(Edited 15/11/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does

The Calm Before The Storm

*POTD*

Natsu slowly awoke to a scent that was becoming all too familiar. He could hear the sound of rustling leaves, inhaling deeply through his nose.

"Do I detect a hint of hydrangea…or is it lilac?"

Sitting upright, Natsu slowly opened his eyes to once more find himself in the strange realm where Life and Death seemed to enjoy bringing him. Getting to his feet, he slowly made his way over to the small house, opening the door to receive several marbles in the face in rapid succession.

"OUCH! What the Hell was that for!?"

"In my defense, we didn't get to do that to you during your battle with the War Titan," Lord Life replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just collecting interest!"

"Yeah…Whatever," Natsu huffed, stomping in and flopping down onto their couch. "So, why am I here this time? Don't tell me I'm dying again?"

"Did you really think we wouldn't speak once again after you ascended to become the Second True Hybrid," Lady Death asked calmly, curtly raising her left eyebrow as she sipped on some tea.

"I guess not…"

"If you must know, we're the only ones who can give you any true insight into what powers you wield now," Lord Life added in a much more serious tone that had Natsu sitting upright almost immediately. "Your body appears to be acclimatizing well to the dual Auras within. Observe!"

Lord Life snapped his fingers as a projection of Natsu's heart appeared on the coffee table, beating away as it began to glow three separate colors.

"Currently, what you are is broken into three pieces. You have the Aura of the Devil, better known as the Mortal Ascension Type Aura. The God's Aura, better known as the Aura of the Divine. And now, you also have the Aura of the Hybrid, known only to yourself, Zeref and the First True Hybrid Ahnkseram as the Aura of Balance," Lord Life explained, as the three pieces separated.

"Ordinarily, a form cannot wield both the Aura of a God or Devil, the heart prone to fracturing from the sheer conceptual strain. However, with our interference, the process was allowed to further develop, nurturing into the partially successful result you see now."

"Wait… What do you mean by partially successful exactly?"

"What my Sister is saying Natsu is that, whilst you have indeed obtained the Aura of the Hybrid through legitimate means, it isn't pure. Notice how the Aura is black? To put it simply, this is not how it should be."

"The correct coloration of the base Hybrid's Aura is a dark Grey, and grants its wielder far more power than what you have now," Lady Death continued, shocking Natsu at the revelation he still wasn't even close to the full power he should have. "Much like the Hybrid's Aura Zeref wields, its not bad, but also far from perfect."

"So, why's it impure then?"

"It is simply a by product of merging the God and Devil Auras together I suppose you could say. The Aura, whilst now being existent, is being constantly corrupted, as the flaws of both Auras clash with one another," Lord Life explained slowly. "The benefits of the two are also likewise clashing, with many cancelling each other out."

"So, it's basically still sorting itself out then?"

"Correct. To achieve perfect balance between the two Aura types, it requires one to be the best of both sides," Lady Death continued, nodding curtly. "To wield such power, one must Master Balance between the two. Only then can its true potential be unleashed."

"Tell us Natsu, what do you think makes a Devil?"

Natsu's eyebrows knitted together as he contemplated the question. Sure, he'd been a Devil for a time, and read up on all their rules and regulations. But to ask what made a Devil…?

"Devils are often driven by personal desires, emotion, and more primal actions, right?"

"That's right. Devils are representative of mortal elements. They are the link between what makes a mortal, and what separates them from being…more, so to speak," Lady Death replied with a happy nod. "Now, what makes a God?"

"What makes a God is… Logic, reason, faith and devotion?"

"Excellent, I knew he was smarter than he let on," Lord Life nodded in approval. "The Gods represent what mortals aspire to be. They are the more that my Sister mentioned earlier. They are beings that exist because mortals believe in them and the Authority they wield."

"And to wield a power that bridges those two extremes, you must learn how to Master Balance, Natsu," Lady Death continued, as the projections all vanished. "We cannot help you there. Just know that Ahnkseram managed to figure it out, which means that it definitely is possible."

"I see…"

"Now, your new power aside, there is one other reason we brought you here," Lord Life said, abruptly changing the subject before Natsu had a chance to ponder their words. "Tell us, have you wondered what happened to the Fairy Tactician and why she hasn't appeared before you in some time?"

"M-Mavis!? She hasn't spoken to me in a while. I haven't felt her presence within me like before either but… I assumed she'd gone back to Tenrou Island or something?"

"It is in our vested interest that you defeat both Zeref and Achnologia," Lady Death continued sharply, as she conjured a projection of an airship flying across an ocean. "To begin planning for a war against the Alvarez Empire, you will need the greatest tactician if you want to stand even a ghost of a chance against his Legions of troops."

"The Fairy Tactician Mavis Vermillion is the one you need to effectively plan out this war. However, what you don't know is that her soul, which was once bound to you through your Guild Mark, was snatched away without your knowledge."

"What!?"

"Observe," Lady Death said, as a second projection showed Mavis with him shortly after they'd arrived on Draconia.

He was within the ruins of Draconia exploring when, to his shock, Zeref walked out of an area behind him. Sure, he didn't have Aura back then, but to be so ignorant of the man's appearance directly behind him was something rather chilling, he had to admit.

What shocked him more though was another man stepping out from behind Zeref, a man that was almost nine feet tall and wore a black business suit and had major five o'clock shadow across the lower half of his face, and a notable skull tattoo on his forehead.

The man extended his right hand, as Mavis instantly popped out of existence, before the pair vanished. It all happened in five seconds, so quickly he'd never have known unless Lord Life and Lady Death hadn't shown him.

"I-I don't believe it…"

"The Zeref you saw was Ahnkseram in control, removing one of his greatest obstacles from the game with cold and calculated precision. He knows he needs her soul in order to awaken her true body housed within the bowels of the Fairy Tail Guild Hall…"

"The Lumen Histoire," Natsu whispered, eliciting nods from both the Primordials. "Who was that other man?"

"That was one of the Spriggan Twelve, a Master Assassin known as Jacob Lessio. It isn't all that surprising you didn't detect his presence either. The man was trained by the Generals of the Spriggan and Leichart Twelve to be their greatest infiltrator on Zeref's orders."

"Without Aura, no one on your world can even sense him."

"I would say your objective is rather clear. You must retrieve Mavis Vermillion and return her to your side before the Alvarez/Fiore War kicks off. Jacob is currently on this airship alongside two members of the Leichart Twelve."

"So, I would say its in your best interest to… ensure the ship never makes it to Fiore," Lady Death suggested, a sadistic gleam in her eye as she salivated at the idea of suggesting Death.

"You're definitely right. Having Mavis back would be a massive asset, even just for her mind alone," Natsu agreed. "But how do I get her out of that space Jacob sent her soul to?"

"Killing him should suffice," Lady Death shrugged. "The space he banished Mavis isn't like a Requip Space, so everything should be ejected upon his death, Mavis' soul included."

"I see," Natsu sighed. "No rest for me I guess, even after beating yet another Titan?"

"Ah yes, speaking of Pallas, you realize you still have her sword, yes?"

Natsu blinked in surprise, remembering he'd actually tossed it into his Requip Space in a moment of quick thinking.

"Wait, so it didn't disappear when I killed her?"

"No, it didn't. However, we'd advise not letting the Gods or Devils know that you have it for the moment, or they'll want to take it," Lady Death suggested. "You should keep it."

"Uh… I mean, is it safe to keep it?"

"Oh yes, very much so. We're sure it'll serve you greatly in the coming future…"

"And speaking of the future, its almost time for you to return! There was a meeting shortly after your victory against Pallas between the Archons and the Gods of Creation and Destruction just so you know."

"Wait, seriously!?"

"Seriously," Lady Death smirked. "When you wake, there will be an Archon at your current resting place who will delve into the specifics. They will likely want to all speak with you regarding an important decision the two sides have made, but we have our own plans."

"Indeed we do Sister. We would rather you make the first strike against Zeref and Alvarez, so we've both agreed to reveal ourselves to them for the first time in… How many years has it been since we last interacted with the Gods and Devils, Sister?"

"I don't remember actually? Probably back when the pantheons were founded I'd wager?"

"Anyway, the point is, we will buy you time to get the job done," Lord Life chuckled. "The ship will be making a stop at a small island several hundred kilometers off the coast of Fiore where they will be awaiting further orders."

"Seek them out and crush them Natsu, and strike a decisive first blow against Alvarez and Zeref!"

"Know that we cannot help you anymore than this," Lord Life warned him, as both Primordials looked up toward the roof of their small home. "We have hit the limit of what we are allowed to do by going down and stalling the Gods and Devils for you…"

"So do your best and remember that we're rooting for you," Lady Death smiled kindly, as both Primordials began to slowly fade away.

"Good luck. Hopefully you don't need to come see us anytime soon!"

"Thank you both for all your help," Natsu replied genuinely, as he slowly rose to his feet, even as his own form started fading. "I hope one day I'll be able to repay you both for all of this!"

"Repay us?"

"As if we need such a thing," Lady Death giggled in amusement. "Simply restore the balance, Natsu Dragneel. "That is all we ask."

The pair faded away as the entire area around him began to rapidly break down, signalling he was returning to his body.

"Well, with the Primordials of Life and Death rooting for me, how can I possibly lose…?"

*POTD*

Natsu's eyes fluttered open as he inhaled deeply, the scents of many of his friends wafting through the air, along with the familiar smell of the Fairy Tail Guild Hall. With a sigh, the Hybrid slowly rose into a sitting position, finding himself in a bed within the infirmary.

"Figures," the Dragon Slayer chuckled lightly, as he got to his feet. "Still, its good to be back home."

His usual clothing manifested around him, back into a fully repaired state, as he slowly marched out into the main hall, opening the doors with a mighty push. His entrance startled everyone, as Natsu took note of all the rather varying parties present.

"Well now, what do we have here? Crime Sorciere, Fairy Tail, a bunch of Gods and Devils, all to see little old me? I'm truly flattered…"

Erza was at his side in an instant, with Wendy, Mirajane and Elise not far behind, as the girls started fussing over him.

"It appears congratulations are in order," Aizen smirked, gently floating down from the rafters to greet him. "The Second True Hybrid… Quite the title and achievement, no?"

"Depends on how you look at it I guess," Natsu replied casually, as he was poked and prodded by the girls. "No offense, but what are you doing here?"

"You're interesting to me… Actually, you're interesting to a lot of parties," the Shinigami replied silkily. "Although it appears to be upsetting a lot of the older Gods and Devils, like it or not, but you're quickly carving out a place for yourself in the higher realms. Would it not make sense to be invested in your well-being if I plan to back you?"

"Back me?"

"He's referring to something that has yet to take place Natsu," another familiar voice purred, as Salem stepped out from Aizen's shadow. "But know that there are many willing to back you. Many who can… understand the new way of things, so to speak."

"What they are referring to is recent talks between the Archons, and the Gods of Creation and Destruction," Eliza spoke up, silencing the room as the War Goddess stepped out of a Gate alongside a robed individual that had Natsu standing at attention almost immediately. "Yes, it's that serious."

"Serious enough to warrant an Archon personally coming to see me," he muttered in response, as the Archon stepped up toward him, a tense atmosphere forming around the pair.

"Nice to see you up and about Natsu," the Archon muttered, lighting a cigar before taking a deep drag.

"Hey, you're the Archon who spoke to me when I took my seat on the Parliament of Sin, right?"

"Got it in one. Guess the whole mysterious figure schtick is about to run its course though, given what's going down up in the higher realms and all," the Archon replied, as his robe vanished.

Before them stood a tall, bald, dark-skinned man who wore a long brown leather overcoat with matching brown leather pants, a pair of black loafers. He wore a dark red dress shirt beneath his coat, a grey and black silk scarf wrapped around his shoulders and a pair of black sunglasses that obscured his eyes from view entirely.

Most notably, he had several golden rings on his fingers, along with a golden ornate bracelet on each wrist, a corded hoop golden necklace, and numerous ruby and diamond studded pierces across his ears. He also had rather interesting tattoos across his body, but before Natsu could even begin to look at them, the man was moving once again.

The Archon smirked, sitting down atop a nearby table as he leaned on his left knee, removing the cigar from his mouth as he spoke to them in a deep, masculine voice.

"Man, I do love stunning a room into silence."

One Of The Twelve Archons Of Tartarus

A Being Of Frightening And Terrifying Power

A Being Who Turned His Back Upon The Heavens

Arch Devil Class

Lord Of The Tartarus Inferno District

The Armsmith Supreme

Lord Rodin

"Ah, truly beautiful," Rodin smirked, as his voice seemed to command the rest of the room to breathe.

To Natsu's shock, it was Eliza who was the first to speak, her voice shaky as she offered him a slight bow of respect.

"My apologies for not showing you the proper respect Lord Rodin, I had no idea-!"

"Enough! All of ya'll need to chill the fuck out!"

The drastic shift in his cadence threw everyone in the room off, causing the Archon to cough lightly, waving them off with the hand holding his cigar.

"Listen, I'm trying to be a respectable Archon, not a-ah fuck it, all of ya'll just sit the fuck down and let old Rodin give you the rundown!"

Everyone in the room obeyed without question, something that seemed to amuse the ancient entity.

"At least you lost listen. Can't remember how many times I've told them girls to-. Ah, never mind that. Anyway, as 'Liza here put it, name's Rodin, and I'm a big shot down in Tartarus. My greatness aside, times are changing, and its time we started being on the level."

"And I assume that I'm the reason for this?"

"Uh, yeah? The fuck else do you think could cause Gods and Devils to start working together again other than some crazy motherfucker with both our powers rolled into one!?"

"…"

"Sorry, I haven't eaten yet. I get real cranky when I haven't eaten."

"Uh…"

"Don't worry about it, I've gotta get through this real quick. I might be an Archon, but we've got quotas and shit too."

"Uh, well, why exactly are you here then, Lord Rodin," Natsu asked awkwardly, as the Archon took another drag from his cigar and sighed.

"Well, the last time a True Hybrid appeared, neither side treated him so good," Rodin replied, with Natsu humming in understanding. "So, before we get down to business, got a shitty list here with some questions on it I've gotta ask ya?"

"Okay," Natsu replied slowly, as the list appeared in Rodin's hand in a blazing fire.

"In. A. Calm. And. Relaxed. Environment. Please. Ask. Natsu. The. Following. Questions," Rodin read aloud, purposely leaving a significant gap between each word to signify how childish he thought this all was. "Question. One. How. Do. You. Feel?"

"Uh… I feel fine?"

"Figures," the Archon huffed. "Damn this shit is such a waste of time… Question two. Are you currently having any thoughts that could lead you to wanting to seek domination over the- Nah, fuck this shit!"

The list vanished in a similar blazing inferno to whence it came, as the Archon sat up a little straighter, looking him in the eye. "Look, the long and short of it is, don't act like Zeref."

"Yeah… Uh, yeah, I can do that."

"Good. I don't have time for these shitty checklists," Rodin huffed, shaking his head. "I've got shit to do, a damn Demonic Forge to run! I don't have time to be reading out a damn checklist!"

"Are you… Are you okay?"

"Yeah… Sorry, just sick of all this crap about you needing to be destroyed for being an abomination and all. Both the Archons and the Terminus Council agreed that's a bunch of bullshit. We've all seen how you are, its just garbage fear mongering."

"I believe it is more fear of his potential and power than it is of Natsu himself, wouldn't you agree, Lord Rodin," Aizen asked curiously, as the Archon shot him a curt nod.

"It's a whole can of worms we don't even wanna go down," the Archon sighed. "Anyway, there's a meeting set to go down soon. Every God and Devil is gonna be in attendance, and its on neutral ground. In fact, it was a realm made by the First True Hybrid, a place called Equilibrius."

"Equilibrius," Natsu repeated, as he sensed the place in the back of his mind. "Yeah… I can feel it…"

"Technically, since the First True Hybrid ain't around anymore, its your realm now. But we all figured that if we're gonna cooperate like back in the old times, neutral ground is where we ought to get shit started."

"Okay, that's definitely something I can get behind. But, uh… Well, I should probably let you know that I can't attend this meeting yet?"

"Why?"

"Lord Life and Lady Death told me to do something before I attend it," Natsu explained, as Rodin dropped his cigar in shock.

"The fuck'd you say?"

"They wanted me to attack some Alvarez forces off the coast before the War officially kicks off. They said they'll be heading to what I now assume is Equilibrius to stall you all until I get it done."

"Then what in the Nine Hells are ya still doing here!? Get out there and kick some Alvarez ass," Rodin replied sharply, quickly rising to his feet. "Shit, when was the last time I saw those two!?"

"They said it had been quite some time."

"Listen Natsu, don't mess around with what those two ask ya to do! They've wiped out countless realities for less," Rodin replied seriously, which had the Dragon Slayer paling slightly.

"Um… Noted."

"Lord Life and Lady Death shall be at the meeting," Salem purred, placing a gentle hand on Aizen's arm. "Now this day keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?"

"Indeed it does," Aizen smiled coldly. "How…fascinating."

Natsu watched as Rodin just popped out of existence, with Aizen and Salem lazily strolling through a Gate without sparing anyone a second glance. Slowly, he turned his attention toward Eliza, who was clearly still somewhat shaken by Rodin's appearance.

"My apologies, I just didn't think I'd meet one of the legends I grew up reading about is all…"

"It appears even Elder Gods can experience the phenomenon of being utterly starstruck?"

"Don't bully me," Eliza sniffed, flicking him on the forehead. "Anyway, you'd better do as Lord Life and Lady Death have commanded. Lord Rodin isn't lying when he says they've wiped out realities for less."

"Don't worry, I'll be heading out soon. I just want to talk to everyone first before I head out."

"Fair enough. I explained to them most of what happened, so they'll just be more worried about you physically."

"Oh… Well, thanks," Natsu grinned, glad he wouldn't need to explain what happened. "See you at the meeting I guess?"

"Oh, believe me, you'll see me there," Eliza giggled, as she opened a Gate and departed, leaving just Natsu and his friends and allies in the Guild Hall.

"So, all that crazy stuff aside… Hi!"

"I swear, you're going to give me a heart attack Natsu with all the insane nonsense you keep pulling out of your ass," Erza huffed, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "Still, I'm glad you're alright after that whole War Titan business."

"I still can't believe you got to fight THE War Titan," Elise chimed in excitedly. "I can't even imagine how that would've felt!?"

"I think she broke my body like eighty times, sliced me apart, severed multiple limbs and shattered my skull about eighty times. So, imagine how that felt?"

"I-I didn't mean…"

"Sorry," Natsu sighed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Everything that's going on is getting to me a little bit I think?"

"Speaking of everything that's going on," Makarov spoke up, drawing Team Natsu's attention back to the others gathered in the Guild Hall. "The sheer destruction brought about by your battle with the War Titan has sent the Magic Council into a full on panic. I've heard from multiple sources that they are trying to lock down the rest of Fiore before organizing a team to hunt you down…"

"Hunt him down," Erik scoffed from the far corner, drinking some mead. "Are they retarded? He could wipe out every Mage in the entire fucking country by himself!?"

"Erik," Sorano huffed, chastising him for his language. "He's right though, are they stupid?"

"Crawford Seam is the Chairman of the Magic Council, and we all know he's an idiot," Jellal spoke up, now fully healed after the Avatar battle. "Its highly likely he's ordering Lahar to crack down on any Mages who refuse to cooperate."

"Lahar," Elise sneered, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. "I'm sure he won't be missed if I gut him during the war-."

"Settle down," Natsu cut in sternly. "I understand your hatred of him, but we need to keep level heads, especially at this crucial stage before the war!"

"With all due respect Natsu, what war," Ultear interrupted him. "We've all seen the might of Alvarez. Bluenote Stinger was just someone working for one of the Spriggan or Leichart Twelve, yet most of us struggled against him…"

"She's got a point Natsu," Laxus agreed, surprising even Makarov as the recently recovered Lightning Dragon Slayer stepped into the conversation. "If the twenty-four officers of Zeref are as strong or stronger than Bluenote, what chance does Fiore have?"

"First off, they all aren't as strong as Bluenote," Natsu replied firmly, surprising many of the group. "And second, my team and I just returned from busting Makarov out of Vistarion Minar, the maximum-security prison located in Vistarion, the capital of the Alvarez Empire!"

"Even if that's the case, how are we supposed to counter the full might of the Alvarez military," Ultear asked, genuinely curious as to if Natsu had a plan at all. "All of us here know that the Rune Knights would get absolutely butchered by the basic troops of the Empire. And the Guilds are disorganized-."

"Then we reorganize them," Natsu snapped, beginning to get annoyed with all the negativity. "If Fiore is truly in as dire straits as it is, then the Guilds will either unite under one flag, or we all get rolled over!"

"Do you even understand what you're suggesting," Makarov asked him slowly. "The Guilds of Fiore haven't been united since the fall of Dragnof almost eight hundred years ago?"

"Even if that's true… I can't see much other choice," Natsu sighed. "Reach out to King Toma and Princess Hisui Makarov, and inform them of the impending invasion. Ask them to request every Guild across the country to attend an important meeting. Be it a Mages Guild, Merchants Guild, Bandit Guild, Dark Guild, Independent Guild, Assassination Guild, whatever!"

"…You're serious about this, aren't you?"

"This is the last resort," Natsu replied quietly, as everyone looked down at their feet, knowing it to be true. "One desperate attempt to unite our fractured Fiore, or we have our throats slit. That should be good enough motivation to get even the Dark Guilds in line, especially if I'm going to be attending."

"I'll see what I can do while you're gone Natsu," Makarov nodded, doubt clear across his face as Natsu looked toward the rest of the group.

"As for the rest of you, there's much work to be done! We need to put the word out that Fairy Tail is back, and we need all former members to return, even those who sided against me during the Tartaros incident!"

"That shouldn't be too difficult," Laxus nodded, as he looked toward the Thunder Legion. "If we split up, we should be able to get word to most of them by tonight, right?"

"That's right Laxus. Most are spread between Blue Pegasus, Quattro Cerberus, Lamia Scale, Sabertooth and Mermaid Heel," Freed nodded sharply. "If we depart now, we can easily contact most of them!"

"Good. Guess we've got our job then," Laxus replied as he looked toward Natsu. "I just hope you know what you're doing with all this. You didn't see the way some of these guys were speaking about you all those years ago?"

"Even if they still hate me, its worth a try, isn't it?"

"Yeah… Yeah, I guess that's true," Laxus sighed, motioning for the Thunder Legion to follow him. "Come on guys, let's move out!"

The quartet departed quickly, as Natsu looked toward Jellal.

"I need you guys continuing the search for Anna Heartfilia. I've learned more about here, and its critical that she be found."

"Understood. We'll still attend that meeting in Crocus, assuming it happens," Jellal replied, as he looked toward the rest of Crime Sorciere. "You all ready to head out?"

"We STILL looking for this Heartfilia lady," Erik huffed, as Richard patted him on the back. "Talk about a waste of time…"

"You heard what Natsu just said idiot, she's important," Sorano snapped. "We'll find her boss man, don't you worry."

"Thanks Sorano. I'll be counting on you guys."

As Crime Sorciere departed, Natsu turned to look back at the few remaining Fairy Tail members that were left, along with Seilah.

"Now that we're alone, I can talk about the task Life and Death have asked me to do," the Dragon Slayer sighed. "To start, Alvarez have managed to capture the spirit of First Master Mavis-."

"WHAT," Makarov roared. "HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!?"

"The how isn't relevant anymore," Natsu countered calmly, surprising the group. "What matters is that I know where she is. If it isn't obvious, we're going to be getting her back."

"Getting her back from where exactly," Erza asked curiously. "And who exactly are we going to need to fight to get her back?"

"We're looking at a member of the Spriggan Twelve and two members of the Leichart Twelve," Natsu replied, shocking the group. "I know who the Spriggan member is, but the Leichart members I wasn't told about."

"So, where is she being held?"

"Within a pocket dimension created by the Master Assassin Jacob Lessio," Natsu replied, which shocked Jason to his core.

"Y-You mean we're going to go and fight HIM!?"

"You don't have to come if you don't want to Jason-?"

"N-No," the young teen stuttered. "I'll come, I just… He's really damn intimidating is all…"

"You've seen him before?"

"Just once. He's got this creepy stare and a seedy smirk that just makes your skin crawl…"

"Well, you can be thankful to know that I'm going to be handling Jacob alone. Once he dies, Mavis will be freed from the pocket dimension she's being held in."

"Which leaves the Leichart members to us," Elise nodded thoughtfully. "Should be a good test of our training…"

"We'll leave tomorrow so we can catch them as they land on a small island off the coast. Plus, I think we all need a bit of a rest after today, eh?"

The group all grumbled in agreement as Natsu's gaze slowly drifted toward Wendy.

"Alright everyone, that about does it. We'll reconvene in the morning to go over the specifics, but for now, I want to have a chat with Wendy real quick.

No one dared question him, as the group dispersed, leaving Natsu and Wendy alone in the Guild Hall. Motioning for her to follow him, they walked over to the bar and sat down next to one another.

"What's up Dad?"

"The Dragon's Fury," came the rather blunt response, which elicited a rather embarrassed response, reminding him of the once shy and timid version of the now rough woman. "You can't control it, can you?"

"No… I could, once," Wendy whispered, clenching her fists and gritting her teeth. "But after Porlyusica was-!"

"Wendy," Natsu spoke firmly, as the younger Slayer's attention was redirected back onto him. "Tell me, what really happened to Porlyusica?"

"…God Serena killed her, and Lahar and Crawford Seam were there too," Wendy replied quietly, as Natsu passed her a mug of mead which she immediately accepted. "I was about four and a half years into my training. Porlyusica had gone out into the nearby town to buy some rare herbs she needed, but she got identified by the Rune Knights there as a member of Fairy Tail. Everyone knew she was once part of Team Makarov, so she was quickly sent to Era…"

"I assume you figured this out pretty quickly and followed her there?"

"I did," Wendy nodded stiffly. "Natsu, Crawford Seam, he hates us… He hates Fairy Tail and wants to kill us all. He personally tortured Porlyusica, and I couldn't do anything because God Serena was there with him…"

"You don't have to tell me about that part if you don't want to? We can just stick to the surface level stuff…?"

"There's something Porlyusica didn't tell anyone except for Master Makarov," Wendy continued, as she looked down into the murky brown liquid in her mug. "Porlyusica was the Edolas counterpart to Grandina…"

"What!?"

"But that's not all… There's a strange phenomenon that Porlyusica was able to achieve, one that only worked because…because…Grandina is sealed within me."

"She could use Grandina's power, right?"

"A little. It wasn't like a one to one, but it was enough to where I could learn by training with her."

"And Grandina? You can speak to her?"

"Rarely. She's… I don't even know how to describe her-?"

"Distant?"

"I guess," Wendy sighed, as Natsu placed a hand comfortingly on her shoulder. "But Porlyusica, she died being tortured by those-those fucking bastards in Era, and I couldn't do anything about it. And after that, I can't control my Dragon's Fury anymore, and Grandina has gone silent…"

"I can't claim to have the answers for you Wendy, because Grandina's behavior is strange for sure," Natsu replied slowly. "But I promise that before this war is done, you WILL have your revenge against them. Though I'd say Elise will want Lahar for herself for…reasons I can't really get into."

"I know you can make it happen Dad… And, I'm sorry that my Dragon's Fury isn't an asset-."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far," he replied thoughtfully. "I mean, you fucked up Bluenote to the point he wants to retire, right?"

"Heh… Yeah, that's true."

"But listen Wendy, don't ever think for a second that any of us see you as a liability, a burden, or that we'd ever abandon you willingly. You're my Daughter, even if you're not by blood, and I'll kill anyone who tries to take you from me."

"…Can we hug," Wendy muttered quietly, as Natsu quickly pulled her in. "Thank you…"

"Fate brought us together back during that Oracion Seis job for a reason Wendy," Natsu continued in a soothing tone, rubbing circles across her back as she buried her face into his chest. "When I'm forced to stand before Zeref to fight for our country, or before Achnologia to decide the fate of our world… I'll have you and Erza in my heart to give me strength. I'm fighting for my family above all else, and you're one of them, never doubt that."

"I think you're getting a bit sappy now Dad…"

"Has the message gotten through yet?"

"…Yeah."

"Good," Natsu smiled, still holding onto her as he looked out the open doors toward the setting sun. "Things are going to become rough going forward… Let's enjoy these moments while we can."

Wendy didn't respond, instead merely gripping his torso tighter, as they remained at the bar together. Looking off to the side, he could see Erza standing at the doorway, as she gave him an approving nod, before walking off.

"Savour this Natsu, because you most likely won't be enjoying peace like this until all is said and done."

"I know Igneel. Once I kill these Alvarez Officers, it'll kick off the war in earnest. We're at the endgame now."

Igneel hummed in agreement as Natsu returned to enjoying his time with Wendy.

Because tomorrow, he'd be returning to war.