Heyyy! I originally planned to publish this chapter much earlier, but I'll admit I got a little lazy lol. Since I write my chapters in French first for comfort before translating them, it takes quite a bit of time, even if they're already written in advance.

Anyway, there's a time skip in this chapter that might surprise you. I debated for a long time about which arc should mark the start of the time skip, but I ultimately chose Tenrou Island for logical reasons. I hesitated between the Tower of Heaven and Tenrou, but honestly... I just can't see Natsu and Erza reuniting anywhere else. Imagine Zeref, E.N.D, and Acnologia all showing up on the same day. That's just way more in his league than the Tower of Heaven. I couldn't figure out how to include him in that arc anyway, considering he'd crush Jellal without breaking a sweat, it just wouldn't be exciting to read.

So let's just say that this time, instead of relying on Natsu, Erza broke free from her past all on her own and defeated Jellal by herself. Don't get me wrong, I love that part of canon. I really appreciate that Natsu was sort of her savior in that arc. It's definitely my favorite moment between them, and honestly, I think Mashima could've pushed their relationship into something more than just friendship or sibling-like affection if he'd wanted to after Tower of Heaven. It would've been totally believable, and probably even more popular than JerZa lol. Anyway, I'm rambling. E.N.D and Erza don't need the development from the Tower of Heaven arc in this version, they already have their own thing going on long before Jellal enters the picture. You're totally allowed to disagree, but for me, this just made more sense.

So here we are: Natsu shows up on Tenrou, originally for Zeref… and finds Erza! I hope you're happy with this update. Just know I've started school again (yeah, I'm only 17 lol), so updates might be less frequent, but I'll do my best.

I also want to reply to Auron Fang and especially thank you for your feedback on my story. I completely agree with you—August really is just a child in an adult's body ahah. It's a shame canon didn't explore his character more deeply. He's literally the child of Zeref and Mavis, and the nephew of the main character, for crying out loud. He had so much potential, and in the end, he didn't even get to be happy if we consider that he died, and so did his parents, without ever being reunited.

As for your story: you seriously need to believe in yourself more! I get the feeling that unlike AO3, this site is full of writers who don't actually know how to write (no offense, but when I see that many authors don't even use punctuation, and everything's rushed, sloppy, and doesn't hold up in terms of plot or character development…). Thankfully, you're one of the few who can write, and who posts stories that are both credible and relevant, and really well written to top it off. Reading your story was a blessing for my eyes. Don't let self-deprecation get to you. Sure, it's good to stay humble, but you also need to know when you're good, and you are! I truly hope you keep writing 3

Anyway, enjoy the chapter, everyone! Don't hesitate to leave a review or even a private message (as long as it's not for a fake collab lol).

December 10, X784, Visterion,

Alvarez Empire,

Continent of Alakitasia

"Your Imperial Highness!" Cried Yajeel, the old man practically rushing through the doors and interrupting the Spriggan Twelve's meeting.

Natsu turned to face the Prime Minister, all his attention for the current dull debate vanishing as he focused instead on the former desert king.

"What is so important that you interrupt our meeting, old man?" He asked seriously, silencing the protests of the other Spriggans, who were clearly displeased by the interruption.

Poor Yajeel looked like he had run a marathon—his face pale, sweat trickling down his weathered features. Still, he straightened up and looked at Natsu with urgency and fear. "I—I apologize for interrupting, Your Highness... but an ambassador from Fiore has been sent! We've only just been alerted, and he claims he's here to negotiate peace with you!"

A tense silence fell over the room. No... not tense. Guilty.

Natsu's eyes narrowed, his voice colder than ever. "Yajeel... can you explain why a representative from Fiore feels the urgent need to come here to negotiate a peace that was already supposed to be in place?"

The tension thickened. Truthfully… Natsu had only just returned to Alvarez. It had been three days. And yet the Spriggans had behaved as if nothing had changed.

The Prime Minister cleared his throat, but Invel cut in with a voice that was unusually soft… and ashamed.

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Your Highness. But in your absence, the Spriggans voted to invade Fiore… and the majority won. Fiore's government is doing everything it can to maintain peace and buy time, but our army is already prepared…" He announced, head bowed in shame. He knew full well how the Prince felt about this subject—and just how deeply he would disappoint him.

Natsu clenched his fist. He didn't even look at the other Spriggans, nor at his two nephews. His gaze locked coldly onto Invel. "And it never occurred to you… to warn me?"

Invel didn't answer right away. He couldn't. His silence was already an admission—a silent condemnation. His straight posture seemed to crumble under the weight of Natsu's gaze, a gaze that had once been nothing but fire and violence, but now proved far more dangerous in its calm.

"I… I didn't have the courage, Your Highness," He finally whispered, voice as faint as a breath in a storm.

A bitter laugh escaped the demon's lips. "You didn't have the courage," He repeated, his tone so calm it sent shivers down the spines of the younger mages to his right.

He stood slowly, his imperial chair creaking in the deadly silence.

He stepped forward, each footfall echoing through the room like a death knell. Invel, master of ice, was sweating.

"I gave you a year," Natsu murmured, his voice low—so low it forced everyone into silence. "A year to manage the Empire, to maintain peace, to respect my directives and those of my brother." He stopped just a few steps from Invel. The silence was so heavy you could've heard a bead of sweat fall.

"And you voted for war. A pointless war. Against the only nation I strictly forbade you to attack."

His gaze swept over the other ten Spriggans, and his fists slammed against the oval table, making the newer members flinch. "Which fools voted for war?"

Unsurprisingly, Neinhart, Wall, Jacob, and Irene all raised their hands. The Mother of Dragons didn't look the least bit ashamed of her decision—she even seemed proud to defy the Prince.

But what shocked Natsu…

Were the raised hands of August and Larcade.

Larcade had always been loyal—to him and to Zeref. His desire for their affection and recognition had always been his main drive. That's why this came as a shock.

But August…

His nephew stood, face cold and defiant. "You were the one who told me to stop living in Father's shadow… and yours."

That… was unexpected.

Even Irene wore a mocking smile at the Dragneels' unraveling.

Natsu rubbed his temples, already feeling the headache coming on. He hadn't meant for August to interpret his words that way.

"…What's your reasoning, boy?" He asked after recovering from the shock.

A flicker of nervousness cracked August's strong façade as he saw how calm his uncle remained—but he pressed on. "It's already been seven years since the Dragon Slayers were sent to this time… and we've had no promising news from any of them. The Eclipse Plan still seems pointless. And more than that… Fairy Tail holds my mother as a secret weapon. As her son, it's time I go claim her. We can't leave her in Fiore's hands. The war has begun, Uncle."

What a foolish boy. One would think he'd grown wiser in his 84 years of life, yet he still seemed to be discovering himself. Maybe it was time to revoke both young princes from their ruling stand-in titles and replace them with Invel.

Natsu lifted his chin, and even Aelius, silent and invisible until now, sensed his cold anger. The great beast straightened, ears pinned back.

"What are you trying to prove, boy?" He spat once August finished. His nephew flinched, but Natsu continued, his gaze drilling a hole into the young man's frame. "I tell you to stand on your own two feet, and your first decision is to defy the orders of your father and uncle by launching a thoughtless invasion? What, are you scared of Acnologia? Miss your mommy, you ungrateful brat? Those are your grand motivations?"

He shook his head, disappointment dripping from every word. "I thought you'd grown, that you'd learned to make wise choices, to build a family of your own. But in the end… you seem no different than the affection-starved child Zeref brought to me all those years ago."

He had utterly dismantled August. And he felt no remorse—even after seeing his nephew tremble and lower his head, blond bangs hiding the tears. He looked like a child being scolded by his father—and good. Let these words etch themselves into his memory as a permanent lesson.

He didn't even bother scolding Larcade. The boy looked equally ashamed, and Natsu's deadly glare only rubbed salt in the wound.

"I will meet this ambassador," He declared at last, rising. "And if Fiore decides to strike me down, with Etherion and Face, it won't be because of hatred. It will be because of your stupidity."

He turned without another word, his imperial cloak trailing like a streak of ash, his loyal beast at his heels. But just before he reached the door, he stopped.

"Rest assured that this matter will reach my brother's ears. And I'll personally see to it he knows who the culprits are." His gaze fell on Irene, who was no longer so smug. If there was one person she remained loyal to, it was Zeref.

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving the Spriggans alone. Invel collapsed into his chair, breathing shallowly, as silence fell once again.

They would know better than to provoke E.N.D's wrath a second time.

When Natsu stepped into the throne room, the ambassador from Fiore immediately stood up, eyes wide and sweat beading on his brow from the overwhelming pressure of the prince's magical aura.

"Y-Your Imperial Highness…!" He greeted, swallowing hard.

Hmpf. It was a good thing no one outside of Alvarez knew the true identity of their Emperor and Prince. This man would be far more terrified if he realized that E.N.D stood before him, and that this empire was ruled by the Black Mage Zeref.

"I heard you wished to speak with the authority of Alvarez," Natsu began bluntly, stopping at a respectful distance from the man.

He bowed immediately. "Yes, Your Highness. I am Zash Caine, Secretary of State of the Kingdom of Fiore. I was sent personally by His Majesty, King Toma E. Fiore, with the support of the Magic Council of Ishgar, to negotiate peace! We are aware of your Empire's declaration of war, but we wish to avoid it at all costs…" Zash hesitated, watching the Prince nervously.

Natsu studied the man with interest. "And what would you do if we refused your plea for peace… and invaded Fiore?" He asked directly, deciding to assess both the man and his kingdom. He had no intention of waging this pointless war that his nephew and the other Spriggan had decided to provoke, but he wanted to see how far Fiore was willing to go if war came to them.

Zash's eyes widened in fear, but he quickly composed himself—finally showing a glimpse of the man Natsu suspected he truly was. "Then Fiore, along with the Magic Council, would be forced to resort to their greatest weapons to ensure their safety," He declared in a clear voice.

Just as Natsu expected.

"I figured. You wouldn't stand a chance without Etherion and Face," He mocked—but immediately regretted it upon seeing Zash's offended expression. What an idiot! He had come here to stop a war, not provoke one.

He cleared his throat. "In any case, I wanted to tell you that this is unnecessary. I've taken back control of the Empire after a long absence, and this declaration of war was merely the result of some… overzealous advisors. My brother and I will ensure they are properly punished for their insubordination, and we will offer restitution to Ishgar and Fiore for this grave mistake." He bowed respectfully, silently congratulating himself on his diplomacy.

Zash blinked several times, clearly not expecting this sudden shift. The Prince's magical aura had not lessened in the slightest, and yet… his words now held the weight of a sovereign, of someone with near royal poise.

He bowed deeply this time, with genuine sincerity and visible relief. "Your Highness… You have no idea how greatly your words soothe our Kingdom. We had already begun to lose hope of peace with Alvarez. But if this war can still be avoided… on behalf of all Ishgar's citizens, I thank you."

Natsu stared at him, expressionless. Then, slowly, he sat on the throne—not his brother's, but his own. Less ornate, more modest… but no less imposing. Aelius came to lie at his feet, watchful eyes scanning the room.

"Don't thank me," He said curtly. "Thank my brother's patience. And the fact that I returned in time." He paused, locking eyes with the diplomat once again. "Let it be known: this must never happen again. I want Fiore to understand—so long as my brother rules, and I draw breath, peace is the only path. Alvarez does not seek domination. Only… survival."

Zash nodded quickly. "We will deliver your words exactly as spoken."

"Do better than that," Natsu said, leaning forward slightly. "Burn them into their skulls."

He straightened, and his aura receded. Just enough for the man to breathe properly. But not enough to forget who stood before him.

"You'll draft a de-escalation treaty. I'll sign it. But if a single army crosses our sea without my direct approval—even by accident…" His voice deepened. "Then I'll burn their ships to the last one."

Zash visibly shivered but nodded again, this time without a word.

Natsu stood. The meeting was over.

"Yajeel will escort you to your quarters. You'll sleep here tonight. And tomorrow morning… you'll leave with a message signed by my hand. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Good. Let's be done with this farce."

He turned his back, his cape trailing behind him as he vanished into the shadowed corridor. Aelius followed silently, claws ticking against the polished marble.

Another fire to put out.

But soon… he'd light one for good.

Ishgar hadn't seen the last of Natsu on its lands. Not until he found Erza.

But first…He needed to speak with his brother.

The man ought to know about the fires burning within his own empire.

And Natsu had a pretty good idea of where to find him.

December 16th, X784, Tenrou Island,

Kingdom of Fiore

Continent of Ishgar

Erza had to admit that Juvia and Lisanna had fought well, all things considered. Honestly, she hadn't expected such a strong performance. Not that she was hurt, but still—it had been impressive.

She was currently waiting with Mira, since both Laxus and Gildarts had already left after their own matches.

She felt sorry for Gajeel and Levy, having to face Gildarts. Thankfully, he had been merciful. The goal was a mental trial rather than a physical fight, otherwise Levy wouldn't have stood a chance. Nor would Gajeel. To get past Gildarts, one had to prove themselves mentally worthy of being an S-Class mage. She didn't know the details, but the two must have impressed him, because he'd let them through.

Whatever the case, Erza was in a good mood. She had nothing to do but relax, bask in the sun, and listen to the cries of Mira, Freed, Bickslow, Juvia, and Lisanna. She'd even put on her bikini for the occasion.

She hummed cheerfully as Mira wept uncontrollably.

"Get over it, Mira. Elfman was smarter than you and won fair and square."

"Fair and square?" Lisanna sweatdropped, giving Erza a deadpan look.

Juvia was too busy mourning her loss to comment. She was mumbling about her Gray-sama and how she couldn't fight him and prove herself worthy of his love.

Erza ignored Lisanna and stirred what looked like a lobster stew with good cheer. A book rested in her other hand, and she seemed unable to take her eyes off it.

Freed, despite his wounded pride after losing to Lucy and Cana, noticed that Erza often read that book. Or at least, books of the same kind—same old worn leather covers, same peculiar feel. He'd never seen any like them elsewhere.

"Erza? What are you reading?" He asked, curious.

At his question, the Queen of the Fairies seemed to tense up, and he instantly felt bad, though he didn't know why.

But she recovered and said, "A book... written for me by an old friend a long time ago." Her tone was nostalgic, almost sad.

Very few people knew her story with Natsu Dragneel, the mysterious Dragon Slayer she had met in the forest near Rosemary and spent a year with before he left—and before she was kidnapped by slavers. Makarov, Polyrussica, Gray, and Lucy were among the rare few who knew he even existed. Out of respect for him, she had never spoken of his status as Prince of Alvarez, though she'd often wondered if she should tell Makarov. After all, he was a Wizard Saint—surely he knew of the famed empire and the identities of its Emperor and Prince. He might know how to contact Natsu. He might be able to tell her things about him that she didn't know. Natsu had always been secretive about his past.

All she knew was that he was a Fire Dragon Slayer, raised by the Fire Dragon King Igneel, and had an older brother who founded an empire. And that he knew several types of magic, including dark magic—he had even created a Hellhound like Aelius. He loved books, had incredible penmanship—the calligraphy in the books he'd translated proved that—and knew ancient languages.

And he was incredibly powerful. She remembered the first time she'd met Natsu in that forest. His magical aura… it had left a lifelong impression. She often wondered how she measured up to him now. Would he be proud of her?

Would he?

She was pulled from her thoughts by Mira's excited voice—she had clearly already forgotten her defeat:

"Oh my god! A man wrote books for you?! That's so romantic, Erza!" She squealed, holding her cheeks in admiration.

Erza's cheeks turned crimson as the others leaned in, eager to hear more about a potential love life for the fearsome Titania.

"I– I… N-No! It wasn't like… that… between Natsu and me," She stammered, her face now matching her hair.

Mira's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "Natsu?! Who's Natsu?! I thought it was Jellal!" She shouted in shock.

Ah, yes. Everyone thought she had feelings for Jellal. Probably because of how she insisted on keeping her childhood friend close, and how heartbroken she'd been when he was imprisoned after Oracion Seis.

But she had never felt anything romantic for the blue-haired man—despite popular belief.

She'd had a lot of time for introspection over the years, and though it embarrassed her to admit it… her heart leaned toward the man who had found her as a child. The one who made her feel understood, safe, and… loved. Even if that wasn't what he'd felt for her—otherwise, that would be concerning, she admitted, since she had been a child at the time—he had made her feel like someone saw her true worth. He was the first to make her feel special. For Mavis's sake, he gave her a last name.

She hadn't always understood her feelings, or her obsession with him, but in the end, she knew they were real—not some childish fantasy. And Erza couldn't move on. She needed to see him again to understand her feelings fully. Besides, he was probably older by now… In his thirties, at least. Erza had nothing against romance with older men—in fact, in her romance books, they often seemed better than the ones her own age—but… she was just the child he met in the forest for him, and she figured he probably had a wife and children by now.

The thought alone made her bitter. As if someone else had taken him from her. She knew it was irrational, but he was her first. Whatever that meant.

"There's nothing between Jellal and me. There never was. At least, nothing more than friendship," She clarified, her voice loud and sincere, leaving no room for argument. She was so lost in her thoughts that she forgot that no one actually asked about that.

But Mira, Freed, Bickslow, Lisanna, and Juvia were now all deeply invested in the conversation—and far more interested in the mysterious new man than in Jellal.

Erza sighed.

This was going to be a long day.

Elsewhere on Tenrou Island…

"Zeref…" He murmured, eyes locking with his older brother's onyx gaze, stunned. It had been over fifteen years since they'd last seen each other, after all.

"Natsu… Is that you…?" Zeref whispered, tears welling in his eyes.

Natsu couldn't help but grin like an idiot, rushing toward his brother and downright tackling him. He ignored Zeref's weak warnings about his curse, knowing it wouldn't affect either him or Aelius.

Zeref collapsed to his knees from the shock—both physical and emotional. His arms wrapped around his little brother with the same desperation as a drowning man clinging to a lifeline.

"It's been so long…" He clutched Natsu tighter, more sentimental than ever. Just like every time they reunited.

"You can say that again," Natsu chuckled, despite the tears slipping down his own cheeks. He rubbed Zeref's back as his overly emotional idiot of a brother was overtaken by sobs.

He understood. Being alone and depressed for years, then suddenly seeing your little brother again… it did that to you.

Finally, after several long minutes of clinging to each other, Zeref pulled away slightly, ignoring the scorched ground and withered life around them. "What are you doing here, Natsu?" He asked, his tone turning serious. It wasn't that Natsu never visited family—but he'd learned to enjoy solitude, unlike Zeref. So when he came, it usually meant something urgent.

At that, Natsu's face turned just as serious. "Look, those years without you in Alvarez have been tense. I wasn't always around, but August and I managed to keep the other Spriggan in check and stop them from declaring war on Fiore." He sighed, scratching his cheek under Zeref's worried gaze. "Let's just say I came back recently… and found out your son's been stirring trouble. He greenlit the war with the votes of five other Spriggans—including Larcade."

Zeref's face darkened with fury at that. His eyes took on a violet hue, and Natsu recognized one of the rare moments of true darkness in his brother. He could be terrifying. Aelius thought so too, judging by how he backed away.

"How dare they declare war…? Without my permission?" Zeref shook his head, his face cold with promised retribution. The Spriggan Twelve were in for a rough time. "And August? What made him defy me?"

They both knew August was usually the most loyal of them all. Naturally, Zeref was surprised—and curious—about this sudden "betrayal."

Natsu's face turned sheepish, and Zeref felt a cold sweat, already suspecting his little brother had something to do with it.

"Uh… I might have told the kid to start living for himself instead of in our shadows… I think he took it the opposite of what I meant. I even told him to find a purpose, start a family, stop living in the past… But it seems like he wants to settle things with his mother first." He sighed, disappointed in his usually level-headed and wise nephew.

Zeref looked furious with his son—and rightly so. "That boy is more foolish than I thought." He shook his head to himself, cold anger radiating from him. Natsu wouldn't want to be August right now.

"And the war? Where does it stand now?" Zeref asked urgently, standing up like he was ready to stop the conflict barehanded.

Not that Natsu doubted he could.

He sweatdropped and gave his older brother a reassuring look. "I've already stopped everything, don't worry. I came back at the right moment and managed to negotiate peace with a representative from Fiore. I've signed a de-escalation treaty and reprimanded the other Spriggans. I don't think they'll defy your orders again, but…" He sighed, still unsure, "Better safe than sorry."

Zeref stared at him in silence as he spoke. In fact, he was giving him a strange look. There was a complex emotion in his eyes.

"When did you become so wise…?" He murmured, sounding genuinely moved.

Natsu blushed despite himself, his thoughts drifting to a certain missing redhead. "Someone taught me a lot about becoming a better person," He admitted with a soft smile, tinted with sadness. Even Aelius seemed to agree, letting out a low whine and pressing his muzzle to Natsu's knee.

Zeref looked at him with interest, and then a sly smile formed on his lips. But before he could say anything—or fish for information—he froze, sniffing the air.

"That… that smell…" He stammered, his hands beginning to tremble despite himself, Aelius rising to his feet beside him. "It can't be…" He lowered his head, tense as a drawn arrow, his eyes wide like never before.

"Natsu…?" Zeref stepped closer, reaching out in concern. "What is it?"

But his brother suddenly leapt up, startling him. "It's her, I'm sure of it!" He cried like a madman, tears in his eyes. Zeref didn't understand, stunned by Natsu's sudden outburst.

Before he could even comment, Natsu bolted westward at full speed, Aelius hot on his heels. "Natsu, wait!" Zeref called out desperately, unsure whether to chase after his brother or just wait for his return.

In the end, he stayed put. He was sure Natsu would come back eventually.

But his confusion only grew when a flare shot into the sky.

"Does that mean… there are other people here?" He muttered to himself, surprised.

Hours later…

"Titania… I've defeated you!" Shouted Azuma, one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory, standing victorious over the unconscious figure of Erza Belserion.

She didn't react, and he sighed in relief. The fight had been brutal—far more brutal than expected. Finding someone who could actually challenge him was a rarity. And Titania… she was truly something else. A woman who'd go to any length for her friends. Too bad it hadn't been enough to save her.

He bowed toward his fallen opponent, ready to leave—until a sudden magical pressure slammed down on him so hard it froze his entire body.

What… What is this? I… I can't… move… he thought, panic rising fast. He had never felt something like this. Not even from Master Hades.

He struggled to turn his head, spotting the silhouette of a man with wild black hair, bangs covering part of his face, and beside him, a massive wolf with red and black fur, snarling like it could rip through steel.

And the man's eyes…

Bright crimson pupils locked on him with a fury so pure it made his blood run cold.

"L-Lord Ze… Zeref…?" He managed to stammer, his entire body trembling, paralyzed. Who else could carry such a dark, overwhelming magic? The man wasn't from Fairy Tail—he had to be Zeref!

'Zeref' ignored the question entirely. "What did you do to Erza…?" He growled through gritted teeth.

Azuma's eyes widened in disbelief. Was… was 'Zeref' angry because he had taken down Titania?

How did they even know each other? Did she have some connection to the Black Mage?

Before he could voice a word, his body was violently launched like a ragdoll into one of his own trees.

"You made two mistakes, pal," Snarled the man, raising two fingers in Azuma's direction. "You messed with Mavis' tree… her guild... and worse—you laid a hand on Erza!"

A dark, blazing energy formed around him, obsidian flames licking at the air with such heat that Azuma's skin burned from meters away.

His breath caught in his throat, pure terror in his eyes. 'Zeref' was going to launch that cursed fire at him—and he couldn't even lift a finger. The man's sheer magical pressure had completely frozen his limbs.

He tried to beg, to explain—anything. "M-My… Lor– Lord…"

"I'm not Zeref," The man snapped, voice dropping to something far more demonic as he bared his crimson slit pupils. "I'm E.N.D."

Azuma didn't even get the chance to scream. That name alone paralyzed him further in dread—and it was the last thing he heard before a storm of black fire consumed him.

"Fire Demon King Curse: Last Judgement!" Roared E.N.D., the only sound afterward being Azuma's tortured screams as his body was reduced to ashes—and even those kept burning, unquenchable.

As soon as he was sure the threat was destroyed, Natsu rushed to the crimson-haired woman's side.

Tears streamed down his face as he lifted her into his arms, cradling her gently against his chest, noting her adult form… and her injuries.

"Erza…" He breathed, eyes never leaving her.

"I finally found you…"

Notes : For those who might be upset that Erza lost to Azuma… well, it was for the sake of the story. In the canon, she can't beat him without that little moment with Jellal, so yeah. Here, she doesn't have Jellal, and she didn't have Natsu either. Realistically speaking, Erza didn't stand much of a chance without that. But don't worry, my Erza is far from weak.