2

After finally dragging himself out from underneath the door, Natsu was met with an all too familiar sight.

Just like all those years ago, the Guild had broken out into a massive brawl. It seemed like everyone was getting their shock out the only way they knew how. Through some good old-fashioned violence.

Gildarts and Makarov seemed wholly oblivious to the chaos unfolding right next to them as they conversed. If an occasional Magic Spell or object came too close, Gildarts simply shattered it with his Crash Magic.

His eyes then shifted toward Erza herself. Usually, she would be beating up everyone to put an end to this madness. Although, Natsu knew this most certainly was not an ordinary day. He could tell she couldn't care less about what was going on behind her as she stared almost unblinkingly at him.

With a sigh, he stepped toward her. He noticed a slight twitch in her face, but he pressed on until they were standing at an arm's length. She didn't smile. She didn't even speak. It was obvious he was going to have to make the first move here.

"I know an apology won't cut it for what I did Erza. And, you definitely deserved to hit me," he sighed. "You deserve to hit me a lot more, honestly. I can't change what I did, but I can at least let you take out your anger on me. So, feel free to lay into me."

Erza didn't immediately react to his statement. She merely stood in place; her fists clenched as she shook ever so slightly. She was pissed. He knew he'd be making it up to her for a VERY long time to come.

"I want to hit you," Erza whispered as she raised her fist, clearly wanting to throw another punch but subconsciously being unable to. "I want to hit you so many times ... You stupid, stupid man!"

Natsu hung his head. He would accept whatever Erza had in store for him as punishment for leaving her and breaking his promise. It was only fair, after all.

"Do you have any idea what you put us all through? What you put ME through," Erza hissed as she stepped closer so that she was in his personal space. "I spent every night for almost a decade wondering if you were dead. Do you have any idea how that feels? Any idea at all?"

"I didn't exactly have it easy either," Natsu responded, earning him nothing more than narrowed eyes in response.

"Is that meant to make me feel better? That I should just accept that and brush away the last decade of my life I spent wondering if you were dead?"

"No Erza I-I just … I don't know what to say to you," Natsu sighed as he ran a hand through his long hair in frustration. "I'm sorry. I know it isn't gonna cut it, but I am!"

"Saying sorry is just the start of how you're going to make up for this," Erza replied as she placed her hands on her hips, sighing and shaking her head.

"I understand," came the tired response as he felt himself be suddenly pulled into a tight hug, his head banging into the chest plate of her armor. "Ow…"

"I'm very angry."

"I know…"

"I'm angry … But I'm also so thankful that you've come back alive," Erza whispered as she squeezed him tighter.

Slowly, Natsu's arms wrapped around Erza as they shared a very emotional hug. Had he not been trained; she'd have likely broken some of his ribs with how hard she was squeezing him. Still, he wasn't going to complain.

"I'll do my best to make it up to you Erza. I promise you that I'll do my best."

Erza simply nodded, still hugging him as they shared this emotional moment. After some time, once tensions began to recede somewhat, Erza finally let him go. Once she did let go, she stepped back, and actually took a moment to look at him.

"You look like shit."

"Yeah. Feel like it too," he sighed tiredly. "It was a long journey back."

"Well, you're back now. I highly doubt the Master is going to let you go anywhere for an extended period of time after this."

"Heh. Yeah, most likely. That's assuming I don't get kicked out of the Guild though."

Erza's eyes widened in surprise. Despite her near constant fretting about his whereabouts and well-being, combined with her thoughts now that he was back. Not once did she even consider that Makarov would actually kick Natsu out of the Guild.

"He'd be well within his right to," he continued, seeing her shocked expression. "I broke probably the largest rule we have at this Guild. Well, one of the only rules we have aside from not breaking stuff intentionally, that is."

"Well now. I must say Natsu, I'm glad you remember the rules," Makarov's voice chimed in as Natsu felt himself freeze on the spot. "Now, why don't you come a little closer to I can get a better look at you. You're all grown up now!"

In the background, he could see Gildarts immediately trying to bail on him as the Crash Mage slowly tried sneaking toward the exit. Looking back down at Makarov, he was shocked as the man's arm stretched out and grabbed him.

"You're damn lucky Erza punched you first, boy," Makarov growled as he began shaking him violently. "You'll be lucky if I don't decide to kick you from the Guild after this stunt. The amount of flak I copped from the Magic Council for letting a non-S Class Mage, let alone a kid, go on a Century Quest, nearly had me in prison!"

Both Natsu and Gildarts' eyes widened at that statement.

"They were gonna send you to jail because I ran off with Gildarts?"

"Yeah, seriously," Gildarts asked, equally as shocked. "Usually, the Magic Council don't care at all what happens to Legal Guild Mages. So, what gives?"

"That Century Quest was a special case, as I'm sure you're both aware," Makarov grumbled. "The Magic Council were furious when they were informed about you going on that job with Gildarts. Even telling them that Gildarts made the choice to take you, and that you had requested to go, didn't change matters. All they could see was incompetence on my end and they went for my throat."

"How much trouble did you end up getting in," Natsu asked as the old man shook his head.

"I almost lost my position as a Wizard Saint. I dropped down from Rank Five to Six. I also very nearly lost the position of Guild Master of Fairy Tail, but some of the Council were hesitant to strip it from me. No doubt that was owed to just how many fires I've put out here myself over the years."

"Anything else?"

"Probation. Effective until you returned," Makarov replied with a frown. "If I had screwed up at any point during the time you were away, I'd be looking at ten years in prison."

"Damn," Natsu muttered as the mood seemed to sour once again.

"Well," Gildarts awkwardly said as he scratched the back of his head. "I know you probably wanna be mad at us Makarov, but can it wait a bit?"

"Why? I have a good decade's worth of rage to work out on the two of you…"

"Let's just say it's important and can't wait."

"Fine. Business before pleasure, after all," Makarov huffed. "Don't go anywhere Natsu. I've not even begun with how furious I am at what you did."

"I understand. I'll wait at the bar until you two are done," Natsu replied genuinely as the old man motioned for Gildarts to follow him.

The pair made their way up the stairs toward Makarov's Office, leaving Natsu with everyone else. Natsu meanwhile was led over to the bar and pushed into a seat by Erza who sat down next to him.

"You don't have to walk me around you know?"

"Are you sure? Last time you were left unsupervised, you went off to Scarlione."

"Alright. I get it," Natsu groaned as he ran a hand through his hair. "I did bad. Can we not talk about that for a bit?"

"Yeah Erza. Honestly, you know that the Master is going to tear him apart later anyway, right?"

Looking upward. Natsu saw a white-haired beauty coming toward him. His mind blanked as he tried to figure out who it was.

"Do I really look that different to you?"

"You're … Mira, right?"

"Yep!"

"Man … I have been away for too long," Natsu muttered as he rubbed his eyes. "You're really Mirajane?"

"Is it really that hard to believe?"

"Did you see yourself ten years ago," Natsu replied flatly which garnered an awkward giggle from Mira.

"I suppose you have a good point. I was a really wild card back when you last saw me, wasn't I?"

"Well. I have to say, you look like you're doing great Mira. I'm glad to see you much happier than when I left."

"Aww! Thank you Natsu," Mira replied cheerily as she snapped her fingers as a blackish colored flame manifested into her hand. "Here."

"Whoa!? Demon Fire? You're giving me top shelf?"

"For being a real gentleman, yes," she giggled in response before pushing the fire into a heat resistant mug and passing it to him.

Natsu took the mug and downed the Demon Fire in one go. Licking his lips after tasting it, he handed the glass back to Mira and grinned. He was about to speak when something shot toward him from the entrance to the Guild Hall.

No one aside from Mira seemed to see it coming. Erza nearly fell out of her seat as it shattered into pieces, having been stopped by an unseen force a good thirty centimeters from the back of his skull.

For his part, Natsu smirked and swiveled on his seat. Now facing the front door, he could see his attacker. They stood there, panting, currently in a combat stance. Leaning back against the bar, Natsu looked back at Mira.

"Can I have some of that Honey Ale if you've got any of it?"

"Uh…I can do that. But, well, don't you want to …"

"Nah. It'll be fine," Natsu replied with a wave of his hand as he turned back to face his attacker. "Won't it?"

The figure across from him scowled as he stepped into the Guild Hall, firing several more ice-based projectiles at him. And, just like before, they all shattered in front of him.

The figure was a young man who stood at around six feet tall, had a lean build with some muscle and wore only a pair of shorts. He had short, dark blue hair and matching dark blue eyes and his Guild Mark was visible on his right pectoral, also dark blue.

A Member Of Fairy Tail

Former Rival Of Natsu

Ice Make Magic User

Gray Fullbuster

"Who do you think you are, sitting there like that," Gray shouted as he fired a barrage of ice-based projectiles at him. "GET UP!"

Natsu didn't move. Instead, taking the drink from Mira and slowly sipping from it. His face was impassive as Gray attacked him, something that only served to further anger him.

"You think this is a game, flame brain!? Get up and face me like a man!"

"No."

"What'd you say!?"

"I said no, Gray. One word that has just two letters. N and O. No."

Gray grit his teeth as a dark blue Magic Circle appeared out in front of him. From it, he fired a much larger attack than the projectiles from earlier. Mira and Erza were both surprised, but noticed Natsu still hadn't even moved an inch.

"You think you can just sit there and act like you didn't do anything wrong," Gray snarled as his attack shot toward Natsu. "Think again!"

Gray's words died in his throat as he watched his attack slow right down, melting into water that quickly evaporated. Gray gaped for a moment before shaking his head and firing another one. Unfortunately for him, the same fate awaited it as the first.

"What the hell …"

"Such control," Mira murmured as she shared a look with Erza.

"How are you doing that!?"

"Simple. I'm able to manipulate the temperature around myself now. It's all thanks to my control over my Fire Dragon Slayer Magic."

"So, you're basically a walking furnace now," Erza asked as she poked his chest. "It isn't hot now, though?"

"Because I toned it down," came the curt reply as he began to slowly heat up once again, prompting Erza to retract her finger before it got too hot."

"Wow. You really did get stronger," Erza smiled only for Gray to slam a fist down onto the bar next to Natsu.

"What the hell is this!? You can't just sit there and act all chummy after what you did! It isn't right!"

"Gray, come on-."

"No Mira," Gray snapped back as he grabbed Natsu by his coat and pulled him out of his seat. "This bastard fucks off for ten years, makes everyone feel miserable, nearly gets gramps locked up and a tonne of other stuff, and thinks he can just walk back in like nothing happened!?"

"Gray. That's enough," Erza cut in firmly, only for Natsu to raise a hand in her direction. "Natsu…"

"Let him say his piece Erza."

"Say my piece," Gray hissed as he got into Natsu's face. "You running off to play hero fucked the Guild hard. I've got a lot more than just talking to do…"

"What do you want from me Gray? Want me to say sorry? Want me to get on my hands and knees and beg for forgiveness? You want me to suck you off, Gray? Do you?"

All three of them were rendered speechless by what Natsu had just countered with. However, it was what he did next that truly shocked them all. Grabbing onto Gray's wrist, the Ice Make Mage's eyes widened considerably as he was forced to let go.

"Ahh-!"

"What I did wasn't a good thing, I'll easily admit that to you. I ran off with Gildarts. I broke promises. I hurt a lot of friends as I went."

Natsu's other hand shot out and grabbed Gray by the neck, stunning everyone as Erza and Mirajane gaped at how easily Gray was being manhandled by Natsu.

"But guess what Gray? I won't apologize. Wanna know why," Natsu hissed as he dragged the man closer. "Because it doesn't change what I did. I went and did something selfish and it hurt everyone. What do you expect me to do aside from working hard to make it up to everyone?"

Natsu released Gray and sighed. Clearly Gray had annoyed him as he sat down with a huff before looking back over his shoulder at the stunned young man.

"Come back and talk to me when you plan on being an adult about it Gray. I'm not interested in you, or anyone else, stamping their feet like a brat over it. Hit me once or twice and move on."

Gray grit his teeth and cursed him before running out of the Guild Hall. Everyone was completely floored at how Natsu had so brutally broken Gray down. Natsu, for his part, did seem remorseful almost as soon as Gray was out of the building.

"God damn it ice pop..."

"Don't you think you were a bit hard on him," Mira asked cautiously. "He was just expressing how he missed you, in his own way."

"Look. I know I was a bit hard on him, but you've got to look at it from my perspective. I don't want to start having serious fights with people who are supposed to be my Guild-mates, part of my family. I'm perfectly alright with copping a punch or two for what I did, but Gray was trying to hurt me."

"He was using his Ice Make Magic," Mira agreed as she thought on it. "Those attacks he used can kill someone if they pierce through them."

"Exactly. If he had done what Erza did, I wouldn't have gotten angry at him. But he attacked me when my back was turned. It's just lucky I have good awareness of my surroundings."

"I suppose that's fair," Erza sighed, begrudgingly agreeing with his logic. "As long as you go speak to him later."

"Don't worry Erza. Gray and I have to settle things between us anyway."

"Settle things?"

"Part of the reason he was mad was because he could likely tell how strong I was. I was his rival, and even though we've had the same ten years, I'm far beyond him now and he knows it."

"I didn't want to say it out loud, but earlier when Gray first attacked you, the Ice shattered before it hit you," Mira noted as she narrowed her eyes. "That was Crash Magic, wasn't it?"

"I suspected that too," Erza agreed. "Not just wild Crash Magic either, but controlled."

"Guilty as charged."

"That by itself puts you on a whole other level than most Mages here in the Guild," Mira replied seriously. "Only Mages who have Grand Wizard or higher levels of control can use something like Crash Magic so easily."

"Not to mention your control over your Fire Dragon Slaying Magic. You effectively neutralized Gray's entire arsenal without even standing up."

"I don't want to discourage Gray just because I can do that though," Natsu cut in, bringing the girls attention back toward him. "Where I was, I had to grow stronger by doing whatever I could. I'm sure if Gray were in my place he'd have improved drastically as well."

Both girls seemed to understand that he didn't want to run around and flex his strength over other members of the Guild. The pair smiled and nodded in understanding, silently relieved that he wasn't going to be like Laxus.

"After gramps says I can go, I'll find Gray and talk to him."

"Alright Natsu," Erza nodded before becoming serious again. "But for now, I want to hear more about your training. Perhaps there are a few things I could pick up to improve my own?"

"Heh. Only if you tell me about yours Erza? Don't think I couldn't tell how much you were holding back with that punch," he grinned in response as Mira served them both more drinks as they settled into a more amicable conversation.

***POTD***

As the rest of the Guild eagerly discussed the return of Natsu and Gildarts downstairs, the latter had gone up to discuss something important with Makarov. Entering the man's office, Makarov took a seat behind his desk.

"Have a seat Gildarts," Makarov sighed as the Crash Mage took a seat on the couch in the room. "Now then. Despite the theatrics I put on downstairs, I want to preface this by saying that I'm glad both yourself and Natsu have returned. Though, clearly not unharmed."

Makarov's eyes wandered to Gildarts' prosthetic limbs. Clearly, he had not expected someone like Gildarts to be wounded in such a way. There was a silent expectation that Gildarts was to explain himself as to the origins of such a grievous injury.

"I know you wanna know how I lost my arm and leg, and we'll get to that," Gildarts sighed, clearly not wanting to actually discuss it. "But first, we need to talk about Natsu."

"Which part about him do you want to discuss first," Makarov asked as he looked down at Gildarts with a piercing gaze. "The part where he was able to convince you, a Grand Wizard, to take him into the most war-torn country on the continent? The part where you took him on a Century Quest when he wasn't even a teenager? The part where for the last ten years, not one word has been sent to us regarding his well-being?"

With every point made, Gildarts winced more and more. Makarov was certainly out for blood over this, and he couldn't blame the old man.

"I said this downstairs to you, but I'll say it again. You've really disappointed me with your actions Gildarts. Out of all the S Class Mages Fairy Tail has, you were the absolute last person I ever expected such recklessness from."

"I know Makarov. But let me tell you, I don't regret it for one minute."

"Oh?"

"Natsu has grown into a fine man Makarov, a far cry from the reckless idiot he once was. He's still got a ways to go before he reaches our level, mind you. But I have to say, he's shaping up to be the next Ace of Fairy Tail."

"I must say. The fact that you're willing to sit before me, after all the trouble you've caused, and say you don't regret a minute of it … Well, you've got me curious Gildarts," Makarov replied slowly as he leaned back in his chair. "What do you hope to achieve by discussing Natsu with me?"

"You know what I want Makarov," Gildarts replied seriously, a rarity for the usually carefree man. "I want him made S Class. Effective immediately."

Under normal circumstances, Makarov would have responded in two ways. The first way would be to simply laugh and tell him that Natsu would need to wait for the S Class Promotion Trials like everyone else. The second way he'd respond however, would be to simply laugh before tearing him a new one. After all, Natsu had broken the most important rule the Guild had. Realistically, he should be getting exiled from the Guild, not promoted.

But Makarov was no fool. He knew that there was no chance Natsu wasn't a changed man. Having traveled with Gildarts for almost a decade, it was almost a certainty Natsu would have had all it took to be S Class beaten into him. But even still, he'd need some convincing, considering all that had happened.

"Explain to me why Gildarts," Makarov sighed tiredly as the Crash Mage readjusted his position.

"I could drone on and on about how greatly he embodies the core tenets of an S Class Mage at Fairy Tail. However. I think instead, let his actions speak for themselves."

"What do you mean by that," the Guild Master asked with narrowed eyes. "Are you asking me to promote him and just see what happens?"

"You probably don't want to hear it," Gildarts replied firmly. "But Natsu is like us, a finely tuned weapon. You point him at a job and it is getting done. Properly. Every. Single. Time."

"What about his combat ability," Makarov asked, mulling over the idea. "Where does he stand relative to the rest of the Guild?"

"Well. I can't really speak for now, since I haven't seen Laxus or Mystogan in a decade. But if we're going off of ten years ago, he takes them easily."

"And what about compared to yourself?"

Here, Gildarts seemed almost smug. Like a proud parent ready to proudly boast about their child and all their achievements.

"He's able to handle me at about eighty percent for around half an hour before losing."

Gildarts was grinning proudly as he simply watched Makarov go through several stages of shock. Though to be fair, it wasn't really an unreasonable reaction. He was the strongest in the Guild, so Natsu being even close was certainly shocking.

"You aren't messing with me, are you?"

"No. I'm being serious with you Makarov."

"Unbelievable… He's seriously that strong? You realize that means he's on the level of a Grand Wizard?"

"Like I said Makarov. Make him S Class and let him prove himself."

Makarov fell silent as he weighed the pros and cons. Allowing Natsu to become an S Class Mage certainly had its benefits, should he indeed be at the level Gildarts said he was. However. Should he not be, the Magic Council may use it against him.

"I'll make you a deal Gildarts," Makarov replied after a tense few minutes. "I will approve your request. In exchange however, you must take full responsibility for Natsu and his actions."

"Well obviously-."

"No. I'm not talking about merely looking after him. If he fails to live up to the position of S Class and the Magic Council tries to use that as justification to have me removed. YOU will be the one taking the fall for it. No exceptions."

"Damn. You really are mad at us…"

"You haven't got a clue how bad it's been with the Magic Council on my back all these years whilst trying to keep this place going. To ensure the safety and security of the Guild and everyone in it, I will do what I must Gildarts."

"I know. And I promise you, Natsu will exceed expectations."

"I sincerely hope that he does," Makarov replied, much more relaxed now than before. "In fact, there's an S Class job I have available right now that I might send him on."

"Really? You'll send him so soon?"

"I've had this job sitting here for about a week now. I had planned to give it to Laxus and the Thunder Legion, but perhaps this will be a good test for Natsu. I'll send Erza with him to observe him and if she approves then I'll be satisfied."

"Fair enough Makarov. He won't let you down on this," Gildarts nodded as the old man hummed in agreement.

"Now then. I want your report on your quest in the Scarlione Empire. To know my strongest S Class Mage lost two limbs there is … concerning."

"Yeah. See, funny story about that," Gildarts chuckled awkwardly. "This happened in Fiore."

"…"

"Yeah."

"Explain."

"Natsu and I were headed back from Scarlione and had crossed into Fiore. We were around Sacred Mount Zonia when we were attacked. Ironically, it was by the same bastard the Century Quest sent us to Scarlione to fight to begin with!"

"You mean-?"

"It was."

"I see…"

"If Natsu wasn't smart and hid us under some rubble, we'd both be dead."

"And Scarlione itself," Makarov asked after several moments. "What happened there?"

Gildarts sighed as he began to explain the situation. The more he spoke, the bleaker things sounded. Honestly, he was now feeling rather terrible for even getting up the pair as Gildarts spoke of the horrors they'd endured.

"Good lord …"

"I'm pretty sure Natsu won't be completely right in the head ever again. Not that we can't use that for the good of the Guild, mind you."

"Even so," the Guild Master huffed as he shook his head. "So much death and destruction…"

"We did what we could, but we failed."

"You can tell me more about it at a later time Gildarts. Right now, I want you to go home and get some rest."

"You sure?"

"I know for a fact you wouldn't lie about something on this scale. I'll be making sure no one in the Guild gives either you, or Natsu, a hard time for what you two did. You've more than suffered for that mistake."

"Thanks Makarov. I appreciate it, and so would Natsu."

"Let's go speak with Natsu. I'll announce his S Class Promotion to everyone now, just before you leave."

Gildarts nodded as he slowly rose to his feet. Fatigue started to set in as he finally seemed to accept that he was back home and not on the road. His body began to protest, but he walked anyway, as the two left the office.

***POTD***

"-and if you catch someone off guard when they have a Magic Barrier active, it actually weakens it."

"Wait. So, you're saying that if I were to hypothetically hit a Magic Barrier before the caster notices, I would have a much easier time of breaking it," Erza asked, fully engrossed in Natsu's explanation.

"But hang on a second? What if the caster set up a backup Runic Array to supplement shield strength to the Magic Barrier," Mira chimed in. "Wouldn't you be back to square one?"

"No, actually."

"Why not?"

"The backup array is an effective tactic, but it holds the same flaw in requiring the caster's focus. In fact, Siege Units often deploy this tactic not to shatter Magic Barriers, but the supplementary Runic Array behind them."

"That … That actually makes a lot of sense," Erza nodded slowly. "I assume you learnt this off of a Siege Breaker Mage?"

"Yeah," Natsu replied as he noticed Makarov and Gildarts heading in their direction. "Oh boy…"

Both Mira and Erza stiffened as the two older men approached. Gildarts took a seat at the bar with Makarov hopping up onto the counter and sitting down.

"You really did get the boy into drinking," Makarov said as he noticed Natsu's half drained mug. "Guess you were telling the truth."

"It was my sacred duty to do it Makarov. The art of the drunk is one of the most important things any member of the Guild can learn! Even the First Master would've agreed with that."

"Yes," Makarov replied with a slight frown as he remembered a drunk First Master. "Anyway…"

"So, gramps," Natsu sighed as he turned to face the Guild Master. "Am I kicked out?"

"No, Natsu, you are not," Makarov replied with a shake of his head as the three across from him breathed a sigh in relief. "However. Due to what Gildarts has told me regarding your time in Scarlione, as well as your strength, a decision had to be made."

"Here we go. Time for my punishment," Natsu sighed as he began to drink from his mug.

"Effective immediately, you are hereby promoted to S Class."

Mira's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. Erza's jaw dropped and Natsu choked on his drink. Gildarts however, found all their reactions highly amusing.

"Did-Did I just hear that correctly," Natsu coughed as he looked between Erza and Mira. "You two heard what he said, right?"

"I must admit, I'm just as shocked," Erza replied as she looked toward Makarov. "Master?"

"I think we can all agree that he's too powerful and too smart to remain an ordinary Mage," came the easy response. "You'll be on a probationary period for this position for six months though."

"I'm not gonna complain," Natsu replied immediately. "Honestly, I was dreading having to do regular jobs again."

"Funny you should mention jobs," Makarov continued as he pulled out an S Class job flier. "I have the perfect job for you to be tested on."

Natsu took the flier and read it closely. His eyebrows slowly rose the more he read into the details of the job. They reached his hairline, however, when he saw the reward price.

"Two million Jewel reward? Who is the client?"

"The Magic Council directly," Makarov replied as everyone collectively frowned. "It's a Dark Guild Extermination Request."

"But two million Jewel for it," Erza chimed in curiously. "What have they done to earn the ire of the Council?"

"Well Erza, I'm sure that you're well aware of the Bharam Alliance? The three-way alliance between the Oracion Seis, Tartaros and Grimoire Heart? Well, the Guild that we're looking at is the go between for the three in all matters of trade. Be it information, items or even slaves, it all goes through this Guild," Makarov replied as the group collectively frowned.

"Valtheim's Razor," Natsu muttered as he read the file. "Since its from the Council, I assume that they want it handled a certain way?"

"The Magic Council wishes to have a representative from the Rune Knights with you on this job. More specifically, a Captain from the Dark Guild Subjugation Squad."

"Fair enough. Are they my only backup?"

"I was thinking of sending Erza with you, should she wish to go?"

"Of course I'll go Master," Erza replied with a firm nod. "I'll be interested to see how Natsu handles this S Class job."

"Very good."

"Says here that there are three targets the Council wants dealt with in this Dark Guild," Natsu mused as he examined the info further. "Guild Master only known by an alias, The Cortex? His right hand, Falk Transil…left-hand known as Markus Twinshadow…"

"From what extra information I could glean about these three, they are all S Class level or above. I'd advise caution and having at least a decent plan in place," Makarov stated as Gildarts placed a hand on Natsu's shoulder.

"He'll be fine. If push comes to shove, Natsu will go all out to get the job done," Gildarts said with full confidence. "Having Erza there with him, there's no way any of that Dark Guild scum is getting away."

"Very well then. I'll have Mirajane send word to the Magic Council that you've taken the job."

"I'll forward that to them right away Master."

"We'll head out tomorrow," Natsu agreed as he and Erza shared a brief nod. "It'll give the Council time to prep whoever they're sending to help us."

"Then I'll wish you both good luck. Now, both of you go home and rest up."

"Will do Makarov," Gildarts sighed. "Hey Natsu, I'll see you when you get back from this job."

"Right. Count on it," Natsu grinned as the Crash Mage left the Guild Hall. "Speaking of going home, do I even have a home anymore?"

"Yeah Erza," Mira smirked evilly, eliciting a fierce blush from the scarlet-haired Mage. "Does Natsu still have one? You'd know, right?"

"What's Mira talking about Erza?"

"Well … You see, it's kind of a long story," Erza replied in a somewhat shaky and embarrassed tone as she remembered 'accidentally' setting it on fire herself in a fit of rage. "The story isn't really relevant! What matters right now is finding you a place to stay, and definitely not going to investigate your old house!"

"Real smooth Erza," Mira snorted as she rolled her eyes. "You know that there's nowhere available right now on such short notice, right?"

"Really," Natsu hummed before shrugging. "Ah well, I'll just go make camp in the woods until I figure something out-."

"Absolutely not!"

"Why not? I don't have to pay for anything and its an easy solution," Natsu replied with a simple shrug. "Plus, I'm used to it."

"It doesn't matter! You're already scruffy enough as it is," Erza huffed. "You'll just have to room with me."

"Uh, Erza? I don't think that's allowed," Mira began, only to be loudly cut off.

"You'll accept my offer? Won't you…"

Natsu took a step back as he was confronted by Erza's chilling tone. It was one he remembered from years ago that promised punishment should he not do as he was told.

"Uh … sure."

"Excellent! I'll need to get a few things ready at home before I can have you come into my room, so you can go find Gray in the meantime. You will also cut that wild mess of hair and shave before you come see me."

"Okay," Natsu sighed as he raised his hands. "One thing at a time Erza, come on?"

"Good! I'll be seeing you at Fairy Hills," Erza smiled as she marched right out of the Guild Hall like she was on a mission.

"I feel like I was given zero choice there…"

"That's because you weren't," Mira giggled in response. "Erza hasn't really changed much when it comes to how she handles getting what she wants. The only difference is now she has the strength behind her to get what she wants by force."

"I mean, that's great and all, but I don't think its really a good idea for me to stay at Fairy Hills," Natsu replied. "It's meant to be an all-girls place, right? I'll get torn apart if I'm found there…"

"I wouldn't worry too much about that," Mira replied dismissively. "The Landlady there might be scary, but Erza is scarier. Plus, Erza rents out over half the place anyway. So, realistically speaking, she should have enough pull to let you stay there for one night, right?"

"Fair enough," Natsu sighed as he got up from the bar. "I'm gonna go into town and get cleaned up, then find Gray."

"Go check by Magnolia Park. Gray often sits underneath the large tree in the far right of the park when he wants to think," Mira suggested helpfully.

"Thanks Mira. If he does show up here though and he hasn't spoken to me, tell him I am looking for him."

"Will do Natsu," Mira smiled as he made his way to the door. "Natsu?"

"Yeah?"

"I know you copped a lot of abuse from the others when you arrived, but I just wanted to say … Welcome home."

Natsu felt his lips quiver ever so slightly, his eyes watering for the briefest moment. Inhaling and exhaling, he suppressed his reaction and merely smiled back at Mira before responding.

"Thanks Mira. It's good to be back."

***POTD***

It was late in the afternoon. Magnolia Park was bustling with activity, many families enjoying the afternoon sun. One man however was laying underneath the largest tree in the park, looking up at the sky with a blank look on his face.

"Stupid Natsu," Gray huffed, though there was no malice behind his words this time.

It was hard for him to accept Natsu's return. It wasn't that he wanted Natsu to die, or to still be away on the Century Quest. On the contrary, he was ecstatic that Natsu was back in Magnolia, and not in the war torn hellscape that was the Scarlione Empire.

The thing that annoyed Gray Fullbuster the most, was the reaction of the Guild.

There was no way they'd forgotten all the pain and trouble left in the wake of Natsu's actions. Makarov's crackdown on every Guild Member to the point of barely letting them out of town. The temporary ban on anyone going to the second floor of the Guild Hall, S Class included. The deep depression Erza had fallen into following Natsu's disappearance.

Gray scowled as he recalled that last point.

Both he, and Natsu, knew of Erza's past. Her time as a slave and the deaths of many of her closest friends. They had promised Erza once they'd befriended her that things would be different. No longer would she have to worry about losing her friends. No longer would she be an outcast, a loner … abandoned.

It cut both he and Erza deep when he'd left. Erza outwardly would say she knew he was coming back. But inwardly, you could tell that she didn't quite believe it.

But Gray? He was furious at Natsu's actions.

At the time, he'd run around and boldly slandered Natsu. Calling him everything from an attention seeking glory hound to an outright traitor to the Guild. No one refuted his words for years, because no one had the heart to. They all wanted to say such things, he knew that.

However.

He grew up. He grew beyond such a childish mindset of name calling and slandering someone who isn't even there to refute the claims. It was when he grew up, really thought about what Natsu's logic could have been on the day he left …

He found himself agreeing with him.

That is what angered Gray the most. That if the roles were reversed and he were given the same option. Gray would have taken it without a second thought. It revolted him that, despite being at Fairy Tail and seeing what Natsu's actions wrought upon the rest of the Guild, he could see himself doing the same if given the opportunity.

Hearing the sound of heavy boots crunching on the leaves, Gray sighed. He didn't even need to look to see who it was. His eyes slowly moved his gaze downward to see the current source of his anger standing before him.

He'd cut his hair to be medium length, halting around his neck area. He was also completely clean shaven, unlike before. He still wore the ragged clothing he'd seen the man in earlier, however.

"We need to talk."

"That really your opening line," Gray scoffed. "I thought you were the social, outgoing one?"

"Yeah, well, things changed," Natsu sighed as he placed his hands into his pocket. "The last decade held more frowns than smiles for me."

"Who'd have thought going into a war zone wouldn't be fun?"

"Come on Gray…"

The Ice Make Mage sighed and ran a hand over his face, groaning slightly before returning Natsu's gaze.

"Sorry. That was uncalled for-."

"Don't apologize to me Gray," Natsu replied with his right hand raised slightly. "All I care about right now is us."

"Us? Me and you," Gray asked in a mixture of disbelief and a flickering of spite. "There hasn't been an US for a decade. Has there?"

"Though we weren't together like we once were, I still thought of you. I thought of everyone back here at Fairy Tail. I thought about what I was probably missing out on. I thought about how you and Erza must have felt-."

"And where was all this thinking back when you decided to run off with Gildarts? Where were all these lovely and wonderful thoughts about your family when you decided to abandon them?"

"Not at the forefront of my mind, regrettably."

"You admit it?"

"I'm not going to beat around the bush Gray. What I did caused a lot of problems for a lot of people. Like I said earlier, I don't know what more you want me to do or say beyond admit I fucked up and go out there and earn my place back?"

"And I don't know what you're expecting out of me," Gray snapped back. "I can't just forget the last ten years Natsu!"

"And I'm not asking you to. Remember it, always. But don't be hostile toward me Gray," Natsu replied in a much calmer tone. "Instead of words, let me prove to you how sorry I am."

"It isn't that simple Natsu," Gray sighed as he looked up at the pink-haired man. "I can't forget what you did and how it affected everyone."

"I see…"

"But," Gray cut in, seemingly struggling to say what he wanted to say next. "If I were in your place, and the opportunity to go to grow stronger came up … I don't think I could say no either."

"Because of Deliora," Natsu responded sympathetically as Gray nodded. "And, if our roles were reversed and I was in your place, Gray. Well, I'd be shitty too."

Both men stared at each other for several moments before chuckling. Natsu shook his head as he offered Gray a hand, which the man eagerly accepted. Hoisting Gray to his feet, the two properly clasped hands.

"Listen. I get that I'm giving you a hard time Natsu, I really do. But you were the first guy I made friends with at Fairy Tail. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah. Trust me, I get it," Natsu replied, a certain familial term being left unsaid by the pair as they ceased the handshake.

"Well. I think that's about enough moping out of me," Gray sighed as he stretched, having been laying down for a fair while. "And listen. Thanks for actually coming to find me. You could have just left me be and I'd have probably gotten angrier over this. You coming to actually talk it out … I respect it."

"We're Guild-mates, friends … family. I wasn't gonna let you mope about over me when you could be doing something far more productive."

"Funny guy," Gray snorted as he lightly punched Natsu's shoulder. "Tell you what. How about we go fishing for the rest of the afternoon? Just like old times?"

"You got a spare rod," Natsu asked with an amused grin. "I'm not exactly packing one of those on me."

"You sure? Could've sworn you had some stick up your ass-?"

"Fuck off," Natsu snapped back playfully as the two men bantered back and forth whilst making their way out of the park.

"Well. Since you aren't keen on dislodging that stick … I've got a spare."

"Thanks Gray. Appreciate such generosity, truly," came the semi-dry response as the two made their way toward Gray's home, friendship intact.

***POTD***

As day turned to night, the residents of Magnolia began returning home. It was clearly going to be a quiet night in the town. Though the town certainly had a rather active nightlife, it wasn't every night.

Gildarts trudged his way up the main road. After having spoken to Makarov regarding any changes to the town, he could hardly believe what he'd heard from the old man. Around a year ago, a restaurant had opened up in Magnolia and quickly climbed to the very top of the Fiore Cuisine Circuit.

He came to a stop before a large place that appeared to be somewhat busy. Diners were finishing up for the evening as staff began clocking off work for the night. The Crash Mage couldn't help but smile as he looked up and saw a familiar insignia woven into the artwork of the signs.

"So, you actually went and did it," Gildarts muttered as he shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "You always kept saying you wanted to … and you actually did it."

Turning and making his way off to the left, having seen what he wanted to see, a loud bang down the alley to his right froze him in place. Looking down said alley, a young man who appeared to be a Chef flew out of a door and smacked into the wall opposite the door.

The young man seemed scared as a much older, almost portly man emerged. He wore a typical Head Chef white uniform, though it was stained from heavy use, and an overly tall Chef's Hat. He had long, silky blonde hair with grey streaks through it and grayish blonde stubble.

What was most interesting about the man however, was the fact that he was dual wielding spatulas. One was on fire and the other was covered in electricity as he scraped them together, advancing threateningly toward the younger man.

"You think you can just come into MY kitchen and steal MY recipes," the older man snarled. "Where is your Chef's Honor!?"

"I-I-I don't know Chef!? I w-wasn't gonna s-steal anything-!?"

"Silence thief," the Head Chef roared as he brought the electrified spatula up to the younger man's jugular.

"You think I am a fool, eh? You think my age means I am, how do you say, slow in the brain, hmm!?"

"N-No Chef!"

"Do not lie to me boy! If you are going to lie, then at least lie like a man lies," the Head Chef spat. "Who do you work for, little boy? Who is your Doux papa, eh!?"

"What does that even mean-!?"

"It means tell me who you work for before I use this blazing spatula to roast those peanuts you have for balls, you garce," the Head Chef spat as he brought the blazing spatula low for added effect.

"O-Okay! I'll tell you! I'll talk," the younger man cried out as Gildarts went and leaned up against a nearby wall, just out of view of the young man. "I got sent by The Canta Lune in Crocus!"

"Oh? Is that so," the Head Chef replied as he backed away from the young man. "Crocus' premiere five-star restaurant feels the need to try and steal the recipes from its competitors, eh?"

"I dunno … I just got hired to steal some and take it back so Crocus would be back on top in the food rankings-!"

"Oh? Is that all," the Head Chef replied dismissively before suddenly turning around, furious. "Crocus!? More like a Crocus-shit! Do they think me a fool!? A charlatan of the culinary arts!? I've cooked for nobility and the elite for forty-seven years and these pretentious baise think that they can just STEAL my custom recipes!?"

"I-!"

"You go back and tell those ecume qui chie des porcs that the only recipe they'll ever find from Chef Gondue is the merde I jettison into the toilet! A fine palette cleanser for the likes of thieves and charlatans!"

The young man took this as his cue to leave. He sprinted out of the alley and off into the distance, leaving the Head Chef scowling. The Chef tapped his Chef's hat as a cigarette fell right into his waiting hand. Bringing his burning spatula up, he lit the cigarette with it before both utensils vanished into thin air. Taking a drag, the Chef exhaled before pausing and looking slightly to his left.

Gildarts simply waved, an amused smirk on his face as the Chef flickered through several emotions. Settling on one that conveyed absolute joy, the Chef quickly walked toward the spot Gildarts was waiting, cigarette hanging loosely from his lips.

"As I live and breathe … Gildarts! My friend, my frere d'armes! It truly is wonderful to see you again!"

Former Member Of The Old Crew

Former Head Chef Of Queen Illyandra Scarlione VII

The Famous Fighting Chef

Shrikke Gondue

"Seems like you've settled into Fiore pretty well Shrikke? Been here a year and you've already pissed off the biggest restaurant in the country," Gildarts grinned as the pair shook hands firmly. "How've you been?"

"Ah. This town of yours certainly lived up to all the hype both yourself and Natsu provided. I have many good customers here. Even the ecume pay me fairly here! You'd never see such a thing back home," the Chef replied animatedly, waving his hands around. "Back in Scarlione? You sell a product, impot takes twelve percent. Then, you get des voyous coming in and they do things like feign food poisoning or make hygiene complaints! But here? Magnifique Gildarts!"

"Told you."

"When did you return? I would have been there to greet both of you," Shrikke said as he changed the subject. "It has been some time since we last spoke."

"Bit of a rushed return on our part, as you can probably tell," Gildarts replied as he motioned to the left half of his body.

"I didn't want to say," the Chef replied with a frown. "Who did it?"

"Same one that did in our other friend," Gildarts replied as the Chef seemed to grow quite angry.

"WHAT!? Comment diable ce lezard envahi a-t-il reussi a vous retrouver tous les deux jusqu'à ce royaume!?"

"Far as we can tell, it was just really bad luck."

"Bad luck," the Chef huffed. "Only Gildarts Clive could call losing half his limbs something as ridiculous as 'bad luck' and expect people to buy it."

"I can tell you the details about what happened if you want? Both after you left Scarlione, as well as what happened to us on the way back?"

"Silly man. You get no choice," Shrikke replied as he smacked Gildarts in the arm with a spatula he conjured from thin air. "In! In you go, homme stupide!"

"Fine. You'd better cook me something though," Gildarts chuckled as the Chef grumbled in response.

"I am a Chef! Of course I'm going to cook something for you!"

Gildarts merely laughed as the two old friends began to catch up. Their conversation would roll on into the early hours of the morning.

***POTD***

Erza crossed her arms and half scowled; half pouted. It was well and truly dark now and Natsu hadn't shown up yet.

"Where is that idiot," Erza huffed to herself as she got up and marched over to the window, peering outside into the darkness. "Honestly…"

"You waiting for someone?"

"Yes. I'm waiting for you to show up Natsu," Erza growled as she continued to try and spot him in the darkness. "I swear, even ten years hasn't dulled your lack of …"

Erza paused. Slowly turning around, she saw a smiling Natsu sitting in a chair near her desk on the opposite side of the room. Her eyebrow twitched as he had the audacity to wave at her.

"Natsu…?"

"Yeah?"

"How the hell did you get in here?"

"I've been in here for awhile now actually. In fact, you weren't in here when I first showed up."

"You mean to tell me that you've been here the entire time and said nothing? Even as I was clearly annoyed that you hadn't arrived?"

"In my defense, I was in the bathroom. I figured you wouldn't want me being all dirty so I decided to have a shower."

"I didn't hear the shower…"

"Fine," Natsu sighed. "I was about to have a shower when I saw you had that fancy bubble bath stuff so … I kinda had a bath instead."

"…"

"Natsu?"

"Yeah…?"

"Get in the bed. Now."

Gulping audibly, Natsu immediately complied with her request as he made his way over. To her shock however, all the clothes on his body vanished and were replaced by only a pair of shorts that went to his knees.

"Wh-What are you doing!?"

"Uh, hopping in? Like you asked me to?"

"B-But you just stripped like Gray does!?"

"Huh? Oh. Well, I mean, I don't really sleep with many clothes on you know?"

"Aren't you cold? It's like eight degrees outside you know?"

"Erza, I'm practically a walking furnace you know? There isn't much short of Magic that can make me feel cold."

Erza blushed and took a deep breath. Natsu seemed wholly oblivious to it, but she couldn't help but examine his body. It had quite a few scars, showing that he'd seen plenty of battles. His six pack was extremely defined to the point that she actually subconsciously drooled at little.

Shaking her head, she quickly snapped herself out of it. Attempting to steel herself, she moved over and hopped into the bed with him. Unfortunately, this action immediately had her mind going places it really shouldn't be as she recalled a few paragraphs from one of Mira's books.

"I-Is it hot in here, or is it j-just me," Erza asked, blushing furiously as she almost immediately began to sweat once she laid down.

"Oh? Sorry Erza, I'll turn the heat down."

All thought ceased as the heat, quite literally, died off. She blinked as she felt the warmth retract onto Natsu's side of the bed.

"Wait…What were you doing just now?"

"I'm able to regulate temperature in a small area thanks to my Fire Dragon Slayer abilities. I figured since you said it was cold earlier that you might want some heat. My bad Erza-."

"I-I thought …"

"Thought what," Natsu asked, prompting Erza to blush and shake her head.

"Nothing. Can you bring me some of that heat back though?"

"Sure. I'll let it out gradually and you can just tell me when to stop. Okay?"

Erza nodded as she felt the warmth creep closer again. She felt it seep into her body, relaxing her muscles like a gentle massage of sorts. After about a minute, she hummed and Natsu stopped increasing the temperature.

"I have to say… I like how useful this is."

"Good to know you find me useful as a personal heater," came the amused response, eliciting only a content mumble from Erza. "Hm? What'd you say Erza?"

A barely audible mumble was all he received in response, bringing a small smile to his face.

"Goodnight Erza," Natsu said softly as he rolled onto his back and slowly closed his eyes, sighing deeply as he let sleep overtake him.

***POTD***

It was cool, early morning breeze that rolled through Magnolia Station. As the sun slowly rose up over the mountains in the distance, it illuminated the one man currently waiting at the station.

Natsu sat in a chair overlooking the tracks, reading the S Class Job that they would be working on together. As he waited, he couldn't help but analyze the information they were given by the Council on their target. A Guild as important as Valtheim's Razor simply wouldn't be left unchecked by the Bharam Alliance.

The intel provided suggested that they operated with almost no scrutiny. Knowing how Dark Guilds operated, Natsu knew this was most certainly a foolish assumption on the Magic Council's part. There was absolutely no way the intermediary Guild to the three biggest Dark Guilds in Fiore wasn't being watched.

He was suddenly snapped from his musings at the sound of a faint clicking. Blinking, he noticed Erza was snapping her fingers in front of his face and calling his name.

"Ah. Sorry about that Erza," Natsu chuckled as she looked down at him. "Just thinking about the job intel we were provided by the Council."

"You must have been thinking pretty hard about it?"

"Yeah," Natsu nodded as he rose to his feet, stretching as they boarded the train. "Just a few details I'm a bit suspicious about, is all."

The pair fell silent as they walked through the sparsely populated carriages, until coming across an empty one near the back. Once inside, Natsu placed the details on the seat between them, as well as summoning a map from his Requip Space.

As the train lurched forward and they pulled out of the station, a sudden memory from years ago occurred to Erza as she looked up at Natsu.

"Hey Natsu?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you still get motion sickness from transportation?"

"Well, I don't particularly like it, if I'm being honest. But Gildarts helped me to get over the motion sickness part," Natsu replied as he remembered the rather brutal method the Crash Mage used to help him do it.

"Well, that's good. Now we'll be able to get around much easier to jobs," replied Erza with a small smile. "Anyway. What was it you mentioned earlier about the job details?"

"Right. Have you read this yet," Natsu asked as he motioned to the job description and details.

"Yes. I read it yesterday when Master Makarov put us forward for the job."

And you read the part about what role Valtheim's Razor plays in relation to the rest of the Bharam Alliance?"

"They're the mediators between Grimoire Heart, Tartaros and the Oracion Seis, right?"

"Right," Natsu nodded as he leaned back in his seat. "So why, if they are in such a crucial position among the Bharam Alliance, would the Council say that they operate without any of the big three watching them?"

Erza pondered his question for a moment, her eyes slowly widening as she came to realize what he was getting at.

"You don't think-?"

"I'm not making any assumptions."

"But you think it might be possible that someone within the Magic Council is working with the Bharam Alliance?"

"It is possible, but to early to say. I'll save any conspiracy theories until after we speak with whoever the Council sends as our backup."

"That's fair," Erza agreed as Natsu sent all the documents back to his Requip Space. "Honestly, that was a good thing to pick up on. I didn't even catch that when I read the job."

"It isn't something one tends to look for. Unfortunately, Gildarts and I often dealt with dodgy job requests back in Scarlione."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. Often times the nobles who worked under the Queen would lie or flat out omit details from the job requests so they didn't have to pay as much. A lot of naïve and younger Mages died because of it, so those of us that didn't learnt pretty quick to carefully read requests."

"And the Queen didn't crack down on her nobles doing that?"

"Hard to do that when your country is being invaded," Natsu replied with a shake of his head. "Her full attention was on the war effort. The attention of her nobles was on profit, as always."

Erza couldn't help but frown as she thought about what Natsu had said. Most in Fiore generally didn't try to cheat Guilds using the job request system. Knowing that there were places where it did happen, certainly didn't sit right with her.

Erza was about to respond when suddenly the whole train shook. Following the intial shake, several lighter ones rocked the train as both Natsu and Erza immediately vacated their compartment.

What they emerged to was thick smoke just past their compartment, located at the back door to the train. Several figures clad in dark robes charged in, the one in the lead cackling as he spoke.

"Hah! You smell that," the lead cloaked figure grinned as he aimed a glowing staff in Natsu and Erza's direction. "Smells like fear, doesn't it!?"

"Got that right boss," another agreed as several more poured through the hole in the back of the train. "The scum look like they're gonna pass out!"

"We ready to move out!?"

"Of course! You all know the drill," the leading robed figure replied sharply. "Round up all the ones who can work, and kill the rest!"

"Are these clowns serious," Natsu asked as he looked to Erza who seemed much more unnerved than he did.

"Oi! The hell did you just call us," the leading robed figure snapped before noticing the Fairy Tail Guild Mark on his shoulder. "Ah, of course! Legal scum!"

"Let's take em out," another robed figure snapped as they all started preparing their staves to fight.

"Requip – Heaven's Wheel!"

Natsu merely smirked as Erza utilized her Requip Magic, changing into her Heaven's Wheel Armor. Emerging from the light, a dozen swords flashed into existence before vanishing and striking the staves of the attackers, destroying them.

"How dare you attack this train with the intent to enslave the occupants," Erza thundered as more blades started to spawn, this time intended to strike the enemies themselves. "I shall show you no mercy!"

"Damn Legal scum," the lead robed figure snarled. "You dare resist the chosen!?"

"Chosen what," Natsu asked as the Mages all pulled out blades.

"The Chosen of Lord Zeref," the man spat as they all started slitting their wrists, blood spilling from their veins as Natsu immediately pushed Erza back.

There was a drastic spike in Magical Power as the blood started to bubble, the entire carriage they were on beginning to shake violently. Erza barely had the time to ask what was going on before Natsu had extended his arms, coating all the Dark Mages in a sphere of flame.

The sphere bulged for a moment, followed shortly by an audible explosion, as the fire contained whatever was about to happen. With a sigh of relief, Natsu made a spinning motion with his right index finger and the sphere slowly burnt itself out.

Once everything seemed to have died down, Erza finally found her voice as she turned to face Natsu directly.

"What the hell was that?"

"Blood Magic. And, an extremely dangerous form of it at that," Natsu sighed in response. "Fortunately, there weren't many people on the train since its still early. That spell is a popular one to use when you have surplus blood at your disposal."

"Blood Magic? Seriously?"

"It was very sloppy, admittedly. Like I said, the most dangerous kind," Natsu replied darkly as his head shot up to look at the hole in the back of the train. "There's more on the way."

"How many?"

"Not sure. Probably about another dozen," came the curt reply. "Come on. We can't risk anyone on the train getting hurt."

Before she had a chance to respond, Natsu jumped off of the train, rolling several times before skidding to a stop on the tracks. Shaking her head, Erza simply flew out the back with her Heaven's Wheel Armor.

Landing gracefully next to him, the pair waited as the approaching Magical Signatures got closer. Eventually, two vehicles approached and came to a stop before them. Several Dark Mages slowly got out, all armed and clearly ready for a fight.

"Looks like those idiots got themselves killed," one of the Dark Mages huffed.

"No wonder. The one on the left is Titania from Fairy Tail," the another Dark Mage added. "No idea who that guy is though?"

"Who cares who he is," another snapped as he stepped up toward the pair. "Listen up! You've got one chance to get the hell out of our way, Legal scum!"

"No," both Natsu and Erza replied together in a dull, bored tone.

"Do you have any idea who you're messing with!?"

"No idea," Natsu yawned. "Do educate us…"

"We're the Dark Guild known as Scaro's Respite," one of the Dark Mages snapped back proudly. "It's a name I'm sure you both know well-!"

"Never heard of you," came Natsu's immediate response that had all of them momentarily stunned into silence. "Should I know your Guild?"

"I'd say so, boy."

The voice came from another figure who had remained in one of the vehicles up until this point. Unlike all the weaklings, this man actually had power behind him. It was obvious that this was the Guild Master.

"And who are you supposed to be, big guy," Natsu asked as the man stepped out in front of his underlings.

"The name's Krieg, the Master of this here Guild," the tall, muscular man replied as Natsu crossed his arms. "Unlike them, I can tell you're the biggest threat here. Given that's the case, here's what I'll do."

"Go on."

"You and me will fight right here. If you win, we'll leave the train alone and go on our merry way. But if you lose, you and Titania'll become a sacrifice to our Lord."

"Let me guess," Natsu sighed with a shake of his head. "Lord Zeref?"

"Of course," the man roared as his entire Guild seemed to roar in unison at Zeref's name, raising their weapons high above their heads.

"Oh boy," Natsu sighed, clearly not impressed. "Fine. Let's fight. Just the two of us."

Erza was surprised by how casual Natsu was being about all of this. A man like Krieg certainly wasn't what she'd consider to be a major threat. But, he was still a the Master of a Dark Guild.

It was obvious to her that Natsu didn't even feel concerned about the man. Shaking her head, she Requiped back into her Heart Kreuz Armor and sat down on a nearby rock.

"Try not to waste too much time Natsu," Erza said as she shot him an amused smirk. "The train is getting away, and I'm not flying you the whole way to Crocus."

"Fair enough," came the amused response as he looked back to Krieg. "Right then. Let's do this."

"Good. I've been itching for a good fight for ages," Krieg grinned as the muscles on his body flexed, his Magical Power slowly being released. "Any of you lot interfere in any way with my fight … I'll kill you myself. And trust me, it'll be nice and slow."

Krieg's subordinates wisely backed right off. The threat of their Guild Master likely had something behind it, if their faces were any indication.

"Come on then," Krieg shouted. "Bring it on-!"

Krieg was suddenly sent flying before he even had a chance to finish his sentence. Everyone, Erza included, found themselves shocked as Natsu simply vanished and reappeared right where Krieg had been.

"Let's get this over with."

Vanishing from sight once again, he reappeared before Krieg. The man had recovered from the blow and used the momentum from being hit to avoid getting struck again as he raised his arms up into the air.

"A cheap shot," Krieg snarled as he slammed his fists into the ground. "Earth Magic – Pillars Of The Ancients!"

Dozens of razor-sharp earthy pillars erupted from the earth at Krieg's command. Natsu however was completely unfazed as he began to dart around them, punching through any that got in his way.

"The hell is this kid," Krieg growled as he placed a palm on a nearby pillar. "You might be fast. But, let's see how fast you are when there's nowhere to run!? Earth Magic – Desolate Earth Of The Ancients!"

The ground seemed to wither and crumble away at a rapid rate, falling apart until only a large chasm remained. The only things that had remained standing were the sharp earthy pillars generated by Krieg's earlier attack.

Natsu was still completely unfazed however, and kept his attention on his target. To Krieg's surprise, he was easily bounding from pillar to pillar and quickly reaching him.

"Shit-!?"

"Fire Dragon's Flame Elbow," Natsu said monotonously as he landed a clean hit to Krieg's neck, before spinning around and kicking him in the side.

The kick had Krieg lurching forward, some blood escaping his open mouth as he was belted out of the newly formed chasm. The man smashed into a nearby cliff, shattering it as Natsu appeared several metres before his position.

"H-how did you do it," Krieg asked completely dumbfounded as he struggled to stand. "How did you move so fast!?"

"Simple. I'm just stronger than you," Natsu replied, smirking slightly which only served to piss Krieg off even more.

"Don't get cocky ya little bastard! Just because ya landed a lucky hit, doesn't mean shit" Krieg snarled only to lurch forward.

Embedded deep into his gut, was Natsu's fist. Krieg let out a pained gasp as he slumped forward into unconsciousness. Grabbing the man and vanishing, Natsu reappeared down near Erza's position.

As soon as they saw their Guild Master down for the count, the other Dark Mages piled back into their vehicles and fled. Natsu watched them go with a shake of his head.

"I'm impressed Natsu. Nice job."

"Thanks. This guy was barely S Class," came the curt reply as they both looked down at Krieg for a moment. "I'm guessing the train is long gone?"

"We'll have to walk."

"Guess we have a long walk ahead of us, don't we? Besides, we have to hand this guy in somewhere, right," Natsu replied as he motioned to Krieg.

"You seriously want to haul this idiot all the way to the next town," Erza asked with a raised eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"We can't just leave him here Erza," Natsu replied whilst crossing his arms expectantly. "Unless you want him to go free?"

"Of course not," Erza sighed as she shook her head. "Sorry Natsu, I'm just tired, I guess. You're right that we can't just leave him here. Though I'm not gonna be the one carrying him."

"Who said anything about anyone carrying him," Natsu replied as he walked over to the unconscious mage before kicking him in the head.

"DON'T KICK HIM WHILE HE'S UNCONCIOUS YOU IDIOT," snapped Erza as she shot a glare his way.

"Relax you two, I'm up," mumbled Krieg as he rubbed the part of his head Natsu kicked.

"Good. You're up. Now, let's get going," said Natsu as he began to walk off in the direction the train was heading.

Erza sighed again in annoyance. "Just when I thought he'd grown a brain, he starts being like this," she grumbled to herself as Krieg slowly got to his feet.

Krieg could only stare at the two and laugh slightly. "You two sure are odd for a bunch of kids."

"Why's that old man?"

"You little runt! I'm not even in my forties yet," Krieg shot back as he and Natsu began to argue back and forth.

"This isn't getting us anywhere. We need to find a town so we can hand you over to the Magic Council," Erza said with a frown.

"Well, there's actually a town not too far from here you know," Krieg replied as he pointed down the track.

"There better be buddy. I'm not giving you any food if we have to camp somewhere," replied Natsu as the three began walking down the track.

***POTD***

It had been a few hours since the three had begun their trek down the track towards the Village that Krieg had mentioned. Finally, after a rather long and annoying trip, they arrived at the outskirts of a small village.

"See. I told ya it'd be here," Krieg said as they entered the village.

"Good for you buddy. Want a cookie?"

"What was that you little bastard!?"

Erza just sighed and began to look around until she spotted a small building with a Magic Council insignia on it.

"Natsu," Erza called out, snapping him out of another argument. "Over here!"

"Nice," Natsu grinned as he roughly grabbed Krieg by the arm. "Rune Knights will sort you out for us."

Entering the building, they could tell that it didn't see much traffic. Walking up to the front desk, a Rune Knight looked up at them with a dull expression on his face.

"Welcome to the Akashi Village Council Branch. Please state your business…"

"My name is Erza Scarlett and my friend here is Natsu Dragneel. We're Fairy Tail S Class Mages. We have the Guild Master of Scaro's Respite here we'd like to hand over into Council custody."

At her words, the Rune Knight at the desk's eyes widened considerably. The man slowly rose up to get a better look at the one Natsu was holding.

"Well now... If it isn't Krieg of the Raging Earth. His bounty has been active for years due to all the trouble he's caused," the Rune Knight said as two more entered and took him from Natsu. "Since the two of you captured him, the bounty is yours. Minus the ten percent that goes to your Guild, of course."

"Thank you," Erza replied as she took the slip of paper from the man. "Hold on... Is this correct?"

"What is it Erza," Natsu asked as she passed him the cheque they'd just been given. "Six hundred and fifty thousand Jewel!?"

"Like I said. Krieg has been causing trouble for years," the Rune Knight replied as Krieg was taken away. "His bounty is accurate to his crimes."

"Wow," Natsu chuckled as he passed the cheque back to Erza. "Not a bad haul, is it?"

"Not at all," Erza agreed as they left the Rune Knight branch. "Guess we should probably start making our way to Crocus?"

"We should stop and get something to eat first," Erza suggested as they started walking through the small village.

"Let me guess … Strawberry Cake?"

"What are you implying?"

"Nothing-."

"Natsu …"

"Yes Miss Scarlett?"

"You're paying," came the curt response, eliciting a snort of amusement from Natsu as they approached a nearby bakery.

"Of course."

The pair sat down and ordered. Erza got a slab of Strawberry Cake with Natsu ordering a crème filled baguette. Erza merely raised an eyebrow at his choice but said nothing. After all, he did just order her a massive piece of her favourite food.

Once their orders arrived, Erza dug in with gusto. She devoured the cake within minutes, somehow in a graceful manner. Natsu meanwhile ate slowly, his mind elsewhere.

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm just thinking back to that first group of Dark Mages on the train."

"What about them?"

"Well. I mean why did those Dark Mages resort to Blood Magic so quickly, yet Krieg didn't use it at all? Just seems rather strange is all …"

"Who knows what Dark Mages think when they use Forbidden Magic," Erza replied with a shrug. "Perhaps Krieg knew he was outmatched?"

"Maybe," Natsu replied with a shrug. "You're right though. Who can really say why they use Forbidden Magic at certain times and not others?"

"Come on. We can discuss this more on the road. It will be a long trip to Crocus and we'll need to get there quickly since all our luggage is still on board."

"You're the only one who brought luggage," Natsu replied with a smirk as he finished his baguette. "I on the other hand keep all my stuff in my Requip Space."

"You know I can't do that," Erza huffed as they left the bakery. "Mine is full of my Armors!"

"I know," came the cheeky response.

The pair set out from the village whilst trading light jabs at one another. Both smiling as they began the long trek to Fiore's capital.