Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I don't own Fairy Tail. 

A/N: I'm winging it with the human and hybrid dragon thing, this is really experimental and when I tried researching the topic. Didn't find much. I'm basically shooting in the dark. Don't kill me. 

Natsu noticed the dragon smell coming a mile away but no dragon flying in the sky. It must have been another Dragon Slayer but something was off, the smell didn't smell like Gajeel. He looked around as the smell became stronger and he could make out more of the scent. His eyes move to Erza. The woman had a clipboard in one hand as the female reviewed the current schematics for the new Guild Hall. They had just defeated Phantom Lord but the Guild Hall was destroyed in the process. Natsu hadn't been mad about the destroyed Guild Hall. He got his revenge and beaten Gajeel into the ground. 

'Weird...they share some of Erza's scent.' Natsu thought. 

As if they were family because Natsu had learned that kids smelled very similarily to their parents and siblings. That smell it kept coming closer and closer until Natsu was looking at the source of the smell. He was standing outside the construction site. This person, was like a mini version of Erza aside from the fact that it was a male and not a female. The boy had to be no more than fourteen with scarlet red color hair and brown color eyes. His pupils were more reptilian in nature. This person wore a light brown poncho with the poncho having a hood but the male didn't have the hood up. He wore a white short sleeve shirt underneath the poncho, a pair of black color shorts that were baggy and a bit worn from use. The boy wore no shoes in fact, he was barefoot. He wielded a wooden staff that was on his back. The male looked right at Natsu before growing a friendly smile. He gave Natsu a wave while Natsu waved back. The boy looked away while Natsu kept his eyes on said male. 

'This can't be real I have to be looking at a double! There's no way he could be related to Erza! Right!?' Natsu thought. 

Natsu watch as the Teen looked around before his eyes landed on someone. That someone being a preoccupied Erza Scarlet. Natsu watch as a look of excitement filled the boy's face. The boy took in a deep breath before firing off like a rocket. 

"It's so good to finally meet you Erza!" 

Everything came to a screeching halt and everyone within the vicinity, Erza included, looked at the teenager that shouted at her. Their mouths went wide at seeing the boy with his uncanny resemblance to the nineteen year old. The boy put his hands on his hips before puffing his chest out in pride. He grew a amused smile at the looks he was getting and saw all of them slowly looking at Erza. The female in question couldn't believe what she was seeing. This boy looked exactly like her but...but...how? Erza closed one of her eyes and found that the person before her wasn't using illusion magic. This seemed to make Erza freeze at the implications. Is he somehow related to her? When everyone saw Erza's mouth open but didn't say a word. They slowly looked at the kid before them. 

"Yep, you guessed it. I'm related to you, more precisely I'm your younger half brother. Mom says hi and that she loves you." The Teen spoke. 

The Guild didn't know if they should take him seriously because on one hand. It could be a very convincing get up. The other hand if he was telling the truth. What could that mean for Erza!? Erza, herself, wasn't fully on board on what he had just said and that was because there was other ways to make yourself look like someone. Erza closed her mouth as she didn't know how to handle this situation. If he was indeed her younger brother. She could say something callous that would make things worse. Natsu eyed Erza as he saw her regain her composure. He walked next to her before whispering into her eye. 

"He has some of your scent on him." Natsu whispered to Erza. 

Erza eyed Natsu with a serious look in her eyes. Normally, Natsu would cower at her look but he knew how important family is to other people. Since he himself never had that family. Natsu wanted Erza to have the chance of meeting her actual family. This boy had some validation for the claim. As a result, he remain firmly planted as he would help Erza. 

"I promise you that it isn't altered or he used some kind of perfume or whatever, it's valid. I would know." Natsu stated. 

His sense of smell has always been excellent thanks to his dragon slayer magic. Natsu is also a person she could trust and took his words into consideration. She walk towards the teen while everyone began to murmur to themselves. Finally, she reached him. His smile shimmered down at seeing her hardened face. However, the boy remained unfazed. Erza would ask him a question that only Makarov knew the answer too. She didn't want to say where she came from because she did not wish for the survivors to be hunted down. In case some remnants of the cult still survived and she was glad she didn't divulge the information. As she remember Jellal coming to visit her after the fight with Phantom Lord. Erza suppressed her anger while putting her thoughts and the memory down into the back of her mind. She asked her question with a straight face. 

"I was raised in a village. What was it?" Erza asked. 

"Rosemary, specifically a Church." He answered with ease. 

That did solidified his case and for now Erza would have to accept that he is her younger brother. She was rather shocked at the new information. Her? A older sister. Sure, she had Gray and Natsu as her younger brothers. However, they became family after she and them bonded with one another. The difference is she had one by blood and she didn't even know it. Erza coughed into her fist as she move to grow a welcoming smile. 

"Considering Natsu's statement and you answering my question with ease. I believe you. I...I'm glad to have a little brother. Its nice to finally meet you." Erza stated. 

His smile grew tenfold that resembled a light bulb with how bright it was. 

"I'm glad to finally have meet you as well! Sorry it took so long to meet you. Mom didn't talk about you until a few months ago." He said. 

She didn't even tell him until recently? Considering how he is visiting her now. Erza took it as a sign he would have come to meet her sooner. 

"Ah, I should know my little brother's name. I'm Erza Scarlet and you are?" Erza asked. 

The boys face became confused but the initial statement was pushed back. As he returned his smile before giving his name to her. 

"Minato Belserion. Mother does have a message for you. She wrote a letter." Minato introduce himself. 

He reach into his back pocket before pulling out a envelope and handed it to Erza. The female became truely surprised at the statement as she took it from Minato's hand. She would read it later as she had more pressing matters to attended too. The female casted the envelope into a inter dimensional pocket of where she kept her swords. She would summon the envelope to read after spending time with her brother. 

"I'll read it later. I think I have to make up for lost time. Don't you think?" Erza asked. 

Minato didn't mind that approach. Truth be told he wanted to spend time with his older sister. 

"That's okay." Minato spoke. 

Erza face the Guild as she delivered a harsh glare to everyone as all of them stiffened. 

'Certainly has mom's glare that's for sure.' Minato thought. 

He watch as everyone cowered under his sisters glare. Even the dragon slayer that was apart of their Guild was cowering before her. 

"Don't think I won't notice if any of you slack off on your assigned duties today. Am I clear?" Erza asked. 

The Dragon Slayer gave her a mock salute before going back to his assigned task without a second to spare. That Slayer did find out about him before Erza and he wasn't surprised that he was the first to recover. Erza seeing no one but Natsu respond to the statement seemed to grow a frown. As displeasure showed in her posture. 

"Do I need to repeat myself?" Erza asked. 

That got the group into motion. 

"Nope, not at all! I'll be going back on the measurements now!" Wakaba yelled. 

"Wood isn't gonna cut itself!" Gray shouted. 

As they moved about like workers should would Erza face Minato. Her glare and frown gone. 

"Let's go, I'm sure you're hungry after a long way here." Erza said. 

"I want beef." Minato spoke. 

"Beef it is let's go I know a place in Magnolia that has pretty good beef." Erza answered. 

The pair walked away from the Guild and travel down the road. Erza figured to start somewhere she could ask him about magic. 

"What types of magic have you learned?" Erza asked. 

"Enchantment magic and erm...dragon magic." 

Dragon magic? Him and Natsu could get along. Natsu is a dragon slayer. Though that reminded her of Natsu's motion sickness. She put the thought away as they'll cross that bridge at a later date. 

"Natsu uses dragon magic too. I'm sure you'll get along with him as he was raised by Igneel. The Fire Dragon. What was the dragon that taught you?" Erza responded. 

Minato didn't want their first meeting to be all about learning the dark side of Erza's past. He spent a long time coming over here to see his sister. To spend time with her. The letter he had given her was going to be something that could make her not come see him again. For now, for this moment, he would like to get a glimpse of what it would be like to be a family with Erza. He lied by omission. 

"My...teacher taught me Sage Dragon Slayer Magic. After that I learned from mom her signature enchantment magic and stuck to it to make her proud." Minato spoke. 

"Sage? It is compatible with enchantment magic." Erza mused. 

"I know! It amplifies it and thats why I learned the basics of it to help with my enchantment magic. What about you?" Minato asked. 

"I learned Re-quip magic." Erza began to explain. 

Back at the Guild. 

Everyone waited for Erza to get out of earshot before flipping their lid. 

"Erza has a brother!?" Someone yelled. 

"I mean the resemblance is striking! How could they not be!?" 

Natsu couldn't believe it, there had to be no way right? Not with how that kid smelled and from the way Erza responded to the answer. That's something only Erza would know about and the fact she had accepted him after the answer. 

'A lot to take in.' Natsu thought. 

And a lot of time missed that they couldn't get back with one another. Normally, Natsu wouldn't mind causing a brawl to break out. It was all for fun and no one actually took the brawls seriously. Though those may have to stop considering how Erza would rather be speaking with her brother over stopping a brawl. 

'I'll try not to contribute to the brawls if he's around Erza.'

That woman is scary enforcing the rules and she was scary when she broke up playful brawls. He shivered at having to deal with a truely aggravated Erza. Natsu had made a effective plan to at the very least save his own skin. Unlike Natsu, everyone else still absorbed the news. 

"Who knew Erza had a long lost brother." Mirajane spoke. 

Makarov nursed his ale as he had to acknowledge the boy's answer and family resemblance. 

"Erza was abandoned by her mother. I don't know why that mother chose to raise the son. Quite frankly, I'm fuming on the inside about Erza being abandoned like some mistake." Makarov stated. 

Mirajane also felt some anger being directed at Erza's mother. It did seem like Erza was left to the wolves because of the implication that her mother wanted a son and not a daughter. 

"She better have one hell of a good reason that she abandoned Erza." Makarov said. 

The old man taking a swig of his drink to let the ale numb his anger. 

"I know Erza won't hold it against him. I'm sure they're having a good time with one another and catching up." Mirajane said. 

Makarov gave out a 'hmm.' As the old man wished for that to be the case. Mirajane was right on the money. 

"This beef is the best!!! You weren't joking when you said it was a good place!" Minato stated. 

The male easily engulfing the plates full of ground beef giving to him. Erza was quite shocked. He had easily eaten five servings worth and while she could cover the cost. It did worry her a bit that he was eating that much food. 

"Did you eat on your trip?" Erza wondered. 

Minato swallowed his food at the question. 

"I haven't eaten all day." Minato lied. 

He had eaten earlier but it was a painful side effect of who he is and required more food then usual. Though he is getting full. Erza eyes widen as she realized that wouldn't do. 

"You need to take care of yourself." Erza spoke. 

Speaking of him being taken care of, she realized he wouldn't have a place to stay for the night. The Guild is out of the question. It was being renovated and lacked a comfortable fot him to sleep. Minato grew a sheepish smile as he rubbed the back of his head. He appeared apologetic. 

"Sorry, sorry. I was a tad too excited to see you." Minato said. 

What was Erza's response to that? How was she suppose to respond to that statement? It warmed her heart that he wanted to see her and finally meet her to this extent. However, his well being came before her. 

"As the older sister. It is my responsibility to ensure that you're taken care of and I appericate your statement as well as your intentions. However, you should take care of yourself. I know we lost so much time as siblings. I can understand your enthusiasm but you come first." Erza stated. 

Minato happily stuck his tongue out at Erza. 

"I got here didn't I?" Minato playfully asked. 

Erza shaked her head. He wasn't very much different from Natsu or Gray. She couldn't stop a smile falling onto her face. 

"Do you have a place to stay for the night?" Erza asked. 

"Yep, I got a hotel inn that I'm using. I don't need a place to stay." Minato said. 

In reality, Minato had no hotel room but he'd knew Erza would resort to getting him a place or worse having him stay with her. He was nervous to see her reaction to that letter. Therefore, he put her worries away to make it to where he could retire for the day without being next to her. 

"That's good." 

'At least...my mother is taking care of him properly.' Erza thought. 

It felt weird to think that word but she didn't know her mother's name. Erza held no love and no hatred towards her mother. In truth, she had gotten over the incident a long time ago. She met Fairy Tail and found a father figure, two younger brothers, a rival, so many new friends. If she was with her mother, she wouldn't have met such extraordinary people like Natsu. 

"Where do you live?" Minato asked. 

That's how the day went as they talked about the other until the sun began to set. 

"See you tommorow, Minato." Erza called out. 

"Same!" Minato happily shouted at her. 

Minato sped off while Erza watched him with a happy smile. Now that their meeting concluded did her smile fade as she remembered the letter. 

'What did mother want to say to me?' Erza thought. 

She travel all the way to Fairy Hills and reach her room. The female starring down at the envelope in her hands. Erza wasn't expecting anything from her mother but here was a letter from said woman. She open the envelope. 

Natsu was making his way home. The sun already set as the sky now gave way to stars and the moon. Happy, his companion had went to Mirajane's and Elfman's home. Which is the good thing because Minato was leaning against his home. A smile on his face as he looked at Natsu. 

"We both don't need to beat around the bush. I know you're a dragon slayer." Minato told Natsu. 

A direct confrontation? This is the way Natsu likes to do things. 

"Yeah, Igneel taught me Fire Dragon slaying magic." Natsu stated. 

"Irene taught me how to use my dragonic magic. To be precise, she is the Sage Dragon. The new one if you wanna get technical." Minato returned. 

"The new one?" Natsu asked. 

"I did visit you for a reason. I'll get right to it, how are you not a dragon?" Minato asked. 

Natsu didn't know what Minato was talking about...just what was he implying. Minato watch as Natsu shared nothing but a confused expression. 

'Could it be even they don't know why they haven't turned into dragons? Did their dragon's do something that not even the dragon slayers know about?' Minato thought. 

"What the hell? I'm a human pal who's been taught dragon slayer magic." Natsu said. 

"Did Igneel ever tell you about dragonization?" Minato asked. 

"Drago-what?" Natsu asked. 

Minato gave a sign. It looked like his efforts waiting for Natsu is a bust. He hope to get the information on how he could cure his mother. Since Natsu didn't know, it looked like he would need to start explaining to Natsu. 

"Normally, after a short amount of time. Humans that use dragon slayer magic will eventually fall into two categories. A. Will lose their sanity. B. Eventually turn into a dragon. All dragon slayers experience a severe degree of motion sickness. Natsu, Son of Igneel. I ask you again." 

Natsu found his eyes widening at the information. 

"Did Igneel teach you about Dragonization?" Minato asked. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

Erza read the letter. 

Dear Erza Belserion.

I have no right to call you my daughter because I did leave you to the church in Rosemary Village. You may or may not be wondering why I did such a thing. I will tell you regardless because it's in my personal belief that you deserve to know. To get to that point, I have to tell you this to hopefully save you some serious questioning. I had you while I was a human and your father was a human. That means you're a human.

Erza didn't understand why her mother had written that part out. Erza continued reading. 

There's no easing this in, I don't know how, I'm going to be blunt and straight to the point. You aren't 19 but 419 years old. You were due to be born in x365 but I carried you for 400 years because of my circumstances.

What? That's impossible! What kind of nonsense is she reading!? 

It's unbelievable to you but that is the truth. Go to the ruins of Dragnof but take your brother with you. He knows the ancient language and where it is.

The Kingdom of Dragnof? She needed to talk to her brother tommorow. Erza couldn't read the rest of the leader unless she went to that Kingdom. Her mother had given her a way to prove herself. What she had read isn't possible. It had to be made up! Erza close the letter before tossing it on the table without a second thought. The female would head to bed but the strangest thing happened to her. Erza stared at the ceiling while the moonlight creeped into her room. She couldn't sleep because of the what if, the hypothetical. What if her mother is right? What if she had been telling the truth? Erza looked at her hand. 

'I'd really be 419 years old.' Erza thought. 

A thought that scared her because at some point. Something must have happened but she grew up in Rosemary Village. People took care of her, even told her what she was like when she was a baby. How would that work out? How would she be 419 years old? Erza didn't want to imagine it being true. Yet, she couldn't shake this feeling. This feeling that her mother is correct. Erza tried her hardest after that to sleep but sleep never reached her. 

"No, he never said anything about it." Natsu answered. 

"You would think he would have but maybe he found a way to make sure you didn't become a dragon." Minato mused. 

Now that Natsu thought about it, Minato smelled like a human and dragon. If he could get Minato to talk about it, he could probably find out why the dragon's disappeared on the seventh day, of the seventh month, and on the seventh year or x777. 

"Did your dragon also disappear on 7/7/777?" Natsu asked. 

Minato raised a brow before beginning to laugh at the question. Natsu became enraged at the behavior because this was important to him. Minato was laughing as if he had just heard a good joke. He finally got himself together. 

"Disappear? God's no. In fact, 'my' dragon is still with me. I just left the nest to reach Erza because the dragon told me that I had a sister." Minato spoke. 

Natsu's anger evaporated at the information. 

"You mean...your dragon didn't disappear on that day...do you know why mine's did?" Natsu asked. 

"I wouldn't know, this is news to me as well. If anything, Mother expected Dragon Slaying magic to be lost at this point. The only people that would have it is her and me." Minato explained. 

The more answers he recieved the more questions Natsu had. 

"Why would your mother think that? She had raised you and taught you how to use Dragon Slaying Magic. She should know there would be dragon slayers at this point." Natsu countered. 

"Not really for all she knew, all the dragon's became extinct because of Acnologia, and the mentally insane dragon slayers. Which means that eventually the dragon slaying magic would be a type of magic that is extinct." Minato responded. 

"You serious? Dragon Slayers killed their own dragons? Family members?" Natsu asked in disbelief. 

"It was a...unforseen side effect of dragon's enchanting their power onto humans. They lost their minds and went on a mindless rampage. This killed many dragon's that were allied with humanity." Minato answered. 

Natsu knew he experienced motion sickness that Minato had gleefully pointed out that all dragon slayers suffered from said affliction. Did that mean...he was going to become a rampaging demon? Was he going to hurt his family members? Natsu didn't want to do that as he looked at his hands. 

"Luckily for you, Igneel did something that prevented the symptoms from worsening to rampaging or turning into a Dragon." Minato stated. 

Natsu looked at Minato. 

"Why do you say that?" Natsu asked. 

"Simple, symptoms start showing from a week all the way to a few months. After a few months, you'd definitely be either rampaging or becoming a dragon. Though since it's been years since x777 I take it that Igneel did something to stop those symptoms." Minato said. 

"Your not messing with me?" 

Minato looked almost offended. 

"I wouldn't be messing with you. I don't want dragon slayers to turn into full fledged dragon. My mother transformed into a actual dragon. I wouldn't want that for anyone." Minato said. 

Natsu eyes widen at the information being told to him. 

"You...can't be serious...if you're Erza's brother...that means..."

Natsu found himself being bonked in the head courtesy of Minato. The male using his staff to do the job while showing Natsu a smile. 

"Luckily for sis our mother, at the time, was still human at the start of conception and had a human father. Therefore, she remained human because she was conceived before dragonization took place in our mother. Don't worry about that part besides you notice my smell. I think you would have noticed it on Erza as soon as you met her." Minato told Natsu. 

Natsu was able to establish the mental track as he realized that he would have smelt it on Erza. The entire time she had smelled like any human and as a result his worries for the woman had decreased. At least, she didn't have to worry about turning into a Dragon. Though he did pick up on Minato. Which meant...that Minato had became a dragon but why was he still looking like a human? 

"You...didn't escape that fate?" Natsu asked. 

Minato looked away as there was a sad smile on the boys face. His eyes struggling to stay upbeat. 

"In a manner of speaking, I wasn't as fortunate." Minato said. 

Natsu didn't exactly understand per say because of the complexity of the conversation. He looked down in shame. 

"I'm sorry..." Natsu weakly offered. 

He didn't know what to say. It went quiet for several seconds before laughing emerge that force Natsu to look at Minato. The boy holding his chest out in pride while looking as spiff as he had been before telling him that answer. 

"Doesn't matter to me, I know who I'm and that is the son of Irene Belserion and I wouldn't change it any other way. I became strong and intelligent. I don't want to change that, I still felt happiness being raised by mother. Don't go apologizing when I'm happy as is and besides its not your fault either. Don't go apologizing for nothing you idiot." Minato said. 

Natsu couldn't believe this kid. He acted like nothing had happened and assured him that he was happy with his life. 

"I think that concludes our little talk for the moment. I need to head back to my hotel to get some rest. Bye." 

Minato walk away before Natsu could formulate a response. He went into the treeline while Natsu stood there unsure of what to make of everything. 

'He says that he doesn't mind it.' Natsu thought. 

Yet, he knew better then to take it at face value. At the same time, what could he say to Minato? This wasn't something that was external. It wasn't like he could say, "I'll beat Gajeel up and get revenge on destroying the Guild Hall." This had been internal and had already transpired. What could he say to that? To being a dragon slayer that already underwent dragonization? Why was he and Gajeel spared such a horrible fate? Natsu didn't know but what he did know is that anger was coming to the front. Anger directed at Igneel. 

'Why didn't you say anything!?' Natsu thought. 

Maybe he could have helped Minato right then and there. It was clear that the boy is upset at the situation even if he forced a happy go lucky smile on his face. Natsu's fists clenched as he became angry at not only Igneel but himself. He became angry at his inability to help Minato. 

Meanwhile. 

Minato reach a river before sitting down in front of it. He didn't want to remember that he wasn't a full human. It brought back all the nasty feelings that he had worked to bury within him. He crashed his hand into the water to bring out a fish that struggled in his grasp. His eyes once lively were now dull. 

"Everything starts tasting the same." 

Minato let out his inner frustrations out onto the fish without mercy. He let go of the fish as it crash back into the water. 

"Why couldn't he just know?" 

Minato's anger became explosive. It wasn't fair! He! His Mother! They had suffered while they got to enjoy the perks of being a Dragon Slayer and a human! 

"Fucking useless!" Minato shouted. 

Minato reacted rather violently by causing a explosion to be preformed within the water. His body being covered in a layer of water from the river. Natsu had been a dead end. Minato was no closer to his goal of trying to cure his mother from dragonization. 

"Are the rest of the dragon slayers going to be just as useless?" 

If that is the case, he would need to drop them entirely to the wayside. Minato couldn't sleep due to his mood being ruined as he was constantly reminded of his dragon heritage. The sun rose up as he stayed still while looking at the clear blue sky. 

"I have to face sis at some point." 

He might have just spelled his own doom because he saw her face covering the sky. The female looking down at him with a raised brow. He instantly sat up before turning his head to look at his sitter. The female who was bent over now returned to standing up. Erza crossing her arms over her chest. 

"I thought you'd had a hotel room." Erza said. 

He wasn't expecting to see Erza here and he grew a nervous face. 

"Hey sis...I just went for a morning stroll. Nothing too serious." Minato explained himself. 

Erza didn't look convinced. 

"Right because Natsu told me different. He said you were here all night and figured you needed a place to stay. Now fess up. Why did you lie?" Erza spoke. 

Minato was now caught red handed. At least, Natsu hadn't told Erza about his dragon heritage. Minato 

"I.." 

Minato looked down. He was going to have to face Erza sooner or later. 

"I had so much fun yesterday. I didn't tell you because I wanted to experience what it was like being your younger brother before you found out the truth. I didn't want to lie to you but your father...had shown his true colors to mother. I was afraid you'd react the same way. I was afraid of how you would react and if you hated me. I...I didn't want to be in the area. Once I knew you hated me. I would have disappeared into the night. That way you would never see me again." Minato explained. 

Considering the circumstances of the validation of his claim about being her brother. On top of how he purposely avoided her to the point of openly lying to her. 

I have to face sis at some point.

Those were his words. Did her being 400 years old actually hold actual water? Maybe but Erza wasn't entirely convinced. 

"I see...I have only read part of the letters before discarding it as ridiculous. I didn't throw it away and I won't until we see the Kingdom of Dragnof." Erza spoke. 

She hadn't read it all? That just meant the inevitable was going to come but only after the trip to the ruined Kingdom. 

"I wish you read the rest of the letter." Minato responded. 

Minato took in a deep breath as he was now forced to be the bringer of bad news. Erza narrowed her eyes. It seemed there was more information in the letter that she had discarded. 

"Sorry, I couldn't believe the statement that I'm over four hundred years old and stopped reading at that point." Erza said. 

'I should have seen that coming.' Minato thought. 

Minato mentally face palm at not realizing that Erza wouldn't believe her mother's words. The two were practically strangers and even she regarded him with suspicion about his identity. He understood his mistake. 

"I take it you want me to show you some type of evidence?" Minato asked. 

"According to your mother, there's a Kingdom named Dragnof. She said you know the way. If you can show me and teach me the language. I will be willingly to believe whats in the letter." Erza spoke. 

It is a start and Minato grew a smile as he looked at Erza with a "go to" expression. 

"Will do." Minato replied. 

Erza seem to drop her arms as she grew a slight smile. The smile did not last long as it dropped. 

"You said something about how I would react and of my father. Why were you worried about my reaction?" Erza asked. 

Despite the question Minato kept up appearances. 

"Letter explains it all really but considering who my mother is..." Minato trailed off. 

The letter she so carelessly left at her home. The letter she did not completely read because she just couldn't believe the outlandish statement. All of her questions were answered in that letter. Erza thought about it as she knew that she would have a very difficult time believing the contents. It would be more productive to travel to Dragnof. 

"I suppose we should head to the ruins of Dragnof." Erza said. 

"If we are going that route. I'm taking both of your dragon slayers. Natsu seems clueless on the situation and if the other dragon slayer is like Natsu. I'd rather take him too." Minato replied. 

Erza arched a brow. 

"I dont mind bringing Natsu along but we only have one dragon slayer in my guild." Erza said. 

Minato's smile faltered as he looked at her confused. 

"What do you mean? I could have sworn I smelled two dragon slayers within the vicinity of the Guild." Minato countered. 

"Natsu!" Erza shouted. 

It took a moment but Natsu broke through the tree lines. He quickly walk over to stand next to Erza. 

"Yes ma'am!?" He asked. 

"Is Black Steel still in the ruins of Phantom Lord's old Guild Hall?" Erza asked him. 

Natsu sniffed the air. 

"Yeah, I didn't realize he was still in that trash heap." Natsu answered. 

Erza crossed her arms before lowering her head. She thought about how she would appoarch this topic. Her brother wanted to take him to Dragnof because clearly that Kingdom was tied to dragon slayers and her. On the downside, he is a enemy. She didn't forget what he did to not only to the Guild Hall but to Team Shadow Gear as a whole. 

"I can allow Natsu but I will not allow Black Steel. He'll just have to get the abridged version." Erza came to a decision. 

Natsu blinked his eyes before looking at Minato. 

"Why did you want Black Steel?" Natsu asked. 

"If sis doesn't want him to join us. It doesn't matter. Though it will take a few weeks considering the ruins of Dragnof are on the eastern side of Ishgar." Minato advised. 

"That far...?" Erza asked. 

"Unfortunately yes but you should be able to learn the language by that point." Minato answered. 

Erza normally would have scrapped the trip altogether but she knew that if she wanted to believe the content of the letter. She would have to go to Dragnof. 

"Let's inform the Master." Erza said. 

"Wait...we're traveling by land right? Right?" Natsu asked. 

Oh...right...that...Minato grew a dark smile as his eyes shined like stars. He could get his revenge right here and now. 

"Sure~" Minato happily answered. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

"Not the train!" Natsu shouted. 

"Natsu, we don't have time for this! It will take us months if we do it the other way round!" Erza barked. 

"Besides it stops twice a day to refuel and sleep for the night." Minato stated. 

"I'll just take Happy and I can fly there, I'll meet you there." Natsu offered. 

"Natsu I can't carry you that far let alone go that fast." Happy said. 

Minato not having the patience proceeded to touch Natsu's shoulder with his hand. He cast a enchantment magic which caused Natsu to levitate up into the air. 

"And forward." Minato commented. 

Natsu found himself being levitated through the doorway as he was now inside the train. 

"That's actually really useful." Erza said. 

"Yes its pretty neat. Let's start our journey." Minato said. 

Erza and Minato walk onto the train with Happy flying right after them. They saw Natsu suspended in mid air but he looked like he was about to puke. 

'Didn't think it would be this bad.' Minato sweat drop. 

He brought Natsu over to their seats before placing him next to the window. Minato open said window to allow Natsu to have his head leaning out the window. Erza sat next to Natsu while Minato sat across from them. Happy sat across from Natsu. 

"Traitor!" Natsu got out. 

Minato stuck his tongue out at the male. Erza wasn't as kind. 

"Did I hear you say something?" Erza asked in a dangerous. 

"No..." Natsu whined. 

Minato was going to enjoy this little trip. Now that Natsu was settled for the moment. Erza look over to Minato. 

"I suppose we should get started on the lessons." Erza said. 

"True." 

The train began to move with Natsu expecting Minato to feel sick and have to cancel their lessons. The train lurched forward as Minato remained completely normal. No nervous sweat. No need to compose. He remained perfectly okay. 

"How!?" Natsu cried in disbelief. 

He threw up out the window after that statement. Erza look over at Minato. 

"Am I missing something?" Erza asked. 

Minato smile drop as he look away as she heard him suck in a breath full of fresh air. It seemed he did not wish to discuss this topic. 

"He really didn't tell you." Minato whispered. 

Minato should be somewhat grateful to Natsu for not blabbing his mouth to Erza about that little fact. Though he was going to have to deal with it at some point and she was going to find out if she kept reading the note. 

"You won't believe it but I'm part dragon and part human." Minato answered. 

"A dragon?" Erza asked. 

"Yes, my father, is a human but my mother is a dragon." Minato explained. 

From what Erza understood...dragon's were massive. It shouldn't have been possible. 

"There's no way..." Erza said. 

She just couldn't believe it. 

"You'd be surprised what enchantment magic can do. Mother is a dragon but Zeref used enchantment magic to turn Irene back into her human form. Afterwards, Irene was able to learn how to transform between the two forms from Zeref." Minato explained. 

Now that got some reactions. Natsu look over to Minato but couldn't move due to the motion sickness. Yet, there was this demanding look. Happy scooted away from Minato while Erza intriguing demeanor fell apart. As it was replaced by a deadly serious one. 

"How do you know about Zeref?" Erza asked. 

"I don't know him personally if that is what you are trying to refer too. I never met the man because he disappeared from the Empire before I was born. Mother did tell me what he did for her and that's how you were able to be born." Minato answered. 

"How, 'I was able to be born?" Erza asked. 

"All questions will be answered at Dragnof." Minato stated. 

"Are you really telling the truth that you haven't meet Zeref?" Happy asked. 

Minato looked over to Happy. 

"I haven't but I'm sure all of you see him as the most powerful Dark Wizard. He did create many demons. There is no denying that but I do not know him. I only know him from what my mother has explained to me." Minato said. 

Erza didn't know if she wanted to believe everything. It all seemed so far fetched. 

"Maybe we should leave the questions and explanations until after investigating the ruins of the Kingdom." Erza offered. 

Minato very much liked that idea. He didn't really want to talk about this at all and having some more time to ignore it entirely. Is his preferred method. 

"I'm all for it." Minato said. 

"If they're right about you being 419 year Olds. That means we have credibility." Happy voiced his thoughts. 

Natsu could believe Minato more than Happy or Erza because of his enhanced sense of smell. Though he couldn't really voice his thoughts because the entire train ride he was combating his motion sickness. It would be a long ride until the train would stop in a new town as they would rest for the night. The travel to the ruins of Dragonof were long particularly for Natsu but finally they reach their final stop as everyone got off of the train. 

"I have never been here before but I always heard of the festivals here." Erza said. 

"There's tons of them but we aren't here for that besides I have good news. The rest of the trip will be made on foot but we continue heading eastward. Lets stock up on needed supplies and rest for the day." Minato stated. 

Natsu ears perked up as he recovered from his motion sickness in mere moments. 

"Seriously!?" Natsu asked. 

"Yep but let's all go to a hotel first. That way we all know where to meet up." Minato said. 

"A sound plan." Erza said. 

"Finally, I can go sight seeing for the entire day! Let's go, let's go!" Natsu shouted. 

"Aye sir!" Happy agreed. 

Erza chuckled at their boundless energy. It's always refreshing to experience such boundless enthusiasm. She missed it. The female look down at Minato, maybe after taking care of supplies. She could spend time with her brother that didn't amount to just playing cards. 

'Maybe a magic book store.' Erza thought. 

It was strange because Natsu and Gray were never into books. Sure, they could read but they never held any interests in them. Her brother on the other hand always delved into magic books. He did his best to find new magic or ways to improve his enchantment magic by books. 

'It does seem to be the best idea besides it doesn't hurt to increase your knowledge on other magics.' Erza thought. 

"There we have rooms for the night. Now Natsu and Happy roam freely." Minato said. 

"Right on! Catch ya later!" Natsu shouted. 

"Aye sir!" 

Erza didn't get to say a word as they bolted out of the hotel that they would be staying in fro the night. 

"Dam- I was trying to give them a curfew." Erza corrected herself. 

Minato chuckled. 

"They'll be fine besides both of them seem to not be the responsible type. We'll get things done sooner without them." Minato said. 

Erza grew a frown. 

"Now Minato Natsu is by far responsible when it comes down to it. He took out a member of the Elemental Four and Black Steel." Erza said. 

Minato raised a brow at the wording. His intrigue took over. 

"Black Steel? Elemental Four?" Minato asked. 

'Right he wasn't here.' Erza thought. 

The woman proceeded to inform him about what happened with Phantom Lord. Though she had to do it while they were looking for supplies. As a result, when she was finished telling the story of Phantom Lord to him. He didn't look up from the expiration date of the canned food to reply to Erza. 

"You know Mother is going to beat the snot out of him. Hopefully he doesn't become a ally without telling him first." Minato said. 

"I really don't want Black Steel anywhere near the Guild especially you." Erza spoke. 

That was sweet as Minato smile grew back. He looked away from the can to meet Erza's eyes. 

"Thank you for looking out for me." Minato said. 

"It's only natural I do so, you're my brother after all." Erza spoke. 

Just like that, Minato seem to be gain more energy than before as he walked with a pep in his step. He move more quickly than Erza had remembered from earlier today. Erza watching her younger brother be happy filled her with a sense of joy she once lost. 

'Just like Gray and Natsu.' Erza thought. 

"Come on! We gotta move!" Minato yelled. 

Erza grew a smile as she ran after him. The pair getting through the day gathering supplies and afterwards were now eating at a restaurant. 

"You should have seen it. Natsu was on a rampage and taking out Phantom Lord members left and right." Erza spoke. 

What's with the Natsu praise? 

'Don't tell me...' 

"Sis is Natsu your boyfriend?" Minato asked. 

Erza proceeded to choke on her food. The woman grabbing a glass of tea that was at her table before gulping it down. The food went down her throat as she gasped for air. The woman recomposing herself to address the question. She coughed into her fist. 

"No, he's a nice guild mate and a close friend. I...see him as a younger brother. He was helpless at one point." Erza said. 

Minato swirled the straw around his beverage as he gave a unconvinced look. He suppose that if he made her proud enough. She would praise him constantly. Erza knew he wasn't convinced by the way he was acting. 

"I also want you and Natsu to get close together as both of you are dragon slayers. I figured that you'd be good friends since Natsu loved his father so much." Erza added. 

Now this seem to do the trick as he stopped spinning the straw around in his drink as he sat back upright. 

"Really?" Minato asked. 

"His father gave him that white scarf and Natsu never takes it off even when he's sleeping." Erza said. 

"Hey don't go telling him about that!" Natsu shouted. 

Minato, unlike Erza, wasn't startled by Natsu's appearance. The female's heart lurched in her chest but she didn't let her noise come out of her mouth. She turn around to see Natsu staring down at her. 

"How long have you been standing there?" Erza asked. 

"Awhile." Natsu answered. 

"You shouldn't drop onto other people's conversations." Erza reprimanded. 

"You shouldn't be telling him how I sleep." Natsu defended himself. 

He crossed his arms over his chest and looked the other way. 

"It's not that bad." Erza said. 

Minato snickered while Natsu mouth flew open before getting an idea. His mouth close as he grew a glint in his eyes. 

"Hey Minato did Erza tell you that she blocked a Jupiter Canon?" Natsu asked. 

Erza eyes widen at what Natsu was going for, that little weasel! 

"First I'm hearing of it. Do tell me more." Minato spoke. 

"Natsu if you value your life you wouldn't." Erza said. 

Unfortunately for Erza, Minato spoke up. 

"Please Sis, I want to hear what happened you only talked about Natsu, Gray, Elfman, and you beating Aria. I want to know in between those events." Minato pleaded. 

Erza look at her brother while crossing her arms as she went to decide how to proceed with this situation. Natsu looked on hopefully while her younger brother was giving her. A, "you just kicked the puppy," look and while she had seen those same looks from Natsu as well as Gray. For some reason, she was losing her resolve under his look. Erza really shouldn't but she couldn't say no. 

"Fine..." Erza admitted defeat. 

"Alright!!!" Natsu yelled in victory. 

It was short lived as Erza glared up at the male while he stiffened considerably. 

"Make it brief." Erza snapped. 

"Yes ma'am." Natsu obeyed. 

'I'd be scared too if I wasn't used to mom.' Minato thought. 

He remember the meal being, "too hot" and his mother had been absolutely livid at the staff. Though Natsu return to normal as he began telling him all of the things Erza left out. 

'Payback!' Natsu gleefully thought. 

"That's so cool sis! You should have told me!" 

"It didn't amount to much in the grand scheme of things." Erza tried being honest. 

Natsu wasn't having it, Erza is ridiculously strong and without her blocking the cannon. Things would have turned out very different. 

"Nope, no way! Erza you gave us precious time to shut down the Jupiter Canon without you that wouldn't have been possible. Let's not forget who beat the snot out of that cheater in Aria. If we didn't have you there, things would have turned out differently." Natsu said. 

Minato watch as Erza grew a smile at the assurance from Natsu. 

"If you insistence I have no choice but to accept. Thank you." Erza said. 

Natsu grew a wide smile as he put his hands on his head. 

"Anytime Erza. Don't sell yourself short, you're really strong." Natsu commented. 

Minato grew a smirk. 

"I appericate your words Natsu." 

Happy flew over to Minato with his paws covering his mouth. This cause both of the older teens to look over at Happy and Minato. 

"You say he isn't your boyfriend. You fooled me for a second." Minato said. 

"They likkkeee each other!" Happy declared. 

Natsu and Erza were a bit embarrassed from the accusations. 

'Honestly!' Erza thought. 

"Not at all." Erza did her best to sound firm. 

"Crazy idea." Natsu threw out. 

Despite Minato's and Happy's teasing. The group of four quickly shared the remaining day together. Erza watch as Minato slept on the bed. The female looking at her brother. 

'It's not the day I would have picked to spend with him.' Erza thought. 

She wanted to spend time with him alone. If she had known that she had a younger brother. Erza would have searched high and low for him. She missed fourteen years. Fourteen years. The female felt haunted by it. There was a part of Erza that wanted to make up for that lost time. She wanted to do that today but how could she? Minato was having fun. He was laughing and smiling as he enjoyed those carnival games with Natsu as well as Happy. He was a kid. She couldn't...no she wouldn't stop him from having his happiness. 

"Good night Minato." Erza spoke. 

The next day quickly arrived as they were at the edge of the city by the time the sun was coming up. 

"We ready?" Minato asked. 

"Aye sir!" Happy answered. 

"We have everything." Erza stated. 

"Let's go already! I'm all fired up!" Natsu shouted. 

"Kingdom of Dragnof is our next destination!" 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

It took awhile but after days of trekking through the forest. Minato push aside a densely packed branch to expose a old wall. The wall clearly showing its age with various vegetation trying to break it apart and reclaim its lost territory. 

"I welcome you to the Kingdom of Dragnof." Minato said. 

Erza and Natsu shared a raised brow with one another while Happy seemed confused. Minato grew a frown as he put his hand on the wall as everyone else would watch him. Minato casted enchantment magic as he changed the weight of a portion of the wall. He shoved down the portion of the wall as it created a rectangular opening. That's when Erza and Natsu saw what was behind the wall. A slew of buildings in ruin as they struggled to keep their shape as nature unleashed it's assault on them. The area before them was vast as off in the distance was a castle. It was so tall that they could see it from where they stood as everything was incredibly spacious. Now that they were thinking all of the buildings were quite massive. As if they were housing mammoths in them. 

"Woah...why are all the homes this big?" Natsu asked. 

"Dragon's and Human's used to live here in a fragile peace." Minato answered. 

"Dragon's and Human's use to live together?" Erza whispered in disbelief. 

Meanwhile, Natsu grew a grin. 

"That's awesome! Man I wish I would have been born around that time!" Natsu yelled. 

Natsu had been raised by Igneel while seeing the dragon as a father figure. It wasn't entirely wrong for Natsu to say those words. Yet, he didn't want to hear those words from Natsu. 

"Yep, this is the birth place of Dragon Slaying Magic." Minato explained. 

"Really!?" Happy asked. 

"Yes, Irene Belserion was the first ever Dragon Slayer. She asked Belserion, the Sage Dragon, to enchant his powers onto her. The Castle will have written records and various writings on stone tablets." Minato explained. 

That didn't make sense even for Natsu. 

"Wait...how long ago was that?" Natsu asked. 

Minato thought about the answer. 

"Roughly 420 years ago." 

Happy and Erza looked to Natsu. The male knew Igneel taught him that Dragon's lived for hundreds to thousands of years depending on the dragon. 

"Yet you and Erza are young. How the hell?" Natsu asked. 

"I shouldn't be alive." Erza said. 

Minato looked away. They were mere hours from learning the truth. What was his sister going to do? Would she attack him? Would she curse his very name? Minato didn't want to be the one to do this but his mother was correct. If he was going to pursue his sister. If he wanted to tell her the truth. If Minato wanted a family. He would be the one to deal with the brunt of things. 

'I got myself in this situation. I can't be backing out now.' Minato thought. 

"Mother used enchantment magic to keep the embryo of Erza in a static state. For four hundred years, Irene kept the spell active even after turning into a Dragon because she wanted to deliver Erza properly. It wasn't until after meeting Zeref and being turned back into a human. That Irene saw her chance to deliver Erza properly." Minato answered. 

"You...you can do that...?" Natsu asked. 

"Yes." Minato answered. 

Erza was surprised at that statement but once that surprise left her body. She didn't believe it because she herself didn't believe she was four hundred years old. 

"Let's get to the castle." Erza said. 

The female wanting to disprove this nonsense. The four push through the city. As they got closer to the castle the less vegetation they saw but the buildings were still in ruins and falling apart. Finally, they reach the entrance of the immense castle that towered over them as if it was a mountain. The entrance big enough for Dragon's to comfortably fly in and out of the building. 

"This way." Minato said. 

All of them walk through the entrance of the castle as they were greeted with darkness. Yet, Minato casted a light spell on the tip of his staff. The light illuminated the entire hallway with everyone able to see the walls of the castle. The walls were lined with various pictures of humans and dragons interacting with the other. Though some of them were so faded they couldn't tell what the picture was trying to convey. Minato stop walking as he looked at a wall before using his staff to mention the three to look at the woman. All of them ran over to see text on the wall and despite the crack in the wall. Enough of the text was able to be read for all of them to understand it. 

"Natsu...you...are you..." Erza asked. 

Erza couldn't believe what she was reading. Her eyes were wide as her mind flat lined. This couldn't be true. This shouldn't be real. Natsu look at Erza. The female was wavering, shaking, and in denial. He never saw this side of her. She was always strong. She took a shot from Jupiter Canon itself. Erza instantly rose up to declare her protection for Lucy without so much as showing any pain. Yet, now. She looked ready to break down. He wanted to lie to her but Natsu knew that this isn't the time to lie to her. Natsu looked away as he couldn't bear to look at her. 

"Yes...I can read it...Irene Belserion is the Queen of this Kingdom." Natsu said. 

Happy ears went down at Natsu's statement. Erza felt shivers run all over her spine. Her hand reach the wall as she felt herself lose her balance and used the wall to keep herself upright. There is no way she is four hundred years old. However, Irene Belserion's name is on this vary wall. Her brother, Minato name is Belserion. Natsu had clarified as the third party that not only he held some of her scent. He also knew the language without Minato teaching him due to Igneel's upbringing. Everything pointed to the very fact that Minato is her biological brother. Everything pointed to Irene being her actual mother. Which meant that everything is now pointed at Irene Belserion being right. Natsu put a comforting hand onto Erza's shoulder. As he didn't know what to say to her. He still tried to comfort her. 

"It's going to be okay Erza." Natsu offered. 

Minato felt ashamed and guilty as he had to be the one to break the news to her. 

'Mother wasn't wrong. No wonder she wanted to do it and not me.' Minato thought. 

Yet, he had been too eager and too headstrong. Irene had told him that this benefit him in the long run. However, he didn't understand that statement. He barely had the willpower to tell Erza the truth. 

"I'm sorry. I..." Minato said. 

Erza focused on her brother. She wanted answers. She composed herself fairly easily. Her legs carried her to him while grabbing his shoulders. He winced as he had to deal with her herculean grip. However, he expected this reaction. The expectation being proven right brought up the rest of his fears to the forefront. He froze up at seeing those fears play out in his mind. Normally, Erza would have noticed. Though this isn't the normally attentive Erza. The female was now wanting answers to the truth threatening to overwhelm her. 

"What else haven't you told me?" Erza asked. 

When he didn't immediately respond Erza shaked him again. 

"Tell me." Erza said with a bit more force. 

Minato realized he was being stared down at by his sister. The female expecting him to tell him answers to all of her questions. He finally kicked himself into gear because it is going to come out one way or the other. Minato might as well rip the bandaid off. 

"Your father...tried to kill mother when she was becoming a dragon. If he had his way that day, you and mother would have perished on the spot." Minato answered. 

Erza's death grip loosened after the answer as she took a step back in shock. 

"He...tried...?" Erza asked. 

Natsu slammed his fist into the wall with so much force that even Happy jumped into the air. Natsu became livid at the action. Erza's Father was trying to kill Erza's and Minato's Mother! 

"It doesn't matter if she was becoming a dragon! I thought you said that humans and dragons lived together!" Natsu yelled. 

"I said it was a fragile one. I never said it was anything good." Minato countered. 

Now Minato face Natsu's attention being fully brought to bear onto him. 

"What the hell does that mean!?" Natsu shouted. 

Minato had to stand his ground. 

"During the years of x200 and x300. Humanity was seen as a food source for the Dragon's. It wasn't until x300 that Dragon's started seeing humans as something more. This cause a split as some dragons became allies of humanity. Though despite betraying their species to support humanity and fight on their behalf. Humanity only tolerated the dragon's within their kingdoms. They still needed the dragon's to protect them from the other dragon's and therefore didn't hate them at least openly. Yet, behind the scenes there were people who openly hated the dragon's." Minato explained. 

"You mean to say they treated the dragon's as convenient tools!?" Natsu yelled. 

"Precisely." Minato answered. 

Erza clench her fists as her bangs covered her eyes. Every once of her being was in conflict within itself. She is really four hundred years old? Erza knew why she was this old it was because of Irene stopping the growth of her child. The female not wanting to give birth to Erza as a dragon. If she did...who knows what could have happened if her mother let it happen. Yet, Irene didn't because she rather be safe than sorry. For four hundred years. The truth is now in the room and she had to face it. If her brother could do it, she could do the same. Erza steeled herself. Her eyes came out from underneath her bangs 

"Minato...show me everything." Erza said. 

All three of them look over at Erza. She had a face full of resolve. The female determined to find out everything. Minato gave her a nod. 

"Follow me." Minato said. 

He took the three down the hallway as he began to explain everything. 

"The war of Dragon's and Humanity versus the other Dragon's was becoming bleak. As the human dragon coalition was losing due to sabotage and the vast amount of enemies they had to face. The only reason it shifted for humanity is because of Irene.  I told you earlier that she allowed The Sage Dragon, Belserion to enchant his powers onto her. That process was done to various individuals after Irene's process was a success. This in turn made a army of humans that could slay dragons." Minato explained. 

"I see, that's why you said that last night." Natsu said. 

Natsu was starting to piece it together. The reason that it should be non existent is because it was over 400 years old and with how Dragon Slayers behaved after getting the powers on top of the extinction of dragon's. The only people that would be able to know it from that time is people that lived in the time period. 

"Yet somehow you have that power that should be extinct." Minato said. 

"Mind filling me in?" Erza asked. 

Natsu gave a break down of the conversation that he recieved from Minato. Erza took in the information as she became increasingly worried about Natsu. Though what he said next helped dash some of her worries. 

"Minato thinks that Igneel did something to halt my dragonization. For now or forever, I shouldn't have to worry about losing my mind or becoming into a literal dragon." Natsu said. 

Erza looked over at Minato. 

"You sure?" Erza asked. 

"Positive if he was experiencing the symptoms, he wouldn't be here as we speak." Minato answered. 

"The side effects show up that quickly?" Erza asked. 

"Yes, the war was winnable and the human dragon coalition began to collapse their enemies aside from Acnologia. They didn't know the consequences of their decisions until after the war ended. A week after the war ended many dragon slayers began to either lose their minds or start to turn into a dragon. At this point, Irene began to turn into a dragon in front of her very husband. Despite her being the reason they won the war, her being a popular Queen, and slaying dragon's herself. The people of Dragnof including her husband began to hate her. They imprisoned her with Erza being in her very womb. However, she had to halt her fetuses growth at the time because she didn't wish for her daughter to be a dragon like her." Minato explained. 

"I'd beat the snot out of them! Its clear she was still human and even still she was helping them! Those bastards!" Natsu shouted. 

Erza now knowing how her mother was treated after starting to turn made her question her feelings that she had for her parent. 

"Here." Minato suddenly said. 

He stopped moving as he pointed his staff to a tablet with the tablet holding the ancient language of Dragnof. Erza and Natsu read over the tablet. Natsu became volatile as he slammed his fist into the tablet. The tablet shattering into millions of pieces as he couldn't control his anger anymore. The male lashing out on the historic relic. 

"A monster...they called her a monster after she began to turn..." Natsu seethed out. 

That isn't right! Even Erza could see how wrong it was because she didn't scold Natsu for destroying a historic landmine. 

"For three years Irene was imprisoned until one day. Her husband came to her prison cell with several guards to announce to her that she had a execution date. Irene pleaded to him. She begged him to reconsider. Irene even told him that she was pregnant with Erza and that he was the father. Unfortunately, he didn't believe her and made a move to slash at Irene's vary reproductive tract that housed Erza. This in turn caused Irene's full transformation into a dragon. The sword didn't even get close to her before she killed everyone in a fit of rage for trying to harm her child." Minato continued. 

Her mother went that far for her? Why would she go that for her only to abandon her in Rosemary Village? 

"Why did your mother abandon Erza if she was trying so hard to protect her?" Natsu asked. 

"After four hundred years. Zeref found Irene and turned her back into a human. She quickly figured out that despite being turned back into a human. Irene was still a full on dragon at heart. That means she can't feel the warmth of someone if they hug her. She can't taste food. She essentially lost many of her human senses and that was enough to drive her into madness. In her episode, she realized she had a human child inside of her." Minato said. 

Erza's and Natsu's eyes widen in horror. 

"I thought you said that Zeref was the reason I was..." Erza said. 

"He is if it wasn't for him finding mother. You would have never been born and as a result, neither would have I been born." Minato stated. 

"But what you're saying is that Erza's own mother would have..." Natsu said. 

"Yes, she had every intention to enchant herself onto Erza. This would have killed Erza as Irene would take over as the host of Erza's body. This would allow Irene to be a human again." Minato flat out stated. 

Erza wasn't born because Zeref allowed her mother to deliver her. She was born because Irene wanted to use Erza as a means to become human again. Erza's Mother wanted to be a human to the point she would kill her own daughter. 

"Why didn't she?" Erza asked. 

"She looked down at you and realized she did love you with all of her heart. Irene couldn't go through with the act. However, she didn't know if she could stop such dark thoughts from happening again and gave you up to the church in Rosemary Village. To keep you safe from her." Minato answered. 

The silence screamed throughout the hallway. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

"That's why she abandoned me?" Erza dumbfoundedly asked. 

"That is what was in the letter." Minato answered. 

Erza didn't know how to feel this was all too much even for her. Her feelings were entangled with one another. The siblings couldn't look at the other for quite some time. Erza just learned that both of her parents tried killing her. At the very least Irene, her mother, had enough sense not to do the deed and left her in a proper caring village. To make sure that she wouldn't hurt or kill Erza again. This left Erza in a far more forgiving position for her mother than her father. 

"What kind of family..." Erza got out. 

Natsu eyed Minato. The boy having guilt and shame on his face. It wasn't like he enjoyed this little fact either. Natsu remembered how Minato came all the way here. The Teen clearly able to face Erza and tell her. This brought out a sense of anger within him. Why was the younger brother telling Erza about her origins and not the mother? This should be Irene's job. 

"Erza's mother is horrible. She should be here not you!" Natsu shouted. 

Minato honed in on Natsu like a missile. 

"She warned me about coming here and that even if I didn't say anything. Sis would be moderately curious about my, our, origins. I was taking the responsibility of having to tell her and being the point of contact. Mother also was wanting to inform Erza hence the letter but she told me she had a feeling that Erza wouldn't believe her." Minato said. 

"Still she could have at least came here!" Natsu said. 

"Mother did nothing wrong by not coming here. I agreed to do this, it is not her fault." Minato countered. 

Minato didn't believe this proposition to be unfair. He got to see Erza but he'd have to be the one to bear the responsibility of telling her this information. Natsu couldn't believe Minato! Why was he defending that woman!? 

"Why are you defending her!? She tried to kill Erza and didn't have the decency to tell Erza herself!" Natsu shouted. 

"Maybe it's because I had to argue with my own mother to come here! Did you think she wanted me to tell Erza!? No, mother wanted to tell Erza herself but I wanted to see Erza right away! I was too impatience and excited!" Minato spoke back. 

Natsu could see why Minato had said that because, if he found out where Igneel is. He'd drop everything to find him. Consequences be damned.

"Even though she could have came here with you?" Natsu asked. 

"Mother wasn't ready. She'd been struggling how to tell Erza. Imagine telling Erza that's she's four hundred years old and that you tried to kill her. That's not something you could tell someone." Minato said. 

"Yet, you did it just fine. She has no excuse." Natsu countered. 

"There's a difference because she is the primary person that feels such things. It's harder for her than me." Minato said. 

Natsu was getting tired of this, Irene tried to kill Erza! 

"She'll try to kill you too! Stop defending her!" Natsu shouted. 

The silence became noticeable again. However, it wasn't as long as the first time around because Minato began to laugh. Erza looked up at her brother in worry while Natsu's irritation grew at the laughing. 

"What's so funny!?" Natsu asked. 

Minato continued laughing like a mad man. 

"You'd think...oh...that's way too hilarious!" Minato yelled. 

"Spit it out already you bastard!" Natsu replied. 

Minato reigned himself in but it did take a moment.

"You think she would enchant herself onto me? Much less Erza? I couldn't help myself." Minato said. 

"She tried to do it before she can do it again." Natsu stated. 

"Why would mother ever try to enchant onto me? I'm a half dragon remember?" Minato asked. 

Whatever emotions were starting to settle now came back with a absolute vengeance. As Natsu's eyes widen while Erza lost her breath. Minato did say that he is half dragon and that's because Irene had been his mother. 

"What's the point of Irene coming to me if she wanted to be a full human?" Minato asked. 

Natsu was unable to counter said point. He stood there in stunned silence. Yet, Erza wanted to know why her mother didn't bother to enchant herself onto her little brother. 

"What's the difference...?" Erza asked. 

"To list off a few things, I can't really taste anything. The only thing I could eat was meat but that sensation of taste has long since been eroded because of how much meat I had to eat every day. Normal humans can eat any type of food but I'm forced into only eating meat. If I try to eat vegetables or fruit I usually throw it up. I also don't get to eat junk food because that poisons me. I can still feel the warmth of people and feelings like any human can. However, I have a massive appetite with needing to eat alot to manage my upkeep." 

Erza looked back on their day trying to fully catch up with one another. Minato had eaten an absurd amount of food. He continued to eat so much food every day after that and now she knew why. It was a necessity because he burned more calories to maintain his energy levels. 

"I can never actually fly unless I enchant myself to fly but I don't suffer from motion sickness. I didn't get these powers because of some magic. I was born with these powers. I don't suffer from the consequences aside from dragonization. Though that's because I'm already part dragon." Minato explained. 

Natsu now knew why Minato thought that way. It's because he was already, technically, a dragon and Irene wouldn't want a half baked result. It'd just blow up in the woman's face. Yet, he was guilty because Natsu as a dragon slayer could experience the sensation of taste. He didn't have to worry about his taste buds dying out from over exposure. He didn't need to be constantly reminded of being a literal dragon. Minato had to be reminded everyday that he is a dragon. 

"What do you say sis? Now that you know I'm actually a dragon? Now that you know how bad your parents are. Would you say I'm a monster from being born from one?" Minato asked. 

Erza's eyes widen at those words. Minato thought he was a monster just because of his origins and what his parents did? That wasn't right. It wasn't correct at all. Those weren't his mistakes. Those weren't his actions. Minato wasn't a monster. Erza could describe him in so many words. A monster? It wasn't one of those descriptions. She moved forward towards him. Her brother needed her. Erza did have a lot of conflicting emotions within herself. She didn't know how to respond to her elevated feelings towards her motherz much less parents. She wanted to figure her problems out. Yet, when her brother clearly needed her help, Erza could throw all of her problems to the wayside to help him. Why? He is family and she cared for him. 

'All this time he was just smiling away as if nothing was wrong. Always up to something as if he was a kid. I should have seen it. I should have known." Erza thought. 

She walked forward with her bangs covering her eyes. Minato saw her bangs hiding her eyes. Erza was too angry with him. That's what it was, his father and mother were right. This is the most obvious outcome. Minato knew if he wanted to live. He would have to fight Erza. However, there was no resolve to fight his sister. Minato would just have to accept his fate. She'd kill him for being such a monster. Minato closed his eyes as he accepted himself to Erza's attack. Natsu watch as Erza requip from her regular armor attire to her white blouse and blue skirt outfit. Minato expected to feel the coldness of death. What he didn't expect was his face to be pulled into something filled with warmth. His eyes opened in shock as he found himself in a hug. Minato couldn't see Erza's eyes but Natsu could see her eyes. There was sadness, worry and concern in the woman's eyes. 

"This is all my father's fault...giving both of you the impression that if you're dragon's. That you're both monsters. That couldn't be any further from the truth." Erza said. 

Minato couldn't believe it. She wasn't going to kill!? How!? Why!? 

"But...I'm...a dragon." Minato stated. 

"That doesn't matter to me, you're not a monster. What monster shows such kindness? What monster goes out of its way to search for a sister they never knew about? What monster tries to keep smiling so that the rest of us don't have to worry about him? You are Minato, my little brother, and I'll cherish you regardless of who you are because I care about you." Erza said. 

Minato tried pulling away but Erza quickly hugged him as she effectively pulled him back into her embrace. 

"...but mom...tried to..." 

"That was never your fault and I wouldn't hate you for something she tried to do. I love you, Minato. You're my little brother and I wouldn't have it any other way." Erza said. 

Minato hearing her words triggered a reaction from him. As he buried his head into her body. 

"Ain't no way you could ever be a monster. You're just too happy, energetic, and kind!" Happy tried his best to cheer the boy up. 

"And besides a monster couldn't be as tough or as strong as you. You think a monster can go through with telling Erza her past? Forget about it and besides there's no way you can be a monster if you smell like a human." Natsu added. 

Minato's shoulders began to shake as he began to cry. They didn't think he was a monster despite everything he had told them. Natsu with his advance hearing stiffened as he could hear the boy start to cry. 

"Ack don't go crying on me! Ah hell I'm sorry! I was trying to cheer you up! I wanted to give you proof!" Natsu yelled. 

Erza would just hold onto her little brother. 

"There, there just let it all out. You can cry in front of me." Erza gently spoke. 

Minato was relieved. He was absolutely relieved that Erza didn't want to kill him. That Erza still loved him. That she still cared about him. His insecurities melting away as she comforted him. His emotional outburst took a moment to subside until he got himself under control. He broke away from Erza and despite his tears drying out, his eyes were still red because of the act of crying. Minato looked at Natsu. 

"You didn't make me cry."

Minato turn around to face Erza with a smile on his face. 

"You did and you have to take responsibility." Minato stated matter of factly. 

Erza couldn't help but be amused by her brother's response. The female raising a brow. 

"Oh? How so?" Erza asked. 

"I want chicken next time we go out." Minato answered. 

"That can be arranged on friday after we get back to Magnolia. How about this, we go out on a family night every friday?" Erza replied. 

Minato responded positively to the offer. 

"It's a deal." Minato spoke. 

"Good." Erza said. 

Erza looked around as the ruins weren't necessary anymore. They only came here because she didn't believe in her mother's statement. Erza couldn't help but feel a bit guilty as the reason this happened is because she didn't believe in it in the first place. 

'I don't want him to force himself to be strong and smile like nothings wrong.' Erza thought. 

She wouldn't normally believe her mother. Even if she was right in this instance. Erza would however chose to believe her the next time they talked because of Minato. She wouldn't put him through this again. 

"Apologies are in order I'm sorry for putting you through this ordeal. It must have been very difficult for you. I'm sorry for causing you so much mental anguish. You may strike me." Erza said. 

Minato didn't know why she was apologizing. He became baffled until she said, "you may strike me." Erza watched as his cheeks puffed up as he tried to hold in his laughter. The redhead not understanding what was so funny. She raised a brow. 

"Is something funny?" Erza asked. 

"It's just that...there's nothing to apologize for and why would I hit you to begin with?" Minato asked. 

Erza became just as baffled as her brother. 

"Truely?" Erza asked. 

"Yeah I came here fully knowing the risks besides I didn't want to keep secrets from you. Though I did want to know what it would be like to be your brother before I thought you would try to kill me." Minato stated. 

That was a relief but Erza wanted to reassure Minato that she wouldn't try to kill him. 

"You don't have to worry about doing a trial run because I want you to be my brother throughout the rest of my life. If only I could have meet you sooner." Erza said. 

Minato blushed but didn't break his eye contact. 

"I know that now. Thank you. It...feels really nice by the way." Minato replied. 

Natsu watched as Erza became much more lively than usual. He might be the marble in the shed but he knew why she was so happy. She most likely was trying so hard to be a ideal sister. Erza even went as far as to not openly cuss in front of her brother. Though it was mainly because Natsu was also more sensitive about family matters due to his upbringing. He wasn't that dumb, was he? Natsu shaked his head. Like hell he was! 

"And you Son of Igneel." Minato spoke. 

Natsu's attention became diverted to Minato. 

"Thank you for trying to cheer me up you as well flying talking cat." Minato spoke. 

"It's Happy!" The Blue Flying Cat yelled. 

"It was nothing." Natsu said. 

The next thing Natsu knew the hallway grew ten degrees colder as he looked at the source of the killer intent. It was radiating off of Minato but instead of a stern Erza like expression. The boy was sweetly smiling as he held onto his staff with one hand. The staff withstanding his iron grip and not breaking apart. 

"However, you ever speak ill of my mother ever again. I won't hesitate to beat you into the ground. Don't think I can't because I will in the most vile way possible. Understand?" Minato asked. 

Natsu remembered the way Minato put him on the train and his entire back shivered. 

'Just what kind of mom do they have!?' Natsu thought. 

The redheads shared the trait of being deathly scary and it must have had to come from their mother. Natsu preferring to keep his life and suffer as less as possible on the way back had agreed. Instantly. 

"Won't do it again. Thank you for the warning." Natsu replied. 

Erza grew a smile even if she was being plagued by other emotions. Seeing Minato back to his usual self was worth putting her problems on the back burner. Though, Erza was going to need to drink. She usually didn't drink but she needed one. Badly. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

"Mira I need the strongest drink you have and I want the bottle." Erza said. 

Erza slamming down a stack full of Jewels before sliding the money Mirajane's way. The Bartender of Fairy Tail wasn't expecting this from her friend. She looked down at Erza and saw the female clearly in a whirlwind of emotions. Mirajane didn't mind giving people drinks but Erza couldn't hold her liquor well. It didn't help that if she did give Erza that bottle. The female looked ready to drink herself stupid. 

'Whatever happened has got her to this point.' 

"Erza...I don't think that's such a good idea." Mirajane said. 

Erza may have had time to digest her families history but that didn't mean she wasn't affected by it. The female lining up her emotions. She was angry with her mother and it didn't matter if Minato came here with a letter. Irene, her mother, should have came here with her son and handled it directly. A letter!? A measly letter! Erza felt insulted! Minato already had it hard enough but making him tell her everything. It made Erza's blood boil. Her anger was also directed at her now deceased father. A man clearly holding no love for her mother and trying to kill her. It also had helped to make her brother go into a downwards spiral. She wanted the liquor now to numb her anger and depression. Erza had her limits. The female having go through a lot right now. A new brother. Being four hundred years old. Two parents that were shit to her. Yeah, Erza needed it now. 

"I'm not asking, I'm ordering you." Erza reinforced. 

This just made things worse as Mirajane wasn't going to budge from her position. Natsu seeing the situation going south fast for the female walked over to help out his friend. 

"She held off until she got here because she trusts the Guild. I'll look after her, Mira." Natsu said. 

Words wouldn't comfort the Scarlet Knight. After everything the female learned. Natsu knew he couldn't cheer her up with words alone but he could do his best to be there for her. If Erza thought drinking would help, he'd just be there for her. He sat next to Erza as if to convince the Bartender that he'd look after the female. Mirajane despite having Natsu's word wouldn't cave immediately as she thought about it. 

'It seems serious as hell. I guess I should and besides Natsu is going to look after her.' Mirajane thought. 

"Fine but you're on the hook if you don't." Mirajane stated. 

Erza was served a bottle of the strongest alcohol that Mirajane had available alongside a wine glass. Erza filled up the glass. 

"Thank you, Natsu." Erza said. 

She downed the glass in one go with her repeating the process over and over again. Everyone in the Guild watching in worry as the female openly chugged down the drink. 

"How was the trip my boy?" Makarov asked. 

Natsu looked to see the Master of Fairy Tail walking over to them before jumping up to sit on the counter top right next to Natsu. The male thinking on how to answer the question. No doubt the siblings most likely did not want something this drastic to be aired out to the public without their say so. 

"It was informative for me but I can't say any more than that." Natsu answered. 

Makarov looked over to Erza and saw the state she was in as the female quickly downed another glass. The female already reaching the halfway point of the bottle. Whatever has happened it seemed like it was so severe that it made Erza start drinking. Erza knew she was a light weight evident by the fact that her cheeks were already red. However, she kept going. 

"That bad hm?" Makarov asked. 

"Yeah a lot of it is family and I don't think it would be correct if I divulge the information. She'll tell you, I'm sure of it." Natsu answered. 

"Is that why Minato didn't return as well?" Makarov asked. 

"He needs some time to collect himself. This was something that reawakened old wounds and he wanted some time alone." Natsu answered. 

Makarov gave a nod. He would have to wait and see how the pair would get back into their normal lives. 

"If that boy needs a home away from home. Let him know he's always welcomed at Fairy Tail." Makarov stated. 

Normally, Natsu would joke around and say that Minato was a second Erza. That would be the normal thing to do but that didn't mean it was the right thing to do. 

"I'll let him know when I see him again." Natsu stated. 

Makarov nodded his head. Erza was already losing it by the time she reached the bottom of the bottle. Her feelings numbed down as she looked down at the remaining beverage. Her eyes looking into the bottle as if trying to see something more. She'd supposed that her mother wasn't that horrible. She somehow, someway, raised Minato to be a good child. That certainly mattered to Erza and maybe Irene did actually feel guilt and remorse. Maybe. Erza wasn't fully sold given how her mother never came here herself. 

'Couldn't even tell me I'm four hundred years old. Minato had to do it.' Erza thought. 

Right. Minato. Erza tried to stand up but her intoxicated state meant she wasn't going anywhere. Natsu reflexively caught her. His arm grabbing a hold of her arm and holding her upright before she could fall face first onto the ground. 

"Natsu let go." Erza demanded. 

"He'll be okay Erza. He just needs a little time to be alone. Trust me, when I got into a argument with Igneel and was left alone. I...saw how bad I was. In this case, it's somewhat similar. He needs time to center himself again. I imagine this brought up a lot of things that he didn't want to remember. Don't worry so much Erza. He's just like you and that he is strong." Natsu stated. 

Erza took in Natsu's words. Minato had been strong. So much stronger than their mother. He just wanted to see her to the point he was even willing to tell her everything. However, just like her. There was a limit and all Erza wanted was to be alone. She knew she'd get better after sleeping on it and sorting out the rest of her thoughts. Natsu saying that they were similar and as to why did help her. 

"You sure?" Erza asked in a whisper. 

Natsu's heart clenched at hearing her words. She sounded unsure of herself. This wasn't the Erza that Natsu had gotten to know over the years. He hated seeing her like this because she deserved to be at her best. 

"I'm sure. He'll come running back tommorow with his smile and declaring that you owe him a meal since tommorow is Friday." Natsu stated. 

"I'm holding you to that Natsu." Erza said. 

"Yeah and besides your plastered." Natsu responded. 

Erza gave out a hm of agreement. She is currently struggling to stand on her feet with Natsu's assistance. Maybe chasing after her brother isn't the best idea. 

"I should go home." Erza stated. 

Natsu released Erza's arm to get up from his seat. The female would need help getting home when she clearly couldn't handle her liquor. He went over to the female and swing her arm over his shoulder. The Female Knight stiffening considerably as she felt her arm go over Natsu's shoulder. Erza wasn't used to the close proximity. She didn't want to be close to people. Yet, given the situation she had no choice. 

"Natsu I can get home." Erza weakly protested. 

"Not with how you're now besides weren't you about to trip and fall mere moments ago?" Natsu asked. 

She'd punch him in the shoulder if she wasn't being held up by him. He had a point. Her vision was blurred as she felt the effects of the alcohol take over. She had put herself in this situation. Erza relented but that didn't mean Erza liked it. 

"Just this once." Erza said. 

"Alright off we go." Natsu spoke. 

Natsu began to take Erza to Fairy Hills. The townspeople were staring at them as they have never seen, The Titania, be so drunk. That she needed help to get home. A few whispers and murmurs ran throughout the spectators. Yet, they were ignored in favor of getting Erza to her place. When they were alone is when Erza began talking again. 

"I'm surprised you're taking the news so well Natsu. I'm jealous." Erza let slip. 

It's not that Natsu was taking the news well. He was furious at Erza's parents. At least, Irene had something going for her but that didn't mean he was going to be all happy with the woman. He wasn't liking the idea that he might just be four hundred years old either. Igneel and not saying anything. He also wasn't liking that he couldn't do a thing to help Minato's situation. All in all, he wasn't taking anything well but someone had to be strong. Erza was grappling with her own revelations. Minato psychology state was in the dump. The pair needed him to be strong. Just like how Erza needed him to be strong against Phantom Lord. He'd be strong for her. He'd be strong for them. This in turn made him seem unaffected by the news. 

"In a way, I just learned where Dragon Slayer magic came from and that I'm on the luckier side of things. I don't have a lot to complain about really." Natsu stated. 

"If you put it that way. I suppose that's why you're taking it so well." Erza said. 

They reach the bottom of the hill and saw a trail on said terrain. It lead upwards towards a dormitory on the top of said hill. Normally, males weren't allowed here but depending on the circumstances. They were able to come here if it was a valid reason. This counts as one of them. 

"You know, I'll probably be attacked if I walk in there." Natsu weakly joked. 

Erza dryly chuckled at the joke. 

"They'll have to accept it or else I'll punish them later." Erza stated. 

"Good thing they know better." Natsu replied. 

Erza gave a dutiful nod with Natsu taking her up to her dorm room. The female had sobered up enough to stand on her own as they appoarched the door. Erza detached herself from Natsu as she got her footing. 

"Thank you for taking me this far Natsu but I can manage the rest of the way." Erza said. 

Natsu gave Erza a nod as she stood in front of him. He gave a light blush as he looked away. 

"Alright and if you need someone to listen to you. Just give me a shout." Natsu stated. 

Erza grew a smile. He had his moments of being sweet and serious. She was glad that Natsu could be more than the excited kid that he normally is. 

"Thank you Natsu for everything today. Don't worry, I'll tell you if I need someone to listen me ramble but I think I'll be okay." Erza stated. 

"Of course you'll be okay, your strong especially on the inside. I have faith in you and your strength." Natsu stated. 

Erza was touched by his words. He believed in her that much? It seemed he viewed her in high regards. The feeling was oddly nice. 

"Thank you, you're strong yourself Natsu. I'll lay down now." Erza said. 

She was going to do more but she didn't want him worrying about her. Though it was probably in vain because he didn't seem that worried about her. He trusted her to get through this and instead of trying to help her fix her problem. Natsu had enough faith in her to just give her space. He had the belief that he knew she could take care of her problems. He gave her that autonomy. It was a pleasant feeling for Erza. 

"I gotta check in on Happy. Take care Erza." 

She watched as Natsu headed the other way. Erza went into her dorm room as she close the door. The female looking into her vast room. Normally, dorm rooms wouldn't be this big but she had combined five rooms in total. The Jewel for the five rooms was 500,000 thousand a month but being a S-Class Wizard. She could pay it off in advance but she would need the money soon. Now that she thought about her large dorm room. Erza couldn't help but feel it was so...empty. Sure, armors and swords lined the walls or were on armor stands. However, it was just her. Erza seem to sober up instantly with reality crashing into her like a train. 

'Minato doesn't have a place to stay.' Erza thought. 

Maybe she could make room for him. He needed a place to stay and besides it was her little brother. Rules be damned. She began to move things to a different section of the dorm room as she found herself in the task of cleaning and getting rid of things. That also meant stumbling upon the letter that was thrown hastily to the side. Erza saw the letter as she thought about the contents. Her hands took hold of the letter. Now that she had alcohol to numb her emotions. Erza could finally come to her own conclusion. She annihilated the letter as she tore it in two. The female proceeding to make the pieces of paper smaller and smaller before tossing the shreds of paper into the trash bin. The female settling on her position. 

"If we meet again. You can actually tell me." Erza stated. 

A weight lifted off of Erza's shoulders. The things that she learn wouldn't go away over night but she had taken them nonetheless. Erza could not forgive her mother just yet but she could try to reach out to her. 

"No point in being stuck in the past besides Natsu is proof that my friends won't think any less of me." 

She had to look towards the future. Her Guild. Her friends. Minato. They all needed her. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

"How about you take your brother to Akane Resort. I'm sure it'll be a blast. I don't mind staying behind." Lucy spoke. 

"Are you sure Lucy? I know you wanted to go on this trip." Erza stated. 

Lucy gave out a hand wave as she dismissed Erza's concern with a smile on her face. 

"I'm positive besides I know how important family can be. It wouldn't be fair if I separated you both when you two are trying to make up for lost time." Lucy said. 

Erza looked gratefully at Lucy. 

"Thank you so much. I owe you." Erza stated. 

"Anytime Erza you both take care now." Lucy said. 

Erza happily nodded as she quickly went to fetch Natsu, wherever Natsu was, Gray would be there with the fire dragon slayer. The pair usually butting heads with one another. As expected she found the pair glaring hotly at one another and walked forward with the intent to get their attention. 

"Natsu! Gray!" Erza barked. 

The pair hearing Erza calling for them would freeze on the spot. They separated as quickly as possible before standing straight up. The pair sweating nervously. Erza wanted to roll her eyes. She wasn't that scary, was she? 

"Lucy has given me tickets to Akane Resort. I'm taking you both, Happy and Minato with me. Get ready to go this instant." Erza stated. 

"Aye!" Natsu and Gray responded. 

Erza shaked her head as she turn on her heel to reach her brother. The male on a wall that hadn't been fully built yet. The Teen away from everyone else within the Guild. He wasn't interacting with anyone. This bothered her as he didn't talk with many people unless it was Erza and at times Natsu. Though she had to also understand that he was part dragon. He may not have felt at home with The Guild.  

'Hopefully, he'll interact with more people.' Erza thought. 

She marched towards him and he took notice of her presence. His smiling face being shifted from watching the Guild do construction work over to her. 

"Hey sis, need something?" Minato asked. 

"Matter of fact, a little vacation is in order. Akane Resort, Lucy agreed to have you take her spot for the trip." 

Minato looked geninuely surprised by the news. 

"Huh? I should tell her thanks. I'll get ready." 

Minato enchanted a spell onto himself before Erza watch him fly off towards Lucy's location. 

'At least I don't have to worry about him too much. Now I should get ready.' Erza thought. 

Erza thought about everything they would need as her closed fist fell into the palm of her hand. 

'The wagon will work well here!' Erza victoriously thought. 

This would begin their trip to Akane Resort. The group of five were now on Akane Beach as they were in different clothing. Erza in a simple black bikini. Natsu wore red swim trunks with orange and yellow flame highlights. Gray wore a pair of light blue swim trunks. Minato would be in a blue swim trunk. Happy remained as usual due to being a cat. 

"This beach ain't half bad." Minato commented. 

He went ankle deep into the water as he stared out at the clear ocean before him. Minato liked these types of things. The sea that laid before him was a nice sight for the teen. It helped soothe himself. He came far from Alvarez and had told Erza about her past. He was reminded of his past. The night his mother told him everything inside the dining room. The turbulent of emotions that came back to him would be calmed by the waves gently hitting his ankles. They would be chased away by the majestic sight of the ocean. The serene grace would end as a beach ball gently hit his back. He turned around to see the culprit. It must have been Natsu with how the guy was having this huge grin on his face. 

"Payback!" Natsu shouted. 

Minato didn't know how to initially respond until he realized what Natsu meant and that's when his eyes gleamed with mischief. 

"You sure about that?" 

Minato grabbed the harmless beach ball before using enchant magic to make the beach ball weigh more as he shifted the properties around. He threw the now heavy beach ball at Natsu. The attack landed as Natsu wasn't prepared for Minato to change the properties of said beach ball. Anger raised up to Natsu's features. He would get pay back from Minato putting him on that train!

"Alright that's it!" Natsu yelled. 

The beach ball was sent back nailing Minato in the gut. Minato went down and Natsu celebrated his win. He threw up a peace sign. Erza couldn't help but smile. Boys will be boys. 

"Victory!" Natsu yelled. 

He celebrated too early as the beach ball knocked him upside the head. Minato didn't have Natsu's strength but it did cause a lump to form on Natsu's head. Erza watched with a amused smile. It didn't take long for them to get in the grove of things. As they spent the day doing beach activities. From teaching Minato about the rules of volleyball, to making sand castles, and swimming. The group had a great time that ended with Erza on the balcony of their hotel room. The woman enjoy the setting sun's light hitting her skins while she laid down on one of the lawn chairs on their room's balcony. She had a content smile on her face. 

"Today was great." Erza stated. 

The female guard lowered as she drifted off to sleep. She began to dream about watching people in rags being whipped as a man yelled at them to go faster. She could hear the lowering of equipment down to the bottom floor. Erza felt the impact of bricks against her body. She remember the guard ready to strike her with his whip. 

'Erza freedom does not exist in this world!' 

Erza woke up with a fright as she sat upright in a instant. Erza looked at her arms and hands as they were covered in a cold sweat. 

'A dream?' Erza thought. 

Erza look up to see the night sky. Yes, Erza just had a nightmare. Erza got up from her seat before maneuvering to go into the room. She saw that it was relatively empty with only personal items being touched indicated by their respective bags being away from one another. Natsu's bag on the beg closet to the door. Minato's rucksack hanging on the wall from a hanger. Gray's neatly placed next to the foot of his bed. Erza's suitcase was the only thing left undisturbed. 

'Looks like they went about their evening.' Erza thought. 

Erza look to the window as she clearly saw herself in the windows reflection. The woman admiring herself for a second. As even she recongize her beauty but couldn't grow a smile. The female felt so vulnerable. She would requip into her standard outfit. The woman felt more comfortable, more secure, and more safe in her suit of armor. 

"It's true, I feel more at ease in my armor. I guess there's no help for a woman like me." Erza said. 

The door to their room would open as Erza face the door to see who would come into the room. Minato had been the culprit. His face was red. Indicating that he had heard her before opening said door. 

"I was going to see if you wanted to go on a bit of a gambling trip." Minato spoke. 

Erza raised a brow. Is her brother interested in that sort of thing? By the way his eyes were twinlking. It seemed that he was, in fact, interested. 

"Sure but where are the other three?" Erza asked. 

"Natsu and Happy are gambling while Gray is having a girl accompany him at a bar. I wonder if he'll get lucky tonight or not." Minato answered. 

"Really, a female, interested in Gray?" Erza asked. 

Minato gave a shrug. 

"I just saw her with him. Didn't bother prying and kept it moving." Minato answered. 

That's a new one. 

"So long as he does it in her room. I don't care. I'm not a fan of gambling but it beats staying in this room all night." Erza stated. 

"Sweet but your not dressed for the occasion." 

Even Minato had changed into a proper outfit. He wore a nice maroon polo shirt with khaki color pants and brown dress shoes. The male clearly cleaned up after their activities on the beach. Erza realized that being in armor wasn't the best option for casino wear. 

"True." 

Erza instantaneously requip into a purple themed skin tight dress that highlighted her curves. Erza looked at her brother with a victorious smirk. 

"Now?" 

"Now you're dressing too formal but I'll let it slide." Minato stated. 

Erza's face fell into a open mouth. Minato just gave her a amused smile. 

"What you standing there for? Let's go." Minato snickered. 

He walked out the door with Erza rushing after him. As Minato lead the two to a dealer within the casino. 

"You heard of blackjack?" Minato asked. 

"I know how to play if that's what you mean." Erza answered. 

"That works for me but let me go first." Minato said. 

Erza nodded with Minato taking a seat at the dealer's table. Erza sat next to her brother as both of the siblings looked at the dealer for this type of card game. 

"I bet 10 chips." Minato said. 

He gave the chips to the dealer. Their game began with Minato smile growing as he continued to get win after win. 

"You're surprisingly good at this." Erza commented. 

"My dad had a knack for this and I got it from him." Minato stated. 

The Scarlet haired woman wasn't expecting him to tell her about his real father. 

"How much did Irene tell you about him?" 

Minato took his winnings. 

"He was an a goofball of a gambler but his good nature helped to balance out his addiction." Minato answered. 

'That's a step up I suppose.' Erza thought. 

She didn't say anything else because she didn't want to sour the mood. They were having too much fun right now. 

"Hey how about you play, come on." 

Erza would find herself being the one to be playing while Minato regulated himself to spectating her games. The siblings had fun with the casino's various card games. Erza notice that Minato regulated his winnings to keep the house from kicking them out. The reason for that is because at the moment. Erza was on a hot streak. 

"Lady Luck is on your side." Minato said in awe. 

She had another royal flush. Erza wore a proud face. The Dealer looked a bit nervous. 

"New Dealer." Someone said. 

The original card dealer froze in place at the unexpected arrival of another employee. He looked towards the other employee. 

"Now wait a minute." He weakly stated. 

Minato watched as this new dealer pushed the other dealer to the side. The New Dealer had took command of the table. He shuffled a pair of cards in his hands with relative ease. Minato still had a smile on his face. 

"Hmmm? You want to take the chance with this new dealer?" Minato asked. 

Erza was always ready for a challenge. 

"Absolutely, I don't think my streak has ended." Erza answered. 

"If so shall we play a special kind of game? And we won't be betting on just some measly coins." The New Dealer spoke. 

He got done with the cards before placing one card on the table in front of the siblings. One of them has the letter, 'D' on it and they both raised a brow as they saw more letters coming from the New Dealer's hand. The cards perfectly gliding down as they sat down right next to each other. The cards stopped coming when the letters spelled out the word, 'Death.' Minato summoned his magic underneath the table at the not so subtle threat being targeted potentially to the both of them. 

"How about we gamble a life big sister Erza!" The New Dealer stated. 

The New Dealer stared down Erza with a maniac expression and Erza seem to freeze up in the moment. What...what was he doing here!? Why did he come here!? Meanwhile, Minato hand reach forward to touch the table. Yet, something wrapped around his wrist before yanking on him. 

'What the!?' He thought. 

Minato flew out of his seat with Erza taking notice as her body seem to return to normal. Her head whipped around to see Minato being slammed into one of the tables. The entire population inside the casino began to panic. 

"An attack!?" 

The lights went out as now people began openly screaming before their screams were silenced. Minato world had taken a spin from the surprise attack. He recovered only to have something bound his wrist together by rope. However, this rope rapidly drained his magic energy. 

'Damn it.' 

Minato would have his ankles being bound by someone as he was now left helpless. 

"Now be a good kitty." A feminine voice said. 

Minato glared at the female but he was helpless at the moment. The lights came back on as Minato was lifted into the air by the female that had bounded him. 

"Let him go! He has nothing to do with us!" Erza yelled. 

Us? Did his sister know these guys? Most likely from the way she was acting. Who the hell were these guys? Erza seeing her brother in danger quickly requip into her armor. Erza summoned a sword as she was ready to attack the enemy. The female that bounded Minato had put a sharpen claw against the boy's neck. As he was held hostage and this alone made Erza pause in her attack. 

"Now, now Erza. I wouldn't recommend that. Unless you want us to kill this look a like of yours." The Female stated. 

"We wouldn't want all these people to be hurt." The Dealer stated. 

Erza turn to see that The Dealer had a stack of cards and threw the cards onto the ground. Erza saw the people that were in the casino were now in those cards. That explained the now empty casino and why all the screams were silenced. However, Erza already livid from them taking her brother hostage was struggling to control that anger. 

"Sho! Millianna! Is this how you choose to use magic!?" Erza roared. 

"Like how you chose to abandon us?" The Male asked her. 

Erza faced the dealer. 

"Sho it was complicated and I never wanted to abandon any of you!" Erza yelled. 

The Dealer is known as Sho. That means the one holding him hostage is Milliana. Minato had been effectively ambushed by the accomplice. 

'What happens when you don't have your guard up.' 

He could beat himself up on that at a later time. Right now, he needed a way to get these out of here and make Erza not have to worry about him. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

"Don't try to act all innocent after you betrayed us." Sho spat at the female. 

Normally, Erza would have been guilty but Minato was currently in Milliana's clutches. Therefore, anger overruled her feelings of guilt. If they so much as hurt him. Erza was pretty sure she'd go on a rampage. 

"Now, now don't go playing dirty tricks on Erza Sho." Someone stated. 

Erza eyes moved to the source of the voice. She watched as someone would form from the air itself. The person formed like a pixel character in a video game. Erza watched as her former friend showed himself. The reason that he was appearing from pixels is because his entire body was almost entirely box like. 

"The only way to be dandy is to keep your emotions in check. Got it?" The Male stated. 

"Wally..." Erza seethed out. 

Yet, Wally's attention wasn't on Erza but rather Minato. The two looking at one another. 

"Oh? Whats this? Why do you look a lot like Erza?" 

"That is her biological younger brother, Minato Belserion." 

The cat was now out of the bag with Erza looking towards the new voice. A man teleported into the room as he went from a crouched position to standing at full height. Erza's position went from bad to worse. As all of them knew about Minato's significance to her. 

"Oh...really? Is that why she left us?" Milliana asked. 

"Possibly, her mother finally came to rescue her and Erza selfishly took the easy way out." Sho answered. 

Laughter. Laughter erupted from Minato. This caused all of them to look at the teenager. 

"What's so funny?" Wally asked. 

"Sorry, it's just that it's hilarious. I can't believe you thought mother would rescue Erza." Minato said between his fits of laughter. 

"It's the most logical reason." Wally said. 

This made Minato laugh harder but Erza wasn't in the mood for laughter of any type. If anything, she was becoming more irriate because Minato could give them more reason to hurt him. Did he not understand the situation he was in!? Minato stopped laughing as he addressed them. 

"It's the most stupid one. Why would I? Bring Erza here? Think about it, you are close enough to know when we'll pass through. So if I was really her rescuer, why would I bring her here of all places? A place where you four know the lay out and have your headquarters close by. Secondly, mother wouldn't have left any of you alive so be grateful she didn't come retrieving Erza earlier. Thirdly, my lineage has only been recently revealed with no one having any idea I even existed. How could that be possible if we just meet?" Minato asked. 

"It would be rather foolish of you to come back to the territory of the enemy. Though that doesn't matter because you're still valuable to keep Erza in line." Simon stated. 

Minato broke the rope holding him hostage as his arms became free and Millianna was surprised by the attack. She aimed the palm of her hand at Minato. 

"No you don't!" 

She tried sending out two cat like ropes towards the teenager but it didn't matter as he casted a spell of his own. A red ball pushed the two cat like ropes away from Minato. An explosion occurred from the red ball that Minato had summoned. The explosion sent up a smoke screen. Minato broke free from the rest of his restraints. Simon came right behind him. Minato seeing the man trying to grab a hold of him would only smirk. He activated his magic as the floor behind him would be enchanted upwards to strike Simon square in the chest. The older male flying backwards thanks to Minato's spell. 

"Card Magic-" 

Sho didn't get to finish as an explosion went off right in front of him. Minato flew up into the air to avoid any of the four people trying to attack him. Erza felt relief seeing Minato free and away from their grasp. It almost made up for his earlier bout of madness. Though when the dust settled did they see a new problem. Wally pointing a gun at Happy's Head. The cat clearly unconscious. Whatever relief Erza felt would be replaced with horror. 

"Happy!" She yelled. 

Minato clicked his tongue. That must mean Natsu lost to this guy. Which annoyed him because him and Erza could have fought these guys right out the Resort. Now they were stuck at square one. This made his blood boil. 

"I'm glad I decided to bring this pet with me." Wally spoke. 

Erza clenched her fists. Minato may have escaped but Natsu had been defeated. If that was the case that means Gray was also unconscious or worse. 

"Now do as we say Erza and we won't have to kill the cat. Ya dig?" Wally asked. 

Erza had no choice but to concede to their demands. 

"Minato can you look after the others?" Erza asked. 

Minato didn't like this situation but there was nothing he could do at the moment. Him being able to fight away from his captives was one thing but Happy is unconscious. He really, really, hated Natsu right now for making the situation worse. If he resist now, he'd make it even more difficult for his sister. 

"Whatever, I'll go." Minato deeply growled. 

Erza moved forward towards Simon. The male would soon cuff Erza sealing off all of her magical energy with said hand cuffs. The female was still lethal but the threat of hurting or even killing happy made her docile. 

"Millianna tie her." 

Erza found herself being bonded with her arms firmly pressed against her body while her legs were press together. Minato was, unfortunately, all but a helpless bystander as Simon carried his sister over his shoulder. 

"I want the kitty cat!" Millianna happily shouted. 

"When we get to the boat." Wally said. 

Millianna was joyous while Minato remained quiet even if he was wanting to kill them right here and now. 

"Mission complete, we'll retreat for now." 

Minato kept his eyes on them but didn't move as to not provoke the group. 

"Sis your finally coming back with us, I can't wait to show you the finished version of The Tower of Heaven." Sho stated. 

'Tower of Heaven?' 

Why was that so familiar to Minato? Did his mother cover it and he forgot or did it belong to something else that he recongize. 

"You mean you...completed it?" Erza asked in shock. 

"Why of course, Nyaa." Millianna spoke. 

Minato watched as the group left the room. He saw all of the cards filled with people as they were either pleading with him to free them or they were in shock. Minato would reverse the enchantment spell on said people and the people broke free from the cards. 

"Tha-" 

When the people tried thanking the teen from freeing them from their fate. Minato ignored them entirely as he made his way towards Natsu. Minato went into the slots portion of the casino and made his way to a giant ball that was destroyed. Minato saw Natsu knocked unconscious. The Teen looked down upon him like a insect and aimed his palm at Natsu. Maybe, his mother's signature spell would make Natsu wake up. Minato ruthlessly unleashed the explosion right onto Natsu. The attack landing as Natsu woke up from the pain. His body hitting the ground while he rubbed the back of his head. He glared at his attacker but Minato was glaring back at him. 

"What the hell was that for!?" Natsu shouted. 

"That's for losing to one of Erza's kidnappers. He took Happy hostage and that caused Erza to be taken by them. Thanks to your ineptitude, we couldn't fight them off." Minato all but grilled Natsu. 

Natsu remembered now. That cheap bastard had attacked him without him looking. 

"He blindsided me. That fucking punk." Natsu said. 

"I was blind sided too but I wasn't the reason why Erza left with them. A lose is a lose, let's get Gray. I still gotta give him a talking too." Minato said. 

Minato merely walked away from Natsu without another word. Natsu got up from his downed state as he saw the teen's back. Minato clearly upset that his sister had been taken and that's when Natsu fully realized his lose. Happy had been taken, held hostage, and used to make Erza submit to her kidnappers. Natsu was angry at himself. If he didn't lose to that guy. Minato and Erza could have, in all likelihood, fend off the attackers. Minato's anger had been warranted. Justified even. Natsu became angry at himself. There was only one thing that he could do and that was to rescue Erza. Minato clearly expected him to be more, do more, and he would have to meet those expectations. Why? Natsu couldn't live with himself if Erza was hurt or killed because of him. Natsu didn't need to say anything because he already knew what he needed to do right now. 

"Seriously..." Minato said. 

He watch as Gray came out from the woman he was at the bar with because she used her magic to conceal him. Her body apparently made out of water and it showed because of her body being part liquid. The female let Gray hit the ground which allowed her to regain her more human appearance. The surprise didn't quell Minato's anger. Gray looked up only to see Minato glaring down at him. 

"Explain." Minato all but ordered. 

'He seems pissed off.' Gray thought. 

"Some mysterious guy tried attacking me. I managed to cast a ice clone of myself to make him think that he had hit me. I was hiding to tail him. However..." 

Gray looked at Juvia. 

"...she put me into a water lock to hide me in her body. Which allowed the other guy to escape." Gray stated. 

Minato directed his fury at the female. She seem to panic as she quickly apologized. 

"Juvia is sorry! Juvia didn't want my dear Gray to be attacked by that man! Truely! Juvia didn't mean to be a hindrance!" Juvia spoke. 

The answer did nothing to change Minato's stance on the current situation. 

"You can help by rescuing my sister. She and Happy were kidnapped because of Natsu's incompetence. We need to leave now if we wish to catch up to them." Minato spoke. 

"Seriously!?" Gray asked. 

He didn't expect that because Erza was the strongest female member in the Guild. She was S-Class and only two people aside from the master that could definitely beat her. Yet, when Minato looked at him with furry in his eyes. Gray realized that the teenager was dead serious. 

"Would I be so pissed if that wasn't true?" Minato asked. 

Natsu had appeared on scene. Minato looked at the Fire Dragon Slayer to see that Natsu had became very serious. That was the look he wanted to see. 

"I have their scent. Lets go." Natsu said. 

"What are we waiting for, let's go woman you'll be coming with us." Minato spoke. 

"If it helps my love, Juvia shall!" Juvia happily spoke. 

Close enough. They quickly departed as Natsu lead them...all the way to the beach as they were greeted by the night's ocean. Lovely. 

Meanwhile. 

Erza would be on a ship that her old friends had acquired. The female tied to a post within the hull of the ship. At the very least, they had let Minato leave and didn't try to take him hostage again. That was the silver lining that Erza could find within this entire situation. The door to the hull open as she saw Sho walking down the steps. He made his way towards her as he stood in front of her. 

"You know sis, it's great that you're finally with us again. The Tower of Heaven looks a lot better now." Sho spoke. 

Erza couldn't believe that they completed the Tower. However, she didn't want to go back there...to all those memories. To all the nightmares. Erza didn't want to go back. At the very least, she did have her armor on and it made the situation a bit more bearable. Sho suddenly hugged Erza without any reason. 

"I missed you so much sis." 

"Sho..." Erza responded.

She didn't expect him to hug her. 

"I never wanted this to happen! I missed you so much! I did..." 

Sho began crying as Erza was helpless to comfort her old friend. Yet, he pulled away from her to show his face full of tears and rage. 

"So why did you have to do that to us!? Why did you betray Jellal!?" Sho yelled. 

Erza couldn't bear to face Sho as she instead chose to look up towards the ceiling. As thoughts of Jellal came to the forefront of her mind. 

'Jellal...' She thought. 

A whirlwind of emotions came to the surface. Her time within the tower one of them. Where Jellal was trying to have them obtain their freedom. Those memories became muddled as she remembered what Jellal had did to her. What had caused him to change so much? Did he just give in to their influence or did they brainwash him. Either way, it didn't matter because he either chose to hurt her or has unintentionally hurt her. She hoped he was brainwashed because that would explain so much. Erza couldn't answer Sho as she remained silent for the moment. 

Back with Minato's group. 

You'd be surprised at how versatile enchantment magic could be and that was Minato making a stable boat out of sheer sand. They would need to travel across the sea to chase after his sister. Gray, Juvia, and Minato were relatively fine with the sea travel. Natsu on the other hand needed to be on the railing of the boat to throw up. His motion sickness kicking in and Minato felt some of his anger alleviate at his suffering. 

'Maybe a few train trips will make it up to me.' Minato thought. 

A angry Minato clearly meant more of Irene's unsavory personality rubbed off on him. Natsu pointed in a direction. At the very least he still remained useful. Minato changed course to the direction Natsu was pointing towards. 

"Damn...we got our asses handed to us and Erza's old friends kidnapped her?" Gray replied. 

"Yeah, for some reason they wanted to take her to The Tower of Heaven. However, I'm getting this feeling that I should know about it but can't pinpoint where." Minato answered. 

"Now that I think about it. We don't know how Erza got to Fairy Tail but considering how they attacked us. I can say we are about to find out things Erza didn't want to divulge." Gray said. 

"A lot sooner than you think because there's a Tower in the distance." Minato said. 

All of them looked forward to see a Tower on the horizon. 

"Is that...The Tower of Heaven?" Juvia asked. 

"Only one way to find out." 

They pressed on towards the Tower on the horizon. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

Tower of Heaven. 

Erza was lead into a prison cell. The female would be hand cuffed to the wall while her feet barely reached the floor of the cell. 

"The Ceremony will take place tommorow at noon. You'll wait here until then." Sho spoke. 

Simon walked out of the cell while Sho elected to stay with his so called, "sister." Meanwhile, Erza was put into a state of disbelief as her eyes widen and looked at Sho as if he had lost his mind. 

"The ceremony!? You intend to start up the R-System!?" 

Sho seemed to like what he saw from Erza's face because he grew a maddening grin that became plastered across his face. 

"What did you expect was going to happen after betraying us eight years ago? Jellal was livid. Of course it has to be you." 

Sho got closer to the female to leer at her. The female composing herself once again as she replied by growing a frown. Either way, Erza wasn't taking kindly to the statement. 

"The R-System isn't a toy to be used." Erza stated. 

"Our feelings aren't toys either, Sister." Sho replied. 

Erza eyes seemed to form a glare at her old friend. As she didn't like words being put back into her mouth. She didn't want them to activate the R-System it could cause havoc on the world. It could seriously end their lives if they weren't careful. However, Sho mistook her reasons for being angry for other things. 

"Are you angry that you are being used as a sacrifice or are you trembling because of the memories?" Sho asked. 

Erza knew all to well what Sho was currently referring too. Her past within the Tower. When all of them were kids and some things did come back to the surface of her mind. Namely, the one where all of them were kids before she ran away from this very Tower. She remembered that Sho was hatching a plan for all of them to escape from the Tower. Only for it to be discovered by the guards. Normally, they would have punished Sho but Erza had covered for him. Sho seem to know what Erza was thinking because he began talking. 

"Now I'll be the bigger person and admit that it is my fault that you got punished instead of me. I was the one that planned a way for us to escape the cell and because I kept quiet. You took the blame for me." Sho spoke. 

In all honesty, Erza could care less about that event. Not because she stopped caring but because she helped her friend out in their time of need and she came to live with that choice. She didn't regret the choice despite it being filled with torture and inevitable grueling pain. 

"Don't worry about that, what you should be worrying about is using the R-System to resurrect people from the dead. It could cause the end of the world and very well your lives." Erza stated. 

Sho didn't even look shocked despite Erza knowing about the true function of the R-System. 

"As expected of you. That is why we need you as a sacrifice because we need to bring someone back." Sho stated. 

"And who exactly is this someone?" Erza asked. 

"Zeref." Sho said. 

Sho watched as Erza's demeanor completely shifted from glaring directly at him. All the way to releasing a dry chuckle. To Erza, Minato had already informed him that the man was very much alive. He had been missing but very much alive. When she heard that the person they were trying to resurrect was him. She found it completely ridiculous. 

"What's so funny?" Sho asked with geninue confusion. 

Clearly, he hadn't expected her to react in this manor. Erza would answer his question. 

"How delusional you are." Erza spoke. 

She wouldn't expose what she knew because that information could seriously screw her and her brother over with the Council. Erza wasn't spilling those secrets any time soon. Though that had the consequence of making Sho angry. His face contorting into anger. 

"Why you...! Jellal will not fail us! He isn't like them! Jellal will lead us to heaven because he will bring Zeref back to life!" 

Sho got closer to Erza with the female noticing and a plan began to form in her head. She could use this to her advantage but she needed him to keep talking. To keep him distracted. 

"Jellal is lying to you." Erza said. 

Sho didn't take kindly to that as he got in her face before exploding into a fit of hysteria. 

"Jellal will show you the truth! He will lead us into a new world! We will control that new world! The remnants of the group that took away our freedom! Those new friends and your brother that you haven't betrayed yet! The mindless minions that roam the world without a thought to their name! That idiotic council! We'll bring sorrow and terror to them all! Finally after shoving them down into the dirt! We will take away their freedom! We will control the entire world!" 

Sho began laughing like a maniac as the male missed the anger evident on Erza's features. She wasn't mad at Sho. No, Erza was furious at Jellal and the only thing that could take some of her anger. It was Sho. The female swiftly kicking him in the chin. The blow knocking the male out cold before he hit the ground. Erza used her upper body strength to pull herself up. This allowed for her mouth to reach the restraints around her wrists. She tore them apart with her mouth and once she was freed from those restraints. Erza felt her magic come back to her in full force. The female quickly requip into her armor after landing on her feet. Erza's face containing nothing but righteous fury. Her bangs covered her eyes. As she remembered Sho, the nice boy that admired her from afar. He used to be so sweet. Now? Jellal had clearly warped him to his needs.

"You're going to pay for this Jellal!" Erza shouted. 

Erza marched her way out of the cell with ease. She would find Jellal and she'd make him pay for corrupting not only Sho but everyone else. The first people to see Erza were mere mercenaries hired to protect the Tower of Heaven. 

"It's Erza!" One of them shouted. 

"Get her!" 

The mercenaries within the hallway made a dash towards her. Erza summoned a sword before bringing it into a position as if to deliver a horizontal slash. The pair of mercenaries got in close but were blasted away as soon as Erza swinged her sword. The attack sending them both crashing into the walls of the hallway. The female taking them down without blinking as she made her way down the hall. 

Meanwhile. 

Minato, Natsu, Gray, and Juvia made their onto the rocky structure. The group of four hid behind a pair of rocks while looking at the bridge that lead into a tower. The entire bridge was heavily guarded with dozens of mercenaries as look outs. 

"How should we do this?" Gray asked. 

"I say we rush them." Natsu answered. 

"We can find another way in." Juvia offered. 

"Natsu has the idea. We might as well break through their lines here and now before taking separate paths to find our targets. The more chaos we cause along the way. The less likely they are to find us. Even with homefield knowledge. They have to search the area for us. Besides, there's no point in stealth with all of us here. We'll have to fight eventually." Minato spoke. 

"You really think so?" Juvia asked. 

"Yeah besides we cause more problems for everyone. Which in turn means they have to send more people. Which means if one us gets Erza or Happy back. We don't have to worry about fighting as many people. If anything using chaos is a perfect way to do stealth." Minato explained. 

Juvia looked at Gray and he gave a shrug. 

"So we all about making noise?" Natsu asked. 

"Do what you do best you idiot." Minato answered. 

Natsu rush forward as all of the guards spotted him immediately but they didn't get to say anything. As they were blasted with a stream of fire. 

"What!? Intruders!" 

The other mercenaries on the far side of the bridge began to move towards the front side of the bridge. They were ready to take up combat against the rampaging Natsu. The Male slamming his fist into one of their comrades. 

"Get the mage!"

"No..." A voice sounded. 

The group of mercenaries looked up to see Minato flying above them. A finger pointed right at them. Minato eyes narrowed as he used explosive enchantment magic to send them straight through the bridge and into the ocean. Minato saw spells being flinged right at him before he let out a sigh. The Teen using enchantment magic to make the wind blow harder and this forced the spells being sent at him to be directed to the side. As all the spells were blown away by the monstrous wind that he had made. 

"Ice Make: Cannon!" 

Gray unloaded on the mercenaries that sent their spells towards Minato. The attack connected as the entire group would sent either into the ocean or flying further down the bridge. Natsu leapt over the gap in the bridge along with Juvia. As they landed on the other side with relative ease. Gray himself did the same as his two partners while Minato simply flew over the gap in the bridge. This allowed them to press towards the Tower while taking out the mercenaries that guard the bridge. 

"Water Slicer!" Juvia yelled. 

Juvia motioned her hand forward in a horizontal cut as a slice of water came from within her arm. The water crashed into the mercenaries as it devastated their ranks. 

"You bitch!" 

A man tried stabbing her in her chest only for Juvia to grow a smile. Her body became water as the spear harmlessly pass right through her. The Mercenary not seeing any blood became confused. 

"Juvia's body is made out of water. Therefore, physical attacks are useless." Juvia plainly spoke. 

"Wha-" 

She didn't let him speak instead she back handed him with her fist. That sent the man crashing to the ground while Juvia removed the spear from her water like body. The female tossed it to the side before finishing off her attacker with a pulse of highly condensed water. 

"We can't stop them!" 

"Get reinforcements-!" 

Natsu sent three mercenaries right through the front door that lead into the tower. They finally breached the interior or the building. As all of them flooded into the tower's structure. 

"Erza definitely came through here recently." Natsu stated. 

"Yes and because it's strong. We can make our way towards her. Though that's the issue with Happy." Minato said. 

Natsu had to get Happy back. The cat was his responsibility. He should have done better earlier and beat the guy that attacked him. Natsu knew he had to get him back. 

"You guys focus on reaching Erza while I get Happy." Natsu spoke. 

"Fine. We'll meet back here when we have Erza so don't keep us waiting." Minato replied. 

Natsu gave a nod before running off as he followed Happy's scent throughout the Tower. Though Minato lead the way as the three of them made their way towards Erza. The progress would be halted by various groups of enemies that were thrown their way. 

"These guys seem to know exactly where we are!" Gray shouted. 

Minato slammed his staff to the ground as he commanded the floor beneath their attackers to simply give way. All of the people rushing for Minato's group had fallen right through the hole. 

"There now we can go." Minato stated. 

"Enchantment magic sure is handy." Juvia commented. 

"Obviously." Minato said matter of factly. 

Erza didn't know why there weren't alot of guards being sent her way. She rush into a room before cutting down a group of them that were heading in the opposite direction. At first, she thought they were trying to run away from her until she looked in front of her. To see Minato, Gray and what looked like to be Juvia. Minato seem to be the first to react as he grew a smile on his face. 

"Sis!" 

He threw himself at Erza. The female quickly catching her brother while he hugged her. Her eyes widening in disbelief. Why was her brother here!? Why did he come here!? 

"What...what are you doing here?" Erza asked. 

Minato broke the hug as she watched as confusion replaced relief. 

"To rescue and help you of course." Minato answered. 

Erza found herself needing to scold her little brother. He shouldn't have come here. 

"All of you need to go back home! Right now!" Erza yelled. 

"What? Like hell we will! They kidnapped you Erza!" Gray shouted. 

"Not to mention they kidnapped Happy. Natsu is already going for him." Minato replied. 

Seriously, them leaving? What kind of order was that? Had his sister lost her mind? Erza remembered that little fact and her face grew into a frown. No doubt Natsu going after Happy made things even more complicated. 

"Look, for now all of you must leave. I'll personally see to it that Natsu and Happy leave safely off of this island." Erza stated. 

"I absolutely refuse." Minato instantly replied. 

Erza did not need her brother being irresponsible or even back talking her. She brought her might to bear but her glare didn't phase him. It did the opposite effect as he faced her head on and both their magic flared up. Gray and Juvia became slightly nervous as both siblings unleashed their magic presence at one another. 

"This is my problem! I and me alone will solve my own problems! I don't want any of you getting hurt because of me! Especially if you get hurt, Minato! So just go back home! You're in danger here!" Erza spoke. 

Minato became livid. 

"I can take care of myself and besides don't go having some stupid set of double standards! You were and still are quite happy to inject yourself into my problems! Why!? To help me! So now it's my turn! It's what family is supposed to do!" Minato yelled. 

Erza couldn't believe this right now. Of all the times for him to do this, it had to be now! 

"Don't argue with me! There's a reason this is different! It's my responsibility to keep you safe and sound! I can't do that if you remain here! That's my job as the older sibling!" Erza yelled. 

"And I can perfectly take care of myself! I don't need protection! I fought all of those mercenaries by myself without Gray having to fret over me!" Minato shouted. 

Erza didn't want her brother to be in harms way. Yet, even if she forced him out the door. She knew he would return. If force and argument were not going to produce results. Erza resorted to begging him. Erza back down because she wanted to keep Minato and her friends safe. Her bangs hid her eyes. 

"Please...please just go back home." Erza begged. 

Minato's eyes went wide. His sister had never begged. Never. The fact she was begging him had told him just how desperate she is at this moment. It seemed to make him stand down at hearing the pleading tone in her voice. However, just because one person was too stunned to speak didn't mean that there weren't other people. As Gray came around. 

"It's a bit too late for that, we're already caught up in this and besides even if we weren't. We would still come and help you because you're precious to us. We care about you Erza." Gray said. 

Erza clenched her fists. She couldn't believe this! Though she should have believed it. Gray, Natsu, and Minato were the most stubborn in the Guild. All of them were here. 

"Go...home..." Erza whimpered. 

Minato seem to catch on to Erza's fragility. She sounded like she was about to cry. What the hell did those people do to her!?

"Frankly Erza this isn't like you at all. I wish you'd just make us follow you without a word much less an explanation like you always do. We're offering you our strength so take it! All of us had a frightening experience! So what's the problem?" Gray asked. 

Erza eyes came out from underneath her bangs. As several people had very different response to Erza nearly letting a tear fall from her eye. They could clearly see it swelling up and threatening to come out of her eye. Gray panicked. Juvia was astounded. Minato felt his anger coming back in full force. Erza seeing them react so geninuely quickly wipe the tear away. 

"My apologies. Forgive me, this battle win or lose will mean that the outside world will never hear from me again. Let me explain to you while I still am here before the future where I'm no longer existent. I will tell you everything." Erza said. 

Minato could care less about the information. He wanted blood. Nobody made his sister cry. She didn't cry when he told her about her origins. Didn't cry about her family's fantastic past. Didn't run away from him. Hell, forced him to live with her. So when she cried despite everything else. Minato, is, quickly losing himself to his anger that bloomed within his chest. 

"This Building's Name is the Tower of Heaven..." 

Erza began her explanation. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

"...I caused a rebellion that day I'm order to rescue Jellal. Me, Wally, Simon, and Grandpa Rob as well as the other slaves tried so hard to fight for my dear friend. However...tragically, Grandpa Rob had sacrificed his life for mine and that day I was so emotionally in distress that I finally used magic against our slavers." Erza explained. 

From what Minato was getting, it sounded like Jellal was very dear to his sister. He did feel a bit bad about not being able to help his sister during her harsh life within The Tower of Heaven. Yet, he was a mere toddler that hadn't developed full consciousness. He wished his mother would have wanted to see Erza earlier. Though they couldn't change the past no matter how much they wanted too. 

"This Jellal...he sounds like he was your ideal and very important to you." Minato commented on his sister's story. 

Suddenly, his sister's demeanor changed as anger replaced her features. 

"He was...before he gave in to the slavers influence." Erza spat. 

She continued explaining her story. Of how she reached Jellal after fighting her way to him with her newfound abilities. 

"Wally, Simon, and a group of slaves that were revolting captured one of their supply ships. I had just gotten to Jellal and when I thought we were so close to reaching our freedom. When I was so close in saving almost all of my friends. While he was hugging me, that's when he showed me what he decided that he wanted to become. Which was another slave to that religious cult! He kept going on about Zeref and how we needed to revive him!" Erza yelled. 

Erza fists clenched as she began shaking in rage. How could her friend do that!? He was the sole reason that inspired her to fight for her freedom! Became the very friend that had taken her and her friends freedoms! 

"He mercilessly killed the slavers while I tried talking him out of his fit of lunacy but he wouldn't stop. He kept going. He wouldn't listen to a word I said. It had been Zeref this and that Zeref that." 

Minato, most certainly, did not like Jellal. However, when Erza said that Jellal had point blank attacked her. He went from not liking the guy, to hating him. Yet, that wasn't all as Erza continued her explanation. 

"He forced me to leave the Tower of Heaven alone. He used my friends as leverage to keep me quiet because if I ever spoke about it. He would gladly kill all of them..." 

Erza began to openly cry. The recounting of events too much for her to bear. The fact that in order to leave the Tower of Heaven. She had to abandon her friends to their horrible fate. She couldn't even save her friends after getting out. It must have weighed heavily on her mind. That while she got to leave. Everyone else was forced to stay behind or Erza would have died by Jellal's hands. Since, he did use magic to choke his sister out while they made their, "deal." Minato quickly shoved his anger to the wayside because his sister needed help. The teen went up to his sister before wrapping his arms around her. He tried comforting his older sibling while she hugged him back. 

"Which is why I must fight Jellal." Erza spoke in a broken voice. 

Gray wasn't happy with Jellal either. Him and Minato were on the same level on how they felt about Jellal. They were going to kill the man when they got their hands on him. 

"What's worse he wants to revive Zeref. The man that created demons like Deliora! That bastard is going to pay five times over! He's out of his mind if he thinks he is going to revive Zeref!" Gray yelled. 

"Juvia thinks we can't allow that to happen." Juvia stated. 

Minato broke the hug before stepping away to look at the two people that were opposing Zeref's revival. 

"I agree too. This isn't something to debate about we must stop the R System." Minato spoke. 

Though Minato and Erza both knew that the R-System would fail but it was still a dangerous thing to exist regardless. 

"What kind of bullshit is that!?" Sho yelled. 

Everyone looked over to see Sho had made his way into the room. Sho walked over to Erza. Though Minato was the one that tried getting in between the pair. Erza grabbed her brother's shoulder to push him to the side. The female not wanting her sibling and her friends to start fighting one another. At least, not all over again. 

"It's okay, Minato. Let me handle this." 

Minato grew a frown when Erza took a step forward to meet Sho head on. 

"You think you can get a little sympathy by giving out a make believe story!? You planted a bomb on that ship that everyone was on and if it wasn't for Jellal. We all would have died from your betrayal! Jellal told us that you got drunk on power and had left us all to die!" Sho yelled at Erza. 

The female was unable to stand up for herself. Not because she didn't want too but because Erza believed herself to be responsible for her friends torment and this was her due punishment. However, Minato was more than willing to stand up for his sister. 

"Fucking brainwashed by Jellal. Do you honestly think that my sister would blow up a boat? Much less one that has her friends on it? In the span of, twenty minutes? Talk about delusional." Minato scoffed at Sho. 

Sho directed his anger at Minato. 

"What the hell do you know!? You just meet her recently! You kno-" 

Minato exploded back. 

"WHAT DO I KNOW!? I know that she's strict! Someone that loves the rules a bit too much but now I know why! She won't do a damn thing if she feels like she did something wrong! Which is why she's not calling you out on your bullshit! Yet, she cares about her friends! Tanked a point blank Jupiter Cannon for them! You expect me to believe that she somehow planted a bomb! You're in the wrong! Jellal fooled you! There is nothing else!" Minato shouted. 

"Minato!" Erza yelled. 

Minato scoffed at her. He had enough of her unusual behavior. Even if it was warranted. 

"Whatever! He needs to be told he was fooled by Jellal!" Minato yelled. 

He walked away. He needed to hit something or else he would hit this...Sho...for his stupidity. Erza appericated her brother but she didn't want her brother to start arguing with her old friends. They...they didn't deserve it. 

"Yeah, I mean sure Jellal and Erza had the same friend group. However, I wouldn't have believed Jellal. Especially if Erza started the entire revolt over Jellal and trying to rescue him. If he said that, I would think something sketchy was going down." Gray stated. 

"Personally, Juvia agrees with Minato and Gray. Juvia would know Erza didn't set the bomb." Juvia said. 

Erza was surprised by Minato and Gray. Even more so by Juvia. Juvia as well as Erza had been enemies. They technically were still enemies. Yet, Juvia had still believed in Erza despite their status. Though the surprise wore off as she realized that Juvia was with Gray, had been with Natsu, and was most definitely with her little brother. The currently rebellious teen slamming his fist into the wall. The wall cracking as he released a breath of relief. Erza glared at Juvia as Juvia felt herself growing smaller. 

"You so much as touch either of them. I'm breaking every single one of your fingers after zapping you with so much electricity. Is that clear?" Erza asked. 

Juvia stiffened before standing up straight to rapidly nod her head. 

"Crystal clear." Juvia stated. 

"I'm watching you." Erza commented. 

For now, Erza would tolerate Juvia's presence. The female nodding for several more seconds until Erza had to look away. 

"Erza really does have some good friends." 

Everyone now looked over to see Simon within the room that all of them were inside. 

"Simon! Tell them that they're wrong! Jellal is the one that will give us salvation!" Sho spoke. 

"Why you!" Gray shouted. 

Gray got ready to attack but Simon stopped him by putting his hand up before shaking his head. 

"No, Minato is correct. Jellal has tricked you, Wally, and Millianna. I had to put up a act in trying to make everyone believe that I was being fooled by Jellal. I never once doubted Erza." Simon said. 

Sho eyes widen as he was left in state of shock. 

"You...you never believed in Jellal..." Sho said. 

Erza was taken aback by Simon's statement much less everyone else. They hadn't expected Simon to say what he had said. 

"No...I have always believed in Erza from the very start." Simon stated. 

Minato wasn't too sure of that but maybe Simon had always been that way. The male had clearly wanted things to end in a peaceful manner at the resort. Yet it wasn't enough to tip Minato's scale. Though when Simon took off his mouth piece to smile at Erza. Well, maybe Minato could give the man a chance. 

'Besides they both lost a physical part of their bodies within this Tower.' Minato thought. 

In showing Erza as well as all of them something so...vulnerable...maybe it was to show his sincerity. Erza had all been too happy. As she grew a smile filled with relief. The female walking up to Simon while he did the same to her. The two friends happily embracing the other. 

"Thank you, Simon." Erza spoke. 

"It's not a problem Erza. For these past eight years. I have always believed in you from the bottom of my heart." Simon spoke. 

'At least someone had their head on straight.' Minato thought. 

Minato couldn't believe how gullible Sho was. Hell, Juvia, a former member of Phantom Lord that attacked Fairy Tail had called him out. 

"Why? Why does everyone trust sis so much!? What is the actual truth!?" Sho yelled. 

Everyone watched as Sho went to his knees before openly crying in front of them. The male clearly conflicted but Erza walked over to kneel down in front of him. She wanted to comfort her friend as best as she could. 

"I know this is difficult to take in all at once but let me say this, I have never have stopped forgetting about all of you for the past eight years. I was too weak. Which is why I wasn't able to do anything at that time. I'm sorry." Erza stated. 

"But now, you can do something. Can't you?" Simon asked. 

Erza stood up to look at Simon. The female giving a nod to his question. 

"Finally, I have been waiting eight years for a group of good wizards to come here." Simon stated. 

"You have?" Gray asked. 

"Yes because we are going to stop Jellal here and now. We will combine our strength to take him down. We do that by stopping Wally as well as the Salamander from taking each other out. Im sure with another Erza and Natsu, The Salamander on our side. We will have the power needed to beat Jellal." Simon said. 

"Taking down Jellal? Count me in." Minato stated. 

With Natsu. 

Natsu made his way down a corridor before opening a door that lead into a room. He saw what was inside the room. It was covered with cat posters, cat plush dolls, human sized cat dolls, if it resembled cats, it was in this very room. 

"Whoa this person loves Cat's." Natsu commented. 

He stepped into the room as he went to look for Happy. Natsu sniff the air as hd smelled someone a few feet away from him. This caused Natsu to spin around to see Wally. The man responsible for knocking him out and taking Happy. Natsu dodged a block fired at him. 

"Bastard!" Natsu yelled. 

Wally gave a 'tsk' as his sneak attack failed him for some unknown reason. He had been perfectly quiet too! 

'Maybe it had to do with the fact that Salamander has increased senses as a result of being a dragon slayer." Wally thought. 

Whatever it was it didnt matter because Natsu was now coming for him. He tried dodging Natsu's punch but he quickly found out that Natsu was faster than him. 

"Iron Fist of the Fire Dragon!" Natsu yelled. 

Natsu's fist came crashing into Wally's face. Wally went flying through the air as his body crashed into the wall of the corridor. Wally was knocked out in one hit. Natsu grew a satisfied grin.

"Hell yeah, that's what you get for using a dirty trick to knock me out." Natsu stated matter of factly. 

He was going all out. There was no reason to hold back. Happy was in trouble. Natsu had no time to play around and walked into the room. He didn't get far because of something wrapping around his wrist. The rope like structure had made him experience his magic energy being cut off from him. Natsu noticed a yanking motion but instead of flying off in surprise. Natsu hadn't because he was already prepared for the worst. He instead tugged on the rope with a good portion of his strength. As he sent his attacker right through the couch of the room and onto the floor with relative ease. Natsu look to see that it was a female that had tried attacking him. The woman knocked unconscious. 

"There's no way you were gonna win. Gotta be on Erza's level." Natsu stated. 

"Natsu!!!" Happy cried. 

Natsu saw Happy flying towards him at his maximum speed. However, Natsu caught his cat with relative ease. Natsu rubbed the back of Happy's Head. 

"Sorry about making you terrified. I should have gotten up after getting hit by that block bastard." Natsu spoke. 

Happy shaked his head. 

"It wasn't your fault. He attacked you out of nowhere." Happy said. 

Natsu knew that Minato would have insisted otherwise because to Minato. It didn't matter. What had mattered was that Natsu had lost and put them in this position. Even if Happy didn't want to hold Natsu accountable. Natsu would hold himself accountable. It was clear that Minato had expectations of him. Natsu had to meet those expectations besides he wanted to be stronger. He did want to beat Erza after all. He should be looking to meet expectations anyways. Natsu noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked over to see that Wally was struggling to get to his feet. The man on one knee. 

"Damn you, we were suppose to go to Heaven. Jellal promised us that much." Wally said. 

Natsu raised a brow. What the hell was Wally talking about? 

"Look I don't care whatever your business is with Jellal but I got Happy back. I bet my friends already have Erza back. So the score is now settled." Natsu replied back. 

"Natsu there's mouths on the walls!" Happy yelled. 

Natsu and Wally looked to see dozens of mouths forming on the walls that surrounded the group of four people within the room.

"What the!?" Natsu asked. 

"I'd like to Welcome you all to The Tower of Heaven!" A voice came from all of the mouths at the same time. 

"Jellal!?" Wally yelled. 

What kind of mess did Natsu land everyone into? 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

Minato saw dozens of mouths surrounding his entire group. 

"I take it that he wants us to hear what he has to say." Minato stated. 

"Yes." Simon confirmed. 

Gray was somewhat confused by the spell as he didn't understand why the person had went out of his way to do this. 

"I mean...they made intercoms for this very reason." Gray grumbled.

Gray was also starting to get a bit annoyed at looking at all of the mouths on the ceiling, floor, or walls. 

"I'm Jellal, The keeper of this Tower. I see that we have all of our game pieces together. Let us begin The Heaven's Game." Jellal stated. 

The two siblings grew a frown at Jellal's statement. Gray's eyes harden, Simon remained aloof but Sho was visibly sweating. The male was interally starting to lose his mental composure. He glanced over at Erza while Minato immediately look over at Sho. He sensed the mage looking at his sister. Unfortunately, no one else but Minato had noticed Sho looking at Erza. Sho being caught quickly looked away. Minato gave Sho a weary eye before looking away. 

"The rules are simple, I intend to sacrifice Erza to revive Zeref." Jellal stated. 

Minato wanted to put Jellal's head on a pike for making such a comment. 

'Boyfriend material of the year right here.' Minato thought. 

"Fucking bastard like I'll let that happen." Gray said. 

"Jellal...you...!!!" Sho shouted with rage. 

At least Minato, Gray, and Sho shared the same target for their current rage. Simon didn't seem surprise at the revelation. The man clearly understanding what was happening behind the scenes. Juvia is also the same but for different reasons. The female not particularly close to Erza but she would help Gray because Erza is Gray's friend. 

"Think of it like this, as soon as The Ritual is complete, I win but if you all stop me. That means you win. However, this isn't very fair to me and as a result, I have given myself three knights. You can't reach me without going past my three knights. Yes, this will be a four on seven battle. Finally, for the special rule. There is a very real chance that The Magic Council will attack this Tower with a Satellite Square. Which means we will be attacked with Etherion and considering how effective it is, the destruction would be...problematic. It will result in everyone's death with no one being the winner. The time is ticking. Let's enjoy our little game." Jellal spoke. 

The mouths disappeared as it became clear that Jellal is done talking with the group. Minato remembered his mother saying how Etherion was the only thing keeping his nation from freely invading Ishgar. The weapon itself was troublesome because it would wipe out a sizeable portion of their invading army. He knew the weapon and all of it's capabilities. If that were launched right on top of them. It would be disastrous. Erza meanwhile was more shocked. She verbally expressed her disbelief. 

"Did he just say Etherion? The council!? That's impossible! He can't!" Erza yelled. 

Sho seeing Erza with her guard down had taken his chance. He blew past everyone as he went behind Erza. The woman slowly turn her head to look at him but before she could fully turn her head. Sho would put Erza into that of a card. Everyone was focused on Jellal or the Etherion Cannon were too slow to stop Sho. The man grabbed a hold of the card with Erza trapped in it. The female banging on the card with her fist. 

"Sis!" Minato yelled. 

His blood boiled at Sho's attack.

"You creep...!" Gray roared. 

"Sho what are you-" 

Sho interrupted Simon by speaking first. 

"I will defeat Jellal and keep Erza safe!" 

Sho held a look of determination as he fully believed that he could keep Erza safe. Erza for her part had no choice but to begin pleading to Sho. 

"Sho let me out!" Erza shouted. 

He didn't listen instead opting to run away from the entire group. Minato wouldn't let Sho go out of his sight. 

"Like hell you're getting away!" Minato yelled. 

Minato rushed over Sho with murderous intent. He was seriously going to kill the guy when he got his hands on him! 

"Minato! Wait!" Simon yelled. 

Minato didn't even face Simon to give his reply. 

"Fuck off!" 

Simon cursed under his breath. No one could take on Jellal by themselves! He was hoping to move through the Tower as a team and overwhelm Jellal. Thanks to Sho, that made things even more difficult and or downright possible. 

"A wretch was thrown into my plans. This will makes things more difficult for us. Especially when we have to fight Jellal." Simon said. 

Gray knew that the siblings would help each other. He didn't have to doubt if Minato could help her or not. He knew that Minato would find a way. If anything, the boy could be as strong as Erza and she reached S-Class at around his age. It meant he was pretty strong. Now since that would be settled. Gray figured he could go after Natsu and meet up with him. 

"Since Minato is going after them. I'm sure things will work out but we need to find Natsu as well as the rest of your team." Gray stated. 

"Yes, we do need to find Salamander and make sure my friends are okay. We can push for those two after recruiting the Dragon Slayer." Simon agreed. 

Minato chased after Sho. 

'Damn this kid won't let up!' Sho thought. 

He tried throwing the kid off by taking sharp turns around multiple corners in rapid succession but it was all for naught. As Minato continued to stay on his tail throughout the Tower. 

The Magic Council. 

"The decision to use an Etherion Attack against The Tower of Heaven stands at four for it while five are against it. Therefore, we will not be using The Satellite Square." 

A man slammed his hands on the table with rage on his face. To him why couldn't the rest of the council understand the dire nature of this situation. 

"Fools all of you! None of you understand the true nature of this situation!" A man yelled. 

"Don't embarass yourself Sieg. You have lectured us quite enough. We do not need to spill unnecessary blood especially from our own citizens." A Council Member spoke. 

Sieg or better known as Siegrain is a man that is apart of the Magic Council and was the one who pushed for the use of The Square Satellite. Yet, it failed to get the majority and because of that failure. He now had to resort to more desperate means. 

"Jellal is trying to revive a dead man! That man is Zeref! He wants to use the R-System to revive Zeref himself!" 

Everyone at the Magic Council table was in absolute shock at the statement. 

"But...how can you be so sure and why would you know?" A Council Member asked. 

"Where is this even coming from!?" 

Siegrain sat back down. 

"I didn't bring it up because it would direct baseless accusations at me. However, I know of the man that runs that very Tower. I personally know Jellal and I know what he is trying to accomplish." Siegrain spoke. 

"What!?" 

"And you haven't said anything!?" 

"Siegrain explain yourself." A man stated. 

Back at The Tower. 

"Hell! Hell! Hell! I'll give you hell alright!" Someone yelled. 

Natsu arched a brow at the man. He didn't understand the situation. 

"And who the hell are you suppose to be pal?" Natsu asked with annoyance. 

"I'm Vidaldus Taka and I'm about to rock your world til it explodes!" 

Happy hovered backwards to stay behind Natsu while Natsu got his fist ready to throw a punch. Flames encased Natsu's fist as he was ready to fight from the start. Vidaldus didn't like that he was fighting a fire mage because that would limit his capabilities. However, he had a job to do and he would do the job that is required of him. Vidaldus brought out his guitar before playing the instrument. A sound wave made its way towards Natsu with Natsu dodging the attack. 

"Alright! Time to get some!" Natsu yelled. 

Natsu tried punching Vidaldus but it would be dodged and as he landed on his feet. He launched another attack to Natsu. The attack would land as it was too close for Natsu to dodge. The sound waves crashed into Natsu as he would be sent flying back. Natsu crashed into the wall. Yet, despite taking the attack. Natsu recovered to land on his feet. He narrowed his eyes. 

"I don't have time for this!" Natsu shouted. 

Natsu sucked in air while Vidaldus got ready to launch another sound wave attack to defend against Natsu's attack. 

"Roar of the Fire Dragon!" Natsu yelled. 

Natsu lauched a stream of flames out towards his opponent. Meanwhile, Vidaldus played a set of notes on his guitar as he would have those notes make a stream of sound waves. The sound waves went out towards the incoming stream of flames. The two magical attacks would contact with one another as both entered a power struggle. The attacks ended with them canceling the other out. Vidaldus was certain that if he could keep up with the Salamander. That he could beat the man. Natsu came at him while Vidaldus grew a sinister grin. 

"Let's rock!" Vidaldus shouted. 

Vidaldus sent out another attack meant to land but Natsu leapt over the attack. His grin disappeared as Natsu got close to Vidaldus. Vidaldus blocked Natsu's flame enhanced fist with his guitar. The attack would sent Vidaldus back through the air. Since his guitar took the full force of the punch. Vidaldus didn't have any trouble recovering in mid air. He landed on his feet while the man looked down to his own guitar. Good, it hadn't caught on fire. However, Natsu had saw the action. He was now catching on to the fact that the man was using the guitar to send out magical attacks. 

'No guitar means no way for him to send magical attacks at me.' Natsu thought. 

He didn't need to burn the guitar, he just needed to burn the strings to said guitar. As the strings produced sound. Sound that could be sent out to Natsu in sound waves. Natsu with a plan in mind would grow a sure fire grin. He assaulted Vidaldus. The man tried keeping Natsu away from him by sending out sound wave after sound wave. Natsu was too mobile for his attacks to land and after missing his second attack. Vidaldus had jumped back to gain distance. 

'This guy!' Vidaldus thought. 

He was surprised by Natsu just throwing himself at him. However, that could only mean that, The Salamander, must have figured out the importance of his guitar. Vidaldus threw out another sound wave attack. This time he made sure that the sound wave was larger to cover more area. Natsu was caught in it as he was sent flying back. Vidaldus knew that he could still win this fight. All he had to do was keep Natsu away from him. Natsu got back up to his feet after taking the attack. He wiped the blood that came from his mouth with the back of his hand. It looked like his opponent was aware of what he was trying to do. The battle was just getting started. 

Gray, Simon, and Juvia were rushing forward to reach Natsu's location. Unfortunately for them, someone or something came to them. Gray noticed it first as he suddenly put his hand on Simon's and Juvia's back. Juvia gave out a squeak while Simon was caught off guard.

"Get down!" Gray yelled. 

Gray pushed all of them to the ground. As something blew right over them. Whatever it was, it sounded like a rocket. 

"Hoo? You noticed?" Someone asked. 

Gray along with everyone else got up from the floor. As they face the direction of where the voice came from and saw a owl human hybrid looking at them. The hybrid creature had a jetpack on his back with two missiles on his back. He towered over all of them. 

"You can't be serious..." Simon said. 

Gray didn't glance at Simon because he was focused on the hybrid in front of him. However, he would ask the man his question. 

"You know this guy?" Gray asked. 

"He's known as Fukuro and he is apart of Trinty Raven. His Team is considered the best in the Death's Hand Caucus Guild. If he's here that means his other two teammates are here with him." Simon told Gray. 

Gray grew a grin. 

"What your saying is, we just have to beat this freak and we are on our way to save Erza." Gray stated with confidence. 

Simon didn't like the confidence as he believed that only Salamander could beat Trinity Raven and Jellal. At best, they could help Salamander. Things weren't looking good. 

"You don't know what your getting into, he's too powerful!" Simon stated. 

Gray didn't care. He was going to help Erza and if it meant taking this guy out, so be it. 

"You can run if you want but I'm gonna take this overgrown bird down." Gray told Simon. 

Gray took a step forward. As he readied himself for the challenge while the hybrid known as Fukuro reacted positively to Gray's advance. 

"So you won't run away and face your punishment head on? Splendid! I shall make your death a quick one!" Fukuro replied. 

"Like hell you will, Ice Make: Lance!" 

Gray sent out a barrage of lances that were made out of ice. The attacks were dodged by Fukuro as he took the air by using his jetpack. He flew towards Gray as he tried to punch the ice make wizard. Though, Gray himself would dodge the attack with relative ease. Though Fukuro went forward a bit before stopping to face Gray. He made a fist as it began to glow as Gray saw that Fukuro's fist was gaining magical energy. Once it glowed into a bright light did Fukuro release the magical attack. 

"Justice, Ho Ho Hou!" 

A fist of light was released out towards Gray whom reacted by putting up a defensive wall. 

"Ice Make: Shield!" 

The magical fist that rammed into his shield wouldn't even leave a crack within the ice. Gray seeing that his ice easily withstood against this guy attack wasn't worried. There was no way he would be losing against this freak show. Gray watch as Fukuro came rushing at him and the creature easily destroyed his ice shield with one punch. Gray seeing this now understood where the strengths and weaknesses would be at. Gray had the speed to dodge the next punch before having to evade a series of punches and kicks. 

'I may not be as physically strong as this guy but I'm just as fast as he is and I know my magic is stronger than his.' Gray thought. 

Which meant that the win condition presented itself. If he could land a magic attack, the tide of battle wouls fall in his favor. Gray blocked an attack though the fist went through his guard as it would crash right into Gray's face. Gray flew back down the hallway as he hit the ground. 

"Gray!" Juvia shouted with worry. 

Fukuro twisted his head in confusion. Why did Gray let him hit him? Why was Gray smirking as if he had just won the exchange. Fukuro felt his fist become numb as he looked down to see that his fist was encased in ice. Ah, so that's why Gray blocked the attack instead of dodging. However, Fukuro would move to break the ice into pieces. Though that wouldn't happen as Gray said his spell. 

"Detonation." 

Gray's ice would act like a grenade as it exploded outwards and into Fukuro's hand. The hybrid creature letting out a cry of pain at taking the unexpected attack. His hand now bloodied as his side was pelted by the shards of ice. He went down to a knee as he used his good hand to grab a hold of his wounded one. That bastard! Gray got to his feet as he grew a triumphant grin on his face. He had this in the bag now. Fukuro seeing Gray's smug expression would go into a rage. 

"You scum! I'll make sure to kill you slowly for reducing my hand to this state!" Fukuro yelled. 

Simon couldn't believe it. Gray had just completely flipped the script and was now the one with all of the momentum. Gray on the other hand put out his hand and used his finger to do a, 'come here,' motion. The enraged Fukuro would take the bait as he rushed Gray. The Ice Mage user pressed his hands together. 

"Ice Make: Wall!" 

A wall of ice would rise up from the floor right before Fukuro got to Gray. Fukuro crashed directly into the wall and despite not breaking through the wall of ice. The creature did get it to crack. However, it did stop Fukuro and that's all that mattered to Gray. As this gave him the opening that he would need to finish this fight. Fukuro managed to breach through the ice wall with an additional punch only to be greeted with a attacking Gray. His eyes widen as he was far too close to dodge the incoming attack and Gray was so close. That he wouldn't be able to put up an effective block to defend against Gray's attack. Fukuro's eyes widen. 

"Ice Blade: Seven Blade Dance!" Gray shouted. 

Gray had encased his arms with sharp blades of ice as he launched his attack. His blades crashing into Fukuro five times in a row while the last two strikes were dual strikes. The blades breaking but only after sending Fukuro flying back through another portion of his wall of ice. Simon had to watch as Fukuro came crashing through the wall of ice. The Creature hit the ground and didn't move to get up. Simon couldn't believe it, Gray had easily dispatched Fukuro. Gray appeared through the wall without much wear and tear. Simon didn't give enough credit. 

"Erza has to be in Fairy Tail, I don't have time to play with small fry." Gray commented. 

Simon grew a grin. 

"That's good, I'm glad Erza has found reliable people." Simon spoke. 

Gray gave him a offended look. 

"Obviously, I don't want to see her cry again." Gray spoke. 

Juvia grew a smile. Gray truely cared for his friends. He was such a kind person underneath that cold exterior. 

"Now let's get that idiot so that we can keep Erza away from the lunatic." Gray stated. 

Speaking of Natsu, he unleashed a magical attack. If the guy was using sound waves to attack him. He could make the air rise and because the air would rise, there would be less air within the vicinity. This in turn would make the sound waves less powerful. In a way, he could use the same tactic against Erigor against Vidaldus. Natsu unleashed a breath of flame that crashed down next to Vidaldus. The man didn't need to cast a spell as he knew the flames would miss him. He began to laugh at Natsu's marksmanship. 

"Can you even aim!? Ahahaha!" Vidaldus asked in a mocking tone. 

Natsu grew a grin as he sent out another flame attack. The flames would crash next to Vidaldus. Despite the ever increasing heat, Vidaldus wouldn't feel threatened by Natsu. 

'Come on you bastard.' Natsu thought. 

"I'll show you how to properly aim an attack!" Vidaldus shouted. 

Vidaldus began playing his guitar but he watched as Natsu grew a grin. Why was the fire mage grinning? Natsu sucked in air as he would let loose attack of his own. 

"Roar of The Fire Dragon!" 

Vidaldus sent out a stream of sound waves to meet Natsu's attack. Unbeknownst to Vidaldus, sound waves needed air to travel from point A to point B. Natsu couldn't remove that air but he knew that he could make the air rise upwards by using his flames. Therefore, the air was lessened and became less dense. As a consequence for Vidaldus his sound waves weren't as powerful because there wasn't enough air to make the sound waves travel as effectively as before. The end result, Natsu's flames broke through the sound waves. Vidaldus didn't know why because to him he had done everything like before. 

"What...how...?" 

He didn't get an answer to his question as flames crashed into him. Vidaldus would be engulfed in flames as he began to burn up. The flames raised the temperature dramatically and he had no choice but to hit the deck. Vidaldus did a drop and roll appoarch to smother the flames out. He was able too. However, when he looked at his guitar. His eyes widen at seeing the guitar being on fire. The strings of his guitar were instantly destroyed. Vidaldus began to panic at seeing his only means of defense and offense were now destroyed. He looked at Natsu only to see a fist covered in flame crash into him. Natsu knocked out Vidaldus with one punch. Vidaldus was sent crashing to the ground. Happy flew next to Natsu seeing that it wasn't dangerous for the moment. 

"Woah...you took care of him so quickly." Happy stated. 

Obviously he would. 

"Erza is at risk of being in danger. I'm not letting that freak get to her. I can't afford to play around." Natsu told Happy. 

That was true. 

"Let's go meet back up with her, she shouldn't be too far from everyone." Happy said. 

Natsu didn't need to be told twice as him and Happy rush throughout the Tower to meet back up with Erza. 

Meanwhile. 

"Give me a larger wavelength!" A Mage yelled. 

The Magic Council in Era was set ablaze with activity as people began to rush throughout the entire building. Siegrain as well as his accomplice, Councilwoman Ultear watched everyone from the second floor balcony. The staff were getting the Etherion Cannon ready. 

"The Core is only 60% charged! We need another twenty seven minutes before we are ready!" 

Siegrain grew a smile. 

"Your eight year plan is about to come to fruition." Ultear spoke. 

Siegrain would address his accomplice. 

"Doesn't it scare you Ultear?" Siegrain asked. 

"Not at all, I trust you." Ultear spoke. 

Siegrain chuckled at the answer. 

"It's not like it was ever going to affect you. I suppose you have a right to say that." Siegrain stated. 

Ultear found it amusing as she laughed into her sleeve after bringing said sleeve to her mouth. 

"That's true." Ultear spoke. 

"It does leave me trembling because if this plan fails, I will die but it's worth betting on because it's for the sake of my ideal." Siegrain spoke. 

Unbeknownst to Ultear and or Siegrain, a short elderly man was hearing their conversation play out behind a wall. 

'He'll die? Siegrain what are you on about?' Their Stalker thought. 

Back at the Tower. 

Jellal sat in his throne room with a chessboard in front of him. His face showed boredom and he rested his head onto his fist. As he used his other hand to knock over two pieces that were on his chessboard. 

"Vidaldus and Fukuro were both defeated by Fairy Tail. Unfortunate, I expected a bit more from them." 

Jellal grabbed a black cat before moving it to stand in front of a knight piece. 

"Let's see how you will handle Ikaruga, Erza's dear little brother?" Jellal asked with a intrigued voice. 

Maybe, Ikaruga could pick up some of the slack but Minato wasn't the only going to face the female. Jellal brought two other chess pieces forward. They joined Minato's chess piece. 

"Erza and Sho will be in attendance." Jellal commented. 

Sho wasn't strong enough to beat Ikaruga that much was for certain. Jellal couldn't wait to see the results of this upcoming battle. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

"Shô! Calm down and listen to me!" Erza yelled from the card in Shô's pocket. 

Shô had to ignore her because Minato was quickly gaining ground. The pair were now in a long corridor and that meant Minato wasn't losing speed from turning corners. 

"Get me out of here!" Erza shouted at her friend. 

Shô couldn't believe her because he felt like he was the only one that could put a stop to Jellal. 

"You're fine now sis, I'll protect you." Shô stated with confidence. 

Shô couldn't see Erza but if he did he would be able to see a face of worry that detailed her features. Shô saw a woman in front of him. Since Shô saw the woman, Minato also saw the woman. Minato would have decked Shô as soon as he caught up to the bastard. However, there was a woman before them and he figured that this is one of Jellal's lackies. He watched as a few cherry blossom petals hit the ground around her. She held a sheathed katana in her hands. The woman was also kind enough to introduce herself. 

"I'm called Ikaruga The Dove, a apporiate name don't you think?" Ikaruga asked. 

Shô didn't really care about Ikaruga. As she was just in his way to Jellal. 

"I have no business with you, clown." Shô growled out. 

Ikaruga put her hand up and this allowed for the kimono sleeve to cover her mouth. She grew a expression filled with mockery while obtaining a sly smile. 

"Oh my it appears a buffoon is in front of me." Ikaruga spoke. 

Shô wasn't going to waste any time as he opted to immediately attack her. The male preparing a dozen cards to send out towards the female that stood in his way. 

"I've got no business with you!" Shô shouted. 

Shô unleashed all of his magical cards at Ikaruga without mercy. The attack would be fast as a dozen cards swarmed in on the female that stood in Shô's way. Ikaruga eyes narrowed as she was attacked by Shô and unsheathed her sword. Minato's eyes widen as he quickly used a enchantment spell. The woman slashed her sword through the air and Shô had to watch as all of his cards were split in two. The woman growing a small proud smile while Shô's face morphed into shock. The male watching as all of his cards were split in two as they began descending to the ground. 

"There is nothing that I can't cut." Ikaruga proudly stated. 

Shô felt something cut into his mid section and he became surprised by the fact that he could feel it. Shô looked down to see a, 'X,' shaped slash forming on his chest. He was completely left speechless and confused. Finally, the slash delivered it's full effects to him. He saw his blood rushing forth from his chest. Shô coughed up blood before collapsing to the ground. His face full of pain and shock. The male looking up at the ceiling as he was consumed in pain. 

"When could she have...?" 

Shô couldn't even finish his sentence as the card that Erza was in had fell out of his pocket. The female saw the state that Shô was in and her worries skyrocketed. 

"Shô!!!" Erza yelled. 

Now that Shô was defeated. Ikaruga turned her attention to Minato. He was still standing, a feat that didn't surprise her in the slightest. After all, he is the younger brother of, The Titania. Her eyes grew sharp as she would take this opponent somewhat seriously. 

"I see you used enchantment magic to block my slashes." Ikaruga told Minato. 

Erza wasn't going to stand for this and immediately broke free from Shô's card without missing a beat. Shô was in shock while Minato gave his sister an annoyed look. 

"You could have done that ages ago, you know?" Minato told her. 

Erza didn't respond to her brother and moved to stand protectively in front of him. She wouldn't allow Ikaruga to fight him, not on her watch. 

"You...got out...of it so easily?" Shô asked.  

Clearly, she could have gotten out at any point if she so wished and she had given him a courtesy. It was clear that Erza did not want to fight him. As she opted for the more diplomatic route. Which meant, she was stronger than him. Shô felt his pride taking a hit. Ikaruga let out slash after slash while Erza blocked them. The female not letting a single one get past her as her brother was behind her. Minato moved back. He could block Ikaruga's slashes and he didn't need his sister to protect him. He felt somewhat irriated by her doing such a thing. Minato could take care of himself. Ikaruga let up after delivering a satisfying amount of damage to Erza. Erza on her part stood tall after deflecting the slashes. However, she heard a cracking sound and looked down at her shoulder plate. It was cracking apart from taking Ikaruga's slash. 

'What but I made sure to block-'

Erza watched as hundreds of cracks appeared on her heartz kurtz armor that lead to it breaking apart. Erza was now left without armor and in her blouse and skirt. The female eyes widening in surprise while Ikaruga grew a deep smile. 

"That is my greeting to you, dear Erza." Ikaruga stated. 

Minato grew a frown, Ikaruga didn't simply attack conventionally as she had sent out slashes through the air itself. He had picked up on it because he was a enchantment mage and noticed said effect as soon as she unsheathed her sword. Armor was useless before Ikaruga. Ikaruga smile faded as she saw how shocked Erza was and her voice seemed to lower itself. Her eyes seem to glare at Erza while Erza looked conflicted at the moment. 

"Don't tell me you didn't see that coming." 

Erza couldn't believe that her armor was so easily dispatched and she felt naked without said armor. Erza had felt unsafe. Exposed. Vulnerable. Shô couldn't believe that Erza couldn't defend herself against Ikaruga's attack. It wasn't so be like this. 

'Sis is so strong and yet she was helpless before Ikaruga. Not even she could see those slashes.' Shô thought. 

Ikaruga seeing Erza in such a state would let out a sigh of disappointment. She expected more from, The Titania. 

"Does it stare at you? The one in the beastly fur? Within the fog bank?" Ikaruga sing song as she spoke her poetry. 

Minato had to begrudgingly agree that currently, his sister wasn't right in the head. He couldn't exactly blame her. She had experienced so much trauma here and that bastard certainly abused Erza on top of it all. Safe to say, Erza probably needed either a smack to the head to her her own head out of her ass or someone to talk some sense back into her. Maybe, Ikaruga could knock some sense into Erza and he wouldn't have to intervene. He didn't want to fight his sister's battles but if she was in danger. He'd do it, after all, she had been willing to accept someone like him. For now, he took a step back to signal that he would not interfere and Ikaruga took notice. She flicked her eyes at him but did not attack him. Ikaruga focused on Erza before continuing with her speech. 

"You are so absorbed in searching for Jellal that you don't even realize that you're in a clash of blades at this very moment." Ikaruga scolded Erza. 

Minato watched as Erza grew a serious demeanor. Maybe there was now some headway. Meanwhile, a small smile danced Ikaruga's features. As this is the look she wanted to see from Erza right from the start. Shô too could sense the change in Erza's demeanor. 

'She's right, I can't afford to be thinking about Jellal.' Erza thought.

However, that wasn't all that was plaguing Erza's mind. As she was worried about if her armor could withstand against Ikaruga's slashes. She didn't like this place and it brought her a lot of horrible memories. Needless to say she didn't feel safe unless she was wearing her armor. She'd have to win regardless of her current mental condition. Erza had a brother to protect. 

"Before we start, it seems your brother won't be interfering in our fight." Ikaruga spoke. 

Erza grew a scowl while Ikaruga put up a hand. 

"I won't attack him. I have been waiting too long to face you in combat and I wish to see who is truely better. I have no desire to use such underhanded tactics." Ikaruga stated. 

"Is that so?" Erza rhetorically asked. 

"I don't need you focused on your brother, I want to beat you without any excuses." Ikaruga stated. 

Minato raised a brow at that, she was a assassin, in a dark guild and yet she was acting with some type of honor? Color him surprised. She may be a noble demon. Erza couldn't take this person's words as Ikaruga was in a dark guild after all. As a result, she would stay vigilant for any type of treachery that was bound to happen. Erza would requip into her Heaven's Wheel Armor before summoning two swords. The female dual wielding. 

"I won't be so easily swayed." Erza spat. 

Ikaruga put her hand on the hilt of her katana. A smile gracing her lips. 

"Here I come." 

Ikaruga rushed at Erza with Erza blocking the female's katana. Minato watched a series of exchanges happen between his sister and Ikaruga. Erza jumped up into the air as she gained distance from Ikaruga. The woman summoning about a dozen swords as they all formed a circle. The swords began spinning. 

"Heaven's Wheel: Circle Sword!" Erza shouted.

Erza sent out the rotating circle of swords at Ikaruga before landing on her feet. Ikaruga stayed calm as if this attack didn't scare her in the slightest. The woman spoke in a collected manner. 

"New Moon School...Demon Flash." 

Ikaruga slashed the air as the slashes traveled towards Erza's swords. The slashes easily destroyed Erza's swords as if it was a hot knife going through butter. Minato grew a frown as the slashes continued traveling through the air. Erza took the attack as her armor immediately broke apart with ease. Shô would be in shock at the display with wide eyes and a expression of disbelief. 

'All of sis's swords and even her armor were destroyed so quickly.' Shô thought.  

Erza would find herself taking a slash to her shoulder as she bit down hard onto her bottom lip. She suppressed her pained yelp while Ikaruga continued her assault without mercy. 

"New Moon School...Garuda Flame." Ikaruga spoke. 

Erza seeing a fire based attack being launched from Ikaruga's sword would requip once again. 

"Flame Empress Armor!" Erza yelled. 

The armor should be able to halve the damage from fire based attacks. Ikaruga noticed the protection benefits from where she stood as soon as Erza equipped said armor. The fire attack landed after Erza put the armor on and Minato watched his sister crash through the wall within the corridor. She came out of the rubble. Minato's frown deepened considerably. 

"I compliment you donning your armor when you were up against a fire attack. However..." 

Erza's Flame Empress Armor would be utterly destroyed as Erza was now left without any armor again. Erza's face showed disbelief as her armor was utterly scrapped without Ikaruga having to try. 

"I'm afraid that armor will never do in front of your lordship, I feel it is time that you donned your best armor." Ikaruga stated. 

Erza was glaring at her opponent. How was she this powerful? How could she easily dispatch her armor without even trying? Minato tapped his foot. The child starting to lose his patience with his sister. Shô was a spectator as well and saw his sister losing to Ikaruga. Erza decided that if she had any chance against Ikaruga it would be if she used her second best armor. Minato watched as Erza switched into her Adamantine Armor and he seemed to narrow his eyes. What was his sister thinking!? It was clear that this wouldn't work! She kept requiping into different armors thinking the result would be different. She was seriously being insane right now. Minato wasn't even surprised at what happened as Erza found herself without armor. Again. 

'It looks like I have no choice.' Erza thought. 

Minato watched as she requip once again into her purgatory armor with a huge spiked mace. 

"There is no one that has come back alive after seeing this armor! You will regret this!" 

Minato watched as Ikaruga's eyes showed that she was insulted by Erza's remark. She scoffed before easily destroying Erza's armor and Erza found herself collapsing to her knee's after losing her armor. Ikaruga coldly looked down at Erza. As she would begin mocking Erza. 

"Is that truely your strongest armor?" 

Minato had enough as he enchanted the ground beneath him. Minato let the ground engulf Erza from the neck down before making the ground take her back to be behind him. Ikaruga knew that at some point, the younger sibling, would get himself involved if things reached a fever pitch. 

"Release me this instant!" Erza shouted at her brother. 

"Shut up, you imbecile!" Minato yelled at his sister. 

Ikaruga became intrigued at Minato's words to his own sister. She would allow this to play out only because she found it entertaining. Erza became stunned as her fury became that of a person in shock. The female registered what he just told her. This caused her fury to return. 

"Imbecile!? You're being the Imbecile! If I can't take her on, how can you!?" Erza yelled. 

"Because I'm not some bubbly idiot that thinks that warning armor is going to actually protect you from everything! You had your chance, now I'm going to show you how to beat someone without wearing any ridiculous armor!" Minato shouted back. 

He clearly had enough of his sister's way of thinking and wasn't going to stand for it any longer. Erza lost the breath to argue after Minato's words seem to slam into her like a sledgehammer. The reason the blow had been so significant is because it is the truth. Erza had always felt like her armor could always protect her. She had been weak. So weak that she turned to armor for comfort. Erza's face fell as she realized that she was weak. She hadn't been strong and it turned to a head with her brother having to yell at her for her to realize this. Erza was now stuck under the ground and trapped from her neck down. Her brother's spell easily containing her because of the beating she took earlier and because his magical prowess is that strong. Where she excelled physically, he excelled in the magical arts but because of that, he wasn't a fighter. Which meant he would need to fight Ikaruga at a disadvantage. He was having to fight Ikaruga because Erza was weak and had failed. She hung her head in shame as she finally came to her realization way too late. She failed to protect people that were precious to her and it was because she had kept shutting her heart away in armor. Minato stepped forward as Ikaruga absolutely enjoyed the look on his face. He meant business. Maybe she should have forced Erza to let her fight her brother instead of her. 

"Now that I properly told her why she is being a dumbass. I'm going to be paying you back tenfold and beating you for hurting her." Minato told Ikaruga. 

Ikaruga grew a smile. 

"Oh? Without armor?" Ikaruga asked. 

Minato merely scoffed at her before taking out his wooden staff and she watched as he enchanted the staff. 

"Oh, that's a expert level reinforcement spell. Do you think that will be enough to save you from my sword?" Ikaruga asked. 

"There's no way you can beat her with a wooden staff when she decimated sis's armor!" Shô yelled. 

Erza looked at Shô with guilt. He really believed in her and she let him down. Erza felt that this would be her punishment for failing at this point in time. Erza was now forced to witness her younger brother fight in her stead. Minato ignored Shô but would address Ikaruga. 

"It'll be the thing that crushes you." 

Ikaruga loved the confidence and she would respond with a series of slashes. He blocked, dodged, and recieved a shallow cut to his arm. Ah, he was quite perceptive. Erza felt a thousand needles dig into her while feeling burning shame at watching her brother get cut. Truely, this moment would haunt her. Minato leapt away as he took to the air before narrowing his eyes. Minato used enchantment magic to command the air to produce a pulse. Ikaruga saw her slashes being deflected away from Minato. This is what she needed. A proper fight! Ikaruga leapt at him with the intent to cut him down with all her might. Minato brought up his staff and intercepted her attacks. The slashes bouncing off of his staff before her actual sword connected with his staff. Ikaruga saw that his staff completely stopped her sword without so much as a scratch. 

"Explosion." 

A bright hot ball of red would appear in front of her gut and explode against her. She would be engulfed in what felt like plasma as she found herself being launched backwards. Ikaruga would recover to land on her feet as she looked back up at her opponent. The male hovering above her as he looked down at her as if she was a bug. Ikaruga found herself being offended by that look. The battle hadn't even been concluded and he looked like he had the entire thing wrapped up so soon. 

"You'd think you have won? You still haven't defeated me yet." Ikaruga spoke. 

Minato responded. 

"I hold the name of Belserion, I must win every fight I'm in because mother expects nothing less. Once I have decided to fight. You have already lost." Minato replied. 

Ikaruga noticed the pride of which Minato spoke the name, Belserion. It seemed he cherished that name and he would live up to whatever expectations his mother had for him. The feeling of being offended died down. She could see honor and worth in his statement and actions. It was do or die. No in between. Ikaruga would give her all here. 

"Let us finish this with one strike. My strength against your own." Ikaruga spoke. 

Minato liked the idea. They wouldn't have to draw anything out and he could finish her off in one attack. Minato lowered himself until his feet touched the ground.

"My strength against yours with one strike is a nice offer. I accept." Minato stated. 

Ikaruga grew a smile, good, good. Minato and Ikaruga each got into their respective stance. The pair letting their eyes do the talking as both narrowed at one another. The two summoning all of their strength for one singular attack. The two were ready as Erza would be forced to watch the pair rush forward. She found herself unable to breath as she saw both of them reach the middle point. She watched as both of them crossed paths and their back faced one another. Erza would be given the answer to whom won the exchange by Minato having a slash come across his shoulder. Yet, that wasn't the end all as Ikaruga found her sword shattering into pieces. She looked over her shoulder at Minato before turning around to reveal a nasty bruise starting to form on her shoulder. Minato for his part turned around to face his opponent. 

"Splendid." Ikaruga spoke. 

Minato had been worthy of her praise. Erza felt proud that her brother could go toe to toe with someone that had given her a good beating. Yet, shame for being so weak that he had to take over the reigns of her fight. Now that Ikaruga found herself without a weapon. She supposed that her fight was now over with Minato. Clearly, he was trained very well in the art of enchantment magic. 

"I shall give you this victory, how long since I have been defeated by someone?" Ikaruga asked. 

Minato, having destroyed her sword and giving her a very bad looking bruise, had been content with her surrendering to him. It seemed their clash had told both warriors the inevitable outcome. Ikaruga closed her eyes while growing a satisfied smile. She had came here wanting a good duel and while it wasn't the one she had envisioned with Erza. She was able to find it in her younger brother. 

"I shall take my leave but before I go, you only have fifteen minutes left until Etherion activates." Ikaruga spoke. 

The woman turned her back on them before walking away. As she would try to escape the blast radius of Etherion. 

"So...the council decided to use that weapon." Minato dryly commented. 

He walked over to Erza before squatting down in front of her. Erza looked up at him while he looked down at her. Minato de-enchant his staff before using it to lightly bonk his sister on the top of her head while asking a question. 

"You finally got your head cleared out?" Minato asked. 

Erza looked down in guilt. 

"I apologize, I was...inadequate and forced you to fight in my stead." Erza responded. 

Erza sound wounded. Minato couldn't blame her besides she did just have her little brother step into the ring on her behalf. Though maybe this is the wake up call she needed and would release her from her confides. Erza found herself standing up straight with Minato standing at his full height as well. 

"Good, I hope you take this as a valuable lesson. Next time, I will not be so kind." Minato told her. 

Erza saw some of her personality in him. The expectations they placed on people was clear and if they failed to meet those expectations. When they knew they should have meant them and became upset when they didn't. Well...it looked like they got that from their mother of all people. 

"Sis is strong...you'll see! It was a fluke!" Shô defended Erza. 

Minato remembered that he had this...punk to deal with. Meanwhile, Erza would say what she really was. 

"No, I was weak...I constantly hid behind armor to shield myself off from the world. Despite all the friends that I had, despite my brother, I was still scared and put up walls around me as well as my heart. It made me weak and it showed here. I was not strong, if anything, my brother had been stronger than me." Erza spoke. 

Minato gave her a light jab in the ribs with Erza flinching in pain. What was that for!? Minato read her mind because he unleashed a sigh. 

"Dummy, I can't beat you. Your head was up your rear and I had to knock some sense into you. In normal circumstances, you'd have beaten Ikaruga but this time you clearly were being affected by the tower." Minato told her. 

Even still, Erza should have risen above it before her brother had intervened. She could only nod her head in acknowledgement. When she did, she watched as her brother turn his head. Seemingly to deal with Shô. After all, he did kidnapped her. Erza couldn't let him get to Jellal. She couldn't let Jellal get to him. She'd have to actually do her job, her duty, as a older sister. Erza crashed her fist into the back of her brother's head and Minato would be sent to the ground. The male passing out before he even hit the floor. Erza knelt down to pick up her unconscious brother and set him up against the wall. She needed to handle Jellal on her own terms without risking her brother's safety. 

"Shô, you will take my brother, our friends, and my friends to safety." Erza ordered. 

Shô wanted to protest but the look that Erza was sending his way told him not to disobey her order. Shô wisely kept his protest in his mouth. 

"But...what about you?" Shô asked. 

Erza's face twisted into something with murderous intent. As she could now hone in on Jellal. 

"I will meet you but first, I'm going to end this and bring Jellal into custody. He must pay for what he has done." Erza answered Shô. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

Natsu would meet up with Simon and his party. 

"Hey it looks like you guys won against Trinity whatever they call themselves." Natsu commented. 

Juvia put her hands on her cheeks as she began to start gushing. 

"Yes, Gray was magnificent against his opponent. Juvia's beloved victory was never in doubt." Juvia commented. 

Natsu couldn't help but smirk as he sent Gray a look full of a innuendo. He wasn't trying to hide it either. Gray just sent Natsu a glare as he knew what that stinking fire breather was thinking. However, he couldn't keep his glare as he did have to address Juvia for her compliment. Even if Gray wasn't sure what to do with the female or her affection. He didn't think he was that great but it was better than leaving the female hanging. It would seem rude if he did. 

"Thank you...Juvia." Gray told her. 

Juvia grew a happy smile as she looked the other way. She didn't think Gray would appericate her compliments but he was thanking her. She felt happy. Natsu grew a teasing smile. Oh he was definitely going to enjoy this and he didn't say anything else. Simon felt a connection link trying to be established by Shô. The man put two fingers to the temple of his head. Simon allowed the link to connect as Shô began explaining everything to him. 

"...I understand, I'll let the others know." Simon communicated back to Shô. 

Whatever smiles and lighthearted teasing was in the air would be snuffed out when they heard Simon speak in a rough tone. All of the four other individuals became serious. Even Happy didn't smile as he had a serious expression on his face. Clearly, Simon didn't get favorable news. The man facing Gray first. 

"Gray, take Juvia as well as Happy and head to the docks. Minato will be there with Shô as they found Erza but Minato was injured in the fight with Ikaruga. I need you and Juvia to meet them at the docks. I'll send my two other friends Millianna and Wally to the docks as well. Have a boat ready by the time the pair arrive because, The Etherion Cannon is going to fire and we'll be caught in the blast. We have to leave right now." Simon told Gray. 

"Okay but what about Erza?" Natsu asked. 

Simon looked at the fire dragon slayer. 

"That's where we come in, she's currently heading for Jellal right this second. Shô requested for us to stop her since we are the closest people to Erza. As a result, we might be able to persuade and stop her. We have to leave this very second if we hope to get to her. We need to rescue Erza." 

Natsu raised a brow while looking at Gray. Gray looked back at Natsu with the same raised brow. Simon felt the air fill up with tension as the two were unnaturally quiet. The pair talking with one another without saying a single word. Finally, it dispelled when Natsu would give Simon his response. 

"Don't want too." Natsu stated. 

For Natsu, Erza is strong and very well capable. Simon mouth opened as he balked before recomposing himself to look at Gray. 

"Can you convince him that it's a stupid idea? We have to rescue Erza." Simon stated. 

Gray openly scoffed at Simon. 

"I agree with Natsu, Erza can take care of herself." Gray answered. 

Simon eyes widen as he couldn't believe it! These two were unwilling to rescue Erza from Jellal's clutches! Simon looked at Natsu with disbelief. Surely this couldn't be! He tried again. 

"You refused to save Erza...you refuse to help her? She needs to be rescued this instant." Simon stated. 

Natsu crossed his arms while looking away. 

"Erza's stronger than me and I beat those Trinity Raven guys with ease. There's no way Erza could lose to someone like Jellal. There's no way to stick my nose in something she can handle." Natsu stated. 

Natsu had full faith in Erza especially if they had hurt Minato. She'd unleash her fury on whomever messed with her younger brother. He was sure that Erza would beat this Jellal up for dragging Minato into this mess and they'll called it a day. Unfortunately, Simon didn't see eye to eye with Natsu's statement. He knew that Erza loved Jellal. Which in turn would mean that Erza would lose to Jellal because of her current feelings to Jellal. 

"Erza can't beat Jellal!" Simon yelled at Natsu. 

Gray and Juvia both looked insulted. If it wasn't for Natsu opening his mouth first, they would have spoken but Natsu nailed their point across. 

"Your a fucking prick! Have you no faith in Erza!" Natsu yelled. 

Normally, Simon would shout into Natsu's face. Yet, he didn't this time. Why? He found the crux of their argument in why they wouldn't help her. Natsu and Gray believed in Erza because of what they currently know about her. They didn't know that she valued Jellal. He would have to spell it out to them. 

"No, I'm not talking about magical powers. Right now, what Erza is most likely going to do is try and save Jellal from himself. She could never bring herself to hate him. Jellal is a cunning man and he will use her emotions against her. We can't let her reach Jellal no matter what but we need to leave now! The Etherion Cannon will fire and if we don't leave in the next seven minutes, we'll be toast! She knocked her brother out to ensure that he wouldn't interfere with her plan to take her and Jellal out at the same time." Simon explained.

Natsu's face would morph more and more into rage as Simon kept talking to him. Now that Natsu finally knew of the entire situation at play. He would shout at Simon. 

"You should have lead with that first!" Natsu shouted. 

Simon watched as flames erupted from Natsu's body. His magic activating in a uncontrollable burst of energy. Natsu wasn't just angry. He was downright furious! That fucking bastard! First he kidnaps Erza! Secondly he tries dragging Erza into his sick game! Now he wants to manipulate Erza to get her killed! This guy was a real piece of shit! That wasn't even trying to include a kid in his bullshit! Sure, Minato seemed to handle himself but he was still a child! To Natsu, that was still unacceptable! He was going to kick Jellal's teeth in! 

"Where the fuck is that creep!?" Natsu shouted. 

Simon didn't think Natsu would react this strongly but he had. 

"I can leave this to you, Natsu?" Gray asked the fire dragon slayer. 

No, "flamebrain," or, "hot breath." Gray was being serious. Their rivalry completely irrelevant with Erza being in severe danger. 

"Damn right!" Natsu shouted. 

Seeing Natsu motivated, Gray would trust Natsu to get the job done. 

"This way, I'll try to get you to her." Simon told Natsu. 

The two ran off to get to Erza while Juvis and Gray had their own mission. As they rushed to the docks to meet up with everyone else. They had to be ready to leave this instant or else be caught in the blast of the Etherion Cannon. The time was running out. 

Meanwhile. 

Erza stepped into the room. She saw Jellal knocking over a chess piece that resembled Ikaruga. It seemed that this man was playing some sick game of chess. His forces against hers and it wss fueling her rage against him. He was the one that had dragged her brother into this situation. They say that everyone will have a line that they wouldn't let other people cross. Jellal had just crossed it by putting her little brother in danger. Even if he wasn't that hurt. It didn't matter. To Erza that act of putting her brother in this situation was unforgivable and that was what broke the camel's back. He must have sensed her presence as the hooded man looked her way. Jellal grew a smirk as he stared Erza's way. 

"Been a while Erza." He greeted her. 

She didn't say anything. Instead, choosing to re-quip once again but when the process was completed. Erza was only wearing a set of bandages that covered her breasts along with flame themed pant legs. She wielded a single katana. The woman clearly learning her lesson as she let her anger freely flow. 

'Thank you, Minato. You made me realize that even with armor, I was still so weak and that if I want to face my past. I must move forward without my armor to make myself stronger. I will not repeat my last mistake.' 

A mistake that she was deeply ashamed of because to her. The little brother shouldn't be saving their elder siblings. Erza clearly taking it to heart. 

"Jellal, you will pay dearly. Not only did you try dragging my brother into this mess of yours but you also dragged Natsu into this farce. You dragged all of my friends into this sick game of yours! It's not something I will forgive you for! I have come to end you!" Erza yelled.

She would face her past head on. Erza steeled her nerves as she vowed that there will not be a second time. That her brother would have to save her. Jellal wasn't surprised by Erza's fierce reaction to him. 

"Really? Even with Etherion about to fire? You think its wise for you to fight me here?" Jellal asked. 

Erza readied her katana as her eyes focused on Jellal. 

"Yes, I will take you with me and ensure that you won't ever try to harm the people close to me ever again." Erza stated. 

Jellal grew a grin. Everything was going as planned. 

"No...that won't happen because you're destined to become a sacrifice for Zeref!" 

Erza grew a frown at hearing him say that particular part. She contemplated it but because she was going to kill him. Erza wouldn't divulge the truth. After all, he did all of this because of something that wasn't true and those sins couldn't be erased especially because he had happily given into the influence. Those things couldn't be washed away and it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. If anything considering his state, he'd be delighted and demand where he was. She firmly held her sword as he aimed the palm of his hand at her. 

'You have fallen so far Jellal.' Erza thought. 

"Here I come!" Jellal thought. 

He unleashed a torrent of dark energy at Erza. The ghosts flying straight at her. Erza slashed at the oncoming ghosts as her sword easily cut them down. Jellal grew a grin as he pointed his index and middle finger at Erza. The female wasn't as flustered as she was with Ikaruga. Her head had cooled down thanks to her brother. When he sent a dark orb at her. Erza used her katana to block the attack. 

'Oh?' Jellal thought. 

She sent the orb flying away as it crashed into a wall. The wall exploding into pieces from the magical attack. Jellal prepared another spell a one that would be more powerful before sending it at Erza. The sphere of magical energy reached the female as it expanded into a glob that tried to absorb Erza into it's being but Erza easily destroyed it by slashing it with her sword. The female taking some damage because the glob did try to grapple her but she was still no worse for wear. Erza flew at Jellal the man surprised by her initial speed. She is faster than he had expected and because of his lack of preparedness. Erza's sword got a good clean hit as the blade slashed across his abdomen section. Jellal felt blood leave his body as he stumbled back with wide eyes. He looked down at the female and saw fire in those eyes of hers. 

'Is this the same Erza!?' He thought. 

Jellal stumbled back but because he lost his footing. Erza did capitalize on the man's weakness. The red head pinning him down to the ground. Her hand grabbing onto his lower arm to keep it in place. Her katana in reverse grip to have the tip of the blade tipping into his neck. She had Jellal at her mercy as she glared down at him. Now that she had him where she wanted him. Erza's eyes gave him a death glare and let her blade draw blood. As she let out her fury. 

"What is your true plan you bastard!" 

Jellal felt his neck light up with pain. It became difficult to properly breath because if he did. Erza's sword digged deeper into his neck. He was now in a terrible position. 

"Wh-What?" Jellal asked her. 

She twisted his lower arm and he felt pain consume his arm. She was going to take off his arm! It'd seem Erza had reached her tolerance of him and was happily going to deliver some vengeance upon him. 

"You have the Etherion Cannon firing on this tower but you haven't escaped! You must be up to something! Don't be coy with me! There's something missing!" 

The ever vigilant Erza wouldn't give Jellal any room to breath. 

"I already told you that you're the sacrifice." Jellal stated. 

Erza would have none of it. Her sword left his neck only for her hand to let go of his arm. She grabbed his collar and lifted his head up into the air. Erza let loose by slamming his head back down into the ground. His vision blurred. Erza grabbed his arm again before putting the tip of her sword up against his neck. 

"I'm talking about before that, I didn't do anything while I was away! I did my research and there's one thing that you're missing for the R-System! That's the magic power! You need more magic power than the entire population of this country! The R-System needs untold amounts of magic power to function but the tower itself can't hold that much magic power! The Council is about to rain down Etherion on our location and yet despite knowing when they'll launch the attack! You don't dare to try and escape this tower! That means you're plotting something!" Erza shouted at Jellal. 

Jellal found blood leaving his mouth as he looked up at Erza with a grin. Apparently he had anticipated that she would catch on to his little game and that just pissed her off even more. Yet he wouldn't talk to her. Erza wasn't going to keep lecturing him. 

"Have it your way, I'll just ensure that you die with me and that way you'll never hurt my precious ones again." Erza told the man. 

She'd kept her guard up. She wouldn't allow Jellal to get the best of her. As a result of her vigilance and increased hatred of Jellal. She watched as Jellal's face morphed into that of fake realization. Her eyes narrowed at him. The female waiting to see what excuse he could come up with and let him speak. 

"...Alright...that isn't such a bad idea." 

Erza wanted to roll her eyes at him. Honestly, who did he take her for? 

"Zeref's spirit took over my body, and he uses me like a puppet. The male never listens to me. He uses me until the day he can be revived into his own flesh." 

Erza's bangs covered her eyes. As she was seeing Jellal into what he had truely become, a madman that was willing to lie to everyone including her. Unfortunately for Jellal, Erza already knew about Zeref's whereabouts from Minato. Zeref is alive but had disappeared. He was still alive and Jellal's lie did nothing but push Erza further away. 

"I couldn't save myself...I couldn't save any of my friends...there is no heaven no matter where you look." Jellal said. 

No...that isn't right. Erza may not know what it is like to live in heaven but she knows that before coming here. She was in heaven. Having Natsu. Her little brother. Her friends. Fairy Tail. That was her heaven. Her Paradise. Even with the experiences of this tower. Erza clearly found a sense of peace. Her Heaven. Jellal is trying to take that from her. She wouldn't allow it. She would never allow him to do it! 

Simon and Natsu made a break for higher levels as they realized a haunting conclusion. Erza had too much time to go ahead and was probably out of reach. 

"Did everyone else leave!? That thing is going to fire down any second now!" Natsu yelled at Simon. 

"Shô informed me that they all left after seeing the Satellite Square starting to appear in the sky and that was a minute ago. Now it's fully formed and is collecting energy right now. It's going to fire in thirty seconds." Simon informed Natsu. 

"That's good but shit we are screwed if we can't survive this attack." Natsu stated. 

"I don't think we are meant to survive this level of attack." Simon told Natsu 

Meanwhile. 

Gray, Juvia, Shô, Wally, Millianna, and Happy were on the boat. However, all of them had their eyes dulled as if they had been put in a trance. Gray being the more resilient of the group slowly got himself together as he slowly sat up. His head throbbing in pain. 

'Damn...Minato what the fuck did you do?' Gray thought. 

Gray's eyes widen as he remembered who just put him underneath a trance spell. It had been Minato! That bastard! Gray turn his head trying to find the child but saw that he was in a boat. In a boat with everyone else. In a boat with everyone else in the middle of the ocean. No Minato in sight. Gray turn his head to the other side to see that he and his companions were already far away from the Tower of Heaven. The Satellite Square in position and aimed at the Tower. 

'Oh no he fucking didn't!' Gray thought. 

Oh, he did and he had put everyone in a trance. Put them on a boat and nudged it into the current. They couldn't get back not with how strong the current was carrying them. 

'Erza's gonna kill us!' Gray thought. 

That little devil! Gray was gonna beat the child up like no tommorow when and if Minato came back alive. 

Back at the Tower. 

"There's no way that I could have been able to finish the R-System but Zeref's Spirit wouldn't allow me to let up. No one is able to stop him now. I'm just a broken engine that he's driving. Erza...you win. Kill me." Jellal stated. 

He flashed her a fake smile. Erza saw through the manipulation. The lies. The shifting of blame. She thought about to the Jellal that she knew in the past. 

'No he's been dead ever since he chose to walk this path.' Erza thought. 

Erza closed her eyes. Jellal thought his little sob story would pay off for him. He thought he would be released from her hold. That's what he thought until she opened her eyes as she gave him a scornful look. The woman looked at him with a expression filled with disgust. 

"You. Liar." 

His eyes widen as she doubled down on her hold and kept him pinned to the ground. How did she see through him? He should have had a concrete hold over Erza and her feelings! Did his plan backfire because he had attacked Minato!? That's probably what made Erza hate him to the point that she could see through his lie. Damn! A bright light began to flood into the tower. 

'It looks like they had fired the Etherion Cannon.' Erza thought. 

Jellal had to switch gears if he wanted to enact his plan. He waited for the light to completely blind him because if he was blinded by the light. Erza, too, would be blinded by said light. The man threw Erza off of him. The female couldn't see as a result she couldn't stop Jellal from getting to her. He hugged her and she felt something crawl onto her back. She went rigged before breaking free. The palm of her hand slamming into the man's chin. His head snapped back and she took the opportunity to kick him away from her. The light died down as Erza realized something...they were alive! How were they alive!? The Etherion Blast should have taken care of them all! She saw Jellal getting up out of the corner of her eye. Erza faced the man. He began to laugh while having his arms outstretched as he stood tall. Erza finally saw it, the background that was behind Jellal. Her eyes slowly widening as she saw the crystal. 

"No...it can't...that's etherion!" 

Erza eyes scanned the entire area. The entire tower had been transformed and instead of it being made up of stones and rock. The Tower was now made up of crystallized Etherion! No wonder he wanted the magic council to fire on the tower because it would give the tower just enough magic to activate. She snapped her head at Jellal with righteous fury. 

"You had this planned all along, I knew you were up to something!" Erza yelled at him. 

She was glad that she didn't fall for his bullshit! Jellal didn't even acknowledge her. As he continued to laugh like a madman. Finally, he did speak but only to himself. 

"Finally!!! Finally the time has come!!!" 

Erza glared at Jellal. The male look over to her with a slasher like smile as well as crazed eyes. 

"It's to be expected that you aren't surprised but still you're too late. This is the true form of The Tower of Heaven! It is a giant lacrima crystal! The Council and Etherion have given me all of the magical energy that I needed without me having to lift a finger! The R-System is now fully operational!" Jellal yelled. 

Erza stood at full height as she readied herself to fight Jellal. This is why he was so confident back then because he knew that the tower would absorb the magical energy from Etherion. 

'This bastard had it all figured out!' Erza thought. 

"I nearly lost my sacrifice because of you not falling for my sob story." Someone said. 

Erza turn her head to see Siegrain walking towards them. The man held a grin on his face. As he confidently walked over to them. Erza couldn't believe this! He had enough magic to make a clone of himself! One that could fully function independently. 

"I see, you infiltrated the Council by using your clone because you yourself couldn't physically leave the tower. I take it this Siegrain persona convinced the Council to use the Etherion Cannon to give the R-System its necessary magic power. I knew I was right to not believe the bullshit of you both being twins. When in fact you're the same people." 

Erza clenched her fists as she began to seethe at Jellal. Siegrain and Jellal began to walk towards one another. The pair merging into one person. As the halves essentially reunited with one another. Erza wasn't shocked because she always suspected Siegrain right from the start. 

"You chose thought projection? In that case, you really have drowned yourself in etherion. The more you do, the more I realize that you can't be saved! You even lived your life as a lie!" Erza yelled at the man. 

Jellal grew a smile as he let his magic power flow and she saw black magic flowing from Jellal. He gave her a nasty grin as it was clear that he was going to fight her all over again. 

"I'm going to show you my true power Erza." Jellal stated. 

Jellal let his fingers close in on his palm and Erza felt something move around on her back. She felt it start slithering all over her body. 

'A bind snake!? When did he!?' Erza thought. 

The woman thinking about the time that Jellal had suddenly hugged her after getting out of her hold. She felt her body being forced to stay locked in place. Erza couldn't move as she was now trapped. 

"I now have enough magic power to use the R-System and because I have the human sacrifice in my possession. I do not need to wait any longer to revive Zeref. All of this excessive magic that I have acquired will merge with your body." Jellal happily told Erza. 

The man used his hand to move in the right direction. The snake would make Erza bend to it's will. The female found herself walking towards a egg shaped lacrima. Her arm digged into the egg shaped etherion structure. Her arm going into it as if it was gel. She also felt the magic energy crash into her arm. Erza's body wasn't designed to handle such magic energy and she felt a thousands knives violently slamming into her arm. Erza found herself screaming out in pain as even she couldn't withstand this level of pain. Jellal would watch as the etherion structure began to absorb more and more of Erza. She tried fighting back. However, it proved futile. Jellal grew a smile as he began to talk again. 

"I really did love you Erza." 

In a different time, under different circumstances, if he hadn't lied to her. Erza would have felt happy to hear that but things had changed. Jellal had did too much to her. She didn't feel any love for him anymore. Those lingering feelings were dashed as soon as he openly caused her brother to be in such a dangerous place. Erza found only her left arm and face out of the egg structure. She roared at Jellal. 

"Jellal!" She screamed with rage. 

Jellal turned around as he began his chant. His arms stretching our wide as he looked towards the setting sun. 

"O great and powerful Zeref! I now call upon you! Take this woman's body as my offering!!" Jellal yelled. 

Erza tried struggling to get out but the binding snake was keeping her in place. The female not able to move because of her paralysis. Erza screamed defiantly at Jellal one more time. 

"JELLAL!!!!" 

The Tower began to react as magic began to circle around the pair. However, the spell would be broken by a third party. Erza felt someone pulling on her left arm and yanking her out of the egg. A arm would be wrapped around her mid section while the other arm would have her held up. She felt herself flying through the air. Her eyes widen in disbelief. Who had rescued her? Erza wouldn't know until the person began talking. 

"Erza's a Fairy Tail Wizard and I'm not letting you have her." Natsu boldy stated. 

"Natsu..." Erza responded. 

She was shocked that he would come all the way up here. The fact that he was here meant that he was in the etherion blast and was caught up in it. As a result, even to the end he tried to get to her. Honestly, she was lucky to have a friend like him. Jellal watched as the pair landed with Natsu putting Erza's head on his lap. The male not wanting to fully put her on the ground. He looked down at Erza and saw all the sadness, rage, and how bitter her eyes looked. This wasn't the Erza that Natsu had come to respect. Love. Even. Her eyes should be strong, confident, and fierce. That's the Erza Natsu knew but here? She wasn't and he didn't want her to be like this. 

'I'm glad Simon told us.' Natsu thought. 

He owed the man some thanks. Natsu would lighten the mood. At least to make her not seem so scared. Vulnerable. 

"What are you doing here? You have to pay more since you have Minato living with you now. We gotta get another job again." Natsu joked. 

Erza released a sigh as she had to look away from Natsu. As much as she could anyways. 

"Forgive me, my body can't move..." Erza said. 

He could hear how weak she sounded and Natsu hated that because Erza never sounded weak. Though he would hide it by becoming mischievous. 

"Really?" He asked. 

The next thing Erza knew is that Natsu was starting to tickle her. Unfortunately, Erza is very ticklish and she began laughing. She couldn't help it as she couldn't control her laughter. 

"Natsu...stop ticking me...!" 

Natsu wouldn't immediately stop but he eventually stopped tickling her as his hands left her sides. Erza regained her breath before looking at Natsu. 

"Natsu...you have to get out of here..." Erza spoke to him. 

Natsu gave her a smile of reassurance. 

"I don't wanna, if you don't wanna do the fighting yourself. I'll do it for you." Natsu all but stated. 

Erza was deathly afraid of that. Minato, had just pried open the walls around her heart and that's because he was family. Her precious brother that deserved a sister. However, because he had pried open her closed off heart especially against Ikaruga. Erza didnt want to lose her brother, Natsu, and everyone else. They were too precious to her. She became scared that Natsu wouldn't survive this altercation. 

"No...you can't...you don't even know who you are fighting. You don't even know enough about him to beat him." Erza said in a broken voice. 

The thought of losing either Minato and or Natsu was enough to make Erza eyes water. 

"You saying that if I don't know, I can't win?" Natsu asked. 

Erza was on the verge of crying because the only thing she could do was plead with her friend to leave the area. 

"Please...do what I say..." Erza begged Natsu. 

Natsu saw that she was letting a tear fall from her eye would have enough and lifted her up. Erza found her body leaning against Natsu's body. 

"Hey..." Natsu told her. 

Her eyes widen as she didn't know what he was planning and the shock had stopped her tears from falling. 

"What are you...?" Erza asked. 

Natsu kept speaking cryptically to Erza. 

"You know, Erza. I don't know enough about you either." Natsu said. 

"What?" 

"But I'm going to win!" Natsu yelled. 

Natsu slammed his fist into Erza's unprotected gut. The woman's eyes widening in shock at the attack from her ally. She gave out a pained cough before going limp. The female unconscious in Natsu's arms. The man gently set her down onto the ground before standing up to his full height. Natsu's back turned towards Jellal. Natsu clenched his fist. Jellal couldn't believe Natsu's actions. However, he would make his stance fully known despite the unprecedented nature. 

"You're more outrageous than the rumors suggested! How does it feel to attack a opponent that couldn't even move!?" Jellal yelled at Natsu. 

Natsu still didn't face Jellal. 

"Erza...was crying...she spoke in a weak whisper while her voice was quivering. I don't ever want to see Erza like that. She's at her best when she's strong and violent." Natsu talked. 

He turn around to look at and show his face at Jellal. The Wizard Saint could see how pissed off Natsu was as veins lined his face. His eyes showing nothing but malice towards him. 

"When she wakes up, I want her back to her usual self! In order to make that happen I'm going to take you down!" Natsu yelled. 

That's why Natsu had knocked Erza out. Jellal couldn't believe such a stupid reason to attack your own ally. 

"Sounds interesting." Jellal said with a mocking tone. 

"You won't be hearing anything, when I'm done with you." Natsu all but replied. 

Jellal beckoned him with his finger as if taunting the Dragon Slayer to him.

"Come show me your power, Dragon Slayer." Jellal stated. 

Natsu reared his fist back before charging at Jellal. 

Chapter Text

I don't own anything. 

Jellal dodged the first punch but he couldn't dodge the elbow that came for his jaw. His head going to the side. Jellal wasn't phased by the attack despite it landing. The man saw Natsu's leg coming up to give him a harsh side kick to his ribs. The blow connected but Jellal felt no pain. 

'Is this him going at full strength?' Jellal thought. 

He felt a punch to his gut. Nothing. A punch to his jaw? Is that suppose to hurt? Even a punch to his chin did little to destabilize him. Natsu began using magic. 

"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!" 

Natsu used flames to strike Jellal in a downward motion as if a Dragon would beat its wings to take off from the ground. Yet, Natsu wasn't done. 

"Fire Dragon's Talon!" 

Natsu delivered a downward kick to Jellal's head but despite taking all these attacks. Jellal wasn't the least bit phased. He hit the ground after flying away from Natsu and when he did. Natsu unleashed one final attack. 

"Roar of the Fire Dragon!" Natsu shouted. 

The torrent of flames crashed into Jellal as Natsu's flames caused a small explosion to occur. This caused a smoke screen to come to life for only a few seconds. It would be disbursed by Jellal throwing his jacket to the side. A smug look on his person as he wasn't at all disturbed by the barrage of attacks sent his way. 

"That wasn't serious now was it?" Jellal asked in a condescending tone. 

Natsu just became even more angry as he glared hotly at Jellal. 

"I had hoped that I can get a taste of Dragon Slayer's magical power before I personally wipe them out. If that's all you can do than you lack the substance to back up the awe you inspire." Jellal stated.  

His insult got the better of Natsu. Since it targeted Natsu's pride as a Dragon Slayer. 

"What was that!?" Natsu yelled. 

Natsu began sprinting at Jellal as he became reckless. This only made Jellal's grin grow even wider at seeing Natsu move the way that he did. 

"You did interfere with my ritual. I have to teach you a lesson and make you understand that it isn't allowed to mess with my plans. The best punishment is turning you to dust with my heavenly body magic." Jellal spoke. 

Jellal let a golden aura surround his body. 

"Meteor." Jellal spoke. 

He moved in a blinding speed of light and had positioned himself to come from Natsu's left flank. He drived his elbow into Natsu as Natsu stopped running and gritted his teeth in pain. Jellal would pass Natsu up. As he shot somewhere else only to come from a different angle. A knee strike to Natsu's jaw. Natsu found a strike to his face and tried to retaliate by throwing a right hook. However, Jellal saw through the telegraphed swing and dodged the punch by escaping back into the air. 

'Damn it! He's way too fast when he's like that!' Natsu thought. 

If his eyes couldn't keep up. Maybe if he sharpened his other senses they could work as well. Natsu closed his eyes as he concentrated. This wasn't his forte but Erza is counting on him. He wouldn't fail her. Natsu took in a deep breath while remaining in the same spot. His mind revealed Jellal coming after him from his right flank. He could feel the intent of attack and didn't say a word. His fist meeting Jellal's face as he sent Jellal flying away from him. Jellal felt himself crashing into the lacrima wall. Natsu wasn't just a brute after all. However, he wasn't either because he saw that Natsu's eyes were closed. 

"Not bad but unfortunately for you. From here on out, no attack of yours will ever land on me." Jellal stated. 

Jellal activated meteor again but went even faster. When Natsu tried hitting him the same way as before, Jellal dodged the hook. It's not like Natsu wasn't doing the right thing. It's just that Jellal was much more faster as he was getting serious about this fight. Natsu open his eyes at hitting nothing but air. 

'He got-' 

Natsu couldn't finish his thought because he felt Jellal strike him several times in rapid succession. Jellal face became smug at seeing the limits of Natsu's fighting capabilities. He let out a sweeping kick that collided with Natsu's gut. Natsu found himself coughing up blood before lifting off into the air. Natsu travel through the air only to hit the ground with a resounding thud. Jellal grew a sadistic smirk as he made a hand sigh. The palm of his hand open, his other hand resting in the palm of his hand. His middle and index finger spread out while his thumb was poised to press against his ring and pinky finger. 

"I shall finish this, be grateful as I shall bestow upon you what true destruction magic feels like. Seven Stars, pass your judgement on him! Grand Chariot!" Jellal shouted with authority. 

Natsu would be hit with seven beams of light. The Spell showing it's destructive power as it delivered a lot of damage to him. Natsu let out a pain filled scream while flying through the air again. He crashed to the ground. Jellal saw that he was down and wasn't responsive. The Man would believe that he had truly finished Natsu off. As a result, Jellal would talk to himself while turning his back to the Dragon Slayer.

"I'm surprised your body is intact considering that the spell has the destructive power of a falling meteor." 

To prove his point, a large shaped hole on the tower floor had opened up where Natsu had used to be. 

"I may have overdid it though, the R-System isn't designed to take damage and the magical power stored within is starting to leak out. I must hurry." Jellal spoke to himself. 

Jellal looked over to the incapacitated Erza and began walking over to her. Jellal grew a menacing smile as his eyes were filled with glee. 

"Musn't we Erza?" Jellal asked in a ominous voice. 

Something collided with his ankle. It wasn't something that was going to hurt him but it was something that did get his attention. He turn his head to his left before looking down to see another pebble colliding with his foot. It harmlessly bounced off of said foot. Jellal looked over to the source and saw Natsu on his hands and knees. His body littered with bruises as it began shaking from the effort of just getting to that position. Jellal watched as Natsu picked up another pebble size rock as he chucked it at him. The pebble crashing off of Jellal's shoulder. 

"Hehehe...my attack hit you..." Natsu said. 

Clearly, Natsu could be a bit petty if given the right circumstances but Jellal didn't really react to such a thing. He just stood there unimpressed by the Dragon Slayer. When that failed to get a reaction out of Jellal. Natsu had a better idea. The Dragon Slayer got himself under control as he slammed his fist into the lacrima floor. His eyes still haven't meet Jellal yet. The bangs covering his eyes. Meanwhile, Jellal's eyes widen at the damage done to the lacrima tower. That fool! If he destroyed the R-System he would have to start over! That couldn't happen not when he was already so close to his goal! 

"You said that this crystal shouldn't be taking anymore damage, right? Bad news pal." Natsu said in a mocking tone. 

His fist crashed into the tower again as the floor shattered beneath him. The floor losing a chuck of crystal as the debris flew everywhere. 

"Don't do that!" Jellal yelled at Natsu. 

Natsu got to his feet as he gave Jellal a shit eating grin. The male whipping away the blood on his mouth while giving Jellal a confident look. 

"Breaking things is Fairy Tail's speciality. Which means I'm going to show you what happens when you go on a job with Fairy Tail." Natsu stated. 

Jellal's face became enraged as he knew what Natsu wanted to do. His forehead growing a vein due to the anger he was currently experiencing. 

"You little shit...!" Jellal said through gritted teeth. 

Jellal would not tolerate this farce. 

"I'm going to finish you in a instant. I'll make you regret standing up to me when you're on your way to hell!" Jellal yelled. 

The threat didn't even faze Natsu. If anything, Natsu just widened his grin. 

"Sorry pal, I can take some hits. Good luck taking me down!" Natsu returned fire. 

Jellal instantly sent out several orbs of light that were meant for Natsu. The male easily avoided the attack as the orbs of light crashed into the tower. The building suffering even more damage from Jellal's attack. 

'Damn him!' Jellal thought. 

Jellal immediately sent out a beam of heavenly energy at Natsu. The attack landed since Natsu was still in mid air and he was hit head on with the attack. Natsu did his best to stay on his feet as the spell dragged him across the ground. Yet, all Jellal did was damage the R-System. Much to Natsu's delight. Erza felt a strong intense light hit her eyes as she began to wake up. Her eyes opening as the female watch Natsu tear apart the beam sent his way. Her dear companion began mocking Jellal. 

"You holding out on me because of your precious tower? I can hardly feel a thing!" Natsu yelled. 

Though that could be a lie considering his face is bloodied and his body would be covered in bruises. However, he still had the strength to mock his opponent while standing upright. Jellal would show this bastard who was in charge. The palm of his hand aimed at Natsu. 

"Don't get carried away you punk!" Jellal roared. 

Jellal's attack connected as Natsu went flying through the air. He hit the ground before bouncing right off of it. 

"Natsu!" Erza screamed. 

The female immediately sitting up as she watch Natsu recover after bouncing off of the ground. He took in a deep breath. 

"Roar of The Fire Dragon!" Natsu yelled. 

The attack landed...not at Jellal but on the tower. As a boulder size chunk of the floor would be sent flying off of the ground and the chunk broke into smaller pieces. Erza realized what Natsu was doing. 

'Why is he targeting the tower!?' Erza thought. 

Jellal was not pleased with Natsu trying to wreck his tower. His face morphing into anger yet desperation. 

"I have spent eight years constructing this tower only to have you try and destroy it! If you intend on dying! I will send you to your maker!" Jellal yelled. 

Natsu tried getting up but his body failed him as he could only stay on one knee. His body trying to catch it's breath as he found himself without any strength. The blows had finally added up and he was now struggling to stay on his feet. Jellal made a x formation with his hands as he began to activate a spell that caused a torrent of wind to go and gather in between his hands. Erza as well as Natsu struggled to stay where they were with how much that attacked them. The pair could feel a feeling of dread washing over them. 

"What the hell is this magic? It's giving me the creeps." Natsu said. 

Erza watched as her shadow began to stretch towards Jellal but the light began to go in the opposite direction. This clued her in on the spells nature. She got to her feet and pushed herself forward. 

"Drop deep down into the darkness Dragon Wizard!" Jellal yelled. 

Erza put herself between Natsu and Jellal. The woman's arms stretched out as wide as possible to do her best to shield Natsu as much as possible. She stood her ground as she did not want Natsu to die. 

"You plan to kill your sacrifice without starting the ritual!?" Erza yelled at Jellal. 

Normally Jellal would reframe from using such a spell. After all, Erza did have a point but the situation as changed because of Natsu destroying his tower. He looked down at Erza. 

"You don't realize that my circumstances have changed. Due to how things have panned out, I'm just going to kill you anyways. Both of you shall bow to your death!" Jellal yelled. 

Natsu not wanting to see Erza get hurt had rushed forward to her. His body finding that energy that was lacking earlier. Why? He didn't want Erza to die! 

"Erza get out of there!" Natsu shouted. 

Erza grew a smile as she didn't move. 

'No, I won't allow Natsu to die because of my past.' Erza thought. 

She saw Jellal finish his spell. A orb of dark energy had formed as it began to grow in size as the spell became a AoE spell but it was a small one. It didn't succeed too much of Erza's own size and that was good. She didn't want the sphere to hit Natsu. 

"Heavenly Body Magic, Altairis!" Jellal shouted. 

The orb came flying right at Erza. Natsu grabbed her and threw her out of the way. Erza's eyes widen as she found herself in mid air, out of the line of fire, and she saw why she wasn't in the line of fire. Natsu had unceremoniously tossed her to the side. She hit the ground. Hard. Natsu saw the spell coming for him only to have someone jump in front of him. He recongize it as Simon. Yet, something was wrong. The spell seemed to stop moving before it even reached Simon. Natsu with his enhanced hearing heard a pain filled gasp coming from Erza. The orb that was coming for him and Simon began to fizzle out of existence as the spell had hit something or someone and did it's job. Jellal's eyes went wide and Natsu didn't understand what was actually going on until Erza screamed. 

"MINATO!" Erza all but cried out with pain. 

The young woman began making a bee line for the area that was in front of Simon. Natsu quickly rushed around to get in position to see who had taken the spell. Minato had and he was currently laying on his back. His eyes weak as they struggled to stay open. Natsu felt rage overwhelming him. It threatened to overtake him especially when Minato looked over at him. 

"Thank you, Natsu for getting her out the way." Minato weakly told him. 

Erza got to his side. She didn't take a second to start cradling him. Her eyes. Wide. Pain filled. Tears welling up in both of them. 

'No, no, no, no!' Erza thought. 

Why was her little brother so stupid!? When her brother looked at her with such weak eyes. Her heart broke. It couldn't be happening! It shouldn't be happening! She made a vow to protect him! To keep him safe! She already failed! A second time! 

"Why!? Minato!? Why!?" Erza screamed at him with a uneven voice. 

Her emotions. Raw. Flaring. Everywhere. 

"You have some really good friends sis. I can't let them die now can I?" Minato answered. 

"You idiot! What about you!?" Erza yelled. 

Minato gave her a smile. A peaceful one. He passed out right in her arms. Erza's eyes widening in absolute horror. Natsu watched as Erza began to cry from both of her eyes. 

"NOOOOO!!!!" Erza screamed. 

She desperately tried rocking her baby brother back and forth to get him to wake up. Yet, every failed attempt made her cry harder. It made Erza sob. Natsu felt something snap inside his head. Jellal seeing Minato dead would begin to laugh as he planned to mock the boy's senseless sacrifice. 

"Tha-" 

Natsu shoved his fist straight into Jellal's jaw and Jellal found himself flying.

"Shut up!" Natsu roared. 

Natsu would not allow this bastard to mock Minato's sacrifice! Jellal found His body hitting the ground as he couldn't let out as much blood that came from his mouth. Why? He crashed onto the ground and some of the blood remained in his mouth. Simon watched as Natsu got his hand on a fist sized lacrima crystal and took a clean bite out of said crystal. 

"What in the world!?' Simon thought. 

Jellal got up to see Natsu eating the eterion. 

'Is he out of his mind!?' Jellal thought. 

For Natsu, he ate the etherion because Minato had put his life on the line for him or Simon. He died protecting one or the other. There was no excuse for him to do the same. Consequences be dammed! At first, he felt a strong surge of magic flowing through him. After all, Etherion was made up of fire magic. However, the consequences of eating anything that wasn't his element was particularly severe. Natsu collapsed to the ground as he began holding onto his neck as if he was choking. The male moving back and forth uncontrollably. Jellal took pleasure at Natsu doing his own work for him. 

"Did you honestly think you could use etherion as a form of powering up!? Think again! This stuff is made up of all types of magic! You just became a dumbass! I should thank your stupidity! You made my job a lot easier!" Jellal yelled at Natsu. 

Natsu began to calm down as the whiplash of eating such a bad thing was done. Since the backlash is gone he was allowed to stand up on both legs. His body surrounding itself with flames as they began to form the shape of a Dragon. Everyone currently watching the fight watched as Natsu began to grow dragon like scales. His canines grew longer. They could see that whatever Natsu had did. It affected him to this degree. Natsu's face throughout it all remained murderous. Natsu lunged at Jellal while Jellal couldn't keep up. Natsu moved faster than him. Natsu's knee colliding with his face as the attack force Jellal's head to go back. 

"It's all your fault!" Natsu roared. 

Natsu delivered a punch to Jellal's gut. The punch force Jellal to crash down into the floor. Jellal coughed up blood but he soon felt he lacked air. Natsu had grabbed Jellal's throat and kept the man pinned underneath him. Natsu raised his fist back as his eyes were showing nothing but death. 

"You made Erza cry!" Natsu yelled. 

Natsu punch Jellal right through the floor of the tower. Natsu remained glued to Jellal. This bastard hadn't had enough! He was gonna make Jellal experience all the pain Erza was experiencing! Natsu was going to set things right! 

Minato's eyes began to open. How long was he out? He felt the tower violently shake. Okay, he hadn't fallen asleep for that long. Minato still felt very weak. Enough to be awake but not enough to move. His eyes would have to do the moving as he saw Erza crying from both eyes. When her watery eyes registered that he was in fact looking back at her. They brimmed with hope. 

"Tell me...I'm not dreaming...tell me I'm actually seeing your eyes looking back at me." Erza whispered at him. 

Minato grew a frown at how broken she sound. He felt a bit bad for making her feel this way. 

"Yeah, I'm actually alive. Why are you even crying? I'm a dragon after all. As if that spell was going to kill me." 

Shouldn't be crying? Erza punched her brother in the gut! He responded very appropriately. Minato let out a breathless gasp and his hands found strength as they held his gut. God. Damn. His sister's punches really do hurt. 

'Gray and Natsu weren't exaggerating.' Minato thought. 

Erza let loose as she was still in a raw emotional state. 

"How can I not be crying!? You're a idiot! Throwing yourself into that spell like that! You think I wasn't heartbroken at your presumed death! You idiot! Stupid! Imbecile!" Erza berated him. 

"Ow! Sorry, I'm sorry! I'm just saying that spells like that don't effect me like the way you think they do! Ow!" 

Erza pinched his cheek. She kept pinching it as she pulled on it. She succeeded in keeping his attention on her. 

"We are having a long discussion about this when we get home! You understand me! You are to never! Ever! Do something that foolish ever again!" Erza scolded him. 

Honestly! She, and everyone else, thought he was dead! He comes back alive only to ask such a stupid question. Erza released his cheek after getting her initial burst of anger had died off while Minato rubbed his cheek. That woman can sure as hell rip his cheek off if she wanted too. Erza seeing her brother strong enough to crack idiotic jokes and very much alive. Let a smile of relief overtake her features. She looked down at him as her tears stopped pouring down her face. 

"You're my brother after all, I love you. Even if you're a very stupid and foolish little brother. I still love you." Erza stated. 

Minato turn his head to the side as he grew a light blush. Erza seeing him react in this manner felt as if it almost made up for all of the hurt he had just put her through. Almost. She was still gonna kill him when they got back to safety. 

"Thanks...I...love you too." 

Simon was astonished by Minato still alive. How was he still alive despite taking the spell!? 

'Wait...he said he was a dragon but what does that mean?' 

Are Dragon Slayers more resilient against ordinary magical spells? Maybe but...another violent shake happened and that told him that this wasn't the time nor the place to get a run down of what all was happening. Natsu slammed his fist into Jellal's skull again. The man's eyes became dazed. Unfocused. Vulnerable to a vicious hammer strike. The blow sent Jellal crashing through another floor and that's when he got out of his stunned state. 

'If things keep playing out like this.' Jellal thought. 

He would certainly lose and that was not a outcome he would tolerate! Jellal saw Natsu coming for him. Rage. Murder. In the Dragon Slayer eyes. 

"Meteor!" Jellal shouted. 

Jellal flew past Natsu to avoid him. He used the falling rocks as platforms to help him get up into the air and past Natsu. 

'With this he can't even reach me!' Jellal thought. 

The man thought he had the advantage considering he was up in the air and away from Natsu. Unfortunately for him, Natsu had other ideas as he would reach Jellal whatever the cost. Natsu's foot planted on falling debris before launching right off of it. Jellal couldn't keep up, Natsu moving so fast that the only thing his eyes could do was widen from being punched squarely in his gut. The Dragon Slayer had launched himself off of several objects before lunging at Jellal and reached him to deliver a punch. The speed that which this occurred would be faster than Jellal could process. The Man coughing up blood as Natsu sent the pair upwards into the air. Erza, Simon, and Minato watched as Natsu force Jellal through the tower's floor. As the pair launched themselves into the air. The pair continued gaining altitude. 

"Impossible!" Jellal yelled. 

He wouldn't be defeated here. He couldn't be defeated here! Not after suffering so much from his childhood. Not after suffering years of planning and scheming! It wasn't a option! Jellal saw Natsu coming after him as he bolstered himself with a battle cry. 

"It's my destiny to create a land of freedom! In my fear and pain! Zeref had whispered to me! He asked me if I wanted true freedom! That's right, only I can feel Zeref! I'm the chosen one! I will create a nation that shall give everyone true freedom!" Jellal yelled. 

Jellal used a crystal to ascended even higher into the air by jumping off of it. The man entering the skies while Natsu did the same. His response to Jellal's mad man rant? 

"You sure as hell took a life! Thats not a true act of freedom! That's oppression! You can't be the chosen one when all you do is take away their freedoms!" Natsu shouted back. 

Natsu perched himself on a crystal and saw Jellal casting a magic circle behind him. The man about to unleash another spell. 

"Only the will to change the world can alter history! Why don't you stupid people understand this!?" Jellal shouted. 

His hand motioned several times as he began to activate his spell as magic energy flooded into the magic circle above him. 

"Abyss Break? That fool is truly trying to take the tower and us with him." Minato stated. 

Erza's first reaction? She stood up and stood in front of Minato equipping into her adamantine armor. The female standing tall as she summoned two hefty shields in each hand. She would protect her brother. Even if it meant dying. 

"He won't get the chance to take you." Erza said. 

Minato had never expected Erza to love him, given his origins and she had easily accepted him into her life despite his true nature. Seeing her being like a older sister would be bittersweet. Sweet because he felt her warmth for him. The love she had for him. She really did care about him. In a way, he was...happy. Yet, there was the bitter part of all this because she would die protecting him. He did not wish for her to die because Minato cared greatly about her. Since she accepted him. Loved him. In a way, both of them were foolish. 

'I got lucky to have a sister like her.' Minato thought. 

"You know...mom is going to be very pissed off if we both die here." Minato told Erza. 

Did her mother really care about her? Maybe but Erza wasn't entirely sure about that especially because her feelings towards her mother was...complicated to say the least. A can of worms that would need to be sorted but that could be sorted at a later date. If they got lucky to survive this attack. 

"All I need is another eight years...no five! Zeref wait for me!" Jellal shouted. 

Though unbeknownst to Jellal he had accumulated enough damage that when he put his right arm towards the left of him. His hips twisted, his muscles flexed and seized up as he found paralyzing pain enter his body. The source? From Erza's slash that was given to him earlier. The spell died off while Natsu took off. His flames erupting from his body as the flames took on the appearance of a Dragon. Natsu reared his fist back while skyrocketing to Jellal while Jellal realized he was utterly defenseless. 

"You won't ever get your freedom! Not when you have fallen so far to the influence of the deceased!" Natsu shouted. 

Jellal saw a Dragon coming at him. His eyes widened at feeling the power of a dragon and his body froze up in fear.

"Free yourself first and take responsibility!!" Natsu let out a deafening shout. 

Natsu fist smashed into Jellal's head. The attack sent Jellal crashing into the tower. A huge explosion occurred as Natsu had sent Jellal through at least a dozen floors of the tower in one go. Jellal seemed to go through every floor as the entire tower began to shake until Jellal crashed into the bottom floor of the tower. The tower would begin to shake for several seconds. Natsu landed on the floor that Erza and her group was on as Erza looked at Natsu in awe. The Dragon Slayer had defeated Jellal. Minato and Simon were equally impressed. Though the debris came falling down because of the damage to the tower. However, a calm would be reached after the shaking and debris stopped. 

'Is this the true power of a dragon slayer?' Erza thought. 

Is this the height of Natsu's power or would it continue to grow from here on out? 

"Idiot...normally you'd be unable to come back from that." Minato stated. 

Erza saved that tid bit for later as there wasn't time to ask Minato about the meaning of that. The female kept her focus on Natsu. She realized that with Jellal now defeated. Her past had been vanquished and Natsu played a great part in that. Erza grew a smile on her face. Relief. She felt that choking feeling around her heart lose its hold because Natsu had freed her from that hold and she couldn't help but smile. Natsu, unbeknownst to Erza, had turned around to look at her. When he saw the smile on his face. He lost the piercing look in his eyes as they softened. He too grew a smile at seeing Erza's smile. He had made it up to her and that was the most important part. Natsu seeing as everything was back to normal again. Natsu began to pass out as relief flooded his features. Erza seeing Natsu go down would immediately requip into her armorless state. The red and orange flamed theme pants would emerge along with her bandaged chest. The female sprinted as she caught Natsu before he could even hit the floor. Minato raised a brow at his sister's behavior. 

'Does she...like...like him?' Minato thought. 

That would be...interesting to say the least. Erza, clearly, held Natsu's head to her chest. That was nearly bare. A warm smile gracing her lips as she closed her eyes and held Natsu in her arms with such affection that Minato could feel it from where he was.  

"You truly are amazing." Erza complimented. 

'Okay I'm dense but seeing as how my sister let's this guy sleep on her lap during train rides, puts his head onto her chest, and is practically beaming. Alarm bells are ringing.' Minato thought. 

Not in a bad way but in a, "she most likely likes likes him," way. The happy sappy moment would be ruined as the tower began to violently shake as magic power erupted from it. 

'Crap...it's not stabilized anymore.' Minato thought. 

Yay.