and Seilah. Despite his earlier mocking, the gravity of the situation was starting to hit him. "Fine. We'll hear you out. But make it quick. We don't have time for games."

Jellal took a deep breath and began to explain. "Over the last few years, we've detected dark magic signatures that match those of Zeref—"

"And why, pray tell, are you fools still pursuing Zeref?" Natsu interrupted harshly. "Hanging yourselves would be a more fitting end."

Jellal winced at Natsu's words but pressed on with urgency. "We're not seeking Zeref for any personal gain or worship. We created an independent guild to combat dark guilds and anything related to Zeref. We're trying to redeem ourselves."

"Redemption?" Erza scoffed. "Tell me… what do Simon, Wally, Sho, and Millianna have to say about that?"

Jellal looked away. "I haven't met them since then."

Ultear stepped forward, her voice trembling. "It was my fault. I was controlling—"

"We know, and we don't care," Erza cut her off. "Natsu spared him at the tower out of pity after discovering you were in his mind, but that's all the pity you'll get from us. Prove yourselves useful, and then we'll consider talking."

Jellal's face fell, but he remained resolute. "We understand. We're willing to do whatever it takes to prove ourselves. We have valuable information about the current dark forces. We came to warn you about a looming threat that could affect everyone."

Natsu's eyes narrowed. "Talk."

Jellal continued, "As I was saying, we detected dark magic that matches Zeref's, specifically in Crocus."

Natsu's eyes narrowed further, his mind linking this to the energy that had blocked Avalon, which was also sensed in Crocus.

"We managed to investigate a bit and found a giant gate beneath the castle. It's made from a sort of metal that feeds off magic—"

"The Eclipse Gate," Natsu interjected suddenly, Seilah's eyes widening as she too remembered it.

"Fucking hell, they are going to combine the Eclipse Gate with the Omnipotent power from Avalon. By itself, the Gate was powerful enough to hold four of the most powerful Dragons and me. With a source of infinite omnipotent magic from Avalon…" Natsu's thoughts drifted.

"Avalon?" asked Meredy, "As in the Fairy Land?"

"Yes, THE Avalon," Erza confirmed. "Not some base of Fairy Tail, but the realm even gods can't access."

Ultear spoke next, "Hold on, where are you getting all this? What does this mean—"

"Gray, show them everything they need to know. They're useful for now," Natsu said in a commanding voice.

"Alright." Gray raised his hand, enveloping them in a small blizzard of ice as information streamed into their minds.

The Battle with Vorin. The hierarchy of the Dragons, Demons, and Gods. Natsu's actual existence, along with Ava, Scaha, Artoria, and the rest of his wives. The Others' Transcended Existences. The battles that destroyed entire solar systems and galaxies. Zeref and Natsu's past and upbringing.

As the blizzard subsided, Jellal, Ultear, and Meredy fell to the ground, speechless. They had just glimpsed the scale of the powers they were dealing with and the profound truths about their world.

"So…" Meredy finally managed, "You're… gods?"

"Pretty much," Gray responded.

Ultear, Jellal, and Meredy struggled to process the overwhelming information. They had witnessed levels of power they hadn't thought possible and learned truths about the histories of Earthland that would shake society to its core.

Jellal, his face pale, struggled to steady his breath as he absorbed the magnitude of what he had just learned. "We had no idea... The scope of what's happening is beyond anything we imagined."

Ultear, equally stunned, slowly rose to her feet. "This... this is too much. We were only trying to stop a dark force, not get entangled in a cosmic scale of conflict."

Natsu regarded them with a serious expression. "The Eclipse Gate combined with Avalon's power could mean catastrophic consequences."

Meredy, still grappling with the vast amount of information, looked up at Natsu. "What can we do to help? How do we stop this?"

Natsu glanced at Gray, who responded with a serious expression. "They're genuine. They really want to make amends for their messes." He met Ultear's questioning gaze. "I checked your memories to see if you are worth our time. You passed, congratulations."

Ultear, attempting to lighten the mood, quipped, "Well, that's quite the invasion of privacy. Did you happen to sneak a peek at my baths, too?"

Gray met her sly grin with a smirk of his own. "I've got a wife and three kids. You're going to have to do better than that."

The group shared a brief chuckle, easing some of the tension.

Natsu nodded, taking the lead. "Alright. If you're genuinely committed to helping, then we need to focus on gathering more intel about the Eclipse Gate and its current status. Your first task is to share everything you know about its construction and whoever is involved."

Ultear and Jellal nodded in agreement. "We'll start with what we have,"

With the immediate tasks outlined, the group began to work together, pooling their knowledge and resources to tackle the looming threat. The atmosphere shifted from tense to collaborative, as they set about the crucial work of preventing a potential catastrophe.