3

Natsu and Erza were completely exhausted as they arrived in Crocus around sunset. The pair had opted to run the last leg of the journey to the capital to ensure that they would be able to retrieve Erza's luggage that night.

"Well … That was a pretty solid workout, huh Erza," Natsu asked in between breaths as Erza shot him a mock glare.

"I need a bath for sure once we pick up our stuff," Erza huffed in response as she handed Natsu some water which he promptly drank.

"The station is just over there. Let's go find your stuff, then find somewhere to stay for the night. Then, the Princess may have her bath-."

"Shut up Natsu," Erza huffed, though there was no malice behind her words as they entered the station.

After a quick chat with one of the station attendants, Erza's luggage was promptly returned. Once that was settled, the pair made their way out onto the city streets as they tried to find a place to stay.

After some walking, the pair finally found an inn that had a vacancy. The Honey Bone Inn might not have been rated five stars like the others around it, but it certainly had a quaint charm to it as the pair entered.

"Welcome to the Honey Bone Inn," a young, pretty receptionist chirped. "Would you like a room?"

"A single room, please," Erza replied before Natsu could even open his mouth.

"I have just the room for you," the girl replied as she handed them a key. "Second floor, third on the right. "If you'd like, you can store your luggage in our back area?"

"I'll do that," Erza nodded gratefully as she turned to Natsu. "Head up and get settled in, I'll just be a moment."

Natsu nodded and took the key from her, ascending the stairs and quickly finding their room. Opening the door, he wasn't too surprised to see that the room matched the rest of the hotel. Modest, almost homely in its design. It certainly had a charm, no one could deny that.

Walking inside, he sat on the bed. Almost immediately, he felt bored sitting still as he started clacking his heels together. Before he could start messing around though, Erza arrived.

"I must say, the service here is quite wonderful."

"Yeah."

"Are you thinking about the job again?"

"No. Well, not entirely," Natsu admitted as he laid back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "I always just get a bit antsy before a job, that's all."

"I know what you mean," Erza agreed as she sat down next to him. "Especially an S Class one."

"We should probably at least try to get some rest tonight though. Only, it has to be after the Princess gets her bath-."

Natsu received a pillow to the face before he could finish speaking. Blinking, he smirked before grabbing the one to his right and whacking her over the head with it.

"Ah-!"

"Two can play at that game Erza-OOF!"

Natsu was cut off again as several smacks of a pillow across his face knocked him down. Grinning, he rolled over and grabbed two of them and held them in a defensive stance.

"Oh … It is so on!"

Erza giggled as they started smacking each other with pillows, all thoughts of their job tomorrow momentarily forgotten.

***POTD***

Elsewhere in Crocus, at the Rune Knight Headquarters. An older, portly man frowned as a young woman yawned in his direction.

"You are aware that you will be dispatched alone for this mission," the portly man asked, earning little more than a snort of amusement in response.

"Oh wow… I can't believe that I'm being made to do another job solo," the girl replied mockingly. "I actually cannot believe it."

"You really need to fix that attitude of yours," the portly man growled. "Show some respect to your superior officers-!"

"Why should I," the Rune Knight scoffed in response. "You people hate me anyway. You all exclude me and talk shit about me because I'm stronger than all of you put together. Bunch of jealous cu-."

"Now just hold on a moment-!"

"ENOUGH," another voice boomed as another figure entered the room. "Do not insult the Captain further. She is, after all, correct in her statement that most of you are jealous."

"C-Councilman!"

An elegantly dressed man with distinct, medium length shaggy blue hair walked in. He stood about seven foot two, had blue eyes and had a rather notable red tattoo both above and below his right eye.

The man smirked as he entered. All the Rune Knights immediately kneeling before him, save one.

Member Of The Magic Council

Wizard Saint Rank Seven

Siegrain Fernandes

"With that being said," Seigrain continued as he looked toward the girl. "You should consider treading lightly as well, Captain. You may be the best Rune Knight we have, but the Magic Council could still vote to get rid of you."

"I'm well aware of that," the girl sniffed as she flicked a stray strand of her silky black her from her eyes. "But I suppose it doesn't really matter either way, does it?"

"I'm sorry," Siegrain replied with a raised eyebrow. "What exactly are you implying?"

"Only that we both know this is a farce," the girl scoffed as he prepared to leave. "I know most of the Council wants me gone. They hate that I refuse to bow to them and their petty requests. They don't like that unlike all these weaklings here, I have enough of a spine to tell you lot no."

To his credit, Siegrain simply smiled and nodded. After all, she was most certainly correct in what she was saying. To Seigrain, she was most certainly someone worth keeping around. She had value in dealing with real problems. However, most of the Council couldn't see past her carefree attitude and her lack of respect toward them.

"Will you still take on this mission, despite knowing this?"

"Of course I will. The chance to strike at Dark Guilds is something I'll always relish," the girl replied coolly. "That being said, one has to hope that these Fairy Tail Mages you've requested are up to snuff. If not, things might get messy … again."

"I think you'll be pleasantly surprised once you've read through the dossiers provided," Siegrain replied with a small smile as he motioned toward them on a nearby table. "As for what you call a messy situation, Captain. Well, I would hope you'll at least try to show some restraint?"

"No promises," the girl grinned as she picked up the dossiers and made for the exit. "After all, War is never predictable."

As the girl left, Siegrain couldn't help but smirk at the thought of killing two birds with one stone.

***POTD***

The next day, Natsu and Erza had left the inn nice and early after a good night's sleep. The pair had made their way over to the Heart Kreuz Company Headquarters at Natsu's insistence.

Arriving at the front gates, they waited patiently for the gate guard to actually take notice of them. Eventually, Natsu rapped two fingers on the window, which only garnered them a verbal acknowledgement.

"Sorry to bother you. My name is Natsu, and-."

The gate guard had suddenly launched himself from his seat. Exiting his booth, he was shaking one of Natsu's hands with both of his own, sweating profusely as he stuttered out a response.

"S-S-Sir Dragneel!? I d-didn't expect you, Sir!?"

"I don't have an appointment," came his curt response. "Is Jessabelle in?"

"Indeed she is Sir! I'll call ahead and inform her of your arrival," the Guard replied hastily. "Please, both you and your guest go on ahead!"

Natsu nodded curtly, seemingly used to this as Erza simply watched the interaction in bewilderment. The pair eventually walked up the cobblestone path toward the ornate entrance to the Heart Kreuz Headquarters, their coat of arms emblazoned across the door in solid gold.

"What was that about," Erza muttered once they were out of earshot of the man. "And why was he calling you Sir Dragneel?"

"Don't worry about an explanation now," Natsu replied as he placed a hand on the left door. "Jessabelle will undoubtedly tell you all about it."

"Jessabelle," Erza muttered, not quite sure where she'd heard the name before as Natsu pushed open the door.

Before them was the main lobby. Armor of all types had been placed around the foyer, and their reflections visible off of the sparkling floors. Natsu walked straight up to the reception desk and, to Erza's shock, the receptionist actually bowed to him.

"Greetings Sir Dragneel, and welcome to the Heart Kreuz Fiore Branch. The President shall be with you momentarily," the receptionist said in a rather calming tone.

Internally however, Erza was anything but calm, as her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

"That name … Madame President Jessabelle, Third President of the Heart Kreuz Company," Erza whispered as she eyed Natsu like he was some sort of alien. "Natsu? How the hell do you know her!?"

"It's a long story. Likely one that Jessabelle will tell you herself," Natsu replied, his attention moving to the stairs as he heard the sound of heels striking the floor above.

"Natsu my dear, welcome," a deep, alluring voice purred as Erza looked up and saw her.

The woman stood at five foot seven, had long blonde hair that was done up into a long braid that went down her back and wore a stylish black dress with the Heart Kreuz logo emblazoned on the collar. Her striking green eyes almost glittered as she slowly made her way down to them, stopping short and offering them a courtesy.

"Welcome to you as well, Erza Scarlett."

Third President Of The Heart Kreuz Company

A Wealthy Socialite

An Expert Forgemaster

Jessabelle Kreuz

"No way … You know who I am," Erza gasped, almost squeaking as the middle-aged woman giggled softly.

"Considering how much money you've spent on our products in the last decade, I'd be a poor businesswoman if I didn't know who you were. Even more so when you consider the fact that you basically give my company free PR by dominating your foes in our products."

"Oh my god … THE Jessabelle Kreuz just complimented me," Erza half squealed, eliciting an amused giggle from the older woman before she shifted her focus back to Natsu.

"As for you," the older woman continued as she glided over and flicked his nose. "You never call, you never write? Do you sweep all women off their feet at royal galas only to vanish and never call them again?"

That had Erza's attention as she snapped out of her stupor and looked between the pair in shock. Before she could speak however, Natsu beat her to the punch.

"If I recall correctly, we danced because that one Viscount in Illy's Court wanted you for the night and wasn't taking no for an answer. So, I, as the dashing and charming individual I am, swooped in and saved the night."

Jessabelle rolled her eyes and flicked him on the nose once again. Though, Erza noted, she didn't deny what he said.

"Here for that favor, I presume?"

"Yes."

"Favor? What's she talking about Natsu?"

"You didn't tell her," Jessabelle asked in genuine surprise. "I thought you'd have told her immediately?"

"It works better as a surprise," came the curt response.

"What surprise?"

"Why, the new Armor Natsu is having commissioned for you," Jessabelle replied casually as Erza blinked, clearly not fully registering what Jessabelle just said.

"Wait … what?"

"Like she just said Erza," Natsu grinned back. "I'm having an Armor made for you. It'll be the only one of its kind."

Erza was rendered utterly speechless. As a woman who loved Heart Kreuz and their Armors, this was literally a dream come true. To have an Armor made by them that only she possessed.

"I-I don't know what to say…"

"I can think of one thing you can say," Jessabelle smirked only for Natsu to cut her off before she could continue.

"Say yes, obviously."

"Spoil my fun," the President huffed as Erza nodded quickly.

"Y-Yes! Of course I'll have the Armor done!"

"Excellent," Jessabelle replied as she clapped her hands together. "Erza, I'll need your measurements before Natsu and I can get to work."

"What do you need Natsu for," came her curious reply as she scribbled down her measurements onto a clipboard Jessabelle provided.

"It has to do with the Armor itself. More specifically, what makes it so unique," the President replied as an Assistant strolled in with an empty trolley. "Natsu, the materials?"

With a wave of his hand, dozens of hides and scales emerged from his Requip Space and into the trolley. Jessabelle nodded approvingly as the Assistant carted them away.

"That will be more than enough to make the Armor and blade," Jessabelle nodded before turning to Erza. "We'll be about two to four hours Erza. You're welcome to wait here if you want, but I can't let you into the Forges. Company secrets and all that."

"Fair enough. I might go and get something to eat then," Erza replied, clearly excited to see what the finished product would be.

As she left, Natsu turned to Jessabelle as the pair made their way out the back and downstairs toward the Heart Kreuz forges.

"How is Illyandra?"

"She was doing as well as could be expected, given the circumstances."

"The war has taken its toll on her, hasn't it?"

"Of course it has. Her country is everything to her, yet she's fighting what seems to be a losing battle. Its … hard to watch, honestly."

"We both know she has no choice in the matter, Natsu. Her fate is tied to her nation, we cannot change that."

"I know. I know …"

"That being said," the President sighed as they reached the doors to the forges. "It doesn't make it any easier knowing one of my dear friends may very well die soon."

"We can only hope that the war somehow shifts into her favor," came the solemn response as they entered the forges. "We can only hope…"

***POTD***

Erza returned after several hours of wandering the city. She practically skipped back into the lobby, clearly excited for her new Armor. As she entered, she noticed Natsu and Jessabelle. The pair were both rather dirty and grimy from the forges and were drinking some water.

Her eyes then fell upon the finished product, and she couldn't help but tear up a little at it.

"Yes, you can wear it right now if you want to," Natsu chuckled as Erza sent the Armor to her Requip Space and prepared to put it on for the first time. A bright flash of light filled the lobby. And, when it died down, she now stood there in her new Armor.

The Armor looked beautiful. Pulses of Natsu's magic could be seen coursing through the Armor in various colors. The design itself looked extremely intimidating, like something from a more wild age. The top half was covered in scales. The pauldrons were as sharp as a blades edge and had three layers of scales weaved into them. The breastplate was covered in angled scales in order to ensure that an ordinary sword would break similar to a Dragons Scale. The area around the stomach was left open however thin bits of bone were attached on the left and right sides to join the top half of the Armor with the bottom half.

The second half of was just as impressive as the first. The remainder of the scales had been woven together similar to the breastplate. However, they allowed freedom of movement similar to a regular skirt. The skirt went to Erza's knees, and also had the same magic pulsating through it as the top half.

The boots and gloves were made from the bones of the slain Drakes. The gloves had sharp spikes extending from the front and back to ensure more variety in combat as had the boots on the front and back parts of the legs.

The headgear impressed Erza the most though. It was a tiara made from the remaining bones but in the centre of the crown lay a Lacrima full of Natsu's magic. Summoning the blade to her right hand, it appeared in a flash of light. Forged of bone and layered with scales, Erza knew it would slice through many things with ease.

"This has to be the best gift anyone has ever given me," Erza whispered as she looked over at Natsu, who was currently looking over her form approvingly. "Thank you so much for doing this for me. And you as well, Miss Jessabelle!"

"Just Jessabelle, Erza. A friend of his is a friend of mine, after all."

Erza smiled softly and nodded as she sent her new Armor back to her Requip Space and moved closer to the pair.

"Thank you … Jessabelle."

"It was my pleasure," the President smiled. "But on that note, I think its time I had a bath. I'm covered in grease and soot. Hardly the appearance the President is supposed to have, is it?"

"And yet, you'll be back in there before long," Natsu replied, getting a playful shove in response.

"Fair point. Now, off you go! But, do stop in again if you need anything else," Jessabelle continued as she ascended the stairs once again. "The doors of Heart Kreuz are always open to the both of you!"

Natsu chuckled as Jessabelle went out of sight, shaking his head at her antics.

"Ever the dramatic," he sighed. "Speaking of having a bath though…"

"Yes. I think you definitely need one before we meet this Council contact," Erza agreed. "And, whilst you do so, I'm going to acquire some decent clothes for you."

"Why? What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?"

"You're wearing hermit clothes. Literal rags," Erza replied with a huff as they left the Heart Kreuz Headquarters building. "Go back to the inn and bathe. I'll be along shortly with your new clothes."

"How come you get to pick out my clothes?"

Instead of receiving a verbal response, Erza merely glared at him until he was forced to agree with her. Not that he really cared either way, since he probably did need new clothes.

"Fine. I'll see you back at the hotel," came the amused response as the pair parted ways.

***POTD***

"So, that's the famous Natsu Dragneel," asked Siegrain who had watched Erza and Natsu's exchange. "His dossier photo certainly doesn't do him justice, does it?"

"Indeed he is, Lord Seigrain. And I must say, he is truly a fascinating individual," came the alluring response from a woman next to him who was mostly obscured by shadows.

"Things are proceeding according to plan, so there isn't any need to interfere. Erza can have her fun for now, until we need her."

"Indeed Lord Seigrain. Although, I do think we should keep an eye on Natsu Dragneel," the woman replied as the image in her orb zoomed in on him. "Erza might be formidable, but he's an unknown."

"Not entirely true," the blue-haired man countered smoothly. "There are snippets of his past that can be found, if you know where to look."

"Of course, Lord Seigrain. So, I'm free to keep an eye on him as well?"

"Of course. As always, you are free to observe as you see fit. However, keep in mind that we cannot directly interfere, not unless it's absolutely necessary."

"Of course. I have no plan to confront either Erza, Natsu, nor anyone else during this operation. I shall merely observe … as always."

"Good. Keep me updated on what happens in regards to either of them," Seigrain replied as the woman nodded curtly. "Especially Erza. We can't have her getting TOO far, considering what she knows."

"Of course, Lord Seigrain. As you know, I'll do whatever I must," the woman replied before slowly leaving the room.

Though she had left, her scrying orb still sitting on his desk and tracking Natsu. Leaning back in his seat, Seigrain watched Natsu's form and smirked.

"I wonder what role you will play in the plans to come … Natsu Dragneel?"

***POTD***

Late in the afternoon, after having prepared themselves as best they could, Natsu and Erza set out from Crocus. Arriving at the designated crossroad several kilometers outside of Crocus' West Entrance, the pair now merely had to wait for the Council representative.

"Any idea who it is that the Council are sending," Natsu asked curiously, garnering a shrug in response. "Gramps said it was a member of the Rune Knights, right?"

"A Captain, yes."

"Do you think that's them," he replied as he motioned toward a cloaked figure slowly approaching in the distance.

"I'd be very surprised if it wasn't, but you never know?"

Natsu and Erza waited patiently as the cloaked figure took several minutes to approach their position. Once they arrived, the pair were surprised when a rather young woman spoke to them.

"Are you two the S Class Mages from Fairy Tail I'm supposed to meet?"

"Depends who's asking," replied Natsu casually.

"Touché," the woman replied with a smirk as she lowered her hood.

The young woman was almost as tall as Natsu, standing at seven foot seven and had long, silky black hair that she had kept in a ponytail. Her eyes were a blood red coloration and she had several small scars around her face and neck areas. The rest of her body was obscured by her cloak, but it was obvious she had some muscle as her bicep alone was two thirds as large as Natsu's.

Representative Of The Council

A Captain Of The Rune Knights

A Lover Of Battle

Elise Faulkner

"Nice to meet you Elise," Natsu replied as he shook her hand, genuinely surprised when he found himself having to exert strength to shake it. "Natsu Dragneel, Fairy Tail S Class Mage."

"Erza Scarlett, also an S Class Mage of the Fairy Tail Guild," Erza added as she shook Elise's hand, not seeming to notice her strange strength.

"A pleasure to meet you both," Elise grinned as she motioned for the pair to follow. "Come. Let's get off the road and out of sight so we can plan out this attack."

"I assume that since you're the Council representative, you've got some info we don't," Natsu asked as they moved a short way into the nearby tree line.

"Hah! Hardly," Elise scoffed. "You actually think that the Magic Council was going to supply us with some useful intel?"

Erza snorted at that. Natsu seemed confused by her response, but Elise decided to chime in helpfully.

"She's right. When it comes to gaining intel on literally anything, the Council are utterly useless."

"So, we've only got the bare info that the Council already gave us in the job description then?"

"Afraid so. Fortunately, though, it seems they at least had some modicum of intelligence by sending the two of you as well as myself," Elise replied with a nod. "Unlike the majority of Mages, we might be able to pull this off if we execute this correctly."

"Then let's start at the beginning," Natsu sighed as he summoned a map out of his Requip Space as they sat down near a fallen tree. "What do we think about the Stealth option?"

"Not feasible," Elise replied immediately. "You won't even be able to get inside to try and use that approach. See the gates on the south side? That is the only way in or out."

"I'm assuming they have a way of screening for anyone not part of their Guild," Erza asked, eliciting a nod from Elise.

"Runic Array set up around the exterior of the gates that scan all incoming and outgoing things for anyone not registered with the central ward. Stealth simply wouldn't work here.

"Which means we basically are gonna have to take on the entire Dark Guild ourselves," Natsu muttered as he pondered their chances. "Our targets are their leadership. What's the intel on them?"

"That, I actually can provide some decent information on," Elise replied as she placed down three photographs. "Take your pick."

"Let's start with Markus Twinshadow then."

"Right. Known as the Left Hand of Valtheim, Markus is notorious for being a sadistic piece of trash. He likes to use his Shadow Magic to overwhelm his enemies with sheer numbers. Records indicate that he's slain a battalion of Rune Knights aided by several Guild Mages using his Shadow Magic."

"What about Falk Transil," Erza asked curiously.

"Known as the Right Hand of Valtheim, Falk is the brains of the operation. He's an extremely skilled Swordsman, capable of drawing his blade and striking faster than a lightning bolt. He's defeated countless S Class Mages and even a few Guild Masters."

"And The Cortex?"

Real name is unknown. The Cortex is considered extremely dangerous since he wiped out four allied Guilds that tried to take him down … by himself."

"Seriously," Natsu asked with a raised eyebrow. "Do you know how?"

"He has a spell called Beyond All Limits. All records suggest that he can somehow bolster his strength with it through the Black Arts, though no one has actually survived a direct encounter with him to speak about it."

"Anything else?"

"He has an extreme hatred for the Magic Council. Far worse than any Dark Mage I've ever come across," Elise replied with a frown. "No one knows why, but he absolutely despises them."

"Suppose it doesn't really matter though," Natsu shrugged in response. "What matters is putting a stop to him and his Dark Guild."

"Very true," Elise agreed. "So, who's fighting who?"

"I feel like we need someone to quickly demolish Markus Twinshadow before he can overwhelm us with his Shadows."

"I agree with Natsu. Though the other two seem to be more capable than him. Twinshadow has a numerical advantage that could overwhelm us."

"Well. I suppose I'll take him on then, since I'm pretty quick and good at crowd control," Elise replied as she looked to Natsu. "No offense to Erza, but you're going to have to fight the Guild Master."

"None taken. I know Natsu is stronger than me," Erza replied with a wave of her hand. "I'll face Falk Transil."

"Then, with our targets chosen, we just have to figure out a way past that damn gate," Elise continued, only for Natsu to wave a hand in response.

"I can handle the gate myself. You two just focus on getting to your targets quickly."

"You have a plan?"

"I have something that'll deal with that gate alright," Natsu grinned savagely in response as he clenched his fists. "You'll see when we get to Castle Valtheim."

"Fair enough I guess," Elise replied as she looked to Erza who shrugged, not having a clue what Natsu had planned. "I suppose we should look at heading out to Castle Valtheim then?"

"Yeah. It's a few hours away, right?"

"Right. If we run, we'll make it right after the sun has set," Elise replied as the trio got up. "You both ready for this?"

"Of course."

"Yeah."

"Good," Elise nodded before smirking. "I think I may actually enjoy working with the two of you. Let's go!"

The trio collected all the documents they'd been examining and set out toward Castle Valtheim. As they ran, they all had begun mentally preparing themselves for the battle to come.

They knew that taking out Valtheim's Razor would weaken the operations of the entire Bharam Alliance. Failure simply wasn't an option.

They would defeat the entirety of Valtheim's Razor … or die trying.