(Edited 13/09/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Adapting To Alvarez

*POTD*

After exiting his library and resealing the entrance, Zeref returned to his throne, taking a seat as he rested his head in his right hand. Pondering the last two passages from the Book of E.N.D, he barely noticed as the throne room doors opened once more, admitting a single individual.

An eight-foot tall, older looking man with long flowing white hair with the side bangs done up in two braids, and a thin, well-trimmed beard slowly entered the room, his staff banging just hard enough on the floor to gain Zeref's attention.

He wore a long, aged and slightly tattered white robe along with an ornate golden pendant around his neck that was fitted with every known jewel in the world. He wore a pair of old leather traveling boots, ten golden rings across his fingers, each fitted with a different gemstone, and a black sash around his waist which held numerous pouches and other odds and ends.

Emblazoned across the back of his robe was the insignia for the Alvarez Empire, his front bearing a much smaller one in the upper right chest region. Upon his forehead was a golden circlet, the gemstone lodged in the center glowing Crimson Red, briefly matching his eye color before they reverted to their usual black.

"I hope you weren't too harsh on Invel for doing as I requested," Zeref asked with a carefully raised eyebrow, as the old man slowly shook his head.

"Invel merely carried out your orders, as you requested. He has served you well, as shall I, Lord Zeref…"

One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez

Second Shield Of The Alvarez Empire

General Of The Spriggan Twelve

Overseer Of The Empire's Magical Curriculum

A Walking Disaster

The Wizard King

August

"I know you will, as always," Zeref smiled lightly, as the man offered him a polite nod of the head.

"I'm glad to see you have finally returned," August replied, stepping closer. "I assume you have yet to find the answer to resolving the Ragnarök to come?"

"Oh, I have the answer," Zeref chuckled lightly, surprising August, who stood a little bit straighter at that. "I am still processing the specifics, but I should be ready to divulge it at the meeting of Swords and Shields later this week."

"I see. Well, that is most pleasant news indeed," August replied with a nod. "But I must ask, you didn't summon me here privately, and with such haste, just to tell me that, did you?"

"Of course not August, I wouldn't dare waste your time on something so trivial," Zeref replied, shaking his head. "I'm currently in the middle of a plan, and a delicate one at that."

"What is this plan, if I may be so bold to ask?"

"The plan involves my younger Brother, Natsu, who will undoubtedly be coming for the foreigner whom I just imprisoned at Vistarion Minar."

"I assume you wish for me to not interfere with this plan," August asked, garnering a curt nod from the Emperor. "I see."

"To put it quite simply, I'm expecting my Brother to break into the prison to free Makarov Dreyar, before fleeing the Empire," Zeref explained, a small smirk coming to his lips. "I want this to happen."

"May I ask why?"

"There are two reasons, primarily, with the first being to test the security of Vistarion Minar. Some have called it into question over the last decade, and I believe this will be the perfect opportunity to put Yuriel's prison to the test."

"That sounds reasonable enough," August agreed. "And the second reason?"

"Is much vaguer, yet no less valid. I need to confirm my suspicions regarding his current condition, as well as his current level of power."

"Are any of the others aware of this?"

"Irene will be informed once she returns from dropping Makarov Dreyar there," Zeref replied, shaking his head. "However, if you do run into them, please tell them to not interfere with any incidents surrounding Vistarion Minar for the next two weeks."

"Of course."

"Yuriel is obviously not to be notified regarding this test," Zeref continued, with August again nodding in understanding. "I'll be having Irene play the pursuit role to test my Brother."

"Let us pray she doesn't call down another meteor over a civilized town," August muttered, as Zeref's smile dropped for the briefest of moments.

"Yes… That was a rather unpleasant situation," Zeref agreed, before shaking his head. "Anyway, onto other matters. You are to remain within Vistarion for the foreseeable future August. You are also prohibited from pulling that cursed Month of August nonsense."

"I understand," August nodded stiffly in response. "It wouldn't be wise to upset the staff and citizens at this critical time. Especially when we are in the middle of gearing up for a new war…"

"That's right. It is vital that you control yourself to the best of your abilities August. If you cannot contain your Magic, you may head to the forests outside Vistarion and expel the excess there…"

"Thank you, Lord Zeref. I shall do my utmost to meet your expectations," August replied, bowing slightly.

"Now then, you are free to go August. But if you see Wall Eehto, do tell him to stop antagonizing Irene? As useful as he is, she will kill him if he continues to damage her flower garden any further…"

"I shall speak to him when I find him, though I doubt it will do much to change his mind?"

"Tell him it is my order, and to betray it will invite… certain consequences."

"As you command, Lord Zeref," August replied, bowing before making his way out of the room, leaving Zeref alone to his thoughts.

"Now then, back to those lines…"

*POTD*

Back in the Khaji Raml Desert, Team Natsu had spent the better half of the day crossing its length, just now finally reaching the border to the forested region Natsu had spoken about.

The walk had been almost completely uneventful, aside from a strange scorpion Natsu had decided to pick up along the way.

The scorpion was clearly highly venomous, but one look from Natsu and it allowed him to pick it up, soon joining the group. The scorpion was only the side of his palm, meaning it wasn't even a burden for him to carry, though the girls weren't too happy about it.

"Are you seriously going to be bringing that stupid scorpion with us the whole way," Erza asked, as Natsu waved off her concerns.

"First of all Erza, his name is Tim! And secondly, he's not hurting anyone," Natsu replied, as the scorpion snapped its pincers together as if agreeing with what he'd just said.

"Why are you acting like an idiot," Wendy asked, looking him up and down. "Something's not right?"

"Hey! That's cold Wendy!"

It was then that Elise noticed the tiny puncture mark on Natsu's hand, which quickly had her putting two and two together.

"Guys, he already got stung by the thing," the God Slayer sighed, shaking her head. "It stung him on the hand."

In an instant, the trio pounced. Erza sliced the scorpion apart, as Elise pinned Natsu to the ground as he started to whine like a child, whilst Wendy placed her hand over the small puncture in his hand.

Slowly pulling back as she surrounded the wound in Healing Magic, the group were shocked to see several liters of purple venom being sucked out.

"How the Hell did he get so much venom in him!?"

"It got me on the ankle first," Natsu muttered, as he seemed to regain his senses. "Man, that was a trip…"

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah… I can't die to poisons because I'm a Demon, plus I have Aura. So that shit just got me a brief high…"

"Hence why Dad was acting like an idiot," Wendy snorted in response. "Lovely."

"That scorpion is known as a Confusik Redback, and the venom it has is meant to trick whoever it stings that the scorpion is its ally, hence why I picked it up. Usually the poison kills its target, but again, I'm immune to that so, confusion."

"Such a strange creature," Erza muttered, as the trio looked back toward the desert, before looking toward the forest. "Are there any more dangerous creatures like that in the forest?"

"Oh yeah, loads," Natsu laughed, as the others failed to find the humor. "The worst one I've heard of is the Tri Horned Venoblas Hornet. As its name suggests, it has three big stingers instead of just one, and each is loaded with a different type of venom, based on what it needs to do."

"I don't like this place," Wendy muttered, eliciting an amused laugh from Natsu.

"Ah, you'll be fine Wendy! Just kill them before they kill you, right?"

"But one of them got you though?"

"Yeah, and we don't talk about that. Now come on," Natsu replied, completely glossing over the subject as he got back onto his feet. "Now that I'm not acting like a five-year-old, I've got to explain to you guys a bit of history about how the desert and forest can grow right next to each other. It's a phenomenon that Alvarez scientists call a Mini Equator."

"Is that what this thin line of regular dirt is," Elise asked, as they all crouched down to see a one-meter-wide thin line that divided the desert's terrain from the forest's more grassy one.

"Correct! No one really knows why Alakitasia has these, but its theorized that it dates back to a seismic event thousands of years ago?"

"So, is it possible for anything to grow on this soil?"

"Apparently the soil here is completely barren, hence it being a perfect dividing line," Natsu shrugged. "As you probably can tell right now, each side of the Mini Equator also has its own temperature. The forest side being a more tropical heat, and the desert one being a dry, yucky heat."

"It's so strange that this can just exist," Erza hummed in reply, as they stepped over the Mini Equator and into the forested region. "How many of these are there?"

"I don't know? Probably a lot," Natsu laughed, as he motioned for the group to follow him, as they all sighed and shook their heads.

"Gets stung by poisonous, mind manipulating scorpion, and just brushes it off like its no big deal at all," the God Slayer sighed, bringing up the rear. "Here's hoping we don't run into that damn hornet thing…"

*POTD*

Irene walked at a sedate pace so that Makarov could keep up with her. His stature didn't cause her to lower her guard around him though, as she knew full well the reputation the old man had, and some of the nasty spells he possessed in his repertoire.

"I do apologize for this, Makarov Dreyar."

"No, its fine. I honestly didn't expect to be given the chance to speak to Zeref at all," Makarov replied honestly. "So, I should be grateful you all were willing to help me at all."

"Would you mind if I ask you something?"

"Not at all."

"Do you truly have no knowledge of where Natsu has gone, Makarov Dreyar," Irene asked, as Makarov's gaze hardened at the question, shaking his head in the negative.

"I can tell you aren't asking this out of a desire to hunt him down, for which I do appreciate it," Makarov began. "However, I haven't seen Natsu since he left for Lord Warrod's home all those years ago. That being said, I have little doubt that he's out there somewhere, and will no doubt be back to causing trouble wherever he goes."

Irene couldn't help but smile at the man's words, as the pair reached an office where a tall secretary slowly rose to meet them.

"Lord Yuriel has been waiting for you, Lady Belserion," the secretary smiled, motioning for them to enter the office behind her.

The pair walked into the office to meet the warden, who was currently turned around in his swivel chair, facing the window that overlooked the prison.

"Yuriel?"

"Irene," a deep, strong voice replied calmly. "I was told Lord Zeref had returned, and now you bring me a special prisoner? What an interesting day today has turned out to be?"

"Indeed."

The figure chuckled and slowly turned around to face them, with Makarov's eyes widening considerably at his appearance. Much like some of the palace staff he'd seen back in Vistarion proper, this one was also not Human.

One Of The Twenty Four Arms Of Alvarez

Seventh Sword Of The Alvarez Empire

Warden Of The Great Imperial Prison Vistarion Minar

Lord Of The Great Iron Chain

Yuriel Zenothes

Seated across from Makarov was a fifteen-foot-tall creature that had the appearance of a gorilla. It wore a form fitting black officer uniform with its bulky forearms left fully exposed, along with an amusingly small warden's cap and a red tie.

Its fur was black, and its skin a light brown colour, and it had the kanji for IRON branded into its left cheek. The gorilla creature looked down at Makarov with its beady black eyes, smirking to reveal sharp teeth that were each larger than his fingers.

"You're definitely an outsider alright, otherwise you wouldn't have had such a strong reaction to me," Yuriel chuckled deeply. "I am Yuriel Zenothes, Lord of the Great Iron Chain, and Warden of Vistarion Minar! In case you're curious, I am from a species known as the Gortar, and we come from the western portion of the Empire, where the jungles are plentiful."

"I-I see… I apologize for appearing startled," Makarov replied sincerely. "Its just, back where I'm from in Ishgar, we-."

"-don't have any species aside from Humans," Yuriel finished for him. "Everyone in Alvarez knows that, since many were actually chased out by the Humans."

"I-I didn't actually know that part…"

"This was long before your time, I assure you," Yuriel replied, waving him off as he leaned over the desk. "Either way, you seem like a nice Human, so no hard feelings or anything. Just remember that we have many races in this country aside from your kind, and all are equal."

"Of course."

"Good," Yuriel nodded, seemingly satisfied with Makarov's answer. "Now then, what are my orders from the Emperor, Irene?"

"Makarov Dreyar is to be imprisoned here because he knows too much information to be allowed to simply return to Ishgar. Under no circumstances is he to be mistreated, and access to his Magic is to be restricted to one fifteenth."

"One fifteenth? You must be quite the strong Human to require that level of sealing," Yuriel noted curiously. "I don't think we've had someone with that level of Magic restriction in her for a few years now? But anyway, is that all Irene?"

"There is also the matter of the upcoming meeting of the Swords and Shields that we are all required to attend? I trust I'll see you there?"

"Of course," Yuriel replied firmly, bumping his chest with his fist and nodding stiffly. "I shall be there!"

"Very good," Irene smiled, before looking down at Makarov with a more neutral gaze. "Again, I do apologize for this, but the Empire comes first."

Tapping Makarov's wrists, Magical Seals appeared over them, binding his Magic down to one fifteenth.

"I'll take my leave now," Irene spoke, nodding to Yuriel before tapping her staff, vanishing on the spot.

"Alright Human, please take a seat so I can build my profile on you," Yuriel spoke up, as Makarov took a seat in the offered chair. "All prisoners who come through this prison have a profile created on them. So, lets start with your full name?"

"Makarov Dreyar."

"Country of origin?"

"Fiore, Ishgar."

"Magic?"

"Giant Magic, Light Magic, True Heavenly Body Magic and Lightning Magic."

"Any notable way to identify your status?"

"I'm one of the Ten Wizard Saints of Fiore," Makarov replied, as the Warden raised an eyebrow curiously, before writing something down.

"Alright, that should do it. The rest of it is typical pencil pushing nonsense that Invel wants us to fill out that none of us have any real time for," Yuriel scoffed, shaking his head. "What really matters here is me running you through how things work around here. Alvarez prisons don't run like the ones you're probably used to back home. Care to guess why?"

"Well, one difference I already noticed was that you bound my Magic using runes instead of locking me in a rune laced cell," Makarov pointed out, with Yuriel nodding stiffly in response.

"That's right. We bind the person rather than the cells because, on the off chance you somehow manage to escape, you can be easily collected," Yuriel explained. "With your Magic limited to the bare minimum required to live, you won't get far in Alvarez."

"Honestly, I can see the logic in that," Makarov replied, which seemed to please Yuriel, as he continued speaking.

"Another way we handle things differently is that prisoners aren't confined to cells, and are allowed to freely walk around guarded sections of the prison. We allow this because the Emperor believes most to be redeemable," Yuriel explained, as Makarov listened in genuine interest. "So, if we can help our prisoners learn an important skill that will allow them to fill in a role within our Empire, then it's a win for everyone."

"I assume this isn't for all prisoners though?"

"Of course not. The harder the crime, the less nice our prisons will be, and rightly so," Yuriel explained. "Some crimes are unforgivable, and we make sure those who commit them remember that."

"So, aside from the obvious irredeemable prisoners, this place is just a forced training camp?"

"In many respects, yes. But we do occasionally get a special prisoner such as yourself who will break the mould, being assigned here for an indeterminate amount of time," Yuriel shrugged in response. "Anyway, time to move onto the rules. First off, no fighting of any kind will be tolerated within this prison. If you fight with another prisoner, you must be willing to prove either just cause, or that you didn't start the fight through one of our Mind Mages, who will review a memory of the incident."

"So, what happens to those who are found guilty of fighting here?"

"If you are found guilty of fighting, and its your first offense, you face one day's confinement to your cell, accompanied with a stern warning. Offend again, and you are confined for an entire week, and will not be given three square meals a day," Yuriel spoke firmly. "If you offend a third time, you'll be brought before me and I shall decide a special punishment. Normally, I'll send those prisoners to do hard labor in the Khaji Raml Mines for a month."

"And… What happens if they offend after that?"

"That is an extremely rare case Human, though it has happened. If you come back from the mines and offend once again, then you will be deemed a lost cause," Yuriel replied darkly. "You'll be transferred deep underground within Vistarion Minar where our maximum-security prisoners reside, confined to a cell, and forgotten about like the rest of the trash down there…"

"Well, I think that makes sense," Makarov nodded stiffly, with Yuriel nodding firmly in response.

"Good to hear you say it, but I prefer proof over words. So long as you don't cause trouble, you'll live decently in here," Yuriel replied in a slightly lighter tone. "I should warn you though that, should you try and escape, you'll be spending some time underground."

"Understood. Is there anything else?"

"Not really, no. Just act decently, not like a savage, and you'll do just fine here. Don't go where you aren't supposed to go, and don't try and escape."

"Understood," Makarov nodded, as the Warden slowly rose to his feet. "So, do I have a cell number or something?"

"You do, but I'll have a guard escort you down to the prisoner grounds and they will let you meet up with your cell mate. Speaking of which, make sure you let the species other than Human know you aren't from the Empire before you get too talkative with them in order to avoid making any mistakes."

"I will."

"Good," Yuriel nodded, pressing a button under his desk as a shorter Gortar walked in and escorted Makarov out of the room.

Once he was gone, Yuriel resumed his seat, spinning back around in his chair to gaze out at his prison thoughtfully.

"How interesting… A man from Ishgar comes here to Alvarez, so close to the invasion… This definitely is no coincidence. I'll bet Lord Zeref knows this too…"

*POTD*

The tropical heat of the late afternoon had slowly begun to lift, as Team Natsu cut their way through the forest. Their attempts at finding some form of civilization were poor, but Natsu had far more pressing concerns.

After being stung by the Confusik Redback Scorpion, he was being much more cautious on their trek, extending his Aura out around the group to detect even the tiniest insect that could do them harm.

Overall, despite the long and boring walk, they were doing okay.

"How much further until we find something," Wendy groaned, leaning heavily into Natsu as they stopped in a small clearing to have a break. "Surely you have some idea, Dad?"

"Just give me a sec Wendy, I'm trying to figure out which direction we're heading in?"

"Couldn't I just fly above the treeline and have a look at where we are and what's around?"

"Probably not a good idea to use too much Magic out here, just in case it attracts the wrong kind of attention," Natsu replied, placing a firm hand on Wendy's shoulder. "Just a bit more walking and we should come across a dirt road though…?"

"And how exactly do you know that," Erza asked with a raised brow, only for Elise to interrupt them.

"Nah, he's right. About five hundred meters to Natsu's left is a dirt road."

"Again… How do you two know that?"

"Aura," the pair reply in unison, eliciting an amused snort from Wendy, and an exacerbated sigh from Erza.

"Fine. We'll make it to the road, then have a proper break. I don't like stopping in the thick of the jungle like this, especially what with all the deadly insects Natsu was listing off on the way in."

"Fair enough," Natsu nodded in reply. "One last push guys, and then we'll take a late afternoon lunch break."

The girls grumbled in response as the group made the final ten-minute push to the dirt road, a well-worn track that clearly saw frequent traffic. However, what immediately drew their attention was a small town in the distance, the faint sign of lights being the first sign of civilization they'd seen all day.

"Well, that's convenient," Natsu laughed, as the others merely frowned at him. "What!?"

"Just shut up and walk, we're tired," Erza huffed, as the trio trudged past him, only amusing him further since he knew for a fact they were just annoyed that the town hadn't shown up sooner.

"Alright, before we head into town, I should warn you that we're gonna come across a bunch of races aside from Humans," Natsu explained, as the girls all stopped to look at him, genuinely curious. "Ah, now I have your attention!"

"Just give us the explanation Natsu…"

"Fine. Spoil my fun," the Devil snickered, waving off the tired girls as he continued his explanation. "Rule number one, don't stare at them because its considered offensive. Rule number two, stick to purely neutral language when speaking to them in order to avoid making a faux pas."

"Is that it?"

"Yeah, pretty much. I'll do most of the talking, you guys just follow my lead," Natsu replied, as the three women nodded and followed him into the town.

The small town had a rather eco-friendly vibe to it. The houses were part of the trees themselves, with the trunks expanded to accommodate the residents, much like Saint Warrod had done for Elira Town back in Fiore.

The lighting was seemingly being generated by wisps, and the road changed into a more rocky one once they got into the town proper.

But what really amazed Erza, Elise and Mira, were the strange races walking about. Strange sentient gorillas, snake-like humanoids, unnaturally tall beings who appeared Human on the surface, but had long pointed ears and gems in their bodies, and even a strange catlike creature that had a large, bushy mane around its neck that stood over fourteen feet in height.

"Natsu really wasn't kidding about there being other races here," Erza muttered, as the girls all purposely avoided looking at the locals.

"If you three could wait out here in the square, I'm gonna go find us some work, alright?"

"You seriously plan on leaving us in the center of town alone," Wendy asked, trying not to gawk at the different species milling about.

"If you cause trouble, you'll just disappoint me," Natsu replied plainly, which had the trio all standing up a little straighter. "I have faith you'll be fine for five minutes."

Confident that his little speech would keep them from getting them chased out of town, Natsu looked around before noticing a sign. He knew the people of Alvarez had a different written dialect to that of Fiore, but his Aura instantly translated it for him.

"Man, this shit is so useful," he murmured, finding the direction the pub was located rather quickly, and made his way on over.

Walking inside, the place had a quaint feel to it, as all sorts of species milled about the place enjoying their afternoons. None even paid Natsu any attention as he walked on through, his eyes soon landing on a map that appeared to be in the hands of an adventurer.

Walking over to the person, he tapped them on the shoulder, eliciting a slight hiss in response, which Natsu immediately recognized.

"What isss it that you require, Human," the snake-like humanoid asked in a deep, yet alluring male voice.

"Sorry to bother you, but could I ask you to show me where exactly we are right now," Natsu asked, holding up his hand to show the puncture wound from the Confusik Redback Scorpion. "I was on my way from Alastaria to Vistarion, when I was bitten by a Confusik Redback Queen and…well, I'm sure you can guess what happened?"

"Ah, I ssssee the puncture wound," the snake-like humanoid replied sympathetically. "Nasssty busssinesss, thosssse Confusssik Redbackssss."

"Tell me about it. I'm just lucky I was with a Healing Mage, she pulled over a liter of its venom out of my hand!"

"Ha! I've heard sssstoriessss of otherssss who have suffered ssssimilarly. Of coursssse I'll help you out. My name issss Eketh."

"Natsu," came the immediate reply, as Natsu shook Eketh's scaly hand with the one that hadn't been bitten, keeping up appearances that it still hurt. "Thanks for helping me out."

"No problem. Thissss isss where we are," Eketh replied, pointing to an area around thirty kilometers into the jungle, the map calling the place Abanaca Town.

"Wow, I'm way of course…"

"If you need to make up for losssst time, I'd suggesssst following the Kalandra Trail over the Ryordan Mountainssss. It sssavesss weeksss of travel?"

"Really," Natsu mused, looking at the path Eketh indicated he should follow. "Thanks for the advice, friend."

"Not a problem. I hope the ressst of your journey issssn't assss unfortunate," Eketh replied, as the pair shook hands again, before the snake-like humanoid slithered out of the bar.

Deciding to find some work now that he knew where they were, Natsu went over to the bar, which was being run by a female Gortar who wore a large vest and a purple tie around her neck.

"Something I can help you with stranger," the Gortar asked in a deep, yet effeminate voice.

"Yeah, I'm looking for work," Natsu began to explain. "I'm looking to earn enough so I, along with my three friends, can cross the Ryordan Mountains comfortably?"

"Well, you definitely picked a good time to be looking Human. Plenty of paying work in town since its harvest season, and the Science Bureau needs to meet its quota," the Gortar replied. "Let me give you a rundown, since you clearly don't have a damn clue what I mean?"

"That obvious," Natsu chuckled, glad she completely fell for his clueless act.

"I've been running this place for seventy years kid. They call me Old Miriam, even though I'm only a hundred and twelve," Miriam scoffed, an amused smirk on her face. "Anyway, point is, I see a lot of folks coming and going through this place kid. And you…I can tell you've got no idea where the Hell you are?"

"Yep," Natsu replied with an amused smile, since now it wasn't really even a lie. "What's the rundown on the whole harvest thing Miriam?"

"Well, Abanaca Town is a plantation where we grow random crops the Alvarez Science Bureau wants to test out, before committing to full production of any experimental crop."

"So the harvest you mentioned is one of these experimental crops then?"

"Got it in one kid. They call em Babananas," the Gortar chuckled. "Picture a banana, make it as long as two train carriages, and as high as this bar, then make em any color of the rainbow."

"What…?"

"Heh. Yeah, most people who aren't from here give me that look when I tell em stuff like that," Miriam smirked in response. "I'll let the client explain it to you in more detail, assuming ya want the job?"

"They need pickers I'm guessing?"

"Like a horse needs drink kid."

"How many spots are open? I've got three other friends who are able to work too?"

"Like I said, there's plenty of work going kid and the pay is pretty generous. On top of that, if you work a full shift, you get some free Babananas."

"Wait… Are you saying that if I work a full shift that they'll just give me multiple rainbow bananas the size of buildings?"

"Yep."

"Sign me up," Natsu replied immediately, which amused Miriam to no end.

"Sure kid, I've got ya covered."

*POTD*

Five minutes later, Natsu returned to the group carrying four massive bags over his head. The trio simply stared at him as he put them down next to him.

"What are those for," Erza asked slowly, eliciting an amused grin from Natsu.

"We're off to go pick some Babananas!"

"What the fuck is a Babanana," Wendy asked bluntly, which only further amused Natsu.

"Listen, I don't think how I could describe them would do them justice. So, let's just head on over to the client and offer our services."

The trio shrugged in response, since they really didn't have any other choice but to do the work, as they set out toward the plantation Miriam had indicated on her map. Once they arrived however, not even Miriam's description was enough to prepare Natsu for the sight before him.

"Holy shit… They're HUGE!?"

In Fiore, a banana was considered a decent, healthy snack at best. An average sized fruit stored within a yellow banana peel. They had absolutely nothing on a Babanana. Hundreds of Babananas hung in rainbow-colored bunches atop trees that were as tall as some mountains.

It was probably the most absurd yet absolutely riveting sight the quartet had ever seen.

"Ah, hello there young ones," an elderly voice called out, as all eyes fell upon an old Human who was slowly walking out to greet them. "I just received word Miriam was sending me four eager helpers! And you're just in time too! As you can see, they're getting on the larger side, and really needed to be picked soon."

"Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to take the job, your Elderness. Is there anything specific you would like us to do with the Babananas once we've picked them," Natsu asked in a formal, respectful tone, that had the rest of Team Natsu's jaws hitting the floor.

"If you could sort them by peel color please, that would be most helpful. The poor lads they hire as drivers have a hard enough time transporting the things what with all the dangerous wildlife out on the roads. So, it would be nice to give them something nice to pull up to, eh?"

"Yeah, I know the feeling. I myself had a run in with a Confusik Redback Queen, which is how I ended up here to begin with," Natsu chuckled lightly, as the girls just watched him bullshit his way through the conversation like a pro. "Though thankfully I can work here and get some money to cross the Ryordan Mountains and get to Vistarion on schedule."

"My, you must be a strong and able young man to survive a Confusik Redback Queen? Are you by any chance in the military?"

"Sadly no. However, I was trained by my Father in Alastaria City, who happens to be a Commander for Lord Ajeel," Natsu replied, as the old man nodded, clearly happy with his answer.

"Ah yes, such a fine young man that Lord Ajeel! Always keeps his province in check and the people happy. Is there a particular reason you didn't join the military?"

"My Father asked me to abstain from joining early so that he could train me in specific family Magics and enlist as an officer. Currently, that means I'm the primary messenger between Alastaria and Vistarion," Natsu explained, maintaining the whole sheepish act, as he old man laughed heartily.

"Oh yes, I've heard of quite a few young lads like you being roped into schemes like that! But fear not, you'll be the better for it! Now then, I've taken up enough of your time! My home is just beyond the Babanana patch, so please do come find me if you need anything?"

"Excuse me your Elderness? I feel it rude not to ask for your name?"

"Oh, of course! You've been such a polite young man, yet I haven't even offered you my name! I am Freud Fortisma! A pleasure to meet you."

"My name is Natsu. These are my friends Erza, Elise, and Wendy. I'm escorting them to Vistarion on the request of my Father and Lord Ajeel."

"Well, its lovely to make your acquaintance too young ladies! Now then, I'll be at my home if you need me," Freud said cheerfully, as he disappeared behind a pink Babanana.

The moment they were certain he was out of earshot, the trio immediately rounded on him, with Elise being the first to question him as she tried not to burst into laughter.

"He lied as easily as he breathed really applies to you Natsu?"

"I can't believe you were able to talk so much shit and keep a straight face Dad?"

"I'm curious why you showed that old man so much respect Natsu," Erza asked, as the other two nodded their heads, also wanting to hear his answer to that particular question. "You don't even show Master Makarov that much respect?"

"Remember what I told you girls earlier about how the elderly in Alvarez are a cherished part of society? I was treating Freud with the amount of respect all elderly citizens of the Empire are meant to be shown."

"Well, I suppose it's a good thing we were shadowing you that time then," Erza replied, as Elise cut into the conversation, picking up one of the large bags.

"Let's talk about all that crap later guys, we've got Babananas to pick!"

"But how the Hell do we pick something like that," Wendy pointed out, as the trio slowly looked toward Natsu once again, who merely laughed in response.

"It's quite simple really. First, we need to work together to cut a bunch down at once using a saw," Natsu explained, as he used his Aura to allow him to fly up toward the top of the tree, with Elise quickly following him. "We want to gently lower the whole bunch to the ground, okay?"

"I've got the bottom!"

"Okay, cutting it now," Natsu called out, as Wendy and Erza watched the pair slowly cut then lower the bunch down to the ground. "There!"

"Okay, so we've got the bunch down… Now what?"

"Now, we'll begin separating them by color like Freud said," Natsu explained, as he flew over to the stem of the bunch and gently began disconnecting the Babananas from the bunch, as Elise, Erza and Wendy moved them out of the way.

"How are we supposed to fit them in the bags? They can't even fit one of these things in them," Elise asked, as Natsu motioned for the group to come to the nearest pink colored Babanana.

"These bags are enchanted to have a much greater storage area within them, and can hold around twenty Babananas before being full," Natsu explained, as he opened up the bag and put it over the tail end of the pink Babanana.

The trio watched as the Babanana was sucked into the bag, before quickly moving to do the same with the rest from the bunch they'd managed to separate.

For the next hour, Team Natsu worked diligently to harvest over two hundred Babananas. After working out a nice system where Natsu and Elise cut and brought down the bunch for Erza and Wendy to divide up, they tore through the work with gusto.

Natsu had to admit, standing there and admiring their work, he felt oddly satisfied doing something so basic… So, menial. It reminded him of the old days when he got to take these kinds of odd jobs back in Fairy Tail. Back before he became the man who had to fight the worst of the worst.

He was snapped out of his musings be Freud, who was hobbling over toward them as fast as he could, clearly ecstatic.

"Young ones! Young ones I cannot thank you enough for this effort! I went inside for an hour to make some tea, expecting to find maybe ten Babananas sorted, not over two hundred!?"

"Ah… Well, we're quite skilled Mages your Elderness," Natsu laughed, actually happy with the praise, as the old man laughed heartily.

"I'll say! You've all earned your pay today, let me tell you! And, you've all definitely earned the right to try some Babanana for yourselves too!"

"Thank you your Elderness," Natsu smiled, bowing slightly. "Can we try each flavor available?"

"Of course! We have so many that splitting four won't make a difference. Help yourselves," Freud replied, passing Natsu a slip of paper. "And take this back to Miriam for your pay young one. I've asked you be given extra for such a good day's work!"

"Y-Your Elderness, you didn't have to," Natsu replied bashfully, with Erza and Elise simply staring at him, eyes wide like an owl at his strange mannerisms.

"Nonsense! Hard work deserves to be rewarded," Freud replied, giving each of them a happy look. "Now then, I need to get back to my tea! Please, help yourselves to some Babananas."

The quartet watched as Freud returned to his house, as the pair looked to the four different colored Babananas near them.

"Well, I guess these will be dinner then," Elise joked, as she walked up to the pink Babanana. "Let's try this one first?"

Taking her sword, she ran it along the length of the Babanana peel, opening it up to reveal it looked just like a pink banana on the inside too. She then cut out small pieces for each of the group as they all shared a look.

"On three," Natsu said, as they each silently counted down, before taking a bite.

The quartet chewed for a moment before suddenly freezing in place, staring at one another with wide eyes. Looking back down to the piece in their hands, they immediately devoured them, before turning on the massive pink Babanana itself.

"No fucking way this thing tastes like cotton candy," Elise gasped, her face pushing right into the Babanana as she began to tear into every bit of it she could.

"What would the others taste like," Wendy wondered aloud, as she cut open the blue one and bit into it. "Blueberry!?"

"NO FUCKING WAY," Natsu cried out, almost on the verge of tears. "Guys! The red one tastes like a hot dog!"

"We have to store as much of these as we can," Erza sniffled, as both she and Natsu opened up their Requip Spaces, beginning to store large portions of the three Babananas.

Once they were done, they only had one color left. Yellow.

"Moment of truth guys," Natsu whispered, as Elise gently cut the yellow peel open, and the pair each received a fair slice, just like the first Babanana.

"Will it taste like a regular old banana?"

"Or, will it taste so good, we might die," Wendy mused quietly, as they all ate their slices whole.

The moment the flavor hit his tongue, Natsu very nearly did pass out from flavor overload, tears streaming down his cheeks as he slowly savored each and every chew.

"There's no way… How has Alvarez been blessed with the flavor of the Gods… A caramel ice cream flavored banana…"

"When we're in the capital, we're breaking into the Science Bureau and stealing seeds for these," Elise sniffled, as the pair struggled to pull themselves together. "This is amazing…"

*POTD*

It took the quartet an hour to finally bring themselves back from cloud nine, as they walked back into town, a noticeable spring in their step that had been absent before.

Walking into the bar, Miriam saw the group and chuckled, shaking her head as she held out her hand for the slip Freud had given Natsu.

"Nothing beats Babanana picking, am I right you guys?"

"Miriam… They have a caramel ice cream banana," Natsu gushed, the bartender laughing at his childish display of joy.

"Best part about Babananas is that they're just as healthy as regular bananas, even though they taste like junk food or other stuff," Miriam replied, only further solidifying the groups love for the absurd fruit. "Ho? Freud wants you to be paid for three days work? Well I'll be damned…"

"We did go a bit overboard and harvest like two hundred of them," Natsu laughed, as Miriam passed him a large sack full of coins. "How much is this?"

"About nine thousand Quirins," Miriam replied, as Natsu took the sack and sent it to his Requip Space. "If you're looking for supplies, head next door. My friend Essie runs the trading post and she'll hook you up with all the stuff you need for the road."

"Thanks so much for your help Miriam," Natsu replied, waving to the bartender who simply smirked in response.

"Thanks for doing such a good job for old Freud kid," the bartender replied, bumping her right fist against her chest before waving them off. "Later!"

Leaving the bar, the group moved to stand on the front deck, pondering what they should do next.

"Well, today started off pretty shit, but ended on an awesome note," Wendy grinned, patting her slightly bloated stomach, clearly content.

"After we hit up the trader, are we heading straight out," Erza asked, as they looked out toward the darkness beyond the village.

"We'll set up camp just outside of town and get some sleep I think? There's a shortcut to Vistarion we can take from here, but it means we've got to go through the Ryordan Mountains."

"And mountain climbing in the dark is a big no no," Elise smirked, as the pair slowly made their way down toward the trader.

"Alright guys, let's get us some gear and go set up camp," Natsu sighed, as the group entered the trader, eager to get the supplies to reach Vistarion much faster.

After all, despite all the fun they'd had, they hadn't forgotten why they'd come to Alvarez to begin with.

They had to save Makarov, which meant all of this was the calm before the storm. And it was a storm that the four were more than willing to endure…