(Edited 13/09/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Upon The Continent Of Alakitasia

*POTD*

Emerging from the Gate, Natsu was hit with the searing heat he'd expected, as his boots hit the familiar soft sands of a desert. Nearby, Erza and Elise were looking around, seemingly trying to figure out where they were, their bodies already showing signs of sweating.

"You weren't kidding about it being hot," Erza sighed, as all three girls turned to look in his direction. "It's good you warned us before we came, or we'd have been roasting in our armor!"

"Where even are we," Elise huffed, as Natsu motioned for the trio to come closer.

"We're somewhere in the Khaji Raml Desert," Natsu replied, as he motioned for the group to follow his lead. "Now, since I've been to Alvarez before, I'll explain how this place works as we walk, alright?"

"Let me guess? Alvarez is a highly militaristic country where we'll be avoiding the main roads because of patrols and stuff," Elise asked, only for Natsu to shake his head.

"Actually, no, Alvarez isn't like that at all. That's just a rumor spread by other nations that Alvarez has invaded," Natsu replied easily. "The only time you'll see something like that within Alvarez itself is if it's being actively invaded."

"Really? So that means we should be able to walk around freely then, right," Erza asked curiously, eliciting a slight nod from Natsu.

"Within reason. Obviously, I'll have to keep my head down if we come across an area where one of the Spriggan or Leichart Twelve are? But that aside, they don't know we're here yet, so we should be okay."

"Is it really a good idea for us to just act casual in the country of our enemy," Elise asked, with Natsu nodding lightly in agreement. "Really?"

"Believe me, it'll work to our advantage here. No one aside from their top officers know who we are. That, and it'll make gathering information much easier."

"If you say so," Elise huffed, as the group continued walking through the desert. "How big is this place?"

"Not as big as you'd think," Natsu replied, as they got over a sand dune. "Besides, there's a lot of stuff I have to teach you three before we find civilization anyway?"

"Like what," Erza asked curiously, as Natsu motioned to the three of them.

"Well, let's start with the culture of Alvarez, and how women in Alvarez act and dress," Natsu smirked in response. "Women in Alvarez don't usually wear anywhere near as much clothing as the women of Ishgar. This is owed in part due to the climate, but also due to societal differences in how the people of Alvarez view the body in general."

"Are you trying to say body shaming isn't a thing here?"

"Body shaming exists everywhere Wendy, but the difference is that Alvarez treats it as a crime. Viewing one as being weak due to their body, or insulting their looks, can easily land you a jail sentence."

"Seriously," Erza asked, her eyebrows raised in genuine surprise. "Why?"

"It all comes back to how the people of Alvarez live their day to day lives, their customs, traditions and beliefs," Natsu replied easily. "For example, there's a holiday in Alvarez that celebrates the older generations, celebrating all their achievements and contributions to the Empire."

"That's…actually quite nice," Erza admitted after several moments of thought.

"Looking at such a day, its clear that the people of Alvarez respect what you are willing and able to contribute to the Empire, over things like hoarded wealth and inflated status. The elderly are given respect for their service, and even outside that holiday, they are treated with respect."

"Wow," Elise hummed in response. "What else is there to know about people they celebrate?"

"Well, they obviously celebrate Emperor Spriggan," Natsu pointed out, eliciting a scoff from Erza.

"Of course their Emperor gets his own holiday…"

"To be fair, there's a very good reason for that," Natsu replied, as they ascended another sand dune. "He's seen as the undisputed savior of the entire continent of Alakitasia, and their ruler by right. The people shower him with praise, and love him with all their hearts."

"But why though?"

"Because several hundred years ago, Alakitasia was similar to Ishgar. A bunch of smaller kingdoms that barely worked together, with Dark Guilds and hundreds of Legal Guilds all quarreling with one another," Natsu explained, as they stopped atop the nearest sand dune. "But then Emperor Spriggan crushed all the kingdoms and Guilds, uniting the broken land and forging an Empire that will stand the test of time, even when he's absent from his throne."

"You can't be serious though," Erza asked, clearly in disbelief. "They do realize he's Zeref, right?"

"Of course they know he's Zeref," Natsu replied instantly, shocking the Requip Mage to her core. "Yet they love him all the more."

"B-But why!?"

"In our country, the name Zeref is considered Dark and evil. Dark Magic is viewed with contempt and scorn, being stamped out wherever possible," Natsu explained slowly. "Yet in Alvarez, any Magic is fair game, with Necromancy being the sole exception. That can only be practiced legally under the direct supervision of the Alvarez Science and Military arms, with the permission of the Alvarez Government."

"Sounds like life in Alvarez isn't actually too bad on the surface," Elise thought aloud. "But the question is, what lies under the facade they've put up?"

"That's the thing Elise, its not a facade. Everything I just told you is actually real," Natsu replied, shaking his head. "They do have their faults, such as the entire month of August being seen as a month of misfortune, with people becoming much more rigid and attempting to live by the book."

"Really? They think the whole month of August is cursed or something," Wendy asked with a raised eyebrow.

"My best guess is that August likely returns to Alvarez around that time, though I'm not a hundred percent sure about that? But that aside, another negative is that during an enemy invasion, Alvarez have no problem sacrificing towns of people if necessary. But let's be real, basically any country will do that."

"It sounds like you sort of respect Alvarez," Erza noted, with the trio somewhat surprised at how positive he was being about the place.

"Well, it's hard not to when you compare them to the likes of the Magic Council back home? The Ten Wizard Saints, the Magical Custody and Law Enforcement Units, as well as the Rune Knights, were all formed to keep the Guilds and the civilians from overthrowing the Council itself," Natsu replied, with the trio all nodding stiffly, knowing the truth. "And they have their own army, all the while still building super weapons like Etherion and Face?"

"What's Face," Erza asked, with Natsu coughing slightly and shaking his head.

"Er, don't worry about that, it's not important anymore. My point is, Ishgar struggles with things like corruption and greed, yet Alvarez doesn't. Everyone celebrates and works together to create something better. From Emperor Spriggan, right down to the lowly civilian, everyone knows their place," Natsu continued, as they slid down another sand dune. "Everyone knows that no matter their place in society, if they work hard, they can retire and have their achievements celebrated."

"That's a fair point," Elise agreed, having been on the inside of the Council when she was younger.

"It just frustrates me that something built by a guy determined to conquer the world, who can toss thousands of soldiers lives away without a thought, actually runs a nation that operates better than our own!? It's so annoying…"

"Do you know why Zeref even decided to make an Empire anyway? Aside from supposedly uniting the world against Achnologia?"

"Honestly, I've got no clue? Irene told me a little bit when I last spoke to her, but that wasn't much. So, while I'm here, I plan on learning as much as I can about everything Alvarez."

"That's definitely a solid plan," Elise agreed. "Learning about why the Alvarez Empire was formed will go a long way into figuring out how to stop them from conquering Fiore. It'll also give us a better idea what his ultimate endgame really is?"

"Right. From everything we do know about Zeref, he's not the type to sit and play Emperor over his subjects forever," Erza chimed in thoughtfully. "He has to have some sort of ulterior motive for once Achnologia is out of the picture?"

"Well, once we reach the nearest town, we'll have to make some money so we can start operating around here," Natsu spoke up, with the others nodding in full agreement. "I don't actually know what the currency is here, since I wasn't here last time as a tourist? But either way, we'll need to buy essentials like a map, as well as supplies."

"Have you thought about how we're supposed to break Master Makarov out yet Dad," Wendy asked curiously, with Natsu shrugging in response.

"I know he's in the capital of Vistarion right now. But considering we came out here in the Khaji Raml Desert, we're pretty far away from there. So, we need to keep a low profile and play things by ear, okay? Drawing the attention of the Spriggan, Leichart, or even Zeref himself, is a sure way to get gramps killed."

"How long will it take us to get out of this desert then," Erza asked, as they ascended another sand dune, seeing nothing but more desert.

"Probably about half a day if we keep up the pace. It's long, but not as long as most deserts go," Natsu explained to the group. "As we get closer to the end of the desert, you'll see the beginnings of a forest. From there, that's where we'll begin to find some civilization."

"So there's no towns or cities in the desert?"

"There are two towns and one city, but we don't really need to go to them. One of the towns is crudely named Oreshaft Slope. It used to be a mining camp that grew big enough to receive township," Natsu explained. "The place was built along the descending lanes in a massive mine Alvarez set up, and it looks pretty weird."

"Well, it is just a mining town," Elise replied with a small snicker. "They aren't really known for their well thought out residential planning?"

"Well, when you compare it to the town about twenty kilometers to the east from there, yeah," Natsu chuckled in response. "The other town is a place called Cact's End, named after its thriving cactus industry."

"A thriving cactus industry," Erza asked sceptically.

"Listen, I won't lie, its alcohol related. Apparently, they take the water you can get from a cactus and mix it with this other strange concoction they have here called vodka, which you can apparently make from potatoes or something?"

"How do you make a drink out of a potato," Elise asked, clearly confused, with Natsu simply shrugging in response.

"I only heard about this from Gildarts and Solomon, since they were the ones who went down that way?

"Well, what about the city you mentioned earlier," Erza asked, changing the topic.

"Ah yes, the City of Alastaria," Natsu chuckled. "They call it the shining jewel of the desert. Full of sand, but also built around the only oasis in said desert. But most importantly, its controlled by one of the Spriggan Twelve."

"I assume he's there for some sort of shady reason?"

"Actually, he's not Erza. He's there to regulate the water usage in the region, as well as ensure that fair trade is made throughout the place. Plus, from what I've heard, the guy can use sand in combat, so he probably likes it here?"

"That's great and all, but seriously, can we get out of this damn desert soon," Wendy huffed, wiping some sweat from her forehead.

"We've still got a lot of walking to go," Natsu smirked in reply, gently nudging her. "So that means there's plenty of time for me to tell you more stuff!"

The three girls all grumbled in response, silently cursing Eliza for not dropping them at the other end of the desert.

*POTD*

Meanwhile, far from the Khaji Raml Desert, was the capital of the Alvarez Empire, Vistarion.

The city was the largest on the continent, with a population just shy of forty-two million, and spanning countless kilometers in size. It was the heart of Alvarez in every conceivable way, from trade, religion, commerce, education, militarily and even in the tourism sector.

At its beating heart, was the palace, a gargantuan structure that easily eclipsed the size of a city on its own. Countless towers and dividing sections comprised its exterior, with numerous wings dedicated to the various facets of government that ran the Empire on a day-to-day basis.

Located at the heart of the castle was a massive garden which was easily the size of a village. Flowers and unique plants from across the Empire grew within its confines, as palace staff and officials socialized within its confines cheerfully.

Going up to the tallest and largest tower of the castle, one could see it had a rather unique design. The balcony extended outward into a large, open platform which could fit something as large as a full restaurant if necessary.

But this tower wasn't for commercial or industrial use. No, it was home to one of the most important figures in the Empire.

Moving beyond the scarlet curtains that concealed the interior of the tower from the outside world, one could hear the faint sound of cheerful humming echoing across the room. Moving toward the bathroom, the door swung open as the nude form of the Empress Regent strode happily into her room, her long, scarlet hair trailing behind her wrapped in several dozen towels.

With the absence of the Emperor, she was the one who took charge whilst in the country, and it was time she prepared for her day. Ringing a bell on her nightstand, the door to her room quietly opened, as two peculiar maids entered the room.

"My Lady," the first murmured, bowing deeply. "It isssss an honour to sssserve you thissss morning."

"Would you like us to begin with your hair, My Lady?"

"If you would be so kind," the Empress Regent smiled, taking in the appearance of her two personal maids. "And thank you for such a prompt response time."

The first maid was a woman who had the appearance of a snake-humanoid. Her lower half was completely snakelike, a nice lilac coloration to her body, with her upper body being more human in appearance, as she wore a traditional maid dress. She had long, braided black hair, slanted lilac-colored eyes, and a flat nose, her forked tongue flitting out every few minutes, as she slithered over to the hair furthest from the Empress Regent, a smile on her face.

The other maid was a twelve-foot tall, slim, dark-skinned woman with pure white eyes, long pointed ears and a ruby embedded into her forehead. She too wore a traditional maid outfit, with heeled boots and multiple rubies embedded into her knuckle joints.

"Take your time, both of you," the Empress Regent smiled, as the taller maid began brushing her hair. "There are no pressing affairs that require my immediate attention."

"Asssside from the honorable elder from Fiore," the snake-like humanoid pointed out, eliciting a slight hum in response.

"Actually, that is a good point Ejeel."

"Lord Wall has also returned My Lady."

"Ugh! I do so wish I could send him away Telia," the Empress Regent sighed, shaking her head, as the maids quickly worked out any knots in her hair, before beginning to tie it in a nice braid. "Ah, lovely work ladies!"

"We live to serve, My Lady," Telia, the tall woman replied, bowing low. "Will you be wearing your usual attire?"

"Indeed I shall," the Empress Regent smiled, standing from her bed as she was engulfed in a bright, white light. "Much better!"

"Your sssstaff, My Lady," Ejeel, the snake-like humanoid spoke, passing the woman her signature battle staff, which she took gratefully.

"Thank you both," the woman smiled, tapping her staff on the ground as all the scarlet curtains opened with a slight breeze, as she stepped out onto the large balcony. "Time for another lovely day in the Empire…"

One Of The Twenty Four Arms Of Alvarez

First Shield Of The Alvarez Empire

Commander Of Irene Squad

The Right Hand Of The Emperor

The Current Empress Regent

The Dragon Sage Monarch

The Scarlet Despair

Irene Belserion

Gazing out upon Vistarion, Irene couldn't help but smile at the wonderful, peaceful city. It was exactly the kind of place Zeref had promised her they would build all those years ago. A place where the children would be safe, where the common man would not go without food or work, and any man could make his mark.

"My Lady," Ejeel hissed, slithering out next to her. "I have the reportssss that you requessssted lasssst night."

Irene nodded as Ejeel passed her the documents, as Telia went about fixing her bed. Looking down at them, most were state matters that would be passed onto Invel when she saw him. But a few happened to catch her eye…

"The Science Bureau are set to harvest their first bunch of Babannanas tomorrow," Irene smiled, her gaze shifting off toward the far West. "I'll be most interested to see what flavors they come up with this time?"

Shuffling through the files, her eyes narrowed upon seeing the expenditure for the new Magitek Masers. Though she wasn't against military expenditure, she was vehemently against Wall Eehto being given anything.

With a sigh, she passed the files back to Ejeel, and turned to walk back into her room.

"Please get these files to Invel, and assure him I'll be down in thirty minutes Ejeel?"

"Of coursssse My Lady," Ejeel bowed slightly, before slithering out of the room.

"Telia?"

"Yes My Lady?"

"I'm going down to the gardens, so have some tea ready for me when I go to meet Invel please?"

"As you command, My Lady," Telia bowed, gracefully exiting the room.

Irene tapped her staff, vanishing and reappearing halfway across the castle. With a huff, she began making her way forward, she entered the grand courtyard, as many bowed at her passing, which she gently waved off.

Walking over to an area where two Alvarez Guards stood to attention, both saluted her and moved aside, granting her access to the flowers beyond.

"My Lady," one of the guards spoke up, drawing her attention. "You should know that Lord Wall was eyeing the flowers when he passed through earlier…"

"Oh, was he now," Irene replied, her left eye twitching as she gripped her staff a little tighter. "It seems he's already looking for punishment after damaging my flowers the last time?"

"I must admit My Lady, we didn't expect to see him until tomorrow," the other guard chimed in. "You sent him flying all the way to the far North, didn't you?"

"Why yes, indeed I did," Irene replied, smiling fondly at the memory of Wall screaming as he was sent away with little effort on her part. "I dumped him in a frozen lake."

"Oh," one of the guards gasped, turning around and quickly picking up a rather ornate looking watering can made from wood and tree roots. "Here you are My Lady! We only just refilled it before you arrived!"

"Thank you," Irene smiled, as the two guards let her pass them by in peace, moving into her small garden she'd been cultivating.

Kneeling down, Irene gently allowed the special blend of water run over the flowers, watching as they bobbed back and forth, as if dancing to their own little tune. It brought a smile to her face, something she had learned not to take for granted these days.

However, her thoughts soon drifted back to the biggest issue plaguing the Empire the moment her eyes landed on a pink flower. The same shade of pink as the hair of a certain Dragon Slayer she'd fought alongside in Draconia.

News had naturally reached her that Natsu defeated a Titan in Draconia. Had she known one was there, she would have stayed and helped him face it. But that in of itself was a most curious thought, since he technically was supposed to be the enemy?

An enemy that was missing.

"Where have you gone, Natsu," Irene whispered, as she used up the last of the special water, rising back to her full height as one of the knights took the watering can and placed it on a special wooden bench.

His disappearance following the battle with the Fire Titan was something not even Lord Zeref had foreseen. It had been one of the rare times Irene had seen the usually stoic, gentle and calm Zeref completely snap, as he destroyed a small section of the still burning Draconia.

In a way, it was nice to see that despite all of Zeref's scheming, he still cared for his little Brother. A small smile wormed its way onto her lips as she looked up to the sunny skies above the courtyard, before the sound of someone clearing their throat brought her back to reality.

"Lady Belserion… I thought I might find you here," an aged voice spoke, drawing her attention toward the entrance to her flower garden, the two guards moving aside to allow the speaker entrance.

Retired Member Of The Spriggan Twelve

Former Third Shield Of The Alvarez Empire

Current Minister Of The Western Commerce Coalition

Former Overseer Of The Khaji Raml Desert

A Member Of The Royal Court

Yajeel Raml

Looking down at the old man, Irene could only sigh with a knowing smile, as he tried to bow to her, his back refusing to let him go all the way down.

"Yajeel, I've told you a million times that you need not bow to anyone in the palace," Irene sighed, almost exasperatedly, as the old mean leaned heavily on his wooden cane. "As an elder, you've earned the right to not bow. Even the Emperor himself has told you this?"

"Be that as it may, I must show the proper respect," Yajeel replied firmly, as he met her gaze. "It simply wouldn't be right to show such disrespect!"

The frail old man was clearly determined to argue the point, gently stroking his long, pencil thin brown mustache with his left hand.

"Let us agree to disagree, Minister Yajeel," Irene sighed, rolling her eyes. "Now, take a seat."

Tapping her staff, the Spriggan summoned two chairs for them to sit in, which Yajeel immediately accepted.

"Lady Belserion… There were multiple reports of Lord Wall Eehto appearing in Lake Druin yesterday," Yajeel mentioned, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"

"I know Wall played a dangerous game yesterday, and lost," Irene replied, eliciting a tired sigh from the old man.

"Please be more careful Lady Belserion! His Excellency said there was to be no fighting amongst the Spriggan and Leichart Twelve!"

"I don't recall what I did to Wall being a fight," Irene smirked in reply, earning yet another groan from the old man.

"Even after all these years, you've yet to change one bit," Yajeel muttered, before looking over to his right. "That aside, have you met the foreigner yet?"

Yajeel motioned for another older man to approach, as she conjured a third chair for him to sit on. Of course, she didn't need Yajeel to introduce him, for she already knew exactly who he was.

"I've not had the personal pleasure of meeting you, but I know you well enough by proxy… Makarov Dreyar."

"Natsu and Gildarts' description of you does your appearance justice," Makarov replied, politely bowing in his seat. "I am indeed Makarov Dreyar of the Fairy Tail Guild in Fiore."

"So, Natsu and Gildarts have told you about me?"

"Until recently, all of it wasn't good," came Makarov's rather blunt response, which Irene took in stride.

"Fair. We were fighting one another in a bloody war."

"I'm curious as to why you were so willing to fight and kill them in Scarlione the first time, yet willing to help them years later?"

"Circumstances change, Makarov Dreyar. And, in the case of Natsu in particular, I do believe we have, at the very least, settled accounts."

"You've met up with him again!?"

"Six years ago, on the continent of Draconia, Natsu and I fought together to wipe out a threat to the world," Irene replied, shocking Makarov to the core. "There is something to be said of a bond forged between comrades in arms. Myself, Brandish, and Yasmin all agreed that he is no longer our enemy."

"I see…"

"You seem somewhat confused, or tense," Irene noted, as the old man shuffled in his seat. "I take it you are confused as to why you are being treated so courteously?"

"I'd say that's a fair and reasonable question, yes?"

"Well, to put it in simple terms, it is by the will of the Emperor that you are being treated as a guest," Irene replied, surprising Makarov. "Written into the charter upon which this Empire was founded, all foreign guests are to be treated with kindness and respect until the Emperor can meet with them. Barring any hostile actions taken, of course."

"I see. So I'll soon meet the Emperor then?"

"I'm afraid his Excellency has been away for the past two decades," Yajeel chimed in. "Lady Belserion has been filling in for him, with Lord Abuchi caretaking when she was forced to attend business overseas."

"Oh, I see… Well then, could you tell me more about your time spent fighting alongside Natsu," Makarov asked, with Irene smiling lightly in response.

"I suppose I can tell you some of it. There was a lot that happened during our fight against the Vampire menace. Though, I think what you really ought to know, is that Natsu disappeared shortly after we parted ways, and hasn't been heard from since?"

"What!?"

"I assure you, we actually had nothing to do with his disappearance. Natsu's last known actions were defeating the Fire Titan in Draconia, before vanishing shortly thereafter."

"It sounds like Lord Dragneel bears many burdens," Yajeel sighed sadly. "A shame he cannot simply side with his older Brother? The things those two could accomplish together would be legendary!"

Irene was about to reply to Yajeel's statement, only to feel her entire body go rigid, as something powerful passed through her sensory barrier around the castle.

"He's back…"

"Is everything alright Lady Belserion," Yajeel asked, clearly concerned as the woman jumped to her feet.

"Minister Yajeel, his Excellency has returned," Irene replied excitedly, as the two old men got to their feet.

"Oh my, this is a most glorious day," Yajeel crowed, as Makarov decided to chime in.

"Would it be possible to meet with the Emperor now? I have some urgent things I wish to discuss with him?"

"Normally, I would deny such a request," Irene replied, still clearly excited. "But given who you are, I'm sure his Excellency will agree to meet with you now."

Tapping her staff on the ground, the three were immediately warped across the castle, with Makarov stumbling on his feet slightly.

"W-What was…?"

"Apologies. I am able to manipulate space to move around if I so choose to," Irene explained. "I figured due to Yajeel's back; it would be much better to bring us all here that way?"

"I am most grateful Lady-!"

"Don't bow, Yajeel," Irene sighed, shaking her head as she approached the set of large ornate doors that led to the throne room. "Come."

The trio entered the throne room, with Makarov immediately noticing the amused smile of the all too familiar man. Despite having seen him before, it was still hard to believe that he, of all people, was the Emperor of the Alvarez Empire…

"Once again, I find myself annoyed at your impertinence Irene," a cool, calm and collected voice spoke from the Emperor's left. "Not only did you not come within the thirty minutes you specified, but now you've brought a foreigner into the Emperor's presence, all without filing the proper paperwork?"

Irene rolled her eyes as she looked upon the man, who was currently dressed in a smart blue pinstripe suit with a black tie, black gloves and black loafers. His long, pale blue hair was slicked back and done up in a ponytail. With a practiced motion, he adjusted his glasses with his index finger, looking down upon the group with a set of cold, dark blue eyes.

One Of The Twenty Four Arms Of Alvarez

Fifth Shield Of The Alvarez Empire

Commander Of Invel Squad

Chief Of Alvarez Internal Affairs

Lord Of The Northern Frontier

The Winter General

Invel Yura

"You really take your position far too seriously," Irene scoffed, not interested in dealing with Invel at the moment. "I came the moment I sensed Lord Zeref's return-."

"You also know that there are protocols in place for a reason," Invel cut in smoothly, adjusting his glasses. "Lord Zeref has already made a request to have all members of the Spriggan and Leichart Twelve gather here, so I have little patience for your-!"

"Invel… That will be all," Zeref muttered, a small smile on his face as the stoic man immediately fell silent. "I do believe an exception can be made to the rules when it comes to this man."

"As you command," Invel bowed, moving off to Zeref's left, only for Zeref to motion for him to stop. "My Lord?"

"Invel… Leave us, and please do go and fetch August for me? I wish to see him once I have concluded my meeting with Makarov Dreyar here," Zeref asked kindly, smirking upon seeing Invel begin to sweat slightly. "Tell him I want none of that month of August nonsense out of him when he comes back. I have very little patience for it today, alright?"

"As you command," Invel bowed, before leaving the throne room.

"Now then, come Makarov," Zeref smiled, motioning for the old man to approach him, as he reluctantly stepped forward. "Don't be shy, I won't kill you."

"Please excuse me for not fully believing that," Makarov muttered in reply, which elicited a small laugh from the Emperor. "Seeing you up close for once, you really do look frighteningly similar to Natsu…"

"Well, he is my little Brother, isn't he," Zeref smiled, with Makarov nodding silently in response. "Now then, what can I do for you, Makarov Dreyar? What brings you before the throne of Emperor Spriggan?"

"I've come to seek answers," Makarov replied as calmly as he could. "You were at the Dragon King Festival, as well as the events on Tenrou Island. The leader of the Bharam Alliance was one of your top officers, and you still litter Ishgar with your Demonic creations…"

"You are correct on all counts," Zeref replied, curious as to where he was going with all this.

"I want to know why you are personally coming over to Ishgar and harassing us in such a manner? Why do you not just declare war when you clearly have the military might to do so?"

"An interesting question, but one I need to break down," Zeref replied, as he adjusted his position on the throne. "To begin with, I was on Tenrou Island, but the events there were not of my doing, as I had been asleep for some time prior to it all."

"But why were you there to begin with?"

"…I was there because Mavis' soul was located on the island at the time," Zeref replied quietly, eliciting a raised eyebrow from the aged Guild Master.

"Feeling a little regret for what you did to her?"

"Not at all," Zeref replied casually, shocking Makarov with his instant response. "I feel nothing regarding Mavis' situation, because her condition was no one's fault but her own."

"W-What!?"

"I trust you know the story of the founders of Fairy Tail?"

"Mavis Vermillion, Yuri Dreyar, Precht Gaebolg and Warrod Sequen battled and defeated the Dark Guild Blue Skull," Makarov replied, having heard the story many times. "I also know that you helped them learn Magic…"

"I assume that isn't common knowledge among your Guild," Zeref asked, receiving a shake of the head in the negative. "Not surprising, given how everyone over their views me."

"Why did you go out of your way to help them?"

"Because the Dark Guilds of today are nothing like the Dark Guilds back then," Zeref replied simply. "Back then, they raped, pillaged, butchered and plundered everything they came across with almost no resistance across Fiore. In every sense of the word, they were more bandits than Mages."

"So, you taught them how to use Magic in order to put a stop to the Dark Guilds like Blue Skull?"

"Correct. Though, to be fair, I only taught them the basics," Zeref admitted freely. "They were all extremely talented, and went on to become masters of their respective crafts…"

"But how does this relate to what you did to Mavis?"

"Ah… I think it was about sixty years after I taught them, that Mavis tracked me down once again. This was sometime after she handed the title of Guild Master to Precht you see," Zeref continued, clearly reminiscing about the distant past. "We traveled together for a time, learning and exploring the world… We grew close, but I warned her to not do something, yet she chose to anyway, leading to her current predicament."

"Which also led you to dump her on Fairy Tail's doorstep as if you didn't care!?"

"Did Precht tell you that," Zeref asked, his eyes flashing dangerously for the briefest of moments. "The old fool was always spiteful of me, even at that age…"

"So, how did you return her then," Makarov asked, as Zeref ran a hand through his hair.

"I arrived at the Guild Hall, personally handing her to Precht and informing him of her condition. I cautioned him to not allow her body to fall into the hands of anyone, and then I departed."

"…I see."

"I assume you've figured out what she is?"

"Fairy Heart. The only body in existence with an infinite Magical Core," Makarov replied instantly, eliciting a curt nod from Zeref.

"Correct. The purest woman is the deadliest weapon to ever exist," Zeref replied, clearly somewhat sad about it.

"What are your plans for her?"

"That would be giving far too much away Makarov Dreyar," Zeref replied, shaking his head lightly. "So, I'll refrain from discussing Mavis and move on to the Dragon King Festival."

"What was the full extent of your involvement?"

"Well, I sent several operatives into Fiore to open the Eclipse Gate so that it would bring Dragons through from the past. My hope was that it would cripple Fiore as they brought chaos and destruction."

"Why would you do such a thing!?"

"Natsu likely already told you the answer to this Makarov, I plan on taking Fiore for my own," Zeref replied with an amused smirk. "Fiore is a corrupt cesspit of degeneracy that I will purge with my own hand. They would rather bicker and scheme away instead of work to rid the world of the threat that is Achnologia! It is a sickness, and my Empire is its panacea… United under my flag, the world shall face the coming darkness of the Apocalypse!"

"It seems you're set on invading Fiore, no matter the cost?"

"Fiore must be fixed Makarov Dreyar… I know it, and you know it too. The Magic Council isn't capable of doing its job, let alone uniting the people to face something like Achnologia, is it?"

"Then it appears we are to remain enemies," Makarov sighed sadly. "I had hoped there was a chance to stop this madness, and prevent the invasion of Fiore? But it seems you are Hell bent on taking it for your own."

"It is the way it must be, Makarov Dreyar," Zeref replied with a curt nod. "Now, you understand that, due to the circumstances, I cannot allow you to leave? Therefore, I'm going to have to imprison you."

"I figured that would be the case, yes."

"You will be treated fairly, Makarov Dreyar," Zeref promised, as he looked toward Irene. "Please take Makarov to Vistarion Minar?"

"At once, Lord Zeref," Irene replied, as she snapped her fingers, with Makarov, Irene and Yajeel all vanishing from his sight.

Standing up from his throne, Zeref walked over to the wall on the far-right hand side, pressing a specific book inward, and opening up a secret room. Walking inside, he smiled upon seeing a near infinite number of bookshelves.

Moving his hands along the books, he paused when his fingers traced a more familiar one. Smiling, he withdrew it and read the cover, running his fingers over the surface as he recalled its creation.

Dimaria Yesta

Book Of The Tears Of Time Volume XVI

The Tale Of A Fallen God Reborn

A Glory Restored Through Everlasting Twilight

"Defeated twice, yet you still served me faithfully, Dimaria," Zeref muttered to himself. "Such faith is always rewarded, which is why you remain a Spriggan. No longer Human, but Etherious, you still fight in my name with nothing but pride and glee…"

Gently placing Dimaria's book back on the shelf, he continued to walk through the library of discarded tomes, eventually coming across the largest book of them all, placed atop its own personal dais.

Natsu Dragneel

The Book Of E.N.D Volume XXXVII

The Final Demon Forged Through Twilight's Hand

Destined To Reach He The Creator, Marked As Equal

With Matching Eyes And Balanced Heart

The Bane Of The Apocalypse Comes

Although Zeref possessed the Book of E.N.D, it served little use other than helping Zeref monitor Natsu's progress. The book could tell him all that there was to know regarding his Brother, from his power, to his most recent battles.

However, Zeref's eyes narrowed upon reading one specific line regarding Matching Eyes and a Balanced Heart.

"So that's what happened… You went and became a Hybrid," Zeref muttered thoughtfully, pondering this new development.

Pacing back and forth, he looked back at the passage just to make sure he wasn't misinterpreting it, and shook his head.

"That was not part of the plan… But it could be a most useful development," Zeref muttered as he turned to leave the library. "I shall need time to ponder this once I've spoken with August…"

Leaving the library behind, the Book of E.N.D closed itself, its cover momentarily pulsing Crimson Red and Galaxy Blue, the changes within Natsu still taking shape deep within his core…