6

The sun was barely rising over Magnolia as Natsu ascended the stairs of the Guild Hall. He knew Gildarts would be here, the man always was an early riser, and the business they had to discuss needed to be looked into as soon as possible.

Pushing open one of the doors, the place was still empty, save for Mira. The white-haired S Class Mage was setting up the bar for another day of abuse, a small, satisfied smile on her face.

"Hey Mira?"

"Oh, Natsu," Mira chirped, placing down another glass before looking up in his direction. "You're here early? I thought you'd be enjoying your new house?"

"I've got important business to discuss with Gildarts," he replied easily. "I know it's like five in the morning, but can you send us up some drinks?"

"That bad?"

"Potentially."

"I'll get you both breakfast too. Gildarts has been here since three."

"You know, you're one of the biggest changes for me to get used to after my time away. I couldn't have pictured you being this nice years ago?"

"Well, time changes everything. Even people," Mira replied as she started pouring two drinks. "Though, don't tell anyone … but I sometimes act like my old self at home when no one is around."

"Really? You dress the same too," came his immediate response that garnered him a carefully raised eyebrow in return. "What?"

"I honestly didn't expect you to ask something like that, that's all? Then again, getting used to you acting all … mature, I suppose is similar to how you see me?"

"I know why you've likely mellowed out, Mira," Natsu nodded as he took the two mugs from Mira. "But, don't ever let go of that older part of yourself, even if it hurts. You never know when you might need that part of yourself one day?"

"Are you telling me this from experience?"

"Perhaps? Or, perhaps I just want to see you running around as 'The Demon Mirajane' to fuel my deviant fantasies? You'll never truly know…?"

"I don't think someone like you has the ability to be a deviant," Mira smirked in reply. "Though you were mentored by Gildarts, a true deviant, you haven't shown any signs of his influence in that regard."

"Well, I'm obviously just biding my time, playing the long game by acting the cool, calm and charming rogue that I am. See, ladies love the strong, rugged type, and will swoon once I tell them all about my tragic decade long quest in a far off land, searching for love…"

At this point, Mira couldn't contain herself anymore as she keeled over laughing. Watching as Natsu even ran his left hand through his hair, giving her side eye as he spoke.

"I cannot believe you actually said that!"

"I'm guessing you've read it, then," Natsu chuckled lightly.

"T.D Emming's, Twelve Romances Under A Decade Of Moonlight," the white-haired Mage sniffed as she wiped some tears from her eyes. "I'm surprised you've read it?"

"You ever had to hang out with a hopeless romantic of a Princess before? Being able to pull off a line from any number of novels like that can be the difference between getting a crusty roll, or a five-course meal for dinner."

"The only Princess I know of is Princess Hisui," Mira replied. "I assume you're talking about the one from Scarlione?"

"Yeah. A hopeless romantic, that one," Natsu chuckled as he shook his head. "I've got to get up to see Gildarts before these drinks go cold. Let's chat later, yeah?"

"You realize I'm going to grill you on your knowledge of the classics now, right?"

"How far back?"

"Ever read Monterian?"

"He writes dramas and tragedies, right," Natsu asked with Mira nodding, seemingly delighted at his knowledge on the subject. "What part of his work are we talking about? Pre-Fourth Wife, or post?"

"Pre."

"I've read as far back as, My Wife, My Darkness. Everything before that starts to tread way too deep into pointless gore and plot holes resolved by deus ex machina."

"If you two nerds are done down there, I'd like my drink now?"

Both S Class Mages looked up to see Gildarts leaning on the railing, smirking down at them.

"Shut up old man," Natsu huffed. "We'll talk later Mira."

"I'm so telling Levy that you like to read," Mira replied as she clapped her hands together. "She's never going to believe it!"

"You can tell her, but don't expect me to show up to any sort of book club or anything," Natsu chuckled in reply. "I enjoy it both sparingly, and in private."

"That's fair. As long as we can discuss it together sometime," Mira conceded. "Levy is the only other person in the Guild who I know actually reads anything."

"If I'm not busy doing anything, feel free," Natsu smiled in response as he reached Gildarts' position. "We're sealing the office for our chat, just so you know?"

"I'll buzz when the foods ready," Mira nodded cheerfully. "Thanks for the chat Natsu!"

Natsu merely smiled as he and Gildarts entered Makarov's Office. Looking at the desk, Gildarts had papers scattered everywhere as he sank back into the chair. Natsu shut the door as Gildarts pressed a button underneath Makarov's desk, sealing the room.

"So, I take it something crazy went down on your job against Valtheim," Gildarts asked curiously. "Something that can't wait?"

"Honestly, take your damn pick on what's messed up about the Valtheim job. We've been back at the Guild for just under a week and I've already learned that at least half of the Council is working for the Bharam Alliance in some capacity."

"…Go on?"

"Don't tell anyone what I'm about to say, not even gramps," Natsu continued as the Crash Mage nodded stiffly. "You remember The Cortex?"

"The Guild Master of Valtheim?"

"Yeah. Well, turns out he was a member of the Magic Council, Councillor Hogg."

"I mean that's definitely a surprise, but why the secrecy if you killed him?"

"Because, he's still on the Council."

"Okay," Gildarts sighed as he leaned further into the desk. "Now you have my attention."

"Basically, Hogg was taken by the Bharam Alliance and replaced with a Homunculi copy. The real one was initially against them, but willingly sided with them after sitting down with the heads of the Alliance and became their mediator."

"That's … hmm?"

"Before I defeated Hogg, he blamed his situation on another Councillor. Siegrain," he continued, the surprise on the older man's face growing even further. "Yeah… see the issue here?"

"Makarov needs to know about this. If Siegrain is actually working with the Dark Guilds like his Brother, then that means that the Wizard Saints have even been compromised."

"I haven't told anyone about this. Neither Erza, nor Elise even know. Something like this, if it got out, would throw the country into chaos if they knew."

"Agreed. Keep this to yourself until Makarov gets back from Clover, okay?"

"Speaking of that, there's something else?"

"About Makarov? Or Clover?"

"Both."

"I'm not gonna like this, am I?"

"On my way back to Magnolia, I overheard some Dark Mages on the train discussing using some artifact in Clover," Natsu replied as Gildarts narrowed his eyes. "They didn't specify what it was, but they're Dark Mages, and they're talking about using something in a highly populated area. Coincidentally, a bunch of the Guild Masters are there right now as well…"

"Definitely suspicious," the older man immediately agreed. "I'm gonna look into this right now. I've got some contacts I can use on Makarov's behalf, I'm sure he'll be fine with it. Even if it's just nothing, it isn't worth not making sure nothing's wrong."

"So, what do you want me to do in the meantime?"

"Well, there is one thing," Gildarts smirked in reply as he passed Natsu one of the hand written notes from Makarov's desk. "Read it."

Taking a look at the note, Natsu's eyes widened slightly in surprise, before narrowing the further down the page he got.

"Is this real?"

"Came in yesterday afternoon. Apparently, someone is running around the Port of Hargeon calling himself 'Salamander' and everyone is losing their minds."

"Its obviously a fraud, right? No way would my Dad be running around Hargeon so casually," Natsu scoffed. "If a Dragon showed up, half of Fiore would be down there fighting him…"

"Still, might be worth heading down there and seeing what's going on?"

"Hargeon is only a few hours away, so I suppose I can do that," Natsu replied casually. "I guess that'll give you time to look into this Clover business too?"

"Yeah. We'll meet up back here, and if there is something going down in Clover, we can get a strong team over there quickly."

"Alright then, guess I'm headed to Hargeon for the day," Natsu sighed as a buzzing sound echoed throughout the room. "After I eat the food Mira made…"

"Yeah. Can't skip out on that," Gildarts replied with a grin as he unsealed the room as Mira entered with their food.

As they accepted the food, both their minds were on the Clover issue, hoping that ultimately, it amounted to nothing.

But with Dark Guilds… one never knows.

***POTD***

Magnolia Market District was slowly livening as the sun shone down upon the town. Various businesses began opening their stores around eight as the residents all began perusing the wide variety of goods and services available.

Erza and Elise were currently among them, both dressed in their usual Armors as the various residents eagerly acknowledged their presence. Such treatment baffled Elise, as she was new to the Guild, also not used to being treated nicely by people in general, as they stopped near a bakery stall.

"Why is everyone being all cheery to me as well?"

"What do you mean Elise?"

"Well…I mean, it makes sense that you get respect and admiration from them, since you're well known as a Fairy Tail Mage. But, why are they waving at me, acting as if I'm important?"

"Let me counter your question with another one," Erza smiled as he poked her lightly in her exposed shoulder. "What's this?"

"Uh… It's the Fairy Tail Guild Mark?"

"And what does it mean to have that on your shoulder?"

"That I'm part of the Guild?"

"Correct. You're a Fairy Tail Mage now. And, with that, comes notoriety," Erza replied knowingly. "The people of Magnolia and beyond will see your Guild Mark and immediately know you're someone they can rely on if they need help."

"I assume there are places where being identified as a Fairy Tail Mage isn't as good?"

"There will always be those places. However, they are few and far between. Fairy Tail might have a reputation as being rather rowdy, but we always give our all for the client, and do it with a smile."

"I mean, that's all well and good," Elise replied slowly. "But I'm new, right? Like, why would any of these people have any reason to trust me like they do any of the others?"

"Why wouldn't they? You joined Fairy Tail and will go on to do jobs that will help the local economy, protecting civilians and basically just help the town. Why wouldn't they like you, knowing that?"

"Sorry, I'm just not used to that kind of attention, that's all," Elise replied with a shrug. "I suppose I'll get used to it with time?"

"I'm sure you will," Erza smiled back as she turned to order from the stall. "Five slices of strawberry cake for me please…"

"Five? Seriously Erza?"

"Something wrong with that," came the curt response as Erza fully turned around to face her, a slight frown marring her features.

Behind her, the baker was furiously shaking his arms and head, warning her not to pursue this line of inquiry any further. Based on the fact he was sweating, Elise wisely chose to drop it as she chuckled awkwardly.

"Ehehehe … I just haven't seen anyone order that many single slices before when they could just order a whole cake, y'know!?"

The scarlet-haired Mage narrowed her eyes for a moment, pondering the truth to her words, before suddenly nodding in understanding.

"I see. I suppose in hindsight it doesn't make sense to order my cake in such a way, does it? However, I have been assured that doing so will help me adhere to my strict diet that shall help me keep my body at its peak!"

'In what reality would ANYONE recommend she buy that much cake to eat…?'

"Better bag that cake to go, because you won't have a chance to eat it now. Same with you Elise, better grab something to go."

Both girls jumped as they each felt a hand latch onto their shoulders, spinning around to find a grinning Natsu standing there.

"You idiot!"

"Don't sneak up on us like that!"

"And how did you even do that anyway!?"

"I suppose I could tell you," Natsu replied with an amused smirk. "It's a secret though so I have to whisper it to you… Sorry man."

The baker simply gave him a thumbs up, smiling knowingly as the girls leaned in to hear his secret.

"Okay. So, the secret is … I can use Magic."

Pulling back from the pair, they both remained still for a good thirty seconds before looking over at one another and then up to Natsu.

"I think that between the two of us, we might just be able to take him out… What do you think Elise?"

"Oh, definitely. First one to score a shot on his nuts gets a free dinner."

"Deal," Erza replied as the two girls slowly rose back to their full heights, advancing toward him.

"Unfortunately girls, there will be no nut cracking today. We've got places to be, things to do."

"Does this have anything to do with what you spoke with Gildarts about," Erza asked as she crossed her arms expectantly.

"Sort of. We're going to the Port of Hargeon to investigate some guy calling himself Salamander as Gildarts follows up that other thing."

"So, we're running errands as Gildarts follows up on whatever this mystery thing is? Assuming its anything at all?"

"In my defense, Gildarts believes it to be legit," Natsu replied with his hands raised slightly. "I'm heading out on the next train and figured I'd ask if you girls wanted to come?"

"This person pretending to be Salamander better be mildly interesting," Erza huffed. "And you'd better tell us why you're being all secretive about this thing as well once Gildarts is done investigating it."

"Relax Erza, you'll be the first to know. Promise."

"I'd better," the scarlet-haired Mage huffed. "Guess we're headed to Hargeon then?"

"Train leaves in about an hour, so we've got time to get to the station," Natsu replied as the trio started making their way in the station's direction. "You girls need to chill out on wanting to smack me around too. I'm a sensitive man you know?"

"I'll hit you all I want and you'll like it Natsu. You owe me big time," Erza replied firmly.

Elise was about to chime in before noticing the shit-eating grin forming on his face. It was obvious he was about to say something that would either shut her right down, or set off Mount Erza.

"I apologize. I've been a really bad boy, haven't I … Mommy~?"

Elise's jaw dropped before she doubled over laughing. Erza immediately froze up, her face becoming as scarlet as her hair as she rounded on the Dragon Slayer.

"Wh-What did you just say," Erza gasped, only to receive a knowing smirk in response. "Y-You little…"

"Yes, I am your darling angel, aren't I," Natsu grinned before taking off ahead at a light jog. Elise giggled at Erza's completely floored expression before racing to catch up to him.

Erza shook her head, clearing her thoughts from the gutter they had descended to as she chased after the pair ahead of her. She certainly hadn't expected something like that to come out of Natsu.

But, in a weird way, she felt something inside she had no idea how to articulate. And so, as she ran, she shoved it deep down and ignored it, determined to just pretend like none of it ever happened.

***POTD***

The trio arrived right on time to Magnolia Station and, after a not-so-subtle cussing out by Erza, they boarded the train. Finding a compartment at the back of the train, the trio slid into their seats.

"So, did you girls find a bed for Elise at the market?"

"They mostly had pet related beds," Elise replied, shooting Erza a weird look. "For some reason, Erza thought I should buy the large dog bed for twelve hundred Jewel…"

"Really?"

"Why not? Its different, unique ... trendy even!"

"I swear Erza, am I gonna find a leash and collar in the house if I actually start looking around-?"

"WHAT-Er… no … I haven't got a dog, so why would I need one?"

"Why did you need one ten years ago?"

"…"

"Should I be hearing this," Elise asked slowly as Erza huffed and looked away, her face once again scarlet. "Is today the day we all reveal our fetishes or something-?"

"What are you talking about Elise? No one is revealing anything," came Erza's sweet reply as he placed a hand on the God Slayer's shoulder. "Are they?"

"Erza's fetishes aside, we should talk about you a bit since we've got time," Natsu cut in smoothly as Erza shot him a glare at the mention of her fetishes. "I'm curious what you think of the Guild after seeing it and joining?"

"Well, I really like it," she replied with a grin. "Everyone is so lively, and no one has judged me for my power yet. Plus, everyone is really nice compared to the Rune Knights who're just a bunch of depressed losers with no skill or talent."

"That's … pretty specific," came Natsu's curt reply as the God Slayer had the decency to blush. "I take it you don't like them much?

"Honestly, they're a complete joke. What Mage could possibly respect the trash that festers in the Rune Knights? They're either garbage tier Mages with MPF readings of less than thirty who couldn't hack it in a Guild, people who can't even use Magic at all and rely on Lacrima Infused Weaponry to fight, or rich pricks who bought their way to an Officer's Commission."

"What does MPF mean," Erza asked curiously, drawing raised eyebrows from both Elise and Natsu. "What?"

"MPF is short for Magical Power Finder, and is a system used worldwide to quantify a Mage's raw Magical Power into numerical form," Natsu explained knowingly. "Basically, every Government on the Ishgar Continent uses that system, as does … another Government across the sea."

"So you both have seen this MPF thing firsthand?"

"I had to do it to join the Rune Knights," Elise shrugged. "I assume he had to do it in Scarlione at some point?"

"Yep. I've had it done several times."

"So…I'm confused? Is there some sort of basic scaling that judges how good an MPF reading on a Mage is?"

"I can't speak for Scarlione," Elise began. "But an average Squad Captain in the Rune Knights has an MPF reading between forty to one hundred-."

"Please tell me that's a joke?"

Both girls looked over to Natsu who was staring at Elise, his gaze as cold as ice as the God Slayer inwardly shuddered. Almost immediately, she could tell that he was NOT happy with what she had just said…

"Wh-What?"

"Is what you said just now, a joke?"

"Um … no. That's actually what the Council ask Rune Knights to have to become Squad Captain."

"I'm actually beyond shocked. Like, you actually have no idea just how floored I am by what you said just now…"

"I'm guessing Scarlione asks for a much higher number?"

"A basic foot solider, the most common fodder, has to have an MPF reading of three hundred to even be allowed to fight on the front lines," Natsu replied bluntly, Elise's eyes widening considerably. "The equivalent of Squad Captain in Scarlione is the basic Knight, and to be even remotely considered for that position, you have to score at least one thousand on an MPF reading."

"What!?"

"Why are you surprised? A real military shouldn't be sucking in the scraps. It should be making sure it recruits only the strongest and smartest in order to protect the general population. I actually cannot believe that the Magic Council is that incompetent…"

"Hate to break it to you Natsu, but the Magic Council are afraid of Mages having too much power," Elise sighed as she recollected herself. "Just look at what they did to me if you need an example? I was kicked out because I was too strong for their liking and didn't bow to them. They like weaklings they can push around."

"Evidently, they also seem to believe that if something ever does go down, that the Guilds are just going to all unite and do as the Magic Council tells them to," Natsu scoffed in response. "Absolutely disgraceful!"

"Indeed, that does seem to be their MO. Sacrifice the Guild Mages so that they can continue to reign supreme and bully the survivors of the conflict," Elise hummed with a sigh.

"This is starting to get a bit heavy," Erza cut in as she noticed both her companions slowly becoming more and more depressed. "How about we change the subject?"

"Agreed. Just thinking about the stupidity of the Fioran Government gives me a damn headache," Natsu growled, holding out his right hand as a bottle of whiskey appeared.

"Well, what do you want to talk about then?"

"How about … Ah! I have a good question," Erza grinned as she fully moved to face Elise. "Chocolate or Strawberry?"

Natsu snorted as he downed a good amount of the whiskey before sending it back to his Requip Space.

"Chocolate or Strawberry? On what?"

"Anything and everything," Erza grinned back. "Which flavor is your favorite?"

"Oh? Well then, that's an easy answer," Elise shrugged. "Obviously Chocolate."

"That's actual heresy."

"Erza, everyone knows Chocolate beats Strawberry any day of the week, and its not even close," Elise replied as Erza seemed physically struck by her response. "Chocolate is too busy battling for dominance against Vanilla to be worried about mid Strawberry sweetening up the place."

"You Chocolate fans always say that. Chocolate isn't better than Vanilla, let alone Strawberry!"

"Trash opinion. Chocolate clears Strawberry easily. Neapolitan ice-cream tubs you find will always have icky Strawberry left in them, but never Chocolate or Vanilla, and the only exception is when the tub had to be tossed into the trash early for some reason. Meanwhile, icky Strawberry has been stinking up garbage cans since it was created Erza!"

Both girls butt heads, glaring and growling at one another as Natsu sat back and watched in amusement as the girls started squabbling. It was a nice distraction as it moved talk away from military matters and onto mundane topics.

"-Natsu?"

"Huh?"

"Which flavor is your favorite?"

"My favorite flavor overall?"

"Yeah," Erza replied, prompting Natsu to smirk as he leaned forward, steeling his fingers and resting his head atop them.

"Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla might be solid picks…but the real top tier flavor is actually Caramel, and its not even close. Caramel makes everything ten thousand times better, something not one of the Neapolitan trio can hope to compete with, especially the God-like dishes it can create."

Both girls seemed completely floored by his statement, unable to process that he had picked a flavor that wasn't from Neapolitan at all.

"Are you serious Natsu?"

"Yeah, honestly?"

"What?"

"As if Chocolate and Strawberry aren't also in dozens of dishes and enjoyed by millions," Erza huffed with Elise crossing her arms as they glared down at him.

"Plus, Caramel is overrated anyway!"

"Lies. Everyone likes Caramel," Natsu sniffed, turning his nose up at the girls in response. "Anyone who disagrees with me is wrong and needs to read a cookbook. I have a good friend who can make over a thousand wonderful dishes with Caramel in it and all of them are great."

"Caramel gets sticky and ruins your teeth worse than Chocolate and Strawberry!"

"Weak argument. They all ruin your teeth and Caramel being sticky depends on the type of dish and how the Caramel was made. You're both grasping at straws because you're wrong."

Both Erza and Elise's eyebrows rose to their hairline as they looked to one another and then back to Natsu.

"Well now…"

"Guess you need to learn the hard way, don't you?"

What followed was complete chaos on the train as Elise and Erza hijacked the snack trolley and attempted to … re-educate Natsu and his negative way of thinking.

It did not, in fact, go well.

***POTD***

The train pulled into the station with the three-man team disembarking, Erza still munching on a slice of Strawberry Cake, Elise coming out after her with some Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake.

Then, Natsu stumbled out, covered in Chocolate and Strawberry, and a slight scowl on his face.

"You girls are evil as hell…"

"Should've just agreed with us Natsu," Erza giggled as she shoved the last of her cake into her mouth.

"Hopefully you've seen the error of your ways?"

"Caramel is better and I will die on that hill. Stuff me full of fatty food all you want, I'm still the winner regardless. Caramel fans always win."

"Go clean up already," Erza replied with a smirk as Natsu went off to the Hargeon Station bathrooms. "I have to say, I was concerned when you tried to shove a whole cake into his mouth, but you made it work. Nice job Elise."

"Stabbing someone with Chocolate Fudge Cake and a sword is kind of the same. Go in hard and fast, exerting as much pressure as you can right from the start to bypass all resistance."

"I'll have to remember that one for next time," Erza giggled as Natsu returned, no longer looking like he'd just been in a food fight.

"No more food talk or I will purposely projectile vomit on you girls and pull a runner. Now, onto something more important…"

"Reports of a Dragon," Erza replied, her nose wrinkling slightly at the vomit comment. "Safe to say that there's no Dragon here?"

"Obviously. I have a feeling I might know who it is that's been running around calling himself Salamander," Natsu replied as they descended the station steps and walked out into Hargeon proper. "I heard there's a clown running around trying to impersonate me and use my reputation to get whatever he wants."

"Why would someone want to impersonate you," Elise asked, clearly confused. "From what I heard from others in the Guild, you haven't been in Fiore for a long time?"

"That's true. However, I am known by quite a few people in the higher classes of society in Fiore thanks to my actions in Scarlione. Just take how I handled that prick Doma for example, or Jessabelle Kreuz."

"That's a fair point actually, I forgot that you do know some rather influential people," Erza admitted before playfully shoving him. "I'm surprised you haven't morphed into a noble yourself?"

"There would truly be no hope for society if someone like me became a useless degenerate like the nobles of Fiore. At least the King and Princess here are good people, but the Royal Court can go-."

Natsu paused mid-sentence as Erza and Elise both took each of his hands with one of their own. This surprised him, not because of the gesture itself, but because of how sudden they had done so, as well as the firmness of the grip they had on his hands.

Looking toward the two girls, both had narrowed eyes, were breathing slightly heavier than normal and had begun to sweat. Looking at their eyes, he could tell that something wasn't right as they seemed to shift in and out of being clouded.

"This Magic is…"

Natsu sniffed the air, eyes narrowing as he picked up on the faint shift in the ordinary Ether levels. Someone was using Illegal Magic here, and it seemed to be just about everywhere he directed his nose.

"Both of you, stay here for a moment, alright," Natsu said softly as he pulled them both back toward the station. "The effects of the spell aren't as strong here, so let me deal with this."

"Ngh… My head feels so … light," Elise panted, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. "This is… Seduction Magic…"

"Something in my head… I think it wants us to go to the center of Hargeon," Erza added, equally as flushed as they both sat down on the stairs leading toward the station. "Please hurry…"

Nodding, Natsu let go of their hands and dashed into the city with blinding speed. His nose could easily guide him to the caster as the trail of Magic in the air led directly to where Erza had said. The center of Hargeon.

And, sure enough, a large crowd of women had formed in Hargeon Square. All of them were squealing and cheering for a single man at the center who lapped up the attention. The moment he heard one of the girls call the man Salamander however, he knew exactly who he was dealing with.

Sprinting toward the edge overlooking Hargeon Square, Natsu launched himself off of it, flying over the crowd as orange lightning crackled at his fingertips. The man seemed to sense this as he suddenly looked upward in shock, right as Natsu bore down upon him.

Extending two fingers out toward the man, Natsu concentrated as he fired a controlled burst of Crash Magic at him. The man blocked it with both arms, but that was exactly what Natsu had hoped he would do, as it allowed his Crash Magic to reach its intended target.

All ten rings on the man's fingers cracked and shattered at once, the spell emitted from them being broken as every girl around them suddenly snapped out of the spell they'd been put under. Landing at the center of the crowd before the man, Natsu cocked back and uppercut him, sending him flying into the nearby fountain.

"What … just happened," one girl asked as they all looked around confusedly. "How did I … get here?"

"Wait … that man there just knocked that man out … Was that man…?"

"He used some sort of Magic on us!?"

"That man just saved us!"

Natsu suddenly found himself the recipient of a grateful horde of lovely ladies as they all crowded around him. His focus however wasn't on them, as the man stood up within the fountain, already preparing to attack.

"All of you, get back," Natsu barked as he raised two fingers right as the man fired multiple fire-based projectiles at the crowd. "Crash Arts: Crash Shield!"

Multiple orange colored Magic Circle sprouted before the crowd and intercepted the attacks, rendering them into harmless cubes that bounced off of the girls, jiggling like jelly. The girls all began to do as Natsu said, falling back across the square so that he could confront the person who had ensnared them.

"You have a lot of nerve," the man snarled hatefully as he stepped out of the fountain. "How dare you destroy my rings!"

"Widespread use of Illegal Seduction Magic, impersonation of an S Class Mage and attempted murder… You're in quite a lot of trouble," Natsu replied as the man grit his teeth. "Isn't that right, Bora?"

Self Proclaimed Salamander

Former Mage Of The Titan Nose Guild

Member Of The Hand Of Damocles

Dark Mage

Bora The Prominence

"What!? How do you know who I am," Bora hissed as he entered a defensive stance, suddenly much more cautious. "Just who the hell are you!?"

"Me? No one special… Well, actually, I do happen to be called Salamander from time to time," came the amused response as he watched Bora flash through a myriad of emotions.

"Ah shit, it's actually you!? The hell are you doing here Dragneel!?"

"Nothing that need concern you Bora. Tell me though, are you working this job alone, or do you have any of your fellow Dark Guild buddies around?"

"I ain't telling you SHIT Dragneel!"

"Fair enough. Not like I don't know your Guild anyway," Natsu shrugged in response as Erza and Elise arrived on the scene. "Ah, perfect timing! Girls, meet the man of your momentary infatuation!"

"This is the guy," Erza growled as she summoned a blade from her Requip Space.

"That Guild Mark on his shoulder belongs to the Hand Of Damocles, a Dark Guild that specializes in acquiring slaves," Elise frowned. "It's a good thing Natsu was here to stop him, because all of these women would have been taken and sold into slavery…"

"Not nice Bora. Seems after Gildarts and I took out your previous Guild Master, you lot didn't get the memo," Natsu sighed with a shake of his head. "Last chance to tell me where your Guild is hiding before I get annoyed…"

"I'm not afraid of you Dragneel! Without Gildarts, you're nothing!"

"Is that right? Tell me then Bora, just who was it that knocked you out last time we met?"

"That doesn't matter," Bora hissed as he began releasing his Magical Power. "You're just some wannabe hero who can't stand up to Dark Guilds on his own without Gildarts Clive at your back! Without his power behind you, you're noth-!"

Before Bora had the chance to finish his insult, Natsu had closed the distance between them and punched him in the face, his body lurching forward as he smashed his head into the concrete, knocking the Dark Mage out cold.

Erza and Elise had expected as much, having witnessed Natsu demolish a wholly superior opponent in The Cortex, but the crowd around them lost their minds. Roars of applause and praise echoed around them as two Rune Knights moved in and immediately cuffed Bora.

"Just a heads up you two. This guy uses Magic that messes with your head, so don't just bind his Magic, suppress his voice as well. He can bypass the basic restraints using Siren Magic."

"You know this Dark Mage?"

"Bora The Prominence, a Dark Mage from the Hand Of Damocles."

"Thank you, Sir. You've done well to stop this fiend. We couldn't do anything since he had so many civilians around him when he was using his Seduction Magic."

"Don't worry about it," Natsu replied with a wave of his hand. "When you guys eventually get him to break and spill all the secrets about his Dark Guild, feel free to send a job request to Fairy Tail to have us handle them. It'll be an S Class Job most likely."

"We will inform our superiors Sir," the Rune Knight saluted. "Thank you for your service!"

The Rune Knights dragged Bora away as Natsu turned to face Erza and Elise who had approached during his conversation.

"Well, that was interesting. Guess this trip wasn't a waste of time after all, huh?"

"I'm still annoyed we got ensnared by that sick bastard," Erza growled. "There has to be a way to defend against that kind of spell, surely?"

"You basically have to learn Seduction Magic yourself in order to do that," Natsu replied with a shrug. "So, I mean, if you're down to learn Illegal Magic then by all means do that, but its not easy to master."

"Please tell me you don't know how to use Seduction Magic…?"

"I know one single spell and I'm not using it here in front of a bunch of young women who all probably have crushes on me now," came his immediate response as both Erza and Elise realized that a lot of the girls were indeed checking him out. "We should probably go home now before I get dragged to the nearest bed by a mob."

"Fair enough. You can tell us about how you and Gildarts fought against this Bora jerk and his Dark Guild on the way back," Erza replied as the trio started making their way back to the station.

"I'm still sad I didn't get to see a real Dragon," Elise pouted. "I have to settle for a Dragon Slayer instead, as boring as that is…"

"Whatever bitch, you love me."

"I'd love you a whole lot more if you could show me a real Dragon?"

"Who knows? Maybe he has a Dragon inside him, kind of like how Eliza is able to sit inside your head and take over sometimes," Erza smirked, prompting Elise to giggle and Natsu to snort in response.

"Oh yeah, wouldn't that be ironic. Spent over half my life looking for another Dragon, only for one to be within me the whole time. Imagine that?"

The trio laughed as they made their way back to the station in good spirits.

***POTD***

Arriving back in Magnolia late in the afternoon, the trio made their way to the Guild Hall. Upon walking in, they were surprised to find it mostly empty. A rarity for the time of day, as most of the Guild would be getting dinner or getting blackout drunk.

Gildarts was sitting at the bar, talking to Mira. The pair both seemed rather troubled by something, neither smiling even as the trio approached.

"Oi, Gildarts," Natsu called out. "We're back!"

"How'd it go in Hargeon?"

"Man, you aren't gonna believe this," he grinned. "Remember that Dark Guild we crushed in Scarlione? Hand Of Damocles?"

"The Slaver Guild? What about them?"

"The guy running around calling himself Salamander was Bora The Prominence."

"No way…"

"I folded his sorry ass and told the Rune Knights to have the Council give us the job to take down Hand Of Damocles."

"You and I should definitely take that job whenever it comes in," Gildarts replied with an amused grin. "It'll be just like the last time … only with more explosions."

"Hell yeah," Natsu grinned back as the pair bumped fists. "Anyway, why were you and Mira looking so down?"

"Ah, yeah," Gildarts sighed as his good mood soured somewhat. "So, turns out that you've stumbled across something pretty damn big."

"All right. Lay it on me, what's going on?"

"Alright. So, those Dark Mages you encountered on the train went out and stole a Dark Magic Artifact. More specifically, a Demonic Flute known as Lullaby."

"A Demonic Flute? By Demonic, do you mean …?"

"Yep. We're talking a Demon from the Books Of Zeref."

"Shit…"

"My contact sent me this," Gildarts continued as he placed a tattered cloth that had an insignia on it. "Anyone care to guess who this belongs to?"

"That's the Guild Mark for the Dark Guild Eisenwald, a subsidiary Guild of the Oracion Seis," Elise replied immediately.

"You really know your stuff," Erza replied as she nudged Elise. "I'm impressed."

"So, we have this Eisenwald Guild that have stolen a Demon from the Books Of Zeref," Natsu began as he paced back and forth slowly. "It is safe to assume then that this is what they plan to unleash on Clover. They want to kill all the Guild Masters present, causing a catastrophic power vacuum across the country which the Dark Guilds would capitalize on."

"Couldn't have said it better myself Natsu. Judging by the fact that they think this is gonna be all they need to take out over thirty Guild Masters, including Makarov, who is a Wizard Saint, its got to be something strong. I wouldn't rule out Death Magic as a possibility in the Demon's repertoire."

"Do we have any idea where these bastards are now," Erza asked with narrowed eyes. "Clearly, we should intercept them before they even reach Clover."

"Fortunately, I actually do know where they will be," the Crash Mage replied. "From what my contact said, they're planning on attacking the town of Oshibana, which is only several kilometers away from Clover. We don't know why they're planning an attack there, but ideally, we want to stop that from occurring at all."

"We'll head out immediately," Natsu replied before looking at one of the few people still in the Guild Hall, pondering something. "Hey Gildarts?"

"What?"

"I want to bring Gray along for this?"

"Gray," the older man repeated, somewhat curious. "Do you think he can handle it?"

"Though he's not as strong as myself, Erza or Elise, he's still one of the stronger members of the Guild. His Magic could be very useful on this…"

"Well, I can't see any reason for you to not bring him along if you and Erza think he could handle it," Gildarts replied with a shrug. "Two S Class Mages and two potential S Class … yeah … actually, that's not a bad idea."

"I assume that you'll be headed straight for Clover," Erza asked the older man, eliciting a stiff nod. "That's reassuring."

"If by some miracle they get past you, I'll be there to face them. As Natsu might say, a classic intercept strategy from the old days."

"Assuming you actually show up on time," Natsu scoffed, getting a smack on the back of the head. "OUCH!"

"You deserved that one."

"Dick," Natsu huffed as he turned to Erza and Elise. "You two better get whatever you need, I'll talk to Gray real quick."

"We'll meet back at the station in an hour then," Erza nodded in response as the pair quickly darted out of the Guild Hall.

Turning and walking over to where Gray sat, eating a hot meal, Natsu slid into the seat across from him.

"Hey man."

"What's up Natsu?"

"Trouble, that's what," Natsu sighed. "Are you willing to do me a solid?"

"What's the problem," Gray asked seriously as he pushed aside his food.

"A Dark Guild has stolen a Demonic Flute that's actually a Demon from the Books Of Zeref," Natsu began, Gray's eyes widening momentarily as his gaze hardened. "I'm putting together a team to go after the Dark Guild that stole it. I want you to be a part of it?"

"Say no more Natsu, I'm in."

"Are you sure? Its going to be the four of us up against a Dark Guild and potentially a Demon? I'm inviting you along because I know that physically you can handle it … but can you mentally handle this?"

Gray exhaled sharply through his nose as he leaned back into his seat.

"I know why you're asking, and you're right to. But I'm not going to back down if we have to face this Demon. If I can't face this, then how can I face Deliora, y'know?"

"Listen Gray… I only ask because of what you told me when we were younger, about Deliora. I know you never deny it when I mention it, but Deliora mentally fucked you up man…"

"I've had a long time to come to terms with Deliora and what he did to me," Gray sighed. "Facing this Demon with you guys, assuming it comes to that, will be an important first step for me. I can feel it…"

"Then welcome to the team Gray," Natsu smiled as the two men clasped each other's hands and shook once. "We leave in an hour."

"I'm ready to go now if we need to," Gray replied as Gildarts approached.

"Sorry to intrude on the cute moment between the two of you, but I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm having Mira officially log this as an S Class Job for the Guild. For you and Erza, this won't mean much Natsu. But for Gray and Elise, this will give them a higher shot at the S Class Promotion Trials later this year."

"Really," Gray asked, clearly surprised. "Well, now I definitely can't let you guys down!"

"Enough fantasizing about glory ice pop and let's get going," Natsu smirked. "See you in Clover old man. Try to actually get there on time for once?"

"Keep running that mouth Natsu," Gildarts scoffed as he grabbed him into a headlock. "You forget that I'm still the better one out of the two of us."

"Better at being useless, yeah."

"Heh. Little shit," Gildarts smirked as he let him go. "Be safe."

"You too old man," Natsu replied quietly as he turned on his heel, motioning for Gray to follow him. "Come on, we've gotta get moving."

The two young men left the Guild Hall as Gildarts returned to his place at the bar.

"I hope they'll be alright…?"

"They probably haven't realized it yet. But that's the strongest team Fairy Tail has seen in decades," Gildarts replied with an amused smile. "Anyway… I think its time we sent a letter to Makarov and updated him on what's going on."

Mira nodded and moved to gather something to write with as the Crash Mage nursed his mug, wondering just how this situation was going to turn out?

***POTD***

Meanwhile in Clover, Makarov had been having the time of his life.

He always enjoyed these social gatherings with his old friends. It reminded him of the good old days, back when he was just a regular Mage with no responsibilities and status, They'd been drinking and partying all afternoon, all enjoying a much needed break from running their Guilds.

The old man was about to refill his drink as a spectral bird flew through an open window and landed on the table in front of him. Noticing the attached letter that glowed a deep red color, the old man's eyes narrowed.

'Red? That's the emergency color,' Makarov thought as he opened it up and started to read.

Master Makarov,

Sorry for being the bearer of bad news, however, there is a serious threat to the safety of not just yourself, but all of Clover.

Natsu has uncovered a plot to assassinate all the Guild Masters present at the Clover Conference using a Demonic Flute known as Lullaby. This plot is being enacted by the Dark Guild known as Eisenwald, a subsidiary of the Oracion Seis.

Natsu has formed a four man team consisting of himself, Erza, Gray and a new member by the name of Elise. The four of them are moving to intercept the entire Eisenwald Guild in the nearby town of Oshibana, as Gildarts has found evidence that they plan to attack there first.

By the time you read this letter, Gildarts will have left the Guild Hall and is on his way to Clover directly. Should Natsu fail, he will be there to help you face Eisenwald and the Demon Lullaby.

Stay safe Master,

Mirajane

Makarov felt like he'd just aged ten years from reading the letter. Knowing that several of his children were going to engage this Eisenwald Guild over in Oshibana had his stomach doing knots.

As a Wizard Saint, he naturally had a greater knowledge of things going on in Fiore that the general Mage didn't. The Demon Flute Lullaby, for example, was something that most certainly concerned him.

Preparations would need to be made immediately in case the Flute was unleashed. Unlike many other supposed 'Demons' that Wizard Saints were often sent to deal with, Lullaby was the real deal.

He could only hope that Natsu and his team could stop Eisenwald before they deployed it…

He would have faith in them.

He always did.