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Chapter Text

The island was gone and water-filled the place where it once stood. The huge black and blue dragon didn’t even wait to see what was left or even try to finish off the boats that were not too far from where the sacred island once stood. Anyone who saw stood in awe of the raw power they had just witnessed and stood in silence because they knew no one could have survived that blast. That’s what they thought at least.

After the sea had stilled, a white scaly scarf rose to the surface of the calm ocean. A young man with a mop of pink spiky hair popped out of the water gasping for air. He gabbed for the scarf pulling it close like a lifeline. Disoriented, it took him a minute to steady himself. After him a young woman with bright scarlet hair. She coughed and sputtered out water trying to keep herself afloat. After her, a young girl with blue hair popped out thrashing, coughing, and sputtering desperately trying but failing to keep afloat.

“Natsu! Help!” She screamed. Both the boy and the redhead dove to help their friend.

“Wendy!” They both cried. What just happened? Where they were? They had no idea, but first things first, stay alive!

                                                                                                                         ~Seven years later~                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

A young boy stood on the dock looking toward the sea. The water gently rose and fell as the small waves bounced off the dock walls. The white clouds drifted as the wind pushed them along the sky. The sun gently shown on his black hair as he silently listened to his busy guildmates in the distance as they were getting a boat ready. It became almost a tradition to visit the place where Tenrou Island use to be. Some went out of respect for the dead. Some said that the island would one day come back. The boy had desperately wished for that to be true that one day they would come back home, but it had been seven years. He was starting to believe that maybe he was wrong. Maybe they were gone.

“Romeo!” He glanced behind him to see a young girl with blond hair running up to him. “This is where you are. Your dad’s looking for you.”

“Leave me alone, Mara,” Romeo sighed. His gaze returned to the glimmering sea. What did his Dad want now?

“Do you think they’ll find them?” She asked quietly. This was a touchy subject for him. One Mara knew she had to tread lightly with.

“I… I… I don’t know.”

“We will,” said a feminine voice behind them. “I have a really good feeling about this time.”

“That’s what you said last year, Erza!” Romeo snapped swiveling around to the new speaker. Mara stepped back. Erza was a scary lady when she wanted to be. She had long red hair that went all the way down to her ankles and practically always wore armor. However, this time she wore more casual clothing because she was helping the other Fairy Tail members load the ship.

“No, I said that I had a good feeling last year,” she replied. “This year is a really good feeling. There’s a difference.” She gazed out toward the ocean. She clasped a hand on Romeo’s shoulder. “Don’t worry Romeo. We’ll bring them home.”

“I can’t wait to meet them,” Mara said excitedly. You could see the stars in her eyes. “Since you have such a good feeling can we go with you this year?”

This perked Romeo up.

“Yeah, please Erza?”

Erza shook her head. “No, this isn’t a vacation or a sightseeing trip Romeo,” Erza said sternly.

“I know but-,” Romeo said, but Erza cut him off.

“No buts, Romeo!”

They frowned but conceded the battle. Erza lifted a finger to her chin trying to think of something to cheer them up. “How about you go back to the guild and see if Master can find a good job for the both of you.”

“Ok!” They said as they raced back to the guild, but as soon as they got out of earshot Romeo came to an abrupt stop.

“Romeo, what’s wrong? Why did you stop,” Mara asked? “Aren’t we going back to the guild?”

Romeo let out a huge grin. “I just thought of a great idea. We’re going to sneak on board and see what’s left of Tenrou Island ourselves. Who knows, we might just find something that they missed.”

“What!” She cried. “But Romeo, Erza just told us no. If Erza or someone else finds us, we’ll be in big trouble!” One thing you really shouldn’t do was anger Erza or the Master.

“Not if we don’t get caught, Mara.” Romeo winked. “Besides, they can’t be mad at us if we if a clue or something. So, are you in?”

The fire dragon slayer sipped his morning beer. He had wild spiky pink hair. He wore a black trench coat with gold trim. He had white pants and had brown boots that went up to his knees. The guild was already getting noisy. The chatter of people filled the entire hall, but to the dragon slayer, it was quieter than usual. Erza had left this morning, and Natsu was already starting to miss her.

“Natsu!” Maco yelled on the top of his lungs bashing open the guild doors. He had aged a bit in the past seven years Natsu thought to himself. He had less hair on his head for one, but now had a purple mustache draped above his mouth. His white coat whipped behind him. Natsu then noticed a white sheet of paper in his hands. “You need to stop the ship!”

“Ship?” Natsu sat on a stool with his back leaning against the bar table slowly drinking his beer. “It left just this morning.”

“Romeo and Mara snuck on board,” he gasped. “I found this note he left me this morning. We got to stop the ship and bring them back.”

“I can’t. As I said the ship has already left this morning,” Natsu said without a hint of concern. Maco was about to say more when Natsu stopped him. “They’re not just little kids anymore Maco. How old is Romeo now? 13? They’re both old enough to start taking care of themselves.”

“I know that, but I’m still his father,” Maco muttered plopping into a chair resting his cheek in his hand.

“But Natsu is right, you have been a bit overprotective over him,” Wakaba said who had been listening to the conversation. “At least six S-class wizards are with them. If they get into any trouble they look after the two of them.”

“I don’t know if you haven’t noticed but three of those wizards you mentioned have motion sickness,” Maco snapped back.

Natsu couldn’t help but chuckle at that last comment. Those three wizards were dragon slayers. It was about five years ago when Wendy started getting motion sick. It wasn’t until then was it realized that all dragon slayers got motion sickness once their senses got to a certain level. Over the years Natsu had met many dragon slayers with motion sickness. It was nice knowing he wasn’t alone with this issue; however, it didn’t mean he didn’t feel sorry for them as well. The horrible feeling of wanting to puke your guts out was not something he wished on anyone.

“Even with motion sickness they’ll still look after those two Maco,” Natsu told Maco. A small cry could be heard below the dragon slayer as a small hand pulled at his boot.
“Igneel what’s wrong? Already missing Mommy,” Natsu said picking up a small redheaded two-year-old boy. He also grabbed a white scaly scarf and handed it to the toddler who snatched it eagerly and snuggled right into his father’s chest.

“Romeo isn’t the only one who’s grown up you know,” Wakaba replied with a smile glancing at Natsu.

“Hmmm,” Natsu looked up at Wakaba not really catching his drift.

“Oh nothing,” Wakaba and Maco chuckled to themselves. Natsu scowled at the two but turned his attention back to his son. Master, you would be proud of what our little dragon slayer has become. Natsu Dragneel the Master of Fairy Tail. Master Dragneel. Maco thought. Yeah, that has a nice ring to it.

* * * * * *

“What Me!” Natsu shouted. “No, I can’t be guild master. If anyone should be guild master that would be Erza.”

“I won’t become guild master, Natsu,” Erza claimed. “We lost all of our S-class wizards except for me. I’ll be picking up the slack in their stead.” However, the other guild members just didn’t want her to guild master because she would be an absolute tyrant with that kind of power.

“That’s not the only reason. Erza doesn’t have the temperament of a guild master….” Maco said, but Natsu cut him off.

“And you think I do! I get into fights all the time because I can’t control my temper….”

“Natsu, would you do anything to hurt this guild?” Maco asked.

“No of ‘course not!” Said Natsu.

“We know that. You are the second strongest in the guild right now. You’ve always been there for us with any problem we had. You always know what to say, and how to keep us going. I’m asking you Natsu. Help us keep this guild alive.” Maco pleaded.

“I’m not gramps. I’ll screw up.”

“And we’ll all be with you when you do,” Erza said. Natsu perked up at this.

“I accept.” He beamed. New determination flashed in his eyes.

* * * * *

It wasn’t that long before the two of them were caught. Romeo and Mara both sat kneeling before the furious Erza who was holding a broken lacrama in her hands.
“Not only did you sneak aboard the ship you also broke our only way of communication with the guild!” The two children flinched as she yelled.

“Aunt Erza! Don’t take us back!” Mara cried.

“Think of us as a new set of eyes!” Romeo pleaded to the furious redhead. “We just might find something you missed.”

“Erza! We can’t turn around!” Jet said.

“Why not!” said a very sick blue-headed dragon slayer who was leaning over the rails of the ship currently emptying his stomach.

“Wendel, why did you even come in the first place? You hate boats.” Alzack remarked.

“I made him. You can always use a water dragon slayer out at sea.” Ezra said. Romeo laughed to himself as he saw Wendel heave the contents of his stomach once more. What good was a water dragon slayer on a boat when he gets seasick? “Also, it’s too late to turn back now. However, I’m sure that Maco and Master will have severe punishments for the both of you when we get back for your disobedience. Do you understand?”

“Yes ma’am,” they squeaked knowing just how much trouble they were really in.

Natsu sat in his office working on paperwork while two four-year-old girls played on the floor with their bother, Igneel. The Master of Fairy Tail had three children. Twin girls, Haru and Nara, were the spitting image of their mother except with pink hair. It was nearly impossible to tell the two apart. Natsu could tell them apart with just his nose. However, for anyone else’s sake, he and Erza gave them their Fairy Tail marks early but in different colors. Nara was given a pink mark while Haru got a red mark. The last one was Igneel who was the spitting image of his father but with red hair. Natsu looked up from his work to peek at the children. They’re usually not this quiet he thought to himself. The word “quiet” didn’t exist in the guild of Fairy Tail. This was quite unusual, but he didn’t have time to ponder it when a rumble rang through the guild shaking the entire room.

“What?” Natsu picked up Igneel rushing to the main hall with the two girls behind him. “What are you doing down here!” He shouted angrily.

“It isn’t us Master,” Multiple people called. He was right Natsu realized. It was coming from outside. Outside the guild, he saw a giant ship in the sky with a blue statue of a horse in the front.

“It’s Blue Pegasus!” Max said.

“Must be their new ship the Christina Advanced,” someone said.

“Beautiful parfum is beautiful indeed,” a loud voice announced.

A small redheaded man jumped from the horse’s head and smacked face-first into the ground. The Fairy Tail guild looked on in stunned silence not sure what to do or if any should help him.

“My apologizes for the wait,” the small man said picking himself up and dusting off his pants. “I come bear important news for you, Maaaaaannnn.”

“Are you okay?” Natsu asked cautiously.

“Daddy, Daddy the funny man fell down,” both girls said.

“Yes, he did girls. Ichiya what are you doing here?” Natsu said. Any time Ichiya came trouble followed. Thankfully Erza wasn’t here. She never did tolerate Ichiya very well.

“Sir Ichiya,” A voice from above said. “I know how you feel, but perhaps you should calm down just a little.” There stood three handsome young men descending from the Christina.

“I can use air magic and all,” said another out of the three.

“Long time no see, everyone!” Said the youngest of the three. These three are known as Hibiki, Ren, and eve.

“They’re so cool,” Natsu could hear one of his guild members say, but they still didn’t answer his question. The next thing he knew the three men were flirting with his female members.

“Ichiya,” Natsu growled trying to rein the situation in. “You said you had something important to tell me.”

“Stop that you three,” Ichiya said. “We are not here for play.”

“Our apologies,” three said in unison hiding behind Ichiya.

“Our friendship is strong,” Ichiya said. “We’ve competed against and alongside each other. I will never forget the parfum of that friendship.” The Fairy Tail guild looked rather confused with this.

“Yes, and we’ll never forget that. Is there something you needed help with?” Natsu asked.

“Using my archive’s data analysis and Christina’s mobility to survey Ether-nano levels,” Hibiki said sounding a bit concerned. “We found that ether-nano has been building where Tenrou use to be. We know you send ships there every year. However, in the last two days, the levels have shot straight up.”

“It shot up?” Natsu said. He thought for a minute to process this new information. He then motioned someone over. “Get me the communication lacrama.” They then ran off to the guild. He then turned to the Blue Pegasus members. “I’ll see what’s going on, on Erza’s side.”

He came back and gave the lacrama to Natsu. “Fairy Tail to Team Erza. Erza are you there?” The lacrama only responded with static. Concern started to show on Natsu’s face.

“Hibiki could the Ether-nano interfere with communication?”

“No. If anything else it would make communication easier.”

“I knew it Natsu!” Maco cried. “Something must have gone wrong.”

“But if there is. It’ll take too long to get there in time by boat,” a black hair mage said.

“That enough!” Natsu shouted getting everyone’s attention. “There’s probably nothing wrong. Their lacrama probably broke or something. However, it wouldn’t hurt to check on them just in case. Ichiya, I hate to ask this, but you think you could give some of us a ride on Christina?”

“Anything to help, Fairy Tail. Maaaaaaaaannnn,” Ichiya posed.

“Haku, Lyra! I got a special job for you,” Natsu said as two young mages ran up to their master. One was a young man with green hair, and the other was a young girl who also had green hair who was Haku’s younger sister. “Can you look after the girls and Igneel while I’m gone?” Natsu asked handing Igneel to Haku. Lyra on the other hand took both girls.

“Aye! You can count on us, Master.”

“Good. Wendy, Mest, Maco, you’re with me,” Natsu exclaimed. It wouldn’t hurt just to check. Just in case… Erza, everyone please be alright.

Erza stared out at the vast sea. There was nothing. Damn! This time for sure. She thought they could maybe at least find something. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was different. But what?

“Are you sure we’re in the right spot? Maybe we’re off,” Bisca said trying to ease Erza’s frustration.

“No, we’re in the right spot.” Said Max. “I double-checked.” Bisca scowled at him. Not helping, she thought.

“Any luck with your telepathy Warren?” Erza sighed.

“No, it’s just us here,” Warren said trying to read anyone who could be out there.

“Hey Erza, I hate to be the one to say this, but we’ve been looking for seven years. Even if we do find anything do you really think they’ll be alive?” Max asked solemnly. That was the last thing any of them want to find. Their friend’s remains.

“I don’t know Max,” she said still looking for any sign. She struggled to say the next part. “But if we do find what’s left. At least they can finally have a proper burial.” Romeo looked at the strong redhead. Even he could see small tears in her eyes. He then realized this may be their final search. The adults were accepting defeat.

“What do you mean…,” Romeo didn’t get to finish when Wendel spoke up.

“Hey! The ship stopped moving,” he said standing up free of his motion sickness now. He was right. The water was completely still. Two more dragon slayers came up to the main deck. One white-haired dragon slayer with red eyes. Her skin was as pale as porcelain, and she wore a white dress. The other was a young gray-haired man with black eyes. He wore all black and was smoking a long pipe.

“Hey, the boat stopped,” the white-haired dragon slayer, named Opal said happily.

“The wind stopped too,” Bisca said holding a finger in the air to feel anything.

“It too quiet,” said the gray dragon slayer named Ash. “There should still be a few creatures like a bird or something.”

“Hey, what’s that on the water!” Wendel pointed squinting out at the vast ocean. There was a small black figure standing out on the water.

“It looks like a little girl,” said Opal trying to get a good look. “But how did a little girl get out here?”

“She’s standing on the water!” Wendel shouted.

“Bring us closer!” Erza ordered the mages. Romeo and Mara looked out onto the water. He put his hands over his eyes to see through the glare. She looked to be a small girl with light blond hair. She wore a white frilly dress, and he could see was indeed standing on the water.

“She looks like a fairy,” Mara whispered.

“Who is that?” Max said. The little girl smiled and raised her arms. The ocean grew rough as golden beams of light shone around the girl. The golden water threw the boat about. Erza quickly grabbed the two kids holding them close, so they didn’t fall off. A golden globe rose from the water that bore the symbol of Fairy Tail itself. Inside the globe, they saw a familiar sight.

“That’s…,” Erza awed.

“Tenrou Island,” Romeo gasped.

The globe then disappeared, and the girl walked to the island and into the forest.

“Follow her!” Erza commanded, and they quickly followed. They raced up the beach into the forest, but they lost sight of the girl.

“Jet scout ahead,” Erza said.

‘Yes ma’am,” said the lean mage dashing off. It wasn’t long before he came along to a ditch. When saw what was inside, he gasped.

“Jet what did you find?” Bisca panted running up to the mage. Down in the ditch was an unconscious jet-black-haired mage who they knew instantly. Erza wasting no time jumped in shook the mage to wake up.

“Gray wake up!” Gray awoke a bit groggily.

“Shut up, Natsu!” He yelled punching Erza in the face but instantly realized his mistake when he saw the furious red monster in front of him. “Erza! I’m sorry!” They soon found the others scattered around the island. Gramps and the Tenrou group stood in front of the rescue team as they explained the situation.

“So, you’re telling me we’ve been gone for seven years!” Makarov said. “Who’s currently looking after the guild.” He looked quite anxious now.

“You’ll see,” Erza said with a smile. A low rumble could be heard in the distance.

“That’s not Acnologia again, is it?” Gildarts said looking at the sky for any dragons. Maco and Wendy were running towards them. Maco bear-hugged Romeo thanking God that Romeo was ok. Wendy got straight to work healing whoever was wounded.

“Is Natsu with you Wendy?” Erza asked.

“Yeah, he’s on the beach right now with Ichiya,” Wendy said. “They alerted us there were high levels of either-nano around here, and you weren’t answering your lacrama so we thought we should check on you.”

“Yes, Romeo and Maru broke the lacrama. Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Wendy hugged Erza out of relief. “It’s just good to see that you’re all ok.” Erza was practically like her sister. She didn’t know what she would do without her.

“Thanks for the ride, Ichiya,” Natsu said.

“We’ll always be here to help lovely parfums like yourselves,” Ichiya said.

“Ichiya, I mean it thanks…. Man,” Natsu said warily. “Tell Master Bob that too. I’ll never forget what you and Blue Pegasus have done to help Fairy Tail over these past seven years.” Ichiya only posed and said man again before he left in the big airship. Natsu turned around taking in the sight of Tenrou Island. The island that took away so many people who meant so much to him.

“Natsu!” Maco called with tears streaming down his face. “Natsu they’re alive! They’re really alive.” As much as he was crying Natsu knew those were tears of joy.

“Well, who is this fourth Master Erza. You said he would be here, but all I see is Natsuuuuu….” Makarov couldn’t finish that sentence realizing what this meant.

“Huh!!!” The whole Tenrou group gaped looking at the fire dragon slayer up and down. There was just no way Natsu could be guild master.

“How much debt are we in! Natsu how much did you break? Who did you tick off? What were you all thinking? Erza why didn’t you at least take over the guild?” The former Third Master rambled.

“Makarov!” Maco yelled. “How could you say that? Natsu has worked long and hard to keep the guild going while you were gone, and that’s how you thank him.”

“Maco, that’s enough. Erza, I heard from your conversation with Wendy about your lacrama troubles,” Natsu sighed before looking toward the boat that was in the harbor. “Well, if that’s everyone then let’s head back home.”

The noise at the guild was as loud as ever now that it got its missing members back. Natsu sat at the bar again drinking his evening beer. The guild was happy and lively and partying for the seven years their lost members missed. That was all he needed. Makarov pulled out a stool next to him.

“I owe you an apology,” he said solemnly.

“Gramps, you don’t owe me anything. This is my family. Of ‘course I’m going to look after it.” Natsu said taking another sip of his beer.

“And you’ve done a good job. Even I can tell that,” Gramps said turning to Natsu. “I’m sorry for what I said.”

“Huh, a good job?” Natsu scoffed. “I screwed up a lot, Gramps! I had a lot of help from other guilds. Wizard saint Warrod financially supported us for a few years. The council is always hounding me about something. One for these days I swear, I’m going to kill them! I’m still making mistakes gramps.” Natsu let out a sigh. The two were silent for a minute.

“But… I’ve learned something from each mistake and moved on,” Natsu said with a smile. “Now that your back though, I guess the guild will go back to you.”

“No. This is your guild now Natsu. I meant it. You’ve done a good job. All these new members don’t know me. They know you. They trust you. You are their guild master. It wouldn’t be fair to them, or you if I made you step down. Now, I can finally retire,” Gramps smiled as well. He was proud of his little dragon slayer. He could still remember the little wild child he once found in the woods all those years ago. He blinked. He didn’t mean to, but he blinked and now his child was a grown man. He noticed Natsu’s face turned serious.

“Gramps…... I’ve seen that in the basement,” Natsu said.

“Not here. We’ll talk about this tonight.”

Natsu and Makarov descended a flight of staircases. Makarov opened a huge pair of doors, and a blight light showed through.

“Have you shown anyone this? Does anyone else know?” Makarov said.

“Erza does. She was here with me when I opened it. I didn’t have the heart to show Warrod this though. Gramps, please tell me you didn’t do this?” Natsu asked.

“No, I did not. This has been here since I became guild master.” Natsu let out a sigh of relief.

“So, we can assume that Master Prec did this,” Natsu said.

“We don’t know that. We don’t have the full story. You may be right though.” Gramps said closing the door again. However, both mages knew. This must be kept a secret.

BONUS STORY~

“Natsu! You can’t do that.” Romeo shouted. Mara just down at her feet. Her cheeks were red with shame. There before them was Natsu. His eyes locked on the two children. Maco only nodded in approval.

“You heard me, Romeo,” Natsu growled. “You snuck on a ship scaring your father half to death. Mara, your actions aren’t any better. You knew better than to follow Romeo. Did you really think you weren’t going to get punished?”

“But-”

“No,” Natsu said refusing to let Romeo finish. “As punishment, both you can’t do any jobs for a month and that’s final.”

“Yes, Master.” The two children said in unison. The fire dragon slayer’s face softened. He bent down so that he could look the two children in the eye.

“What you both did was extremely dangerous and reckless. You’re lucky that you both were found quickly.” Natsu said. “Nothing bad happened, but what if something did. If no one knew you were there, you could have gotten hurt, and no one would know to help you. What’s even worse, you broke the communication lacrama. So, when we couldn’t contact them, we didn’t know if you or anyone else on the ship was hurt or worse. If there was something wrong, I would never have known. You’re lucky this time, but what about next time! Someone could have gotten hurt or worse because of the two of you.” At this point, the two children were in tears.

“We’re sorry. We’re sorry Master!” Mara choked through her muffled sobs.

“We won’t do it again, Master. Promise!” Romeo refused to look him in the eye. Natsu wrapped the two of them in a massive hug.

“I know you’re sorry. You both made a mistake, but you’ll never make this mistake again, right?”

“Yes, Master.”

Chapter Text

Natsu awoke to a redhead mage sleeping next to him. Her chest gently rose and fell with each breath. Her hair matted across her face. Warm under the sheets he longed just to stay a little longer. However, that wasn’t going to be possible today. It was going to be a busy day. It was best just to open the guild early. He kissed his wife’s forehead and checked on the three kids before he left.

The guild was empty and so quiet. For the dragon slayer, the few moments of silence were absolute bliss. Being a dragon slayer had its downsides sometimes. He truly loved the guild. He did. However, even the guild would get too loud for his heightened hearing. On days like those, he would often stay in his office to do the paperwork though he hated it with a passion. With the Tenrou group was back, he had no doubt the guild was going to be louder than ever. As people came in, they grew more restless. Rumors quickly swarmed the guildhall that morning. Now that the Tenrou group was back where were they going to stay? Their old homes were gone or sold to someone else. Now that the third master was back, would Natsu step down?

“Shut up! And listen up!” Natsu shouted to quiet the noisy guild. “First of all, no, I’m not stepping down. I’m the guild master of this guild, deal with it! Second, this announcement is for the Tenrou group. Everyone’s things are in the basement. All your things should be there. If you find anything missing or damaged let me know. Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep up your apartments. However, all the girls can move into the Fairy Hills. There are plenty of rooms there now. To help you settle we’ll pay your first month’s rent. As for the men, you will have to rent an apartment just like everyone else. We’ll pay this month’s rent of’ course. I would like you all to start doing jobs as soon as possible. However, for all S-class wizards that were in the Tenrou incident, you’ll not be allowed to on any S-class jobs for at least a month. As for the rest of you, I don’t want you going on a job without someone I approve of going with you."

“That’s not fair! Wh-” Gray started to say when Natsu cut him off.

“I wasn’t asking for your opinion Gray,” Natsu said. A few members laughed. “Seven years have passed. Things have changed. I don’t want anyone to go on a job and get hurt because they didn’t know about something that had happened in the past few years. Am I understood!”

Natsu scanned the crowd. Everyone nodded. “Ahem,” Makarov coughed currently standing beside Natsu. “Like Natsu said. I will not be taking over again. Frankly, I don’t see the need. Natsu has been handling things for seven years. I’ve been wanting to retire for a while now anyway. I will of ‘course will be staying for a couple of weeks just to help settle things. I will visit a lot. So, don’t cause trouble for Natsu.”

“Your dismissed,” Natsu announced. “Laxus, Gildarts, I need to speak to you in my office.”

“Sorry for the mess,” Natsu said as they entered the office. There were toys skewed across the floor as well as stacks of papers. “There’s a couch can sit on there.” Natsu motioned to the two men.

“What did you need us for master?” Gildarts inquired playfully.

Natsu smiled at the comment however his face turned quite serious. “First of all, Laxus I would like you to rejoin the guild.”

“But Gramps kicked me out! You can’t just bring me back,” Laxus shouted.

“I can Laxus. Gramps may have kicked you out, but I also have the authority to bring you back,” Natsu smirked at the blond. “Everyone forgives you and misses you Laxus. After your help on Tenrou, you’ve earned the right to come back. Besides I can’t afford to let you go to another guild either.”

“Yeah fine. Because you asked,” Laxus grumbled crossing his arms against his chest. “This doesn’t mean you can boss me around though.”

“What’s the second reason?” Gildarts eyed Natsu.

“While you were gone the king of Fiore created the grand magic games. This is a tournament to rank all the guilds. We’ve always ranked first very time, but the king is up to something. I can’t pinpoint it yet, but the palace is doing something. I’ve seen perfectly skilled wizards fail to do spells. It’s like their magic was just drained from them. Even some of our wizards have been affected a couple of times. They allow some of the other guilds to cheat. The games are rigged. We just barely managed to get first last year. Plus, one of the guilds managed to kill another guild member and made it look like an accident!” Natsu growled.

“Thankfully, he wasn’t one of ours. However, I’ve talked to other guild masters, and they’ve agreed with me. That was no freak accident. If Fairy Tail doesn’t join the games, our credibility will go down. People will say we chickened out or we’re cowards. However, I refuse to put people in those games, unless I know they would be able to handle themselves. To make matters worse, they’re rigging the games more and more against Fairy Tail. It’s no fun when the same guild wins every year. This is why they let some of the other guilds cheat. I would like to have both of you participate in this year’s games. It’s more than three months away. I’ll leave it to the both of you to decide.”

Laxus and Gildarts looked at each other. Determination shone through their eyes. How dare some threaten their guild.

“Fairy Tail really must be the strongest guild in all of Fiore is they have to handy cap you and cheat,” Laxus laughed. “Even then Fairy Tail still wins.”

“Natsu, count us in,” Gildarts said. “No one is going to get hurt on our watch. How many are allowed to play? Are there going to be others, or will the team just be Laxus and me?”

“No, each team is allowed five members. However, this year they changed the rules a bit. This year they’re allowing two groups from each guild which honestly makes no sense. Last year we had too many guilds! Why would they want double that amount? As I said they’re up to something. I just don’t know what.” Natsu shook his head slowly.

“Are we allowed to have two teams?” Laxus asked.

“Yes, now that Tenrou is back. I’ll probably ask Mira as well. The games have gotten dangerous over the past few years. I would rather send S-class wizards. The games would be just too dangerous otherwise.”

“No need to start worrying Natsu,” Gildarts exclaimed confidently. “You’ve really grown up, but there’s no need to start acting like an overprotective father or something. That’s my job now.”

Natsu gave Gildarts a puzzled look. “Gildarts, have you seen the floor?”

“Yeah, do you do run a daycare or something now?”

“Gildarts, he’s saying that he’s already a father.” Laxus smiled. “You and Erza though? When did that start?” Laxus could smell Erza’s sent all over the fire dragon slayer.

“Wait what! Natsu! Wait you married Erza!? Natsu when did this happen!?” Gildarts stammered waving his hands about.

“I married Erza five years ago. It was tough for a few years while you were all gone. If being guild master wasn’t enough, I also had to deal with the fact that we lost most of our core members. It was a lot to cover all those extra jobs. Erza would help me with the paperwork some nights. We all had to work together. I don’t know. She just wasn’t as scary to me anymore. She became like my best friend especially with Happy gone. She was there for me when I needed it.” Natsu gave a little grin just thinking about it. “We have three kids. They’re downstairs with Erza now.”

“Natsu, thanks for watching over the family while we were gone. I’m really proud of you kid,” Gildarts said putting his hand on Natsu’s shoulder beaming with pride. “I’m sorry.”

“We both are,” Laxus said.

“I know.”

“Now let’s go see those brats of yours.”

Ezra fought to keep the three little ones still. Mealtimes were always a challenge as they had taken after their father in manners. The twins got waffles and whipped cream with lots of strawberries as an apology for leaving them with sitters last minute. Igneel was happily munching on the sliced strawberries as red sticky juice ran down his face, his hands, and his father’s scarf. It would have to be washed again. She thought to herself. Happy also joined them munching on some mackerel. Natsu and Happy were finally reunited on Tenrou. Her spiky-haired husband had missed his blue-furred friend so much as he was like a son. Even though he had moved on over the years there were many joyful tears when they met again for the first time in seven long years. Happy happily agreed to move back in with Natsu finding he was now an older brother which he adored the idea. She was glad to see Natsu so happy. The first few years without their friends were rough. Now their long-lost family had finally returned home without even aging a day.
“Erza who kids are those?” Erza heard a voice behind her.

“Gray, their mine. I married Natsu five years ago,” Erza said smiling and her three children lifting her left hand relieving two rings wrapped together. One ring was a gold band with a ruby teardrop-shaped jewel while the other was silver with a teardrop-shaped diamond.

“You married that Pyro!” Gray shouted.

“Oh, congratulations,” Lucy said. Lucy said walking up to the both of them. “How did this happen?”

“Hmm… What do you mean Lucy?” Erza asked giving her son a new slice of strawberry.

“We mean how did you and that dumbass…. Well….” Gray muttered.

“He means when did you start dating?” Levy popped in. “And congratulations. What’re their names?”

“The one with the pink mark is Nara and the other is Haru. As for our son, we decided that we would name him after his grandfather, Igneel. As for when we started dating, I-it’s none of your business,” Erza stammered. Her face, however, grew as pink as her husband’s hair.

“Erza, you hooked up with Natsu. Even I never would have guessed that one,” Mira Jane said with a twinkle in her eye. “But the real question is how good was he in bed?”

“MIRA!” Erza shrieked blushing even deeper than her hair. Igneel wasn’t too fond of his mother’s shriek and started to cry. Erza comforted Igneel, but he was having none of it. Erza stared daggers at Mira as if to say this is your fault.

“Erza what’s wrong?” Natsu came walking up to the group with Gildarts and Laxus behind him. Erza gave Igneel to Natsu.

“Nothing’s wrong. Mira just said something that wasn’t appropriate to say in front of children. That’s all,” Erza muttered.

“I see,” Natsu said skeptically. Igneel was more than happy to see his father and promptly grab Natsu’s hair with his sticky hand. “Aw Igneel. Really,” he sighed. Erza giggled at her husband’s frustration.

“Natsu, you have twin girls! More to love, but how do you tell the two apart. They’re like two mini Erzas. Oh, and congratulations to the mother of ‘course,” Gildarts said cheerfully.

“It’s easy for me to tell them apart. Their scents are different. Erza uses her mommy senses or something. Don’t ask me how that works. However, for everyone else’s sanity, we gave them their guild marks early. Nara has a pink mark while Haru has a red one.” Natsu pointed to the two pink hair girls.

“Can they use magic yet?” Laxus asked as Natsu let Gildarts hold Igneel.

“Of ‘course not. That would have been an absolute nightmare,” Erza said. “Can you imagine what that would be like to have babies who could use fire any time they cried or just because they thought it was funny? Our house would have burned down by then.”

“They won’t be able to use magic until they’re at least five or six although I know at least they should be able to use my fire magic,” Natsu said. “They can eat fire just fine. They just can’t use it yet.”

“You gave them fire!” Gray was shocked. “What possessed you to give them fire. What if you burned them?”

“First of all Gray, no matter what they will get some of my abilities. My dragon slayer magic is hereditary. My kids and my grandkids and on will essentially be fireproof from birth. However, if they don’t practice this skill, they could lose it. So, it’s best to start teaching them early.” Natsu informed him.

“So, Natsu how did you and Erza start dating?” Mira said wanting to hear all the juicy details.

“Huh?” Oh dear. Lucy thought. He’s still as dense as ever. “What are you talking about? Dragons and dragon slayers don’t date.” Natsu said as if it was common knowledge. This just left Mira and the others with more questions than answers.

“It’s a dragon slayer thing don’t worry about it,” Erza replied. “Laxus, are you rejoining Fairy Tail?”

“Yeah, looks like I have to. If the old man is gone, someone will have to make sure pinky here is running things right.”

“Hey!” Gildarts knew even though Natsu looked mad, he was bursting with joy. The guild had to go through rough times in those seven years. Even though they managed to pull through, it still hurt. They weren’t there when they needed them. The boy he thought of as a son had to grow up without him and be the man of the family. No matter what he wasn’t going to ever let his family get hurt like that again.

“Goodnight sweethearts. We’ll see you in the morning,” Natsu said kissing his daughter’s foreheads.

“Night Daddy,” Haru yawned.

“Night, night Daddy,” Nara said returning her father’s kiss on his cheek. He tucked the twins in bed and turned off the light lacrama. He saw Erza walk out of their bedroom.
“Is Igneel asleep?”

“Yeah, he’s sleeping with Happy. You should get some sleep too,” Erza said as she wrapped her arms around Natsu nuzzling her face in his back.
“You should get some sleep too you, Erza,” he retorted back to the redhead.

Soon both of them were in bed, but neither of them could find sleep. Erza felt Natsu pull her close. His warm breath on her nape. Did he fall asleep?

“I was scared,” Natsu whispered.

“Huh?”

“I was scared that I might have lost you. You weren’t answering your lacrama. I thought you disappeared as they did.” His voice was shaking. Erza turned around and buried herself in his chest.

“I’m sorry,” she choked out the words. They both fell silent for a time.

“Thanks for everything Erza. Thanks for spending all those late nights with me trying to get all the stupid paperwork done. Thanks for just being by my side through this whole mess. I love you; you know.”

“You idiot. Why wouldn’t I?” Erza kissed his cheek. “I love you too.”

“Can you believe it’s really been seven years?” Natsu chuckled. “Our missing family is finally home.”

“Where they should be.” Nothing could be heard except for their soft breaths as they both drifted off to sleep in each other embrace. They felt lighter. Their burdens and sufferings all most seemed like a dream. For the first time in seven years, they slept without worry.

BONUS STORY~

Haru and Nara quietly crept through the hall giggling in an attempt not to wake their parents who were sound asleep.

“Whatcha doing?” Happy asked his new little sisters. They quickly shushed him.

“Quiet! You’ll wake up Mommy and Daddy,” Haru said.

“We’re going to prank Mommy and Daddy!” Nara giggled.

“Really! Can I help?” Happy asked eagerly.

“Yeah, but you have to be quiet,” Haru demanded folding her arms.

“Aye,” Happy grinned. “I promise.” With that, both girls and their older brother put mission: Whip Cream on Noses Plan Q into action. Due to their mother’s love for sweets, there was always whip cream in the frig.

The three tipped toed down the hall straight to their parent’s room. The door was already open, so they didn’t have to worry about creaky doors. Crawling army style, they made their way to their Father’s side of the bed. Their father laid on his back softly snoring with their mother securely wrapped in one arm. Spreading the whip cream in their father’s free hand, Happy plucked one of the feathers from his wings lightly tickling Natsu’s nose. Natsu in turn scratched the itch smearing whip cream on his face. The three pranksters giggled at their work but gasped when they noticed their mother start to stir.

“Haru, Nara what are you doing?” She asked groggily. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her husband. Clasped a hand over her mouth to conceal her laughter.
“Natsu,” Erza chuckled shaking her husband’s shoulder. “Natsu, wake up."

“Erza…” Natsu mumbled half asleep. He brought his hand to his face. “Wait… Huh? What is this?” Erza couldn’t take it anymore and burst out laughing.

“Girls!” Natsu shouted as the three pranksters scurried out of the room giggling all the way. Natsu turned to his wife. “Remind me to put a child lock on the frig. Something even Happy can’t break.” Natsu moaned. However, at that moment the biggest smirk grew on his face.

“Natsu?” Erza had started to say when Natsu promptly pinned Erza to the bed smearing the whip cream on her face as well.

“Natsu!” Erza pushed him off the bed. Natsu clung to his stomach laughing on the floor. Overall, a typical morning for the Dragneel family.

Chapter Text

The guild was filled with noise as always. Gray expected this as the guild was always loud. However, over the past few days, he hadn’t seen Natsu. Since they can back from Tenrou, they never talked just the two of them. They were both busy. Gray had to find a new place to live, find all his things, and pick up jobs when he could. Natsu on the other hand was the guild master. Of ‘course he was going to be busy. One minute they were on Tenrou. The next minute, the guy he considered to be like a brother, though he would never admit it, continued to live his life. He married Erza and had kids of his own. He still couldn’t wrap his head around that. Now that things were finally settling down, how should he talk to Natsu now? He’s the guild master. Gray was also a good seven years younger than him now. Would Natsu look down on him? How much stronger had Natsu gotten? How long would it take Gray to catch up to him?

Gray shook his head to clear away these negative thoughts. They wouldn’t help him, and he had been pushing off talking to Natsu for a while. It was about time they had a real talk. But what would they even talk about? No! stop that. No more negative thoughts. This was Natsu. How hard was it to talk to Natsu? He was funny. He would fight with everyone. He knew just how to put a smile on your face.

Apparently, it was harder than he thought. This Natsu was the same in a way. He smiled. He laughed. He had a gentle presence about him that made you lose all your worries. You just trusted him. However, in the back of his mind, he knew that this Natsu was stronger. It was similar to Gramps being a gentle giant. He had an air of authority about him. It wasn’t menacing just protective.

He spotted Lucy at the counter talking to Mira. Lucy started becoming close to Natsu before this Tenrou incident. Has she talked to him yet?

“Hey Lucy,” Gray said sitting down next to her.

“Hey, Gray.” Lucy smiled. “How are you doing?”

“Good.” He looked over to the white-haired mage. “Mira is Natsu here? I haven’t seen him.”

“No, he’s at a meeting with some of the other guild masters. I’m not quite sure about what though. He should be coming back this afternoon.” Mira Jane smiled her usual smile. “Why was there something you needed?”

“No, not really,” Gray sighed. “Can you get me something to drink Mira?”

“Of ‘course,” She handed him a cup.

“Lucy, now that Team Natsu has been disbanded, are you going to join another team?” Gray asked not sure what he was going to do himself.

“Yeah, I joined Team Silver Wing. They’re a nice group,” Lucy said excitedly but her smile fell as she looked at her drink in front of her. “Although, it’s weird not going on jobs with Natsu anymore. Have… Have you talked to him yet?”

“No.”

“Why?” Lucy asked.

“Probably about the same reasons you haven’t,” Gray answered.

“And what reason is that?” Mira eyed the two mages.

“Mira, he moved on. Without us. We can’t just go back to doing jobs together like we always do.” Lucy sighed staring down at the counter. “Team Natsu is gone.”

“It’s more like he grew up without us,” Gray said before he chugged down his drink. “He has a real family now too. Would he even have time for us Mira?”

“Oi, Gray! Natsu has just been busy with the upcoming magic games that all. He’s missed you guys in the past seven years.” Macao shouted over to Gray and Lucy.

“What magic games?” Lucy said turning over to Macao.

“While you were away, the King of Fiore created a festival where guilds compete to see who’s the strongest guild in Fiore,” Wendel said.

“And we’ve won every year!” Romeo said excitedly throwing a fist in the air.

“We barely won last year Romeo,” Wendy reminded the boy concern shadowing her face.

“That’s because the other guilds keep cheating!” Macao shouted. “The judges won’t stop them either. They want us to lose.”

“They want us to lose,” Levy asked. “Why?”

“Because we’ve won every time,” Wendel said. “They want to knock us down a peg.”

“So, in other words, the judges are against us,” Makarov retorted now listening to the conversation.

“More like rigged against us and any guild who supports us,” Wakaba said as wisps of smoke trailed from his mouth into the air. “A lot of other guilds have been pointing it out since last year’s games.”

“What has Natsu done about it?” Makarov asked.

“Not much we can do but get more guilds on our side,” Macao said. “If we don’t compete, it would be admitting defeat. We would look like cowards.”

“Especially, after last year’s incident,” muttered Wendel lowly, but Makarov still caught it.

“What happened last year?”

“Saber Tooth hurt a member of Lamia Scale,” Wendel explained. “They’re injuries were so bad that they died the next day. They made it look like a freak accident, but everyone knows it wasn’t an accident. The judges or the magic council won’t admit it though. So, no one got charged. That’s why a lot of guilds are speaking out.”

“I heard this year they changed the rules again,” Macao said. “I don’t know what they are, but Natsu seemed pretty wary about it. I think that’s why a meeting was called.”

“When will he be back?” Makarov said. Whatever these games were, they sounded very dangerous.

“Now,” Natsu said at the front of the guild.

“Well, what’s the verdict?” Macao asked eying the fire dragon slayer. Natsu returned the gaze with a cold gaze of his own.

“We’re competing of ‘course.” He grinned. Determination filled his eyes. “We’ll win again.”

“They changed the rules again through right. What are they planning this time?” Macao asked.

“Yes, they did. You’re allowed to send two teams this year….” Natsu said but was quickly drowned out.

“What!”

“They can’t do that.”

“There were too many people last year!”

“Master what are they thinking!”

“Enough!” Natsu shouted. The guild quieted down, but he could see they were anxious for his answer. “They were planning to outnumber us. What they weren’t counting on was Tenrou’s return. That will be our advantage.”

“Master that would be suicide to send them in the games,” Wendy spoke up.

“You didn’t let me finish Wendy,” Natsu said. “I was talking with the other masters, and we don’t want to send anyone but our highest-level wizards. That’s why Fairy Tail will only send S-class wizards.”

“Master we don’t have enough S-class wizards for two teams,” Ash spoke up this time.

“That’s what the magic council thought as well,” Natsu smirked. “However, they didn’t count on Tenrou coming back. We just got three seasoned S-class mages back. If my math is right, that would mean we have ten S-class mages. That’s the exact number we need for two teams. This gives us the upper hand.”

“What about the other guilds?” Max the sand mage questioned.

“They will send two teams as well, but they also have their own ranking systems. Don’t worry about it.” Natsu waved it off. “As for our teams, I’ll split you into team A and team B. For team A, I’m picking Ash Burns, Opal Sweets, Max Alors, Erza Dragneel, and Alzack Connell. As for team B, I’m picking Gildarts Clive, Laxus Dreyer, Mira Jane Struess, Wendy Marvel, and last of all Wendel Walker. There’s are still a little less than three months till the games. Train hard, but also rest well. I can’t have any of you getting sick or wounded before the games. Am I understood?”

“Yes, Master.” Came the reply.

“Then here’s to this year’s games!” He cheered raising a glass. The guild had no problem with this, their cheers could be heard for miles.

No. There was no backing out. He was going to talk to Natsu today. The stuff about the magic games only distracted him. Gray stood hesitating in front of Natsu’s office. Natsu, the guild master of Fairy Tail. He knocked.

“Come in Gray.” He heard a muffled voice. He pushed the door open ever so slowly till he caught the glimpse of the pink-haired man sitting at a long desk with piles of papers. The man looked up from one of the papers he was writing on.

“How did you know that it was me?” Gray asked. Was Natsu expecting him?

“I could tell by your sent mostly,” Natsu said. “Was there something you needed?”

“No, not really,” Gray admitted.

“Oh.”

“…”

“Gray why don’t you sit down,” Natsu said gesturing to the couch to the left of Gray.

“Thanks,” Gray said then sat down.

“Are you all settled in then?” Natsu asked.

“What? Oh, you mean…. Right. Yes, I found an apartment that I liked. The jobs haven’t been too bad either,” Gray said finding his fingers much more interesting than the man in front of him. “How about you? How are you doing?”

“As well as I can be,” Natsu sighed. “Today is just one of those days I guess.”

“Oh,” Gray muttered. The room was silent for a bit. “Did you miss us?” Natsu paused at this.

“Every day. We looked for you for years you know.” Gray finally glanced at the guild master. Natsu took the burden of becoming guild master to protect his family. Natsu was larger than when he last saw him. He was more built at least. He had to be strong to protect the guild he loved. His pink hair was darker and longer as the spikes rounded his face. His dark green eyes were hard and sorrowful. “Every day not knowing whether you all were alive or dead. There were just no traces of you. Nothing.”

“How do you think I feel? Seven years just happen to drift by, and I missed it. We should have been here. You shouldn’t have had to become guild master. None of you should have gone through any of this.” Tears blurred his vision. “The two of us should be goofing off downstairs. Erza would be yelling at us, but that’s how it should be!”

Natsu stared silently at the ice mage. “It isn’t fair! Why did any of this have to happen? Zeref, Acnologia! Monsters and nightmares that shouldn’t even exist. You and I should have passed and become S-class mages. We would have gone home to celebrate. That’s what was supposed to happen! So why were we left behind? The world continued without us. Like we didn’t even exist!” Gray was breathing heavily trying to catch his breath.

“Team Natsu is really gone, isn’t it?” Gray said in almost a whisper.

Natsu sighed. “Your right,” Natsu replied softly.

To Gray’s surprise, Natsu stood up. He had just begun to realize Natsu wasn’t as tall as he thought. He didn’t tower Gray. If anything, he was eye level now. “But you’re also wrong. The world continued because it had to not because we wanted it to. We were fighting things that we didn’t understand.” Natsu sucked in his breath choosing his next words carefully.

“But you’re also right. I needed you here. The guild didn’t just smoothly run with all of you gone. We lost a lot of members, and we couldn’t complete all the jobs. We were barely paying the bills. Erza spent many long hours at night trying to help me complete the mountains of paperwork. The guild nearly went bankrupt a few times the first year. By the second, a wizard saint supported us with finances so we could stay open. It wasn’t till the third year did things finally become somewhat stable. You all were needed and missed. Part of what kept us going, was so that when you did come back, you would have a home to come back to.”

“Really.”

“OF ‘COURSE ICE PRINCES!” Before Gray could react, Gray was in Natsu’s embrace. “Welcome home Gray” He whispered. “I missed you.”

“I’m home.”

BONUS STORY~

It was a late night for Natsu. He was woefully behind on paperwork. It had to get done eventually though. Tonight, just so happened to be that night. If he didn’t get it done by the time Erza got back from her job tomorrow, he wouldn’t have a head. He knew that much.

CRASH! BOOM!

The thunder didn’t help though. Reason number two he was doing paperwork. There was no way he was going to be able to sleep with such a racket. The thunder alone was already giving him a headache. A flash of lightning lit the entire room. It had been a year already, but Natsu still missed them. It seemed like only yesterday that he would challenge Laxus only to lose miserably. Now he knew he was tired if he missed Laxus. Not that he wouldn’t mind hearing that jerk’s voice again.

BOOOOOOOOM!

That one was rather large. Wait! What was that? Natsu thought to himself. It was faint, but it sounded like a squeak. He crept out of his office. Even he had to admit, the guildhall was kind of creepy in the dark. Lighting a lacrama, he went to check for the sound. It wasn’t coming from in the guild though. No, it was coming from outside. Opening the large doors slowly Natsu saw a little boy. His gray hair was a complete rat’s nest. It hung in a mass of tangles that went down to his elbows. His clothes were torn and soaked. Most of his hair was covering up his little face, but he would have thought he is as old as Wendy if he had to guess.

“Get in inside!” Natsu dragged the wet rag of a child inside the guild. Before the child could protest Natsu coated him in fire drying him off. He still looked worse for wear, but at least he was dry. “What in Kami’s name are you doing out in that storm!?”

“It was dryer by the doors.” The child mumbled.

“Tell me where you live, and I’ll bring you back as soon as the rain stops. Your parents are probably worried about you.” Natsu said to the messy child.

Boom!

“I burned down the house. Mom said doesn’t want me anymore cause I’m a demon.” The child shrunk away from the fire dragon slayer.

Natsu eyed the boy. “Come here, kid.” Natsu sat down at one of the tables and patted the spot to his right. “Was it an accident?” The child nodded.

“I-I-I didn’t m-mean to. I was hungry.” He rubbed his eyes trying to wipe away the tears.

“What happened?” Natsu stroked the child’s back.

“Y-you promise not to laugh?” Natsu nodded. “My mom had a w-wizard do something to me. I-I don’t know what it was, but it was really painful. Now I’m always hungry. Food doesn’t make my stomach feel any better. I-it has to be smoke. If I eat smoke the bad feeling goes away. Fire makes smoke. I was just hungry. I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

“I know. Do you have a name? I’m Natsu the master of this little guild, and I think I might know what’s wrong with you.” Natsu said.

“Really you can fix me!” The child gleamed with excitement. “I’m Ash, by the way.”

“I didn’t say that. All I said was I might know what your mom did. If I’m right, there is no cure.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t give me that look! It’s not that bad.” Natsu exclaimed. “Can you smell and hear things that most people can’t?”

“Y-yeah?” Ash stuttered.

“You’re a dragon slayer.” Natsu ruffled the boy’s hair. He could tell just from his sent.

“A what?” Ash gulped.

“A dragon slayer. This gives you the ability to use dragon magic. However, you have to become half-dragon yourself. I admit it was a painful process went I became a dragon slayer.” Natsu explained. He could never forget the day became a dragon slayer. Igneel made him eat a special white flame. It felt like he was being burned from the inside out.

“You’re a dragon slayer?” Ash looked in awe.

“Yeah, it’s not that bad trust me. I’m a fire dragon slayer. You must be a smoke dragon slayer.” Ashes jaw dropped.

“You can eat fire?”

“Yup.” Natsu grinned. “Just like you eat smoke. How much smoke do you eat a day?”

“I’m not allowed to eat go near smoke,” Ash mumbled. Natsu was aghast. He was denied his element. No wonder he set the house on fire! Any dragon slayer would go nuts.

“Ash it’s very important for you to eat smoke every day. That’s why you’re so hungry.” Natsu lectured the young dragon slayer.

“You don’t have anywhere to stay right? How you stay and work here at Fairy Tail.”

“Can I?” Grrrrr.

“You’re hungry right! That’s my fault, Ash. I should have gotten you something to eat as soon you came in. Wait hang on!” Natsu ran upstairs when he came back, he was holding a long thin brown pipe.

“Now I know I shouldn’t let a minor smoke, but I think I can make an exception with you.” Natsu held out the pipe. It was a little old and obviously hadn’t been used in a while.

“This used to belong to the master before me. He was the one who found me and brought me to Fairy Tail. So, take good care of this Ash.”

“Are you sure I can have something like this?” Ash asked picking up the pipe as carefully as possible.

“Yeah, you need it more than I do.” Natsu tapped the pipe causing it to smoke. “Try it.”

Ash took a deep breath letting the smoke fill his lungs. “It tastes so good, but won’t the other master want it back?” Ash asked.

“Nah, he’s more than capable of getting a new pipe.” Natsu’s voice cracked. “Besides he went away for a while.”

“Did say when he was coming back?” Ash asked the question so innocently.

“No, he didn’t.” Ash watched as pain and sorrow glossed over the eyes of the elder dragon slayer.

“Well, that’s kinda mean of him,” Ash said blatantly. Natsu let out a small chuckle.

“Yeah, I guess it is.”

“Do you miss him?” Ash yawned and leaned against Natsu.

“Yes, I do.” Natsu smiled down at the younger dragon slayer. He brushed the hair out of the little one’s face.

“Thank you for helping me, Master Dragneel,” Ash whispered. It was only because of Natsu’s good hearing that he was able to hear it.

“Welcome to Fairy Tail, Ash,” Natsu whispered.

Chapter Text

“Alright, here’s the rules I’m going to give you,” Natsu said as they reached Crocus. The streets were bustling with people. “This year they’re assigning inns for each team. Each team must be in their inn by midnight. You ten are going to go straight to your inns and stay there. Am I understood? I don’t need you to give them a reason to disqualify us for any reason whatsoever. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious and be careful.”

“Yes, Master.” The ten agreed.

Team A was assigned the Honey Bone Inn while Team B was assigned the Skyland Inn. The inns were just like any other inn. However, Team A decided it would be best to check for any traps or any suspicious. In doing so they tore apart their rooms. Sheets were everywhere. Beds were turned over. Every cabinet open with its contents spewed all over the floor as a tornado had run through.

“Erza, I don’t think there’s anything here. I guess we overreacted a bit,” Ash informed the redhead picking up one of the sheets off the floor. “I don’t hear or smell anything either.”

“Maybe, but still keep an eye out. For now, I guess we should clean up a bit.” Erza replied helping Ash and the others clean. It took a bit longer to put everything back. Erza glanced up at the clock. 10:00.

“I guess we wait.”

Team B had different issues.

“Kill it! Kill it!” Wendy screeched as she stood on one of the beds clinging to Mira. Both girls refused to get down as large rats scurried across the floor left and right. The boys had been busy for hours trying to kill them all. This was easier said than done. It was too dangerous to let Gildarts use his magic to kill the rats. He would just break the floor or something else. He was then given a net to catch them instead. Laxus on the other hand was trying to make sure not to hit Wendel’s magic, and Wendel was trying not to get electrocuted.

“Wendel!” Laxus yelled to the water mage who stopped mid-strike. “I got an idea.”

“What?” Wendel drowned another rat with his magic.

“We’ll electrocute the damn rats.” He zapped another rat. “Everyone on the beds!” No one argued with this scurrying onto the beds.

“Now what?” Wendel inquired standing waiting for Laxus’ instructions.

“Well, flood the room,” Laxus said as though it was an obvious next step. He still stood on the floor in the middle of the room.

Wendel caught onto Laxus’ plan and readied a spell. “Water Dragon Slayer Fountain.” Water poured out of his mouth and onto the floor. However, at the same time, he needed to control the water so it wouldn’t seep through the floor. The water pooled around Laxus’ ankles. Yellow lighting danced around Laxus lighting the water like fireworks. Small screeches rang through the room and fell quiet.

“You guys should have figured that out sooner,” Gildarts grumbled stepping off the bed splashing the water.

“Wendel, they’re all dead right?” Wendy wasn’t going to get off otherwise.

Wendel smiled at the sky dragon slayer holding out a hand to help her down. “Yeah, they’re dead. There’s no way they could have survived that. You, ok?” Wendel asked with an ever-bright smile proud of his work.

“Yeah,” Wendy sighed. “I just don’t like rats.”

“Is this what Natsu meant when he said to be careful?” Mira asked smoothing out her dress.

“Yeah, we were probably given this room on purpose,” Wendel growled clenching his fists. They were already playing tricks and the games hadn’t even started yet. What else were they planning?

“Could of it have been Saber Tooth?” Gildarts suggested. Natsu had warned them of that guild especially.

“No, they would have had to put the rats in when we got here. They couldn’t have known where we were staying.” Wendy said then turned to Wendel. “However, we still need to get rid of this water.”

“Yeah, I’m on it.”

Wendy looked at the clock. 10:00. Two more hours till curfew.

Bells rang throughout Crocus signaling midnight. Laxus and the others listened as the last bell rung.

“Attention! Guild members who’ve gathered for the Grand Magic Games!” A voice boomed through the city. “Good morning.” Team B rushed to the balcony.

“A pumpkin!” Gildarts gaped looking at the large hologram of a pumpkin man.

“A hologram?” Laxus questioned.

“He’s the mascot of the games, Mato. He usually explains the rules of each game.” Wendel explained as he pointed to the large pumpkin man.

“The preliminary round to narrow the 113 participating teams down to 8 will now begin,” Mato announced.

“Wait preliminary round!” Wendel exclaimed gripping the rails of the balcony. “They’ve never done this before.”

“Well, they are now,” Wendy sighed. “Bet, they’re just going to try to kick us out through the preliminary round.”

“We’ll just have to make it through the preliminaries then,” Laxus affirmed folding his arms against his chest.

“With more and more guilds entering every year the games are getting boring is all I ever hear.” The pumpkin man dance in the night sky above them. “So, this year only 8 teams will vie for our cheers!” He held up a hand. “The preliminary round rules are simple.”

The ground around them began to shake. All three dragon slayers sunk to the floor holding their mouths trying not to puke.

“The inn is raising!” Mira gasped. The dragon slayer groaned pitifully on the floor.

“Since when did you have motion sickness Laxus? Isn’t that Natsu’s thing.” Gildarts watched the blonde slightly amused.

“Shut up,” Laxus grumbled. “And don’t you dare tell Natsu!”

“Now you will participate in a race! The Domus Flau Stadium is the goal. The first 8 teams to reach the stadium will qualify for the games.”

Wooden steps appeared in front of the team. They could see a bunch of other steps too which looked like they came from the other inns that had risen as theirs. They all led to a giant ball in the sky above them. It looked mass of mazes smashed together.

“Steps. I’m assuming we’re supposed to follow them.” Gildarts said to the rest of the group.

“Probably” Mira answered. “What is the thing?” Mira pointed at the maze-looking ball in the sky.

“Don’t know, but I’m guessing the pumpkin will say.”

“You’re free to use magic. There are no limitations. Only the first 8 teams to reach the goal will clear the preliminary round! However, all 5 team members must cross the goal for it to count.” Mato explained. Gildarts looked at the sickly dragon slayers who were struggling to pull themselves up. The inn had stopped moving.

“Also.” The pumpkin man’s voice turned to a much more serious tone. “We’re not responsible for any loss of life that happens in the labyrinth.” The entire team stopped when they heard that last bit. They were not responsible. They were covering their asses for the death last year, but also letting every guild know they were allowed to kill any guild member they wanted and get away with it. They were going to have to watch themselves.

“Let the Grand Magic Games Preliminary Sky Labyrinth round begin!”

“Let’s go!” Gildarts roared. The five members charged up the steps.

“For Fairy Tail!” They cheered on to the top of their lungs. They were going to pass the preliminaries.

“This is a labyrinth, huh.” Wedel was awed as they had entered. There were winding steps and ladders, and the designs on the floor were dizzying with checkered patterns that twisted and folded with the floors and ceiling. It was the definition of a three-dimensional maze.

“This is going to be a pain.” Gildarts peered at the multiple paths they could go. If they weren’t careful, they were going to get lost. This was a race, and time was of the essence. “Hey, you three are dragon slayers. Can you smell where the goal is?”

“I don’t know what it smells like,” Laxus retorted turning the blue-haired dragon slayers. “Do you guys?”

“Yup.” Wendy sniffed the air. “It’s east. As long as we follow the sent, we’ll be there in no time.”

“Wendy, Wendel lead the way!” Gildarts said. They took many twists and turns. They went up. They went down. They could even walk upside down. Each way was a dizzying sight.

“I hear someone,” Wendel signal everyone to stop. He sniffed the air and Wendy did the same.

“We don’t have time for this,” Laxus fumed. His lighting lit the hallway in a mass of light. Screams could be heard in the distance. It was less than a minute before the screams stopped. They ran up the see the damage. There were five people. However, Laxus, Mira, Gildarts didn’t recognize their marks.

“They’re from Twilight Ogre. A pretty weak guild if you ask me” Wendel frowned at the five burnt men.

“Let me know when you hear anyone else. Ok,” Laxus said, electricity still coursing through him like a lightning rod.

“Right.” Wendy nodded. A siren bared through the Labyrinth. The three dragon slayers frantically clamped their ears shut to block out the noise.

“What the hell is that!” Wendel said gritting his teeth. The ground started to tremble under them.

“Mira grab Wendy! This place is starting to move!” Gildarts shouted as he threw Wendel and Laxus over his shoulders as both were already showing signs of nausea. The gears around them turned as well as the floors flipped sideways or upside down. The labyrinth was rotating. Mira and Gildarts hopped to the only platforms that weren’t moving. Finally, the labyrinth stopped.

“You can put us down now,” Laxus mumbled sliding off the man. “We’re fine.”

“What no thanks for saving you from falling to your death.” Gildarts gave his most pitiful face to look hurt.

“Thank you, Mira!” Wendy said hastily.

“Come on, we need to reach the goal before the labyrinth does that again. They might not give us a warning like that next time.” Wendel warned not wanting to get caught in that again.

“He’s right. Let’s go,” Mira exclaimed, but something caught her eye. “Wait what’s this.” She held up a piece of paper that sort of looked like a map.

“They were probably mapping out the Labyrinth. It’s useless now. The labyrinth moved. Let’s go. We don’t know how many people have made it to the goal yet.” Gildarts chucked the papers as they fluttered to the ground of Crocus below. They traveled a bit when they found a room with grassy pains and old buildings. The sky, however, was a bright blue sky even though it was the middle of the night. They followed the grassy plain to a rocky path over an ocean.

“I can see the goal!” Wendy pointed at the door with neon lettering displaying the word goal.

“Let’s hope. It could be a trap.” Laxus replied. Cautiously they slowly inched up to the door. Mato the pumpkin mascot appeared with a pop in front of them.

“Gildarts Clives, Laxus Drayer, Mira Jane Struess, Wendy Marvel, and Wendel Walker congratulations you have cleared the preliminary round” He clapped and wore a smile. However, the tone in his voice told them he wasn’t pleased at all.

“What place did we come in?” Gildarts asked wondering just how close they had cut it.

“You’ve come in third, and your other team came in first.” Frustration could be heard in the voice of the mascot. He clearly wasn’t expecting both teams to make it two the goal, but Team B stood with pride. They had gained their advantage. That was all that mattered, but who knew what tomorrow brought. They still had to be careful.

BONUS STORY~

“I’ve never seen a fever spike this high before.” Master Makarov said to the pink hair physician. A little boy who couldn’t be no more than ten laid on the bed in front of him. He had pink hair and was extremely skinny. His skin cracked and dried as blankets of boiling heat rolled off the boy who struggled to breathe through wet ragged breaths.

“Why didn’t you call me sooner?” Porlyusica snarled.

“It wasn’t this bad last night. I found him out in the woods nearby. He had a slight fever, but it was nothing like this,” Makarov admitted. “I don’t even know the child’s name.”

“Well, if you’re not going to give me any useful information get out and let me work.” Porlyusica snapped shooing the master out.

“Master, is he going to be, ok?” A young redhead in armor asked.

“I’m sure he’ll be just fine now that he’s in Porlyusica’s hands, Erza.” He said in a reassuring voice to comfort the child. It was only a second later that Porlyusica wearing fireproof clothing burst out of the room cradling the small pink-haired child in her arms.

“Makarov get me a pool of cold water, now!” She ordered. The guild was quick to get it.

“Porlyusica what happened!?” Makarov ran beside her.

“His damn fever spiked again! His temperature is 204. His body can’t take much more strain, Makarov. I need to cool him down. How he’s still alive right now is beyond me.” Porlyusica plunged the boy into the water and instantly sent streams of steam billowed off the water and the boy. However, at that exact moment, Erza saw the boy’s eyes shoot open. His eyes were a dark clouded green, glazed with fever and terror. What Erza didn’t expect was the screaming. The boy screamed and flailed in the water as Porlyusica held him firmly down. That’s when the boy finally spoke. Well… more of screamed.

“IGNEEL HELP!” He screamed. “HELP IT BURNS. DAD IT BURNS! DAD, HELP ME! Dad Please!” Of course, it burns Makarov thought. With his temperature, ice water would feel like fire.

The boy agonizing screams lasted for hours. Buckets of more ice water had to be poured in several times from it evaporating from the heat or the boy splashed it out. Eventually, the boy surrendered and lay helpless in the burning cold water shaking. Porlyusica then pulled him out not even needing the fire suit. She dried him off carefully and laid him back in bed.

“The worst is over. His fever broke. Keep him in bed, make sure to keep him cool. I’ll check on him tomorrow.” Porlyusica said then left. Very few were allowed in the boy’s room. Finally, Erza’s curiosity got the best of her, and she snuck in. It was early morning, so no one was really at the guild yet. The door let out a low squeak as she opened the door to the room. There lay the little boy. He must be around my age she thought to herself, but questions about the boy filled her head. Where did he come from? Who was Igneel? Is that his dad? If he is, where is he now? What happened to the boy to make him this sick?

She stepped over to examine the boy. He had a washcloth on his forehead that had long dried. Better get it wet again. She ran it under some cold water and returned to the boy only to come to face vibrant green eyes watching her. The boy’s eyes tracked her as she walked toward him. His gaze was like that of a stray dog unsure of what to make of Erza.

“Our master found you sick in the woods and brought you here. Your fever broke yesterday.” Erza said in a monotone manner. Erza didn’t like to talk ever much, but there was something about the boy. He felt more like a creature than a person. No, that was a rude way of putting it, but he didn’t seem quite human.

“I’m Erza Scarlet of Fairy Tail and you are?” The boy cocked his head for a second as though he was processing her words.

“Natsu… Natsu Dragneel the son of Igneel.” His voice came out hoarse, probably from the screaming yesterday, Erza gathered.

“Where is your father now?” Erza asked. What kind of father leaves their child in the middle of the woods like that letting him catch the worse fever the guild had ever seen.

“I don’t know. I was trying to find him.” Erza felt pity for Natsu. He was abandoned. Some of the children in the guild were abandoned as well.

“Do you have any other family?” Natsu shook his head. The next question popped into Erza’s head like a bubble.

“Can you use magic?” Natsu nodded. Erza didn’t know why, but a wave of relief washed over her. “What kind?” Erza took a step forward, but Natsu pressed himself close to the bed and growled. His eyes contracted into slits.

“Erza,” The calm voice of the master came from behind her. “Go downstairs and find a job to do. We’re getting behind in some of the little ones.”

“Yes, Master.” Erza snuck past the master taking one last look at the wild boy. His big green eyes locked on to hers. Breaking away first, she left to do what Master asked of her.

Erza drifted away from her daydreaming. That was the first day had met her husband though she still remembered it like it was yesterday. It would be rather hard to forget when she constantly saw those vibrant green eyes every day now. Since then, Natsu rarely got sick. Rarely. They had long figured out why Natsu developed such high fevers. From what Porlyusica explained since Natsu is, unfortunately, a fire dragon slayer. As he can handle high temperatures which meant it takes very high temperatures to kill the virus that managed to survive in Natsu’s body in the first place.

Natsu was once again sick in bed with a fever. Both Wendy and Porlyusica were away and wouldn’t be back till later that day.

“It’s too c-cold,” Natsu murmured under the thick covers.

“Sorry Natsu, the medicine Porlyusica left for us was specially made to lower your body temperature so your fever couldn’t spike too high,” Erza said inserting a thermometer in his mouth for a minute then checked it and frowned. “You still have a fever. It’s at 131. Your normal body temperature is around 115. I’ll get some more ice.”

“Nooo Erza, please no ice. I-it’s too cold already,” Natsu croaked.

“Stop talking or you’ll lose your voice Natsu,” Erza said getting up. Natsu was miserable. It was too cold. He wasn’t allowed to use his fire. His throat hurt. His nose was stuffy so he couldn’t smell very well. Instinctively, he grabbed onto Erza’s skirt.

“Stay.” Natsu pleaded with the red-haired mage. His big green eyes glazed over with fever. Erza let out a sigh.

“I’ll stay till you fall asleep, but then I’m getting the ice.” She ran her fingers through his hair. His body radiated with heat, but it didn’t bother her. Soon his breaths evened out, and he soon fell sound asleep.

Chapter Text

At the stadium, the stands of people cheered for their favored beloved guilds. Balloons of multiple colors filled the air shimmering in the sky like rainbows. This truly was one of the biggest festivals of the year.

“The Grand Magic Games are about to begin!” The announcer exclaimed. “I’m Chapati Lola, and I’ll be handling the play by play while the former council member Mr. Yajima will be providing commentary.” He turned to look at the council member. “It’s good to have you hear, Mr. Yajima.”

“Good to be here,” he replied.

“And our guest for this day is Ms. Jenny Realite, the member of Blue Pegasus who holds the title of Ms. Fiore!”

“We’re going to win this year!” Jenny exclaimed with a bright smile.

In the stands was the Fairy Tail guild. Of course, Team A and B weren’t there. Natsu stood at the front of the stand with the three kids and Asuka. Makarov stood next to Natsu, and the other members were just behind them. They watched intently waiting for the teams to be announced.

“Now to introduce the competitors!” Chapati announced. “First up in 8th place! The army of hellhounds Quatro Cerberus!”

“So, Cerberus is in.” Natsu glanced over to the guild master of Quatro Cerberus. He wore a mage hat with spikes and a choker also with spikes. He was an ally. Natsu knew it was below him to cheat.

“In 7th place, a guild of all girls! The dancers of the great blue sea Mermaid heel!” The whole stadium erupted with cheers from both men and women for different reasons.

“Natsu, why didn’t you tell me about Mermaid heel. How could you keep such valuable information from me?” Makarov whined as he drooled over the sight of the all-girls guild.

“It wasn’t a secret!” Natsu retorted. “Besides Erza is way more beautiful than them.”

“In 6th place, with azure wings that glimmer in the jet-black darkness Blue Pegasus.”

“You can do it, guys!” Jenney cheered.

“Next in 5th place, the goddess of love and strife! The sacred destroyer! Lamia Scale!”

“How did you only get fifth!” The master of Lamia Scale shouted down to her team. The wizard saint Jura was on their team. He would not be easy to beat. So far, the teams were surprisingly good. He could trust them to play fair, and they were some of the guild masters that he talked to before the games three months ago. Maybe things weren’t going to be so bad this year, but he had yet to see his own guild. The higher ranked they were the better, but the anxiety was getting to him. Had they even made it?

“In 4th place is… oh what a surprise! This is this guild’s first debut appearance in the games, and they made the fourth place! Raven Tail!” Natsu’s stomach dropped.

“Raven Tail. They’re a dark guild! How can they compete?!” Natsu felt the blood rush from his face. Things were going sour fast.

“A dark guild!” Makarov shouted at the top of his lungs. Despite his small size, he easily compensated with the volume of his voice. “You’re seriously letting them into the magic games!”

“Damn it! Gramps, this is why I only let the S-class mages in the games.” Natsu let out a low growl.

Makarov still fumed with fury as he looked at his son far in the stands. Natsu was as well. The whole crowd of people murmured amongst themselves. Was Raven Tail a dark guild? The crowd grew uneasy.

“Official sources state that although Raven Tail has existed for over seven years, it appears to have recently obtained official guild status.” Chapati explained calming the audience. This didn’t calm Fairy Tail, however. Natsu hadn’t considered Raven Tail joining the games. Had any other dark guilds joined? There was no way Raven Tail could be good news.

“If it’s been approved by the guild league, then I guess it’s not a dark guild.” Mr. Yajima said apprehensively. Natsu looked down on Raven Tail then at the Raven Tail’s guild master. He was gramps’ wayward son, Ivan.

“I’ve been preparing for this day for a long time. It’s just too bad you retired old man. I guess age really has gotten to you.” Natsu’s well-tuned ears caught the Raven Tail’s Master words. Preparing! Preparing for what. However, he wasn’t exactly given much time to think about the subject when the announcer began speaking again.

“In 3rd place, is Fiore’s most beloved fairies, Fairy Tail!” The audience gave a thunderous cheer as Team B came out. “This is a surprise! I know it’s been known that Fairy Tail’s missing members have been found but seems that three of them will be joining the games this year. We’ll see if they can handle the games.” Natsu let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding, and relief surged through him. At least one group made it in.

“In 2nd place is the saber of death, Saber Tooth!” Natsu ran through all the guilds in his guild head. If Saber Tooth got second, then the only guild strong enough to possibly beat them would be… Natsu smirked a toothy smile.

“In 1st place, oh this a surprise! It’s Fairy Tail’s Team A! Both teams made it through the preliminaries!” Smiling Natsu waved down at his wife.

“Look kids it’s your mother.” The girls squealed with delight as they saw their mother. Igneel didn’t really notice and was more interested in his father’s brightly colored hair. Every guild master stood a gasped at the young guild master. Both teams made it in! Some guild masters went right to yelling that this wasn’t fair.

“We played fair,” Natsu said. His smirk grew even bigger by the minute. Makarov’s jaw hung down hitting the ground. Both teams got in.

“Each team was allowed to send two teams in the games this year, but who could have guessed both of Fairy Tail’s teams would make it!” Chapati exclaimed, but his face frowned in concern. “I understand the audience’s concern though. The competition will be between teams. Can fellow guild members really be allowed to compete with each other? What would stop them from teaming up? I guess that wouldn’t be fair in some regards.”

“What’s there to be fair about. The rules say they can send two teams, and Fairy Tail did. If they team up, they should be allowed to team up. This is the advantage they earned. It should also signify Fairy Tail’s strength. If I’m correct both teams are comprised of S-class mages. The strongest mages in Fairy Tail. It’s no wonder that they got both teams in.” Mr. Yajima explained.

“It still seems a bit unfair though,” Jenny complained.

“Now that all the teams have been announced, it’s time to unveil the event schedule for the Grand Magic Games! First, the contests have rankings from 1st to 8th. How a team ranks in a contest determines how many points it will earn. Additionally, a team can choose any member to participate in the contest parts. Next are the battle parts. The event organizers have chosen these matchups based on fan surveys.” The announcer explained. “The battle part rules are simple. Each team will square off as shown on the screen.”

A screen popped up in the middle of the stadium. “The winning teams will earn ten points, and the losing team will earn zero points. However, in case of a draw, both teams will earn five points each. Now that that’s been explained, it’s now time for the Grand Magic Games opening game, Hidden, to begin! One member from each will participate. The game’s rules will be explained once all the competitors are ready. The first to step forward is Yeager of Quatro Cerberus! From Mermaid Heel, Beth Vanderwood! From Raven Tail, Nullpudding! With a lively cheer, Blue Pegasus sends out Eve Tearm. From Saber Tooth is Rufus! From Fairy Tail Team A is Alzack Connell! From Lamia Scale, Lyon Bastia! And finally, from Fairy Tail Team B is Wendy Marvell! All eight teams have chosen their competitors! Now the rules of the opening game, Hidden.

“Will each team’s Hidden competitor please step forward!” Said the excited Mato. His face was as smiley as ever. All the teams stepped forward in a semi-circle in front of the pumpkin man.

“Hold on a minute.” The short little purple man interrupted. “Before we start, ya hear. I dunno what this here Hidden contest is going to be like, but it’s clear as day that the fairies will have an unfair advantage in all the other contests, what with two members and all, ya hear!”

“It can’t be helped!” Mato tried to explain. “Having two teams from the same guild reach the tournament is an amazing feat. K-k-k-kin. Should have expected it though knowing Fairy Tail.”

“I have no qualms with it,” Rufus said softly. “My memory is singing. It says that having two members isn’t necessarily an advantage.”

“I don’t mind either, dah!” Yeager shouted punching the palm of his hand. The others agreed as well.

“Having a guildmate with you can also have its drawbacks like hostage situations, blackmail, information leaks, etc,” Rufus added. “Many other disadvantageous circumstances can be created. I suggest you commit that to memory.”

“Thanks for your concern, Rufus. We’ll be careful.” Wendy said with a small smile.

“Field open!” Mato pointed to the air. A city rose from the ground until the entire stadium was filled each constant getting separated in the process.

“Wendy!” Alzack cried. He couldn’t see the sky dragon slayer anywhere. This game was called hidden. It was probably best if he found a place to hide. Wendy could tract him with her sense of smell.

Wendy found herself in the middle of the street alone. It would be best if she stayed with Alzack. It was obvious that they were going to team up. If you have the advantage, use it. Besides other guilds have teamed together in previous games. First things first, find Alzack which wasn’t hard. She knew his sent well. The only thing was she had to avoid anyone else. However, she needed to know the rules before she could really do anything yet.

“Those of you in the stands can follow the action in the town via lacrima-trons.” Wendy heard a loud voice say. It was the Chapati’s voice. “The eight competitors are unable to keep tabs on each other, however. Hidden’s rules are simple. All the competitors are hiders and seekers at the same time. The goal is to find other competitors in the town and then strike them with any magic at all. The competitor who delivers the attack, whether it causes damage or not will score one point.”

Pixel blue forms arose from the ground as well. As their images sharpened Wendy realized they were images of the eight of them. They were exact copies. If it wasn’t for her good senses. She would have never been able to tell who was real and who was fake. Images don’t have scents after all, nor do they breathe. “These are all copies of you all. Should you mistakenly attack a copy, you’ll lose a point! If you lose a point in any way, the player is forced to restart from a different area 10 seconds later. Competitors can restart as many times as they needed during the contest. The time limit is thirty minutes. The team that earns the most points will be ranked in first place. Now then! Vanish into the silence, like a black cat lurking in the darkness of night.” A gong rang through the stadium. “Let Hidden begin!”

Wendy set off immediately after Alzack. Following his sent and careful not to run into anyone else she found Alzack setting up one of his pistols.

“That was quick,” Alzack said as he cocked his pistol and was ready to fight. “I think we should get to higher ground. Put some distance between us and the others. The roofs would be the best place to shoot from.”

“I can shoot my sky magic like wind bullets and keep a lookout for the others. Let’s go!” Wendy said. Alzack and Wendy made their way to one of the tops of the roofs. Wendy watched on one side while Alzack watched the other. Wendy could already hear the fighting start. Lyon had gotten Beth. Nullpudding had gotten Yeager and Beth too. It was time to start.

Alzack studied the area around him. Watching for any of the copies to move. There! Lyon had reappeared at his right. “Snipe Shot!” A blue streak of lightning shot from his rifle and hit the ice mage. Lyon then disappeared to be relocated. Alzack continued to snipe while Wendy would hit anyone who got too close. Alzack found it every pleasing shooting Nullpudding whenever he found him and sniped him which was about a total of five times. It would have been six if he hadn’t missed the last time. Wendy did pretty well protecting Alzack. Once Raven Tail’s Nullpudding realized he was Fairy Tail’s main target, he tried to attack back. However, Wendy was in her element. Air. Wide-open air. Nullpudding gave up fast, and to salvage the points that he had and get more. Wendy felt a sudden static charge in the air.

“This contest is coming to a close. It must be my turn to play. This contest is much too dull anyway.” Rufus said. “I’ve memorized it all. Every person’s heartbeat, footsteps, and magical qualities. I remember it. I’ve memorized it. Memory make…” Darkness filled the city causing each member, except Rufus the caster, to glow. “Night of the Shooting Stars!”

“Alzack!” Wendy pulled Alzack by the neck of his shirt. A bolt of lightning struck where he once stood moments before. Nullpudding furious at the Maker Mage jumped up to straight Rufus. However, Rufus knocked him away like he would with a small raven.

“It would be unwise to fight the both of you together. Easy prey would be the most logical move.” Rufus shot two more mages with his magic. “This game isn’t interesting at all. It’s even too easy for the both of you. An individual who can snipe his targets from above, and the huntress who can use her dragon senses to tell what is fake and what lives. Yet neither you nor I had to hide. We have been in plain sight this entire game.” The bell sounded. The game was over. The rankings were then shone on the lacrama screen. Fairy Tail A was first with 10 points. Fairy Tail B with 9 points. Saber Tooth with 7 points. Lamia Scale with 6 points. Blue Pegasus with 4 points. Quatro Cerberus with 4 points. Mermaid Heel with 2 points. Finally, Raven Tail with 1 point.

“Next up is the battle segment,” Chapati said. “One member of each team will participate in one match but note this isn’t a tournament.”

“You said the event organizers get to choose the matchups, right?” Jenny said.

“I do hope there will be some interesting ones!” Yajima said.

“I have just received the match list. Day one, Match 1 will be Fairy Tail A’s Erza Dragneel versus Raven Tail’s Flare Corona!”

“Go beat her up Erza! Show them what Fairy Tail’s made of.” Natsu shouted excitedly. Haru and Nara followed their father’s example cheering for their mother. The two contestants stepped into the middle of the stadium.

“Slice her to ribbons Erza,” Makarov said joining in as well.

“Gramps, what do you think Raven Tail is planning?” Natsu asked as his face contorted to something more serious.

“To humiliate us of’ course!” Makarov didn’t need to hesitate to answer. “They irritate me to no end.”

“Maybe.” After all these years, why come now? Is it because Gramps is back, but Gramps didn’t become guild master again, or was there something else?

“I hear the previous master of Fairy Tail, Makarov Drayer, and the master of Raven Tail are father and son, Mr. Yajima,” Chapati claimed.

“Well, if they bear different guild emblems, then their family relationship can’t mean much.” Mr. Yajima replied. “No, I’m more interested in seeing the wife the current master of Fairy Tail, Erza Dragneel.”

“Yes of ‘course.” Chapati said. “However, we don’t know very much about miss Flare. This will be an exciting battle nonetheless.”

“This is so dramatic,” Jenny squealed. “I’m getting chills.”

“Competitors step forward!” Mato declared. The field was cleared of all other participants except Mato and the two redheads. “This entire arena will serve as the battlefield. As such, your teammates have been moved off the field. You have a thirty-minute time limit. Incapacitated your opponent before times up and you’ll be the winner. Now let the first match begin!”

Erza transformed into her heavens wheel armor. The two stood facing the other determining what move to make.

“You have red hair like me. Are you trying to copy me?” Flare asked with a wide creepy smile.

“Huh?” Erza took a step back.

“I guess that makes you a copycat, wouldn’t it?” Flare said. “Hair shower wolf fang!”

Flare’s hair came to life as it elongated and formed into a wolf’s head. Erza sliced through them easily.

“You use your hair for your magic. That’s unfortunate for you.”

“You underestimate Ravel Tail, Copycat!” Flare spat. “Hair whip!” Several locks of hair took the form of whips and charged the knight.

“Sword Circle!” Erza commanded as her swords ripped through the fiery red locks. However, she didn’t have time to counter to the four red locks that erupted from the ground. Swiftly, they latched on to Erza’s wrists and angles and proceeded to drag Erza across the field. Natsu clenched his teeth as watched his wife cry out in pain and requipped her armor to her black wing armor. Erza stabbed her sword to the ground to anchor herself in place. She had a few scrapes and bruises but nothing terrible.

“You’re right it seems I didn’t give you enough credit. I won’t repeat that mistake again.” Erza replied. Her voice cool and calm. She stood up easily even though Flare’s hair still latched on to her tightly. “However, this battle has already been decided.”

“Oh really, Copycat!” She smirked wider. “Crimson blaze!” Flare’s hair turned bright crimson as the black armor started to melt. Erza struggled against the hair trying to free herself, but the hair held tight.

“How do you like that. Copycat!” Her face beamed only to fall into horror. Erza had equipped again into her Clear Heart Clothing. Using her sword, she sliced through the hair shackles. This wasn’t what horrified the mage, however. With this new armor, Flare could see Erza’s bare arms and ankles perfectly. Her skin hadn’t been damaged. She hadn’t even been singed.

“As I said this match has already been decided,” Erza said before she charged her adversary. Flare tried to use her hair as a shield, but it was no use against Erza. Within less than ten seconds Flare was on the ground on her back shaking in fear as Erza stood above her with her sword pointed to her neck.

“I surrender!” She squeaked.

“The match is over! The winner is Fairy Tail’s Queen of the Fairies Erza Dragneel!” The announcer called. The crowd erupted with cheers chanting, “Titania Queen of the Fairies!”

“Natsu, that attack from before should have burned her. She wasn’t wearing her flame armor either. How did she do that?” Makarov eyed the redhead below.

“It’s not something we go around telling people, but when I married her, I infused some of my magic in her making her immune to fire. It’s a dragon tradition that we decided to follow.” Natsu explained.

“So, she’s immune to fire,” Makarov said. “Can she eat it as you can?”

“No, she is just immune to fire. She not a dragon slayer or anything.” Natsu grinned. “This way I know she’ll never get burned.”

Chapter Text

“We’re in the battle portions of day 1 of the Grand Magic Games! Match 2 has been a see-saw battle so far.” Chapati said as the second battle went underway. “It’s Blue Pegasus’ Ren Akatsuki versus Mermaid Heel’s Arana Web!”

“Looks like you improved since last year, Arana,” Ren said keeping his distance from the web user. Arana chuckled.

“Is it really ok for the infamous Pegasus to attack a woman, Ren?” She remarked.

“Neither competitor is yielding an inch,” the announcer said.

“Mm. It’s an excellent match!” Mr. Yajima agreed.

“Ren, you can do it!” Jenny called. “Sherry’s rooting for you in the stands too!”

Ren gaped up at Lamia Scale’s stand. “Wha-”

Ren didn’t get to finish when Arana blasted him with her sticky webs.

“You left yourself wide open Ren,” she mocked.

“What are you doing down there Ren. You can beat her! I know you can!” Sherry called down.

“Sherry! Stop that. Don’t be rooting for the opposing team.” The Lamia Scale’s master scolded.

The member next to them looked at her with surprise. “It’s alright, Granny. They’re engaged and all.”

The Master whipped around and said, “Shut up! Don’t make me spin you.”

“You already are!”

“W-We’re not engaged at all!” Ren yelled up to Sherry breaking free of the webs. “We’ve just been stuck together for too long.”

“Stop being mean Ren!” Sherry yelled back.

Arana not missing this chance shot or webs. Ren had to leap over to evade them. “I’m seriously sick of you always sticking by my side.” Ren landed to the ground gracefully only to evade more. “But…. I can’t be myself without you, either.” He blushed refusing to even look her in the eye.

“I absolutely can’t afford to act uncool in front of you,” Ren said readying his magic. “I refuse to! Aerial Forze!”

Condense air magic surrounded Arana causing her to scream out, and she fell to the ground.

“The winner is Blue Pegasus’ Ren Akatsuki!” The announcer exclaimed. “Blue Pegasus has scored 14 points during day one! Mermaid heel has two points.”

“Next is the third match of day 1. It’s Quatro Cerberus’ Warcry…. VS. Sabertooth’s Olga Nanagia!” The announcer said.

“Wendy, you and Alzack seem to be on rather good terms earlier with Sabertooth. Weren’t they the ones that killed a member last year? Why…” Gildarts asked when Wendel cut him off.

“Sabertooth and us are frenemies, you could say,” Wendel explained. “We acknowledge each other at least. Or at least some of the members do. Don’t let your guard down with them though. They will beat you up if you let them get the chance.”

“I see.”

“We kinda have an unspoken rule that we try not to mess with each other. Otherwise, it gets messy. Rufus is rather neutral on it. Olga is a prideful jerk who thinks he’s so great. Sting… Watch out for Sting he is a white dragon slayer. Rogue is pretty nice though. He’s a shadow dragon slayer. He might be the only one who might help you if you need it but don’t count on it. The white hair girl, Yukino. We don’t know much about her yet.”

“Laxus you’re going to want to watch this match. Olga’s magic is about the same as yours,” Wendy said. Laux nodded taking a new interest in this round.

“Let match 3 begin!” Chapati shouted and the match began.

The two stood off against each other. Olga stared hard and cold at Warcry. However, Warcry was tearing up! Even Olga stepped back when he started bawling his eyes out.

“There it is!” The announcer exclaimed. “Warcry’s tear magic!”

“That’s a unique phrase,” Mr. Yajima commented.

“The more tears shed…” Warcry bawled. “The stronger a person… becomes!”

Olga just held out his hand and a flash of lighting electrocuting his opponent. Warcry fell helplessly to the ground.

“He uses lighting?” Laxus said. “Is he a dragon slayer?”

“No, he’s a god slayer,” Wendy said.

“In other words, a dragon slayer without heightened senses.” Wendel scoffed. “They call themselves god slayers just to make themselves look better.”

“He still a strong opponent,” Mira said. “You be careful if you face him, Laxus.”

“If he faces me, he’s going to get his ass kicked,” Laxus replied.

“The match is over in a literal flash! Olga’s black lighting scorches the tears in an instant!” The announcer said. “He’s powerful! Powerful indeed! The winner is Sabertooth’s Olga Nanagia! Sabertooth has earned a total of 17 points as of today. Quatro Cerberus has only 4 points! Quatro will really need to step up their game tomorrow.”

“Alright! The final match of the day will be…Fairy Tail’s B Gildarts Clive…. VS. Lamia Scale’s Jura Nekis!” The whole stadium erupted with screams and cheers as the names were called.

“Gildarts be careful with Jura. He was a wizard saint even before we left,” Laxus told the older man.

“I’ll be fine. The magic counsel tried getting me to become a wizard saint five times. They gave up once they realized I would probably destroy the entire building by accident.” Gildarts said leaving to face his opponent.

‘It’s Lamia Scale’s Jura Neekis VS. Fairy Tail B’s Gildarts Clives! Let the final match of the day begin!”

Neither opponent shifted nor stirred in the slightest. Both studied their opponent for any opening of any kind.

With a swift motion of Jura’s hands, two rock pillars rose from the ground to crush the other mage. Gildarts simply raised both hands. Just as the tips of his fingers touch the rocks they burst into several tiny pieces. Jura gave a sigh. Of course, it couldn’t be that easy, he thought.

Gildarts slipped off his cloak. It was time to get serious now. In a flash, Gildarts right hooked Jura who blocked it with a thick rock pillar that crumbled to pieces at their feet. Gildarts didn’t let up though. Punch after punch he threw. Jura barely managed to evade them.

He just toying with me, Jura thought. If he was a wizard saint what would even be his rank? “Supreme king rock crush!” The ground burst into rubble around him as the boulders were set flying toward Gildarts who with a burst of magic energy burst the boulders into small squares.

“All crush!” Gildarts shouted. A burst light shot out of his hand striking the wizard hard against the other side of the arena. Jura slumped down.

“Folks is it over?” Chapati asked as he peeked over the rail. He had ducked for cover as rocks were flying. Gildarts walked over to the fallen mage. Yeah, he was out cold. “Gildarts is the final win of the battle part of the Grand Magic Games! This marks the end of Day one of the Grand Magic Games today. We certainly saw a show today didn’t we Yajima.”

“Yes, we had a lot of very talented wizards.”

“Well let’s look at the current scoreboard for today. Fairy Tail A is first with 20 points. Fairy Tail B with 19 points. Saber Tooth with 17 points. Blue Pegasus with 14 points. Lamia Scale with 6 points. Quatro Cerberus with 4 points. Mermaid Heel with 2 points. Finally, Raven Tail with 1 point. It’s going to be a close race between Fairy Tail and Saber Tooth. Unfortunately, Raven Tail couldn’t hold their rank, and is in last place.”

“Well, it’s to be expected. Especially, when they never played before,” Jenny said.

“It’s still the first day though. You can never know what can happen tomorrow.” Yajima reminded her.

“Yeah, instead of fourth Blue Pegasus will be first! I can’t wait for day 2!”

“What have you found out?” Natsu asked in a hushed tone.

“Whatever is draining their magic is coming from underneath the stadium or somewhere close by.” The shadowy figure said sanding near the dark shadows of the alleyway. “Ultear and I should be able to locate it by tomorrow. I don’t know anything more than that yet I’m afraid.”

“Let me know what you find when you do,” Natsu said. He hummed to himself. “To drain so much magic power. Are they powering up something? Something like a battery?” He suggested.

“It might. The question is what. That is what could be very dangerous. How’s Erza?”

“She’s fine,” Natsu replied bluntly.

“I see.” They were quiet for a minute. “I do care for her Natsu, but I would never get between you and Erza. I just want her to be happy,” The figure explained.

“She’s not going to be happy all the time. I’ve learned that. She’s going to get hurt, and some things are just going to break her heart. I will always be there for her when she does. That’s just how it works.”

“Are dragons always this protective over their things?” The figured asked.

“Yes, nor do we like sharing,” Natsu snarled. The figure laughed.

“No, no you don’t. I’ve learned that the hard way. You get what you want. When you set yourself on it, you don’t back down. Congratulations on your victory today.”

Natsu paused. “It’s only the first day.”

“Yeah, don’t lose your lead.”

“Don’t plan to, but who knows what they have planned for tomorrow.” Natsu turned to walk away. “Be careful, Jellal.”

“You as well. Master Natsu,” Jellal said completely disappearing into the shadows leaving Natsu alone with his thoughts.

“My Erza,” Mira said with a smile. “You certainly have gotten stronger over these seven years. You didn’t even get burned. I guess Natsu has rubbed off on you or something.”

“Well… yes, I guess,” Erza said. “It’s been quite a day hasn’t it.”

“Yes. Speaking of which, where is Natsu?” Mira asked scanning the pub. “I haven’t seen him. He should be celebrating too right.”

“He went to speak to someone.”

“Who?”

“No one to worry about.” Erza paused. “Are you doing the contest tomorrow?”

“No, that would be me, Erza.” A hand was placed on Mira’s shoulder. “Gildarts and I were talking, and we think I should do it.”

“Oh Laxus, be careful then,” Erza said.

“Hey what’s wrong Erza?” Laxus asked.

“It’s nothing.”

“Is it this person Natsu is meeting?” Mira asked.

“NO!” Erza shouted then her voice lowered to whisper. “Yes.”

“Wait! Is Natsu cheating on you or something?” Gray shouted. Now the entire guild looked at Erza.

“No way!” Wendel shouted back. “Master would never cheat on Erza. What the hell are you talking about?”

“And here I thought Natsu grew up,” Gramps mumbled.

“Wait till I get my hands on him,” Laxus said.

“SHUT UP. ALL OF YOU!” Erza screamed. Her furry was felt across the entire room. “Don’t you dare ever insult My Husband again with such slanderous accusations!”

“Then Erza what’s wrong?” Mira asked. “Who is it Natsu is meeting?”

Natsu was on his way back to the pub. As late as it was, they were still probably partying. Tomorrow was a mystery. They needed to be on their guard, but today was still a victory. That was still something to celebrate. A few drinks wouldn’t hurt.

A dark presence made him stop in his tracks.

“You noticed me,” a dark voice said.

“I don’t talk to shadows. Come out,” Natsu commanded. The speaker’s scent was familiar.

“Did you really think that we would just let you make fools of us and let you get away with it, Firefly,” the voice growled.

“Excuse me. Is Erza Dragneel here.” The Master of Lamia Scale said with Jura by her side.

“Yes, I’m here,” Erza said. “How can we help you?”

“Oh Jura,” Gildarts laughed. “Feeling better now?”

“Yes, however, we come with grave news.”

“Jura found your husband beaten in the middle of the street.” The guild went silent.

“Where is he now!” Erza said.

“We took him to the infirmary, and your doctor is treating him now.”

Natsu was pale as the sheets he was under and his breathing shallow.

“He’ll live,” Porlyusica stated. Erza clung to her husband’s hand even tighter. “He has three broken ribs, multiple abrasions, magic deficiency, and…” She pulled the bandage away from Natsu’s left arm. There over his guild mark was the engravement of the mark for Raven Tail.

“Raven Tail is going to pay for this!” Erza shook with fury.

“I don’t believe it was Raven Tail Mrs. Dragneel,” Jura said. “When I got to the scene. I saw Jellal over Natsu. He might have orchestrated this to cause you two guilds to fight.”

“It could have been an illusion,” Erza replied.

“It could be, but an investigation probably wouldn’t even start till the end of the games,” Lamia Scale’s master said. “I don’t like Raven Tail either, but we’re stuck with them for now.”

“Thank you for helping him,” Erza said.

“Just do the same when we need you. That’s all.”

“He was meeting Jellal wasn’t he,” Makarov said when the two Lamia Scale members left. Erza gave a silent nod.

“Wasn’t he in jail?” Laxus asked.

“He escaped some years ago. He wanted to help find out these mysterious magic drains. Jellal didn’t do this.”

“Well, someone did and they’re going to pay!” Wendel yelled.

“I agree Gramps!” Gildarts growled. “They just hurt one of our own.”

“Jura’s right,” Erza said. “Jellal will just get blamed not Raven Tail. Porlyusica how long till Natsu recovers?”

“With Wendy’s help a day or two. None of his wounds were life-threatening.”

“Thank you,” Erza whispered.

Raven Tail was going to pay for this.

~Bonus Story~

“Master there’s someone here to see you.” Someone called through the office door. Haru and Nara sat babbling on the floor in front of him.

“Come in,” Natsu called. A tall lanky man walked in. He had short red hair. He had soft black eyes, but what caught Natsu off was his sent. Natsu shot up from his chair.

“Igneel,” he whispered.

“No, I’m not.” He was right Natsu decide. Besides his sent, he was nothing like Igneel. He didn’t have Igneel’s scars. Natsu remembered Igneel had a pretty noticeable scar going across his eye. This man’s demeanor was also different. Igneel was a rough and tumble kind of a dragon. This man held himself in a gentle manner. “I’m Kazu Everburn. I come from a world called Edolas.”

“I’ve been there.” Kazu let out a sigh of relief.

“Good, I was kind of worried you would think I was crazy or something saying I’m from another world. I normally don’t care much for magic in any way shape or form. Back in Edolas magic was often misused. I tend to stay away from it. However, I saw a dragon in a dream of mine telling me to give this to you.” He pulled a book out of his bag. He placed it on the desk. “I don’t know what it is. It’s in a language I don’t understand.”

“It’s in dragonese,” Natsu said. “Very few people know it.”

“I see.” Kazu paused. “I don’t mean to pry but what is the book about. Is it important?”

“To me it is. Thank you.” Natsu said tearing up. The title read, To my beloved son Natsu.

Erza was coming home from her doctor’s appointment. She finally got to know what gender the baby was. She couldn’t wait to tell her husband when she got home. “Natsu I’m back!” She called. “And guess what; it’s a boy! We’re going to have a son!”

Natsu came running into the hall and swooped his wife in his arms. “A son.”

“Our little boy,” Erza said rubbing her stomach. “And I already have the perfect name for him. Igneel in honor of his grandfather.”

“Igneel is a perfect name Erza!” Natsu said.

Chapter Text

To My Son and Heir Natsu Dragneel

Natsu. My son. Although I may not be your biological father, you will always be my son. I watched your first steps. I heard your first words. I’ve watched you grow, and never once have you ceased to amaze me. You’ve grown so much in what feels like only a few years. I still have so much I want to teach you. So much of this world and its wonders that I want to show you. So many things that I’ll never get the chance to. You’ll never catch me saying it, but I love you son. I always have. I wish I could see what kind you man you grow into in the future. I wish I could see what kind of mate you pick out for yourself. I wish I could see you your children. Even now as I’m writing this, I wish I could just stop time. I wish I could raise you to adulthood, but I can’t. I know. You are meant for greater things Natsu.

Your heart will always be a dragon, my son, however, no matter what you do, you will always be human as well. This I can not change. Long ago I thought dragons and humans could get along. This caused a civil war between the dragon races. I created dragon slayers to help bridge that gap between dragons and humans. It did not. Humans and dragons will never live in peace. I understand this now.

Humans are even killing dragon slayers too. The bloodshed has to stop, Natsu. Either the humans or the dragons must go. I love you too much to kill you or your race Natsu. I will end myself and every dragon in existence. I know you might not understand now. You are probably very angry at me right now. The fact that you’re reading this means that I’ve enacted my plan. I am gone. Natsu. My son. My child. My heir. I love you very much. I want you to know this always. Even though death I will continue to watch over you. As my heir, I leave everything to you. Even my title. Natsu Dragneel the Fire Dragon King. Although there are no more dragons, there are still dragon slayers out there. You will be their guardian and protector. Natsu, I have the utmost faith that you will be a wonderful king, little one. Whatever future I am sending you to, I know you can handle yourself. This book will be filled with things you need to know or might have forgotten about your dragon culture. In this book, I also have spells I still wanted to teach you. I hope you find them useful. Be wise. Be strong. Natsu, my final advice I have for you, is when you find what you love most. Protect it with your life, Son.

Natsu, my child, my son, my heir, may heaven’s fire never leave you.

~Igneel the Fire Dagon King

Chapter Text

“Welcome everyone to the well awaited day two of the Grand Magic Games. Our guest for day 2 is Mr. Jason Sorcerer Weekly’s renowned reporter! Let’s jump straight to the contest for today, Chariots! Our competitors today are Erza Dragneel from Fairy Tail’s Team A, Sting Eucliffe from Saber Tooth, Laxus Drayer from Fairy Tail’s Team B, Black Snake from Raven Tail, Ichiya Kotobuki from Blue Pegasus, Yuka Suzuki from Lamia Scale, Rislie Law, and finally Bacchus Groh from Quattro Cerberus. The aim of this game is to reach the goal without falling off the linked Chariots. But, as the chariots will be constantly moving, a single moment of carelessness can prove disastrous. Which team will reach back here at Domus Flau first? We’ll be televising the race via lacrima-tron for our viewers in the stands.”

Laxus wanted to die right then and there. Both he and Saber Tooth were in the very back of the pack, but still… Why did it have to be a vehicle!? Erza was far in the lead, so it at least wasn’t a complete loss. His legs shook unsteadily with each step. He clenched his teeth as to not heave his breakfast. Overall, a bad way to start your day in his opinion.

Erza on the hand was in the lead. Each competitor backed out of her way as they sensed her fury. Her eyes lit like flames.

“Someone looks angry today,” Bacchus said running up behind her.

“Bacchus I’m not in the mood today,” Erza growled.

“Why so serious?” He pestered. “Come on tell me.”

“Let’s just say, if you ever get the chance to beat Raven Tail in their place; do it,” Erza replied before running with a new burst of energy reaching the goal just before Bacchus.

“Will do, Erzy.” Bacchus hiccupped. He looked up at the Fairy Tail stands.

“What did they do to him?” He said sobering up.

“Something they’ll regret.”

“In third place, Raven Tail’s Black Snake,” Chapati explained as Black Snake ran up towards Erza and Bacchus. “Rislie in fourth. Yuka takes fifth. Ichiya comes in sixth. That just leaves a two-way battle between Fairy Tail’s Laxus and Saber Tooth’s Sting. Erza just looked up in horror. Laxus! Erza hadn’t listened to who team B picked, but at least choose someone who wasn’t a dragon slayer!

“Could you tell me one thing though? Why enter this kind of a tournament anyway? You were part of the old Fairy Tail. The Fairy Tail that I knew as a kid didn’t care if they got pushed around or what the world thought of them. The Fairy Tail I knew did whatever the hell it wanted; you know?” Erza just caught Sting’s words. They echoed in her head. When did it start? At first, the games sounded fun, but deep down they needed that assurance that they were ok. Even with Gramps and everyone gone, they were still doing ok. That’s how it started at least. But now… Erza hung her head. What must the third master think of them?

“Don’t try to get under my skin,” Laxus growled. Sting jerked up. “My old man may have been one to forgive and forget, but that’s not me. I’m doing this for my family. My family who waited for us. Who struggled for us. No matter how painful or hard things got. They still made sure that we had a home to come home to. Do you think that it’s easy to run a guild? Natsu had to take charge of the guild at the fucking age of eighteen. He never should have had to take that mantel. The entire guild had to pull the slack that we left behind for seven years. So yeah, they joined the games. To say, WE’RE STILL HERE! It was that pink-haired brat that beat the meaning of family to me. Now that we’re back it’s time to pick up the slack again. We are doing what we want. We won’t be intimidated by you, Raven Tail, or this kingdom. We’ll be number one and rub it all in their faces. Cause you can’t beat Fairy Tail down!” A single tear rolled down Erza’s cheek. Thank you Laxus.

“Laxus comes in seventh place with one point. Saber Tooth comes in last with nothing.”

Sting listened to the announcer say this as he walked into the hallway. For family. Huh?

“That’s a load of crap.” He muttered. This year for sure they were going to win. He was sure of that.

“Fairy Tail A still holds first place with thirty points. In second place is Fairy Tail B who still stays in second by a few points with twenty points. Right behind them is Saber Tooth who kept third place by two points and still only has seventeen points. Blue Pegasus comes in fourth place with sixteen points. Quatro Cerberus jumped to fifth place with twelve points. Lamia Scale has fallen to sixth place with nine points. Raven Tail has climbed to seventh place with seven points, and finally, Mermaid Heel comes in last with six points.”

“I’m sorry Erza.” Laxus held on to the redhead for support. The hall around him swirled left and right.

“I should be thanking you,” Erza replied.

“What why?” Laxus wheezed as a wave of nausea swept over him. “I got seventh. You shouldn’t thank me for that.”

“What you said back there. We needed to hear that. Thanks.”

“Wendy, how’s Natsu?” Erza asked as she and Laxus entered the infirmary. Natsu looked so peaceful. His breath was steady. His color was back. Happy was curled up in a little ball in the crook of his neck.

“Oh, much better,” Wendy said. “He’ll probably wake up later today, but he’ll still need rest. His magic is still low. What happened to Laxus? Is he hurt?”

“No, motion sickness.”

“Ah, I see. Lay him on one of the beds.” Wendy motioned. Erza helped him onto a bed. She then took the empty chair by Natsu’s bed. She had dark circles under her eyes. Wendy noted. It was understandable if she hadn’t slept. She knew Bisca was also looking after the kids for them. Maybe she could convince her to take a quick nap later. “Laxus if you about to go on any vehicle talk to me first. I can put a spell on you to negate the effects of motion sickness. It only lasts a few hours, but it should be enough for any of the games. I can only use it so often though. The other dragon slayers are immune to the spell because I used it too often.”

“I wish I knew that sooner,” Laxus grumbled.

“I’m sorry!” Wendy said frantically. “I honestly didn’t think of it. I don’t really use it anymore because it doesn’t work on the others.”

“Don’t worry about it, kid.” Laxus glanced over to Natsu. “Is he really going to be ok?”

“Yes, his wounds are healed, but he will be sore for a while. The brand, however, over his guild mark was very serious. That one will take a few days to heal.” Laxus clenched his fists. Erza stroked her husband’s arm. “How did the games go? If it had vehicles?”

“Erza got first. I made a fool of myself and got seventh. Here I was trying to help, I only made things worse. I’m sorry Erza, really.” Laxus glanced at the blue hair slayer. “Did you join the guild after we left?”

“No, I joined shortly after you were kicked out,” Wendy said. “I was also on Tenrou Island.” Her eyes softened thinking back to that tragic day. Laxus’ eyes widened and looked back to Erza.

“I thought it was just Natsu and you?”

“You saw her on Tenrou Island remember,” Erza said. “She helped fight Master Prec. A lot happened; you might not remember.” Laxus turned back to Wendy.

“No, I remember her. You were just a little kid. Look at you now. I didn’t even recognize you.” He gazed at the young woman in disbelief. Then he frowned. “You probably heard a lot about me, huh.”

“I’ve heard a bit. From Natsu mostly.” Laxus perked up at this. “Honestly, it’s not my place to judge. Natsu always did say he saw you as an older brother. I tend to think of Natsu as an older brother too. So, I guess that means you’re my brother too, Laxus.” Wendy said with a bright smile. For a second, Erza thought, she looked like a little girl again. Laxus was baffled. He had just gained a little sister, and the little brother he didn’t know he had was now his older brother.

He always did love it when his dad took him out flying. However, something was different today. Even though he was still smiling like always, today it just didn’t seem right.

“Dad?” Igneel looked down at him, and Natsu almost thought his dad’s eyes were glittering.

“Natsu, I’ll always be there for you whether you know it or not.”

The words rang through his mind as he awoke with tears in his eyes. That was the last day he ever saw his dad. Those words were imprinted in his head. He groaned he tried to sit up and promptly gave up.

“Natsu!” The little blue cat snuggled up to his cheek. “We were so worried.”

“Natsu.” The worried sound of his wife’s voice rang through his ears.

“I’m sorry.” It was he could think to say.

“What happened?” She cried.

“He’s up.” A voice that sounded like Laxus said.

“Erza?” Natsu croaked.

“You’re in the infirmary. Jura and Master Ooba found you beaten in the middle of the street. Natsu what happened?” Erza gripped her husband’s hand.

“I don’t remember.” Natsu groaned again. “I was talking to Jellal… then I went… I felt a presence… I don’t remember anything after that. No… I remember a sent…” Natsu’s eyes went wide as he jerked forward.

“Raven Taaaahhh!” He screamed as he clutched his side.

“Natsu!”

“You still need rest, Master!”

“Easy there Natsu.”

“How… long was… I out?” Natsu gasped for breath.

“A little under a day. You still need a lot of rest Master.” Wendy tried to push him back onto the bed, but Natsu remained firm where he was. Catching a glance at his arm his eyes went wide in horror.

Erza gave him his coat. “The sleeve can hide it for now.” Natsu nodded. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

“What kind of guild master am I? To get hurt like this.” He gave out a small laugh.

“Natsu please just rest a little longer.” Wendy pleaded. Finally, Natsu relented.

The first match was called. Raven Tail’s blacksnake won the match destroying Tobi’s precious sock after.

“That guy is a total creep,” Gildarts said. Sure, he thought the idea of crying over a sock was stupid, but Blacksnake was still a jerk for doing so.

“They’re showing their true colors that’s all.” Wendel frowned. His arms crossed.

“Wendel, what happened to the pumpkin man?” Mira asked. Wendel looked around in surprise.

“Oh, I don’t know. I can smell him though.” He sniffed around.

“Now I’m really getting what Natsu meant,” Gildarts sighed.

“Now it’s time for match two! Quatro Cerberus Bacchus Vs. Fairy Tail A’s Opal Sweets.”

“Opal!” Wendel exclaimed.

“Is something wrong?” Mira gave a concerned look.

“I don’t know much about her. Is she good?” Gildarts asked.

Wendel cringed. “She’s a good wizard. She’s a light dragon slayer. She can just be well… you find out.”

“Hey, how about we make a bet,” Bacchus said drunkenly to the mage in front of him. Opal's hair shone opal white in the light.

"A bet.” Her scarlet eyes glittered at the prospect.

“If I win your entire team has to forfeit the games.”

Opal tilted her head and grinned. “Deal. However, if I win your guild will forever be called the Quatro Puppy.”

“Opal! What the hell are you thinking!” Wendel yelled from the stands. Opal swung around to face the water dragon slayer.

“Oh, shut your mouth, Wendel! It’s more fun with higher stakes!” Opal yelled and faced her competitor again. The announcer gave them the go and the two went off like lightning.

Opal was just a blur of light throwing her punches left and right. Bacchus downed his sake.

“I’ll need it facing you,” he said. Opal grinned more. The sake helped, but Bacchus had to give everything he could to keep up with the bright light.

“She fast. I can hardly keep up with her,” Gildarts said surveying the match.

“She’s one of the strongest in the guild,” Wendel said. “She constantly absorbs and eats the light around her giving her a constant supply of power. She travels at light speed giving her attacks deadly force.”

They were both at an impasse. While Opal was fast, Bacchus was still managed to block her strikes.

“Aren’t you done playing, doll?” Bacchus wobbled. “It’s not fun if you aren’t going all out.”

“Aw, but that would end the fun too quickly. Oh well,” Opal pouted. “Dragon Slayer Secret Art Lightspeed.”

Her entire body shimmered like a beacon.

“Wild,” Bacchus whispered. He rammed her sending her flying to the other end of the stadium, but she caught herself on the wall. Within a split second to Bacchus’ horror, she was right behind him.

“Run little puppy,” she whispered.

She round kicked him in the stomach shattering his armor as he was sent flying into the wall. Bacchus fell to the ground to his knees spitting out the blood in his mouth.

“I forfeit.”

“Fairy Tail A’s Opal Sweets wins!”

The white mage walked up to the fallen Bacchus. She held out a hand to help him up.

“That was fun. Let’s do it again next year!” She smiled.

Wendy allowed Natsu to leave the infirmary under strict orders he was not to stress himself after the third match.

“What did I miss?” Natsu said entering the stands with Erza on his tail.

“Master!” Everyone cried.

“Papa!” Haru and Nara ran to hug their dad when Erza intercepted them.

“Papa is still very tried. So, no jumping on Papa right now,” Erza said sternly. “Maco. Natsu is under strict orders that he can only stay and watch the rest of the games as long as he doesn’t stress himself. Make sure he doesn’t.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Maco swallowed.

“Don’t listen to her, Maco,” Natsu laughed weakly. “Now what did I miss? They wouldn’t tell me a thing in the infirmary.”

“Erza got first in the contest portion while Laxus got seventh,” Maco began.

“Wait Seventh!” He croaked sending him into a coughing fit. Maco and some of the others hovered over him ready to take him if needed, but Natsu waved them off. “Continue.”

“Raven tail won the first match against Lamia Scale. In the second match, we won. Opal got to fight Bacchus, and you just missed Mira beating Jenny in the third match.”

“What! I missed Opal fight too,” Natsu groaned. “The day is practically over then.”

“There’s still one more battle for today, Natsu,” Wakaba said. “At least you get to see one.”

“Now it’s time to see our final match of day 2 of the Grand Magic Games! It’s mermaid’s heel’s Kagura Mikazuuchi Vs. Saber Tooth’s Yukino Aguria!”

“Natsu are you sure you’re feeling alright?” Makarov asked.

“Hmm.” Natsu nodded with a weak smile. “Kagura is one of mermaid heel’s strongest wizards. She could probably take on Saber Tooth, but I don’t know Yukino. For her sake, I hope she wins.” Natsu watched the two competitors closely.

“Natsu what do you mean by that?” he asked. “What do you mean for her sake?” Makarov decided to hold his tongue after he heard the two make a bet with their very lives.

“Natsu,” Maco warned. “Erza told you to rest.”

“You were unfortunate enough to face Saber Tooth in battle,” Yukino said quietly. Slowly she pulled out a gold key. She was a celestial wizard! Natsu thought to himself. Even if she is one Zodiac key, she doesn’t have the majority on them. Lucy had those. “Open gate of the two fish,” She said in a monotone-like voice. “Pisces.”

Two huge ell-like fish broke through the ground. One black while the other white. They danced and twisted through the arena.

“Fishies,” Happy and the twins cheered. Natsu chuckled and went back to studying the battle. The two fish chased Kagura, but she dodged and twisted to avoid them with ease. He had watched Kagura before. She never attacked first. She waited them out. Studying her opponent before she struck.

Yukino pulled out a second key. It also shone gold. Those two were the only ones Lucy didn’t have in her set. “Open Gate of the Balance. Libra.”

Yukino instructed the spirit to target her opponent’s balance. Kagura held herself up against the crushing weight that was holding her in place. However, she jumped in the air again dodging the Pisces. The Pisces stopped mid-motion and fell to the ground struggling to get up. Even the gravity spirit fell to the shire pressure.

Kagura was a girl of many talents. Gravity magic was one of them. However, it was not something she used often. Kagura was definitely the better wizard. She had the experience that Yukino just hadn’t learned yet. The foolish little celestial wizard started a bet with a mermaid with her life. It just proved her inexperience. It was becoming clear who would win this round. Yukino released her spirits.

“You forced me to open the 13th gate then,” she said. Natsu had to pause for a sec. Thirteen? Weren’t there only twelve. He heard Lucy not far from him say,

“There are only 12 zodiac keys in total. However, I have heard rumors of a thirteen key but heard that it was even greater than all the other Zodiac spirits. Be careful Kagura.”

“Open, Gate of the Snake Charmer. Ophiuchus!” The sky darkened and the whole colosseum filled with dark mist. A giant black armored snake appeared and twisted itself inside the colosseum. Kagura held her ground.

“Grudge sword: Archenemy Sheathed Form.” Kagura swung her sword around spitting the snake in two. The mist disappeared into the bright day it was. One slash more and Yukino was down in complete shock.

“The match is over. The winner is Mermaid Heel’s Kagura Mikazuchi! Saber Tooth has unexpectedly earned no points in Day 2. It will be hard work to earn those back. This is the end of day 2 of the Grand Magic Games! Fairy Tail A is in first place with 40 points. Fairy Tail B is in second with 30 points. Fairy Tail B may have fumbled in the contest this morning but are still holding a high lead. Saber Tooth and Raven Tail are tied for third place with 17 Points, and Mermaid Heel and Blue Pegasus are tied for fourth place with 16 points. This is becoming a close race in the middle. Quatro Puppy comes in fifth place with 12 points, and Lamia scale has come in last place with 9 points. Thank you everyone, and we’ll see you tomorrow for Day 3!”

~Bonus Story~

He hated paperwork. It was the bane of his existence, but it still had to get done or it just piled up. His two little pink joys of sunshine slept in their crib. Setting down his pen, he stretched out his aching arms. He leaned over the twin’s crib. He was surprised by how much sleep they needed. However, he thanked the gods that they did. As adorable as they were, they were still a handful when they were awake. They usually both needed things at the same time and did not like waiting for the sister to be done first. Who got fed first? Who got changed first, or just wanting Daddy’s attention? He did try to make sure to rotate the two of them. He could only imagine what they would be like when they were older. They were copies of their mother. They even had their mom’s cute puffy cheeks. However, their tufts of hair were clearly pink like his. Their eyes were a creamy brown like their mom’s. They were perfect in Natsu’s opinion.

Haru squirmed under her pink blanket. Her face scrunched up and started to cry. Natsu scooped her up in her arms cooing softly rocking her back and forth around the office. Haru whimpered but quieted down. Her creamy brown eyes peered up at her father. She was too young to smile yet, but this did not stop Natsu from grinning ear to ear. This was his child after all. A living being he and Erza created. It was still hard to believe how real it was.

“Natsu.” Her gentle voice, the sweet voice he missed so dearly. “Sorry, my job ran later than expected.” Some days he wondered how he could possibly think that his angel was once a demon. Such days were today.

“That’s not your fault,” Natsu answered. They couldn’t afford to be too picky with jobs. A job was a job. It may have been three years already, but even with Warrod’s help Fairy Tail wasn’t completely set yet. Many members left when that first year. Even now they were still half of what they were before. Sometimes it was hard to keep up with all the jobs, but they managed.

“It’s not just us anymore is it.” Erza smiled down at Nara who quietly slept on. Natsu laid Haru back in the crib with her sister. “I never thought I would have something like this. I used to think I didn’t deserve to be happy.”

“You do. You of all people deserve this.” Natsu snuggled his nose on her nape. Erza brushed her fingers through his pink locks.

“Welcome home,” Natsu whispered as his mouth found her lips.

“Master!” The door burst open. The two broke away. “Master!” Wendel cried completely soaked and tears dripping down his face.

“Snitch!” Opal shrieked bursting into the room.

Nara and Haru screeched at the new noise. Natsu and Erza glanced at the other. They were parents before they were even parents. Such was the responsibility of the guild master and his wife.

Chapter Text

“Your performance today was pathetic. How can you call yourselves Saber Tooth Wizards after that!” Saber Tooth’s Guild Master Jiemma spat. His voice echoed through the room. “We are one of the strongest guilds in all of Fiore. The rest are just insects. Stomp them all flat! This year we were to prove our glory and smash all the guilds to the ground. This isn’t just a game or a contest. This is to hold up our very name, and you’ve smeared it! Not once have we done this poorly. Now we’ve tided with rookies who have never even played before! Sting.”

“Yes.” Sting hung his head low before his master.

“I’ve decided to give you one last chance to redeem yourself. I don’t ever want to see you trembling like a newborn kitten again.” His voice rumbled.

“Thank you, Master. I will not disappoint you.” Sting didn’t raise his head.

“Now for Yukino,” he growled. Yukino stepped forward to meet her fate.

“There’s no excuse for you. You know what you’ve done and it’s unforgivable.”

“Yes, and I accept any punishment you give me,” she said kneeing to the floor. “I have sullied the name of Saber Tooth by losing to another guild. I have shamed you and myself.”

He shot upward from his chair and caught her by the throat.

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Jiemma tightened his grip. “You bet your life and lost. Worst of all, you were shown mercy by your enemy. An enemy showed mercy to Saber Tooth! Your life was not yours to barter, but mine. Your life is in my hands.”

As he let go, she fell to the ground with a thud. “Zeraphel strip her. Erase her mark. I will not allow scum in our guild.”

Zeraphel snatched her by the wrist pulling her close. He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “I’m sorry.” She did not struggle. Her clothes were ripped at torn and streamed like confetti on the floor. Yukino stood bear in front of her guild. The only thing she had was her mark on her stomach. Zeraphel placed a hand on her stomach and with a swipe of his hand erased the blue Saber Tooth mark.

The front door burst open in a ball of flames. Rich orange flames ate at the floor.

“Jiemma!” The Fairy Tail master shouted in outrage. His eyes were emerald, green slits. His coat lit with flames. The redhead knight in complete armor sword drawn stood behind him as well a light dragon slayer who glowed in the moonlight.

“Master Drageel! You are trespassing on…”

“Shut it!” Natsu roared. Jiemma backed down. Natsu walked up to Yukino. Though his flames burned and heat radiated through him, Yukino found his flames gentle. He pulled off his coat, brushed it off to put it out, and draped it over her. It smelled of burnt pine. “Yukino. You did well in the games today. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Because of your performance despite what this idiot may think, I would like to offer you a job at Fairy Tail.”

Yukino glanced up at the Fairy Master. “Why. I failed. I disgraced Saber Tooth’s name.”

“There will always be someone better than you in some way, shape, or form,” Natsu replied.

“Unless you’re the strongest.” A woman with long dark hair countered. “You Fairy Tail wizards are in a place you don’t belong. I think it’s time you went home.”

“I was, but I needed to pick someone up,” Natsu said. His eyes didn’t waver from the woman. “Yukino, we’ve overstayed our welcome. Let’s go.” He turned around to walk out. Yukino clung to the coat around her, and Erza step forward to help shield her.

“That’s a nasty scar on your arm. In a nasty place too. I guess you’re right, there are people stronger than you.” She mocked with a small chuckle tapping her right arm just below the shoulder. Right, where Natsu’s mark would be. Opal growled.

“Good night, Minerva, Master Jiemma.” Erza said. She kept her voice steady. However, Opal knew she was burning inside, much like her master. Natsu stopped in his tracks and turned around to face the crowd of Saber Tooth members.

“Is this really a guild you want to be in. No, an even better question is who’s next? One of you will falter again. When you do. When you fail your master’s expectations, what will you do?” A black shadow mage shuffled his feet uncomfortably.

Those words echoed in Rogue’s head as both he and Sting walked back to their dorms. They both had exceeds. They weren’t strong at all. Were they next?

“Sting, do you think Master Dragneel could be right? Is this what a guild is?”

Sting snapped around back at him.

“What! Of course, not!” Sting laughed. “What would he even know! You saw his guild mark it’s a wreck. He’s weaker than we thought.”

“Master excuses us when we lose to Fairy Tail,” Rogue said. “Most of the time, he just punishes us. Today, what happened to Yukino could have been you.”

“It’s not-”

“Or what if it was Lector?”

“It won’t happen I’ll protect him,” Sting growled.

“Will We?” Rogue whispered. He promised himself to keep a better eye on Frosh, his Exceed.

“Rogue, will I have to go away because I’m weak too!?” The green little exceed in a pink frog suit waited for his answer. Tears welled up in his eyes. Rogue bent down and patted his head.

“No, you won’t have to, Frosh because I’m by your side.” He smiled in hopes to reassure the little Exceed.

“Right!”

Wendy was furious at the stunt Natsu pulled that night. She was even more horrified that Erza had let him. Natsu was promptly confined to his bed and wasn’t allowed to leave till Wendy gave the ok, not that Natsu was complaining. He passed out as Erza helped him onto the bed. However, Wendy was merciful letting Natsu sleep in his hotel bed. Of course, that meant all three kids decided to sleep in the same bed with their dad. Natsu had Igneel safely secure under one arm. Haru slept on Natsu’s chest while Nara slept on Natsu’s other arm.

There was a soft tap on the window. Erza glanced to the window to see a dark figure in the window frame. The figure took off his hood and revealed his face. Jellal. She strode over and opened the window signaling him to be quiet pointing to her husband and children fast asleep.

“Erza I’m sorry,” Jellal whispered. “By the time I got there, they were already done.”

“Did you at least see them?” Erza crossed her arms. She wasn’t in the mood for excuses.

“It was Raven Tail.” He confirmed. Erza clenched her fists. “Erza, is he ok?”

“Wendy said he will be, but he strained himself tonight so she thinks he’ll be out most of tomorrow and he will stay in bed for the rest of the games tomorrow under her orders.”

“I see,” he sighed. “Be careful Erza. Goodnight.”

“You as well. Goodnight.”

“Welcome!” Chapati exclaimed. “We’re now on day three, halfway into the grand magic games. Today’s guest from the magic council is Mr. Laharl!”

“Long time no see,” Mr. Yajima replied.

“Yes, it’s an honor to be here. Thank you.” Laharl thanked the two.

“Mr. Laharl is actually Chief Marshal of the Custody Enforcement Unit,” Chapati added.

“Yes, I am. I remind all teams of the games to play fair as cheating will not be tolerated. I will be watching very closely today.”

“Still doing your job off duty. That’s the commitment of the Magic Council for you! Now for Day 3’s contest part: Pandemonium!” The announcer’s voice rang through the stadium.

Romeo sat at the stand with his fellow members. Mara watched eagerly but paused at the announcement. She turned to Romeo.

“Hey, what does pandemonium mean?” She asked.

“I don’t know. Dad, what does pandemonium mean?” Maco glanced down at his son.

“It means den of demons.”

“Scary!” Mara shrieked. “They’re going to have demons.”

“It could be a haunted house event. You walk along a dark path when suddenly…” Makarov replied. “…A GHOST POPS OUT IN FRONT OF YOU!”

The children shrieked.

“That be too scary,” Mara whined.

“I don’t think I could take it either,” Romeo agreed.

“One member from each team will participate. Please choose a competitor.”

“I’ve already gone once,” Erza said. “It wouldn’t be fair for me to go twice.”

“I think I’ll sit this one out if you don’t mind.” Max chuckled nervously. “Dragon Slayers would probably be best suited against demons or monsters.”

“Ok!” Opal exclaimed. “I’ll go then! This will be so much fun!”

“I was thinking of going today.” The smoke dragon slayer blew out a puff of smoke.

“Yes, I agree. You fought yesterday and went along with me and Natsu. I’ll let Ash handle this.” Erza nodded at Ash, and he did the same. He was not going to pull any punches.

“If Ash is going then I’m going to!” Wendel said to team B.

“Fine, just be careful of vehicles,” Gildarts warned. “We don’t need a repeat of yesterday.” Laxus hung his head. Gildarts grimaced. “Laxus that wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, even Natsu still has motion sickness. It really can’t be helped much,” Wendy said to try to cheer him up. “Good luck Wendel!”

“For today’s contest, we have Millianna from Mermaid Heel. From Fairy Tail A Ash Burns. From Fairy Tail B Wendel Walker. From Ravel Tail Olbra. From the Blue Pegasus Hibiki. From the Saber Tooth guild Olga Nanagia. From Lamia Scale Jura Neekis and finally from Quatro Puppy Novali. These are our competitors today.”

A purple magic circle appeared above the stadium in the sky. A large dungeon rose from it. However, instead of pointing to the sky above, it pointed to the ground below just above the audience.

“A dungeon infested with evil monsters. This is Pandemonium!” The pumpkin man appeared before the group.

“Damn it’s huge, but why is it upside down.” The Wendel whispered over to Ash who only shrugged.

“It’s infested with monsters?” Jura asked.

“Yes! Yes, it is. That’s the premise of the game, kin,” Mato said displaying the dungeon before them. “One hundred monsters lurk inside but be rest assured that they won’t attack anyone in the crowd. They’re magical projections of our own creation. The monsters come in five different difficultly levels: D, C, B, A, and S. For reference we even show you how strong a D-class monster is.” The pumpkin man gestured to the screen above him. A silver monster with scaly plates was shown walking through a corridor. It had spikes down its tail and sharp teeth. The audience gasped in horror as it easily plowed down a pillar. “Pandemonium is filled with even stronger ones than these. A hundred in all!”

“Each monster is more difficult with each class. So, think twice before you fight something higher than even d class. Even a wizard saint might have trouble with one of those,” he said in Jura’s direction. “You will all take turns to decide the number of monsters you wish to fight each round. It will be your right to challenge!”

“Then we get to choose then?” Ash questioned.

“Yes!” he said. “that’s exactly right. If you say you want to fight three monsters, then only three monsters will be waiting for you inside. If you manage to defeat all three monsters you will get three points, and the next competitor will still get to decide how many they want from the remaining 97. This process repeats till there are no more monsters left or you all run out of magic power whichever comes first. Please know that all monsters will be chosen completely at random. Choose wisely for how many you wish to face as you might face more than you can handle.

“So, it means we’ll have to strategize to avoid the high-ranking monsters the best we can,” Hibiki said.

“If their all going to be chosen at random, how can you make any strategies?” Olga complained.

“You may not but I can,” Hibiki retorted. “With my archive magic and probability, it will help a little at least.”

“The number of points is solely based on the number of monsters you defeat,” The pumpkin man added. “It doesn’t matter what rank they are. Fighting three A rank monsters will still give the same number of points fight three D rank monsters. Once you enter the castle you may not leave till the monsters are defeated.”

“If we were to fail our challenge what would happen then?” Jura asked.

“Simple. You keep the points from before that challenge. However, you will be eliminated from the game, and you will not keep any point within that round. Now to decide what order you go pick a stick from the box.”

Toma held up a small box with numbered sticks inside.

Ash pulled one out with the number one on it. “I’m first then,” he murmured.

“What!” Wendel shouted. “I got eight. No fair. You get more turns than me!”

“Sorry, Wendel but you won’t get any.” He glanced up at Erza who nodded in approval.

“Huh?”

“Here I thought this game would depend on luck,” Ash said.

“Luck? Oh no,” Toma scoffed. “This game is more complicated than that. You’ll all will need to pace yourselves and you all could get very nasty monsters early on. Who goes first is relevant. Even dragon slayers like you will need to be careful or something unfortunate could happen and you’ll be out the rest of the games. Fairy Tail wouldn’t want that now would they.”

“Hmph,” Ash snorted to himself. “This isn’t a game anymore. Even Masters spars are tougher than this.” He stepped up to the castle. “For my challenge, I choose to fight one hundred.”

Bonus Story

Natsu tossed and turned in his bed that night. He had only been guild master for a few months. His stomach twisted and turned inside him. His head ached from crying. His pillow was wet with tears. This wasn’t proper for a guild master. Gramps would be so disappointed in him if he saw him. If Gramps was here, but he wasn’t. He was gone just like most of his friends. The people he considered the closest things to a family. He couldn’t cry in front of the guild. No, he had to be the example. Be their hope in these trying times. He had to be strong for them. He wiped away his tears and sat up. The memory of the crying black man crossed his mind again. Gramps said that he was Zeref, but Natsu knew he saw his face before. Before coming to Tenrou. When though? He was so familiar.

It clicked in his mind like a flash. It was a long time ago, but he had met the man before. He was younger then. Zeref if that was his name had long ago met with Igneel from time to time. Natsu was only a child then, but he at least knew of him. Zeref was considered a genius in his village. People even called him a miracle. Zeref would come every few months just to talk to Igneel. They would go on and on about magic and theories. Zeref even helped him learn to read, slightly. He was very kind and very gentle. He despised killing. He was always looking to find ways to help humanity. Till one day he stopped. He never knew why. Never had he connected his Zeref and the black wizard together. They were too different despite their names. He knew he was in the future. This wasn’t his time, but that didn’t mean his father wasn’t alive now. What happened in those 400 years to change things so much? The land of dragons he once knew. Why? What changed? Even Zeref the one who despised the very thought of killing was a known murderous Psychopath.

Igneel. Where are you?

Chapter Text

“Ash,” Natsu asked quietly. “Did you know dragons have hierarchies?”

Ash glanced up at his master curiously. Master Natsu had been teaching him about dragons and society. “No, I didn’t Master.”

“Can you guess who I would be in the hierarchy?”

Ash thought a minute. “You’re our master.”

Natsu smiled at him as one would a child. “Close. That is what I am to the guild, but what am I to dragon kind?”

“A king?” He had remembered the stories Master had told him of his father the fire dragon king. It was only reasonable that Master would take that mantle.

“Correct,” Natsu replied. “I am the king of dragon slayers. I protect them as well as keep them in line. However, if something were to happen to me who would take my place till I recovered or take my place as king if I were dead.”

“Erza?”

Natsu chuckled. “No. Erza isn’t a dragon slayer, Ash. She could never take my place. However, she would still be respected and cared for if something were to happen to me. Is that understood?” Natsu replied firmly.

“Yes, Master.”

“It is the king’s second command a wingman you could say who takes up the mantle in my place.”

“And who is that Master?”

“You.”

“M-me?” he stammered. “But Master, I could hardly take your place.”

“Ash, you’re fifteen. Of course, I don’t expect you to now.” Natsu still had a dark look on his face. “However, if something were to happen to me, you look after the others and Erza.” Natsu placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder. “You hold the strength of dragons. If something were to happen to me, you hold that title understood?”

“Understood.”

The memory faded from his mind. The shocked stadium roared in his ears. Master left him in charge of the dragon slayers. He represented dragon slayers. He would show them the strength of dragons while Master was unwell. He wasn’t going to interfere with Erza’s fury yesterday, but Laxus, while not meaning to, sullied the name of dragon slayers. Now it was his turn to step in.

The pumpkin man stepped up. “You don’t mean to fight all of them, do you? This game was meant for multiple wizards. There’s no way you could do it.”

“Ash, you can’t do this! It isn’t fair!” Wendel exclaimed. “This isn’t like one of the master’s training exercises.”

“I will fight them,” Ash said facing the other competitors. His eyes flashed silver, and the others stepped back. Even Wendel didn’t dare oppose him as he stepped away.

Ash made his way up the ramp. He listened to the breaths of the monsters inside. Inside the castle was constructed upside down. To disorient the competitor most likely. If it was aimed at dragon slayers it failed as it wasn’t moving. That was the key. Movement bothered their equilibrium in their ears giving them vertigo. An upside-down room wasn’t going to do that, but they tried at least.

He took a breath of his pipe. “I am Ash from Fairy Tail Team A. I challenge one hundred monsters!”

In the stands, the crowd waited in excitement and nervousness. “Ash usually isn’t this reckless. What’s gotten into him.” Alzack commented.

Erza gazed at the lacrama screens above showing Ash enter the castle. “Ash knows what he’s doing.”

“I agree with Alzack on this one,” Max said. “Ash is usually more cautious than this.”

“If he fought any less, I would have punched his teeth in.” Opal slammed her fist into her other hand. “It’s about time you started stepping in, Ash,” she whispered.

“Is that kid crazy!?” Gildarts said.

“Ash will be ok,” Wendy reassured him. “Natsu personally trained him.”

“That explains why he’s crazy!”

“Shhh!” Laxus silenced the two of them. “I want to see what the kid can do.”

The D-rank monsters were easy to clear. The C-rank weren’t too hard either. They could use fire, but the fire was nothing to him. They were only sparks compared to Master’s flames.

“Smoke cloud.”

Thick clouds of smoke blanketed the castle. His enemies couldn’t see him anymore and neither could the crowd. He smirked to himself. While his enemies couldn’t see him, he didn’t need his eyes to see them. He had smoke for that. The fun of enclosed spaces was there was limited air. Especially to a hundred monsters.

“It seems we can no longer see the inside.” The announcer claimed. Minutes ticked by. Bamm! A fire sparked and then disappeared. “It looks like we’re back, and their only 49 monsters left! Ash has destroyed over half of them already.”

Ash sniffed the air. That little monster he had seen had disappeared. Had he killed it? He puffed more smoke into his lungs. Like Opal, he too had a good supply of magic. He could run out, however, at this rate. Now came the harder monsters and he was going to have to get hands on with them. The monsters snuck outside onto the castle bridges. While he couldn’t use Smoke Cloud against them as well, he would still be ok for now.

“Smoke dragon slayer roar!” The blast took out several monsters on the bridge. Monster after monster went down. There were five left and he was feeling the strain. He had been beaten against one too many walls and his pipe needed to be refilled. He was almost out. He didn’t know yet if he was going to be battling later.

“Smoke claws!” He swiped his hands against a B-rank monster then an A rank. He gasped for breath and smoked his pipe as though it was air.

“Smoke dragon roar!” He was done. There were no more.

“UNBELIEVABLE!” He cried. “Ash Burns single-handedly defeated the one hundred monsters of Pandemonium. Fairy Tail has dominated the competition for the past two days, but this takes the cake! This is a Fairy Tail wizard folks!”

Ash stepped down from the castle and up to the pumpkin. “I think there may have been a mistake. I didn’t see an S-rank monster. There was one that was weaker than the rest, but I killed it pretty early on.”

The pumpkin gawked at the wizard. “That one was meant to get three times stronger if it was the last one, kin. You killed it before that.”

“Oh, I see. Good.”

“Ash!” Wendel barreled into him lifted Ash and spun him around. “That was amazing!”

“No, I sure Opal could have gotten it done quicker than me.” Ash sighed as Wendel let him down.

“You bet I could!” Opal shouted. “Should have been me down there.”

The crowd cheered Ash’s and Fairy Tail’s name. The announcer had a hard time settling them down. “Fairy Tail has earned ten points for their team, but the rest still needs to be decided.”

“It’s a little boring compared to pandemonium, but it’s a simple game we were able to come up with on short notice.” The pumpkin said with a magic device to his left. “This is an MPF. It stands for Magic Power Finder.”

“So, it measures our magic power then,” Jura replied.

“Precisely. Hit with a spell and it will tell you its strength in numerical form.”

Millianna went first and gave it her best shot and scored a 365. However, the crowd was quiet.

“We never did give a benchmark, so I can’t exactly tell if this score is good or not.” The announcer replied.

“I think I can help you there.” The councilman told him. “We Rune knights use these fairly often as part of our training. She did quite well and is high enough to rank as a squad captain.

Novali didn’t do as well scoring a 124. However, Hibiki didn’t do much better scoring a 95. Obra oddly scored a 4 much to the confusion of everyone.

Olga went next as Millianna was so far in the lead. “120-mm Black Lighting Cannon!”

The black lighting shot out of his hands and straight at the device. 3825. The crowd cheered.

“What!” The cat wizard screeched. “That’s ten times higher than me!”

“Now it’s time for wizard Saint Jura! Hopefully, he can make up for his last performance.” Jura grimaced. They weren’t going to let that down.

“Do you mind if I give it my all?” He asked.

“Of course, you can.” He pipped up. “That’s the whole point of the game!”

Jura put in hands together. The ground shook. “Rumbling Fuji!”

A beam of light shot into the sky and filled the stadium as it shook everyone in their seats. 8544!

“Great, how am I supposed to compare to that?!” Wendel grumbled.

“Just try your best,” Jura said patting the water dragon slayer on the head. “Isn’t that what Natsu usually tells you.”

Wendel smile. “Yeah, he does. He’s always like that.”

He stepped up to the device. He took a deep breath.

“Master! It’s impossible!”

Natsu looked down at the younger slayer. “Did you know that the very word impossible says I’m possible?”

“Master!” Wendel cried. His tear poured down his face. “I’m being serious. I can’t do it. It’s too hard!”

A hand ruffled his hair. “Close your eyes and place your hands over your ears. What do you hear?”

It was like a thunderous noise. One he would hear when he would see the ocean. It was strong and clapped in his head or was it his heart? “The ocean?”

“Yes, that’s your magic flowing through you. Raw and untamable. Feel deep within it and draw it out. That is the dragon within you.”

“But what if I can’t do it?”

“Then you don’t,” Natsu said. “We’ll try again later. Just do your best Wendel. That’s all I ask. You can’t be proud of yourself if you do less than your best.”

Wendel felt deep inside the vast ocean. His dragon within. Give me your power he thought. It surged within him like a flood. Stronger and fierce.

“Water Dragon Slayer Roar!”

A flood shot out his mouth and into the arena hitting the device. He looked at the device reading the number 5468. He grinned. He did his best. That was something to be proud of.

Natsu woke up to the playful tugs against his hair. “Sorry, Natsu.”

Glancing over he watched as Bisca picked up his son. “That’s alright.” He held out his arm, and she gave back Igneel who quickly latch back on to his hair. “He doesn’t understand what’s going on. How we doing?”

Bisca smirked. “Well, I do happen to know because I managed to get us one of these.” She held up a lacrama. “We can watch it on this!”

“Thanks, Bisca.” Natsu laughed. “I owe you one.”

“The game portion I recorded for you. You be so proud of those boys; Ash and Wendel. They did so well,” she said. “The game was for them to fight a hundred monsters. However, they were going in turns, and they would keep going till all hundred were gone or they ran out of power.”

“Ok. So how did they do?”

“Ash went first and decided to fight them all.” Natsu belted out laughing.

“He fought them all!” He wiped away a tear. “Now that’s how it’s done.”

“After that, they had to scramble to make a new game.”

“Bet the judges loved that.” Natsu scoffed.

“They were using a magic power finder and ranking them that way. Wendel got second in that, and Jura was first. So overall, Wendel was third.”

“Yeah, I’m going to have to see that for myself,” he said. “Has anyone battled yet?”

“Mermaid heel won against Quatro Puppy and it looks like Rufus from Sabertooth just won against Eve from Blue Pegasus. Poor Pegasus is doing isn’t doing too hot.”

A wave of tiredness swept back over Natsu. “Or maybe you can watch it later.” Igneel was lifted gently from his arms and was pushed against the pillows. Within seconds he drifted back to sleep.

“It’s time for match 3, everyone.” The pumpkin man yelled.

“For Match 3 we have Fairy Tail B’s Laxus Dreyar vs. Raven Tail’s Alexei!”

Neither opponent moved. Laxus stood crossing his arms while the other stood shielded by his armor. Yajima covered his microphone. “Excuse me Laharl, did you happen to bring any of your men here with you?”

“I did,” he replied. “It’s regulation, but only a few.”

“I would like you to keep a close eye on Raven Tail. If you would.”

“Yes, Of course,” Laharl said.

“If you see anything let me know and I’ll stop the match.” Laharl nodded in agreement.

Fairy Tail also watched Alzack sit on a tower, and Lisanna with the thunder legion also kept a lookout. Warren helped communicate between everyone.

“So, you’re from my old man’s guild?” Laxus questioned. “But are you really hiding behind a mask is pretty cowardly of you.”

An after image of Alexei charged and an image of Laxus went flying back. The sky had grown a deep shape of purple. “Care to explain what all this is?” Laxus asked never moving from his spot, to begin with.

“It’s a type of illusion magic. I needed us to have a private conversation together without interruption. Now one can hear or see us.” Alexi said and pointed to the copies. “All they see is those two. Rather convincing wouldn’t you say. Not a single person has noticed. They’re just watching you losing again which from what they’ve seen you do so far, it’s understandable. I wonder what they think of you now seeing you like this?”

“I don’t get it,” Laxus said “What does this do for you? Once the illusion comes down. They’ll figure it out. What would even be the point in beating me in an illusion.”

“I guess it wouldn’t make much sense if you say it that way, however, winning was never my real goal,” Alexei replied. “The illusion was just meant as a distraction, nothing more. Although I control the illusion, I can also control the outcome.”

“You can control it? How so?”

Alexei waved a hand toward the copies, and the copy Laxus finally got a good hit against the copy Alexei. However, it was short lived as Alexei gained the advantage again. “So that’s how you control the match, huh. Once I beat you the illusion will end and they will still find out.”

“I’m saying I can control how the match plays out depending on how the negotiations go,” Alexi said.

“That’s not going to fly with me, buddy. I don’t care about your illusion. I’ll just fight the real you, ending this right now.”

“That’s not going to work too well.” Whispered a voice. The rest of Raven Tail appeared behind Alexei.

“As strong as you are, you can’t take us all.” Alexei snide and pulled off his mask. “I’m sure you know how strong I am don’t you, my foolish son.”

“My deadbeat dad…” Laxus said rather nonchalantly. “I figured it might be you behind that mask.

“Makarov would rather die than reveal than to reveal that secret, but you’re not him,” he said. “I can depend on you, can’t I? Where’s Lumen Histoire?”

Laxus raised a brow. “Never heard of it. You just wasted your and my time with this.”

“Don’t play dumb with me, boy!”

“I’m not,” Laxus said.

“If Makarov were to tell anyone about it, it would be you, his precious grandson,” Ivan said.

“Look, I really don’t know what it is you’re talking about.”

Ivan started to get annoyed. “He must have told you something about it. A location or something.”

“Nope, he didn’t. Even if the geezer did tell me anything, I wouldn’t tell you it.”

“Laxus, I’m offering you a generous way to get out of this hopeless situation. If you dare refuse me your copy won’t be the only one to get a thrashing.”

Laxus tsked. “It’s been years since you’ve seen me, and you want to play dad by giving me a thrashing.” His lighting sparked and cracked around him. “Come at me. All of you. If you’re an enemy to Fairy Tail or its master, then you’re my enemy too. It’s about time I gave you a good thrashing.”

Ivan growled. “Then I guess it’s time your father gave you a lesson showing you the power I build to destroy Fairy Tail once and for all.”

~BONUS STORY~

Natsu sat bundling himself in a corner of the guild pressing his hands against his ear hoping for some relief that he knew wasn’t coming. His head throbbed at each sound. Footsteps thundered in his ears as though the ground would shake. Voices were no longer distinctive anymore. They were like static in his head.

His stomach lurched and he pulled his scarf up higher. The smells of people, alcohol, and perfume mixed together blasted at his nose.

His eyes kept clenched tight shut. The world outside was only a mix of colors when he opened them slightly.

Sensory Overloads.

He hated them.

They only happened to young dragons and dragon slayers when they were young as their bodies adjusted as they got older. It was like growing pains Porlyusica had said, but that didn’t change that he felt miserable. He usually stayed home during these episodes, however, this one caught him by surprise.

He felt a slight blush against his shoulder that made every hair on his body stand up on there on end. Cracking an eye open he was met with a swirl of blond and tan. He could slightly smell Laxus. Great. That wasn’t what he needed today he thought as he shut his eyes again.

However, to his surprise, something slipped over his ears muffling the sounds around him. Headphones? Laxus’ headphones. Laxus’ scent drifted off, and his footfalls also became lighter. He sighed in the small relief.

Chapter Text

“So, you created Raven Tail just to destroy Fairy Tail.”

Ivan smiled. “I handpicked each one of them to counter each of fairy tail’s highest members-”

“Except it didn’t work too well, did it,” Laxus commented. “I mean you haven’t exactly done too well. Let me guess you thought Gramps would have taken over the guild when he got back too.”

“It was a setback!” Ivan growled. “A setback that can be easily fixed here and now. I’ve spent years finding all your weaknesses to bring to your knees.”

“That little firefly you mentioned has been doing his homework too, you know. You really shouldn’t have underestimated him,” Laxus replied.

Ivan’s eyes widened. “That firefly has been spying on us!”

“That’s right pops,” he continued. “He kept a close eye on everything, your numbers, location, operating funds, even your activities over the past seven years. The fourth master knows it all.”

“What!”

“But if he knew, why didn’t he do anything. It’s been seven years! That guild is more than strong enough now!” Nullpudding exclaimed. There was no way Fairy Tail wouldn’t have tried!

“Out of goodwill.”

“What?”

Laxus rolled his eyes.

“You really just ignored him.” Laxus sighed. Here he thought Natsu grew up. “Look Natsu, he claimed awhile back to have some serious dirt on Fairy Tail. He has been holding a long grudge against gramps. He’ll only give you trouble, later.”

Natsu looked out at the lake behind the guild. “Laxus, I may or may know what he has on us, but I don’t think he has spilled anything,” he said. “But you have to remember it’s been seven years. The first few were rough for us. If he wanted to get us, he could have easily.”

‘He left us alone, though. By the time we got stronger, for the most part, he still left us alone so I will leave him alone. Nor is it my place to get into this family fight he has with gramps. Maybe now that Gramps isn’t in charge, he doesn’t have a reason to fight us.” Natsu paused frowning solemnly. “I doubt it, but I can only hope.”

“Natsu picked up a pretty pesky habit from gramps. He learned to hold back. You didn’t bother him in his times of trouble so in return he felt no need to bother you.” Ivan grounded his teeth. “Hurts huh, that a kid was able to be the adult in the situation, yet you were the one to lash out and hold a grudge against a guild isn’t even run by the man you are even holding a grudge against.”

“Silence!” He through his hand out and paper dolls flew at Laxus. He braced himself locking his feet to the ground. “That boy was even more stupid than I thought! I lived for years in the shadows for this day. To get Lumen Histoire! I didn’t bother him! He wasn’t worth bothering. Those idiots wouldn’t know a thing about Lumen Histoire. I checked every place connected to Fairy Tail; the guildhall and magnolia. I check everywhere, but I still haven’t found it! Tell me where it is Laxus. Telling me! You’re my son aren’t you!” The man’s fury and magic swirled in the air around him smothering him.

Don’t you know that blood ties don’t matter! Everyone in Fairy Tail is supposed to be considered family.

Natsu always did say he saw you as an older brother. I tend to think of Natsu as an older brother too. So, I guess that means you’re my brother too, Laxus.

The words echoed in his head. Those two showed him what family truly was.

“Ah, I was wondering why you were standing and taking it so passively,” Ivan chuckled. “Testing my magic, were you?” Ivan paused and a smirk crawled onto his face. “Or was it something else? Couldn’t bring yourself to strike your own father. What a good boy you are my sweet little Laxy,” he sneered.

Laxus wanted to clout the man. He ground his teeth, and he could feel the electric charge under his skin.

“Laxus!”

His grandfather’s voice snapped him out of his thought. Makarov held up his pointer finger straight up with his thumb sticking out to where it shaped an L symbol. His grandfather held up the Fairy Tail symbol. The one that he held up when he left the guild. The symbol all his guildmates held when he left. Natsu welcomed him back without a second thought despite what he had done before. Despite the fact that he had hurt them all. They forgave him.

“Obra Now!” Ivan yelled. “Drain his magic as we did with Fairy Tail’s pitiful master! It’s time, I showed you the power of Raven Tail!”

Like lightning, Laxus shot off. With a swift kick, Laxus knocked Obra cleanout. “So, you’re the one who did that to Natsu,” Laxus growled. He was coated in lighting.
“Red Hair Storm!” Laxus dodged the hair in zips of lighting.

“Needle Bast!” Laxus didn’t use his magic to evade the short man’s punches. Coating his hand in lightning, he sent the purple man clean to the ground.

“I got you now blonde!” The redhead shrilled. Her fiery hair wrapped tightly one of his wrists.

“Like hell you do!” Laxus shouted a roar knocking the girl clear across the grounds.

“Sand Fake.”

Laxus didn’t even bother to glance at the man as he struck him down with a pillar of lighting. “Creep.”

“My elite squad,” Ivan gaped as he stepped back away from Laxus. “Impossible how?”

“Look here you deadbeat Dad,” Laxus growled as lighting charges danced around him. “I don’t know want your goal is, and quite frankly I don’t care. However, you’re going to pay for the shit that you pulled, and you’re going to pay it with pain!”

“Wait!” Ivan stepped back frantic. “Laxus, I’m your father. You can’t harm me. I’m your own flesh and blood.”

“Fairy Tail is my family!” Ivan shot out more of his paper dolls which Laxus knocked away easily. “Anyone who threatens them will get no mercy from me!”

Laxus charged up his lighting sending it straight into Ivan. The fight was over. Laxus was deemed the winner of the match.

“Wait, Laxus,” his father asked. “I admit that I may have lost this time. There is something you should know. Lumen Histoire is Fairy Tail’s most guarded secret, and someday you’re going to learn that firsthand. Then you’ll know who your family really is.”

Laxus wasn’t sure what this Lumen thing was, but it was guild master business, not his. He knew that much.

“As for the fourth and final match of the day, we have Max Alors from Fairy Tails team A against Sheila from Lamia scale!”

Max gritted his teeth. A little as she was, that girl had an ace up her sleeve. Max didn’t know what it was though. “Sand Storm!”

“Sky god’s Northern Wind!” She dispelled it, but it was black. Black wind? “Sky god’s dance!”

“Sand wall!” He blocked it with as much sand as he could. “Sand rebellion!”

“Ah!” Shelia cried. She was knocked to the ground. Her body scraped and battered from the sand against her skin. Good. The kid was down.

Max gasped as he felt his magic slip from inside of him. Falling to his knees, he gasped for breath. His magic was taken. Damn!

“Ah’ oh. It seems the last spell was a little too much for Max!”

To Max’s horror, Shelia got up without a scratch on her body! “That was a nice shot, but not enough Fairy Tail. I can’t let you win. Lamia is too far down as it is.”

“Sky God Roar!” Max paled. He was so screwed!

Max woke up minutes later with Shellia and Wendy bending over him. “Wendy.”

“Oh, good you’re awake,” she cried. “Thank you, Shelia. I can take it from here.”

“No problem. In the end, it’s still a game. We all live in the same kingdom. We guilds really should love each other more.”

“Agreed.”

“This marks the end of Day three and let’s add the points. Fairy Tail A is still in the lead with 50 points, and Fairy Tail B is second with 46 points. They still have a strong lead. Saber Tooth is in third place with 31 points. Mermaid heel has risen to fourth place with 29 points while Lamia Scale is right behind with 27 points. In sixth place Blue Pegasus at 17 points, and in last place Quatro puppy with 14. We’ll see you all tomorrow.”

Natsu woke again to Wendy inspecting his arm. “Ah, Natsu. How you are feeling?”

“Better than before,” he sighed. He was still weak and a little shaky, but he would be alright. Nothing a little more sleep wouldn’t fix. “Thanks, Wendy. How’s it healing?”

“The burn will be visible for only a few days more, and after that, it will be tender in that area. So please, don’t exert yourself, Master. It was a pretty serious burn, but it could have been worse.”

“Yea, it could have,” he murmured to himself but shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Will I be able to watch the games tomorrow?”

“Yes, as long as you’re feeling up for it.”

Both dragon slayers turned to the shuffling noise outside the door. “Come in.”

It was one of those frog men from the council. Nothing ever good happens when they showed up. “Master Dragneel. It has been declared at the expulsion of Raven Tail both will A and B teams of Fairy Tail will need to be condensed into one group to even the numbers. You have till tomorrow to decide who will be on that team.”

“What about the points that they earned?” Natsu asked practically growling.

“You may keep team B’s points at 46. Good night master Dragneel.”

Natsu sighed again. Nothing ever good happened when those frogs appeared. Nothing good at all. “I need to tell the guild.”

“If you must,” Wendy relented. “At least let me help you get down the stairs.”

“Master!” Max exclaimed as Natsu sat down next to him.

“Don’t get up,” Natsu said. “How are you holding up?”

Max sighed. “Just my pride. It felt as though the magic was sucked right out of me. I’m sorry.”

Natsu snorted. “Don’t be. I’ve been bedridden for the past few days for basically the same thing. Don’t apologize to me. I’m just glad you weren’t up against saber tooth or something.”

“Is something wrong, Natsu?” Max asked. Natsu had that funny look on his face when he was trying to think about too many things at once. “Have you found anything new about these magic drains?”

“No, but Max. I was informed that our two teams are going to be combined,” he said reluctantly.

“Meaning you need to ax five people, and I’m already hurt.”

“Yeah.”

“Who are you going to pick then?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’ve already told the guild about the combination, but I want to think the rest over for tonight.” Natsu got up and stretched himself out. “You rest, ok.”

“I could say the same for you, Master.”

Natsu chuckled. “Yeah, I will, but I wanted to check on you first. Max thanks for joining the game in the first place.”

“Yeah, no problem.”

Bonus Story~

Erza didn’t know what she was thinking!? How could she have thought this was a good idea.

It was last night that she proposed the idea. Natsu had been exhausted. With work and the newborn twins, he was completely swamped for the past months. With Erza just returning from a mission, she proposed that Natsu have the afternoon to himself without the two pink haired shadows. Natsu had been meaning to spend some time with his practically little sister Wendy. He could spend some time away from the guild and the kids and have a fun day with Wendy. That was the thought at least.

She was constantly on the move from jobs and S-class jobs. Natsu had been looking after them. After she had given birth to them, she spent a week at the guild. A week! Before she went back to work. She never even breastfed them, despite Natsu telling her it was alright, and it was ok if she didn’t want to breastfeed. It was completely her decision, but she still felt like a horrible mother.

Tears prickled in her eyes. They wouldn’t stop crying. They had been for hours. They screamed so hard that their screams quivered. She was such a horrible mother. If she was any descent mother, she could calm down her crying child. How did other parents know what to do? What did they have that she didn’t?

“Erza?” Bisca peeked through the door and gasped when she saw her glistening tears. Her splotchy red face! “Oh, Erza. It’s ok.”

She picked up Haru and Erza held the other. Haru whimpered softly on her chest. “It’s not ok! I’m their mother I should know how…”

“How to perfectly raise and hold your child,” Bisca said softly rocking the child slowly That’s every mother’s dream. Believe me. It takes time and practice. I know Natsu appreciated you taking time off to watch them.”

“I’m their mother,” Erza replied as she placed down Nara, and wiped her tears. “I’m the one who should be taking care of them.”

“Oh, Erza. If Natsu’s and your positions were reversed, you would be mad at him? If you were running the guild and he was barely home because he was doing S-class missions. Which could have very like have happened.”

“No, he would be working hard for the family just as he does for the guild at home. He still looks after the kids as well as that!”

Bisca interrupted her. “And Maco and other adults helped babysit and taught him how to take care of a baby. The rest he figured on his own through time, practice, and patience. We’re all here at a moment’s call.”

“Thank you, Bisca.”

“You’re a good mom, Erza. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Chapter Text

Hey, Guys. I hate to do this, but I'm discontinuing this fic. It was my first fic, and it was not well done. I'm starting to rewrite it. Please go to my fic, Yet Time Still Turns, to check it out. I'm leaving this fic for those who still like it.