(Edited 24/09/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Vistarion Minar

*POTD*

Natsu felt quite relaxed as he was lead into Vistarion Minar, even with the cuffs around his ankles and wrists. It was quite amusing how easily everyone had fallen for his ruse.

Upon arriving at the great prison, Natsu, along with all the other prisoners, were met by a stocky Gortar Guard. The Gortar informed them that all prisoners were required to meet with the Warden of Vistarion Minar before being released into the general population…

And, fortunately for him, the current Warden was away at a meeting at the palace, several hundred kilometers away, and he'd be meeting with the Vice Warden instead. The fact this was all working out so well seemed too good to be true, but he wasn't going to complain.

The group stopped just outside the Warden's office, as the Gortar who led them all there knocked on the door, the prisoner ahead of Natsu being admitted without any fuss. The moment the line stepped forward, Natsu couldn't help but snort in amusement as the drunk from the ride over panicked, sweating profusely.

"H-Hey man! Y-You've gotta get me outta here!? I didn't do anything!"

"Not my problem pal," Natsu chuckled, amused at just how scared shitless the man was.

"Come on dude, don't you wanna get out of here too!? I bet if we both made a run for it now, they couldn't catch us!?"

"Hn. They wouldn't catch me. But you… Yeah, they'd have you before you even get to the end of the hallway."

The man seemed to take great offense at Natsu's lack of confidence in his abilities, but was silenced by a stern glare from the Gortar Guard. Sure enough, the door to the Warden's office opened, and Natsu was admitted inside.

Walking inside, Natsu was met with an even larger Gortar who wore a dark blue cap with the insignia of the prison emblazoned dead center, as well as a matching dark blue tie. The Gortar also wore a black flak vest, as well as wrist wraps around his sizeable forearms.

"Take a seat," the large Gortar ordered politely, motioning to the chair opposite him. "My name is Ryombe Katakus, Vice Warden of Vistarion Minar, and I'll be processing you today in place of Warden Zenothes."

Natsu simply nodded, remaining silent, something that the Gortar seemed to appreciate.

"So, this is how our little chat is going to go down. I'm going to ask you a question, and you're going to answer it truthfully so I can build a file on you for the Warden to review and process on his return. After that, I'll let you out into the general population, and you can mingle with some of the others in the yard."

"Understood."

"Heh. I'm liking you already," Ryombe smirked, showing off his massive teeth. "First thing's first… What's your name?"

"Silus Lancaster."

"Place of birth?"

"Ryordan Prime."

"List of all Magics you're capable of?"

"Speed Magic and Strengthening Magic."

"Checks out," Ryombe nodded, seemingly reading a report. "That would explain how you were running so fast and jumping so high when they caught you."

"Yeah. I messed up my last spell and accidentally ran through a bunch of buildings, knocking myself out," Natsu laughed, scratching the back of his head as the Vice Warden chuckled.

"So the report claims," the Gortar replied, before returning to his more professional demeanor. "Right then. Now, this is usually the part where the Warden gives a big old speech about the prison, but I've found over the years that my approach works best. You screw around here; you get punished hard. But if you do the right thing, then me and my boys will leave you mostly to your own devices… Sound fair?"

"Honestly, that sounds more than reasonable," Natsu replied, somewhat surprised, as the Gortar pressed a button under the desk, summoning another Gortar Guard.

"Good. That's all I need from you, so I'll have you escorted down to the changing area, then you'll hit the Magical Binding Station before meeting up with your new cellmate," Ryombe explained, as he rose from his seat. "We're putting you in with this one guy who managed to get his old cell mate to request a transfer. So, good luck with that."

"Thanks," Natsu replied, rolling his eyes, as the Gortar Guard led him into another room, where he was given a prison jumpsuit and his shackles removed.

Walking behind the divider, Natsu simply used his E.N.D abilities to morph his current outfit into the prison jumpsuit, before putting the one he'd been given into the provided storage Lacrima.

Walking back from behind the divider, the Gortar Guard led him down to the Magical Binding Station, where he was met with the most peculiar sight.

Seated on a nice comfy pillow was an older Gortar wearing an absurdly large wizard hat. The hat was so large, that most of the Gortar's body wasn't even visible. That being said, the Gortar did seem to know what he was doing, as the prisoner ahead of him was bound in less than three seconds.

"Next!"

"This one here has Speed and Strengthening Magic," the Gortar Guard spoke up, as the Gortar Mage hummed to himself.

"Yes… This'll do," the Mage huffed, as laughably weak runes were placed across his wrists and ankles.

As soon as he was marked, the Gortar Guard led him down a flight of stairs and down a long corridor toward his new cell down the far end. Before he reached the cell, the Gortar Guard stopped him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Listen, you don't seem so bad, so I just wanted to give you a heads up?"

"Sure man," Natsu replied, somewhat surprised. "What's going on?"

"Your cell is up ahead, but the guy in there is so infuriatingly annoying," the Gortar Guard replied quietly. "He's not annoying enough to where he can get punished for it, but just enough that is pisses you off. You get me?"

"Yeah, I get you."

"If you can last a week with this guy, I reckon the Vice Warden might see about letting you out early?"

"You serious!? How annoying can one guy be?"

"You've got no idea man," the Gortar replied darkly, motioning for him to walk the rest of the way himself. "Good luck man."

"Uh… Thanks," Natsu replied, as he slowly walked toward the cell, his face going completely blank upon seeing the occupant.

Said occupant had scribbled crude drawings all over the walls, was playing a piece of paper like a harmonica, and was clapping two plungers together with his feet. The moment Natsu walked in, however, the man immediately stopped, his own face going completely blank.

"Silus Lancaster," Natsu spoke, ending the staring contest, as the man placed the piece of paper off to the side.

"Makarov Dreyar…"

There was a tense silence before the pair slowly smirked, their faces twisting comically as they shared the filthiest smirk known to mankind, as Natsu sat down next to the old man.

"You look like shit old man," Natsu whispered, noticing Makarov's slightly weathered look, his body not as full as it had been the last time they'd met.

"It's called getting old, something you probably won't have to deal with," the old man chuckled, his eyes narrowing as he listened out for the guards. "How did you figure out I was here?"

"It's a long story old man, and one you'll need to catch up on when we get back home," Natsu replied quietly. "Care to explain to me why you ended up here, and how you ended up getting sent to prison?"

"You'll probably think me a fool for it, but I had hoped to speak with Emperor Spriggan and see if there was any possibility of averting the war between Fiore and Alvarez…"

"You what," Natsu asked as calmly as he could, as Makarov felt a shiver run down his spine at the way the Devil's pupils dilated ever so slightly.

"Natsu… You know war," Makarov sighed, leaning back against the cell wall with a faraway look. "You fought Alvarez when you were still young, and you were molded into a monster of a Mage as a result. But not everyone can survive what you have, especially not the full might of what Alvarez plans to bring to bear against Fiore…"

"I know…"

"I'm…I'm…"

Makarov grit his teeth, his fists clenched as several tears streamed down his cheeks. Natsu was so shocked at the old man's sudden breakdown that he froze up, eyes wide as the man he'd once viewed as eternally stoic, crumbled not one foot from him.

"I'm scared," Makarov sniffled, as Natsu managed to clasp the old man's hand tightly. "I-I don't want to see any more of my children d-die!"

"Gramps," Natsu whispered, pulling the old man in for a tight hug, which seemed to snap him back to reality. "I understand…"

"I thought there might be a chance to prevent any sort of war… To protect the Guild from certain death…"

"But it was all for naught," Natsu sighed, knowing full well that the Alvarez war machine was only stopping one way. "I know you're stressed right now Makarov, but I need you to keep it together so we can get you back home… Alright?"

"I know," Makarov sighed, as Natsu released the old man from the hug, as he wiped his tears using his sleeve. "I will Natsu, I'm just-."

"At your limit. Don't worry, we've all been there," Natsu replied knowingly, as he placed a gentle hand on the old man's shoulder. "We're all still here for you, just like you were for us all these years Makarov… If you need us, just ask?"

"Heh. You've really grown, haven't you," Makarov smiled faintly, shaking his head.

"I suppose this is the part where I tell you that I took your job as Guild Master," Natsu asked, awkwardly chuckling as Makarov nearly choked on his own spit, his eyes bulging out of their sockets as he got right up into Natsu's face.

"You mean to tell me that YOU became the Seventh Guild Master-!?"

"Eighth."

"E-Eighth!?"

"Gray got possessed by an evil entity and became the Seventh, driving the Guild, and Magnolia by extension, into the ground."

"…Good lord," Makarov murmured, before looking back into Natsu's eyes. "Did the Guild Magic accept you?"

"It did. I know the full truth."

"I see," Makarov nodded slowly, his more serious and focused demeanor back in full force. "I'll need to speak with you more about that later then…"

"I definitely have questions, that's for sure."

"And you're perfectly entitled to have them answered," Makarov replied firmly, before suddenly realizing something. "Wait… Did you come alone?"

"Erza, Elise and Wendy came over with me," Natsu replied easily. "We split up though. I got myself arrested on some dumb bullshit just to get in here to find you. I didn't get the time to tell them that part though since it was a spur of the moment type thing."

"I assume you have a plan on getting us out of here then?"

"Yeah. As you can see, I pretty easily fooled this place into thinking I was just some weak fool," Natsu chuckled, showing off the weak runes they placed on him.

"Speak for yourself," Makarov grumbled, showing off the strong runes blocking most of his own Magic, as the Devil traced a finger over them.

"Irene made these, didn't she?"

"Right before she left, yes."

"Well, don't worry about it too much, because I can crack them with Aura easily enough," Natsu replied, narrowing his eyes at the design. "I'll need to start charging Aura to specifically target them though, so we'll need to play the part of good little prisoners until then."

"And what of the others? Are they helping us escape?"

"Of course they are."

"But you told me that you didn't tell them you planned on being arrested?"

"True. But don't worry, I've got my best man leading them over right now," Natsu grinned, as Makarov raised a curt eyebrow, clearly questioning the validity of his statement.

*POTD*

"ACHOO!"

"Someone must be talking about you Jason," Elise teased, as Jason scoffed in response.

"That's just a myth."

"You never know? The existence of Magic means that, theoretically, anything could exist?"

"Does that mean you're not gonna keep trying this death march you call training for the rest of the day too?"

"No."

Jason could only groan as Elise cackled evilly from behind him. After leaving Ryordan Prime, Elise and Erza had set about seeing what the teen was capable of, having him fight the various foes they encountered as the trio supervised from the sidelines.

Although Elise and Erza didn't want to admit it, the kid was actually surprisingly strong for his age. Though it was clear he lacked the offensive power like most Fire Mages, he made up for it with his endurance and stamina.

After finally ascending the hill they were on, the group surveyed the area, as Elise looked toward the clearly tired Jason.

"So, how long until we reach Vistarion kid?"

"I'm not a kid…for the millionth time," Jason panted, his hands on his knees as he struggled to catch his breath. "You can actually see it from here…"

The trio looked off in the direction Jason was shakily pointing, noticing a seemingly endless expanse of buildings on the horizon, like a sea of concrete amidst a verdant paradise.

"See that massive mountain looking thing in the distance? That's Castle Alvara, home of Emperor Spriggan, and the place where the Spriggan and Leichart Twelve meet."

"Vistarion," Erza murmured, her eyes fixed on the castle in the far distance.

"I wonder what the place is like?"

"There's a saying across the Empire about Vistarion you know," Jason chimed in, exhaling after finally pulling himself together. "If you want something, and you've got the money, you'll get it no problem in Vistarion. Doesn't matter how rare or ridiculous it might be."

"That seems pretty far fetched if you ask me," Wendy scoffed, shaking her head. "What kind of crap are they smoking here?"

"Magic," Jason smirked, only to get bopped on the head by Elise. "OW!"

"Don't get cocky brat," the God Slayer smirked. "No way we're just gonna believe a tall tale like that!"

"But it's true, I swear!"

"I suppose we'll just have to find out the truth of the matter when we get to Vistarion, won't we," Erza smirked, as a large sabre cat charged up the hill toward the group. "Go on kid, he's yours…"

"Fine. I'll fry this overgrown feline," Jason huffed, spinning around as his hair ignited.

Dashing forward, his right fist was engulfed in the same dark blue fire as his hair, as he struck the sabre cat across the jaw. The cat flew backward, one of its canines snapping off as it rolled onto its feet.

"Now take this," Jason shouted, arching his neck back as blue fire erupted from his mouth. "Fire Phoenix's Purifier Cannon!"

A blast of scorching blue flame melted everything in its path, completely incinerating the sabre cat in seconds, leaving naught but ash behind. Wiping his mouth, the teen smirked happily, before turning back to look at the trio, proud of his work.

"How's that!? Bet you didn't think a kid like me could do an attack like that?"

"We never did ask what your Magic was, did we," Elise muttered, seemingly impressed with his display. "What exactly was that you just used?"

"Well, I'm a First-Generation Fire Phoenix Slayer," Jason replied proudly, puffing his chest up a little in the process. "It's a lost Magic, just like most other Slayer Magics."

"How'd you end up learning it?"

"Well, it all happened not long after my parents were killed by the Empire," Jason sighed, his mood becoming slightly sombre. "I was about four when it happened, and somehow, I was the only survivor of my village…"

"Damn," Elise sighed, placing a hand on Jason's shoulder. "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to?"

"Nah, its cool. I just hate thinking back on that part," Jason shuddered in reply, with the trio immediately understanding what he was getting at. "Anyway, like I said, I was around four at the time, right? So, naturally, I was standing in the middle of the burning village just crying, as you do when you're four and surrounded by bodies, when a Blue Phoenix happened to be flying over the place. She ended up taking me in and teaching me how to use her power."

"Let me guess," Wendy grumbled, crossing her arms with a scowl. "When you hit a certain age, you woke up and she was gone?"

"Uh… Kinda? She said she had some sort of Phoenix duties to attend to? I don't know much about all that though?"

"Well, either way, since you're a Fire Magic user, you'll probably want to talk to my Dad. He's the new Fire Monarch now," Wendy replied casually, as Jason's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

"He's WHAT!?"

"You know about the Monarchs then," Wendy smirked, as Jason immediately began gushing, regurgitating all he knew on the subject.

"Of course I know about the Fire Monarch! I was raised on stories about the Fire Monarch, the Fire Dragon King Igneel and his mighty roar that could fell a mountain range at low charge! You're telling me that old guy replaced Igneel!?"

"Igneel was Natsu's adoptive Father, and the one who trained him in the ways of the Fire Dragon Slayer," Wendy smiled, happy that Jason seemed to be completely fanboying over her Dad. "Igneel deemed him competent enough a few years ago, and passed the title to him."

"No way… I have many questions for the old guy when we see him again," Jason grinned, motioning for the girls to follow him. "Come on guys, let's get to Vistarion!"

"Gotta admire the kid's enthusiasm," Elise giggled, eliciting a sigh from Erza and a snort from Wendy, as the trio followed after him.

"Oh man! I'm just so glad I decided to really tag along with you guys," Jason gushed, half sprinting toward the capital. "I can't wait to ask him to buff my Fire!"

"I-I can promise you that the Monarchs don't do that," Wendy laughed awkwardly, going wholly ignored as they followed after the now delusional teen. "Ah well, he'll learn… Maybe?"

*POTD*

"So, this is the yard," Natsu hummed, as Makarov led him to one of the many empty tables scattered about the place. "So, what's the point of this place? Do we just sit here all day?"

"Did the Warden not give you the full speech on this place," Makarov asked, eliciting a shake of the head in response. "We're allowed to walk freely around most areas of the prison, just as long as we don't cause any trouble. Annoy the guards, or commit any sort of crime, and you lose all those privileges."

"Wow… What a slack prison this place is," Natsu hummed, idly surveying the area. "Barely any guards around?"

"They're all outside the prison right now," Makarov replied plainly. "The seals are supposed to discourage prisoners from trying anything."

"Right… Well, I suppose its one way to maintain order in here?"

"I doubt this place has had to deal with too many powerful individuals? Most of the people in here aren't really criminals anyway. In fact, a lot of them are, at worst, white collar criminals."

"Hm… Fair."

"There is one prisoner I met here who I think you'll want to meet," Makarov continued, seeing Natsu's thinking pose. "Apparently, he was captured somewhere in the Empire. But from what I've been told, he was on Draconia when you were fighting the Vampire menace?"

"…What?"

"He's a Vampire," Makarov explained plainly, which immediately had Natsu's full attention. "I think he could make quite the ally?"

"I highly doubt that a Vampire would be willing to work with me after what I did in Draconia?"

"I wouldn't be so sure of that Natsu," Makarov replied with an amused smile. "We have spoken about you, and he doesn't dislike you."

"Well, I suppose that's a start…"

"That it is," Makarov smiled, as he waved over someone from across the yard. "Here he is now, funnily enough."

Looking over his shoulder, Natsu was surprised to see an eight-foot-tall Vampire with medium length silky blonde hair and red eyes. The Vampire seemed to catch on to Natsu's shock, bowing lightly in response, even whilst holding a bowl filled to the brim with a red liquid that was clearly blood.

"I see you are shocked to see me," the Vampire smirked, his accent clearly noticeable. "Not quite the spitting image of my Father, but close enough… Ja?"

"That means you're…"

"The Vampire Prince," the Vampire replied, clearly amused as he slid into the seat next to Makarov. "And you most certainly aren't this… Silus, are you?"

"No, I'm not. But I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention my real name for the moment," Natsu replied quietly, to which the Prince nodded curtly in response. "Any chance of knowing what your name is?"

"Just call me Kurtz. My familial name no longer matters," the Prince replied neutrally, a look in his eyes telling Natsu not to probe any further.

"Alright Kurtz… Nice to meet you, I suppose," Natsu replied cautiously, as the pair shook hands. "I do have a question for you-?"

"How did I end up here?"

"Yeah."

"To put it simply, I came to see where the Alvarez forces had come from, and just what it was they were fighting for," Kurtz replied quietly. "I wanted to see what could grant your small squad the strength to overthrow a sea of Vampires…"

"And?"

"Heh. I'd say the result is obvious, is it not? I entered Alvarez, touched down in the desert, and was immediately set upon by two members of the Spriggan Twelve," Kurtz laughed bitterly. "I am strong, but I cannot face so many of the Alvarez elite alone."

"Fair," Natsu admitted, knowing full well how strong multiple Spriggan or Leichart members could be. "Alright then… I just have one other question for you?"

"And what is that?"

"How many innocents did you kill as the Vampire Prince?"

"Truthfully," Kurtz sighed, looking up from his bowl of blood. "Not many. I didn't really see any interest in attacking the weak, so I'd often simply ignore them."

"What do you plan on doing now," Natsu asked curiously, watching as Kurtz looked down into the bowl of blood, his reflection staring back at him. "Because if you say you don't have a clue, then I've got a deal for you?"

"What kind of deal?"

"Join Makarov and I," Natsu replied firmly, somewhat surprising Kurtz as the Vampire raised a delicate eyebrow in response. "We're looking for all the allies we can get to fight Alvarez, and we could use you? In exchange, you'll have a new home, a new purpose, and I'll make sure you've always got access to blood whenever you need it."

"A most generous offer… But are you not just as stuck here as I," Kurtz replied slowly, eliciting an amused smirk from the Dragon Slayer.

"You know I'm here under a false name, which means they haven't bound me properly," Natsu whispered in reply. "I'm simply waiting for something, then we're leaving. If you want in, then I want your word that you'll help us?"

Natsu's eyes momentarily flashed Crimson Red, startling Kurtz, proving that the Dragon Slayer was indeed speaking the truth.

"I see… I've witnessed your power firsthand back in Draconia, and I'd be a fool to doubt your ability to enact a jailbreak," Kurtz whispered in reply. "It's been many years since I last saw you, so you'd only have grown stronger too."

"So?"

"So, it means I agree to your terms," Kurtz replied with a firm nod. "Is there anything I need to do to swear myself into your service?"

"Aside from getting a Guild Mark when we get back, no," Natsu replied, with Kurtz nodding in understanding.

"Is there anything I can do to make the escape easier?"

"When we do finally begin the escape, I'm going to shatter the bindings on our Magic. Once that happens, subdue any guards that try and attack and protect Makarov."

"Understood. Anything else?"

"Just act casual for now so we don't arouse suspicion," Natsu replied calmly, as Kurtz nodding thankfully.

"I shall ensure I follow your instructions to the letter. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to escape with you both, despite what I'd taken part in over in Draconia…"

"You clearly aren't as bad as your Father, or as insane as your Mother," Natsu replied gently. "There's no reason to condemn you if you're willing to try and help do some good, is there?"

"Thank you," Kurtz replied, a genuine smile on his face as Makarov tossed a deck of cards between them.

"Alright you two, enough of that for now. Either of you know how to play this card game called Rejenca? I picked it up when I visited Castle Alvara, but I didn't have any clue how to play in the beginning?"

The pair clearly had no clue what Makarov was on about, as the old man kept shuffling the deck of cards, only to fumble and drop half of them in a rather comical manner.

"So, how long do you estimate it will take for us to be able to leave this place under the ideal conditions," Kurtz asked curiously.

"I'm unsure. My Aura is steadily rising, but since I'm not at full strength right now, it takes longer to build it up to where it needs to be," Natsu replied with an honest shrug. "Could be ten minutes from now? Could be tomorrow? Could be next week for all I know?"

"I see… I only ask because this isn't particularly good," Kurtz sighed, motioning toward the bowl full of blood.

"It smells like blood, but faintly," Natsu hummed, sniffing the air. "I'm guessing its being diluted? They probably think that it'll weaken you?"

"I don't really understand why they're serving me this? I don't even need Human blood specifically to survive, I can consume any blood type! Even bloody animal blood would serve me well enough," the Vampire huffed, clearly annoyed. "The main problem I've got is that they aren't serving me actual food here, just a constant stream of blood. I need real food too, like red meat!"

"We'll get you properly fed once we escape," Natsu promised him, as his gaze drifted past the starving Vampire, landing upon a sight that had him internally stunned.

Seated on a nearby empty bench, dressed in the same prison jumpsuit, were Lord Life and Lady Death. The pair were playing cards at a table, acting as if they'd always been there to begin with.

"Oh, would you look at that Brother? Natsu made friends with the Son of the Vampire King? Isn't that wonderful?"

"Indeed Sister. I do believe that it shows great character and maturity on his part. After all, he once held an innate hatred for their kind due to the Vampire War. Yet now he's willing to accept the Son of the Vampire King."

"Perhaps Lady Fate has gotten involved? The mere idea of all this is simply far too conv-?"

"Now now, let's not be spouting off about things you and I know perfectly well should be left unsaid," Lord Life laughed. "Especially considering… present company, right?"

Faster than he could blink, Lord Life had flicked a marble at his head, though it surprisingly didn't send him reeling like last time, merely stunning him for several seconds. Blinking rapidly, he quickly regained his vision, only to find that the pair were gone.

"So," Makarov called out cheerfully. "Anyone willing to try and learn how to play Rejenca with me!? It could be a good way to pass the time?"

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Natsu couldn't help but chuckle at the enthusiasm Makarov had when it came to learning how to play the strange card game. It was a side of the old man he knew many rarely got to see.

"Alright old man, let's do it-."

Though it went entirely unnoticed by Makarov, Natsu froze up for a moment, his eyes widening a fraction as he felt something stir deep within him.

At the centre of his Magical Core, a faint warmth had flared up, warming his stomach as a slow grin overcame his features.

*POTD*

After spending most of the day running to the capital, mostly at Jason's insistence, Team Natsu finally arrived in Vistarion, the heart of the Alvarez Empire. And to say that the group were impressed would be an understatement, with Wendy in particular having a rather apt take on it.

"This place makes Crocus look like a shithole."

"Wendy!"

"No, she's right," Elise agreed, the two girls bumping fists. "Let's not even pretend Crocus is even half as fancy as Vistarion. I mean they literally built this entire district out of Diamond Erza… Freaking DIAMOND BUILDINGS!?"

"I can't even fathom how much it would've cost to build all his," Erza muttered, as they looked down a side street, finding it made entirely of Rubies.

"You guys believe me now when I told you that you could get anything you wanted in Vistarion," Jason asked, a somewhat smug grin on his face.

"That's all well and good Jason, but where are all the people," Wendy asked curiously, with the other three all sharing sudden and surprised looks, only just picking up on that fact now.

"She's right… It's the middle of the day and the place is completely deserted," Elise muttered, dropping down to one knee and closing her eyes. "There's no one within a kilometer of this place in every direction…"

"Maybe this had something to do with it," Wendy mused, ripping a poster off of a lamppost and bringing it over for the group to see. "I don't know about you guys, but I feel like we should go see this?"

"See what," Elise asked, grabbing the poster from Wendy and beginning to read. "Oh…"

The Royal Alvarez Army Invites All Citizens To Attend

The Official March Of The Invasion Force Bound For Fiore

Featuring Fan Favorites From Across The Empire!

His Excellency Shall Address The Nation!

Come And Bear Witness To This Crucial Piece Of History In The Making All Along The Great Central Highway!

All Citizens Are Given The Day Off To Celebrate

No Entrance Fee Required!

"Shit," Erza hissed, running a hand through her hair. "Guess this all but confirms what's coming our way…"

"We have to attend this march," Elise chimed in firmly. "It's the perfect opportunity to gather intel about the main players we're going to find ourselves up against…"

"We've got to get to the Great Central Highway," Erza muttered to herself, as the trio looked toward Jason. "Do you know where that is?"

"Yeah, I do," the teen nodded seriously, knowing full well this wasn't something to joke about. "Follow me!"

The group took off at a full sprint, clearing over a kilometer and a half of distance in several minutes, as the sound of a roaring crowd began to echo around them.

"We must be close," Erza called out, as the entire group dropped their Magical Signatures as close to zero as they possibly could.

Upon finally arriving at the Great Central Highway, the crowd was gargantuan, as millions crowded the main highway, rooftops, side streets and even the sky in some cases, the roar deafening.

"This is insane," Elise shouted, as they managed to find a gap in the crowd down toward the far end of the main highway lane. "We should be able to watch them from here without getting spotted!"

And, sure enough, the booming sound of marching struck the quartet, as a sea of soldiers quickly came into view, each divided up into perfectly arranged rectangular formations, with a lone soldier at the front brandishing a unique flag.

"Fucking Hell," Wendy hissed, biting her thumb as the countless soldiers marched past their position. "There's got to be over a hundred thousand at least…"

"More," Elise murmured, her eyes closed, but her God's Aura active. "They're showing off the full invasion force… Gods save us…"

"Elise," Erza murmured, as her friend slowly opened her eyes, the coloration returning to normal. "How many are there?"

"…Seventeen and a half million…"

Erza felt her stomach drop, her palms instantly beginning to sweat at the revelation, as the quartet slowly turned to look back at the marching sea of Alvarez troops.

"Surely not…?"

"I wish I was joking," the War God Slayer replied seriously. "At least eight million are Human, two million are Gortar, one million are Aelven, three million are Machias…"

The group didn't even ask Elise to continue to elaborate, as the march spoke for itself. Alvarez wasn't planning for a long, drawn-out war like they had with Scarlione. No, they were planning on absolutely annihilating the Kingdom of Fiore with sheer numbers and a sea of power.

"Here they come," Jason whispered, startling the trio back to their senses, as they followed the trail of where he was pointing, somewhat confused.

"Here who come," Wendy asked, only for all of them to suddenly feel the overwhelmingly monstrous power headed their way.

"And now citizens, we present to you the most esteemed leaders of our glorious forces! Our beloved Emperor Spriggan forged Alvarez centuries ago with sword and shield! His ferocity is embodied now by the Twenty-Four Esteemed Arms Of Alvarez, the SPRIGGAN and LEICHART TWEEEELVE!"

The roar from the crowd felt like it was physically shaking the ground, as the group began to make out the faint appearance of someone approaching. Before they could even try and theorize who it was, someone near them beat the quartet to it.

"Looks like they're starting with the Leichart Twelve this time?"

"Look there sweetie! Lord Sentomaru is coming!"

"No one can match him!"

"I heard that the Emperor plans to send both him AND Lord August to Fiore?"

"Fiore is toast!"

Team Natsu watched with calculating eyes, as the elderly General of the Spriggan Twelve strode past, his long silky hair and beard billowing in the wind, as he seemed to act like the crowd weren't even there.

The entire group could feel something emanating from the man, even though he hadn't lifted so much as a finger. It was strange, almost like his power was waiting for something, though if he was on guard, he certainly didn't notice them?

"Look! It's Maya Valkyrion!"

"They say no one can match her beauty!?"

"Of course not, she's the damn Queen of the Aelven Race, the race that are all about looking hot as Hell!"

"She's got all the Knights of Crystalline with her!"

"They say that each of the Knights of Crystalline specializes in one type of Gem Make Magic?"

"Not really a surprise, considering what Lady Valkyrion is…"

"You know, they say that the Aelven people weaponize gems in battle, and that the Knights of Crystalline are the strongest wielders of the art?"

"Imagine how much money that squad is worth?"

As the Second Sword came into view, Team Natsu quickly realized just why everyone seemed to be so excited about her. It took Erza and Elise seconds to realize just what Maya Valkyrion truly was.

"She's the same as Illyandra," Elise hissed, as she regally strolled past, waving to the crowd with practiced ease.

"An Elemental…"

As Maya strode past with her Knights of Crystalline, another figure came into view.

The man was around fifteen feet tall, and wore a pair of long black cargo pants, a pair of matching black combat boots with a forest green undershirt, complete with a long brown coat. His body was much bulkier than Maya's, short hair was slicked back as he scanned the crowd with his piercing forest green colored eyes, a rather unsightly scar running across his forehead and across his left eyelid adding a touch of roguishness to him.

But it was the weapons that the man carried that drew Erza and Elise's full attention. Two katanas sat comfortably at his right hip, with a massive two-handed bastard sword strapped to his back.

"Now here comes a real man Son," a Father spoke from behind the quartet. "They call him the World's Greatest Swordsman…"

"Whoa!"

"Erza… Are those blades-?"

"Yeah," Erza nodded stiffly, staring at the weapons unblinkingly. "There's no doubt about it."

The blade upon his back was one of the most legendary swords in the world, the Shodaime Durendal. It was a blade forged centuries ago that was rumored to be completely unbreakable, and could cut through even the strongest Magical Barrier with ease.

The top katana at his hip was much more complex in design, with all but the hilt covered in a strange, black, chitinous substance. This blade was the legendary Yamato, often referred to as the Archfiend's Demise. It was a sword rumored to have been made from the flesh of three Demon Kings who had been betrayed by their own kind. It was said that the blade could instantly kill a full-blooded Demon, no matter how powerful they were.

But the last blade was the one that had Erza and Elise sweating bullets. Sporting a relatively tame design on the sheath, the blade itself was undoubtedly the strongest blade on Earthland… Zanamato, The Devil's Nail.

A blade considered to be nothing more than a mere Fairy Tale, it was allegedly the first enchanted sword ever made. Gifted to a vengeful widow upon the massacre of her family by a silver-tongued trickster with eyes of Crimson, the blade would grant the user power that could never be matched by the hand of mortal men… for a price.

"There's no way," Erza whispered, having gone as white as a sheet. "Just who is that man!?"

One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez

Third Sword Of The Alvarez Empire

Chief Blade Instructor Of The Alvarez Empire

Leader Of Harkon Squad

The Man Who Wields Fairy Tales

The World's Greatest Swordsman

Harkon Avery

"Are we not gonna talk about the fact that he's ranked THIRD among the Leichart Twelve," Wendy hissed, as both Erza and Elise shared a dark look.

"We should really leave…"

"Agreed," Elise replied instantly, as the quartet quickly began making their way out of the massive crowd and into one of the backstreets. "Some of them know who we are, we'd be fucked if they figured out that we were here…"

Sure enough, as the group turned around, Elise's words were validated. The next figure coming up the road was none other than Phyrra of Karn, the Death God Slayer they'd encountered in Crocus, with Varnik Duscharn coming in behind her.

The group quickly fled the scene, returning to the Diamond laced district from earlier. Erza and Elise were clearly shaken by what they'd just seen, with Wendy seemingly understanding their fear all too well.

"We've got to keep a low profile until Natsu is ready to make his move," Erza sighed, shaking her head as they all set their eyes on Vistarion Minar. "We can't afford to ruin the plan and get ourselves killed here…"

"We're the only ones who can warn Fiore of what's coming," Elise agreed shakily. "But…"

"It sounds like you guys have fought the Spriggan and Leichart Twelve before," Jason chimed in, not quite understanding their fear.

"We've had scuffles with them over the years, yes. Natsu on the other hand has fought a few of them in major battles before," Erza replied, clearly trying to pull herself together.

"So, what's the plan here? We can't just stand around doing nothing in the middle of Vistarion," Wendy spoke up, as all eyes returned to Vistarion Minar in the distance.

"We lay low, gather intel, and wait for a sign from Natsu that he's ready for us," Erza replied slowly, with Erza and Elise nodding immediately in agreement.

"Why do you trust the old guy so much? Surely you don't need to wait for him to tell you what to do?"

"We wait, and we listen, because we respect Dad," Wendy replied instantly. "He's done things you couldn't even begin to comprehend."

"He's also the current Master of our Guild, so he's also technically our boss too," Erza chimed in.

"Because of that, his word is our law. If he tells us to jump, we ask him how high? If he wants us to stay put and wait for a sign to come help, then that's what we're gonna do."

"Uh… I'm gonna be honest, I don't really get it, but I'm gonna just say he's a real badass that you three trust with your lives and leave it at that…"

"Listen, you'll learn why we all do as Natsu says soon enough," Elise replied, ruffling his hair, much to the teen's chagrin. "Just stick with us, and you'll definitely learn something."

"I already planned on it," Jason replied, swatting her hand away, as the quartet continued to make their way through the backstreets, heading off in the direction of Vistarion Minar.

When Natsu finally gave the signal… they'd be ready.

*POTD*

The Prison Guards of Vistarion Minar were on edge, as Warden Yuriel returned from his meeting at Castle Alvara, looking rather tense.

"The massive Gortar stomped into his office, flopping into his massive chair, and looked over to Vice Warden Ryombe.

"Everything go alright while I was away?"

"Of course it did. We just had a small intake of prisoners come in from Ryordan Prime, but I sorted em out easily enough," Ryombe replied, as Yuriel seemed to relax somewhat.

"Good…Good."

"The relevant files are there on your desk if you're interested?"

"Thanks Ryombe. I suppose I'll have a look now, since all of us are going back out on active duty for the upcoming war," Yuriel sighed, as he examined the top file, clearly not too interested in it.

"I heard that the Emperor is bringing the full might of Alvarez to bear against Fiore?"

Some of the Swords and Shields will have to remain behind to keep order across the Empire. But most of us are going, yes."

Tossing the file he was reading aside, he opened up the next one and froze instantly upon seeing the photo of the person on the front page.

"This one… Ryombe, when did he come in?"

"Last night Sir. Er, I his name was Silus I think? He's been keeping his head down, hangs around that annoying old man and the Vampire," Ryombe replied, only for Yuriel to immediately toss the file aside, throwing his desk across the room and grabbing Ryombe in a matter of moments.

"WHERE IS HE NOW!? DID YOU COMPLETELY BIND HIS MAGIC!?"

"H-HE ONLY HAD SPEED AND S-STRENGTHENING MAGIC," Ryombe gasped. "W-WHAT'S GOING ON!?"

Without even responding to Ryombe, he released the Gortar and immediately pressed a red button on the far wall, as alarms began blaring all across the prison. Ryombe coughed, struggling to his feet.

"Warden!? W-Warden, what's going on!?"

"Get every single guard in the prison down to the yard immediately! Execute any prisoner who refuses to get back in their cells! THAT'S AN ORDER!"

Ryombe fled the room, as Yuriel's Magical Power skyrocketed, the Gortar downright furious.

*POTD*

Natsu, Makarov, and Kurtz, were sitting in the yard and keeping to themselves, when alarms started going off around the prison. Seconds later, dozens of Gortar Guards charged into the yard, many wielding weapons.

"I think it's time," Natsu sighed, as both Makarov and Kurtz caught on to what was about to happen. "I'm surprised it took them this long to figure me out?"

Natsu stepped in front of Makarov and Kurtz, his hands covered in Crimson Red as he shattered the Magical Binding Magic on all three of them. The Gortar Guards immediately skidded to a stop, feeling Makarov and Kurtz begin to power up.

"Thanks for the hospitality Alvarez! Unfortunately, I think our time together has to come to an end," Natsu smirked, unleashing his own reserves in order to intimidate the Gortar Guards.

"YOU AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE, DRAGNEEL!"

Looking up toward the roof of the yard, a massive Gortar leaped downward, landing just in front of the guards, generating a massive crater as he banged his fists on his chest rapidly. Natsu immediately knew that this was the Warden, and the Leichart Twelve member in charge of the place.

"In the name of the Emperor, I refuse to allow you to escape my prison," Yuriel roared. "I'm the Seventh Blade of Alvarez, Yuriel Zenothes!"

"Well, isn't that nice," Natsu replied, not really impressed. "Its really nice to meet you and all, but we've got things to do back in Fiore…"

"You won't be getting out of Alvarez, Dragneel! I made sure word is out across Vistarion that you're here," the Warden snapped in response. "This place will be swarming with Alvarez forces in minutes! All I need to do is subdue or stall you until they arrive!"

"Sorry to put a pin in that great plan of yours, but I have no intention of being stalled or subdued, as you so eloquently put it," Natsu replied, his entire demeanor shifting into a much colder, darker one. "Get in our way, and I'm putting you down… Hard."

Natsu's clothes shifted back to normal, as the entire prison began to rumble, almost as if an earthquake had struck it.

"It's about damn time," an all too familiar voice grumbled from within him, as Natsu's sadistic smirk only increased in size. "Can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear Igneel," came the joyful reply.

"I noticed you haven't been able to hear me since we got back from Terminus… What happened?"

"It's a long story Igneel, but we'll have to play catch up after we're out of Alvarez," Natsu replied, as fire erupted from beneath the prison, the walls of the complex beginning to melt from the catastrophic temperatures.

Yet, despite the overwhelmingly heat, Makarov and Kurtz remained entirely unaffected by his power. Only the Gortar found themselves struggling, as those closest to the trio found their flesh melted, and their bones set alight.

"Oh yeah," Natsu growled, feeling better than he had in a long while. "Now this… THIS puts a real fire in my belly! HeheheheHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Yuriel watched as the entire prison was engulfed by raging fire, the heat melting his guards and even the other prisoners around them. Looking back to Natsu, he could tell the Demon was ready for a fight, his eyes glowing Crimson Red.

"Hope you're up for a barbecue… Hehehehahahahaha!"