(Edited 12/09/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Embarking For Alvarez

*POTD*

After spending some time cleaning up the Guild Hall, everyone decided to kick back for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Of course, as they sat around chatting, the conversation soon turned to the journey to come, and the many decisions that needed to be made going forward.

The biggest dilemma they had to solve was who should succeed Gray as the Eighth Guild Master? Everyone agreed that Gray wasn't going to remain in charge, especially if they wanted the others to come back into the fold?

And unfortunately, after several options had been bandied about… The inevitable happened.

"No."

"Come on Natsu, you're the best one for it," Elise replied honestly, eliciting a firm shake of the head from the Devil.

"She's right Dad. Out of all the S Class Mages, its either you or Gildarts who should get it," Wendy agreed firmly. "And let's be real, Gildarts isn't settling down anytime soon to be a responsible Guild Master, is he?"

"And I am?"

"You know you're the best choice Natsu," Erza chimed in firmly. "Even Laxus admitted to us that you'd make a great Guild Master, and I know Mira would agree too!"

"You're all forgetting why this is even a conversation to begin with! If I become the Guild Master, anyone who would consider coming back would choose not to, just because my name is there," Natsu replied sharply. "I don't want to rob them of their chance to return to Fairy Tail, just because of my name-."

"Well, you would have quite a bit more support than you'd think Natsu," Juvia chimed in as she tucked Gray in and came over to sit with the group. "Following the incident where the Guild split on who to side with, many who hadn't spoken up left in silent protest of what happened."

"Really?"

"Yes. I know Cana, Laki, Alzack, Bisca, Warren, Max and Reedus all left a few days after the others sided against you."

"Porlyusica was also quite vocal about how she supported you," Wendy agreed. "She said she hadn't seen Fairy Tail so divided before, but that it seemed you had more supporters than haters?"

"Don't forget that Levy, Jet and Droy also left with Gajeel too," Juvia added, as Natsu weighed their words carefully. "If you became the new Master, maybe all of them would come back, even just to hear your side of the story after all these years?"

"Plus, you're planning on going to save Master Makarov," Erza added, which only further supported Juvia's argument. "If they hear that you're actively fighting against Alvarez and Zeref, it would sway them even more?"

"But Erza? Surely either you or Mira would be much more qualified for the job," Natsu asked, with the scarlet-haired Mage shaking her head.

"While its true that we're around a lot more, we aren't even close to how strong you are Natsu. Given the times we're in, we need the Guild Master of Fairy Tail to have both the heart, AND the strength to get us through the storm. You're the only one I can think of best suited for the job?"

"But I'm currently crippled in terms of my power," Natsu argued weakly. "And you're also biased-."

"Dad, just shut up and do it? You know that you probably won't even stay as the Guild Master once we get Master Makarov back, so just deal with it for a little bit?"

"You've become a mouthy little shit, haven't you," Natsu replied, a slight chuckle escaping him. "But… You know, you're actually right about that. I'd just be a stand in until we can get gramps back."

"See, there you go," Erza smiled, happy he was finally doing the responsible thing.

"Fine," Natsu sighed, standing up to address the group. "I'll do it, alright! Is there anything specific I have to do to be Guild Master, or is it just me now acting like one?"

"You've got to stand at the center of the Guild Hall and recite something," Gray spoke up, having returned to consciousness as they'd been talking. "You've got to say that you'll take up the mantle as the Eighth Guild Master of Fairy Tail, and swear that you'll uphold the name, values and traditions it was founded upon to your dying breath."

"Well damn," Natsu chuckled lightly. "I assume I have to say it formally?"

"Yeah," Gray replied, as Natsu moved to the centre of the room.

"I, Natsu Dragneel, do hereby solemnly swear to take up the mantle of Eighth Guild Master of the Fairy Tail Guild! I hereby swear to uphold its name, values, traditions, as well as honor its legacy, unto my dying breath!"

Once Natsu finished reciting his pledge, there was a bright light that blinded everyone in the Guild Hall, as Natsu suddenly felt new knowledge seemingly unlock itself within his mind. Almost immediately, he looked down at his feet, now knowing there was something hidden underneath them.

"Well… I can tell you that I never experienced that when I did it," Gray said, as he slowly got to his feet. "Probably because I was possessed by The Darkness at the time?"

'Probably also because it's a Guild secret,' Natsu thought to himself, as he felt quite strange, like something wanted to guide him somewhere.

"You should go Natsu," Gray spoke up, noticing his confused look, as everyone else looked between the pair. "Whatever that Magic is, it's compelling him to go downstairs. There's a sealed room down there that The Darkness kept trying to get into, but no matter what he did, he never could. Whatever is down there, its for Natsu alone to see…"

"Well, I guess I'll go see what's down there," Natsu shrugged, as he slowly moved toward the stairs to the basement. "Be back soon."

*POTD*

Descending the stairs, Natsu reached the storage basement. Looking around, he was compelled to walk up to the wall on the far right, which shimmered slightly, revealing a previously hidden door.

"Hm? What's this," Natsu mused, noticing the door had a seal with the Fairy Tail Guild Mark emblazoned across its surface. "Maybe if I touch it?"

Placing his hand upon the seal, it flashed momentarily, before disappearing. The door then slowly opened under its own power, allowing him access to a long, dimly lit corridor. Shrugging again, he walked down the corridor before reaching another identical door that opened under its own power.

And once it opened, Natsu couldn't help but chuckle.

"Now it all makes sense," the Devil chuckled, walking into the sizeable tomb which was lit up by multiple Lacrima crystals lining the walls. "All this time, and there you were…watching over us all…"

Ceasing his approach, Natsu stood before a massive ten-foot tall golden Lacrima crystal. And housed within, was the naked body of the First Master, Mavis Vermillion.

"-you see Gildarts, this is the dark secret of our Guild-."

Natsu spun around as the ethereal forms of both Gildarts and Makarov walked down the tomb steps and toward Mavis' slumbering form. It was clear this was some sort of echo, likely caused by all the chaotic Ethernano in the air down in the tomb.

"Is she still alive in there?"

"Alive in a manner of speaking, yes. The truth is, Mavis was dropped off here one day by none other than Zeref, given to the Second Master Precht and told that he was 'done' with her," the ethereal form of Makarov explained. "Precht dedicated a vast amount of time and resources trying to find a way to wake Mavis from her comatose state, but to no avail. This was why he eventually stepped down and made me Third Master, so he could find a cure out there for what had happened to her."

"So, you two hid her down here? And why in a Lacrima?"

"The reason she was both sealed down here in a Lacrima, and the need for secrecy, are one in the same. Locked in a coma from whatever Zeref had done to her, First Master Mavis' Magical Core has done something not seen before, or since, in living record."

"Seriously?"

Natsu looked back to the Lacrima housing Mavis, and noticed there were thousands of tiny Magic Circles across its surface, all connected and weaved into a single, gargantuan spell.

"So, what did he do? Does her Magic go haywire or something when she's unconscious like this?"

"No. But, I'd argue its something far worse that, if discovered, could very well bring ruin upon not just Fiore, but the world itself…"

"You serious!?"

"The First Master's Magical Core has been altered in a way that it is now without limit," Makarov explained, as Gildarts seemed to take a moment to get what the old man was actually telling him.

"Wait… Hold on, you mean-!?"

"Precht theorized that, if the Magic Council got a hold of her, that her Core could be used to instantly fire Etherion an unlimited number of times," Makarov answered grimly. "And yes, that's without giving it a recharge time."

Natsu found himself stepping back from Mavis' form right as Gildarts did, so shocked by the revelation that he actually stumbled backward and fell on his rear. His eyes were glued to her form though in sheer disbelief.

"You can't be serious Makarov!? The idea of Infinite Magic is a myth, at best!?"

"Far from it Gildarts. Zeref twisted Mavis and made it real, just as he does to everything his hand touches. We don't know why Zeref did this to poor Mavis before abandoning her, but you must NEVER let anyone know of this secret! The consequences for the world would be catastrophic if word ever got out!"

"You're damn right about that Makarov," Gildarts sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Holy shit…"

"I have faith in you, as always, but it must be said regardless," Makarov nodded, as the pair turned around, making their way toward the exit. "Now then, we have other business to attend to I think?"

"Like getting this place back?"

"The Guild Hall is already in the process of being brought back to us, thanks to Natsu, Erza, Elise and Mirajane. The four of them dealt with Twilight Ogre and…procured some funds for the re-acquisition."

"Yeah, I heard about that," Gildarts chuckled in reply, as the two ethereal forms vanished upon leaving the room.

Slowly getting back to his feet, Natsu activated his Devil's Aura and slowly walked up to Mavis' form, feeling something stirring within her. And yet, there was also something quite crucial that was missing from her as well.

Her soul was missing.

"Where have you run off to Mavis? You bound a part of yourself to me, but you haven't shown up to speak with me since Draconia… Once I get gramps back, I'm going to look into that," Natsu spoke quietly, placing a hand on the Lacrima. "You've done so much for us, yet you've been here all this time? I'll help you somehow…"

Turning on his heel, Natsu left the chamber as quickly as he could, making sure the doors sealed themselves shut behind him.

Although he hadn't made the promise to Makarov, he most certainly would be adhering to it. Of that, he was certain.

*POTD*

Arriving back up at the main level where everyone had been waiting for him, Natsu walked straight past them, grabbing one of the few bottles of alcohol that were left, before marching out of the Guild Hall.

Most of the group left him be, as Erza quickly chased after him, finding him sitting about halfway down the steps to Magnolia.

"Natsu, what's wrong," Erza asked gently, sitting down right next to him as she placed a gentle hand on his bicep. "You look like you've seen a ghost?"

"There's something down there Erza, and it could spell the end of the world if Zeref gets his hands on it," Natsu replied softly, as he leaned into her, which she quickly reciprocated. "I can't tell you anything about it, only that it's a secret for Guild Masters exclusively."

"And it's a world ending secret?"

"Yeah…"

"Well," Erza sighed, gently taking his free hand into her own as their fingers intertwined. "It's a good thing we all voted for you to be our new Guild Master then, isn't it?"

"We'll see how that statement holds up six months from now," Natsu joked, as the pair silently stared out at the slowly melting snow covering the city. "Hey Erza?"

"Hm?"

"How many years has it been since we just had a moment like this? One where its just us, sitting here and relaxing?"

"By my count, or yours?"

"Yours would be a fairer count I'd say, seeing as I haven't lived all the years," Natsu joked in reply, eliciting a small giggle from the scarlet haired Mage.

"A long time," Erza replied softly, kissing him on the cheek. I really missed you…"

"You made that very clear back in Crocus… You quite literally drained me dry that night."

"Not that you were complaining," Erza smirked, kissing his cheek several more times in quick succession. "You filled me up good…"

"Yeah, well, my hips didn't get out unscathed," Natsu chuckled in response, as the pair turned and looked back out at the city once again.

"I can't wait for that wedding you promised me," Erza whispered, her grip on his hand tightening ever so slightly. "Given the current circumstances, its probably not appropriate. But soon…"

"Soon," Natsu agreed, as the pair looked to one another and gently pressed their foreheads together. "It will come soon, Erza. Once everything is back to the way it should be, we can go ahead with it."

"I've come to accept your position in the world Natsu, and I know our personal time will come. No matter what happens though, I'll always be there to support you though, regardless of if my last name is Scarlett, or Dragneel."

"I know, and I appreciate your patience with me more than you could ever know," Natsu smiled in reply. "I do try my best to get everything done. But sometimes, it just feels like there's always something that tears us as far away from each other as possible…"

"And yet, you always manage to claw your way back, don't you," the scarlet-haired Mage smirked, tapping his nose playfully with her index finger. "That only further justifies my decision in choosing you, Natsu."

"I thought I chose you?"

"Oh please! No one chooses Erza Scarlett, you know that," Erza joked, as the pair shared a light kiss, before she quickly snatched the bottle from his hand.

"Oi! You sure you can handle that?"

"I'm sure I'll be fine," Erza replied with a warm smile as she popped the cork on the bottle. "I've got you with me, don't I?"

"I suppose that's fair enough," the Devil chuckled, before suddenly growing serious again. "I just want to rest for one day before we head to Alvarez. I've got to be on top of my game when we're there…"

"There's no use thinking about what's coming Natsu," Erza sighed, passing him the bottle after taking a swig from it. "Just focus on today and go from there? Today, there's no Zeref, Darkness, Demons, Council, or anything else that will vaporize us… Only family."

"Hey Erza?"

"Hm?"

"Do you mind if I rest my head in your lap for a bit?"

"Not at all," Erza smiled, as Natsu adjusted his position on the steps so he could comfortably lay his head down in her lap.

As Erza gently ran her fingers through his hair, Natsu slowly began to fall asleep. Years of fatigue and stress that had been weighing him down seemed to melt away, as the world slowly went black…

Only to then reform into one that was much more colorful.

*POTD*

Natsu was confused…

Natsu was annoyed…

But most importantly… Natsu was very, very angry.

After finally feeling like he could rest for a little bit, he had suddenly been dragged back up to the realm he'd spoke to Lord Life and Lady Death. Not only that, they dumped him out in the field of flowers again, which meant he had to walk all the way back to their house again.

"Bloody Primordials," Natsu grumbled, stomping his way over and barging inside to find the two higher beings drinking tea like they'd done nothing wrong. "Seriously!?"

"How nice of you to finally join us Natsu," Lord Life spoke up cheerfully, with Natsu shooting the Primordial a deep scowl.

"I want to sleep, so send me back!"

"I'm afraid we can't do that just yet Natsu, for there is some important information you need to know?"

"Oh really? You two planning on telling me why you kept flicking marbles at my damn head when I was in the middle of fighting?"

"Not at all," Lady Death replied calmly. "This is actually in regards to the old man being held prisoner by the Alvarez Empire."

"Oh," Natsu muttered, slowly taking a seat. "What about him?"

"Do you want to know where he is?"

"Well, of course I do?"

"Very well," Lady Death sighed. "Currently, Makarov Dreyar is unconscious and being held at the palace, deep within Vistarion. He appears to be getting treated fairly, but will soon end up being moved."

"I see…"

"My Sister and I really need to stress that you aren't back to full strength yet," Lord Life chimed in. "We'd rather you not run off and get yourself killed so soon after we helped you?"

"I mean, I kind of already knew this?"

"We know. But we also know you're stubborn," Lady Death replied bluntly, eliciting a light growl from the Devil. "But you at least have some good fortune, as August will not be in the section of the Empire you need to focus your attention on when you arrive."

"But don't believe that makes things easier for you," Lord Life cut in quickly. "Although August won't be someone you'll have to deal with, there are still plenty of other Mages who can cause you trouble."

"We implore you to use your brain and pick your battles," Lady Death continued, with Natsu silently nodding in agreement. "You'll be in the heartland of the Alvarez Empire, so you'll need to pick and choose the right battles to avoid getting you and your friends killed."

"Do you know if Zeref is there?"

"He isn't right now, if that's what you're asking? We don't know if he'll return whilst you are within his Empire," Lord Life shrugged in reply.

"Aside from that, we're nerfing that sword we gave you now, since you're starting to get your power back."

"Fair enough," Natsu shrugged, knowing full well he was in no position to argue what two Primordials wanted to do.

"Now then, time to send you back."

"You serious," Natsu asked, as the pair shared identical smirks. "You brought me here just to tell me to be careful and not pick fights in Alvarez?"

"And to tell you where Makarov was."

"And to nerf your sword."

"Just-Just send me back," Natsu sighed, having had enough of the pair, knowing they weren't going to tell him about the marble thing anyway.

Everything vanished in wisps of black and white, as Natsu's vision faded, his soul sent back to his body once more.

*POTD*

As Natsu slowly woke, he felt himself in the warm confines of a bed. Grumbling, he stretched out, taking up the whole bed, refusing to open his eyes right away.

'When was the last time I actually got to sleep in a bed?'

Lazing about for several more minutes, the Devil sighed and knew he had to get up and prepare. With a huff, she leaped out of bed and landed on one foot, stretching slightly as he walked toward the infirmary bathroom.

"Hmm? I suppose a shower wouldn't hurt," the Devil mused, willing his clothes to vanish using his Aura, before stepping into the shower and turning the hot water all the way up. "Ahh… There we go…"

As he showered, Natsu quickly came to realize that his hair had somehow lengthened once again. Looking over to the mirror across from the shower, he morphed his right index finger into a razor and quickly shaved off all his facial hair, before bringing it behind his neck and slicing off the excess hair.

"Medium length should do nicely," he said to himself happily, running his left hand through and gently lopping off bits he didn't like until it tidied up rather well. "How it grows so fast is beyond me…?"

Several minutes later, Natsu was out of the shower, forced to dry himself the old-fashioned way since he didn't have access to his Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. After spending a solid minute slowly drying himself, he pondered what he should wear.

"Alvarez is hotter than Ishgar, so I should wear something more fitting," he mused, willing his Aura to form the clothing around him.

A pair of black combat pants with Crimson Red and Galaxy Blue lines manifested over his lower body, along with a matching pair of black combat boots. He no longer wore any sort of shirt, a white coat materializing over his shoulders, the same matching lines from his boots and pants etched into the fabric, almost pulsing.

Raising an eyebrow, Natsu ran a finger over the lines on his pants and coat, noticing that they were indeed glowing slightly. But what was more interesting, was the fact that both Crimson Red AND Galaxy Blue markings had appeared, a first since he'd begun using Aura to manifest his clothing.

"It seems the Hybrid form is peeking through," Natsu murmured, looking up into the mirror at his reflection. "I wonder what other changes will come from it?"

Shaking his head, Natsu decided to brush off those thoughts for the moment and head out to see the others, satisfied with how his clothes turned out.

The rest of the team were at the partially fixed bar, discussing where they planned on going from there. Juvia and Gray had backpacks, clearly preparing to head out into Fiore proper. Once Natsu approached, everyone seemed surprised at his sudden change in appearance.

"What's with the lack of clothes? You trying to copy me," Gray asked, eliciting an amused shake of the head from Natsu.

"The average temperature in Alvarez is higher than Ishgar, so I figured I'd change up to match where we're going?"

"I suppose we should do the same too," Elise agreed. "How hot are we talking?"

"Well, we're going to be arriving in a desert," Natsu replied with an amused smirk. "So take a wild guess?"

"Hot as Hell," the God Slayer chuckled. "Right. Guess we'd better follow your example then?"

After Erza gave Natsu a quick kiss on the cheek, both she and Elise went into a separate room, as Natsu turned his attention toward Gray and Juvia.

"You two heading out?"

"Yeah…"

"Come on Gray, chin up! How are you gonna fix anything if you're so grouchy?"

"Sorry man. But you know why I'm like this," Gray sighed, as Juvia held his hand for support. "Its gonna be hard to convince the others to come back, but…but I'm gonna do my best."

"I know you will. Don't forget, you've got this strong woman right next to you along for the ride too?"

"Yeah," Gray smiled lightly, as he looked toward Juvia. "Together, I think we can do it."

"You'll do fine Gray," Natsu nodded, before looking toward Juvia. "Both of you will."

"Well, I guess we'd better get going," Gray sighed, still holding tightly onto Juvia's hand. "Ready?"

"I'm always ready Gray," Juvia replied happily, as the pair waved toward Natsu, before departing from the Guild Hall, leaving just Natsu and Wendy alone.

"So, it's just the two of us now, eh?"

"Seems like it Dad," Wendy shrugged. "I think my clothes are good for Alvarez, don't you?"

"Yeah, they're good. I just know Erza and Elise would be dying wearing heavy armor and traversing the desert," Natsu laughed lightly, picturing it in his mind. "So, aside from the bad stuff, how did your seven years go?"

"Not too bad. I mastered everything on the Sky Dragon Tablet with Grandina and Porlyusica's help, then knuckled down and trained hard."

"Do anything else interesting?"

"Well, I learned that I like whiskey, got into my first bar fight, got laid-."

"I feel like I shouldn't be hearing that…"

"Don't worry, the guy was pathetic," Wendy sniffed, clearly showing just how unimpressed she was with whoever her partner was. "Didn't even last three minutes."

"I seriously hope you never repeat this to Erza? Gods know what she'd do if she heard you talking about losing your virginity…"

"Isn't it usually the Dad who is supposed to get mad about that stuff?"

"Do I look like a good example of morals to you?"

"Not really. Probably why I'm so messed up, huh?"

"Please don't say that…"

"Why?"

"Because then I feel bad, when I'd rather pretend like I did a good enough job to have you calling me Dad."

"But you did though? Just look at me," Wendy replied, flexing her right bicep. "I could kill an Adamantoise in a single punch with these!"

"That's…That's not really a good example of parenting Wendy…"

"Eh, I don't care. If me being like you isn't normal, then I'm a fucking weirdo then Dad."

"I'm just gonna agree and move on before my conscience throttles me," Natsu sighed, shaking his head. "I'm gonna say this though. Don't go talking about that stuff around Erza, alright? I'm not joking about this."

"Yeah, I heard you the first time," Wendy replied dismissively. "Don't really know why it matters? She takes dick too-?"

"LALALA! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

"I'm just messing with you," Wendy smirked, pulling Natsu's fingers out of his ears. "I won't talk about it, alright?"

"Okay…Good…"

"You're so easy to stir up," Wendy smirked, playfully shoving him. "But maybe that's why I love you so much?"

"And I love you because you're a little shit."

"But I'm taller than you?"

"This isn't my true height and you know that," Natsu replied, flicking her nose. "My E.N.D abilities let me manipulate my height as I like. I chose to drop down to around seven or eight feet tall, but I can easily go back to being almost sixteen if I want?"

"So, you can change your body however you want?"

"Yep."

"Can you change yourself to look different?"

"Define different?"

"Could you make yourself look like someone else?"

"Yeah, most likely," Natsu replied easily. "Watch this!"

Wendy watched as Natsu's body morphed into that of Erza, including her long scarlet hair and her feminine allure.

"How do I look," Natsu asked, his voice identical to Erza's own.

"That's actually crazy," Wendy laughed, as Natsu returned to normal. "I can't believe you can just do that!?"

"I doubt its something I'll use often," Natsu replied, as the pair shared a laugh. "But yeah, it is pretty crazy, isn't it?"

"So," Wendy sighed, as the pair settled down. "Do we really have to take a boat to Alvarez?"

"I'm afraid so. I don't have access to the Gates yet using my Aura," Natsu replied, shaking his head. "So, unless Elise can convince Eliza to take us, then we're boating on over?"

"I'm not your transport service Natsu," Eliza huffed from behind the pair, as Natsu stifled a laugh.

"Do you ever do your job Eliza? Seems like you're always around us whenever we mention your name?"

"You know full well my performance as War Goddess is exemplary!"

"So, subpar at best? At least until better talent arrives, that is?"

"Another word out of you, and I'll refuse to help you lost get over to Alvarez," Eliza huffed, crossing her arms and looking away from the Devil.

"Fine Eliza, I was just joking," Natsu chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender, as both Erza and Elise returned.

Erza was wearing a dark red singlet top with black sleeveless gloves, a pair of black shorts and some red and black running shoes. Her lengthy hair remained in its braided state, with the fringe slicked right back.

Elise wore a white tube top with a black flak vest, along with a pair of matching black shorts to Erza's, complete with a white pair of running shoes, with her hair done up in a nice ponytail.

"So, this is the group going to Alvarez?"

"That's right," Natsu nodded, as Eliza looked the group over.

"Good luck over there you lot," Eliza said as she opened a Gate to the most dangerous continent on the planet. "Remember, regardless of how strong you think you've all gotten, defer to Natsu when it comes to Alvarez. He knows the place better than you three."

"Yes Mother," Elise replied, rolling her eyes. "We'll try and avoid trouble as best we can."

"Good. Remember, I'll be watching you all!"

The group slowly walked through the Gate one by one, until it was just Natsu left. As he was about to go through, Eliza placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You should know that Seilah has been searching for Gajeel and Team Shadow Gear, and will rendezvous with Jellal to help deal with the Avatar situation."

"Good. Tell her to come see me if the situation permits, should there be anything to report?"

"I will," Eliza nodded stiffly. "I'm paying very close attention to this Avatar situation Natsu… The War Titan is leagues stronger than the Fire Titan. Should you not have your power back by the time it emerges…"

"Let's not assume its definitely going to be released Eliza," Natsu sighed, turning around to fully face her. "The others are doing their best to figure out what Avatar are doing and how to stop them, so let's have some faith in them?"

"I suppose you're right," the War Goddess sighed. "I just know it will be trouble, should it emerge. The Darkness was right about one thing, it will cause chaos and destruction upon its awakening, should it not be defeated promptly."

"Keep me posted on the situation Eliza," Natsu sighed, as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll handle this, just like we did the War Titan. Okay?"

"Okay," Eliza replied, as Natsu stepped through the Gate and into Alvarez. "I hope that ends up being the case Natsu… Truly, I do…"

With that, Eliza closed the Gate and moved toward the exit of the Guild Hall. Staring out across the silent city, she couldn't help but wonder what the future ultimately held for this world.

Either way, with Natsu now heading to Alvarez, she knew the deciding focal point for it was fast approaching, and she hoped Natsu was up to the challenge…